By Hailey Lennox
Heading into 2026 we have a lot to look back on. The early 2000’s had a lot of nostalgia and culture forming media. Many iconic movies and TV shows were shaping culture.
The first movie turning 20 this year is High School Musical. High School Musical was released on January 20th, 2006. High School Musical bridged the gap between modern Disney and the musical side of Broadway. With growing popularity, High School Musical expands and later releases a 2nd movie. This movie connected with a wide variety of views from elementary school to the early 20’s audience. Today High School Musical is still quoted and iconic for the coming-of-age audiences. Additionally, the millennial fans of this movie heavily feel the nostalgia from their teen years.
The second movie turning 20 this year is Cars. Cars was first released on June 9th of 2006. Originally made for children, cars touched home with the whole family. With the fun nature of talking race cars to lessons being taught in the background. It connected with the toddlers and was enjoyable for the parents as well. Cars was such a big hit that they made 2 spin offs of the storyline. Cars is still watched frequently today and will not be forgotten.
The third movie turning 20 this year is Devil wears Prada. The Devil wears Prada was released June 30th of 2006. This rom com made its debut attracting the more feminine audience. However, many didn’t know how big of a hit it was going to become. This movie brought a look into the competitive job of journalism industry, New York fashion, and modern beauty standards. This movie pushed the feminist empowerment movement well and still has an impact in the world even 20 years later.
The fourth iconic movie turning 20 this year is Happy feet. Happy feet released Nov 17th 2006. Happy feet engaged with the younger audiences due to its whimsical nature. Dancing penguins really made many of us children smile and laugh. Today, the movie still resonates with the parental figures as an iconic representation of their family memories.
The 20th anniversaries of iconic movies are something we should celebrate. Although the anniversaries of these movies may make us feel old. We can use it as reminder of memories we made and the ones we continue to make with the people around us. These movies have shaped us and given us so much to share together. So next time you watch these movies, be sure to value the little you that once watched it for the first time.
