10 Movies You Loved as a Kid—But Have You Watched Them as an Adult?
In a nostalgic deep dive into childhood movie favorites, do they still hold up, or were we just dazzled by talking toys, dinosaurs, and slapstick hijinks?
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Childhood films are in our hearts forever, but watching them as an adult can show us depth, unforeseen faults, or a completely new set of eyes. What was initially fun, whether it was banter between toys, giant robots, or comedians getting thumped around, would later have underlying themes of loss and accountability that we did not notice as a child. This retrograde trip back revisits 10 classic movies to determine if they still stand the test of time or if they were merely enchanting through the eyes of childhood fantasy.
1. The Lion King (1994)
Image from Wikipedia
As a kid, it was all about the catchy songs, the incredible animals, and the heartbreaking stampede scene. Watching it as an adult, the themes of responsibility and grief hit way harder—Mufasa’s death isn’t just sad; it’s existentially devastating. Yes, I’ve rewatched it, and it still holds up, though “Hakuna Matata” feels less like a fun motto and more like questionable life advice.
2. Toy Story (1995)
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It was pure magic at the time—talking toys, rescue mission excitement, and Woody and Buzz’s side-splitting competition. As an adult, I understood the emotional complexity of being displaced and outgrown better (and, oh man, I missed that as a child). Did I rewatch it? You bet, and I still get a lump in my throat when Buzz discovers he is “just” a toy.
3. Jurassic Park (1993)
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As a child, I was totally fascinated with dinosaurs, and because of this movie, I thought they might be out there somewhere. As an adult, I appreciate the masterful storytelling, the moral conflicts, and how Jeff Goldblum is essentially the voice of reason amidst a sea of terrible choices. I’ve seen it countless times, and it’s one of the highest-rated adventure movies ever made.
4. Home Alone (1990)
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When I was a kid, I just witnessed a kid having the ultimate fantasy: no parents, all-you-can-eat junk food, and trapping stupid criminals. Watching it today, I see Kevin’s family is completely irresponsible, and the Wet Bandits didn’t deserve to live through those wounds. Still, I watch it nearly every Christmas, and the nostalgia gets me every time.
5. The Iron Giant (1999)
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As a child, I just thought it was a neat movie about a giant robot and his boy sidekick. Watching it now, it’s a sad Cold War-era fable about fear, acceptance, and sacrifice (and yes, “You stay, I go” still devastates me). It’s definitely rewatchable, and I will never cease to recommend it.
6. Space Jam (1996)
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Michael Jordan playing basketball with the Looney Tunes? In my childhood mind, this was the apex of ’90s movies. Watching it again as a grown-up, let’s just say the nostalgia gets me there because the story is wacky, the acting is stiff, and still, somehow, I adore it.
7. The Little Rascals (1994)
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As a child, this was silly, slapstick fun with a group of kids running wild. As an adult, I have come to understand the references were far too sophisticated for me at the time, and the gender wars were ridiculously overblown. I did watch it again, and though it’s not as hilarious as I thought, it’s still endearing in a totally ’90s manner.
8. Matilda (1996)
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I was a child who adored watching Matilda uncover her powers and defeat Miss Trunchbull. Now, I enjoy the greater themes—neglect, family found, and how it’s about resilience when facing cruelty. I’ve seen it again, and it is just as enchanting.
9. The Mask (1994)
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As a child, I used to think Jim Carrey’s goofy antics were the most hilarious thing in the world. Watching it now, I realize that it’s actually really dark and has a lot of adult humor that completely went over my head. Did I rewatch it? Yes, although it’s not as life-changing as I remembered, it’s still a hoot.
10. Shrek (2001)
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As a child, it was simply a silly, quirky fairy tale with a great soundtrack and a wise-cracking donkey. As an adult, I now see the satire, the clever reversals of Disney conventions, and the underlying themes of self-acceptance. I’ve watched it several times, and it’s actually even better now.