Sometimes, when the weight of the world is on your shoulders, you just need a break. You could head to the local multiplex to check out the latest blockbuster, but is watching Leonardo DiCaprio get mauled by a bear really the break from reality you so desire?Instead, think back to a simpler time. A time when you didn’t need to pay rent or think about things like income taxes. Because seriously, screw taxes, am I right?
We’re talking, of course, about your childhood. It was a time of whimsy and magic, creativity and possibility. A time when movies transported you to new worlds, and you willingly let them. It was easy to suspend disbelief and travel to Ariel’s cavern of treasure under the sea, or watch Matilda Wormwood get the best of Miss Trunchbull using her telekinetic powers.
We highly recommend watching one of these flicks whenever you need to take a brief respite to a happier, less complicated time. It’s the circle of life, really. They continue move us all, no matter what your age.
The Adventures of Milo and Otis (1986)
A pug named Otis and a tabby cat named Milo have to find their way back home after Milo accidentally floats away on the river in a box, and Otis runs after him.
The Little Mermaid (1989)
Sebastian warns Ariel that “the seaweed is always greener in somebody else’s lake,” but she still dreams about going “up where they walk, up where they run, up where they stay all day in the sun” to meet the dreamy Prince Eric she espies on the shore. A real dreamer, that redheaded mermaid.
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
This remake of 1963’s The Incredible Journey follows Chance, an American bulldog, Sassy, a Himalayan cat, and Shadow, a golden retriever, as they set off through the wilderness to find the family they worry has left them behind.
The Lion King (1994)
A young lion named Simba is living his best life on Pride Rock when his evil uncle Scar has the cub’s father Mufasa killed in a stampede. Simba runs off, scared and alone, and does a lot of growing up with help from Timon, Pumba, and catchy songs by Tim Rice and Elton John. Can you feel the love tonight?
Little Rascals (1994)
Alfalfa (Bug Hall) finds himself on the outs with the rest of the He-Man Woman Haters Club when he develops a crush on Darla (Brittany Ashton Holmes).
Now and Then (1995)
In 1991, four women reunite in their hometown and reminisce about the summer of 1970. That magical summer, they had two main goals: to buy a tree house and to stay away from the Wormer brothers, who of course had just gotten cute — especially Scott (Devon Sawa). A séance in the town cemetery led them to the discovery of a tombstone that only reads “Dear Johnny,” and the girls added finding out the mystery of his identity to their agenda.
Toy Story (1995), Toy Story 2 (1999), Toy Story 3 (2010)
Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of Andy’s lovable gang of toys come to life when he leaves the room. And oh, the adventures they have. To infinity and beyond!
Matilda (1996)
The movie based on Roald Dahl’s beloved novel about Matilda Wormwood, a telekinetic genius with horrible parents and an even crueler school principal.
Anastasia (1997)
Have you heard? There’s a rumor in St. Petersburg. In this happier, animated version of events, Anastasia Romanov manages to avoid the same fate as her family.
Frozen (2013)
The animated movie about two royal sisters — one with the ability to produce and control snow, ice, and frost — who reconnect after years of isolation from each other has become a megahit phenomenon. Plus, there's that one catchy song — you’ll never be able to let it go from your head.
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