Every kid has grown up with their favorite childhood movies, whether they were introduced to them by their parents or they watched it in school for the first time. Even when you’re an adult, those movies you watched when you were little resonated with you. The Amherst Wire Staff has created a list of their favorite childhood classic movies, whether you see one that interests you or one you want to re-watch give these recommendations a chance! 

Chelsea Staub, Lifestyle Editor

Return to Oz (1985)

There’s just something about the creepy children’s movies of the 80’s that really builds character, you know? And in my opinion, “Return to Oz” takes the cake. Whether it’s Princess Mombi removing her head, the terrifying Wheelers hunting Dorothy, or the early scenes of escaping Electroshock Treatment in a mental institution, this film truly shaped me as a kid, and the person I am today. This film makes me fondly remember the times I would reenact scenes from the film as a form of rebellion against my strict religious school. Thank you “Return to Oz” for giving me thick skin and a high tolerance for horror, while also making me fall in love with a talking chicken and a pumpkin named Jack. On the other end of the spectrum, children’s movies from the 90’s like The Baby-Sitter’s Club and Spiceworld inspired my love for fashion and feminism, while carving my taste in music. I would  argue that the sentiment behind “girl power” preached by the Spice Girls sparked my obsession for Riot Grrrl bands and women of early punk music like The Slits and Blondie. Plus, you can find The Cranberries playing in the background of the trailer for The Baby-Sitter’s Club. Both films feel like the perfect time capsules of my 90’s childhood, making them two of my favorites when I need to mentally transport myself to a better decade.

Other picks: “The Witches” (1990), Hook (1991),  “Hocus Pocus” (1993), “The Baby-Sitter’s Club” (1995), “Spiceworld: The Movie” (1997)

Emilee Klein, Podcast Editor 

“School of Rock” (2003) 

My dad, born in the last year of the Baby Boom, has always been a kid at heart and a 70s teen in spirit. He loves blues and classic rock, and his music taste rubbed off on my older brother as soon as he turned seven.  So when “School of Rock”  with the charismatic Jack Black landed in our household, my dad found humor and nostalgia in Dewey’s quest and my brother connected with the child rockers. I didn’t really care for rock music as a musical theater kid, I just wanted to be included and loved the silly characters. Flash forward to 2017, when “School of Rock” became a musical, and a good one at that, I dragged my theater-repulsed brother to see the show. It brought together my love of musicals and his love of this movie. I think it’s the only musical I’ve ever seen him smile at.

Other picks: “Annie” (1982), “The Sandlot” (1993), “Kim Possible Movie: So the Drama” (2005), “Mulan” (1998)

Aliana Liz Tavares, Managing Editor

“Harriet the Spy” (1996)

Harriet the Spy is one of my favorite movies of all time. I definitely watched it too many times as a child, to the point where I still know lines of the script to this day. Harriet is an investigative journalist who writes down everything she observes, all while growing up and becoming a teen. It’s interesting that I felt called to journalism myself, years later. 

Other picks: “Short Circuit” (1986), “A Series of Unfortunate Events” (2004), “Rugrats in Paris” (2000), “Stuart Little” (1999)

Amanda Powers, Co social media manager and Photo editor 

Picks: “Pirates of the Caribbean Series” (2003-2017),  “The Narnia Movies” (2005-2010), “Star Wars” (1977-2019) and “Harry Potter Series” (2001-2011) 

All of the above movies are some of my favorites because I associate them with family and my childhood. These are the movies and movie series that me and my family would all watch together, so these movies remind me of growing up and spending time with my family. 

Sean Dunham, Music Editor

“The Lion King” (1994)

My childhood was practically centered around this absolute classic. I remember watching this movie with my siblings and cousins in our living room during the summer, as we all laid on the carpet and stared at the television screen for hours. I love the music throughout “The Lion King” and the characters feature the perfect balance of comedy, action, and life lessons during their journeys. Growing up, Simba was always one of my favorite Disney stars, so it is pretty neat that this movie still feels so special to me.

Other picks: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986), “Home Alone” (1990), “The Sandlot” (1993), “101 Dalmatians” (1996)

Isabel Guilmette, Managing Editor

“A Hard Day’s Night” (1964) 

A Hard Day’s Night follows the Beatles in 1964 just as they blew up internationally. Do I think this movie is well made? No. Do I think The Beatles are good actors? No. Do I particularly understand the plot of this movie after 20 years of watching it? Absolutely not. Should everyone watch it? 100%. The opening sequence is iconic, and there’s a certain charm to watching these young dudes running around for an hour, plus the early Beatles music interspersed through the film is an endearing nostalgia trip.

Other picks: “Finding Nemo” (2003), “Snow White” (1937), “Spider-Man” (2002)

Cassandra Salot, TV and Movies Editor 

 “Cheaper by the Dozen” (2003) 

This is just a feel good movie, it has a great yet simple plot and great jokes and a flowy cast dynamic. It just screams classic 2000s nostalgia and reminds me of my childhood in the best way. I remember when my dad turned it on for the first time when I was younger. I just loved it so much that I made us watch it everyday for a month and we still turn it on once in a while. Steve Martin is just the most fantastic actor to play Tom Baker and makes the movie so hilarious and just timeless. 

Other picks: “Tangled” (2010), “The Parent Trap” (1998), “Star Wars Episode V: Empire Strikes Back” (1980)