10 Best Movies About Millennials That Resonate With The Generation

Millennials are defined as those who were born between 1980 and 1996. There were no smartphones, people made mixed tapes instead of Spotify playlists, and getting someone’s favorite movie on VHS was the best thing ever. Some absolute classics have been made about this unique generation that grew up on the cusp of the internet revolution and experienced not one, but two, recessions. The rise of social media saw the world becoming more connected and open than ever, and films like The Social Network show how this influenced a whole generation.

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There was a focus on self-expression and inclusivity, which is a thread that could be seen in various films that focus on millennials as their protagonists. There was also an overwhelming sense of uncertainty about the future, and that tinge of anxiety can be felt in a lot of projects of the time. From the writing to the subject matter, movies like Donnie Darko and Garden State perfectly encapsulate those feelings of doubt. Yet a lot of joy and excitement can also be felt, especially in the 1990s when the possibilities seemed endless and the fashion was technicolor.

10 The Social Network (2010)

The Rise Of The Friend Request

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David Fincher and Aaron Sorkin are the creative forces behind this biographical look at Mark Zuckerberg’s game-changing invention. The murky story behind the beginnings of Facebook was a hit with both critics and audiences and shines a light on how cutthroat the world of Silicon Valley business can be. The movie fuses courtroom drama with aspects of a thriller, and an almost villain-origin story. Jessie Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield deliver tense and anger-inducing performances that resonate with so many in their generation.

The cultural impact of this film was huge, as it introduced many people to a behind-the-scenes look at how their favorite social media website had come to be. Seeing the shift in personal relationships in the movie before and after the site becomes popular holds up a fascinating mirror to the society of the time. Watching this movie now, knowing how hugely it changed how the world works is chilling. The final scene shows Zuckerberg alone, in front of his computer, constantly refreshing his screen, showing just how alienating and lonely the internet can be.

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9 Clueless (1995)

Starting The Trend Of Literature-Inspired Teen Films

After the teen movie genre died down after the 1980s, a sleeper hit came out of nowhere to bring it right back to the zeitgeist. It was colorful, it was funny, and it showed an aspirational version of teen life in the 1990s, effectively inspiring its target audience. Fashion trends were born, ones that are replicated to this day; a whole new vocabulary of slang words was introduced, including “Betty” and “Baldwin“; and the trend of using classic literature to tell modern stories kicked off in style. Films like 10 Things I Hate About You or Easy A wouldn’t exist if it hadn’t been for how cleverly Clueless re-told the story of Jane Austen’s Emma.

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While this teen classic was made about older millennials, it still resonates with modern audiences. The girls are confident and unapologetic, and Cher Horowitz is a great role model. She doesn’t bow to peer pressure, is a supportive friend, and seeks to expand her knowledge and experiences. She’s also not afraid to admit when she’s wrong. It is also a template of how to incorporate a bigger message into a seemingly shallow project.

8 Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

A Dance Seen Around The World

Embracing the awkward and uncomfortable, the quirky coming-of-age movie Napoleon Dynamite stars John Heder as the titular character. If it had come out today, the iconic dance would no doubt be a TikTok craze, and even way back in 2004, the “Vote For Pedro” merch was a hot commodity. The film appealed to many shy and socially anxious young people, with its motley crew of characters and outlandish humor.

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While many high school films tend to showcase the popular crowd and their love lives, this one focuses mostly on the outcasts and their mundane day-to-day issues. For a small indie flick, Napoleon Dynamite was a box-office success, and an inspiration to many millennials. Halloween costumes were made based on the characters, numerous lines from the movie became popular, and some of the actors reunited on screen for various specials, with clever homages to the original.

7 The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

People Did Want To Be Just Like Them

The need to find a great job after college is something that’s ingrained in a millennial’s core, but for many, it was an impossible task. Competition was tough, the market was fluctuating, and many had to settle for “jobs that paid the bills” while they tried to carve out their dream career. This Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep film showcases that relatable struggle but places it in the most glamorous and watchable setting. With amazing costumes, beautiful locations, and a fantastic fashion montage, its message is presented in the most attractive way possible, while still resonating with viewers.

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Standout supporting performances in The Devil Wears Prada from Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci add immeasurable sass and charm to the story, while New York and Paris have never looked better. Discussions still go on to this day about who the real villain of the movie is, and viewers are still enraged at the scene where Andy’s friends mock her for taking a work call on a night out. There are plenty of moments that millennials recognize. The movie is a great snapshot of a very specific time in a person’s life when they are trying to find themselves in the real world.

6 Garden State (2004)

For Those Stuck In A Dead-End Place

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Zach Braff wrote and directed this deeply personal film that explores themes of loss, love, and mental health. The feeling of aimlessness felt by many in this generation is the driving force of the indie drama, as Andrew (Braff), returns to his hometown after his mother’s death. He encounters people from his past, some having remained in the same stagnant state of existence, and realizes that despite “moving away to the big city,” he hasn’t achieved much either.

It’s a bittersweet film filled with a lot of introspection that allows for a degree of self-indulgence needed to tackle the subject at hand. Natalie Portman’s portrayal of Sam very much leans into the “manic pixie dream girl” trope that was so abundant at the time. However, her care for the character and approach to her struggles can be seen in her performance, and the audience is left rooting for these two troubled individuals to make it.

5 Legally Blonde (2001)

It Is Actually Quite Hard To Get Into Harvard, After All

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Reese Witherspoon’s delivery of every single line in Legally Blonde is comedic perfection, and this seemingly bubblegum-pink movie carries a much deeper message. Similarly to Barbie, Legally Blonde features a beautiful, yet seemingly ditzy blonde protagonist who goes on a journey of self-discovery that leads her to do great things. Elle Woods (Witherspoon) has a very lovely life, she’s doing well at college, and dating a guy she wants to marry. But when he breaks up with her, she takes things into her own hands. The fact that she has the self-belief and drive to make sure she gets into Harvard is a very empowering move despite the initial motivation.

As she navigates this new Ivy League world, Elle gets lost in trying to fit in but learns that as soon as she embraces her true self, she will soar. The movie was a global hit and an inspiration to many women and femme-identifying people across the world. Merging comedy with a well-hidden meaningful message is a great way of spreading it to a wider audience. Jennifer Coolidge has a typically scene-stealing turn, and with a musical, and another sequel in production, Legally Blonde continues to be a generation-spanning phenomenon.

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4 The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (2012)

They Can Be Heroes

Based on a 1999 novel of the same name, the tender teen drama The Perks of Being a Wallflower tells a heartrending story. Charlie (Logan Lerman) is a shy young boy just about to start high school, and the audience later learns, he has a saddening secret. How he is affected by PTSD and deals with daily anxiety is shown with a lot of care and attention. The relationships explored in the film are ones that resonate with viewers, bringing a feeling of longing and nostalgia.

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The cast of rising stars like Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, and Nina Dobrev, is supported by more experienced actors like Kate Walsh and Paul Rudd, who provide a grounding force. With iconic scenes like the tunnel car ride set to David Bowie’s “Heroes,” and the scandalous game of Truth or Dare, The Perks of Being a Wallflower brought a lot of memorable moments to the screen. As the audience learns more about Charlie’s heartbreaking past, they try and heal along with him.

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3 Mean Girls (2004)

On Wednesday’s We Wear Pink

Tina Fey’s witty teen comedy has a far-reaching and long-lasting legacy. Introducing audiences to the rules of “girl world” and the iconic “British” slang “that’s so fetch,” Mean Girls takes the viewers on a journey of mistrust, backstabbing, and sneaky tactics. With star-making turns from Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, and Amanda Seyfried, the film explores how hard it is to navigate high school in the 2000s. As bullying runs rampant and rules need to be adhered to, with plenty of cutting humor, Mean Girls defined a whole generation.

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As time passes, some of the themes may seem dated and problematic, but the movie perfectly encapsulates a specific time that a lot of people can relate to. Pressures to look a certain way, all kinds of shaming, and trying to make oneself smaller just to get the right sort of attention are not exclusive to 2004, but they certainly were at the forefront of social norms. After 20 years, people still celebrate October 3, wear pink on Wednesdays, and are now able to sing along to the musical version.

2 Knocked Up (2007)

The Tale Of The Charming Slacker

A huge hit for Judd Apatow, this raunchy comedy is the perfect snapshot of a unique moment in cinema. The film explores the trope of a lazy but loveable 20-something guy and a focused, career-driven 20-something woman. The story isn’t a particularly original one, the characters don’t show a lot of development, but that is exactly what makes Knocked Up relatable. It also shows how being a millennial at the time did occasionally feel aimless, and did sometimes bring people together who normally wouldn’t want to spend time in each other’s company.

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When watching Seth Rogen’s group of buddies, viewers can immediately imagine “that one guy from high school” or their college roommate. Katherine Heigl’s plight is also familiar, trying to balance work with a pregnancy, and navigating it all with a partner that’s far from ideal. The humor is big and outlandish, and it offers an escape from the daily struggles by exaggerating them and prompting one to laugh at them mercilessly. Knocked Up‘s style of comedy became popular and influenced many more movies that came after, including Superbad and Bridesmaids.

1 500 Days Of Summer (2009)

Before Autumn, There Was Summer

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Few films have managed to convey what being a millennial feels like as well as 500 Days of Summer. The story of a failed relationship is very much told from one perspective and seen through the eyes of Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt). Clever scenes appear not in chronological order, and the same shots change in tone and meaning as the relationship begins to unravel. Zooey Dechanel’s version of Summer is as aloof as she is enigmatic, and as cold as she is magnetic.

The audiences experience her through the main protagonist’s eyes, effectively seeing his version of events. His heartbreak is explored to its fullest, and this need to be the main character of one’s story is something this generation struggles with. The film is full of millennial tropes, like the characters bonding over their love of The Smiths, a musical dance break, and a quirky female protagonist who’s just out of reach of the hopelessly romantic male lead.

The scene of expectation vs. reality is one that will live in the hearts of many of the viewers, as they remember the feelings of hope, anxiety, sadness, and promise all percolating at the same time. As Regina Spector’s voice hauntingly resonates in the background, millennials can practically transport themselves back to that time that shaped them.

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