Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in 'Dirty Dancing.'
Movies are like old friends: They can bring back memories and feelings we long thought we'd forgotten. For women over 50, they're also portals to a bygone era when a trip to the local theater or a cozy movie-night at home was an event steeped in anticipation.
With that in mind, here are 25 movies that make women over 50 instantly nostalgic.
Movies That Will Make Women Over 50 Instantly Nostalgic IMAGO / United Archives
Not only does this Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis 's road-trip adventure remain a feminist classic, reminding women of their strength and independence, it’s also just a good time. (Plus, it showcases a young Brad Pitt , looking mighty fine, indeed.)
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A sweeping, heart-breaking, wildly romantic drama set in North Africa during World War II, this Academy-Award-winning film is celebrated for its breathtaking cinematography, intricate storytelling and powerful performances, particularly by Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche .
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Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore have chemistry out the wazoo in this romantic fantasy-drama exploring love, loss and the afterlife. (What woman over 50 doesn't know the pottery scene by heart?) Plus, Swayze and Whoopi Goldberg make for a delightful comedic pairing.
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Of course there are two Patrick Swayze vehicles on this list—he was an instant crush for almost every woman over 50. This dance-filled coming-of-age story set in the 1960s is not only a blast to watch, but it also delivers a side of powerful class commentary.
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This beloved musical transports viewers to the Austrian Alps, with timeless songs and Julie Andrews ' memorable—nay, perfect—performance. The hills are alive, and so are the memories!
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A beautiful, hilarious and touching exploration of the relationships between Chinese-American mothers and daughters. The first chords of the soundtrack will bring instant nostalgia to any woman over 50.
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This iconic film weaves together two stories, both of which explore themes of friendship, love and self-discovery, across multiple generations. Mary Stuart Masterson and Mary-Louise Parker star as young women in the 1920s South, Kathy Bates turns up as an unhappy 1980s housewife, and Jessica Tandy plays the elderly woman who ties both tales together (with the help of some fried green tomatoes).
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This adaptation of Alice Walker 's novel is a powerful exploration of Black women's lives, from trauma to triumph. The performances of the cast, especially Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey , are simply beautiful.
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Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey shine in this tearjerker about the enduring friendship between two women. Plus, a young Mayim Bialik plays the kid version of Midler’s character and it’s iconic.
This story of a woman's determination to succeed in the corporate world has it all—power suits, Alec Baldwin as a bad boyfriend and a hit song by Carly Simon . Yes, please!
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“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die!” A timeless fairy-tale adventure that combines romance, humor and swashbuckling action.
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Based on a novel of the same name by Terry McMillan , Waiting to Exhale focuses on the lives, friendships and romantic relationships of four Black women (played by Angela Bassett , Whitney Houston , Loretta Devine and Lela Rochon ). Come for the story, stay for the incredible acting (and soundtrack!).
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A heartwarming sports film about women's baseball during World War II, this movie stars Geena Davis and Lori Petty as sisters—perfection!—as well as Tom Hanks , Madonna , Rosie O'Donnell and more.
Related: The 100 Best Madonna Songs of All Time
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This comedy about three women seeking revenge on their ex-husbands is an absolute party. The movie stars Bette Midler , Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton as three divorced ladies who seek revenge after their ex-husbands leave them for younger women. Watch out, boys!
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Set in the charming coastal town of Mystic, Connecticut, this film follows the lives and adventures of three young waitresses: Kat (Annabeth Gish ), Daisy (Julia Roberts ) and Jojo (Lili Taylor ). Their stories revolve around love, friendship and dreams of finally getting ahead as they navigate the complexities of relationships and adulthood while working at a local pizza parlor.
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Sorry to everyone else, but this is the timeless adaptation of Louisa May Alcott 's novel about the March sisters. Set during the American Civil War, the movie revolves around the lives of Meg (Trini Alvarado ), Jo (Winona Ryder ), Beth (Claire Danes ) and Amy (Kirsten Dunst and Samantha Mathis ). I mean, the cast alone is worth the price of admission!
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This Whitney Houston vehicle co-stars your favorite cowboy, Kevin Costner , and features one of the best soundtracks of all time (seriously, which songs on there are not a hit?).
Julie Andrews charms as the magical nanny who brings joy and wonder into the lives of the Banks family. Plus, she delivers absolute bops, from “A Spoonful of Sugar” to “Feed the Birds (Tuppence a Bag)."
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Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur star in this eye-opening, complex romantic drama, which weaves together themes of love, loss and healing.
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A bittersweet love story starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood , this movie explores themes of love, sacrifice and the choices people make in the face of passion and duty. And it’s just so dang romantic!
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