We all have a special fondness for years that end in five, don’t we? If nothing else, it makes calculations easier when determining which iconic films are commemorating their 10th, 15th, 40th, or even 50th anniversaries. These significant milestones provide a fantastic opportunity to revisit cherished classics and evaluate their cultural impact anew.
From superhero epics to eccentric musicals and coming-of-age tales, these films have made a lasting impression on worldwide cinema and American culture. Time has treated them well, and their influence is still as potent and accessible as ever.
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### 1. *Star Wars: The Force Awakens* — 10th Anniversary
It’s astonishing to think that there was a moment when *Star Wars* appeared to be at an end. However, this shifted dramatically when Disney purchased Lucasfilm in 2012, paving the way for a fresh trilogy set after the events of *Return of the Jedi* (1983). By the time *The Force Awakens* premiered in 2015, excitement had reached a boiling point. The film not only revitalized the franchise but also broke box-office records, joining just two other films—*Avatar* and *Titanic*—in grossing over $2 billion globally.
Director J.J. Abrams infused a rapid pace and a fondness for practical effects reminiscent of the original trilogy, revitalizing the essence of *Star Wars*. Fans were ecstatic to see Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill return, while the movie introduced a new wave of characters: Daisy Ridley’s Rey, John Boyega’s Finn, Oscar Isaac’s Poe Dameron, and Adam Driver’s intense Kylo Ren. A decade later, *The Force Awakens* continues to serve as a model for successfully rejuvenating a cherished franchise.
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### 2. *Scott Pilgrim vs. the World* — 15th Anniversary
While it initially struggled at the box office, *Scott Pilgrim vs. the World* has grown into a cult favorite. Directed by Edgar Wright and adapted from Bryan Lee O’Malley’s comic series, the film merges video game-inspired aesthetics with a whimsical storyline about Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) taking on the seven evil exes of his new girlfriend, Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead).
Featuring a remarkable cast that includes Anna Kendrick, Chris Evans, Brie Larson, and Aubrey Plaza, the film soon became a beloved icon in geek culture, inspiring limitless cosplays and fan art. Its distinctive style and humor have established it as a landmark slacker comedy for millennials, effectively capturing the sense of aimlessness and despair of a generation in both an impactful and entertaining manner.
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### 3. *Batman Begins* — 20th Anniversary
Christopher Nolan’s *Batman Begins* transformed the superhero landscape, initiating the trend of the “gritty reboot.” Released in 2005, this film resurrected Batman after the campy *Batman & Robin* and endowed the character with an enhanced sense of seriousness.
Christian Bale’s depiction of Bruce Wayne was both emotionally resonant and physically transformative, while the ensemble cast—featuring Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, and Gary Oldman—added layers of depth to Gotham City. The film’s antagonists, Cillian Murphy’s Scarecrow and Liam Neeson’s Ra’s al Ghul, introduced elements of psychological intrigue. With its breathtaking cinematography and a central theme exploring fear, *Batman Begins* paved the way for its even more acclaimed sequel, *The Dark Knight*.
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### 4. *Final Destination* — 25th Anniversary
The *Final Destination* series kicked off in 2000 with a straightforward yet brilliant concept: death cannot be cheated. The original film follows a group of friends who barely evade a plane disaster, only to find themselves pursued by death through a sequence of intricate, Rube Goldberg-style accidents.
The franchise’s blend of dark humor and inventive deaths has established it as a staple in the horror genre. With a sixth installment on the horizon, the legacy of *Final Destination* seems to endure, confirming that audiences still relish a good suspenseful journey.
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### 5. *X-Men* — 25th Anniversary
The contemporary superhero craze owes a great deal to the 2000 release of *X-Men*. Directed by Bryan Singer, the film approached its comic book origins with an unprecedented level of seriousness. Themes of prejudice and oppression struck a resonant chord, while Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine quickly became a cultural icon.
The movie’s realistic aesthetic, complete with its tactical leather outfits, established a benchmark for superhero films to follow. It also marked the beginning of Marvel super-producer Kevin Feige’s career, laying the foundation for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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### 6. *Clueless* — 30th Anniversary
Amy Heckerling’s *Clueless* endures as the quintessential contemporary adaptation