It’s almost Spring! The temperatures are slowly warming and the days are starting to become longer. Thanks to Indiana’s unpredictable weather, though, it’s still difficult to make plans too far in advance or enjoy the Indy outdoors for more than an hour or two at a time. If you’re fighting cabin fever and have already cleaned and organized your apartment and are still looking for new things to do inside, invite some friends or that special someone over for a movie night! Pop some popcorn and fire up your favorite streaming service for one of these feel-good classics. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to let us know some of your go-to flicks!
The Sandlot
This classic coming-of-age sports comedy film is a favorite for many Millennials and Gen Xers alike. Released in 1993, The Sandlot is set in the of 1962 and tells the story of a group of young boys who spend their summer playing baseball and navigating the challenges of adolescence. In the nearly 30 years since its release the film has become a cult favorite even though it initially received mixed to positive reviews from critics.
Where to Stream:
YouTube (from $2.99), Amazon Prime Video (from $2.99), Google Play Movies & TV (from $2.99), iTunes (from $3.99), Vudu (from $3.99)
Dirty Dancing
Another classic that has survived multiple decades is Dirty Dancing. The film is a romantic drama with music and dancing throughout. It tells the story of Baby, a 17-year-old young woman spending the summer at her parent’s resort before joining the Peace Corps. The film has some of the most iconic music and dancing of any movie before or since. Released in 1987, it went on to win the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Original Song as well as the Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo the following year.
Where to Stream:
Amazon Prime Video (from $2.99), YouTube (from $3.99), Google Play Movies & TV (from $3.99), iTunes (from $3.99), Vudu (from $3.99)
Napoleon Dynamite
A cult classic for a slightly different reason, many Millennials hold fond memories of watching Napoleon Dynamite in middle and high school, then quoting it incessantly. The film’s star, Jon Heder, was originally only paid $1,000 but then renegotiated after the film’s unexpected success. Premiering at Sundance Film Festival in 2004, the film follows the titular character, a socially awkward 16-year-old living in Preston, Idaho, through the ups and downs of high school life. It was met with mixed, but mostly positive, reviews and grossed over $44 Million a year after its release when the estimated budget was only $400,000.
Where to Stream:
Cinemax, YouTube (from $2.99), Amazon Prime Video (from $2.99), Google Play Movies & TV (from $2.99), Vudu (from $3.99), iTunes (from $3.99)
Mrs. Doubtfire
Showcasing Robin Williams at his best, Mrs. Doubtfire is based on the novel Alias Madame Doubtfire and had a star-studded cast of Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, and Harvy Fierstein. Williams plays a recently divorced actor who goes to great lengths, dressing up as a female housekeeper, to be able to stay in his children’s lives. It became the second-highest grossing film worldwide in 1993 and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Makeup as well as the Golden Globe for both Best Picture and Best Actor of its category.
Where to Stream:
YouTube (from $3.99), Amazon Prime Video (from $3.99), iTunes (from $3.99), Google Play Movies & TV (from $3.99), Vudu (from $3.99)
Hoosiers
If you live in the basketball-crazed state of Indiana, Hoosiers is a must-watch. Inspired by the true story of the Milan High School basketball team of 1954, the film is set in rural Hickory, Indiana, a town passionate about basketball. After the death of the former basketball coach, newcomer Norman Dale takes the reigns, facing opposition due to his unique approach to the game. The film is still regarded as one of the best sports films of all time and received two Oscar nominations, for Best Supporting Actor and Best Original Score.
Where to Stream:
Hulu, Cinemax, Vudu, YouTube (from $2.99), Amazon Prime Video (from $2.99), Google Play Movies & TV (from $2.99), iTunes (from $3.99)