Are they classics yet? These movies are about to celebrate pivotal birthdays


Will Smith's Independence Day blows out 25 candles for its birthday this year. Photo: Twentieth Century Fox
At what age does a film become a classic? Because these stand-up movies are celebrating milestones in 2021.
In the next 10 days or so, to be precise.
The streaming habits we picked up during the pandemic have stuck with us â some 80 per cent of us stream something on at least a monthly basis.
- Related: Indiana Jones turns the big 4-0
As well as watching the latest and greatest, weâre rediscovering our old favourites, because theyâre good and because it makes us feel good.
Deakin University reported watching something familiar helps to alleviate stress â like the stress brought on by a global pandemic.
But at the end of the day, you donât need an excuse to watch these movies â because theyâre great pieces of cinema.
Happy birthday, dudes.
Movies celebrating milestones in 2021
The Devil Wears Prada â June 30, 2006 (15 years)
Arguably the most intelligent romantic comedy in recent cinematic history. Case in point: Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) making a timeless and transferable argument about cerulean blue.
Itâs life lessons like these set against an aspirational storyline (enthusiastic young worker has to slug it out to earn her dues, has epiphany in the process) with a makeover for the ages in Anne Hathawayâs Andy Sachs, that makes Devil utterly rewatchable.
Watch it: Stream on Disney Plus, rent/buy from Apple, Amazon Prime Video and Google Play
Lantana â July 8, 2001 (20 years)
This steamy drama set in Sydney is still one of Australiaâs most successful releases. Starring royalty such as Anthony LaPaglia, Geoffrey Rush, Rachael Blake and Kerry Armstrong, Lantana, under the direction of Ray Lawrence, is an observer of relationships and reality â it casts no bias and gives no opinion.
Itâs murder and love and deceit and perfect winterâs night viewing.
Watch it: Rent through Apple TV
Independence Day â July 3, 1996 (25 years)
The official release date of Will Smithâs iconic Independence Day is debatable. It was first released in select cinemas on July 2, the day the filmâs storyline starts. It was released worldwide on July 3, in time for the US Independence Day on July 4. Phew.
That aside, the OG entry in the franchise tapped into the sci-fi genre with blockbuster power, underpinned by the âgreatest country on Earth â and in the universeâ attitude of the United States. Thereâs no other time of the year to watch it.
On July 2nd, they arrive. On July 3rd, they strike. On July 4th, we fight back.
Watch it: Stream on Disney Plus, rent/buy from Apple, Amazon Prime Video and Google Play
Point Break â July 10, 1991 (30 years)
Was it so bad that it was good, or was it just bad? Thus, the eternal question that defines anything from the â90s. (Just wait until the current âhip generationâ gain hindsight on their outfits.)
To start with, Keanu Reeves, Gary Busey and Patrick Swayze on the same bill. Surely that canât be bad? But then enter, Reevesâ Bill and Ted accent executed in a non-ironic setting. Thatâs gotta be bad.
Itâs got to be seen (again) to be decided upon.
Watch it: Stream it on Binge, or rent/buy on Google Play, Apple or Amazon Prime Video
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory â June 30, 1971 (50 years)
Before it was Charlieâs chocolate factory, it belonged to Willy Wonka. And before Johnny Depp brought shades of questionability to the eccentric candyman, Gene Wilder brought him to life. Ahead of a tipped sequel, to focus on Wonkaâs life pre-factory, revisit the original (and the best) incarnation of Roald Dahlâs classic story.
Itâs the sing-a-longs for me.
Watch it: Showing in some cinemas now â or rent/buy from Apple or GooglePlay








