“Anyone who follows the box office knows that we are experiencing an important moment at the intersection of ’90s and early 2000s nostalgia and millennial parents looking for family-friendly movies to share with their kids,” said Cineverse Chief Motion Pictures Officer Yolanda Macias in a press release for Air Bud Returns. For me, it’s not only about watching nostalgic movies with my kids. I actually care about whether Kimmy and Michael are still in love after My Best Friend’s Wedding. And I’ve always wanted to know the complete story of Elle Woods before we knew her as everyone’s favorite lawyer. With a whole lineup of movies and reboots coming soon, I can’t gatekeep the list of the most nostalgic millennial movie sequels to watch this year and beyond.
I’m a millennial who spent most of my Friday nights at Blockbuster. I loved seeing a movie opening weekend and waiting seven full days for the next Dawson’s Creek episode to drop—these were some of my peak millennial entertainment experiences. Then came the moment I got my own DVD player for Christmas. I began to build an extensive movie collection with my babysitting money and watched favorites like Freaky Friday, My Best Friend’s Wedding, and Legally Blonde on repeat. With that said, it’s only fitting that I’ve been on the lookout for sequels that bring back that nostalgia.
Do we need some new original movies? Yes. Are the studios hoping to cash in on our generational nostalgia? Also, yes. But I’m not all that mad about some of them. Here are some of the upcoming nostalgic millennial movie sequels and reboots coming to theaters and streaming services soon, along with a list of films that are in the works. Plus, I’m sharing TV show adaptations that I can’t wait to watch, too!
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Why Hollywood Keeps Making Sequels
Hollywood studios are making sequels to all of these nostalgic millennial movies and more. So why are sequels continuing to be made years after the original films debuted, you ask? Movie classics that we grew up watching as kids may have premiered decades ago, but films like Toy Story 5 and Shrek remain fan-favorite films all these years later. Movies alike bring adults back to that nostalgic era in their lives. Maybe a particular film was one that you saw with your family, or it was a film or television series you had on repeat as a comfort watch.
Hollywood keeps making sequels because it’s a guarantee that tried-and-true fans will be making an effort to watch their debuts. Plus, if the timing is right, it might be the perfect time to introduce an old film to your kiddos. Save other films like Practical Magic 2 and Romy and Michele 2 for a solo outing, for a date, or mom’s night out.
Nostalgic Sequels in Theaters and Coming Soon
Toy Story 5
Now Playing in Theaters
Original Movie Released: 1995
Where to Watch the Original: Disney+
I’m a Pixar lover through and through, and Toy Story is no exception. I’ve seen those movies so many times that I’m pretty sure I could quote them from top to bottom, making the upcoming Toy Story 5 all the more exciting. This time, it’s toys meet tech, a welcome and relevant turn for the beloved Toy Story universe. If you’re wondering whether or not the Toy Story franchise is still a hit 30 years later, spoiler alert: it is! If you haven’t seen it already, take the entire family to the theater.
Scary Movie 6
Now Playing in Theaters
Original Movie Released: 2000
Where to Watch the Original: Paramount+
The Wayans brothers are back with the perfect summer movie. The famous parody starring Anna Faris, Regina Hall, Marlon Wayans, and Shawn Wayans has returned, and they’re reprising their roles in this iconic franchise. The friends are reunited, and the masked killer returns. This time around, audiences can expect spoofs from more recent horror films like Sinners (2025), Get Out (2017), Smile (2022), and more.
Masters of the Universe
Now Playing in Theaters
Original Movie Released: 1987
Where to Watch the Original: Amazon Prime Video
Get in, Gen X and millennial parents; we’re going to see He-Man! That’s right, our favorite ’80s cartoon is back in live action. Nicholas Galitzine (that’s right, from The Idea of You!) is in as a He-Man who lives on Earth now. If nostalgia is where you are at these days, this one should be at the top of the list to see this summer.
Practical Magic 2
In Theaters: September 18, 2026
Original Movie Released: 1998
Where to Watch the Original: Amazon Prime Video
Hocus Pocus 2 was a nostalgic movie win for the spooky girlies a few years back. Now there’s another Halloween movie to get excited about: Practical Magic 2. In the sequel, the Owens sisters—played by Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock—are already warming/healing our collective witchy hearts with the release of the official trailer. The Owens family is at it again, working together to break a curse. What magic will they conjure up this time? What will they do for love? And what familial secrets will they uncover? Read whether or not Practical Magic 2 is OK for your kids!
The Social Reckoning
In Theaters: October 9, 2026
Original Movie Released: 2010
Where to Watch the Original: Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV
Winner of three Oscars, The Social Network always felt like the kind of film that would never get (or need) a sequel. Aaron Storkin wrote and directed the continuation of the original film, but it will not be a true sequel. Instead, the new film will tackle the story behind The Wall Street Journal’s Facebook Files, a set of articles from 2021 that exposed the harms caused by the massive social media platform. Focusing specifically on the effects Facebook has had on teens’ and preteens’ mental health, the movie will make a social statement that is sure to leave a mark at the box office.
Focker In-Law
In Theaters: November 25, 2026
Original Movie Released: 2000
Where to Watch the Original: Netflix
Meeting your significant other’s parents can be intimidating. And for Greg Focker, it was much worse in the millennial movie titled Meet the Parents. He had to prove that he was husband material, and it took a lot of convincing for his then-future father-in-law (and ex-CIA agent) to welcome him into the family. In the newest movie installment of Meet the Parents, Greg and his father-in-law are teaming up to prove that Greg’s future daughter-in-law (played by Ariana Grande) isn’t suitable to join this chaotic family dynamic (or is she?).
Air Bud Returns
In Theaters: January 22, 2027
Original Movie Released: 1997
Where to Watch the Original: Disney+ and Hulu
Millennials may remember Air Bud had a lot of movie sequels that went straight to DVD in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. But the newest installment, Air Bud Returns, is said to be a unique story aimed at millennial parents excited to introduce Air Bud to their kids. According to Director Robert Vince, the movie “builds upon the legacy of the OG Air Bud with all the fun, the magic, heartwarming scenes, and Buddy playing basketball.”
Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew
In Theaters: February 12, 2027
Original Movie Released: 2005
Where to Watch the Original: Disney+
For some millennial parents, The Chronicles of Narnia is considered a traumatic movie from their childhood. The 2005 adaptation includes famous actors like Tilda Swinton as the White Witch and James McAvoy as Mr. Tumnus. But if you were a fan of the movies, get ready because director Greta Gerwig is bringing the newest version of this epic series to Netflix and IMAX.
Shrek 5
In Theaters: June 30, 2027
Original Movie Released: 2001
Where to Watch the Original: Peacock
I recently introduced my son to Shrek—a family movie that still holds up today. He loved Shrek and his hilarious donkey-sidekick. And as a millennial who grew up with the Shrek films, I can’t wait to take my little ones to see Shrek 5 in theaters. While the plot is still under wraps, there’s no doubt that Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey will have us laughing along with them next summer!
The Mummy 4
In Theaters: October 15, 2027
Original Movie Released: 1999
Where to Watch the Original: HBO Max
Associate Editor Patty remembers watching The Mummy in the movie theater as a child. While she probably wouldn’t let her 5-year-old watch the franchise today, it quickly became one of her all-time favorite action-packed films. Plus, she owes her fandom to watching Brendan Fraser’s work in George of the Jungle. She’s excited to see the Academy Award-winning actor back with Rachel Weisz on the big screen to fight more mummies.
Millennial Reboots and Movie Sequels Now Streaming
The Devil Wears Prada 2
Where to Stream: Apple TV
Where to Watch the Original: Disney+ and Hulu
Original Movie Released: 2006
The Devil Wears Prada book came out the same year I graduated from college. It felt like an ominous warning for the real world. Thankfully, I never had a boss like Miranda Priestly, brilliantly played by Meryl Streep in the 2006 film adaptation. The OG stars—including Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt—are back. In this sequel, Miranda Priestly is navigating her career while the traditional magazine publishing industry is in decline.
Elle
Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video
Legally Blonde Movie Released: 2001
Where to Watch the Original: Amazon Prime Video
Watch Elle, a Legally Blonde Prequel. Amazon Prime’s series Elle explores the sassy future lawyer’s high school years in the mid-1990s. Starring Lexi Minetree, Elle learns that she and her parents are moving from bright and sunny L.A. to the Pacific Northwest grunge of ’90s Seattle. And she’s bringing all the pink she can take with her. Can she fit in with the crowd, or is she meant to shine bright as her hot pink attire? Plus, Reese Witherspoon’s company Hello Sunshine produced the series. With the original Elle Woods involved, it will be one to watch!
Nostalgic Millennial Reboots Still in the Works
Romy and Michele 2
In Theaters: TBD
Original Movie Released: 1997
Where to Watch the Original: Disney+ and Hulu
The recent announcement of the reboot of Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion is huge news for millennials who grew up watching this hilarious duo in the late ‘90s. Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow are reprising their roles as Romy and Michele, and it’s the reunion we’ve all been waiting for!
My Best Friend’s Wedding Sequel
In Theaters: TBD
Original Movie Released: 1997
Where to Watch the Original: Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video
This sequel is still being developed, with filmmaker Celine Song reportedly tied to the project. But I’m extra excited for this one. I saw the original in the theater in 1997 when I was in high school. Somehow, my teen mind had no problem with the fact that Kimmy was tossing her career dreams aside to get married at age 20. (Can we now agree that Michael—not Jules—was the real villain here?) To be fair to my younger self, I was likely distracted by Julia Roberts and Dermot Mulroney’s undeniable chemistry. Not to mention one of the most epic movie sing-alongs ever. If the sequel to My Best Friend’s Wedding doesn’t have Rupert Everett singing Dionne Warwick again, the studio better say a little prayer the movie still hits.
Bend it Like Beckham Sequel
In Theaters: TBD, likely 2027
Original Movie Released: 2002
Where to Watch the Original: Disney+
Girls’ sports movies are still pretty rare. Which is why this film stood out in the early 2000s and now as a millennial nostalgic movie sequel. The original director, Gurinder Chadha, confirmed to Deadline in July 2025 that a sequel is in the works. Chadha also hopes the original duo, Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra, will return. Chadha said she aims for a 2027 release date, as it will be a big year for women’s soccer with the FIFA Women’s World Cup—and the original movie’s 25th anniversary.
The Princess Diaries 3
In Theaters: TBD
Original Movie Released: 2001
Where to Watch the Original: Disney+
The Princess Diaries has had a loyal fan base since its debut. With Anne Hathaway set to reprise her iconic role as Mia Thermopolis Renaldi, Genovian princess, the new film will be a continuation of the original story, not a reboot. While the exact plot is still very much under wraps and without an official release date just yet, we can assume it will pick up years after Mia’s coronation and explore what her life as Queen of Genovia has entailed.
Sister Act 3
In Theaters: TBD
Original Movie Released: 1992
Where to Watch the Original: Disney+
The soundtrack to Sister Act was the first CD I ever owned. I mean, “My Guy/My God,” “Hail Holy Queen,” and “I Will Follow Him”—no skips! Plus, Whoopi Goldberg’s performances in Sister Act and Sister Act 2 were both comedic and soulful and have inspired generations of fans. Since she is the executive producer behind the upcoming third movie, I’m positive that Sister Act 3 will steal the show.
Top Gun 3
In Theaters: TBD
Original Movie Released: 1986
Where to Watch the Original: Paramount+ and Apple TV
Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise, is a millennial movie classic. And when Top Gun: Maverick debuted in 2022, it did not disappoint, earning a 96 percent “Tomatometer” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The third Top Gun movie is officially in the works with Tom Cruise returning. However, the main character of this upcoming movie is still under wraps.
I Am Legend 2
In Theaters: TBD
Original Movie Released: 2007
Where to Watch the Original: Amazon Prime Video
It’s been 20 years since the original movie was released, and I still consider it one of the best zombie films out there. The film is still in the early pre-production phase, but what we do know is that Will Smith is expected to return as Dr. Robert Neville alongside actor Michael B. Jordan, whose character isn’t yet confirmed.
FAQs
Is Elle a movie reboot or a TV series?
Elle is a television series starring Lexi Minetree as the young Elle Woods and is a prequel to the Legally Blonde (2001) movie.
Will the original cast be returning for Dirty Dancing 2?
The cast is not yet confirmed for the Dirty Dancing sequel. Unfortunately, actor Patrick Swayze died of pancreatic cancer in 2009, and it’s unknown whether the film will pay tribute to the lead actor. However, it’s said that actress Jennifer Grey will be returning.
Will Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion have a sequel?
Yes, it has been confirmed that Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow are returning for a Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion sequel.
Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor
Kathy Sisson has been a key contributor in the editorial parenting space for eight years, not only as a full-time editor at The Everymom but previously as a freelance writer for top parenting sites, including Scary Mommy, Motherly, Parent Co., and more. As an editor at The Everymom, she has produced hundreds of articles on a range of parenting topics, reviewed dozens of family-focused products, interviewed leading experts in the children and parenting world, and created viral parenting social media content. A mom of two, she is committed to sharing the honest, helpful, and often humorous stories of motherhood.
Patty Schepel, Associate Editor
As the Associate Editor, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, editing freelance articles, and more. With Patty’s passion for writing, experience as a mother of two, and expertise as a pediatric nurse, she brings a thoughtful and informative perspective to The Everymom.