JJ Abrams Super 8 is first and foremost a tale of wonder that is more prone to coming of age themes. But the more he progresses, the more he expands his vision into the sci-fi genre, leaving viewers stunned by his emotional and equally thrilling drama. Minor details in the film, such as its predominantly younger cast, references to classic zombies and 8mm cameras, evoke a strong sense of nostalgia, especially for early works by its producer, Steven Spielberg.
It’s that nostalgia that keeps viewers revisiting it over and over again over the years since its release. Without surprise, Super 8 isn’t the only movie where such emotions come into play. Here are 8 movies that evoke some of the same nostalgic feelings as Super 8 go for.
8 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
“You are a wizard, Harry” is a dialogue that inspires nostalgia like no other. This explains why, like its big-budget successors, the first Harry potter the film is still a fan favorite.
Marking the start of Harry’s adventures in the Wizarding World with Ron and Hermione, the film establishes a solid foundation for the series and is one of the most popular films about a mischievous gang of heroic children ever made. Coupled with the brilliant score of John Williams, the story takes all Potterheads in the past.
7 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
While many Roald Dahl fans wonder which of the two adaptations of Charlie and the chocolate factory is better, most would agree that Tim Burton’s version has its own dark appeal. Like most Burton films, Charlie and the chocolate factory has pop art images that breathe new life into Roald Dahl’s original story.
Along with that, there’s also a gothic undertone that adds more weight to Wonka’s dark sense of humor and young Charlie’s innocence. This one not only warms the viewer’s heart with nostalgia, but its underlying allegories make a lot more sense with a second viewing experience.
6 War of the Worlds (2005)
With War of the Worlds, Steven Speilberg not only delivered a satisfying adaptation of the classic HG Wells novel, but also brought his own modern twist to the story. Starring Tom Cruise, the film centers on Ray Ferrier, who, along with his son and daughter, struggles to survive a horrific alien invasion.
Rarely leaving a dull moment, the film thrives on slambang action scenes, great performances, and terrifying alien revelations. What more can a spectator ask for?
5 The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Filled with scenic visuals and a diverse set of intriguing characters, Chronicles of Narnia focuses on Lucy and her siblings who find themselves in the mystical lands of Narnia after stepping through the doors of a closet. Soon they learn that they are destined to join forces with Aslan and end the wicked white witch’s reign.
Chronicles of Narnia is a wonderful adaptation of the CS Lewis novel series. Although it uses familiar tropes and fantastic devices, it never fails to appeal to a younger and older audience.
4 AND The Alien (1982)
Often touted as one of Steven Spielberg’s best works, HEY first enchants viewers with her imaginative vision, then makes them howl at her scintillating drama.
In the foreground is young Elliot who befriends an alien left behind on Earth. With the following, Elliot and his siblings form a deep emotional bond with the friendly alien and do everything possible to help him return home safely.
3 Douma (2005)
Duma unfolds like a journey through the African wilderness, where a young boy named Xan learns the hard way that his pet cheetah is not meant to be domesticated. In an adventure reminiscent of the simple coming-of-age films of so many young moviegoers, the bond between its young protagonist and his companion cheetah is always heartwarming.
Along with this, the film’s palpable visuals and poignant coming-of-age drama contain many lessons about love and loss for young viewers.
2 Hugo (2011)
With a much younger Asa Butterfield from the Sex education Fame, Hugo boasts an Oscar-winning production design. But more than that, it is the wonder that Martin Scorsese manages to bring to the film through his artistic vision.
Hugo, the main character of the film is an orphan who spends his days playing with clocks in a train station in Paris. In search of a key to his late father’s automaton, he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime that harkens back to the very origins of cinema as fans know it.
1 The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
Drawn by the Belgian artist Hergé, Tintin’s comics have lived from generation to generation. For this reason, creating his film adaptation was not an easy task. But Steven Spielberg, as with every other project he has led, handled it with the utmost skill and created an ambitious and clever adaptation of the famous series.
The film begins with Tintin discovering a parchment inside a model ship he buys. It takes place on a chain of events that lead him, his dog, and Captain Haddock on a classic adventure in search of a mysterious shipwreck.
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