Best Nostalgic TV Shows & Films to Stream

By Jonathon Wilson
Published: August 11, 2022 (Last updated: January 5, 2024)
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There’s nothing more comforting than watching some nostalgic TV, or an old film to bring us back to our childhood. While films we enjoyed when we were younger can remind us of a simpler time, watching these same movies at a different point in our lives can also give us a new perspective, and allow us to see things that we didn’t realise the first time around.

There’s a huge variety of options across streaming platforms that include nostalgic TV shows from the 2000s and beyond. We have put together a list of what we believe are some of the most nostalgic watches across streaming platforms, and put to rest the debate of which streaming service is best for classic and nostalgic viewing.

The Jungle Book

An absolute classic from many people’s childhoods. The Jungle Book, available to watch on Disney+, is something that offers nostalgia in spades as viewers make their way through the riveting story and immerse themselves in the iconic singalong soundtrack. This feelgood animated film has everything you could ask for when searching for something nostalgic to watch and will take you back to the first time you watched it.

Gilmore Girls

Following the lives of the mother and daughter protagonists over seven seasons, this wholesome series, which is available on Netflix, takes the viewer through many highs and lows as the pair explore various romances, and as their relationship with each other gradually develops. With quirky and over-the-top characters that are rarely seen in modern productions, Gilmore Girls will remind those watching of a different style of programme, and the comforting premise of the show will have viewers coming back for more. 

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Although this classic from 1986 may have influenced many students to take an unwarranted day off, this film has a place close to many people’s hearts. Available to stream on Netflix, this film follows Ferris Bueller as he fakes sickness to stay off school, and will likely remind the audience of their own school days, and the escapades that come with growing up. 

Saved by the Bell

Available to stream on Amazon Prime, Saved by the Bell follows a group of high schoolers as they navigate the trials and tribulations of growing up, and features the iconic character, ‘Screech’, played by the late Dustin Diamond. Screech’s famous lines, when combined with the canned laughter of the early 1990s and the extravagant wardrobe of the cast, make this teen sitcom nostalgic for anyone who grew up around this time, whether they watched the show or not.

Which streaming service has the best nostalgic films and TV?

While there are a huge number of nostalgic TV shows on Netflix, other streaming platforms such as Disney+ and Amazon Prime are the real contenders for the top spot. Each streaming service has its pros and cons, but for many people, Disney+ will be the best option for old nostalgic TV shows. With many classic films and nostalgic TV shows from the 2010s and earlier, Disney and Pixar classics included, there will be something for anyone who wants to relive their childhood through cinema on Disney+.

Discover what to watch with Ready Steady Cut

We are your go-to destination for anything TV and film, and we review programmes and movies so you know whether something is worth watching before you put it on. At Ready Steady Cut, we also give recaps of the previous series of your favourite shows, so you are all up to speed when new episodes are released. Discover it all at Ready Steady Cut.

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