10 Iconic Movies Celebrating 30 in 2025

As we approach 2025, movie buffs have another reason to rejoice: some of the most memorable films of the ’90s are arriving at the big three-oh this year! Whether a cult hit or a box office smash, signals films being released in 1995 that will have turned 30 in 2025 left a permanent mark on pop culture and continue shaping the fabric of the motion picture experience. Some may have seen these films in a theatre in 1995; others may have come to them later.

Either way, the films still live on. Here is a trip down memory lane to the year 1995 a monumental year in Hollywood with ten iconic films turning 30 in 2025.

Toy Story

Release Date: November 22, 1995

“Toy Story” wasn’t simply a movie—it was a game-changer. As the first-ever full-length feature film to be made entirely with CGI, it marked the beginning of Pixar ruling the animation industry. With memorable characters like Woody and Buzz Lightyear, “Toy Story” introduced audiences to a new way of telling stories and the animated film-making process would never be the same.

Why It Is Still Iconic: It launched a multi-billion-dollar franchise and changed animation for countless generations.

Braveheart

Release Date: May 24, 1995

Directed by and starring Mel Gibson, “Braveheart” is the ultimate epic tale about Scottish freedom fighter William Wallace. Through moving speeches and complicated battle scenes of extremist loyalty, it earned dramatically five Academy Awards, including for Best Picture and Best Director.

Why It Is Still Iconic: “They may take our lives, but they’ll never take our freedom!” Still one of the most quoted lines in movie history.

Clueless

Release Date: July 19, 1995

“Clueless” was a modern adaptation of Jane Austen‘s Emma, which captured the teen culture of the ’90s. The film featured iconic, catchy lingo, fashionable wardrobes, and dry humor, and it became a larger cultural phenomenon.

Why It’s Still Iconic: As if! “Clueless” continues to influence fashion and serves as a milestone for all teen movie enthusiasts.

Se7en

Release Date: September 22, 1995

David Fincher‘s chilling thriller “Se7en” starred Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman as detectives trying to catch a serial killer whose murders were based on the seven deadly sins; to say the twist ending was shocking is a slight understatement, it is enough to say that it is still haunting information many viewers remember.

Apollo 13

Release Date: June 30, 1995

Tom Hanks star in “Apollo 13,” which depicted NASA’s crisis-filled lunar mission in 1970. Tense and realistic, “Apollo 13” drew in both space and history enthusiasts alike to the theaters when it was released.

Why It’s Still Iconic: “Houston, we have a problem” became a widespread cultural quote.

GoldenEye

Release Date: November 17, 1995

Pierce Brosnan debuted as James Bond in this action-packed series entry, which revived the franchise after its six-year long hiatus. “GoldenEye” also inspired one of the most popular video games of the ’90s. Why It’s Still Iconic: It brought Bond back with flair and style to a new generation of audiences.

Pocahontas

Release Date: June 23, 1995

Disney’s “Pocahontas” came out during the studio’s Renaissance era and included beautiful and memorable animation and music (with a now Oscar-winning song “Colors of the Wind”).

Why is it Still Iconic: It opened kids’ eyes to the value of nature and diversity through captivating storytelling.

Heat

Release Date: December 15, 1995

Michael Mann‘s “Heat” brought together actors Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in a cinematic contest of sorts. Known for its riveting heist scenes and intense performances, it has transcended into cinematic history, exemplifying one of the best of the genre.

Why is it Still Iconic: Just the coffee shop scene alone is iconic in film history.

Jumanji

Original Release: December 15, 1995

In this adventurous film, Robin Williams plays a magical and thrilling board game that brings the jungle to life. It had heart, humor, and tons of action, drawing fans of all ages in.

Why It Is Still Iconic: Multiple sequels and spin-offs were created, but the original is revered by its fans.

Before Sunrise

Original Release: January 27, 1995

This romantic drama by Richard Linklater portrays two strangers (Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy) who meet on a train and spend one night together in Vienna. This film is the first of a trilogy, each being recognizable for the themes of love, time, and connectivity.

Why It Is Still Iconic: The blend of realism, romance, and introspection is perfect.

In 2025, films released 30 years ago will enter a special space. This specific timeframe in cinema was one of the most exciting and liberated times, where filmmakers were daring enough to do things no one had before, studios were creating new technologies, and actors were not afraid to go into strange new roles. 1995 was a year of animation, the release of “Toy Story,” and the year of intimidating philosophy and romance in film, as in “Before Sunrise.”

Whether you are feeling nostalgic in (re)discovering a film from your childhood or encountering this classic for the first time, 2025 will be the year you want to (re)watch them.

There’s no questioning that the films reaching 30 in 2025 are worthy of celebration—not for simply being thirty years old, but for the influence they have had on the movie landscape we know today. And as we move to the future, we’re reminded that these stories and films still entertain, inspire, and connect audiences, spanning generations.

So, grab some popcorn, turn on your favorite streaming service (or dig out your DVDs), and celebrate the big 3-0 with the following icons.

Which of these 1995 gems is your favorite? Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments!

See Also: Top 10 Must-Watch Spy Movies for Thriller Lovers