In 2016, we will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of some of our favorite movies, music and television shows. Back in 2006, many of us weren’t even teenagers yet. Where did the time go? Here’s a list of 10 popular movies and television shows you may not have known were celebrating double digits this year.
Movies
“High School Musical”
The Disney Channel original musical in which heartthrob Zac Efron made his big debut turned 10 years old on Jan. 20. In the film, Troy Bolton (Efron), a jock, falls for the pretty nerd, Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens). After trying out for the school musical, Troy has to figure out how to hide the fact that he likes singing, while Gabriella has to make sure the popular girl (Ashley Tisdale) doesn’t steal Troy and her spotlight. From “Breaking Free” to “We’re All in This Together,” “High School Musical” will forever be a childhood favorite.
“The Devil Wears Prada”
The film featuring Anne Hathaway as recent college graduate Andy Sachs who turns from drab to fab while working for Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) is celebrating its 10th birthday on June 30. Sachs lands a job as an assistant for Priestly at a high fashion magazine, Runway. This realistic, fashion-forward movie never gets old. It’s always the best feeling to see the young, dark horse come out on top. Who knows? Maybe a “Devil Wears Prada 2” will be in the future.
“The Departed”
Director Martin Scorsese and his star-studded cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Walhberg and Martin Sheen, are still celebrating winning Best Picture 10 years later. In this Boston crime drama, Billy Costigan (DiCaprio) goes undercover to investigate the organization of chief mobster Frank Costello (Nicholson). Criminal Colin Sullivan (Damon) also goes undercover in the local police department. The organizations find out about these two men, so Billy and Collin begin working together. Fun fact: the actors improvised a lot of the lines in the movie.
“The Pursuit of Happyness”
This movie, starring Will and Jaden Smith, is celebrating 10 years of inspiration in December. Will Smith plays a dad named Chris Gardner who is left to raise his son (Jaden Smith) on his own. He struggles to build a life for them both in San Francisco. Luckily, Chris later lands an internship in a stockbroker-training program. Because he is not getting paid, he and his son are evicted from their apartment and become homeless. They spend night after night sleeping on the streets and in the metro station. Spoiler alert: with determination, drive and love from his son, Chris becomes a Wall Street legend. Ten years later, and this movie still tugs at your heart strings.
“She’s the Man”
Amanda Bynes stars as Viola Hastings in this rom-com inspired by William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.” She decides to disguise herself as her twin brother Sebastian. Her school cuts the girls soccer team, so she wants to prove that women can play soccer, too, even with men. She pretends to be her brother while attending his school so she can play on the soccer team. While she is pretending to be her brother, she falls in love with her roommate (Channing Tatum). Sebastian returns to school earlier than expected and finds that Viola has taken his place. You’ll have to watch to see what happens next.
Shows
“Friday Night Lights”
Ten years ago, this drama captured the hearts of its viewers. The show is based on a high school football team in the fictional town of Dillon, Texas. It focuses mainly on the coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) and his family. “Friday Night Lights” addresses issues in American culture, including family values, school funding, racism, drugs and abortions.
“Ugly Betty”
This comedy-drama starring America Ferrera will be turning 10 this September. The series revolves around her role as Betty Suarez, who lands a job at a prestigious magazine in New York City. The show follows her trials and tribulations during her personal and professional life. With only four seasons, many fans are still hoping for a movie in the future.
“Hannah Montana”
Can you believe Miley Cyrus was little Miley Rae Stewart 10 years ago? The now anti-anything Hannah Montana was once a Disney Channel star. In “Hannah Montana,” Miley Stewart is a regular teenager by day and a pop-star by night. Besides her family and best friends, who eventually know she lives a double life, the rest of the world thinks Hannah and Miley are two different people. With her dad (Billy Ray Cyrus) by her side leading her in the right direction, Hannah and Miley turn out just fine.
“Dexter”
For eight seasons, “Dexter” continued to win over viewers. Its main character, Dexter Morgan (Michaele C. Hall), is a blood splatter expert based in Miami who solves murders and also commits them. He’s a serial killer who justifies his murders by saying he only kills the guilty. The only person who knows about his double life is his adoptive father (James Remar), who helps him throughout the series. This is definitely a show to add to your binge-watch list.
“30 Rock”
This famous sitcom, starring Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, Jack McBrayer, Alec Baldwin, Jane Krakowski and more, ended its run after seven seasons. The show was loosely based on Tina Fey’s experiences as head writer for Saturday Night Live, and its name references 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City, which is where the NBC Studios are located. The show takes place behind the scenes of a fake live sketch comedy show that airs on NBC. Liz Lemon, played by Fey, deals with a new boss and a new star while trying to balance producing a successful show. The ever-funny, award-winning series continues to be a fan favorite, even 10 years later.
