21 Iconic Movies That Millennial Aussies Will Remember, But Gen Z Will Be Confused By

In all seriousness, I think it's time to bring back Blockbuster and Video Ezy.

1. The Castle

Roadshow Entertainment

The best part of year 11 legal studies, hands down. You simply cannot name a more quotable movie. This changed our vernacular forever and if anybody disagrees with you, tell 'em they're dreaming. 

2. Kenny

Splashdown

This was the first mockumentary a lot of us had exposure to and what a great way to start. Unfortunately for him, no matter what he does, Shane Jacobson will forever be known as Kenny, but that's just the price he has to pay for this comedy gem.

3. Looking for Alibrandi

Robyn Kershaw Productions

The best ever book-to-movie adaptation, bar none. Alibrandi is the perfect coming-of-age story. It has a sassy teenager, a hunky boy, an eccentric family and a tragedy that broke our hearts forever — all set during the HSC. Phenomenal. 

4. FernGully: The Last Rainforest

Kroyer Films, Inc., Youngheart Productions and FAI Films

Set in Australia, FernGully had an undeniable effect on us all. It was the first movie that taught us about the importance of the environment, plus it gave us some absolute bangers. Seriously, check out this soundtrack, it's bloody great. 

5. Kangaroo Jack

Castle Rock Entertainment and Jerry Bruckheimer Films

This is literally one of the silliest movies of all time, but god it's still a bloody treat to watch. For some reason, this kangaroo could talk? Truly, WTF!

6. Hating Alison Ashley

Universal Pictures

My sister and I would fight so much about who loved Delta Goodrem more — we would literally pull each other's hair out and I can only imagine that was the same for all children across the nation. Hating Alison Ashley is a classic. It's funny and taught us that things are not always what they seem.

7. Muriel’s Wedding

Film Victoria and House & Moorhouse Films

I have no memory of what happens in this movie, I just remember "you're terrible Muriel" and that's all that matters. Iconic. 

8. The Rabbit Proof Fence

Rumbalara Films and Film Finance Corporation Australia

The most poignant movie of our childhood and one of few touchstones that were given in school to reveal the true brutality of Australia's colonisation. Required viewing for all Aussies.

9. Wallace and Gromit

Aardman Animations

Was it even a rainy day in primary school if one of these wasn't put on the TV to distract us? Collectively, we've all seen them all about nine million times and while it isn't an "Aussie" film series, Wallace and Gromit was on such high repeat in our childhoods, I think we can claim it. 

10. Puberty Blues

Limelight Productions

Before the masterful TV series, we had this gem of an Australian movie. Without Puberty Blues, we would have never learned to say "rack off, you moll" and what a sad existence that would be.

11. Crocodile Dundee

Rimfire Films

Are you even an Australian if you haven't quoted this upwards of 50 times in your life? In hindsight, this movie has some highly problematic parts, but its impact on Aussie culture is undeniable. 

12. Ned Kelly

StudioCaWorking Title Films, Australian Film Commission and Film Finance Corporation Australia

Is this a historical movie, or just our collective sexual awakening? Hard to tell. 

13. Napoleon

Adelaide Motion Picture Company

Don't come for me, but this is the better of the two movies named Napoleon. I said what I said. This one is about a dog and it's Australian — come on, pull your head in and you'll see I'm right. 

14. The Wog Boy

Trimark

As a Wog Girl, this movie was very important to me in claiming my wog identity. A one-of-a-kind comedy that we all at some point watched, absorbed, and forgot about (until the fateful sequel was forced on us).

15. Finding Nemo

Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios

The fact that these fish were going to 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney was one of the most exciting moments of my young life. Sydney — that's where I live! We didn't get a lot of Aussie representation in the Disney/Pixar world, so this was life-changing. 

16. Gallipoli

Australian Film Commission

A year nine history class must-watch. Often forgotten about when talking about Aussie films, this taught us about Australia's involvement in the first World War and how brutal it was on the young men who participated. Harrowing, but important.

17. Whale Rider

South Pacific Pictures and New Zealand Film Comission

Before the nation of New Zealand comes for me, I know this isn't an Australian movie — all I am saying is that Aussie kids were highly influenced by it. Who among us didn't want to communicate with the whales after watching this? 

18. Blackrock

Film Finance Corporation Australia

One of the darkest depictions of young Australian life and an incredibly difficult watch. This was one of the first times we saw "mateship" culture shown honestly and not just as the Aussie ideal. This taught us about consent and to stick to our morals. Vital stuff.

19. Wolf Creek

South Australian Film Corporation and  Film Finance Corporation Australia

Wolf Creek is one of the scariest horror movies of all time, but still isn't as horrifying as the real life story of the backpacker murders. Watching this as kids and young teens was scarring and honestly put me off hitchhiking forever.

20. Our Lips Are Sealed

Dualstar Entertainment Group and Tapestry Films

Forget When in Rome and New York Minute, Our Lips are Sealed was the absolute best Mary-Kate and Ashley production and it gave us the recognition we deserved. I reckon it's time for a sequel tbh.

21. And finally, Strictly Ballroom

M&A Productions and Ronin Films

The fact that I never got to study this in the HSC is a travesty and I'm not over it. Strictly Ballroom was the beginning for our boy Baz and his dynasty of great films and one of the best Australian movies ever.