Trends constantly repeat themselves and as we move forward in time, the film industry has begun to move backward. Nowadays, most movies feel and look like they belong in the early 2000s, an iconic time in pop culture.

Movies, “No Hard Feelings,” “Bottoms,” “Bodies, Bodies, Bodies” and “Theater Camp,” are films that share a resemblance to movies that came out in early 2010. These movies all have a nostalgic feeling and reminds people of the raw comedy from those times.  

These movies come from a long trend of reminiscing on the past and in recent, there have been certain eras come back to life. In recent years the 2010 aesthetic has been revived, and it is constantly reflected in the media people consume.

Many people online have praised this comeback in films, with some saying that real cinema is back, while others argue that everything feels like a remake, and is missing originality. 

So, which is it, nostalgia or loss of originality?  

To Frida Valenzuela, it feels like producers nowadays are trying too hard to resemble the 2010 vibe.  

“I don’t know, I enjoy the movies and think they’re very funny but at the same time I feel like they’re just trying too hard,” Valenzuela said. “As much as they attempt to make a 2000s movie, we’re no longer there.”  

Others believe that film watchers miss the rawness of the comedic relief these movies bring.  

Gael Gallegos believes that although most jokes are outdated, they seem to be relevant and funny today. 

“I think we mostly miss the rawness of the jokes without worrying if it’s too much or not, people miss having a good laugh without being judged,” Gallegos said. 

While some miss having a good laugh without being judged, others would prefer to watch the original 2010 movies. Maria Del Dolores Sifuentes is one of those few.  

“I would say it’s a lack of creativity and originality, in my opinion, if I was feeling nostalgic, I would just go and re-watch the classic movies I grew up with, know, and love,” Sifuentes said. “I don’t want to watch a remake or newer version of something that already exists.” 

To her, this trend is nothing but a quick cash grab from the film industry.  

“It also feels like a cop-out because the creators already know the vision/idea/movie is a hit so they’re just taking it and making (it) modern to make money,” Sifuentes said. 

Nostalgia, quick cash grabs, raw comedy or lack of creativity, whatever the film industry is doing seems to be working.  

Some of these movies have been appraised and have been brought back to cinema after years of movie theaters trying to recover from the pandemic. These movies have made millions of dollars at the box office, something previous films seemed to be struggling with.  

Whether these movies lack originality or is nostalgic, some people can agree that these movies can make them laugh, and feel happy, something much needed in today’s world.  

Venus Urquiza is a contributor at The Prospector and can be reached at [email protected]