One of humanity’s most exquisite abilities is reliving the memories of the past. Nostalgia, whether through good or challenging times, inflicts emotions that remind us of simpler days or hardships we’ve overcome. It’s no wonder, then, that Hollywood has capitalised on this sentiment, transforming the entertainment industry into a playground of nostalgia-fuelled storytelling. From reboots like iCarly and Wizards of Waverly Place to the latest Wicked movie, and even revisiting iconic franchises like Star Wars, the resurgence of cult classics is a trend that continues to dominate the big screen and streaming platforms.
But what drives this obsession with reviving the past? Is it a reflection of creative stagnation, or could it be a renaissance of storytelling that honours cherished memories while capturing new audiences?
Hollywood is, first and foremost, a business. The ability to evoke nostalgia has proven to be a highly lucrative strategy according to critics. Nostalgic remakes and sequels regularly make a significant mark at the box office. Disney’s 2019 live-action remake of The Lion King, for example, grossed a staggering $1.657 billion, far surpassing the $833 million earned by the original 1994 animated film (adjusted for inflation). The numbers make it clear: audiences are willing to pay for a chance to relive their favourite stories.
Yet, there is a growing divide among viewers. Some argue that these projects are often cash grabs that lack substance. Film critic Mike Burdge, notes, “The effects of nostalgia are inherently bittersweet, which is why the capitalisation and over-production of films and other works of art utilizing this emotion are being met with such backlash.” This critique aligns with public backlash towards sequels like The Force Awakens, criticised for rehashing major themes from A New Hope rather than taking the Star Wars saga in a bold, new direction.
Hits and misses in the nostalgia game
While some projects have soared, others have stumbled. The iCarly reboot, for example, received mixed reactions. Fans appreciated its modernised take on the beloved show, but some felt it lacked the original’s charm. Similarly, Selena Gomez’s teasing of a Wizards of Waverly Place revival stirred excitement, but scepticism lingered about whether the magic could be recreated in today’s cultural landscape.

Conversely, Top Gun: Maverick defied expectations, proving that sequels can expand a story rather than relying solely on nostalgia. Thirty-six years after the original, the film wowed audiences and critics alike, earning a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes and grossing $1.485 billion globally. By introducing fresh themes and deeper character arcs, Maverick became a sequel that arguably surpassed its predecessor.

Another standout is the Wicked film adaptation, which has been highly anticipated for years. While the two-part approach has sparked debate, fans of the Broadway musical made sure it soared to the box office with a worldwide opening of a whooping $164 million, craving for a cinematic experience that captures the essence of Elphaba and Glinda’s story while bringing something new to the table.
Another hallmark of Hollywood’s nostalgia machine is the heavy use of cameos. Films like Spider-Man: No Way Home and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness have been praised for bringing together beloved characters from past franchises. While these cameos generate buzz and satisfy die-hard fans, over-reliance on them might risk turning films into a series of fan service moments rather than compelling narratives.
As Jenna Anderson observes, “The problem is when a cameo appearance, or the mere prospect of it, gets close to becoming the primary source of joy within a piece of media.”- pointing towards the season 2 finale of Star Wars: The Mandalorian for pushing out a younger Luke Skywalker through CGI, into the previously independent storyline.
However, this nostalgia-driven model has a downside. With studios channelling significant resources into remakes and sequels and cameos of previously adored characters, original storytelling is often sidelined. New voices and ideas struggle to gain funding, leaving future generations with fewer cultural touchstones to call their own.
There is also the risk of diminishing returns. As audiences grow weary of formulaic reboots, Hollywood could face the challenge of creating a sustainable model that balances nostalgia with innovation.
But should we be villainising the era of nostalgia?
Despite its pitfalls, the nostalgia boom isn’t inherently negative. When done well, reboots and sequels can honour beloved stories while introducing them to new audiences. The key lies in creativity, offering fresh narratives that stand on their own merit, rather than simply rehashing what worked in the past.

Take the revival of Doctor Who in 2005, for instance. The British sci-fi classic was brought back after a 16-year hiatus, but it wasn’t just a nostalgia trip for long-time fans. The show embraced its quirky roots while modernising its storytelling and production. With each new Doctor, the series explored different tones and themes, from the whimsical charm of David Tennant’s era to the philosophical depth of Peter Capaldi’s. It managed to attract a global audience of younger viewers while paying homage to the show’s rich history, proving that a reboot can be both reverent and revolutionary.
Similarly, The Karate Kid franchise found success in two different eras. Jaden Smith’s 2010 reboot modernised the original 1984 story while transporting it to a new cultural setting—China. By introducing Kung Fu instead of Karate and focusing on the mentorship between Smith’s Dre Parker and Jackie Chan’s Mr Han, the film respected the essence of the original while standing on its own. It worked well because it didn’t attempt to replicate the original beat-for-beat but rather adapted its spirit to a new time, place, and audience.

Years later, Cobra Kai expanded the franchise further with a nuanced and fresh perspective. Instead of simply revisiting Daniel LaRusso’s triumphs, the series flipped the narrative by giving Johnny Lawrence, the original antagonist, a voice. By exploring themes of redemption, generational conflict, and changing perceptions, Cobra Kai proved that a sequel can thrive by reinterpreting the source material rather than retreading old ground. The mix of humour, drama, and action resonated with both fans of the original films and a new generation of viewers.
Whether Hollywood’s current obsession with the past represents a renaissance or stagnation will depend on the industry’s ability to innovate within the framework of nostalgia. For now, one thing is certain: the reliance on nostalgia isn’t fading away anytime soon.
This is perhaps because storytelling itself is a deeply human tradition. Throughout history, we’ve told the same tales in countless ways—legends of heroes retold through generations, myths reshaped to suit the moment, and timeless characters reimagined to resonate with new audiences. Humanity will always return to stories that matter, finding fresh ways to tell them. Nostalgia is not just about revisiting the past; it’s a bridge to the future, a way to keep traditions alive while reinventing them for new generations.