Movie Characters Are More Real Than You Might Think

Watching an old movie you used to love can make you realize the impact fictional characters can have on your childhood. R. Y. Langham, a psychologist working with The Association for Natural Psychology, wrote a report on the psychological effects movie characters can have on young children. He delved into the fact that belief systems can be altered by characters—especially in the absence of already established morals.

Although this sounds serious and somewhat scary, it’s not always a bad thing! It explains why we had to have a specific shirt a movie character was wearing or why we took on some characteristics, both good and bad, from watching them.

We decided to highlight our three most favorite iconic characters from the early 2000s that have molded and shaped us into the people we are today. Whether these characters were your favorite because they dated your teenage heartthrob or you aspired to own every piece in their wardrobe, this list will make everyone feel like they jumped back in time to their childhood years. You might just notice some of the characteristics you might have adapted from your own favorite movie characters.

A Cinderella Story

Not only did Sam make being nice cool, she proved that things usually turn out okay in the end. At some point in time, we all have tried to memorize the scene where Sam broke into the boy’s locker room to stand up for herself.

“No, you listen. You turned out to be exactly who I thought you were. I never pretended to be somebody else. It's been me all along... But even though I have no family, and no job and no money for college... It's you that I feel sorry for.”

This movie became a fan favorite. Soon after its release, every girl was begging their moms to be a bride for Halloween or praying they would have a super hot pen pal like Chad Michael Murray that soon falls in love with them.

2. New York Minute

This movie was not only fantastic, but it appealed to more than just one type of girl. In the opening scene, where the two twins walk out of their totally different styled rooms into the divided bathroom, every girl related to one of the two. Roxy was spunky, a total rebel, played the drums and all around was super cool. Jane was very clean, straight-edge and aesthetically pleasing. Regardless of which twin you related to the most, they both gave perfect outfit inspiration for your next day at school. Thanks to New York Minute, we don’t feel ashamed to wear our “I LOVE NYC” tees out in public.

3. Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen

This movie is a prime example of copying everything about a character. Lola had a bottle cap necklace, so every little girl watching this movie had to have a bottle cap necklace. Lola got invited to Stu Wolf’s after party, so you were plotting ways you could become friends with a famous musician and have him fall in love with you once you got to high school. Every girl dreamed of wearing that red, sparkly dress with the big bow and having her parents let her go to NYC alone with her best friend. Many parents were probably unhappy with their daughters trying to take on Lola’s personality after watching this movie considering she was moody, reckless and, yes, a drama queen.

Although movies aren’t real and these characters are just made up, as a child, sometimes it didn’t seem like that. It can be so interesting to rewatch your favorite old movies and think about the behavioral impact or even the fashion choices that you made because of it! Next time you're listening to an old song, watching an old Disney Channel show or even eating your grandma’s favorite dish, think about how the smallest things have shaped you into the spunky adult you are today.