Television and movies bring people together. Families gather around the television to catch up on their favorite shows, couples go to movies together and sip sodas while holding hands, and actors in these shows and films are forever bound by their association with them. The multitude of TV and film reunions in 2015 meant that no matter what you are a fan of, there was at least one reunion that got your nostalgia motor running. Reunions ranged from simple, quick photo opportunities to talk show interviews, to stars stepping back into the roles that made us fall in love with them in the first place.
Reunions aren't easy to pull off well. While a simple photo only takes a few seconds of dedication, staging a full reunion of a cast in character can end up being a multi-million dollar affair (which is easier if it's part of a multi-billion dollar film franchise). I ranked these reunions on not only how difficult they were to pull off, but how satisfying the reunion itself was. Sure, anyone can take a picture with an old friend, but it's truly exceptional when a collection of actors can jump effortlessly back into their beloved roles. Here are the 13 TV and film reunions of 2015, ranked from worst to best.
13. That 70's Show
While it's nice to see these three together, it doesn't compare to their reunion from a few years ago when most of the main cast got together.
12. Hocus Pocus
While it was endearing to see the three core non-witch cast members from Hocus Pocus re-unite, a grainy Instagram picture is only a reunion in a very light sense.
11. Degrassi
Drake took a break from his monstrous 2015 — which included two mixtapes, a massive hit single in "Hotline Bling," and basically ending Meek Mill's career — to meet up with some of his old Degrassi High classmates. Considering his schedule, making time for even a single photo is impressive.
10. Bring It On
This reunion helped show that the cast still has the amazing chemistry they did in the original movie. Even though Kristen Dunst has moved on to bigger things, it's great to see her back with the Rancho Carne High School crew.
9. Gilmore Girls
Almost the entire Gilmore Girls cast assembled at the ATX Festival. While this was a heartwarming scene that took us all back to Stars Hollow, it won't even come close to being as great as the reported Netflix revival of the show.
8. Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
The kids of the 1971 classic reunited 44 years later, along with one of the film's key Oompa Loompas, to talk about their experiences and how life has been since.
7. 30 Rock
Tracy Morgan returned to host Saturday Night Live this year after being in critical condition following a car accident. But the comedian proved he's back and better than ever, and celebrated his hosting gig by having his former 30 Rock castmates join him onstage. It's a heartwarming, delightful reunion worthy of the star at its center.
6. Rocky Horror Picture Show
It's so delightful to see the cast of this classic film back together, 40 years after the original film was released. The cast is as full of life as ever.
5. Boy Meets World
Sometimes it feels like Girl Meets World exists primarily for moments like this, and that's not a bad thing. Mr. Feeny showing up to visit his old classmates is the best Boy Meets World reunion in a series built around such moments.
4. Saved By The Bell
Jimmy Fallon was not only able to get most of the Saved By The Bell cast together — he was able to get them to do a brand new sketch were they all played their original characters. It almost feels as though Zack Morris never left.
3. Back To The Future
While they may be 30 years removed from their iconic roles, it feels as though Marty McFly and Doc Brown drove onto the set of Jimmy Kimmel Live! right out of 1985. These two actors have stayed busy, but it's nice to see them together again — and having a great deal of fun as they reprise their classic roles.
2. Star Wars
It's great to have a new Star Wars movie, but let's all be honest with ourselves — the best part is seeing Luke, Leia, and Han Solo on the big screen again. These actors have been a delight on the promotional circuit and fall right back into their legendary characters in the film. It must've taken a lot of money and effort to get these three back into the world of Star Wars, but it was worth every penny.
1. Good Burger
For one moment in 2015, everyone set their differences aside and came together, united by two former friends and comedy partners returning to each other after over a decade apart. These two spoke one simple message that resonated throughout the world — "I'm a dude. He's a dude. She's a dude. We're all dudes. Yeah."
2015 had some amazing reunions, and it looks like 2016 will prove just as great with the return of beloved television shows such as The X-Files, Fuller House, and Twin Peaks fueling the great reunion fire. If those shows weren't enough, one of the late night Jimmy's (Kimmel or Fallon) likely have something up his sleeve to bring another part of your childhood back to television soon.
Image: Douglas Gorenstein/NBC
