(Credit: Netflix)

The most popular movie list on Netflix just came out, and it has a new contender; however, it is old. Sounds a bit confusing; well, here is the explanation. It is It Takes Two, the 1995 Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen classic that just made a surprise comeback and hence is a new-old contender. This film is neither a gritty thriller nor a flashy rom-com but a heartwarming, chaotic case of twin confusion.

This film, which once ruled the VHS shelves and after-school movie slots, has now climbed its way onto the Netflix US charts nearly three decades after its release. And honestly, it kind of makes perfect sense.

The film follows a heartwarming story of two girls, Amanda and Alyssa. Amanda is a scrappy orphan with a baseball cap and no filter, whereas Alyssa is a refined heiress with a closet full of pastel dresses. The two look identical, because why not, and when fate follows them together at a summer camp, they hatch a plan to switch lives.

As the two decide to switch lives, their goal is to stop Alyssa’s stiff father from marrying his snooty fiancée and instead fall in love with Amanda’s kind-hearted social worker. Directed by Andy Tennant, the film follows the classic ’90s storytelling: unrealistic, hilarious and brimming with optimism.

But the question is, why is It Takes Two having a moment again in 2025?

For starters, the nostalgic factor comes into play. Viewers who first witnessed these films on VHS with juice boxes and after-school snacks are now adults and are looking for something light, familiar and full of heart. This film successfully delivers a hit of that feel-good energy without any emotional homework. The best part is you already know how it ends, and that is exactly why you are pressing play.

More than that, It Takes Two belongs to a very specific genre that has almost disappeared. We are talking about the wholesome family film category that is not animated or secretly depressing. There are no edgy plots, no deep trauma arcs and no evil villains. It is a story where orphans matchmake their caretakers, and everyone gets a happy ending. What’s not to love?

Another fun fact about this film is that it is inspired by the 1961 release The Parent Trap. Well, for starters, both films are ultimately based on the German novel “Lisa and Lottie” by Erich Kästner. While both the 1961 and 1998 Parent Trap films are direct adaptations of the German novel, It Takes Two shares thematic similarities with The Parent Trap.

The film’s cast, the Olsen twins, were cultural icons of the time, and this film was one of their most charming deliverables to the industry. Not the story and the dialogues, but their chemistry alone was enough, which carried the film on its back. Also, it is not just about the switcheroo but the way these two young girls make chaos feel like a plan and love feel like a choice. Sure, some jokes feel a little outdated today, but that’s part of the charm.

And let’s not ignore timing. Now that the film is topping the charts on Netflix, consider it a time and take some time out from your busy lives to revisit this childhood classic.