If you grew up in the ’90s, you know they don’t make movies like they used to. Have there been any great movies released in the past 20 years? Sure (see also “Oh, We’re Old”). But when it comes to movies that the whole family can enjoy, 90s family movies are just that. In the past, going to the video store with your family on a Friday night and picking out a movie to watch felt like a thrilling (and sometimes harrowing) experience. And since there isn’t a ton of stuff to watch on Netflix, Disney+, or other streaming services, you’ll likely end up rewatching it all weekend and memorizing the funniest parts, so you had to choose wisely. Oh, what a wonderful time to be alive!
The following list of suggestions includes all kinds of genres. Some will make you cry, some will make you laugh, and they usually do both. It’s like the trademark of a good 90s movie. When it comes to genre, there are many different elements involved. However, you will notice that this list does not include animated movies. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough time or space to dig out all the glorious animation classics from this decade.
So without further ado, read on for some of the best 90s family movies to watch with kids. After all, how else can you show them what the good old days had to offer?
Classic 90’s Favorite Family Movies
1. babe (1995)
It’s like, “Did every movie in the ’90s have some sort of talking animal? There are many great movies depicting the bond between humans and pets. babe It’s OG. This is the story of a piglet who wants to work as a sheepdog at the county fair, making friends and enemies on the farm along the way. Of particular note is his farm manager, Arthur Hoggett. Babe goes through various experiences throughout the movie, but he never dies and everything has a happy ending in the end. In fact, I’m so glad there’s a sequel (just in case your kids are obsessed with this little guy). In 1998, Babe: City Pig It followed the eponymous pig and hogget on a trip away from the farm.
2. Going back to Japan (1993)
If your child is very sensitive, this movie may not be suitable for them. Going back to Japan Although it can be quite cringe-worthy at times, it’s ultimately a cute family movie that all ages will enjoy. This work centers around three pets. One is Chance (voiced by Michael J. Fox), an enthusiastic bulldog. Shadow, a wise old golden retriever (voiced by Don Ameche). And a cat named Sassie is, well, sassy (voiced by Sally Field). When the owner’s family goes on vacation, they are all dropped off at a family friend’s house. However, the three become distraught and worry that they have been left behind forever, so they talk it over and hit the road, trekking through the wilderness to find their way home.
3. beethoven (1992)
look? It seems like every 90’s movie has an animal as the main character. This is the story of a drooling St. Bernard who invades a family’s home. At first, his father hated the St. Bernard, but the rest of the family loved him and adopted him. Beethoven (who does not speak) spends many years caring for his family and becoming a beloved member of his family. But when an evil veterinarian and his nefarious dog companion (one of whom is played by Stanley Tucci, to boot!) try to euthanize Beethoven, Beethoven must save his life. Generations of children love this movie so much that sequels keep coming out. There are four in total, and three standalone films about this big pup.
4. sandlot (1993)
One of the most iconic 90’s movies of all time, sandlot This is the story of a group of boys spending the summer together. Of course, they play baseball, confront the scary neighborhood dog that threatens them at every turn, and shamelessly fool around with the older lifeguards at the local pool. This coming-of-age story is a must-read for any age and any family. That way, I hope your kids understand what you mean when you say, “You’re going to kill me, Smalls.”
5. flubber (1997)
The late comedic genius Robin Williams made many beloved films in the ’90s. There are so many things to choose from, flubber It’s a great entry point, especially if you have young children. In it, he plays a wild scientist who creates a rubber substance called flubber. He gets so excited about it that he misses his wedding to his girlfriend (played by Marcia Gay Harden) and ends up having to cheat on her to win her back, with mixed results.
6. harriet the spy (1996)
Harriet is not your average sixth grader. She already knows that she wants to be a spy. She records almost everything in her trusted personal diary, including the actions of her classmates and her two best friends. However, when her diary falls into the wrong hands, the entire sixth grade class turns against her. So Harriet hatches a revenge plan to defeat her friends.
7. space jam (1996)
Evil theme park owner Swackhammer (Danny DeVito) attempts to kidnap the Looney Tunes for his next attraction, but Bugs Bunny makes a deal with his adversary to give the Tunes a chance to defend themselves at a basketball game. To ensure victory, the characters kidnap NBA All-Star Michael Jordan to join their team, the Tune Squad.
The best part about this movie is that your kids don’t have to be fans of the 90’s basketball star to appreciate the quirky nature of this movie. Seeing your favorite cartoon characters in the real world is exciting enough.
8. Parent’s trap (1998)
Harry Parker and Annie James (both played by Lindsay Lohan) happen to attend the same summer camp and discover they are twins separated after their parents divorced. The girls change locations in an attempt to meet their unknown parents, and in the process hatch a plan to reunite the families that were torn apart.
9. little rascals (1994)
Despite being a founding member of the He-Man-Woman Haters Club, Alfalfa (Bug Hole) falls in love with his neighbor Darla, creating tension within the group and within the relationship.
10. stuart little (1999)
After visiting a local orphanage to find their son’s sibling, George, Eleanor, and Frederick Little return with a teenage mouse named Stuart (voiced by Michael J. Fox). George refuses to hug his “little brother,” and his cat, Snowbell, doesn’t take well to the rodent. But ultimately, Stuart forms a bond with his new family, tests his courage, and finds acceptance. By the end of the film, their love for Stuart is only marginal.
More 90s movies to watch with the family
matilda (1996): Matilda, a girl with telekinetic powers, overcomes a difficult home life and an even harsher school environment. With the help of her kind teacher, Miss Honey, she confronts the domineering school principal, Miss Trunchbull.
hook (1991): Peter Banning, who has grown up and forgotten his past, must return to Neverland to save the children from Captain Hook. With the help of Tinker Bell and the Lost Boys, Peter remembers his childhood and regains his courage.
mighty joe young (1998): A giant gorilla named Joe, who grew up in Africa and now lives in the United States, is exploited and endangered by a corrupt businessman. Joe and his caretaker Jill fight to protect him from capture and exploitation.
george of the jungle (1997): George, a man raised by monkeys in the jungle, meets a beautiful woman named Ursula and must navigate the modern world. His wild and carefree personality creates a series of funny and heartwarming adventures.
Mighty Ducks (1992): Lawyer Gordon Bombay is assigned to coach a youth hockey team for sociopaths after being convicted of drunk driving. Over time, he develops a bond with the team and helps them find success on the ice.
Honey, we cringed (1997): The Sharinsky family accidentally becomes the size of an insect while testing a new invention. They must now find a way to return to normal size within their extended family.
secret garden (1993): Mary Lennox, a spoiled and lonely orphan, is sent to live with her uncle in a secluded mansion, where she discovers a hidden, neglected garden. Together with her new friends, she brings the garden to life, providing healing for herself and others.
dennis the menace (1993): Dennis is an adventurous and mischievous boy who always gets into trouble with George Wilson, who lives next door. His antics lead to a series of comical misunderstandings, but ultimately teach him the importance of friendship.
muppet treasure island (1996): The Muppets take on the roles of characters from Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic adventure novels treasure island. Jim Hawkins embarks on a quest for treasure, led by a colorful crew and the evil Long John Silver.
now and then (1995): Four childhood friends reunite as adults, reminisce about their summers as little girls, and experience important moments in their lives together. They revisit childhood memories of friendships, secrets, and challenges.
simple wish (1997): A young girl named Annabelle wishes her father to become her fairy godmother, but her wish is only granted by a clumsy and inexperienced fairy. They work together to make her wish come true while overcoming various disasters.
Encinoman (1992): Two high school students discover a frozen caveman in their backyard and revive him. They have to teach him how to live modern life while dealing with their own teenage issues.
Dunston checks in (1996): Dunston, a mischievous orangutan, wreaks havoc on a luxury hotel. A young hotel employee befriends Dunston and tries to help him escape from a greedy jewel thief.
Zeno 21st Century Girl (1999): Zenon, a teenager living on a space station, faces his biggest challenge yet when he uncovers a conspiracy that threatens his homeworld. With the help of her friends, she works to save the space station and prove her worth.
free willy (1993): A boy named Jesse befriends a captive killer whale named Willie, forms a bond, and attempts to free the whale. With the help of new friends, Jesse fights to rescue Willy from captivity and release him back into the wild.
tom and huck (1995): Based on Mark Twain’s classic novel, this film follows Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn as they embark on a series of adventurous and daring adventures. The boys unravel the town’s mysteries, from treasure hunts to the intricacies of friendship.
13th year (1999): A boy named Cody finds himself transformed into a mermaid on his 13th birthday. He must learn to accept and control his powers while grappling with his newfound identity.
white fang (1991): During the Klondike Gold Rush, a young man named Jack teams up with a half-wolf, half-dog named White Fang. They forge deep bonds while facing the harsh realities of survival and loyalty in the wild.
carly sue (1991): A girl named Carly Sue and her con-artist guardian Bill succeed in swindling wealthy people out of money. Their lives change when they deceive a successful lawyer and finally find their real family.
hocus pocus (1993): On Halloween night in Salem, three witches, the Sanderson Sisters, are resurrected and plan to steal young people from the town’s children. A group of teens must stop the witches from wreaking havoc.
flipper (1996): A young boy named Sandy bonds with a playful dolphin named Flipper while vacationing with his uncle in Florida. Together they form a team to protect the ocean and its creatures from dangerous villains.
Paulie (1998): Polly, a smart parrot with the ability to speak, goes on a journey to reunite with his owner and the girl he once loved. Along the way, Paulie befriends several eccentric characters and faces many challenges.
madeline (1998): Madeline, an adventurous and mischievous girl attending a boarding school in Paris, goes on a heartwarming adventure. She befriends a lonely widower and helps save the school from sale.
black beauty (1994): The story of a horse named Black Beauty and its various owners. It depicts the bond between horses and their caretakers, and the fight against abuse. The film emphasizes compassion and empathy for animals.
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993): A divorced father played by Robin Williams disguises himself as an elderly British nanny in order to spend more time with his children.
Muppets from space (1999): Gonzo finds out that he is an alien from outer space. The Muppets help Gonzo reunite with his family, confronting government agents along the way.
jungle 2 jungle (1997): A businessman learns that his estranged son, who was raised by a tribe in the Amazon jungle, now lives in New York City. As they adjust to their new life together, they both learn valuable lessons about family and life.
angels in the outfield (1994): A boy prays for a miracle to help his baseball team in trouble, but an angel eventually appears and leads the team to victory.
3 ninja (1992): Three brothers are trained in martial arts by their grandfather and must use their skills to defeat criminals who want to take over the family business.
cool running (1993): This film is based on the true story of Jamaica’s first bobsled team and follows four unlikely athletes as they pursue their dream of competing in the Winter Olympics.
newsies (1992): Based on the true story of the 1899 newspaper carrier strike, this musical follows a group of young newsagents who go on strike to protest unfair wages.
blank check (1994): A boy is accidentally given a blank check, which he uses to buy anything he wants, including a mansion and a luxury car.
Borrowers (1997): The Kroc family, a small group of people living under the floorboards of their house, must protect themselves from the humans who try to get them.
teacher dolittle (1998): Mr. Dolittle, who can talk to animals, goes on a journey to save rare animals from a cruel circus ringmaster.
Andre (1994): A young girl befriends a sea lion named Andre, and they form a deep bond while helping the sea lion adjust to life in captivity.
Indian in the cupboard (1995): A boy named Omri discovers that he can bring the toys in his cupboard to life. When he places a small Native American doll inside, it becomes a real Iroquois warrior, Little Bear, leading to a lesson about friendship and responsibility.
101 Dalmatians (1996): In this live-action version of the classic animated film, two Dalmatians must save a puppy from the villainous Cruella de Vil. The dogs team up with their animal friends to stop her from making a coat out of their fur.
rat hunting (1997): Two brothers inherit an old mansion and have to deal with a naughty mouse who won’t leave. The battle between brother and mouse escalates in a slapstick comedy full of mistakes.
Rookie of the Year (1993): A boy named Henry becomes a baseball sensation after an accident gives him an amazing pitching arm.
addams family (1991): The quirky and creepy Addams family is thrown into turmoil when a man claiming to be an estranged relative tries to deceive them.
the big green (1995): A group of sociopaths form a soccer team with the help of a new teacher from England. Together they overcome differences and learn about teamwork, tenacity, and self-confidence.
richie rich (1994): Despite all his wealth, Richie Rich, the richest kid in the world, feels his life is lonely. He befriends a group of children who teach him the value of friendship and life beyond material wealth.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas and tries to bring it to his world. But his well-intentioned attempt to spread Christmas cheer turns into a mess and a lesson about identity and appreciation for tradition.
little princess (1995): Sarah Crewe, a young girl living in a boarding school, faces hardships when her father is presumed dead. Sarah finds strength through her imagination and kindness, helping those around her.
drop dead fred (1991): Elizabeth, who suffers from a harsh life and an overbearing mother, reunites with her childhood imaginary friend, Drop Dead Fred. His chaotic antics provide Elizabeth with a humorous and therapeutic moment of rediscovering herself.
father of the bride (1991): George Banks is thrown into a whirlwind of emotions when his daughter announces her engagement. As he struggles to let go, he realizes the importance of family and the changes that come with it.
baby day out (1994): A wealthy baby was kidnapped, but the kidnappers were unable to control him as he embarked on an adventure around Chicago. The baby inadvertently outsmarts them at every turn, leading to a comedic rescue.
don’t look under the bed (1999): A teenager named Frances discovers that the monster she saw as a child is real and that it has come to terrorize her town. She must team up with a mysterious boy to stop the creature and uncover the truth.
halloween town (1998): Marnie learns that she is a witch and that her grandmother lives in a magical town called Halloween Town. Together with her brothers, Marnie must help save the magical community from dark forces.
my girl (1991): Vada, a young girl facing the death of her mother, develops a strong friendship with her best friend Thomas. Together, they overcome awkward childhood moments, loss (here a clear warning about death), and the process of growing up.
camp nowhere (1994): A group of kids, tired of the summer camp their parents planned, create their own fake camp. Their fun adventure becomes even more complicated as they have to continue the farce.
iron giant (1999): A boy named Hogarth befriends a giant robot from outer space, and together they protect it from government forces trying to destroy it.
Jumanji (1995): Two children discover an enchanting board game that unleashes jungle wildlife and danger into their home. With the help of an adult who has been trapped in the game for years, you must complete the game to return everything to normal.
lassi (1994): A family adopts Lassie, a rough collie, and helps them overcome difficult situations while improving their relationships. A loyal dog becomes an important part of the family and teaches lessons about love and togetherness.
fly away home (1996): After the death of her mother, a young girl helps her father raise a flock of orphaned geese and teaches them how to fly south for the winter. Together they forge a bond while navigating their own healing journeys.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995): The Power Rangers must stop a villain named Ivan Ooze from unleashing an ancient evil and destroying the world. Using their new powers, the Rangers fight to save Earth from impending destruction.
teenage mutant ninja turtles (1990): Four mutated turtles trained in ninjutsu by Mouse Sensei battle the evil Shredder and his Foot Clan in New York City.
flintstones (1994): Beloved caveman Fred Flintstone gets a promotion at work and quickly becomes embroiled in corporate intrigue.
three men and one lady (1990): The three bachelors in the original film are faced with raising their friend’s child and must learn how to adjust their carefree lifestyles.
babysitters club (1995): The film follows a group of teenage girls who create a babysitting business while navigating the challenges of adolescence.
Ernest scared idiot (1991): Ernest P. Worrell accidentally unleashes an evil troll who kidnaps children. It’s up to him to stop it. With the help of the town’s children, Ernest must face his fears and save the day.
passport to paris (1999): Twins Harry and Annie travel to Paris to visit their grandfather, where they experience the culture and become involved in an adventure with two French boys.
page master (1994): A shy, bookish boy named Richard is transported into the magical world of books, where he must use his knowledge to escape danger. Along the way, he learns to face his fears and embrace his imagination.
little giants (1994): A group of sociopaths form a football team to play against the town’s star team, coached by their uncle, a former professional athlete. Despite the odds, they show that heart and teamwork are more important than skill.
Antz (1998): Z, a worker ant, struggles with his identity in a highly structured society and eventually meets the princess, causing him to question the oppressive ways of his ant colony. Together they fight for freedom and individuality.
Little Women (1994): A gorgeous adaptation of classic literature, Little Women True to the novel, it features the four March sisters as they experience war, loss of their father, death, love, and a crisis of identity.
good burger (1997): If you were a Nickelodeon kid, you absolutely remember the “Good Burger” sketch. all things Kel Mitchell stars as the adorable Ed, cashier and fry cook extraordinaire. In the movie version, Kel has to fight a newly opened hamburger joint across the street, and it’s children’s humor at its best.
inspector gadget (1999): Starring Matthew Broderick as the one and only Inspector Gadget, this silly movie is total action for kids and total nostalgia for adults.
Honey, I blew the kid away (1992): Sequel to the 80’s blockbuster movie Honey, I made the kids shrinkthe Sharinsky family is back. But this time, Wayne creates a machine that magnifies items…and his two-year-old son happens to get in the way.
2 required (1995): Starring the Olsen twins, this fun movie is about two girls. One has a father who is about to marry a mean woman, and the other has no family, lost his beloved social worker, and is about to be adopted by a cruel man. The girls plan to make one father and the other social worker fall in love.
smart house (1999): When a family wins a contest to live in a “smart house,” they quickly discover that artificial intelligence will do everything for them. all It leaves you very vulnerable. This Disney Channel original movie has always been popular.
wild america (1997): Three boys don’t want to inherit their father’s auto parts business, so they set off on a transcontinental adventure to find purpose, excitement, and lots of brotherly love.
wish upon a star (1996): In the classic Sisters Who Don’t Understand Each Other movie, a “nerdy” girl asks Star to switch places with her cooler, more popular sister, and it works. As they try to restore the magic, they learn more about each other than they expected.
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