Some of our favorite films are our favorites for a reason, and it's because they remind us of our childhood! We've spent a lot of time watching the movies on this list in the theater and on video. They truly define what it means to be a child of the '90s! Since the last of the '90s movies turn 20 this year (gasp!), we can't help but feel super nostalgic about the decade that gave us mini backpacks and brown lipstick. While we have plenty of '90s television shows to rewatch, thanks to our favorite streaming services, it's nice to also look back at some of our favorite '90s movies, too!
There was just something so special about that decade, and it's definitely reflected in its films.
Whether these movies depict good, wholesome fun, heartwarming underdog stories, or even a spooky tale or two, the movies of the '90s had something to offer every kid! We just love taking a trip down memory lane, especially when that means getting to rediscover some of our favorite movies and actors.
Robin Williams (may he rest in peace) was a king of the '90s with his funny and heartfelt roles. We also got a number of animated Disney classics — many that have been turned into live-action films in 2019!
This was clearly such a special decade for film!
Here's a look at 21 kids movies from the '90s that defined our childhood!
'Home Alone'
Rated: PG
We definitely didn't try these booby traps at home … but we definitely dreamed about them!
Macaulay Culkin starred as Kevin McCallister, a bratty kid who managed to take on two dangerous bandits all by himself, after his family left him alone while they went on a trip to Paris. Home Alone spawned so many one liners and prank ideas, it's hard to count!
'Hocus Pocus'
Rated: PG
We love that this Halloween movie from the '90s has become a cult classic today. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy star as the Sanderson sisters in Hocus Pocus. The witches are brought back to life only to wreak havoc on Salem, Massachusetts. Bette gets a chance to sing, which is just one of many memorable parts!
'Mrs. Doubtfire'
Rated: PG-13
This film gave Robin Williams a chance to truly flex his comedic and acting chops. We laughed and cried and rooted for him as he desperately tried to spend time with his kids in the middle of a contentious divorce — even if that meant dressing up like an old lady!
'Now and Then'
Rated: PG-13
There are no words to describe how much we LOVE this coming-of-age story! Now and Then had a stellar cast (Demi Moore, Christina Ricci, Thora Birch, Melanie Griffith, Gaby Hoffmann, and more) and told the story of four best friends who navigated boys, parents divorcing, and solving their small town's mystery in a summer they'll never forget.
'The Addams Family'
Rated: PG-13
Every day is Opposite Day in the Addams family household. While we aren't too sure about having a walking hand for a pet, we loved dreaming about a mother who let us play with our food, and a dad who was an absolutely amazing sword fighter!
'The Lion King'
Rated: G
Before this was a live-action film starring Beyoncé, it was (and still is) a beloved animated Disney film that starred Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, and Jeremy Irons — among a long list of stars. We've been looking forward to this remake, though nothing will ever replace the spot that this film holds in our hearts.
We still find ourselves singing the songs!
'Aladdin'
Rated:G
Another Disney classic that got the live-action treatment in 2019! Aladdin was the feel-good flick that had us believing in genies and wishing we had a pet monkey for a BFF. While loved Will Smith's take on Genie, Robin Williams will always be No. 1!
'Hook'
Rated: PG
We aren't even halfway through this list, and this is Robin Williams' third movie mentioned. Safe to say he was king of the '90s kids movie, and his role as an aging Peter Pan in Hook definitely solidified that! He portrayed Peter, a guy with two kids of his own, who forgot about Neverland long after he left. When Captain Hook kidnaps his children, Peter must remember his past and reconnect with who he really is — The Pan!
'The Mighty Ducks'
Rated: PG
We love a good underdog story, and this one features many of our favorite child actors of the '90s — including Joshua Jackson, Elden Henson, and Brandon Quintin Adams, as well as '80s and '90s star, Emilio Estevez as retired former child hockey star who's forced to coach this team of misfits!
'Honey, I Shrunk the Kids'
Rated: PG
Rick Moranis plays off-beat scientist, Wayne Szalinski, who accidentally shrinks his kids to the size of insects. The kids get transported to the front yard and try to get back to the house to alert their father. But at their size, there are many dangers along the way!
'Beethoven'
Rated: PG
The Newton family adopt an adorable St. Bernard puppy, only to have him grow into a massive, slobbering dog, in this fun film. The kids love him, but their dad, George (Charles Grodin), not so much. But the family comes together to save Beethoven after an evil veterinarian kidnaps him!
'3 Ninjas'
Rated: PG
Samuel, Jeffrey, and Michael Douglas visit their ninja grandfather each summer and have become little experts themselves. 3 Ninjas gave us butt-kicking and memorable quotes like "Rocky loves Emily" we'll never forget. Heck, we still envision using our karate skills to fight some bad guys, just like these kids did in the movie.
'Matilda'
Rated: PG
Matilda is based on the book of the same name by legendary children's author Roald Dahl. Mara Wilson starred as the titular character who's not only a genius, but a little girl with some huge powers. She is misunderstood by all the adults in her life, except for her teacher, Ms. Honey. Eventually, the two of them rid themselves of Matilda's parents and the evil school principal, Ms. Trunchbull, and set off to live a happy life together!
'Drop Dead Fred'
Rated: PG-13
"Snotface!"
How old is too old to have an imaginary friend? Drop Dead Fred attempts to answer that question when Elizabeth, played by Phoebe Cates, is going through a rough time, and Fred, her imaginary friend from childhood, reappears. It's an zany film that encourages belief in oneself!
'My Girl'
Rated: PG
Vada Sultenfuss (Anna Chlumsky) is smart little hypochondriac. Her mother died in childbirth, and her father owns and runs a funeral parlor right in their own home. My Girl follows her one summer when everything in her life changes: She's on the edge of puberty, experiences her first crush, the pains of growing up, and a potential new stepmom. Plus, her best friend Thomas J. Sennett, played by Macaulay Culkin, is allergic to just about everything, prompting another tragedy in young Vada's life!
'The Sandlot'
Rated: PG
"You're killing me, Smalls!" is something every '90s kid has said at some point in his or her life — and it's thanks to this movie. When a group of small-town boys try to recover a ball they lost, signed by none other than Babe Ruth, they come face to face with The Beast, the local dog that's more ominous than a superhero villain. Eventually, they get the ball back, and make some lasting memories in the process.
'Jumanji'
Rated: PG
Jumanji stars Robin Williams as a man (well, kid technically) who's been trapped inside a magical board game for decades. When he's forced to play the game again, all hell breaks loose on his town, and the new people who are playing and it can't stop until the game is finished. Bonnie Hunt and Kirsten Dunst also star.
'Toy Story'
Rated: G
This movie really needs no introduction. The fourth iteration was released this summer, and fans — old and new — still can't get enough of Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the toy gang. The first of these heartwarming Toy Story movies introduced us to the characters we would ultimately love well into our adult years!
'Free Willy'
Rated: PG
When young Jesse (Jason James Richter) gets caught vandalizing his local marina, he's sentenced to community service there. He ends up creating a special bond with the orca that lives there, and when he learns that the whale is set to be put down, Jesse risks everything to free him!
'The Witches'
Rated: PG
Anjelica Huston stars as the Grand High Witch in Witches who releases her fury on a boy who happens to stumble upon her witch convention. She turns him into a mouse, but not before he learns that the witches are plotting to rid England of all children. Even as a mouse, Luke and his friend are able to stop the evil plan!
'Space Jam'
Rated: PG
Michael Jordan plays himself in this mega hit of the '90s. He helps the Looney Tunes attempt to win a basketball match that will guarantee their freedom! Space Jam is packed with all the hilarious hijinks Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and crew are known for — as well Jordan's unbelievable basketball talent!
