"If you’re searching for great family movies, you can’t go wrong with classic ‘90s favorites! While there have been amazing family films in recent years (we’re looking at you, Encanto), those who grew up watching the best ’90s kids movies know there’s something extra special about them.
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Of course, many ‘90s kids movies lack modern representation, and some haven’t aged well. But there’s something about the movies from our childhoods that makes us feel all kinds of nostalgia. I watched most of these movies for the first time in the mall movie theater with friends. Remember the excitement of watching a VHS rental from Blockbuster? Now’s the perfect time to relive those memories with your kids!
Why not take a trip back in time with your family? Grab some popcorn and gather around the TV. Enjoy some classic ‘90s family movies favorites for a dose of nostalgia!
Below, we’ve rounded up over 50 of the best ‘90s movies for kids. From well-known pop-culture films like Mrs. Doubtfire to favorites we almost forgot about like Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken.
Read on for ideas for your next family movie night. Most of these ‘90s family movies are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, or YouTube.
Family Movies from the ’90s
’90s Family Movies: Comedies
The Parent Trap (1998)
Rated: PG | Where to Watch: Disney+
The 1998 remake of The Parent Trap is an all-time favorite of The Everymom and The Everygirl editors. This is the story of two twin sisters separated as babies, both played by Lindsay Lohan in her breakout role. At age 12 the twins find each other at summer camp and team up to reunite their parents.
My Girl (1991)
Rated: PG | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Vada (played by Anna Chlumsky) is a young girl living with her funeral director father (played by Dan Akroyd). She spends her days with her best friend Thomas Jay (Macauley Culkin). In this sweet coming-of-age story, Vada learns about love, loss, and growing up.
Like so many great ‘90s family movies, this one spurred a sequel in 1994, My Girl 2, that you can also add to your watch list. It’s also the first movie that made me cry.
The Little Rascals (1994)
Rated: PG | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Two mischievous youngsters Spanky and Buckwheat—the proud leaders of an anti-girl organization—designate their friend Alfalfa to represent them in a crazy soapbox car rally. They’re infuriated when they find out Alfalfa is smitten with their fellow classmate, Darla.
Spanky and Buckwheat decide they must break up the couple, but when they become too preoccupied with this mission, their prized race car is stolen by a couple of rascals alike. At its core, this is a movie about childhood friendship—gender aside—and as Stymie so aptly says near the end of the film, “…you only make a once-in-a-lifetime buddy, once in a lifetime.”
Father of the Bride (1991)
Rated: PG | Where to Watch: Disney+
When daughter Annie returns from a Roman study abroad trip newly engaged, her father George must wrestle with the fact that his little girl is growing up. Hilarity ensues with an iconic cast including Diane Keaton, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, and the epic pairing of Steve Martin (George) and Martin Short (as wedding planner, Frank) well before their Only Murders in the Building exploits. Tweens and teens may enjoy this one a little more than the younger kiddos.
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Rated: PG-13 | Where to Watch: Disney+
Mrs. Doubtfire, starring the incomparable Robin Williams, showed us how far one dad was willing to go to spend time with his children after divorce. The first of many of Williams’ movies found on this list, this is another great flick to enjoy with older kids.
More kid-friendly comedies from the ’90s:
- Home Alone – PG (1990)
- Kindergarten Cop – PG-13 (1990)
- Curly Sue – PG (1991)
- Honey, I Blew Up the Kid – PG (1991)
- The Addams Family – PG-13 (1991)
- Beethoven – PG (1992)
- Home Alone 2: Lost in New York – PG (1992)
- The Muppet Christmas Carol – G (1992)
- Newsies – PG (1992)
- Sister Act – PG (1992)
- Sleepless in Seattle – PG (1993)
- Hocus Pocus – PG (1993)
- Beethoven’s 2nd – PG (1993)
- Blank Check – PG (1994)
- Babe – G (1995)
- Casper – PG (1995)
- Matilda – PG (1996)
- Muppet Treasure Island – PG (1996)
- Flubber – PG (1997)
- Stuart Little – PG (1999)
- Muppets From Space – G (1999)
’90s Family Movies: Adventure & Dramas
Hook (1991)
Rated: PG | Where to Watch: AMC+
We promised Robin Williams was all over this list. In Hook, he plays a grown Peter Pan who forgot where he came from. But when Captain Hook kidnaps his kids, he has to find his inner Pan and come to their rescue (with the help of Tinker Bell and The Lost Boys, of course!). Julia Roberts shines as Tinker Bell and Dustin Hoffman might scare younger kids as Captain Hook.
Free Willy (1993)
Rated: PG | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
The feature film ‘Free Willy’ is about a mischievous orphan named Jesse who vandalizes a theme park. As a result, he is placed with foster parents. He must work at the park to make things right. There, he meets Willy, a young Orca whale who, like Jesse, has also experienced separation from his family.
This connection leads to a strong sense of kinship and understanding between the two. They form a strong bond with the help of a kind whale trainer. However, another employee at the park learns about them and tries to make money from their relationship.
Cinderella (1997, Walt Disney Pictures)
Rated: G | Where to Watch: Disney+
In this amazing remake of an all-time favorite, Cinderella is played by Brandy and struggles under the cruelty of her wicked stepmother and equally evil stepsisters. However, her beloved Fairy Godmother (Whitney Houston!) uses her magical powers to give Cinderella an unforgettable night at the ball. In this role, Brandy became the first Black actress to play Cinderella and kept her signature braids in the film.
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
Rated: G | Where to Watch: Disney+
Before the Seavers leave for a family vacation to San Francisco, they drop off their three beloved pets—dogs Chance and Shadow and cat Sassy—at a friend’s ranch to take care of them while they’re away. But when the animals start to worry that the Seavers have abandoned them, the three courageous animals set out on a rather treacherous yet thrilling adventure to find their way back home. Will they all make it?
More kid-friendly adventure and drama movies from the ’90s:
- Back to the Future: Part 3 – PG (1990)
- Dick Tracy – PG (1990)
- Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken – G (1991)
- White Fang – PG (1991)
- The Secret Garden – G (1993)
- Jumanji – PG (1995)
- Now and Then – PG-13 (1995)
- A Little Princess – G (1995)
- Tom & Huck – PG (1995)
- Jurassic Park – PG-13 (1993)
’90s Family Movies: Sports-Themed
The Sandlot (1993)
Rated: PG | Where to Watch: Disney+
A pop culture mainstay, The Sandlot follows a group of boys playing backyard baseball when one loses their stepdad’s baseball signed by Babe Ruth over the fence to a dog named, “The Beast.” Adventure ensues as the boys try to get it back. The movie also spawned the iconic line, “You’re killing me, Smalls!”
Cool Runnings (1993)
Rated: PG | Where to Watch: Disney+
This incredible story follows four Jamaican bobsledders who dream of competing in the Winter Olympics, regardless of the fact that they’ve never seen snow in real life. So, with the help of a disgraced former champion desperate to redeem himself and his reputation, the Jamaicans set out to achieve their Olympic dream. Cool Runnings is still one of the highest-grossing sports movies of all time and had a resurgence in recent years when the second (and third and fourth) Jamaican bobsled teams qualified for the 2022 Winter Olympics.
A League of Their Own (1992)
Rated: PG | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Tom Hanks and Geena Davis star in this iconic movie based on the real All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The League was formed during World War II to keep baseball going while men were overseas. The movie gave us epic lines like, “There’s no crying in baseball” and unforgettable characters like Stillwell Angel and Marla Hooch. Madonna, Rosie O’Donnell, and Bill Pullman also star.
More kid-friendly sports movies from the ’90s:
- The Cutting Edge – PG (1992)
- The Mighty Ducks – PG (1992)
- Rookie of the Year – PG (1993)
- Little Giants – PG (1994)
- Space Jam – PG (1996)
’90s Family Movies: Animated Films
Toy Story (1995)
Rated: G | Where to Watch: Disney+
In the movie that started the whole Toy Story franchise, Buzz, Woody, and friends are toys who come to life when humans aren’t around. Watching this movie, it’s incredible to see how far computer animation has come from the original, but this one remains a timeless family flick.
Mulan (1998)
Rated: G | Where to Watch: Disney+
When the imperial army calls up a man from each family, Mulan decides to step in for her injured father and join, pretending to be a man. She finds herself in dangerous situations and constantly on the verge of being found out. But when she alone is able to uncover a plot to kill the emperor, she and her friends step up and try to save China from a Huns invasion—and falls in love along the way. Not to mention, the song “Reflection” by Christina Aguilera included in this movie’s soundtrack is unforgettable.
More G-rated kid-friendly animated movies from the ’90s
- Beauty and the Beast – G (1991)
- Ferngully: The Last Rainforest – G (1992)
- Aladdin – G (1992)
- The Nightmare Before Christmas – PG (1993)
- The Lion King – G (1994)
- Thumbelina – G (1994)
- Balto – G (1995)
- Anastasia – G (1997)
- Hercules – G (1997)
- The Prince of Egypt – PG (1998)
- The Iron Giant – PG (1999)
- Toy Story 2 – G (1999)
- Tarzan – G (1999)
More ’90s Walt Disney Pictures Favorites
The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
Rated: G | Where to Watch: Disney+
Embark on a thrilling adventure with The Rescuers Down Under, a 1990 animated gem from Walt Disney Pictures. This exciting tale follows Bernard and Miss Bianca, two brave mice from the Rescue Aid Society, as they journey to Australia to save a young boy named Cody from a ruthless poacher. Featuring the voices of Bob Newhart, Eva Gabor, and John Candy, this film is perfect for kids who love animals and daring rescues. It’s an adventure that will keep the whole family on the edge of their seats.
The Jungle Book (1994)
Rated: PG | Where to Watch:Disney+
Step into the wild with The Jungle Book, a 1994 live-action adventure produced by Walt Disney Pictures. This thrilling tale follows Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves in the jungle, as he navigates the dangers and wonders of his lush, untamed home. With Jason Scott Lee as Mowgli, Cary Elwes, and Lena Headey, this film brings Rudyard Kipling’s classic story to life in a way that will captivate younger kids who love adventure and animals. It’s a perfect pick for a family movie night filled with excitement and heart.
The Aristocats (1995)
Rated: G | Where to Watch: Disney+
Join Duchess and her adorable kittens in The Aristocats, a beloved Disney fave that was re-released in 1995. This charming animated film follows the high-class feline family as they navigate the streets of Paris to find their way back home after being kidnapped. With the delightful voices of Eva Gabor, Phil Harris, and Sterling Holloway, this movie is a timeless classic that will enchant kids of all ages. It’s a purr-fect choice for a cozy family movie night.
The Fox and the Hound (1994)
Rated: G | Where to Watch: Disney+
Experience the heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship in The Fox and the Hound, re-released in 1994. This touching animated film tells the story of Tod, a young fox, and Copper, a hound dog, who become best friends despite their natural instincts to be enemies. With the voices of Mickey Rooney, Kurt Russell, and Sandy Duncan, this movie is a beautiful exploration of friendship and loyalty that will resonate with kids of all ages. It’s a must-watch for a family movie night filled with love and lessons.
Oliver & Company (1996)
Rated: G | Where to Watch:Disney+
Dive into the bustling streets of New York City with Oliver & Company, re-released in 1996. This fun and entertaining animated film follows Oliver, a stray cat who joins a gang of street-smart dogs led by the charming Dodger. Featuring the voices of Joey Lawrence, Billy Joel, and Cheech Marin, this movie is a delightful blend of adventure, music, and heart. It’s a fantastic choice for a family movie night that will have everyone singing along and rooting for Oliver and his friends.
Create Your Ultimate ’90s Family Movie Night
Reliving the best of ’90s cinema is a fun and nostalgic way to introduce your kids to the movies you grew up with. From heartfelt dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, these films are perfect for any family movie night. So, gather your kids, pick a classic, and enjoy a trip down memory lane!
Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor
A mom of two, Kathy is passionately committed to sharing the honest, helpful—and often humorous—stories of motherhood, as she navigates her own everyday adventures of work, marriage, and parenting. She honed her creative and strategic skills at advertising agencies in Detroit and Chicago, before pivoting from marketing to editorial. Now instead of telling brand stories, she’s sharing her own, with articles published across popular parenting sites—including hundreds of stories on The Everymom.