If there’s one thing that’s sacred in my house, it’s family movie night. And ’90s kids movies. I know that sounds absurd, but you’re more likely to find my family watching a good old movie from 1994 on any given weekend than a 2020s film. What can I say? Millennial movies are truly the best of the best. As a true ’90s kid, my love for all things of that decade runs deep—especially when it comes to movies.

I remember watching Beauty and the Beast in theaters (six times!) and Batman Forever on opening day (and then another five times). Not to mention A League of Their Own, Rookie of the Year, and The Cutting Edge. (We loved a sports movie in the ’90s!)

Making it a Blockbuster night is something I’ve tried to instill in my kid, so as soon as he was ready for family movie night, the education began. He’s watched everything from the ’90s and ’80s (minus some scarier ones) and regularly chooses to rewatch Hook, Richie Rich, or George of the Jungle over new releases. 

This guide has the best ’90s kids movies and focuses on films that I know firsthand kids still enjoy today. These picks are organized by age group to make choosing your next movie night movie super easy. I’ve highlighted which movies are great for preschoolers, which work best for elementary-age kids, and which are better saved for tweens and teens. 

For even more ideas, explore our ultimate Best Family Movies hub, with picks sorted by age, mood, and streaming availability.

Want More Family Movie Ideas? You May Also Like:

’90s Movies for Preschoolers and Young Kids (Ages 3-6)

Toy Story (1995)

Rated: G | Run Time: 1h 29m | 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 | Run Time: 1h 36m | Where to Watch: Disney+

When the army calls for one man from each family, Mulan steps in for her injured father. Mulan pretends to be a man to join the army, and along the way, she saves China and falls in love.

This original version is much better than the live-action remake. Not to mention, the song “Reflection” by Christina Aguilera, included in this movie’s soundtrack, is unforgettable.

mulan animated movie
Source: Buena Vista Pictures | Courtesy of Everett Collection

Beauty and The Beast (1991)

Rated: G | Run Time: 1h 32m | Where to Watch: Disney+

There’s a reason this was the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. There may be a couple of “close your eyes” parts, but overall, little ones find this classic fairy tale enchanting, and you will remember it too.

The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

Rated: G | Run Time: 1h 18m | 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.

More G-Rated Kid-Friendly Movies From the ’90s:

’90s Kids Movies for Big Kids (Ages 7-9)

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.

The Sandlot (1993)

Rated: PG | Run Time: 1h 41m | 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. This also spawned the iconic line, “You’re killing me, Smalls!”

the sandlot movie
Source: 20th Century Fox Film Corp. | Courtesy of Everett Collection

Cool Runnings (1993)

Rated: PG | Run Time: 1h 38m | Where to Watch: Disney+

This incredible story follows four Jamaican bobsledders who dream of competing in the Winter Olympics, despite 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 | Run Time: 2h 2m | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

Tom Hanks and Geena Davis star in this iconic baseball 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.

The Cutting Edge (1992)

Rated: PG | Run Time: 1h 41m | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

What true ’90s kid doesn’t scream “Toe Pick!” every time they hit an ice skating rink? This Rom-com meets sports drama is an opposites-attract classic. The ’90s loved the Winter Olympics, and this figure skater meets rough-around-the-edges hockey player feel-good movie is one of my favorites. With just the right amount of tension, sass, and twirls, this one’s a fun intro to ’90s romance (and Olympic dreams) for older kids.

The Mighty Ducks (1992)

Rated: PG | Run Time: 1h 44m | Where to Watch: Disney+

The ultimate underdog story, this hockey flick gave us quacking chants, flying Vs, and heartwarming team spirit. Not to mention a young Joshua Jackson. Sure, watching it now, I realize how problematic the DUI part of the story is. I guess it was a different time. Bonus: It kicked off a whole franchise, so there’s more where that came from.

Rookie of the Year (1993)

Rated: PG | Run Time: 1h 44m | Where to Watch: Disney+

I still remember seeing this movie in theaters as a kid. And what little kid hasn’t dreamed of suddenly becoming a pro athlete? In this feel-good baseball movie, a freak accident turns a 12-year-old into a major league pitcher. It’s hilarious, a little ridiculous, and still totally magical to watch.

Little Giants (1994)

Rated: PG | Run Time: 1h 46m | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

This movie is so underrated! Sibling rivalry, girl power, and small-town football collide in this fun sports comedy about a group of misfits determined to prove they belong on the field. It’s the kind of movie that makes you want to cheer, laugh, and maybe sign your kid up for flag football.

Space Jam (1996)

Rated: PG | Run Time: 1h 16m | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

Your kids may already love the new LeBron James version of this movie, so why not introduce them to the real GOAT? Michael Jordan, the Looney Tunes, and a whole lot of ’90s weirdness come together in this animated, live-action mashup. The plot? Wild. The soundtrack? Iconic. The nostalgia? Off the charts. Whether it’s your first or 50th time watching, this one’s a slam dunk for basketball movies.

The Little Rascals (1994)

Rated: PG | Run Time: 1h 21m | 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.”

little rascals movie
Source: Universal Pictures / Getty Images

More Big Kid-Friendly Films From the ’90s:

’90s Movies for Tweens (Ages 10-12)

Hook (1991)

Rated: PG | Run Time: 2h 16m | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

We promised Robin Williams was all over this ’90s kids movies 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.

hook movie '90s movie for kids
Source: Murray Close / Sygma / Sygma via Getty Images

Free Willy (1993)

Rated: PG | Run Time: 1h 47m | 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.

Cinderella (1997)

Rated: G | Run Time: 1h 25m | 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 | Run Time: 1h 24m | 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?

Father of the Bride (1991)

Rated: PG | Run Time: 1h 45m | 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.

father of the bride movie
Source: Touchstone | Getty Images

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

Rated: PG-13 | Run Time: 2h 5m | Where to Watch: Disney+

There is no list of the best ’90s kids movies without Mrs. Doubtfire. Starring the incomparable Robin Williams, this movie showed us how far one dad was willing to go to spend time with his children after a divorce. The first of many of Williams’ movies found on this list, this is another great flick to enjoy with older kids.

'90s movies to watch with your family
Source: 20th Century-Fox | Getty Images

My Girl (1991)

Rated: PG | Run Time: 1h 38m | 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 (Macaulay Culkin). In this sweet coming-of-age story, Vada learns about love, loss, and growing up.

Like so many great ‘90s kids 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.

More ’90s Movies for Tweens:

‘90s Movies for Teens (Ages 13+)

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Rated: PG-13 | Run Time: 1h 39m | Where to Watch: Disney+

An overprotective dad tells his youngest daughter that she can’t date until her antisocial and independent older sister gets in the dating scene. He thinks he’s cracked the code because surely Kat Miller (played by Julia Stiles) isn’t into romance—well, until Patrick Verona, played by the late Heath Ledger, shows up. An iconic ‘90s teen film, this could be a fun watch with your older kid.

Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998)

Rated: PG-13 | Run Time: 2h 1m | Where to Watch: Disney+

If your teen loved the story of Cinderella growing up, then they’ll love Ever After. Danielle has always wanted a mother figure in her life. However, when a terrible stepmother becomes her caregiver after the death of her father, the fairytale family she’s dreamed of doesn’t seem to be in the cards for her. But when she unknowingly meets the Prince of France, he’s on a mission to find out exactly who she is. Will she have a fairytale ending, after all?

More ‘90s Movies for Teens:

’90s Kids Movies to Watch With Caution

These ’90s favorites are often considered family movies but may be scarier, more intense, or more emotionally heavy than parents expect for younger kids. Many work best for older children or with parental guidance.

  • The Witches (1990): This one still scares me! The witch transformation scene is incredibly creative but genuinely frightening.
  • Jurassic Park (1993): Dinosaurs, suspense, and peril make this better for older kids and tweens. Not to mention very loud noises and violence.
  • Jumanji (1995): This is one of our favorites, but it can definitely lean scary for younger kids. There are lots of bangs and a big spider that may overwhelm younger viewers.
  • Edward Scissorhands (1990): Beautiful and emotional, but it explores complex themes that resonate more with older kids.
  • The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996): Gorgeous music and animation, but with surprisingly dark themes. This Disney classic is best for kids 6 or older.
  • Men in Black (1997): One of my favorites but there’s some jump scares mixed in with the humor and aliens. Best for older elementary kids and up.
  • Kindergarten Cop (1990): This should not be on the list for little kids. While the humor is so sweet, there are some school scenes that will really scare little ones.

Create Your Ultimate ’90s Family Movie Night

Reliving the best of ’90s family movies is a fun and nostalgic way to introduce your kids to the movies you grew up with. My kids actually prefer some of these ’90s kids movies to what is out there today. Friday is always family movie night, and we have a long list of nostalgic classics to choose from every week. So, gather your kids, leave phones and tablets in the other room like it’s the actual 1990s, pop some popcorn, and grab the candy for a trip down memory lane!

Kathy Sisson the everymom
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor

Kathy Sisson has been a key contributor in the editorial parenting space for nearly a decade, not only as a full-time editor at The Everymom but previously as a freelance writer for top parenting sites, including Scary Mommy, Motherly, Parent Co., and more. As an editor at The Everymom, she has produced hundreds of articles on a range of parenting topics, reviewed dozens of family-focused products, interviewed leading experts in the children and parenting world, and created viral parenting social media content. A mom of two, she is committed to sharing the honest, helpful, and often humorous stories of motherhood.

patty schepel the everymom editorial intern
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Patty Schepel, Associate Editor

As the Associate Editor, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, editing freelance articles, and more. With Patty’s passion for writing, experience as a mother of two, and expertise as a pediatric nurse, she brings a thoughtful and informative perspective to The Everymom.