75 Quintessential ‘90s Family Movies To Rewatch With Your Kids

If you grew up in the '90s, you know that they just don't make movies like they used to. Have great films been released over the past two decades? Sure (see also: ouch, we're old). But when it comes to movies that everyone in the household can enjoy, '90s family movies are truly it. Back in the day, going to a video store on a Friday night with your fam and picking something out for movie night felt like a thrilling (and sometimes harrowing) experience. And you had to choose wisely, as you'd likely end up rewatching it all weekend and memorizing the funniest parts since you didn't have the plethora of things to watch on Netflix, Disney+, or some other streaming service. Ah, what a time it was to be alive!

The following list of suggestions includes all sorts of genres. Some will make you cry, others will make you laugh, and usually, they'll do both. That's sort of the trademark of a great '90s movie — they contain multitudes when it comes to genre. You’ll notice this list doesn’t include animated movies, though. Alas, there’s not enough time or space to mine all of the glorious animated classics that came from the decade.

So, without further ado, read on for some of the best ‘90s family movies to watch with your kids. After all, how else will you show them what the good old days had to offer?

Favorite Quintessential ‘90s Family Movies

1. Babe (1995)

Did every movie in the '90s involve some sort of talking animal? It feels like it. There are a ton of great films about the bond between a human and their pet, but Babe is the OG. It's about a little piglet from a county fair who wants to do the work of a sheepdog, making friends and foes on the farm along the way — most notably his farmer, Arthur Hoggett. While Babe goes through a lot in the movie, he doesn't perish, so it's all a happy ending at the end of the day. So happy, in fact, that there were sequels made (in case your kids get attached to the little guy). In 1998, Babe: A Pig In The City followed the eponymous pig and Hoggett on a trip off the farm.

2. Homeward Bound (1993)

If your kid is super sensitive, this movie might not be for them. Homeward Bound gets very sappy at times but is ultimately a cute family flick that all ages can enjoy. It centers on three pets: Chance, an enthusiastic bulldog (voiced by Michael J. Fox); Shadow, a wise old golden retriever (voiced by Don Ameche); and a cat named Sassy that's, well, sassy (voiced by Sally Field). They all get dropped off at a family friend's house when their owner's family goes on vacation. But the three start to freak out and worry that they've been left for good, so they talk it out and hit the road, trekking through the wilderness to find their way home.

3. Beethoven (1992)

See? It seems like all '90s movies center on animals. This one is about a slobbering St. Bernard who breaks into a family's house, and while the dad initially doesn't want him, the rest of the family adores the guy and takes him in. Over the years, Beethoven (who doesn't talk) takes care of the household and becomes a beloved family member. But when an evil veterinarian and some nefarious dog-nappers (one of whom is played by Stanley Tucci, bonus!) try to euthanize him, Beethoven must fend for his life. Generations of kids love this movie so much that sequels just keep on coming — four in all and then three other standalone films based on the big pup.

4. The Sandlot (1993)

One of the most iconic '90s movies of all time, The Sandlot tells the story of a group of young boys who hang out over a summer. They play baseball, of course, face off with a terrifying neighbor dog that threatens them at every turn, and shamelessly flirt with the older lifeguards at the community pool. This coming-of-age story is a must-watch for any family in *any* decade. If only so your kids know what you mean when you say, "You're killing me, Smalls."

5. Flubber (1997)

Comedic genius that he was, the late great Robin Williams made quite a few beloved movies in the '90s. There are a ton to pick from, but Flubber is a great entry point, especially if you have younger kids. In it, he plays a wild scientist who creates a rubber substance that he calls Flubber. He gets so excited about it that he misses his own wedding to his girlfriend (played by Marcia Gay Harden) and ultimately has to use the flubber to win her back, to varying results.

6. Harriet the Spy (1996)

Harriet isn't like your average sixth-grader. She already knows that she wants to become a spy. With her trusty private journal, she records just about everything, including the actions of her classmates and two best friends. But when her journal falls into the wrong hands, the whole sixth-grade class turns against her. So Harriet devises a plan of revenge to take down her peers.

7. Space Jam (1996)

Evil theme park owner Swackhammer (Danny DeVito) tries to kidnap the Looney Tunes for his next attraction, but Bugs Bunny strikes up a deal with the antagonist to allow the Tunes a chance to defend themselves over a basketball game. To secure the win, the characters abduct NBA all-star Michael Jordan to join their team, the Tune Squad.

The best part about this movie is that your kids don’t need to be fans of the basketball stars of the ‘90s to appreciate the whimsical nature of this film. Seeing your favorite cartoon characters in the real world is exciting enough.

8. The Parent Trap (1998)

After coincidentally attending the same summer camp, Hallie Parker and Annie James (both played by Lindsay Lohan) discover they are twins who were separated after their parents’ divorce. The girls switch places in an attempt to meet the parent they never knew, and devise a plan to reunite their fractured family along the way.

9. The Little Rascals (1994)

Despite being a founding member of the He-Man Woman Haters Club, Alfalfa (Bug Hall) falls in love with neighborhood sweetheart Darla, creating tension within the group and the relationship.

10. Stuart Little (1999)

After a visit to a local orphanage to find a brother for their son, George, Eleanor and Frederick Little return with a teenage mouse named Stuart (voiced by Michael J. Fox). George is slow to embrace his “brother,” and the family cat, Snowbell, doesn’t take kindly to the rodent, either. Eventually, though, Stuart builds bonds with his new family, tests his courage, and finds acceptance. By the end of the film, their love for Stuart is anything but little.

More '90s Movies to Watch With the Family

Matilda (1996): Matilda, a young girl with telekinetic powers, navigates a difficult home life and an even harsher school environment. With the help of her kind teacher, Miss Honey, she stands up to the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.

Hook (1991): Peter Banning, now an adult and forgetting his past, must return to Neverland to rescue his children from Captain Hook. With the help of Tinker Bell and the Lost Boys, Peter reconnects with his childhood and regains his courage.

Mighty Joe Young (1998): A giant gorilla named Joe, raised in Africa and now living in the United States, faces danger when a corrupt businessman seeks to exploit him. Joe and his caretaker, Jill, fight to protect him from being captured and exploited.

George of the Jungle (1997): George, a man raised by apes in the jungle, must navigate the modern world when he meets a beautiful woman named Ursula. His wild, carefree nature leads to a series of funny and heartfelt adventures.

The Mighty Ducks (1992): A lawyer, Gordon Bombay, is forced to coach a misfit youth hockey team after being convicted of a DUI. Over time, he bonds with the team and helps them achieve success on the ice.

Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves (1997): The Szalinski family accidentally shrinks themselves to the size of insects while trying to test a new invention. They now have to navigate their giant household to find a way to return to their normal size.

The Secret Garden (1993): Mary Lennox, a spoiled and lonely orphan, is sent to live with her uncle in a remote estate where she discovers a hidden, neglected garden. She, along with new friends, brings the garden back to life and finds healing for herself and others.

Dennis the Menace (1993): Dennis, an adventurous and mischievous young boy, constantly gets into trouble with his next-door neighbor, George Wilson. His antics lead to a series of comical misunderstandings, but ultimately he teaches the importance of friendship.

Muppet Treasure Island (1996): The Muppets take on the roles of characters from Robert Louis Stevenson's classic adventure novel Treasure Island. Jim Hawkins embarks on a journey to find treasure, with a colorful crew and the sinister Long John Silver leading the way.

Now and Then (1995): Four childhood friends reunite as adults and reflect on a summer when they were young girls, going through key moments of their lives together. They revisit their childhood memories of friendship, secrets, and challenges.

A Simple Wish (1997): A young girl named Anabel wishes for her father to be granted a fairy godmother, only for the wish to be granted by a bumbling, inexperienced fairy. Together, they work to make her wish come true while navigating various mishaps.

Encino Man (1992): Two high school students discover a frozen caveman in their backyard and revive him. They must teach him how to navigate modern life while dealing with their own teen issues.

Dunston Checks In (1996): A mischievous orangutan named Dunston causes chaos at a luxury hotel. A young hotel employee befriends Dunston and tries to help him escape from a greedy jewel thief.

Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century (1999): Zenon, a teenager who lives on a space station, faces her biggest challenge yet when she uncovers a conspiracy that threatens her home. With the help of her friends, she works to save the space station and prove her worth.

Free Willy (1993): A young boy named Jesse befriends a captive orca whale named Willy and forms a bond that leads him to attempt to free the whale. With the help of his new friends, Jesse fights to save Willy from captivity and return him to the wild.

Tom & Huck (1995): Based on Mark Twain's classic novel, the film follows Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn as they embark on a series of adventurous and daring escapades. The boys navigate their town's mysteries, from treasure hunts to the complexities of friendship.

The Thirteenth Year (1999): A boy named Cody discovers that, on his 13th birthday, he is transforming into a mermaid. As he grapples with his newfound identity, he must learn to accept and control his powers.

White Fang (1991): A young man named Jack teams up with a half-wolf, half-dog named White Fang during the Klondike Gold Rush. Together, they form a deep bond while facing the harsh realities of survival and loyalty in the wild.

Curly Sue (1991): A young girl named Curly Sue and her con-artist guardian, Bill, manage to scam wealthy people out of their money. Their lives change when they scam a successful lawyer and eventually find a real family.

Hocus Pocus (1993): Three witches, the Sanderson Sisters, are resurrected on Halloween night in Salem, and they plan to steal the youth from the town's children. A group of teenagers 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 a dangerous villain.

Paulie (1998): Paulie, an intelligent parrot with the ability to speak, embarks on a journey to reunite with his owner, a little girl he once loved. Along the way, Paulie befriends several quirky characters and faces many challenges.

Madeline (1998): Madeline, an adventurous and mischievous young girl at a boarding school in Paris, embarks on a series of heartwarming adventures. She befriends a lonely widower and helps save the school from being sold.

Black Beauty (1994): The story of a horse named Black Beauty and his various owners, showing the bond between the horse and his caretakers, as well as his struggles with mistreatment. 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 to spend more time with his children.

Muppets From Space (1999): Gonzo learns that he is actually an alien from outer space. The Muppets work together to help Gonzo reconnect with his family, facing off against a government agency along the way.

Jungle 2 Jungle (1997): A businessman discovers that his estranged son, raised by a tribe in the Amazon jungle, is now living 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 young boy prays for a miracle to help his struggling baseball team, and soon angels appear to guide them to victory.

3 Ninjas (1992): Three brothers are trained in martial arts by their grandfather and must use their skills to defeat a criminal trying to take over their family business.

Cool Runnings (1993): Based on the true story of the first Jamaican bobsled team, this film follows four unlikely athletes as they pursue their dream of competing in the Winter Olympics.

Newsies (1992): Based on the true story of the Newsboys Strike of 1899, this musical follows a group of young newspaper sellers who go on strike to protest unfair wages.

Blank Check (1994): A young boy is accidentally given a blank check, which he uses to buy whatever he wants, including a mansion and a luxury car.

The Borrowers (1997): The Clock family, tiny people who live under the floorboards of a house, must protect themselves from humans who want to capture them.

Doctor Dolittle (1998): A doctor named Dolittle who can speak to animals embarks on a journey to save an exotic animal from a ruthless circus owner.

Andre (1994): A young girl befriends a sea lion named Andre, and together, they form a deep bond as she helps him adjust to life in captivity.

The Indian in the Cupboard (1995): A boy named Omri discovers his cupboard can bring toys to life. When he places a tiny Native American figure inside, it becomes a real Iroquois warrior, Little Bear, leading to lessons about friendship and responsibility.

101 Dalmatians (1996): In this live-action adaptation of the classic animated movie, two dalmatian dogs must save their puppies from the villainous Cruella de Vil. The dogs work together with their fellow animals to stop her from making a coat out of their fur.

Mousehunt (1997): Two brothers inherit an old mansion and must deal with a mischievous mouse who refuses to leave. The battle between the brothers and the mouse escalates in a slapstick comedy of errors.

Rookie of the Year (1993): A young boy named Henry becomes a baseball sensation after an accident gives him an incredible pitching arm.

The Addams Family (1991): The eccentric and creepy Addams family is thrown into turmoil when a man claiming to be a long-lost relative tries to scam them.

The Big Green (1995): A group of misfit kids form a soccer team with the help of a new teacher from England. Together, they overcome their differences and learn about teamwork, persistence, and confidence.

Richie Rich (1994): Richie Rich, the wealthiest kid in the world, finds his life lonely despite all his riches. He befriends a group of kids 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 the holiday to his world. However, his well-meaning attempts to spread Christmas cheer lead to chaos and a lesson about identity and appreciation for traditions.

A Little Princess (1995): Sara Crewe, a young girl living in a boarding school, faces hardship after her father is presumed dead. Through her imagination and kindness, Sara finds strength and helps others around her.

Drop Dead Fred (1991): Elizabeth, struggling with a tough life and an overbearing mother, reconnects with her childhood imaginary friend, Drop Dead Fred. His chaotic antics lead to both humorous and healing moments for Elizabeth as she rediscovers herself.

Father of the Bride (1991): George Banks is thrown into a whirlwind of emotions when his daughter announces her engagement. As he struggles with letting go, he discovers the importance of family and the changes that come with it.

Baby’s Day Out (1994): A wealthy baby is kidnapped, but his kidnappers are unable to control him as he embarks 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 monsters from her childhood are real and that one has come to terrorize her town. She must team up with a mysterious boy to stop the creatures and uncover the truth.

Halloweentown (1998): Marnie discovers that she is a witch and that her grandmother lives in a magical town called Halloweentown. Along with her siblings, Marnie must help save the magical community from dark forces.

My Girl (1991): Vada, a young girl coping with the death of her mother, forms a strong friendship with her best friend, Thomas. Together, they navigate childhood's awkward moments, loss (definite warning about death here), and the process of growing up.

Camp Nowhere (1994): A group of kids, tired of their parents' planned summer camps, create their own fake camp. Their fun-filled adventure becomes more complicated as they must keep the charade going.

The Iron Giant (1999): A young boy named Hogarth befriends a giant robot from outer space, and together, they protect it from government forces that want to destroy it.

Jumanji (1995): Two children discover an enchanted board game that unleashes wild jungle animals and danger into their home. With the help of a grown-up who has been trapped in the game for years, they must finish the game to return everything to normal.

Lassie (1994): A family adopts Lassie, a rough collie, who helps them navigate difficult situations while improving their relationships. The loyal dog becomes an important part of their family, teaching them lessons about love and unity.

Fly Away Home (1996): After her mother's death, a young girl helps her father raise a group of orphaned geese and teach them to fly south for the winter. Together, they form a bond while navigating their own healing journey.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995): The Power Rangers must stop a villain named Ivan Ooze from releasing an ancient evil and destroying the world. With their new powers, the Rangers battle to save the Earth from impending doom.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990): Four mutated turtles, trained in ninjitsu by their rat sensei, battle the evil Shredder and his Foot Clan in New York City.

The Flintstones (1994): Fred Flintstone, the beloved caveman, is promoted at work and quickly becomes embroiled in a corporate conspiracy.

Three Men and a Little Lady (1990): The three bachelors from the original film are now faced with raising the child of their friend, and they must learn to adjust their carefree lifestyles.

The Baby-Sitters Club (1995): The movie follows a group of teenage girls who form a babysitting business while navigating the challenges of adolescence.

Ernest Scared Stupid (1991): Ernest P. Worrell accidentally unleashes an evil troll who kidnaps children, and it’s up to him to stop it. With the help of the kids in town, Ernest must face his fears and save the day.

Passport to Paris (1999): Twins Hallie and Annie travel to Paris to visit their grandfather, where they experience the culture and get involved in an adventure with two French boys.

The Pagemaster (1994): A shy, book-loving boy named Richard is transported into a magical world of books, where he must use his knowledge to escape dangers. Along the way, he learns to face his fears and embrace his imagination.

Little Giants (1994): A group of misfit kids forms a football team to compete against the town’s star team, coached by their former professional athlete uncle. Despite the odds, they show that heart and teamwork matter more than skill.

Antz (1998): Z, a worker ant, struggles with his identity in a highly structured society, eventually meeting a princess who leads him to question the ant colony's oppressive ways. Together, they fight for freedom and individuality.