10 Best ’90s Movies to Watch As a Family

In the ’90s, when you wanted to watch a movie, you either went to the theater with a group of friends or rented a VHS from Blockbuster to watch at home with the fam.

 

There wasn’t Netflix back then – but there is now and chances are some of the best movies from the ’90s are available to watch. It’s nice to reminisce and take it back to how things used to be, why not show your kids what movies in your childhood were all about? Here are 10 of our faves.

 

Home Alone

 

Year: 1990

 

Rated: PG

 

A family takes a European vacation at Christmas and accidentally leaves their son to guard the suburban Chicago home from a pair of robbers. Did you know that the gangster movie that Kevin watches while at home was made specifically for the film?

 

The Addams Family

 

Year: 1991

 

Rated: PG-13

 

The 1960s TV series was turned into a film with Raul Julia and Angelica Houston as Gomez & Morticia Addams, the parents to a spooky, fun family. It was the directorial debut for Barry Sonnenfeld (Men In Black, Get Shorty, RV), who had previously been a cinematographer.

 

The Sandlot

 

Year: 1993

 

Rated: PG

 

“You’re killin’ me, Smalls!” A new kid in the neighborhood joins a local baseball team during the summer of 1962 that includes picnics, a pool, a famous signature and a baseball-eating dog. Did you know that the actors who play young and old Benny were real-life brothers (Mike & Pablo Vitar)?

 

Hocus Pocus

 

Year: 1993

 

Rated: PG

 

It doesn’t have to be Halloween to enjoy the movie about a trio of witches is raised from the dead and transported to the 20th century. IMDB reports that the role of Max Dennison was originally offered to Leonardo DiCaprio, who elected to join Johnny Depp in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape instead.

 

The Flintstones

 

Year: 1994

 

Rated: PG

 

A live look at the modern stone-age family is a peek into the town of Bedrock and suburban life. The movie was the final feature film appearance for Academy Award winner Elizabeth Taylor, who died in 2011.

 

The Little Rascals

 

Year: 1994

 

Rated: PG

 

Set in the early 20th century to recreate the original movie shorts from the ’30s and ’40s, the ’90s remake pits the girls-who-hate-boys club against the boys-who-hate-girls club when members of each fall in love. Watch for Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen cameos at Darla’s sleepover.

 

Toy Story

 

Year: 1995

 

Rated: G

 

The story of Pixar’s feature film success began when spaceman Buzz joins Andy’s Room and threatens Woody the cowboy’s position as Andy’s favorite toy. The first-ever computer animated feature film sparked three more sequels to Toy Story and turned animation on its head.

 

Jumanji

 

Year: 1995

 

Rated: PG

 

Chicago-born actress Bonnie Hunt joins Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst and Bradley Pierce as two pairs of siblings who have to finish a dangerous game that includes rhinos, giant spiders and mayhem.

 

Matilda

 

Year: 1996

 

Rated: PG

 

Roald Dahl’s book is turned into a movie about a girl who discovers she has powers that help her survive a difficult childhood. The musical of the same name debuted in 2010.

 

Space Jam

 

Year: 1996

 

Rated: PG

 

Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan comes out of retirement (the first time) to help the Looney Toons play a game of basketball against a team of aliens who stole their talent from five NBA All-Stars. Wilmette’s Bill Murray also stars.

 

The Lion King 

 

Year: 1994

 

Rated: G

 

A lion cub gives up his birthright only to return when his treacherous uncle ruins the kingdom. Did you know that Simba means “lion” in Swahili?

 

The Mighty Ducks

 

Year: 1992

 

Rated: PG

 

A lawyer with hockey skills is sentenced to lead a scrappy team of young Minnesota players. Show your kids this movie now as a new sequel series in in production for Disney+.

 


 

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Chicago Parent Editorial Team
Chicago Parent Editorial Team
Since 1984, the Chicago Parent editorial team is trained to be the go-to source for Chicagoland families, offering a rich blend of expert advice, compelling stories, and the top local activities for kids. Renowned for their award-winning content, the team of editors and writers are dedicated to enriching family life by connecting parents with the finest resources and experiences our community has to offer.
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