You might remember our recent post on the best ‘80s kids’ movies, and now it is finally time for the movies from the decade that’s the most nostalgic by far. Oh yes, we’re about to drag you back to the time when you yourself were a kid, and life seemed like one big adventure movie where magical realism was something you believed in deeply. Enough with the teasing, though, and let us present you with our list of the best ‘90s kids’ movies ever. And if you aren’t feeling any nostalgia by now, you will soon. 

We have no doubt that you’ve already seen the kids' movies that are on top of our list, but why not revisit them or show them to your own kids? There’s The Lion King if you want to see them shedding tears, and there’s Jumanji if you think they are sleeping too well at night. Then there’s Matilda - probably the loveliest movie of all time, and there’s Mulan for an introduction to foreign cultures. All in all, these ‘90s kids’ movies are as diverse as the decade was itself, but they all bear that feel-good notion about them. We know that you’re not a kid anymore, but don’t we all deserve some cheerfulness in our lives? 

Okay, so let’s check which family-friendly movies made it onto our list. Just a few scrolls down, you’ll meet our submissions and if you do not agree with our positioning, be sure to vote for the adorable movies that you think deserve it. Then, after you are done dispersing your votes, drop this article to anyone who’d love to share this sweet nostalgic feeling with you!

#1

The Lion King

Lion King movie poster featuring animated characters against a sunset, representing popular '90s kids movies.


Raise your hand if you've not shed a tear while watching the 1994 animated musical drama The Lion King as a kid. If you haven't, then there's probably something very, very wrong with you. In all seriousness, though, however many controversies follow this animated flick, it's still one of the best Disney movies, hands down. From the catchy tunes in the background and the foreground to loveable and diverse characters, The Lion King has all the ingredients to make it a timeless classic.

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    #2

    Home Alone

    Child in red sweater with surprised expression, iconic scene from a popular '90s kids movie.

    If there ever was a childhood staple movie, Home Alone is it. Call it distasteful for adult bashing or stretched-thin; Home Alone is a truly iconic film of the '90s. To us die-hard fans, the gags are hilarious, the premise is unexpected (how is it possible to forget your own child?), and Macaulay Culkin is adorable beyond words.

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    #3

    Aladdin

    Aladdin movie poster featuring Genie, a '90s kids favorite.


    1992's Aladdin, an animated musical fantasy comedy, made it into the pages of the history books not only because of its undeniable entertainment value but also by becoming the highest-grossing Disney movie of the time. Based on an Arabic folk tale of the same name from One Thousand And One Nights, the story brings us back to a time when genie inhabited lamps were a thing and when a street urchin could pretend to be a wealthy prince and marry the beautiful princess in the end. The story is thrilling, the characters are scene-stealing, the music is memorable, and the animation style is impeccable. What's not to love about Aladdin!

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    #4

    Mrs. Doubtfire

    Iconic 90s kids movie poster with character in glasses, holding a broom, wearing pink sweater and plaid skirt.


    There are very few actors as widely beloved as the late Robin Williams. Every movie he starred in warmed audiences' hearts and made them laugh, creating a wholesome movie-watching experience. Such is the case with Mrs. Doubtfire, too, a goofy, lighthearted movie that, in the end, touches you profoundly. And, you might not know this, but a sequel to Mrs. Doubtfire was under work. Sadly, the idea was dropped right after the untimely death of everyone's favorite Williams.

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    #5

    Toy Story

    Toy Story characters Woody and Buzz Lightyear flying, showcasing iconic '90s kids movies.


    We think Toy Story is absolutely worthy of being on top of our list of the best ‘90s kids’ movies ever. Not only is it one of the most impactful animated movies, but it's also probably the only film with a cast member that went on a real space mission. Well, okay, not really a cast member, but a figurine of Buzz Lightyear taken on a Space Shuttle mission STS-124 in 2008 that was used for experiments in zero-g. Still quite an impressive achievement, I might say!

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    #6

    Jumanji

    Jumanji movie poster featuring an actor and rhinos, a classic '90s kids film setting.


    Jumanji is a 1995 fantasy adventure movie starring everyone's favorite Robin Williams. And while you did already know that, you might not know that the Jumanji movie is based on a picture book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. If you need your memory refreshed, the story here centers around a board game that's undoubtedly more thrilling than Monopoly. It's a supernatural game that releases jungle-based hazards upon its player with each step they make. There's havoc, there are chilling adventures, but everything ends well for our heroes in the end. The movie's success later spawned a full-blown franchise, with plenty of films to follow up and one pretty creepy animated series.

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    #7

    Beauty And The Beast

    Beauty and the Beast movie poster featuring Belle and Beast in a ballroom scene with enchanted rose and characters.


    1991's Beauty And The Beast, an animated musical romantic fantasy film, as with most Disney movies, is based on an existent fairy tale. In this case, it’s the one by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, who wrote this Stockholm syndrome exposé way back in 1756. However, if you do not wish to associate Beauty And The Beast with any syndromes, then let's agree that the story is about a love that conquers all, one that doesn't care about the beauty of the outside but rather the beauty within. And while it isn't such a tear-jerker as The Lion King, Beauty And The Beast, however, is probably one of the most elegant and romantic Disney movies.

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    #8

    Matilda

    '90s kids movie poster for "Matilda" featuring a smiling girl pointing at a glowing orb with characters inside.

    1996's Matilda, a fantasy comedy film, is probably the loveliest, most heartwarming movie of the decade. Based on the book by the legendary writer Roald Dahl, it follows the story of a girl, Matilda, who's a real genius and has just a slither of psychic powers. She's misunderstood and mistreated by her parents, and the school's principal is one tyrannic overlord. Thankfully, there's also a teacher who loves Matilda, and the story, ultimately, ends in the most beautiful way. It's a smart movie made very believable by great acting, a tight plot, and a pace that's just right.

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    #9

    Hocus Pocus

    Poster for 'Hocus Pocus,' featuring three witches, from a classic '90s kids movie.


    Is it really Halloween without revisiting this 1993 classic? We genuinely doubt so, and if you still haven't seen Hocus Pocus, then you've missed the most important part of your childhood. There's a comedic trio of villainous witches (Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler, and Kathy Najimy) that should've been long dead but are resurrected by a teenager right on the brink of Halloween. It's a cauldron of fun and a mixture of great acting that created a real cult classic to be revisited every spookiest night of the year.

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    #10

    Mulan

    Mulan movie poster showing a warrior with a red background, representing '90s kids films.


    1998's Mulan is one of those rare Disney movies that were not based on an existent tale but rather employed an original script. To make it authentic, a number of artistic supervisors visited various places in China where they found their inspiration for the story of Mulan, a misfit tomboy ready to guard her family's honor at whatever cost. The movie's vibrant characters, impeccable voice acting, and the story itself made Mulan into a hugely successful feature that every ‘90s kid has watched and loved.

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    #11

    Casper

    Casper movie poster with ghosts and a haunted mansion, representing iconic '90s kids movies.


    I think we can all agree that 1995's Casper was beyond adorable and entertaining, but wait until you hear its official genre description. It turns out that our beloved Casper is categorized as a supernatural dark fantasy comedy-drama film, and here we thought it was just your regular kids' movie. So, yes, it is much darker than the cartoons of Casper The Friendly Ghost before it, talking about Casper's tragic backstory, but we would still name it a perfectly kid-friendly movie for the whole family's fun.

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    #12

    Space Jam

    "Space Jam poster featuring a basketball player and cartoon rabbit, iconic '90s kids movie."


    Although we've seen plenty of films with sports stars trying to enter the world of acting, and many of them failing, 1996's Space Jam is a rare exception to the rule. Here, we see THE Michael Jordan acting his heart out next to animated characters from the Looney Tunes universe, and it is so much fun! Jordan plays a fictionalized version of himself in Space Jam, and in this reality, he has to play a basketball game against earth-invading aliens. His team is Looney Tunes, and do they win? Sure, you must remember that!

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    #13

    Hook

    '90s kids movie poster with characters from "Hook," featuring a pirate theme and Peter Pan elements.

    Hook is a 1991 fantasy swashbuckler (basically meaning 'pirate') adventure film by Steven Spielberg, starring Dustin Hoffman and Robin Williams. From Peter Pan's most boring incarnation as an office worker to a welcome back to Neverland, this movie never ceases to deliver us adventure, thrilling misfortunes that our heroes have to overcome, and a moral that's relatable to us all. Although the critics had some harsh words directed at the plot and the tone of the movie, it nevertheless became a cult classic that we just love to watch over and over again.

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    #14

    The Sandlot

    Kids from a '90s movie celebrating together, with the tallest one wearing a baseball jersey and cap, smiling in a group.


    A coming-of-age sports comedy that's so nostalgic it'll make you cry-laugh? Yes, it's The Sandlot in its full glory. As with most movies on our list, this comedy film found itself out of favor with the critics, but who are they to judge a comedy, right? And if one Sandlot just doesn't cut it for you - there are two sequels to this 1993 gem.

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    #15

    Toy Story 2

    Toy Story 2 movie poster with a character excitedly posing against a yellow background, from '90s kids movies.


    A sequel to the 1995 Toy Story, it opened to wild box office success, and just as its predecessor did, it gained a rare 100% rating on the website Rotten Tomatoes. But, if not for Galyn Susman, Toy Story 2 might've perished without us ever seeing it. See, in 1998, two years into making this animated film, one of the animators accidentally deleted all the material created up to date. But thanks to Galyn, who was working from home while taking care of her newborn baby, backup files were kept, and the production moved on.

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    #16

    Home Alone 2: Lost In New York

    '90s kids movie "Home Alone 2" poster with a boy, skyscraper, and two men in background.


    Home Alone 2: Lost In New York is, of course, a sequel to the original and was released two years after (in 1992) the massive success of its predecessor. Here, we once again get to meet the McCallister family, gladly, Macaulay Culkin too, as they once again fail to keep the right count of their kids. This time it's set in New York, which in its own right is a scary city, all the more if you're young Kevin all lost and alone. And if this sequel may lack in originality, it makes up in abundant holiday cheer and Macaulay's adorable acting.

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    #17

    The Parent Trap

    '90s kids movie "The Parent Trap" poster featuring twin girls and a couple smiling closely.


    The Parent trap, an adaptation of Erich Kästner's 1949 German novel Lottie and Lisa (Das doppelte Lottchen), stars Lindsay Lohan as both of the twins in her debut role. The twins, Hallie Parker and Annie James, are separated at birth but meet at a summer camp years later. Though immediately disliking each other, the girls figure out their family ties and come up with a plan to get their parents back together. Their plan is not without mischief and roadblocks, but it's all the more fun for us, the viewers!

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    #18

    The Addams Family

    '90s kids movie scene featuring the Addams Family in a dark, gothic setting.

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    #19

    Babe

    Young pig Babe with farm animals in a vibrant '90s kids movie setting.

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    #20

    A Goofy Movie

    Goofy and Max on a makeshift raft in a canyon river, holding a fishing pole. Iconic '90s kids movie scene.


    1995's A Goofy Movie star is none other than Goofy himself. And with Goofy as the main man, you just know that the adventures about to unfold will be kooky, wacky, and loads of fun! The movie centers around Goofy and his son Max who's now in high school. Since Goofy is a good dad wishing to strengthen the father-and-son relationship, he takes Max for a bonding session. It turns out it's a fishing trip he had in mind and one that's very misguided yet hilariously fun for us to watch.

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    #21

    The Little Rascals

    Group of kids and a dog from a '90s kids movie stand together, showing various expressions against a blue sky and white fence.


    The Little Rascals, a 1994 family comedy film, centers around the adventures of a group of neighborhood kids. And you know what the best part of watching such a movie as a kid is? It's imagining that you could also enter this kind of mischievous adventure, and you could also have this kind of hilarious friends. If not in real life, then at least while watching this highly entertaining movie. And if you were to watch it now, be ready to feel a surge of nostalgia for your own salad days.

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    #22

    Free Willy

    Orca jumping over rocks with child reaching up, iconic scene from a '90s kids movie.

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    #23

    Kindergarten Cop

    90s kids movie poster featuring a man surrounded by children, promoting "Kindergarten Cop."

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    #24

    101 Dalmatians

    Cruella De Vil holding dalmatian puppies, promoting the '90s kids movie "101 Dalmatians".

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    #25

    The Mighty Ducks

    Coach with hockey team in '90s kids movie, "The Mighty Ducks," posing in front of excited young players.


    The Mighty Ducks is a 1992 sports comedy-drama movie about a youth hockey team and their (mis)adventures on the road to becoming champions. Although its plot is quite predictable, that isn't necessarily a bad thing since you know that there won't be any shocking plot twists, and you will be left with a general feel-good mood after watching it. It's perfectly fine as family entertainment and even better if you or your kids are crazy about hockey. Oh, and fun fact - one year after the movie's release, Disney formed its own NHL hockey team called The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

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    #26

    Dennis The Menace

    Child character from a '90s kids movie holding a slingshot, looking surprised against a bright background.

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    #27

    My Girl

    Two children smiling in a promotional image for the '90s kids movie "My Girl."

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    #28

    A Bug's Life

    A blue ant peeking through a leaf, promotional poster for the '90s kids movie "A Bug's Life."

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    #29

    Angels In The Outfield

    '90s kids movie "Angels in the Outfield" poster with smiling baseball players and a man with wings holding a baseball.

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    #30

    The Nightmare Before Christmas

    The Nightmare Before Christmas poster featuring Jack Skellington and a full moon, iconic '90s kids movie.

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    #31

    Honey, I Shrunk The Kids

    90s kids movie poster featuring a man and a dog with tiny people on their noses.

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    #32

    Jurassic Park

    "Jurassic Park logo featuring a dinosaur silhouette, iconic '90s kids movie theme."

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    #33

    Cool Runnings

    Four men pose by a bobsled, wearing vibrant '90s attire, under the title "Cool Runnings," a classic '90s kids movie.

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    #34

    The Iron Giant

    Poster of "The Iron Giant," featuring the giant robot silhouette against a cloudy sky, representing '90s kids movies.

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    #35

    The Secret Garden

    Cover of "The Secret Garden" with children in a lush garden scene, representing '90s kids movies.

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    #36

    Men In Black

    Two agents in suits holding futuristic weapons, iconic '90s kids movie action scene.

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    #37

    Pocahontas

    Pocahontas movie poster with main character paddling a canoe under a vibrant, swirling sky.

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    #38

    Anastasia

    '90s kids movie "Anastasia" poster featuring main characters on a staircase with a snowy background.

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    #39

    Edward Scissorhands

    Edward Scissorhands poster depicting the iconic '90s kids movie character with scissor hands and a snowy background.

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    #40

    The Indian In The Cupboard

    Cover of "The Indian in the Cupboard" featuring a boy holding a miniature figure, set against a city skyline.

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    #41

    The Witches

    Poster for "The Witches" featuring a witch with a pink cape and a mouse, from '90s kids movies.

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    #42

    Ferngully: The Last Rainforest

    '90s kids movie poster of FernGully, featuring two characters in an enchanting rainforest setting.

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    #43

    Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

    '90s kids movie poster featuring two dogs and a cat in a scenic mountain setting.

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    #44

    Hercules

    Poster of 1997's "Hercules," showcasing animated characters from the popular '90s kids movie.

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    #45

    The Muppet Christmas Carol

    The Muppet Christmas Carol poster, featuring Muppet characters in winter setting, representing popular '90s kids movies.

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    #46

    The Land Before Time II: The Great Valley Adventure

    '90s kids movie poster of The Land Before Time: The Great Valley Adventure showing animated dinosaurs.

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    #47

    Tarzan

    Tarzan animated movie cover with characters from '90s kids films.

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    #48

    Fly Away Home

    Young girl in a blue hat holding a duckling, with geese and a man nearby, capturing '90s kids movie essence.

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    #49

    The Swan Princess

    "The Swan Princess poster featuring animated characters and castle, representing '90s kids movies nostalgia."

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    #50

    Stuart Little

    Mouse in red sweater stands on a sneaker with suitcase nearby, representing a classic '90s kids movie.

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