Looking for some 90s family films to share with your kids? From sci-fi to heartwarming classics, we’ve got you covered. Stream these nostalgic movies today.
From our marriage & parenting contributor, Mary Carver.
The 90s Family Movies To Stream Right Now
A couple years ago I realized my kids were entering a magical stage, one in which they could appreciate some of the movies from my own childhood.
Finally, we could watch non-animated movies together, and they were old enough to understand but not be scared.
And, if I was lucky and played it just cool enough, they were still young enough to be delighted and entertained by the movies I have loved for decades.
Of course, there is no accounting for taste when it comes to my kids (or any kids, I suspect).
The first time I showed them The Princess Bride, they were not impressed.
Inconceivable!
Little do they know I’m planning to give it another try over spring break…
So far, my kids have loved Hook, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, and Lindsay Lohan version of The Parent Trap.
And while I don’t think they’re quite ready for My Girl, I cannot wait to track down The Sandlot and show them that one.
Head’s up, though: While I don’t know the exact standards for movie ratings during our childhoods versus today, it seems that older movies rated PG include more language, violence, and adult references than today’s PG movies.
So while each one of these movies is rated PG, keep in mind that might mean something different than you remember or expect!
Think you might want to show your own kids a few movies from back in the day?
Start with this list of 90’s movies!
For the sports fans:
Space Jam (1996) – recommended for ages 7+
This 1996 live-action/animated sports comedy film starring basketball legend Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes characters is a fun one for your weekend.
In the film, Jordan teams up with Bugs Bunny and other Looney Tunes characters to win a basketball game against a group of aliens who plan to capture them as attractions for their theme park. Be sure to bookmark the sequel for your weekend.
The Sandlot (1993) – recommended for ages 8+
Baseball, friendship, and 1960s nostalgia.
In this heartfelt coming-of-age comedy, a new kid is taken in by a group of baseball loving misfits. A reboot is rumored to be coming to Disney+ !
A League of Their Own – recommended for ages 10+
Women’s baseball, Tom Hanks, and Geena Davis.
There’s no crying in baseball! Based on the real-life Girls All American Professional Baseball League founded in 1942. A tv series based on the movie is in production for Amazon streaming.
The Mighty Ducks (1992) – recommended for ages 11+
Hockey, underdogs, and Emilio Estevez.
As a community service requirement, a selfish lawyer must coach a losing youth hockey team. A series based on the film is in development at Disney +.
For the animal lovers:
Free Willy (1993) – recommended for ages 6+
A boy, a whale, and some intense emotions.
An orphan boy befriends a captive killer whale and aims to release him back to the wild. There are three sequels: The Adventure Home, The Rescue and Escape from Pirate’s Cove.
Babe (1995) – recommended for ages 6+
A pig, a farm, and some harsh realities about where food comes from.
Can the other barn animals accept a nontraditional pig? Yes, when he’s as cute as Babe. Oscar winning piglet!
Dr. Dolittle (1998) – recommended for ages 8+
Animals, Eddie Murphy, and a whole lot of potty humor.
Once the animals in town find out Dr. Dolittle has the ability to talk to animals, they all come visit!
For anyone who loves fantasy and make-believe:
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989) – recommended for ages 6+
Inventions, adventures, and Rick Moranis.
Whoops! Four kids are shrunken to the size of ants by a shrimp ray and must fight their way through the backyard, while their scientist dad searches for them. A new film, Shrunk, is in production at Disney.
George of the Jungle (1997) – recommended for ages 6+
Abandoned baby, raised by apes, grows up and visits San Francisco.
Just try and get the theme song out of your head. Tarzan spoof action adventure based on a cartoon series. The cartoon is getting a reboot for CBS All Access.
Matilda (1996) – recommended for ages 9+
Clever girl has powers in fantasy based on Roald Dahl book. includes the world’s worst principal – Miss Trunchbull. Netflix is developing a musical reboot.
Hook (1991) – recommended for ages 10+
Grown-up Peter Pan, campy Captain Hook, and kidnapped kids.
Directed by Steven Spielberg grown up Peter (Robin Williams) and Tinkerbell (Julia Roberts) must face their old nemesis Hook (Dustin Hoffman).
All about friends and family:
The Parent Trap (1999) – recommended for ages 6+
Separated twins, reunited parents, and little Lindsay Lohan.
A remake of the classic 1961 Disney film.
My Girl (1991) – recommended for ages 11+
Friendship, death, and baby Macaulay Culkin.
Get ready for all the feelings watching Anna Chlumskey play an 11 year old being raised by single dad Dan Ackroyd.
A couple lesser-known (but fantastic) animated legends:
Anastasia (1997) – recommended for ages 6+
Long-lost princess, evil Rasputin, and more fun than facts.
Includes the vocal talents of Meg Ryan, Angela Lansbury, Kelsey Grammer, Christopher Lloyd and John Cusack.
Hercules (1997) – recommended for ages 7+
Gods and heroes, a gospel Greek chorus, and intense animated action.
Disney animates Greek mythology!
Treats for the holidays:
Hocus Pocus (1993) – recommended for ages 10+
Halloween, witches, and spooky stuff.
One of the best Halloween movies ever. Reboot announced for Disney +.
Home Alone (1990) – recommended for ages 10+
Mouthy kids, careless parents, and holiday hijinks.
More Macaulay Caulkin, but this time he is battling Joe Pesci. Also includes the fabulous Katherine O’Hara and John Candy. Yes, also on reboot list for Disney +.
Do your kids like movies from the 90’s? Which ones are their favorites?
Note: Age recommendations come from Common Sense Media.
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