The 90s were a remarkable time for movies across many genres, with releases still widely regarded as some of the best today. Terminator 2: Judgment Day premiered in 1991 and remains arguably one of the greatest sci-fi action movies ever made. The Matrix also released in 1999, wowing audiences with its jaw-dropping action scenes and bullet time.
The action genre also had numerous phenomenal releases throughout the 90s. Many fans consider Heat a masterpiece of the crime genre, offering audiences an incredible showdown between Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. Pulp Fiction premiered in 1994, boasting an all-star cast, interlinking stories, and countless quotes that remain a part of pop culture today. Even beloved Westerns like Tombstone were released in the 90s. It’s still praised today, with many fans mesmerized by Val Kilmer’s iconic portrayal of Doc Holliday.
Adult moviegoers had plenty to enjoy in the decade, but the 90s were also quite special for films aimed at a younger audience. The decade produced numerous kids’ movies that offer a time capsule for viewers today. Many of them are still relevant and remain essential viewing, whether you were a 90s kid yourself or just want to experience filmmaking from the era.
10
The Mighty Ducks (1992)
The Mighty Ducks may seem like a niche pick, with a sports story about a hockey team at its core. Nevertheless, the story arguably transcends the source material and remains an enjoyable feel-good movie with a superb cast.
Emilio Estevez stars as Gordon Bombay. He’s a lawyer in hot water on a drunk-driving charge. As part of his community service, Bombay must coach a failing kids’ hockey team. They don’t see eye to eye at first, but a bond forms between the team and their new coach as they learn to work together and play to their strengths on the ice.
It’s easy to dismiss The Mighty Ducks as it’s a sports story, but Bombay’s evolving relationship with his students is a real highlight. The movie is a 90s teen drama, but it’s also a comedy with laugh-out-loud moments.
9
Free Willy (1993)
Several tear-jerking animal movies were released during the 90s. Free Willy arguably falls into that category, though it tells an emotional story, with a young boy bonding with a captive killer whale at the heart of the tale.
That young boy is Jesse (Jason James Richter), and he’s tasked with cleaning an adventure park as part of his probation. Jesse meets an orca named Willy at the park. He learns the park owners intend to remove Willy in a nefarious way, and devises a plan to free his new friend and reunite him with his family in the wild.
Free Willy is quite an emotionally heavy movie at times, especially when audiences discover what the park owners plan to do with Willy and why. Nevertheless, it’s an iconic 90s kids movie with a good message. It also includes one particularly iconic moment as Willy jumps into the air.
8
The Addams Family (1991)
The Addams Family is an early 90s dark comedy with a phenomenal cast and a wild story. The eccentric family becomes the target of devious con artists who learn of a fortune on the property and attempt to steal it.
One of the con artists masquerades as a long-lost uncle. The Addams Family welcomes him with open arms at first but quickly grows suspicious as Uncle Fester (Christopher Lloyd) certainly isn’t how they remember him.
The bizarre Addamses are a massive highlight of the movie with strange traditions and an obsession with all things deathly and gruesome. Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston are unforgettable as Gomez and Morticia, and the movie is a must-watch today as it’s a precursor to the Wednesday TV show.
7
Casper (1995)
Staying with the horror-lite theme, Casper tells a family-friendly ghost story at the grand Whipstaff Manor. Bill Pullman stars as Dr. Harvey. He’s an afterlife therapist and travels to supposedly haunted houses with his daughter, Kat (Christina Ricci), even though they’ve never actually seen a real ghost.
The pair quickly realize that Whipstaff Manor is genuinely haunted. Casper is a lonely ghost who just wants a friend, but his uncles, Stretch, Stinky, and Fatso, are less accommodating. Dr. Harvey is determined to finish his job with Casper’s uncles, but the pair who hired him may have an ulterior motive.
Casper offers a fun, spooky story with surprisingly emotional moments as Kat learns more about Casper and why he never crossed over.
6
Matilda (1996)
Matilda is a family-friendly movie about Matilda (Mara Wilson), a young girl with special powers. She’s part of a self-absorbed family who doesn’t understand her, and her life changes forever when she attends school for the first time.
That school is Crunchem Hall, and the headmistress, Miss Trunchbull (Pam Ferris), rules with an iron fist. She terrorizes children and teachers alike, and immediately clashes with her new student. Matilda must deal with issues at school as well as at home. She also forges a bond with her class teacher, Miss Honey (Embeth Davidtz), who is also linked to the fearsome headmistress.
Matilda makes the list for its lighthearted story and incredible casting. Ferris steals the show as the Trunchbull. Matilda’s parents, played by Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman, are also superb, and some of DeVito’s lines are off-the-cuff and hilarious.
5
Home Alone (1990)
Home Alone is a classic early 90s slapstick comedy featuring Macaulay Culkin’s breakout role as Kevin McCallister. He’s a young boy in a huge family preparing for a holiday. In the rush, his parents leave him at home and don’t realize it until they are on a plane to Paris.
We also learn that Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern), two thieves, planned to rob the house when the family left. However, they never accounted for Kevin being at home, and he fills the house with devious traps to stop them.
Home Alone is full of hilarious set pieces, and many of Kevin’s traps are like elaborate Rube Goldberg machines. The original movie is arguably the best, though fans can enjoy more of Kevin’s shenanigans in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
4
The Iron Giant (1999)
Disney arguably dominated the animated movie scene through the 90s, though The Iron Giant, produced by Warner Bros., remains essential viewing even today. Hogarth, a young boy, encounters a giant robot from space that changes his life forever.
The movie is set during the Cold War era, and Hogarth forms a lovable bond with the giant as the pair become friends. Unfortunately, a massive hulking metal creature can’t stay a secret forever, and its presence quickly draws military attention.
The story is mostly focused on Hogarth’s friendship with the Iron Giant. Hogarth realizes that the creature is friendly, which makes the emotionless military response a jarring gut punch. The Iron Giant is a powerful movie, with some themes that will hit adult audiences quite differently.
3
Jumanji (1995)
Jumanji is an exceptional 90s movie suitable for a multigenerational audience. Robin Williams stars as Alan Parrish. He finds a strange board game at a construction site and takes it home. Sarah (Bonnie Hunt) plays it with him and gets the scare of her life as Alan is sucked into the game before her eyes.
Years later, two children, Judy (Kirsten Dunst) and Peter (Bradley Pierce), find the game and start playing. They ultimately free Alan and meet Sarah, but discover the game is releasing perils from the Jungle into the world. The only way to stop it is to finish the game, but can they survive that long?
Jumanji tells a gripping story where we never know what will come out of the game next. The 90s movie is also a real treat for fans of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and its sequels.
2
Toy Story (1995)
Toy Story was mind-blowing when it was released in 1995. It launched one of the most recognizable animated kids’ movie franchises and was the first feature-length film in its now-iconic CGI style. Tom Hanks voices Woody, Andy’s sheriff toy, and he’s used to being the favorite.
Woody’s life changes when Andy gets a new Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) action figure for his birthday. His jealousy sets events in motion that take them outside the safety of the house, and they must set aside their differences to get home.
Toy Story turned heads in the 90s thanks to its cutting-edge CGI, and those visuals are elevated by an incredible story and characters. The movie covers relatable topics with a good message and is essential viewing if you’ve watched any other movie in the franchise.
1
The Lion King (1994)
Fans of 90s kids’ movies likely saw this coming, but many moviegoers regard The Lion King as a timeless masterpiece. It’s not just a solid Disney movie; it’s arguably one of the greatest kids’ films ever made.
Simba is a lion cub, destined to be king. His father, Mufasa, is wise and teaches him about the circle of life and his place in it. However, Simba’s uncle, Scar, wants the throne for himself. He puts a deadly plan into motion, ultimately driving Simba away, wracked with guilt over a death that wasn’t his fault.
The Lion King is a beautifully animated movie with great characters, catchy songs, and a strong coming-of-age story. It’s also a powerful film with one particular tear-jerking scene that remains legendary in Disney’s expansive filmography.
