Why is it that the older we get, the more we long for “the good old days?”
The days when our only concern was if Blockbuster had the new release we were desperate to see. Remember rushing through the doors on a Friday night, down the alphabetized aisles, checking behind every copy to see if there was a rental available?
Ah, I can still feel the thrill of excitement when finding the last copy, and the agony of defeat when they were all rented out. Despite how ridiculous this sounds now with nearly every movie only a click away, it still feels pretty great thinking back to the rush.
In an effort to recreate that rush, here’s a list of ’90s movies that’ll give you all the nostalgic feels and hopefully, ones that stand the test of time for a good old-fashioned family movie night.
Favorite 90’s Movies
Sister Act (1992) PG, 1hr, 40 mins on Disney+
Jumanji (1995) PG, 1hr 44 mins on Freeform
Hook (1991) PG, 2hr 22 mins to buy or rent
Homeward Bound (1993) G, 1hr 24 mins on Disney+
Back to the Future 3 (1990) PG, 1hr 58 mins to buy or rent
Newsies (1992) PG, 2hrs 1 min on Disney+
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) PG-13, 2hrs 5 mins on Disney+
The Addams Family (1991) PG-13, 1hr 39 mins on Pluto
The Little Rascals (1994) PG, 1hr 22 mins on Peacock
Major Payne (1995) PG-13, 1hr 35 mins on Prime
Honorable Mentions:
Honey, I Blew Up The Kid (1992) PG, 1hr 29 mins
The Parent Trap (1998) PG, 2hr 8 mins
Babe (1995) PG, 1hr 31 mins
Free Willy (1993) PG, 1hr 52 mins
Sports-Themed
The Sandlot (1993) PG, 1hr 41 mins on Disney+
The Mighty Ducks (1992) PG, 1hr 41 mins on Disney+
Little Giants (1994) PG, 1hr 47 mins on Tubi
Cool Runnings (1993) PG, 1h 38 mins on Disney+
Space Jam (1996) PG, 1hr 28 mins on Hulu
Holiday-Themed
Home Alone (1990) PG, 1hr 43 mins on Disney+
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) PG, 1hr 19 mins on Disney+
Hocus Pocus (1993) PG, 1hr 36 mins on Disney+
Casper (1995) PG, 1hr 40 mins to buy or rent
Animated
Toy Story (1995) G, 1hr 22 mins on Disney+
The Lion King (1994) G, 1hr 29 mins on Disney+
Aladdin (1992) G, 1hr 34 mins on Disney+
Beauty and the Beast (1991) G, 1hr 29 mins on Disney+
Honorable Mentions:
FernGully, The Last Rainforest (1992) G, 1hr 16 mins on Disney+
An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991) G, 1 hr 15 mins to buy or rent
Ages 13+
Jurassic Park (1993) PG-13, 2hrs 6 mins on HBO Max
A League of Their Own (1992) PG, 2hrs 7 mins on STARZ
Independence Day (1996) PG-13, 2hrs 24 mins on HBO Max
Forrest Gump (1994) PG-13, 2hrs 22 mins to buy or rent
Father of the Bride (1991) PG, 1hr 45 mins to buy or rent
Happy Gilmore (1996) PG-13, 1hr 31 mins to buy or rent
Clueless (1995) PG-13, 1hr 37 mins on HBO Max
Wayne’s World (1992) PG-13, 1hr 34 mins to buy or rent
Men in Black (1997) PG-13, 1hr 37 mins on STARZ
Dumb and Dumber (1994) PG-13, 1hr 46 mins on Hulu
Honorable Mentions:
There’s Something About Mary
Good Will Hunting
10 Things I Hate About You
The Matrix
Robin Hood Men in Tights
Encino Man
Ace Ventura
Tommy Boy
Never Been Kissed
City Slickers
Austin Powers
Now and Then
Batman Returns
The Witches
Edward Scissorhands
Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead
The Mask
Beverly Hills Cop 3
A really fun way to approach a movie night tradition is to set some ground rules. I know, how are the words “fun” and “rules” in the same sentence but hear me out. Knowing who’s in charge of the pick of the week, and if there are veto options can reduce a lot of unnecessary arguing.
This awesome movie journal is a great way to keep track and has so many neat ideas on how to make it magical.
And no movie night would be complete without yummy snacks! Anything from your classic popcorn to themed snacks can amp up the fun! So grab your kids and a cozy blanket and enjoy the best the ’90s has to offer.
For more movie night ideas, check out 50+ Halloween Movies to Stream for All Ages.
