Great 90s films inspire much nostalgia mostly due to the fact that they depict a simpler, more innocent time. They remind audiences of life before mass technology, displaying advances in phone calls and the internet throughout the decade all within the slightly grainy, yet comforting, digital mastering framework of its time. Children's films in particular inspire these feelings as, 1990s children now adults in their 20s or even 30s, this genre reminds them of being young.
Reaching global acclaim and enticing memories from time ago, these films remain a timestamp of the 1990s decade. They show a snapshot to audiences now how film used to be.
10 Toy Story (1995)
Voiced by some of the best actors of the decade, Toy Story remains one of the most memorable children's film of this era, not least due to the three sequels and Lightyear spinoff that followed. From a critical standpoint, it develops characters very well and creates an incredibly unique and wonderful story that is fun family viewing and is also easy for young children to follow.
This also showcases ground-breaking animation from Pixar for its time, which paved the way for future cartoon films to be created. Its 90s charm and engaging voice talents from the likes of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Annie Potts remains a vision to behold.
9 Stuart Little (1999)
Focusing on a small white mouse being adopted from an orphanage by a loving human family, Stuart Little is structured like a true 90s family film that feels like a timestamp of a romanticized New York City. It stars Hugh Laurie and Geena Davis, alongside Michael J. Fox's voice acting as Stuart as he seeks to navigate his new, human way of life despite being small.
Released in the United States at the turn of the millennium in December 1999, it was nominated for an Academy Award for the Best Visual Effects category (losing to The Matrix) for its CGI effects and the creation of Stuart's mouse character. Best known for his iconic tiny outfits and tiny red car, this adventurous comedy remains a really fun and engaging viewing experience.
8 The Lion King (1994)
Moving and deeply memorable, The Lion King remains one of the most ground-breaking Disney films mostly because of its incredible storyline. However, not only does it continue to tug at audience's heartstrings worldwide, but it also remains very funny as its humor withstands the test of time. Produced during the Disney Renaissance (1989-1999) and based on Shakespeare's play, Hamlet, Simba's journey to becoming King of the Pride Lands was released to very high critical acclaim and ended up being the highest grossing film of 1994.
Its overwhelming musical score is a testament to the flawless work by Elton John, Tim Rice and Hans Zimmer as the songs remain memorable and are used in the more recent stage version of the musical. It continues to be watched by multiple generations as a comedic, yet emotive, family friendly film.
7 The Addams Family (1991)
Currently very relevant due to the recent release of the Wednesday series on Netflix, The Addams Family is a classic 90s film that reinvented the story of a strangely unique and wildly eccentric family. The story surmises that when an evil doctor learns about a missing Addams relative, Fester, she hires an imposter to pose as him so that she can steal from the family.
Its wild and wicked humor creates some fantastic jokes and memorable scenes as The Addams Family uncover the truth whilst some unexpected twists lead to much revelation. This welcoming and inclusive family with a slightly sadistic edge continues to captivate screens in all recreations of the story, but especially this version.
6 Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
This 1993 American family comedy captured hearts and minds as the late Robin Williams stars as a struggling actor who disguises himself as an old lady housekeeper and works in his ex-wife's house to spend time with his children. With incredible performances from Williams and child actors like Mara Wilson alike, this film remains iconic due to its vibrant comedic sequences and a modern, relatable family at its heart.
What makes Mrs. Doubtfire special is the realistic reality that Daniel and his ex-wife, Miranda (Sally Field), do not get back together at the end. In the film itself, Daniel's creation of this grandmotherly character serves to confirm that times are difficult, but it will be okay. The healing power of laughter is ultimately why this film continue to be great.
5 The Secret Garden (1993)
This film remains incredibly sacred and special for global audiences and continues to be an uplifting classic. More solemn than the others on this list, the plot surmises that Mary, a recently orphaned girl, travels to England after having lived in India all her life, to live in her uncle's castle. Once there, she discovers a beautiful secret garden and seeks to explore what wonders are contained within its walls and reveal it to people once more.
Based on the 1911 novel of the same name, this film speaks to multiple levels of nostalgia for a time forgotten as well as the true timeless classic style of a 1990s period drama film. As it confronts the darker themes of the plot head on, it is perhaps not a typical children's film which makes it a fantastically expressive adaptation.
4 Babe (1995)
Pig protagonist Babe becomes a herder of sheep and tries to make friends in the process in this warm comedic tale set on a typical English farm. Directed by Chris Noonan, this film again speaks to the technological style of 1990s filmmaking as the main animal characters are portrayed by both real animals and animatronic puppets.
The film was a commercial success in its time and had a particular impact on how animal intelligence was viewed, as well as fast becoming a timeless classic fitting for all viewing ages. Perhaps now underrated, the film seeks to share a beautiful message of patience and kindness.
3 Aladdin (1992)
The original 90s Aladdin remains a classic musical comedy animated film also released during the Disney Renaissance. Based on the Arabic folktale of the same name, it tells the story of a young homeless man living in Agrabah who finds a magic lamp. Discovering a genie inside, he helps Aladdin disguise himself as a prince to win the heart of the Sultan's daughter, Princess Jasmine.
A cast with incredible vocals and a story uplifting, it became the highest grossing animated film of all time until it was surpassed by The Lion King two years later. The developing romance between Aladdin and Jasmine was captivating and hopeful, alongside Robin Williams' immense comic relief during the more intense moments of the film. It still feels as fresh and funny as it did thirty years ago.
2 Home Alone (1990)
Home Alone has now become franchise of films about a child accidentally left home alone and chaos ensues. Yet, the original 1990 version starring Macaulay Culkin remains the classic and most nostalgic film. Featuring Kevin McCallister left behind from a family vacation to Paris, he seeks to defend his home from two prolific, yet comedic, burglars.
Remaining the highest grossing Christmas film of all time until 2018, Home Alone is still iconic due to its incredibly quotable scene moments, deeply hilarious humor and the infamous booby traps set by young Kevin around the house.
1 Matilda (1996)
This Roald Dahl family comedy classic stars the incredible Mara Wilson at the helm as Matilda Wormwood. She is a gifted, yet underappreciated, child who discovers she has telekinetic powers and uses them for good. Directed by the legendary Danny DeVito, this 90s throwback is still very highly valued as a timeless children's film.
The 2022 remake of this story is a testament to the legacy of the book and the original 1996 film and the hilarity and horror that adult characters incite. The film extends the message of the film and reminds audiences that girls can succeed and defy all the odds.