The 90s were the golden age of kids movies! Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most memorable films beloved by kids who grew up in the ‘90s.
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00:00 "Hello? Check. That better? Great. Everybody hear me? Up on the shelf, can you hear me? Great!"
00:05 Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most memorable films
00:10 beloved by kids who grew up in the 90s.
00:12 "Ooooh, somebody stop me!"
00:17 Number 20, The Mighty Ducks.
00:20 "Now here's the long and the short of it. I hate hockey and I don't like kids."
00:24 We are convinced that The Mighty Ducks got more than a few kids into hockey.
00:28 A beloved sports comedy, it familiarized many 90s kids with Emilio Estevez and
00:33 introduced a few big names to the party, including Eldon Henson and Joshua Jackson.
00:37 The movie has a real cozy, wintry vibe to it, being shot on location in Minneapolis,
00:42 and it became a surprise hit with a gross of over $50 million.
00:46 "Where'd you learn to shoot like that?"
00:48 "Didn't learn, I just do it. Do it again."
00:52 The Mighty Ducks clearly resonated with audiences. Whether it was through the
00:56 exciting hockey action or the inspirational feel-good moments of its story.
01:00 Throw this baby on and be reminded of that early 90s innocence.
01:04 "Hey Ducks, no matter what happens, we'll see you next season. We got a title to defend."
01:10 Number 19, Hocus Pocus.
01:12 "Perfect, as usual."
01:15 It's funny because few people cared about Hocus Pocus when it was released in the summer of 1993.
01:21 Yes, the summer. Critics didn't care for it and the film grossly underperformed.
01:25 Losing Disney nearly $20 million. But over time,
01:29 people came to realize its charms and its delightfully festive atmosphere.
01:33 "We are home. Oh sweet revenge. Do cease to fight. Perfectly."
01:41 The film was aired on TV every Halloween and quickly gathered a cult following.
01:45 This cult following then morphed into a full-blown cultural sensation.
01:49 For many, Hocus Pocus is now a 90s classic and an annual tradition.
01:54 We can't wait to hang out with Winifred, Sarah and Mary next Halloween.
01:57 "I say it's a bye, up a baby, up a die."
02:01 "I say it's a bye, up a baby, up a die."
02:04 Number 18, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
02:07 "What's a guy gotta do? To get some food around here."
02:11 "Hey, hey he's awake. He want some food. Bring some food."
02:17 Just squeaking into the decade is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,
02:21 which premiered in March of 1990. But despite just barely making it,
02:25 the movie — and the wider TMNT franchise — has gone on to define the '90s.
02:30 The Turtles were everywhere in the spring of that year,
02:32 popping up in TV commercials and on store shelves in the form of tie-in action figures.
02:37 "I'd like to invite you all in, but, uh,
02:39 I really don't have anything to offer you guys except for a frozen pizza."
02:43 "Let's go for it. You said the magic word."
02:48 It was also a mega success at the box office, finishing in the year-end top 10
02:53 and becoming what was then the highest-grossing independent movie ever.
02:57 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles defines '90s nostalgia and is looked on fondly,
03:01 with co-creators Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman
03:04 praising the film and its adaptation of their source comic.
03:07 "Cowabunga!"
03:10 Number 17, Casper.
03:12 "Uh, uh, hi?"
03:16 "Man!"
03:19 This was the directorial debut of Brad Silberling,
03:22 and we gotta say, it's certainly not a bad way to start your career.
03:26 While some took issue with the movie's dark tone,
03:28 it was nevertheless praised for its filmmaking.
03:31 It features excellent actors like Christina Ricci and Bill Pullman,
03:34 and its eye-popping CGI was cutting-edge at the time.
03:38 "Hey, ball bed, why ain't you inside doing your chores?"
03:41 "Yeah, where's dinner? I'm starving. Look at me, I'm wasting away here."
03:45 Indeed, it was this CGI, mingled with the young protagonists, of course,
03:49 that attracted a ton of children to the project.
03:52 They wanted to see fancy ghosts, and boy did they get them.
03:55 Casper was an enormous success,
03:57 grossing nearly $300 million and defining the mid-'90s in the process.
04:01 "Not bad for my first party, huh?"
04:07 "Couldn't have been better."
04:10 Number 16, Space Jam.
04:12 Nothing screams 1990s quite like Michael Jordan and Space Jam.
04:16 "He's the one I want for Moron Mountain."
04:18 "Hey!"
04:19 "Are you talking to me?"
04:23 "Yeah, I'm talking to you. You want a piece of me? Come and get it."
04:27 Released at the height of Jordan-mania,
04:29 Space Jam accomplished a lot in regards to time.
04:32 It played on popular trends of the time,
04:34 it introduced old but iconic characters to a new generation of kids,
04:38 and it eventually established itself as a shining beacon of nostalgia.
04:42 Past, present, and future all in one movie.
04:45 This film is '90s nostalgia incarnate thanks to its soundtrack,
04:59 cast, and cameos, including the likes of Patrick Ewing, Sean Bradley, and Charles Barkley.
05:04 Recognize those names?
05:06 Every '90s kid does.
05:07 "I was thinking, could we stay here with you?"
05:10 "Please?"
05:10 "Oh, brother."
05:13 "Meh, I don't know if you guys are loony enough."
05:16 "Loony enough?"
05:17 Number 15, A Goofy Movie.
05:22 Those opening bars of Eye to Eye are all you need to activate the memories.
05:36 "You look just like I did at your age."
05:39 "Please don't say that, Dad."
05:41 This decade was the golden age of Disney,
05:43 as they released banger after banger and made huge stacks of cash in the process.
05:47 A Goofy Movie did not make the same impression as the company's other blockbusters,
05:51 receiving mixed reviews and grossing less than $40 million,
05:55 but therein lies the power of VHS.
05:58 Just like Hocus Pocus,
05:59 A Goofy Movie was slowly discovered throughout the decade,
06:02 with many people renting it from video stores and seeing it on TV.
06:06 It has since come to define the decade for many people,
06:09 with its many viewers connecting with its touching
06:12 and rather unconventional father-son dynamic.
06:14 "Ahem, ahem.
06:15 I, Goofy, hereby dub my son Maximilian
06:20 official navigator and head witch-wearer of this here road trip."
06:25 "Isn't that nice?"
06:27 "Oh!"
06:28 Number 14, Free Willy.
06:30 "I'll make a deal with you.
06:32 Don't bite my hand off and I'll give you the fish, okay?"
06:39 A quality family film, Free Willy is arguably more relevant now than it was in 1993,
06:45 with whale captivity and animal amusement parks being hot-button topics in recent years.
06:50 The movie follows Jesse, a kind-hearted 12-year-old who ventures to free a captive orca.
06:55 Many kids may remember this film as the first movie they cried at,
06:58 who among us didn't shed a tear when Willy leapt over Jesse and landed in the ocean?
07:02 The soundtrack is also great for a 90s flashback,
07:18 with Michael Jackson's "Will You Be There?" leading the pack.
07:21 The song was a huge success, as was the film itself,
07:25 scoring great reviews and grossing over $150 million.
07:29 "Bye, Willy.
07:30 Gonna miss you.
07:34 Hope we can see each other sometime.
07:36 I love you."
07:39 Number 13, The Parent Trap.
07:42 "All right, girls, shake hands.
07:44 Come on, girls."
07:54 This movie is iconic for the presence of 11-year-old Lindsay Lohan.
07:58 Talk about a throwback.
07:59 The odd remake that equals the original,
08:01 The Parent Trap has Lohan playing the dual roles of twins Hallie and Annie.
08:06 The two girls were separated at birth and reunite by chance at summer camp,
08:10 then plan to get their divorced parents back together.
08:22 It's a very touching film, and it's led by the excellent Lohan.
08:25 She displays the talent of a seasoned pro,
08:28 often sharing the screen with herself and nicely portraying two distinct personalities.
08:33 The supporting cast around Lohan is very 90s as well,
08:36 with Dennis Quaid and Natasha Richardson playing the divorced parents.
08:40 The Parent Trap? More like the Nostalgia Trap.
08:50 This is the type of franchise that transcends generations.
08:53 This movie from 1991 was based on a TV show from the 60s,
09:03 which in turn was based on a series of comics that began in the late 30s.
09:07 By all accounts, the movie was an absolute nightmare to make,
09:15 but the results were well worth it.
09:17 - Hello, Sally? - Mr. Adams, please stop calling.
09:21 It ended up grossing nearly $200 million and revitalized the franchise for a new generation,
09:27 a generation that is probably now reminiscing about the film in the midst of the Wednesday craze.
09:32 Angelica Houston's performance as Morticia Adams is an all-timer,
09:36 and the soundtrack led by that goofy MC Hammer song just screams 90s.
09:41 - You call that pitching? - It's baseball, not tennis.
09:56 Here we enter the realm of nostalgia-ception, and it is glorious.
10:01 Many people hold a nostalgic warmth for The Sandlot,
10:04 as it defined their childhoods in the early 90s.
10:06 Yet The Sandlot is also a movie about nostalgia,
10:10 specifically those carefree days in the 1960s when kids kind of just did whatever they wanted.
10:15 The Sandlot wasn't a huge hit when it came out, but it received good reviews and is now
10:26 looked on fondly by an older generation. It's funny, it's touching, and like the Mighty Ducks,
10:31 it undoubtedly got children into a specific sport, in this case, baseball.
10:36 Hands up, how many baseball lovers out there started with The Sandlot?
10:39 And be honest, did you know who Babe Ruth was before watching?
10:42 Number 10. Hook
10:54 This fantasy film directed by Steven Spielberg served as a follow-up to the original story,
11:05 focusing on a grown-up Peter Pan who returns to Neverland to fight Captain Hook once more.
11:09 While critics' opinions were generally mixed, the film proved to be a huge hit with audiences,
11:21 ensuring Hook a spot among the top earners at that year's box office.
11:25 Robin Williams breathed exciting new life into the legendary character,
11:29 while the set design and visual effects were all astonishing, to say the least.
11:33 The mythos of Peter Pan proved to be a timeless tale,
11:36 with this interpretation able to hook the attention of kids worldwide.
11:40 Number 9. Jumanji
12:02 From one Robin Williams film to another, Jumanji took inspiration from the classic
12:06 book of the same name, and dialed up the sheer level of adventure to a spectacular degree.
12:12 The movie is fondly remembered for its thrill-a-minute pacing, consistently providing
12:16 viewers with exhilarating set pieces in every other scene, each feeling just as
12:21 unique and intense as the last.
12:23 The special effects were also dazzling for their time, and had us on the edge of our seats due to
12:29 just how believable the lions, elephants, and other wild animals looked. With the action escalating
12:34 all the way to its explosive climax, Jumanji was a world we loved getting lost in.
12:39 Number 8. The Lion King
12:48 Jim Carrey became a household name for the movie,
12:51 and the film was a huge hit in the early 2000s.
12:54 The film was a huge hit in the early 2000s, and it was a big hit in the early 2000s.
12:59 The film was a huge hit in the early 2000s, and it was a big hit in the early 2000s.
13:02 The film was a huge hit in the early 2000s, and it was a big hit in the early 2000s.
13:04 The film was a huge hit in the early 2000s, and it was a big hit in the early 2000s.
13:07 The film was a huge hit in the early 2000s, and it was a big hit in the early 2000s.
13:09 The film was a huge hit in the early 2000s, and it was a big hit in the early 2000s.
13:11 The film was a huge hit in the early 2000s, and it was a big hit in the early 2000s.
13:13 The film was a huge hit in the early 2000s, and it was a big hit in the early 2000s.
13:16 Jim Carrey became a household name in 1994,
13:20 playing a detective who talks out of his rear end in Ace Ventura Pet Detective.
13:24 However, we feel The Mask was the more entertaining and memorable film overall,
13:28 as Jim's portrayal of a hyperactive superhero paved the way for all kinds of Looney Tunes-inspired insanity.
13:34 Even when not wearing the mask, Jim Carrey's wit and energetic charisma
13:37 made him an easily likable lead that we could truly root for.
13:41 With an expert combination of both comedy and thrilling action,
13:44 the only thing hiding behind this mask was a darn good time.
13:48 "A superhero!"
13:50 "I could fight crime and protect the innocent."
13:52 "Quick for world peace!"
13:55 Bonus points for Milo being so darn cute.
13:58 "Okay, I'll throw it one time. I'm gonna throw it with you attached to it."
14:02 Number 7. Matilda
14:06 This film adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl fantasy novel
14:09 may have veered away from the original storyline,
14:11 but that didn't stop it from captivating audiences all the same.
14:14 "I mean, I know you say you didn't, but obviously you did."
14:17 "I did not glue my hat to my head."
14:20 Although the subject matter teetered on the darker side of things
14:22 and the visuals could be occasionally eerie,
14:25 the film's oddball characters and imagery still managed to solidify themselves
14:29 in the minds of kids at the time, probably because it was kind of disturbing.
14:33 "Dinner time is family time. What is this trash you're reading?"
14:36 "It's not trash, Daddy. It's lovely. It's called Moby Dick by Herman Melville."
14:41 "Moby what?"
14:43 The acting, cinematography, and music blended together
14:46 for an unorthodox but very compelling narrative.
14:49 Sometimes the strange ones stand out the most,
14:51 and in Matilda's case, she led the 90s pack of bizarrely imaginative entertainment.
14:56 Number 6. Aladdin
15:06 "There is a cave, boy. A cave of wonders,
15:10 filled with treasures beyond your wildest dreams."
15:14 The 90s ushered in a barrage of top-notch Disney films
15:19 that would forever go down in the history of cinema,
15:22 like the beautifully crafted Beauty and the Beast.
15:24 However, we argue that the tale of a street rat turned prince
15:28 slightly nudges past most of its Disney brethren to stand out.
15:31 "Interesting."
15:34 "What? Who?"
15:36 The many sing-alongable songs, such as Friend Like Me, A Whole New World, and Prince Ali,
15:40 were the highlights of a rousing musical score,
15:43 and Robin Williams once again shows up on our list,
15:46 lending his voice to the unforgettable character known as the Genie.
15:49 "Ten thousand years will give you such a crick in the neck."
16:00 Number 5. Home Alone
16:02 "I made my family disappear."
16:05 "Yow!"
16:05 Who could have guessed that a movie with such a simple premise
16:09 would wind up being such a massive box office smash?
16:12 Well, thanks to a clever script jam-packed with funny moments
16:15 and tons of throwbacks to the slapstick era,
16:17 as well as the instantly lovable performance by Macaulay Culkin,
16:21 Home Alone was surely one of the most easily enjoyable movies of its time.
16:24 "Other than that, I'm in good shape."
16:32 In fact, its widespread appeal was so huge,
16:34 it spawned several copycats and clones since its release,
16:38 but none could quite match the power of the original.
16:41 "Where the hell'd you take your shoes off?"
16:42 "Why the hell you dress like a chicken?"
16:44 "I'm up here, you morons! Come and get me!"
16:50 Number 4. The Lion King
16:52 Aladdin is undoubtedly a riveting adventure,
16:55 but only one Disney animated classic can be crowned king here.
16:58 "Oh, I just can't wait to be king!"
17:03 Often categorized as an epic musical,
17:05 The Lion King was an absolute tour de force of suspense, romance, and valuable life lessons.
17:11 Ticking off the boxes for nearly everything you'd like to see in an awesome movie,
17:14 The Lion King somehow managed to balance a carefully woven story of bravery and destiny
17:19 with colorful characters, a great sense of humor,
17:22 and a trademark Disney music that everyone has come to love.
17:26 "Let's go!"
17:28 A masterpiece in every sense of the word,
17:38 this movie is quite the animated king indeed.
17:41 "So whenever you feel alone, just remember that those kings will always be there to guide you.
17:47 And so will I."
17:51 Number 3. Mrs. Doubtfire
17:53 "Hello!"
17:54 "Ahh! Oh, I'm sorry to frighten you dear, I must look like a yeti in this getup."
18:00 As evidenced by his many appearances on this list,
18:03 Robin Williams was a big part of any 90's kid's childhood,
18:07 but his portrayal of a man pretending to be a woman may just be his magnum opus.
18:11 "Oh, I thought I saw Clint Eastwood. That would make my day, he is such a stud muffin."
18:18 Whether he was dancing to the appropriately titled "Dude Looks Like a Lady",
18:22 smashing cake onto his face or dousing the fire on his fake bosom,
18:25 Robin Williams brought his A-game to this performance full of charm and hilarious wit.
18:30 Amid the silly slapstick however, was a thoughtful storyline about family themes
18:34 and personal struggle, showing there's more to this movie than just a few good jokes.
18:38 There is no doubt that this flick set the 90's on fire.
18:42 "Look at this! My first day as a woman, I'm getting hot flashes."
18:46 Number 2. Toy Story
18:47 "Oh, what do we have here?
18:49 "Wait! Turn that thing back on!"
18:52 "Come in, Mother Bird. Come in, Mother Bird.
18:54 Mom has pulled a surprise present from the closet."
18:56 The first feature film to be fully computer animated,
18:59 the original Toy Story was much, much more than just a flashy parlor trick.
19:04 Underneath the hood of its technological breakthroughs was a rip-roaring adventure
19:07 filled with great characters, witty dialogue,
19:10 and emotionally moving themes about friendship and personal growth.
19:13 "You are a sad, strange little man, and you have my pity."
19:17 Adding to the already solid package is the equally iconic soundtrack composed by
19:21 industry veteran Randy Newman, who created original songs for the film,
19:25 like the unforgettable "You've Got a Friend in Me."
19:28 "Come on, buddy."
19:29 "Baby, for time and time, you'll never love me the way I do.
19:36 It's me and you, boy, and it's the years go by."
19:41 Pixar jumped onto the movie scene in a big way with this one,
19:44 as its quality went to infinity and beyond to earn a place in our hearts.
19:48 "Happy Buzz! You're flying!"
19:51 "This isn't flying, this is falling with style."
19:54 "To infinity and beyond!"
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20:14 Number 1 - Jurassic Park
20:18 "Say again?"
20:19 "We have a T-Rex."
20:22 "Oh."
20:23 "Put your head between your knees."
20:26 "Dr. Grant, my dear Dr. Sutton, welcome to Jurassic Park."
20:34 With school finished and the 1993 summer blockbuster movie season in full swing,
20:38 kids rushed to theaters to experience the next big adventure from director Steven Spielberg,
20:43 and nothing could prepare them for the thrill ride ahead.
20:46 With its rousing musical score, snappy one-liners, and sensational special effects,
20:50 which still hold up by the way, Jurassic Park quite simply blew everyone's minds
20:55 because it was unlike anything seen in movies before.
20:57 "Come on, girl. Come on, up here, girl. Come on. Up here."
21:03 There's a reason Jurassic World was such a colossal hit in 2015,
21:08 as the fond memories of the original still rang true in the minds of audiences even decades later.
21:13 To this day, the love for Jurassic Park is anything but extinct.
21:17 Which 90s movie do you fondly remember? Let us know in the comments below.
21:29 "In case of emergency, the exits are here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here,
21:32 anywhere. Keep your hands and arms inside the carpet, please."
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21:48 [Music]