Remember when every movie you loved was stored on a VHS tape in a giant plastic clamshell? Our kids will never know the struggle of prying these things open to watch their favorite Disney classics. With streaming, on the other hand, you can still show them what made '90s home movies so great without a trip to Blockbuster (and without having to rewind them). Here are 13 family movies from the '90s that still hold up today, from obscure animated gems to brilliant adaptations of original books.
The Mighty Ducks (1992)
It's never too early to show your kids an inspirational sports movie. You probably already know the plot of this film (or if you've seen any other sports movie, you might guess it): a reluctant coach teaches the worst youth team in the league, aided by some great montages. The power of teamwork. What makes this movie unique is that this team (which eventually inspired a real NHL team) expected as much of their coach as he expected of them, and when he didn't succeed, Criticize him harshly.
Where to stream: Disney+, digital rental
Cats Don't Dance (1997)
There's a good chance you missed this colorful animated gem. Due to the merger of Time Warner and Turner Broadcasting, the studio's marketing department forgot about it, so it came and went from theaters very quickly. But those who have seen it absolutely love its songs (written by Randy Newman), animated choreography (developed by the late, great Gene Kelly), and story about a cat named Danny who dreams of breaking into Interesting stories from Hollywood.
Where to stream: Tubi, Roku Channel, digital rentals
Baby: Pigs in the City (1998)
You and your kids don't need to see the first baby to appreciate the awesome follow-up (although you won't mind watching that, either). Director George Miller draws on the vivid color palette and visual flair he recently introduced in the Mad Max: Fury Road series to build a tough but fantastic metropolis that tests the hero - a man trying to The optimism of a piglet who saves his farm from bankruptcy. While this fact may not mean much to your kids, the film is a favorite of musician Tom Waits, making it a lot cooler than your typical kids' movie.
Where to stream: Starz, digital rentals
Goofy Movie (1995)
There was no shortage of pop stars in the '90s, but none could reach the heights that "Stand Out" singer Powerline reached when she starred in the Goof Troop spinoff. The film chronicles a road trip between the titular father and his teenage son Max, and the inevitable curse that ensues. When you show this cult classic to your kids, you can tell them how Powerline inspired Justin Bieber to become a performer (not really).
Where to stream: Disney+, digital rental
Matilda (1996)
Just like today, the '90s were filled with Roald Dahl adaptations and reboots. There's James and the Giant Peach , The Witches , and this quirky little movie about a young girl who uses her wits and psychic powers to seek revenge on the sadistic adults around her. Director Danny DeVito (who also plays Matilda's terrifying father) uses low camera angles to capture Matilda's true point of view, a technique that allows the film to visually resonate with its target audience, who will appreciate Matilda's There are some great gags as Tilda plays tricks on her parents and children. Trying to stay one step ahead of her scary, bullying principal. If your kids like this, the recent Netflix musical adaptation would be a good catch-up (albeit with a slightly different plot).
Where to Stream: Digital Rental
Life with Mikey (1993)
Michael J. Fox breaks WC Fields' rule of never working with "children or animals" in this film about a former child star turned agent trying to find his latest little client The story of a job. Plus some Broadway stars like Nathan Lane, Christine Baranski, Mandy Patinkin (guest star), plus a young (and slightly horny) David Krughol tz, a funny family comedy has the makings.
Where to stream: Disney+, digital rental
Catching Mouse (1997)
Speaking of Nathan Lane, the actor's physical comedy skills are put to the test in this classic about a pair of brothers trying to make a small fortune by flipping their father's house. There's just one problem: the little mouse that lives within the walls won't leave, leaving the duo with no choice but to eliminate it by any means necessary. Think about being home alone with rodents.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Paramount+, Fubo TV, MGM+, digital rentals
Fly Away Home (1996)
Before they became lovers in Noah Baumbach's "The Squid and the Whale," Jeff Daniels and Anna Paquin played a father and daughter who A goose glider was built to lead a flock of geese on their first migration south for the winter. Assuming your kids aren't fans of mid-2000s arthouse films, pairing these two actors together won't stop them from enjoying this heartwarming, visually stunning film.
Where to Stream: Digital Rental
The Parent Trap (1998)
Yes, Nancy Meyers, the creative force behind nearly all your favorite romantic comedies since the '90s, co-wrote and directed this remake of the Disney classic It tells the story of twins (both played by Lindsey Lohan, in her real winning debut) who plan to reunite their divorced parents. While it borrows heavily from the 1961 original, this version is entirely its own thing, full of humor that will please adults and kids alike.
Where to stream: Disney+, digital rental
Casper (1995)
Finding a ghost story that your kids will enjoy without scaring them can be difficult. But somehow, in the 1990s, they got it right. Based on the beloved comics and cartoons, Casper focuses more on slapstick than scares, and adds an endearing (and innocent) teen love story: Christina Ricci plays a young teen who Moved into a run-down old house with her ghost hunter father. Be surprised to find real ghosts living inside - including a very friendly one.
Where to Stream: Digital Rental
Sand (1993)
I know I've already included a sports movie on this list, but if I left this one off, I know it would show up in the review. If you're unfamiliar with this classic, the storyline revolves around a group of neighborhood boys trying to retrieve a valuable Babe Ruth autographed baseball from their neighbor's backyard, guarded by his giant, drooling mastiff. The film is littered with unforgettable vignettes, each capturing a true slice of childhood whimsy.
Where to stream: Disney+, digital rental
Harriet the Spy (1996)
Before Mean Girls brought the concept of "burning books" into the cultural lexicon, there was Harriet the Spy . The film, based on the novel by Louise Fitzhugh, tells the story of Harriet, a schoolgirl who writes down all her thoughts about her friends in a notebook. But when one of her books is discovered by a classmate who shares all the secrets inside, her friends begin to shut her out. While there's a clear moral to be learned from Harriet's prank, the process of achieving it is hilarious.
Where to stream: Hoopla, Paramount+, Fubo TV, digital rentals
Muppets Treasure Island (1996)
Since your kids probably aren't old enough to watch Clue or The Rocky Horror Picture Show yet, you can give them a little love with this quirky adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel about pirates and treasure. They introduce the genius of Tim Curry. They won't be disappointed.
Where to stream: Disney+, digital rental
