Movies Every 1990s Kid Remembers

There is a certain kind of movie that instantly takes you back to after school rewatches, weekend rentals, and sticky floors at the multiplex. The 1990s delivered a flood of those big screen memories, mixing live action adventure with hand drawn and early computer animation that kids carried with them into adulthood. These are the films that packed theaters, filled lunchboxes, and turned soundtracks into car ride sing alongs.

Below is a look at twenty five titles that defined the decade for young audiences. Each entry includes the key details fans still trade today, from who directed and starred to when it opened and how it found its audience. You will also see where the film was released, since distributors like Buena Vista, Warner Bros., Universal, Paramount, TriStar, New Line, and Fox shaped how these stories reached theaters around the world.

‘The Lion King’ (1994)

Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, ‘The Lion King’ features the voices of Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, and Moira Kelly, with music by Elton John and Tim Rice and a score by Hans Zimmer. It opened in June 1994 and quickly became one of the decade’s biggest family films with a running time of about eighty eight minutes and a G rating.

The film was released in the United States by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution and expanded widely through the summer. It won two Academy Awards for its music and became a major merchandising and home video success that continued for years.

‘Toy Story’ (1995)

‘Toy Story’ was directed by John Lasseter and introduced audiences to the voices of Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear. It premiered in November 1995 as the first fully computer animated feature and ran about eighty one minutes with a G rating.

The film was released domestically by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution. It became a holiday season hit and set up a franchise that returned to theaters multiple times with the same playful tone and returning cast.

‘Home Alone’ (1990)

Directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes, ‘Home Alone’ stars Macaulay Culkin alongside Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O’Hara, and John Heard. It opened in November 1990 and ran about one hundred three minutes with a PG rating.

The release came through 20th Century Fox, which kept the movie on many screens through the holidays due to strong word of mouth. It became one of the top grossing comedies of its time and led to sequels and a long life on seasonal television.

‘Jurassic Park’ (1993)

‘Jurassic Park’ was directed by Steven Spielberg and stars Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, and Richard Attenborough. It opened in June 1993 with groundbreaking visual effects from Industrial Light and Magic and animatronics by Stan Winston, running about one hundred twenty seven minutes with a PG 13 rating.

Universal Pictures distributed the film worldwide, launching it in the summer corridor and supporting a massive international rollout. It dominated box offices throughout 1993 and ignited a long running series with new installments over multiple decades.

‘Space Jam’ (1996)

Directed by Joe Pytka, ‘Space Jam’ pairs Michael Jordan with the Looney Tunes characters voiced by Billy West, Dee Bradley Baker, and others. The film opened in November 1996, runs about eighty eight minutes, and carries a PG rating.

Warner Bros. Pictures released ‘Space Jam’ during the holiday season and supported it with a soundtrack and promotions tied to the NBA star. It drew families with its mix of live action and animation and performed strongly across theaters and home video.

‘The Mighty Ducks’ (1992)

Stephen Herek directed ‘The Mighty Ducks’, starring Emilio Estevez, Joshua Jackson, and a young ensemble as the team. The sports comedy arrived in October 1992 with a running time near one hundred four minutes and a PG rating.

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution released the film and built attendance through family matinees and repeat viewings. It grew into a small franchise with follow ups and a team name that crossed over into real world hockey.

‘Jumanji’ (1995)

‘Jumanji’ was directed by Joe Johnston and stars Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt, Kirsten Dunst, and Bradley Pierce. It opened in December 1995 with a running time of about one hundred four minutes and a PG rating, using a blend of practical effects and then current digital work.

TriStar Pictures handled the release and positioned it for holiday audiences. The film found staying power through the season and later inspired additional films set in the same world.

‘Matilda’ (1996)

Directed by Danny DeVito, ‘Matilda’ stars Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, and Embeth Davidtz. It opened in August 1996 with a running time near ninety eight minutes and a PG rating, adapting the Roald Dahl book for the screen.

TriStar Pictures released the film for late summer family crowds and supported it with a school year push. It built a steady audience on home video and television, keeping the story in circulation well beyond its theatrical run.

‘The Sandlot’ (1993)

‘The Sandlot’ was directed by David Mickey Evans and stars Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Patrick Renna, and James Earl Jones. It opened in April 1993 with a running time of about one hundred one minutes and a PG rating, telling a summer story set in the early 1960s.

20th Century Fox released the film in spring as baseball season began, which helped connect it with youth leagues and family audiences. It maintained a long afterlife through VHS rentals and cable airings that kept its cast of characters familiar.

‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1991)

Directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ features the voices of Paige O’Hara, Robby Benson, Angela Lansbury, and Jerry Orbach. It opened in November 1991 with a running time near eighty four minutes and a G rating, becoming the first animated Best Picture nominee at the Academy Awards.

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution released the film with a platform strategy that grew into a wide holiday rollout. Its soundtrack and theatrical re issues kept the title active throughout the decade.

‘Aladdin’ (1992)

‘Aladdin’ was directed by Ron Clements and John Musker and features the voices of Scott Weinger, Linda Larkin, and Robin Williams. It opened in November 1992, runs about ninety minutes, and carries a G rating, with songs by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice.

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution released the film across North America and internationally. It became one of the biggest animated hits of the early 1990s and remained popular through soundtrack sales and home releases.

‘Mulan’ (1998)

Directed by Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook, ‘Mulan’ stars the voices of Ming Na Wen, BD Wong, Eddie Murphy, and Lea Salonga. It opened in June 1998 with a running time near eighty eight minutes and a G rating, blending action and music in a historical setting.

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution handled the release, positioning it for summer family moviegoing. It performed well globally and received awards recognition for its music and craft.

‘The Little Rascals’ (1994)

‘The Little Rascals’ was directed by Penelope Spheeris and stars Bug Hall, Travis Tedford, Brittany Ashton Holmes, and Alfalfa’s gang of friends updated for the 1990s. The film opened in August 1994 and runs about eighty two minutes with a PG rating.

Universal Pictures released the title late in the summer and promoted it with kid friendly tie ins. It drew families looking for light comedy and enjoyed a long life on video store shelves.

‘Casper’ (1995)

Directed by Brad Silberling, ‘Casper’ stars Christina Ricci, Bill Pullman, Cathy Moriarty, and Malachi Pearson as the voice of the friendly ghost. It opened in May 1995 with a running time near one hundred minutes and a PG rating, using Industrial Light and Magic to bring the characters to life.

Universal Pictures released the film as a summer kickoff event for younger audiences. It performed strongly in theaters and became a frequent pick during the Halloween season on television.

‘The Parent Trap’ (1998)

‘The Parent Trap’ was directed by Nancy Meyers and stars Lindsay Lohan in a dual role with Dennis Quaid and Natasha Richardson. It opened in July 1998 with a running time of about one hundred twenty eight minutes and a PG rating.

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution handled the release and positioned it as a family outing for midsummer. The film’s box office and later home video play introduced a new generation to the story.

‘Free Willy’ (1993)

Directed by Simon Wincer, ‘Free Willy’ stars Jason James Richter, Lori Petty, Michael Madsen, and a performing orca named Keiko. It opened in July 1993 with a running time near one hundred twelve minutes and a PG rating.

Warner Bros. Pictures released the film in the heart of summer and supported it with outreach tied to marine life. Its performance in theaters helped spark public interest in Keiko’s care and eventual relocation efforts.

‘The Rugrats Movie’ (1998)

‘The Rugrats Movie’ was directed by Igor Kovalyov and Norton Virgien and features voice work by E. G. Daily, Christine Cavanaugh, Kath Soucie, and Cheryl Chase. It opened in November 1998 with a running time near eighty minutes and a G rating.

Paramount Pictures released the film at the start of the holiday corridor. It became the first non Disney animated feature to cross one hundred million at the domestic box office, which led to additional theatrical outings for the series.

‘A Goofy Movie’ (1995)

Directed by Kevin Lima, ‘A Goofy Movie’ features the voices of Bill Farmer, Jason Marsden, and Jim Cummings. It opened in April 1995 and runs about seventy eight minutes with a G rating, arriving as a theatrical extension of the character’s television presence.

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution released the film in spring when family audiences were ready for a light option. Its soundtrack and later home release helped it stay in circulation with kids through the decade’s end.

‘Hocus Pocus’ (1993)

‘Hocus Pocus’ was directed by Kenny Ortega and stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. It opened in July 1993 with a running time around ninety six minutes and a PG rating, set around Halloween in Salem.

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution released the film in summer and supported it with seasonal promotions in the fall. It became a regular Halloween staple on television, which kept it visible for many years after its theatrical run.

‘The Iron Giant’ (1999)

Directed by Brad Bird, ‘The Iron Giant’ features the voices of Eli Marienthal, Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick Jr., and Vin Diesel. It opened in August 1999 with a running time of about eighty six minutes and a PG rating.

Warner Bros. Pictures released the film in late summer. Although its initial box office was modest, it drew strong critical attention and later gained a large audience through home formats.

‘Tarzan’ (1999)

‘Tarzan’ was directed by Kevin Lima and Chris Buck and features the voices of Tony Goldwyn, Minnie Driver, Glenn Close, and Rosie O’Donnell. It opened in June 1999 with songs by Phil Collins, a running time near eighty eight minutes, and a G rating.

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution handled the release for a wide summer opening. The film performed strongly worldwide and added another successful soundtrack to the studio’s 1990s output.

‘Pokémon: The First Movie’ (1999)

Directed by Kunihiko Yuyama, ‘Pokémon: The First Movie’ reached North American theaters in November 1999 with a running time around seventy five minutes and a G rating. The release featured an English language voice cast tied to the television series.

Warner Bros. Pictures distributed the movie in the United States and coordinated with trading card promotions for opening weekend. It debuted to very strong attendance and finished with a solid worldwide total for an anime feature at the time.

‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ (1990)

‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ was directed by Steve Barron and stars Judith Hoag, Elias Koteas, and a cast working with Jim Henson Creature Shop suits. It opened in March 1990 with a running time near ninety three minutes and a PG rating.

New Line Cinema released the film widely and supported it with merchandise and soundtrack tie ins. It was a major early decade success and became one of the highest grossing independent productions of its era.

‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie’ (1995)

Directed by Bryan Spicer, ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie’ stars the television cast led by Jason David Frank, Amy Jo Johnson, and the ensemble team. It opened in June 1995 with a running time close to ninety five minutes and a PG rating.

20th Century Fox distributed the film for a summer release and linked the campaign to the series airing schedule. It drew strong turnout from fans of the show and introduced new suits and designs unique to the big screen production.

‘Anastasia’ (1997)

‘Anastasia’ was directed by Don Bluth and Gary Goldman and features the voices of Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Christopher Lloyd, and Angela Lansbury. It opened in November 1997 with a running time around ninety four minutes and a G rating, featuring songs by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.

20th Century Fox released the film opposite other family titles during the holiday period. It earned solid global grosses and secured multiple music nominations, which extended its presence through awards season.

Share the favorites you watched on repeat in the comments so we can compare childhood watchlists.