In 1990, I turned 10 years old. Over the next decade, I grew up watching dozens of 90s kids movies for children of all ages. Now that I’m grown up and have four children, I’ve spent more than a decade sharing those movies with my kiddos.
These movies weren’t just fun to watch; they also spanned genres and, with the premiere of Toy Story, ushered in the age of 3D animated films.
My four children are between three and thirteen years old, so I’ve included movies appropriate for various ages and interests. I also left off some of my favorites that they have absolutely hated, such as The Witches and Heavyweights, plus a few other hits from the decade that just didn’t age well.
Here are my family’s favorite 90s kids movies, with a brief overview of their stories and the lessons they teach to children.
Home Alone (1990)
Home Alone (1990) is a beloved family comedy about Kevin McCallister, a resourceful young boy accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation for Christmas. When two bumbling burglars attempt to rob his home, Kevin cleverly defends his house using inventive booby traps, discovering bravery, independence, and the importance of family.
All four of my children will watch Home Alone and Home Alone 2 multiple times every holiday season.
What Home Alone Teaches Children: This movie teaches kids about resourcefulness, courage, and the value of family. Kevin learns to care for himself but also realizes how much he misses his loved ones, reminding children that family is irreplaceable.
Kindergarten Cop (1990)
Kindergarten Cop (1990) follows tough detective John Kimble, who goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher to locate a dangerous criminal. Amidst classroom chaos and comedic mishaps, Kimble learns valuable lessons about patience, compassion, and friendship, discovering he may have a softer side.
What Kindergarten Cop Teaches Children: This film highlights the importance of patience, adaptability, and the unexpected joys of stepping out of your comfort zone. It also shows how even the toughest individuals can have a soft side.
DuckTales The Movie (1990)
DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp (1990) follows Scrooge McDuck and his adventurous nephews—Huey, Dewey, and Louie—as they uncover a magical lamp containing a wish-granting genie. Trouble arises when an evil sorcerer attempts to steal the lamp, forcing them to protect it.
Growing up, I was a huge DuckTales fan, so this was a no-brainer to revisit with my kids.
What DuckTales the Movie Teaches Children: The movie emphasizes teamwork, bravery, and the idea that family is the greatest treasure.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) follows four mutated turtle brothers—Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo—who live secretly in the sewers of New York City under the guidance of their wise rat mentor, Splinter. When crime boss Shredder and his Foot Clan terrorize the city, the turtles join forces with reporter April O’Neil and vigilante Casey Jones to fight back. Together, they battle to rescue Splinter, defeat the Foot Clan, and save the city from chaos.
The first concert I ever saw was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles live, so I might be a little biased. I also grew up playing with many of the franchise’s toys and watching the TMNT cartoon every Saturday morning.
What Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Teaches Children: This movie teaches kids about teamwork, brotherhood, courage, and standing up against injustice. Through the turtles’ adventures and challenges, especially in difficult times, kids learn the value of friendship, loyalty, and supporting one another. The film also emphasizes discipline, respect, and self-confidence.
Beauty And The Beast (1991)
Belle, a bookish young woman, finds herself in an enchanted castle with a Beast who must learn to love and be loved in return to break a curse. As Belle and the Beast spend time together, they begin to see past each other’s appearances and form a deep connection. With some of Disney’s most memorable songs, it’s hard not to love this animated classic and even the more recent live-action movie that followed.
What Beauty and the Beast Teaches Children: This classic tale teaches kids to look beyond appearances and value kindness, compassion, and inner beauty. It also highlights the importance of courage and standing up for what’s right.
Hook (1991)
Hook (1991) follows Peter Banning, a grown-up Peter Pan who’s forgotten his magical past. When the vengeful Captain Hook kidnaps his children, Peter must rediscover his inner child and reclaim his identity to save his family and Neverland.
I personally believe this is one of Robin Williams’ best roles and an absolute delight of a film.
What Hook Teaches Children: The film reminds kids (and adults) to cherish their sense of wonder and imagination while emphasizing the importance of family and balancing responsibilities with joy.
The Addams Family (1991)
The quirky and macabre Addams family faces off against a con artist trying to steal their fortune. The film is a dark comedy that celebrates the Addams’ unique way of life, from their love of the bizarre to their unwavering loyalty to one another.
Christinia Ricci was one of my favorite actors growing up, and she makes my list several times in some of the most memorable roles in 90s kids movies.
What The Addams Family Teaches Children: This movie celebrates individuality and the idea that it’s okay to be different. It also highlights the importance of family loyalty and staying true to oneself.
FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992)
A group of fairies and a human named Zak team up to save their rainforest from destruction by an evil spirit. Given the environmental conditions in today’s world, I love this film because it’s an ecological allegory that highlights the importance of protecting nature and the consequences of human greed. Zak, who starts as a careless logger, learns to appreciate the beauty and value of the rainforest through his interactions with the fairies and their magical world.
While the movie received moderate reviews, I’m glad my children love it, primarily because of its important ecological lessons.
What FernGully: The Last Rainforest Teaches Children: This environmentally themed film teaches kids the importance of protecting nature and working together to make a difference.
Aladdin (1992)
A street-smart young man named Aladdin discovers a magical lamp and uses its genie’s powers to win Princess Jasmine’s heart while outsmarting the villainous Jafar. The film is a thrilling adventure filled with humor, romance, and unforgettable songs. The Genie, voiced by Robin Williams, adds a layer of comedy and heart to the story, making it a beloved classic.
What Aladdin Teaches Children: The movie emphasizes honesty, self-confidence, and the idea that true worth comes from within, not from material possessions or status.
Home Alone 2: Lost In New York (1992)
Kevin McCallister finds himself alone in New York City during Christmas and must again outsmart the Wet Bandits while spreading holiday cheer. This time, Kevin uses the city’s landmarks to his advantage, setting up even more elaborate traps to foil the burglars. Along the way, he befriends a pigeon lady and learns the importance of kindness and generosity. The film is a festive sequel that captures the magic of the holiday season while delivering plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments.
What Home Alone 2: Lost in New York Teaches Children: This sequel reinforces the importance of kindness, generosity, and the spirit of giving, even in the face of challenges.
The Mighty Ducks (1992)
The Mighty Ducks (1992) follows Gordon Bombay, a hotshot lawyer forced to coach a struggling youth hockey team as community service. Despite initial reluctance, he inspires the misfit players to believe in themselves, transforming them into an unlikely winning team.
I grew up in Canada, so this was pretty much required viewing, and it still ranks among my top 10 children’s movies of all time. When Disney+ announced the cancellation of the recently released The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers I was genuinely bummed out.
What The Mighty Ducks Teaches Children: The film teaches kids about the value of teamwork, perseverance, and believing in themselves, even when the odds are against them.
Beethoven (1992)
Beethoven (1992) is a heartwarming family comedy about a lovable St. Bernard puppy named Beethoven who grows into a giant, mischievous dog. While causing hilarious chaos, Beethoven also brings joy and unity to the Newton family, teaching them important lessons about love, loyalty, and standing up for family.
What Beethoven Teaches Children: This movie highlights the unconditional love of pets and the importance of standing up for those who can’t defend themselves.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) blends humor, music, and charm into Charles Dickens’ timeless story. Narrated by beloved Muppet characters, it follows the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as he’s guided through his past, present, and future, confronting his selfishness and isolation. Witnessing the struggles and optimism of his loyal employee Bob Cratchit and his family inspires Scrooge to embrace generosity, compassion, and the true spirit of Christmas.
What The Muppet Christmas Carol Teaches Children: This movie teaches children the value of kindness, generosity, and empathy. Through Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation, kids learn that happiness comes from caring about others, not wealth or isolation. The story emphasizes compassion, forgiveness, and sharing joy, especially during the holiday season.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Three kids must stop a trio of witches resurrected in modern-day Salem on Halloween night. The film is a spooky yet fun adventure filled with magic, humor, and memorable characters. The kids work together to outsmart the witches, using their wits and bravery to save the day. Due to its mix of thrills and laughs, the movie has become a Halloween favorite.
My kids and I also enjoyed Hocus Pocus 2, which took way too long to arrive.
What Hocus Pocus Teaches Children: The film teaches kids about bravery, teamwork, and the importance of standing up to evil, even when it seems overwhelming.
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
A divorced dad, Daniel Hillard, desperate to spend more time with his kids, disguises himself as a British nanny, “Mrs. Doubtfire,” with help from his brother Frank. Hired by his ex-wife Miranda, he bonds with his children and grows as a parent. But when Daniel and his nanny alter ego are scheduled to be in the same place, his double life risks unraveling. Robin Williams delivers a hilarious and touching performance as Daniel Hillard.
What Mrs. Doubtfire Teaches Children: This movie explores themes of love, family, and the lengths parents will go to for their kids. It also teaches the importance of honesty and communication.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
In The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, grows tired of the same annual scares. After discovering Christmas Town, he becomes enchanted by its joy and decides to take over the holiday. With the townsfolk’s help, Jack tries to bring Christmas to life—his way. However, his well-meaning but spooky twist on the holiday creates chaos. Meanwhile, Sally, a kind-hearted ragdoll with a secret love for Jack, tries to warn him of the dangers. The film blends dark fantasy and whimsical charm as Jack learns the true spirit of Christmas and the importance of being himself.
The soundtrack from this movie is played on repeat by my children for about a month before Halloween.
What The Nightmare Before Christmas Teaches Children: The film encourages kids to embrace their uniqueness while also respecting and appreciating the traditions of others.
Free Willy (1993)
In Free Willy, a young troublemaker named Jesse forms an unlikely bond with Willy, a captive orca, after being forced to clean up graffiti at a marine park. As Jesse grows closer to Willy, he discovers the park’s greedy owner plans to harm the whale for insurance money, with help from a park trainer and a compassionate caretaker. Jesse devises a daring plan to free Willy and return him to the ocean. The heartwarming story highlights friendship, courage, and the fight for animal rights, culminating in an iconic leap to freedom.
This was also the movie that, at 13 years old, opened my eyes to animal rights and taught me the importance of standing up for causes you believe in.
What Free Willy Teaches Children: This movie teaches kids about compassion, friendship, and the importance of standing up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult.
Cool Runnings (1993)
In Cool Runnings, inspired by a true story, a group of Jamaican athletes, led by sprinter Derice Bannock, fails to qualify for the Summer Olympics. Determined to compete, they team up with disgraced former bobsled coach Irv Blitzer to form Jamaica’s first bobsled team for the Winter Olympics. Despite facing ridicule, lack of experience, and freezing temperatures, the team trains hard and earns respect on their journey to the Games. The film is a humorous and uplifting underdog story about perseverance, teamwork, and chasing dreams against all odds.
While not specifically a kid’s movie, it’s certainly a family flick and one that continues to amuse both adults and children.
What Cool Runnings Teaches Children: The movie emphasizes perseverance, teamwork, and the idea that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
The Sandlot (1993)
A group of kids spends a summer playing baseball and learning life lessons in their neighborhood sandlot. The film is a nostalgic coming-of-age story that captures the innocence and camaraderie of childhood. The boys face challenges both on and off the field, from a legendary beast guarding a nearby yard to personal insecurities, but their friendship helps them overcome every obstacle.
I would argue that Sandlot is the best children’s sports movie ever.
What The Sandlot Teaches Children: This coming-of-age story teaches kids about friendship, courage, and the importance of facing fears head-on.
Dennis The Menace (1993)
In Dennis the Menace, mischievous but well-meaning Dennis Mitchell constantly tests the patience of his grumpy neighbor, Mr. Wilson. While Dennis’s antics are meant to be helpful, they often lead to chaos. When a thief known as Switchblade Sam targets the neighborhood, Dennis unwittingly becomes a hero by foiling his plans.
Growing up as a huge fan of the comic strip, I quickly fell in love with this 90s kids movie.
What Dennis the Menace Teaches Children: The film highlights the importance of patience, understanding, and finding joy in the little things.
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993) follows three pets—Shadow, an aging Golden Retriever; Chance, a spirited young bulldog; and Sassy, a cautious cat—as they embark on a perilous journey through the wilderness after mistakenly believing their owners have abandoned them. Facing various dangers, including wild animals and harsh terrain, the trio must rely on each other’s strengths to navigate their way back home and reunite with their human family.
What Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey Teaches Children: This excellent 90s kids movie teaches children about friendship, loyalty, courage, and perseverance. Through the animals’ adventure, kids learn the importance of sticking together, trusting friends, overcoming fears, and never giving up, even in difficult situations. The film also illustrates the special bonds between pets and their families, emphasizing care, responsibility, and compassion toward animals.
D2: The Mighty Ducks
D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994) follows coach Gordon Bombay and the Mighty Ducks hockey team as they compete in an international junior championship. Representing Team USA, the young athletes face fierce competition, internal conflicts, and distractions from newfound fame. As the team struggles, Coach Bombay refocuses the players, uniting them to overcome their differences and rivals, ultimately leading them to the climactic championship game.
I only have a couple of sequels on my favorite 90s kids’ movies list because I am generally not a fan of sequels. D2: The Mighty Ducks stays true to the original while highlighting the growth of its main characters.
What D2: The Mighty Ducks Teach Children: This Mighty Ducks sequel teaches children the value of teamwork, sportsmanship, determination, and humility. Kids learn that success comes from cooperation, dedication, and respect for teammates. The film emphasizes overcoming differences, handling pressure gracefully, and putting team goals ahead of individual ambitions. It also highlights that winning isn’t everything; integrity, friendship, and unity are equally important.
The Little Rascals (1994)
In The Little Rascals (1994), a group of mischievous kids from the “He-Man Woman Haters Club” face their biggest challenge when their leader, Alfalfa, falls for a girl, Darla. The club, determined to keep Alfalfa loyal to their no-girls rule, tries to sabotage the budding romance. Meanwhile, the kids team up to save their beloved go-kart, the Blur, from being destroyed by a rival group.
I grew up in a household that loved The Little Rascals, so I might be biased. However, it does have a 70% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, so maybe I’m not too far off. My kids also thought it was hilarious so that’s a win in my book.
What The Little Rascals Teaches Children: This movie emphasizes the value of friendship, teamwork, and staying true to your values.
The Lion King (1994)
In The Lion King, young lion Simba is destined to rule the Pride Lands as king, but his jealous uncle Scar orchestrates a tragic event to seize power. Blaming himself, Simba flees into exile, leaving his home in turmoil. With the help of new friends Timon and Pumbaa, he grows up carefree, until his childhood friend Nala and the wise baboon Rafiki remind him of his responsibility. Confronting his past, Simba returns to challenge Scar, reclaim his throne, and restore balance to the Pride Lands.
What The Lion King Teaches Children: This timeless classic teaches kids about responsibility, courage, and the importance of facing challenges head-on. And of course, it teaches children about the circle of life.
The Santa Clause (1994)
In The Santa Clause, Scott Calvin, a divorced dad, accidentally causes Santa Claus to fall from his roof on Christmas Eve. When he puts on Santa’s suit, he unknowingly agrees to take on the role himself. Over the next year, Scott undergoes a series of bizarre changes, gaining weight, growing a white beard, and being magically pulled into his new duties. As he struggles to balance his new life with his strained relationship with his son, Scott learns to embrace the spirit of Christmas and the joy of being Santa. The film is a heartwarming holiday comedy about rediscovering belief and the magic of giving.
I have watched The Santa Clause at least once every year since 1994 and it’s another movie that is played multiple times in my home during the holiday season. My kids love all three Santa Clauses and the Disney+ series, The Santa Clauses which has already aired two seasons with a possible third season in the works.
What The Santa Clause Teaches Children: The film emphasizes the importance of family, generosity, and the magic of believing.
Little Giants (1994)
In Little Giants (1994), two brothers with a long-standing rivalry face off when their small town holds tryouts for the local youth football team. The older brother, a former football star and now the town’s beloved coach, picks the most talented kids, leaving the misfits and underdogs behind. The younger brother, determined to prove himself, forms his own team with the rejected players, including his daughter who’s passionate about football. The film is an underdog story full of humor, heart, and the spirit of teamwork.
Plus, it stars Rick Moranis, one of the most wholesome actors of the 1990s.
What Little Giants Teaches Children: The film highlights the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and believing in yourself, no matter the odds.
Baby’s Day Out (1994)
In Baby’s Day Out (1994), a mischievous baby named Bink escapes from his wealthy home during a photo shoot, leading three bumbling kidnappers on a wild chase through the city. Using clues from his favorite storybook, Bink embarks on a series of adventures, from scaling skyscrapers to visiting the zoo, all while staying one step ahead of the hapless criminals. The kidnappers’ plans are constantly foiled by the baby’s innocent yet clever antics, leaving them battered and humiliated. The film is a slapstick comedy filled with chaotic humor and heartwarming moments, celebrating the unexpected chaos a baby can bring.
What Baby’s Day Out Teaches Children: The film is a lighthearted reminder of the importance of curiosity and the joy of exploration.
Casper (1995)
In Casper (1995), a kind-hearted ghost named Casper befriends a young girl named Kat, who moves into a haunted mansion with her father, a paranormal therapist hired to rid the house of spirits. While Casper is friendly and lonely, his three mischievous ghost uncles wreak havoc on the newcomers. As Kat and Casper grow closer, they uncover the mystery of Casper’s past and his desire to become human again.
It’s a pretty big departure from Christina Ricci’s role as Wednesday Addams!
What Casper Teaches Children: This movie teaches kids about friendship, empathy, and the importance of letting go of the past.
Toy Story (1995)
A group of toys comes to life and learns about friendship and loyalty. The film is a groundbreaking animated adventure that follows Woody, a cowboy doll, and Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger, as they navigate the challenges of being toys in a human world.
I remember seeing Toy Story in the theater and, within the first minute, realizing that 3D computer-generated animation would be the future of animated films.
What Toy Story Teaches Children: The film highlights the value of friendship, teamwork, and embracing change.
Jumanji (1995)
In Jumanji (1995), two kids discover a mysterious board game that unleashes chaos with every turn. When they start playing, they release a man named Alan, who had been trapped in the game for decades, along with a host of dangerous jungle creatures and natural disasters. As the game progresses, the group must finish it to stop the mayhem and return their town to normal. Along the way, they face thrilling challenges, uncover the game’s magical power, and learn about courage and teamwork.
What Jumanji Teaches Children: This movie emphasizes the importance of facing fears, working together, and taking responsibility for your actions.
Babe (1995)
Babe (1995) is a heartwarming family film about a young pig named Babe, who, after narrowly escaping becoming dinner, finds himself on a quaint farm owned by Farmer Hoggett. Initially an outsider among his fellow animals, Babe quickly befriends Fly, a gentle border collie who helps him find his place. Babe defies expectations and discovers he has a natural talent for herding sheep, challenging traditions and stereotypes along the way. With kindness, courage, and determination, Babe enters a sheepdog competition, teaching everyone around him powerful lessons about friendship, determination, and defying expectations
What Babe Teaches Children: The film teaches kids about perseverance, kindness, and the idea that anyone can achieve greatness, no matter their background.
The Big Green (1995)
The Big Green (1995) is a family sports comedy that follows Anna Montgomery, a British exchange teacher who arrives in the small Texas town of Elma. Struggling to motivate her disinterested students, she introduces them to soccer, forming an underdog team called “The Big Green.” Despite their initial lack of skills and enthusiasm, the misfit kids begin to bond, build confidence, and discover the joy of teamwork. Facing tough competition from a rival town’s aggressive soccer squad, the unlikely team learns some important life lessons.
What The Big Green Teaches Children: This movie emphasizes the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and believing in yourself.
Matilda (1996)
Matilda (1996) tells the story of a gifted young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers who grows up in a neglectful household. When Matilda enrolls at Crunchem Hall, she faces the cruel headmistress Miss Trunchbull but forms a deep bond with her compassionate teacher, Miss Honey. With courage and wit, Matilda uses her powers to stand up to injustice and create the loving life she deserves.
What Matilda Teaches Children: The film teaches kids about the power of education, standing up for yourself, and the importance of kindness.
James And The Giant Peach (1996)
James and the Giant Peach (1996) tells the whimsical story of James, a lonely young orphan living with his cruel aunts. When he discovers a giant magical peach inhabited by friendly talking insects, he embarks on a fantastic journey filled with adventure and friendship, learning courage, confidence, and the true meaning of family along the way.
This was one of my favorite books growing up and I was thrilled to see it come to life in theaters in such an imaginative way while staying true to the book’s story.
What James and the Giant Peach Teaches Children: This movie highlights the importance of friendship, courage, and embracing the unknown.
Space Jam (1996)
Space Jam (1996) blends live-action and animation. It features basketball legend Michael Jordan, who teams up with Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes characters to play a high-stakes basketball game against alien invaders. To save their freedom, they must win the ultimate showdown.
What Space Jam Teaches Children: The film emphasizes teamwork, perseverance, and the idea that hard work pays off.
101 Dalmatians (1996)
101 Dalmatians (1996) follows Pongo and Perdita, two Dalmatians whose adorable puppies are kidnapped by the villainous Cruella de Vil, who plans to make them into fur coats. With help from animal friends and their dedicated human owners, the dogs embark on an adventurous rescue mission filled with humor, bravery, and family love.
What 101 Dalmatians Teaches Children: This movie teaches kids about the importance of family, teamwork, and standing up to bullies.
Flubber (1997)
Flubber (1996) centers around Professor Philip Brainard, an eccentric scientist who invents a lively, bouncing substance called “Flubber.” When his discovery attracts unwanted attention, chaos ensues, forcing him to protect his invention while winning back his fiancée and saving his struggling college in this playful comedy adventure.
Robin Williams really was the voice and face of ’90s kids movies.
What Flubber Teaches Children: The film highlights the importance of responsibility, creativity, and learning from your mistakes.
Hercules (1997)
Hercules (1997) is an animated Disney adventure about Hercules, the son of Zeus, who is stripped of immortality and raised among humans. To reclaim his place on Mount Olympus, he embarks on a heroic quest to become a true hero, overcoming monsters, schemes from Hades, and ultimately discovering what truly defines heroism.
I’m getting to that age where I’m supposed to think about ancient Rome and mythology all the time, so maybe I need to revisit this movie again.
What Hercules Teaches Children: This movie teaches kids about perseverance, selflessness, and the true meaning of heroism.
Air Bud (1997)
Air Bud (1997) tells the story of Buddy, a talented golden retriever who discovers an unlikely talent for basketball. Befriended by a lonely boy named Josh, Buddy becomes the star of his school’s basketball team, overcoming obstacles and teaching everyone lessons about friendship, loyalty, and believing in oneself. Air Bud spawned an entire series of movies featuring everyone’s favorite golden retriever, but the original is still the best. It also made our list of the best sports movies for kids from the 1980s and 1990s.
What Air Bud Teaches Children: The film emphasizes the importance of friendship, perseverance, and believing in yourself.
Anastasia (1997)
Anastasia (1997) follows a spirited young orphan named Anya, who discovers she’s actually a lost Russian princess. With the help of con man Dimitri, she sets out on a journey to reclaim her past, encountering adventure, romance, and danger along the way.
What Anastasia Teaches Children: This movie teaches kids about courage, self-discovery, and the importance of family.
George Of The Jungle (1997)
George of the Jungle (1997) is a comedic adventure about George, a lovable but clumsy jungle dweller raised by apes. When he meets the sophisticated Ursula, he travels to the big city, navigating hilarious mishaps while learning about modern life, love, and where he truly belongs.
As a fair warning, they made a straight-to-video sequel without Brendan Fraser, and in my opinion, it’s one of the worst sequels of all time.
What George of the Jungle Teaches Children: The film highlights the importance of kindness, humility, and embracing your unique qualities.
The Parent Trap (1998)
The Parent Trap (1997) follows identical twins Annie and Hallie, separated at birth, who accidentally meet at summer camp. Realizing they’re sisters, the girls secretly switch places, devising a playful plan to reunite their divorced parents. The Parent Trap was pique Linsday Lohan and an absolutely charming family film.
What The Parent Trap Teaches Children: The film emphasizes the importance of family, communication, and the power of love.
A Bug’s Life (1998)
A Bug’s Life (1998) follows Flik, an inventive but clumsy ant, who sets out to save his colony from greedy grasshoppers. He recruits a group of misfit insects, mistakenly believing they’re brave warriors, and together they learn the power of teamwork, courage, and standing up against oppression. A Bug’s Life continued to prove that 3D animation was ready to take over the box office at every chance possible.
What A Bug’s Life Teaches Children: This movie teaches kids about teamwork, courage, and the importance of standing up for what’s right.
Babe: Pig In The City (1998)
Babe: Pig in the City (1998) continues the journey of Babe, the lovable pig, who ventures into a bustling city to save his farm from financial ruin. Facing new dangers and making unlikely friends, Babe learns valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and resilience. Honestly, I don’t think I would have named it among the best 90s kids movies if not for the first film. While it maintains much of the original movie’s charm, it’s more worth watching to see where Babe ends up following the end of his first adventure.
What Babe: Pig in the City Teaches Children: This movie teaches kids about resilience, kindness, and the power of a positive attitude.
The Iron Giant (1999)
The Iron Giant (1998) follows a young boy named Hogarth who befriends a mysterious giant robot from outer space. Together, they must evade a suspicious government agent while teaching the community powerful lessons about friendship, bravery, and acceptance. This is one of my personal favorite animated films of all time and one that I added to my list of 20 kids movies that teach children about death. That might sound a bit morbid, but I promise it’s a thrilling and beautifully drawn 2D cartoon adventure.
What The Iron Giant Teaches Children: The film emphasizes the importance of friendship, empathy, and standing up for what’s right.
Stuart Little (1999)
Stuart Little (1999) is a charming family film about Stuart, a talking mouse adopted by the Little family. Despite facing challenges fitting into his new home, Stuart embarks on exciting adventures, learns valuable lessons about family and belonging, and ultimately proves that courage comes in all sizes.
What Stuart Little Teaches Children: This movie teaches kids about the importance of family, kindness, and embracing differences.
Tarzan (1999)
Tarzan (1999) follows the story of a young man raised by gorillas in the jungle. When he meets a spirited explorer named Jane, he embarks on an exciting journey of discovery, courage, and self-acceptance while navigating the complexities of two worlds. While 3D animated films started to take over in the 1990s, Tarzan ended the decade by reminding filmgoers that there is a lot of beauty in 2D films.
What Tarzan Teaches Children: The film highlights themes of identity, family, and the importance of protecting those you love.
Those are the 90s kids movies my children have loved so far; I hope you find a movie or two on this list that you may have forgotten about and can share with your kids. And remember, with almost every children’s movie, essential life lessons can be taught, especially if you have an open and honest conversation with your kids.