17 Movies that rocked the childhood of 90s kids

Well, 90s kids, now you are all grown up and probably immersed in your cell phones or OTTs. You don’t really need to go to movie theatres, buy a big bucket of popcorn, and get your mind blown for two hours straight, thanks to the streaming service. But don’t you miss the days when you had to wait for a highly anticipated release? Robots, dinosaurs, sharks, and giant snakes all on the big screen and just a few hours away on a merry weekend. The 90s gave us movies both in animation and live-action that can be considered blueprints of the movies that we see nowadays. Both are awesome, but the wait is just not there anymore. On that note, here is a list of 17 movies that made your time special if you are a 90s kid.

1. Anaconda

Let’s start the list with a creature chronicle. Luis Llosa took us straight to the mystic Amazon rainforest, where we found ourselves in awe of the gigantic serpent. Anaconda is based on the journey of a film crew taking a wrong decision and ending up face-to-face with a horror they never imagined. Released in 1997, this movie surely raised the curiosity around the snake anaconda, which is only found in Brazil. The story was gripping, as well as the visuals and was a treat for those who experienced it on the big screen.

2. George of the Jungle

Directed by Sam Weisman and released in 1997, George of the Jungle swung its way into the hearts of 90’s kids with its slapstick humor and lovable charm. Starring Brendan Fraser as the clumsy yet endearing George, this jungle adventure is a hilarious blend of goofy stunts, talking animals, and heartfelt moments. For anyone who grew up watching it, the film remains a nostalgic reminder of a simpler time when laughter and silliness ruled the screen.

3. Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park is pure movie magic; dinosaurs are brought back to life with groundbreaking effects and an unforgettable score. This thrilling adventure set the standard for blockbusters, blending science, suspense, and jaw-dropping moments that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. For 90s kids, it’s a timeless classic that made every trip to the museum a little more exciting. Directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1993, it’s a roaring masterpiece that never goes extinct.

4. Godzilla

Directed by Roland Emmerich and released in 1998, Godzilla stomped its way into the hearts of 90’s kids with larger-than-life chaos and jaw-dropping destruction. This epic monster flick brought the legendary lizard to New York City, blending action-packed mayhem with a memorable soundtrack that defined an era. While it might not please purists, it’s a nostalgic thrill ride that still roars loudly in the minds of those who grew up with it.

5. Jumanji

Jumanji is pure 90s magic, where a simple board game unleashes wild animals and absolute chaos into the real world. With thrilling adventures, heartfelt moments, and Robin Williams at his best, it’s a rollercoaster ride of fun and nostalgia. Directed by Joe Johnston and released in 1995, this movie is a timeless classic that gave 90s kids a whole new reason to be careful with games.

6. Baby’s Day Out

Released in 1994, directed by Patrick Read Johnson, Baby’s Day Out is a riot of laughs and chaos that became a childhood favorite for 90s kids. The movie follows a charming toddler as he innocently outsmarts three bumbling kidnappers through a series of wild adventures across the city. Joe Mantegna, Lara Flynn Boyle, and Joe Pantoliano deliver hilarious performances that keep you glued to the screen. It’s a wholesome mix of humor and heart, making it timeless fun for all ages.

7. Dunston Checks In

Directed by Ken Kwapis and released in 1996, Dunston Checks In is a gem that 90s kids adore. This family comedy features an orangutan, Dunston, causing mayhem in a fancy hotel while bonding with a mischievous boy played by Eric Lloyd. Jason Alexander and Faye Dunaway bring plenty of laughs, making it a delightful mix of chaos and charm. With its lovable primate antics, this movie became an unforgettable part of childhood nostalgia!

8. The Lion King

Well, we have a successful live-action for this one, along with the latest release, Mufasa, as a prequel. But we can’t deny that the 1994 animated film was the blueprint. Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, this beautiful movie remained the highest-grossing animated movie till 2003, getting replaced by Finding Nemo. We all loved Simba’s return to his destiny, along with his accomplices Timon and Pumba. And to be honest, we all hummed "Hakuna-Matata" on a happy happy day.

9. Aladdin

Now, the live-action of this one didn’t do so well, not even with Will Smith in it. It is the story of a street urchin, living off of stolen foods from the Agrabah market, falling in love with a princess who is tired of the high life. Alongside the innocent love story, we enjoyed the story evolving around Jafar’s conspiracy to marry Jasmine himself and occupy the throne. And let’s not forget Genie, Robin Williams made sure that this character remains iconic for days to come.

10. Hercules

Granted, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson aced this mythological character in the live-action reboot, but the storyline was not the same. We absolutely loved the young Hercules’s journey to being a hero in this 1997 release. The fight with the centaur to save a distressed Megara, followed by encounters with Hydra and Cyclops, in countless instances, captivated the audience. All in all, the Greek mythology was presented to us in a fun way, and it left an enduring mark.

11. Men In Black

Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and released in 1997, Men in Black zapped its way into 90s kids’ hearts with its sleek suits, alien adventures, and epic one-liners. Will Smith brought the charm, while Tommy Lee Jones nailed the grumpy humor, making the duo iconic. Add in a talking pug and some alien weirdness, and you've got a sci-fi comedy that’s out of this world. This movie is the reason sunglasses and neuralyzers became so cool.

12. Toy Story

Toy Story is a movie that made every 90s kid believe their toys had secret lives. This timeless Pixar gem brought Woody and Buzz to life with heart, humor, and unforgettable adventures. It’s a tale of friendship, loyalty, and learning to share the spotlight, all wrapped in stunning animation for its time. Directed by John Lasseter and released in 1995, it’s the first fully computer-animated film, making it an iconic piece of 90’s nostalgia.

13. Home Alone

Directed by Chris Columbus and released in 1990, Home Alone is every 90’s kid’s dream of ruling the house without adults and outsmarting the bad guys in the process! With Macaulay Culkin’s unforgettable performance as Kevin, this hilarious and heartwarming classic delivers laughs, booby traps, and festive feels. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern as the hapless burglars make it even more fun. It’s the ultimate holiday adventure that’s become a must-watch for generations.

14. Stuart Little

The famous Tom and Jerry fuelled our interest in the cat and mouse rivalry. So, when this live-action came out, it was hugely accepted and appreciated by the viewers. Released in 1999, this movie is about a Manhattan couple adopting a mouse as a brother to their son, George. Well, neither George nor their pet cat, Snowbell, was happy about it. We experience a funny and touching journey of Stuart, where he finally wins the heart of his brother and, to our surprise Snowbell.

15. The Mask

Jim Carrey proves he’s a one-man cartoon in The Mask, delivering a performance so wild and hilarious it feels like the character was made just for him. With its over-the-top antics, amusing effects, and unforgettable catchphrases, this movie is pure comic chaos at its best. Add Cameron Diaz’s stunning debut, and you’ve got a 90’s masterpiece that feels like childhood on steroids. Directed by Chuck Russell and released in 1994, this is why 90s kids had the coolest movie nights ever.

16. The Mummy

Brendan Fraser was just awesome in this action adventure. Released in 1999, this movie, despite its mild adult theme, won the hearts of many children. The mystic land of Egypt and the mystery around their tradition of preserving their deceased as mummies was brought in front of us on the big screen. It would be unfair not to mention the brilliant performances by Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, and Arnold Vosloo, as they all ensured the audience a delightful experience.

17. Terminator 2: Judgment Day

The adventure of Sarah and John Connor to survive the deadly assassin T-1000 with the help of T-800 is a must-mention. The 90s started with this 1991 sequel of Terminator, which happens to be the most successful movie of the franchise, and without a doubt, it stole the hearts of the kids. Arnold Schwarzenegger played the iconic role of T-800 and made a permanent place in the hearts of his fans. Apart from the action-packed sequences, the emotional thumbs-up of T-800, while getting incinerated brought us all to tears.