Hello nostalgia! If you were born in the late 1900s, you probably grew up on some of the best cinematic masterpieces of our time (not to be a biased, fellow late-1900s kid, myself). That is to say, movies from the 1990s were just different, and held a magic all their own. They were wholesome, they were a little cheesy at times, they often featured loveable animals, they tugged at the heartstrings, they addressed complex issues without being overbearing, and they featured some amazing storytelling. If you’re looking for family-friendly movies for a night in, here are some wholesome ‘90s movies to watch with your kids and take you back to your own childhood. 

12 Wholesome ‘90s Movies

The Iron Giant (1999)

This humorous tale of a giant robot made of iron who comes to earth can be a bit of a tear-jerker. Following Hogarth, a boy anxious for adventure whose father died in WWII, The Iron Giant is all about right versus wrong, friendship, and sacrifice for the greater good.

Far From Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog (1995)

Far From Home is a survival story following Angus and his yellow lab dog, Yellow, as they contend with the elements and wildlife while stranded after a shipwreck. The two traverse dangerous terrain and dig deep for the will to keep going despite all odds. 

Paulie (1998)

Paulie is a story told from the point-of-view of a parrot detailing his life with his various owners. Now in captivity, his story isn’t over as he befriends a research lab janitor who decides to help Paulie escape.

Stuart Little (1999)

Based on E. B. White’s beloved tale, Stuart Little tells the story of an orphaned mouse adopted by a loving family. Adjusting is not easy, and we get a glimpse into Stuart’s new life as he tries to find his place in the world and family.

Flubber (1997)

The late, great Robin Williams stars as scientist Professor Philip Brainard who discovers a seemingly “alive” rubber substance which he calls Flubber. Despite his best efforts, Professor Brainard is unable to contain the new and mysterious substance and, naturally, hijinks ensue.

Hook (1991)

Hook is an imaginative retelling/sequel to the Peter Pan stories. Peter has grown up, completely forgetting his boyhood years in Neverland and becoming a curmudgeonly husband and father who has lost his way in life. However, when Hook kidnaps Peter’s children, Peter must reconcile his past, dig deep for his boyhood bravery, and save his children.

The Borrowers (1997)

Mary Norton’s novel The Borrowers is adapted in this classic ‘90s movie starring John Goodman, Jim Broadbent, Mark Williams, Hugh Laurie, Tom Felton, and other famous names. Telling the tale of a family—all of whom are just four inches tall or less—who live as borrowers and “borrow” the belongings of humans, the movie follows their adventure as they protect their beloved home from a conniving lawyer.

The Sandlot (1993)

This beloved classic is a true nostalgic journey. The sandlot is where a rag-tag group of neighborhood kids gather to play the all-American sport of baseball. When Scottie Smalls moves into the neighborhood, he is welcomed into this group of boys who teach him how to play ball and what it means to have true friends. 

Babe (1995)

Another fantastic book adaptation, Babe is the unlikely story of a sheep-herding pig and his adventures on a farm in England. A story of perseverance and determination, Babe is a fun film for the whole family.

The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

The sequel to The Rescuers (1977), The Rescuers Down Under returns to the adventures of mice couple, Bernard and Bianca, as they investigate the kidnapping of a boy in the Australian Outback.

Fly Away Home (1996)

When Amy’s mother dies, she is sent to live with her estranged father in Canada, and the two struggle to adapt and build their relationship. However, when Amy finds abandoned goose eggs, she is determined to teach them to fly. With the help of her dad and his inventions, Amy and her dad finally find common ground and purpose.

The Indian in the Cupboard (1995)

Based on the novel by Lynne Reid Banks, The Indian in the Cupboard is a charming fantasy story following Omri and the magical old wooden cupboard gifted to him. It isn’t long before Omri discovers that when plastic figurines are placed in the cupboard, they come alive!

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We hope these movies bring back fond memories that you are able to share with your own children. Comment below with your favorite movies from your childhood!