The1990swas a solid decade to grow up in, take it from an expert. Of course there were trials and tribulations, but it felt like the last decade where technology hadn’t become to absolute focus of everything. Of course, there are consistencies that hold over time: People fight both overseas and domestically, presidential candidates rip apart one another, and problems are ignored until they grow larger.
But, for the most part, there’s a night and day difference between the simplicity of the ’90s and the 2020s. And, in this differentiation, there’s differentiation in what audiences of their respective time want. In the ’90s, there was a lot of crowd-pleasing going on, whereas now movies naturally feel an extra bit of pressure to address grim societal issues, regardless of the tone of the film itself. These are the ’90s movies that every young person should see, whether they were alive throughout the decade or not.
20Home Alone (1990)
Chris Columbus’Home Aloneis one of themost beloved films of all time, Holiday movie or otherwise. With a star-making performance from Macaulay Culkin and strong semi-antagonistic work from Daniel Stern and Joe Pesci, it’s one of those movies that’s very difficult to imagine with a different cast list.
From the cinematography and score to the casting and pacing, everything clicks, and there’s no kid out there who won’t be totally enthralled the entire time. Especially once little Kevin McCallister realizes it’s time for war and John Williams' score kicks up a notch.
19The Addams Family (1991)
One of thebest movies ever made from TV shows, Barry Sonnenfeld’sThe Addams Familyis bolstered by impeccable production design and keen casting. Most notably there’s the late, great Raul Julia, Anjelica Huston, and a star-making performance from Christina Ricci.
It’s especially a joy to see Julia in a big-budget, mainstream film, much less a darn good one. The actor didn’t have many more projects left in him before he was tragically taken by cancer, butThe Addams FamilyandThe Addams Family Valuesare both equally terrific ways for young people to learn of his talent (not unlike Oliver Reed in 1968’sOliver!).
18Wayne’s World (1992)
Kids need to know about classic rock (e.g. Queen) and kids need to know about ‘90sSNL.Wayne’s Worldis a nice little simultaneous summary of the spirit of both. That said, thekiddos can skip the sequel, it’s not a necessary watch.
But the originalWayne’s Worldis an absolute joy, front to pack. A frenetically paced but consistently funny ’90s timepiece,Wayne’s Worldtells everything they need to know about where the United States and Canada’s sense of humor was at the time.
17Aladdin (1992)
WhileAladdinis a strong film outside Robin Williams, he’sabsolutely the one who makes it great. Given much room to stretch his improvisational legs, Williams created one of the most iconic characters to ever grace a Disney film with his take on the Genie.
But, of course, Williams isn’t the only reason the film has gone on to be deemed one of Disney’s best from the ’90s. There’s also a compelling villain in Jafar, a great performance from the late Gilbert Gottfried as Iago, and pretty animation.
16The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Henry Selick’sThe Nightmare Before Christmaswas a modest success in theaters, but the fanbase it’s grown puts those initial grosses to shame. It’s a film that often gets attributed to Tim Burton and his success and, while its style does certainly evoke comparison to theBatmandirector’s, it’s actually a bit more unique.
If anything, the film is a concoction born of the minds of Selick and Danny Elfman, who contributes both songs and Jack Skellington’s singing voice. And audiences are going to want to take in that vision for the first time at a young age. This is Halloween required viewing at its most essential.
RELATED:The Nightmare Before Christmas Director Says It’s Unfair Tim Burton Still Gets All The Credit for the Movie
15Jurassic Park (1993)
One of those movies that provesgoing to the theater is uniquely great, Steven Spielberg’sJurassic Parkis the ultimate cinematic rollercoaster ride. An adventure without a dull moment, Spielberg’s film isn’tquitethe masterpiece his similarly thrillingJawsis, but that’s only because there’s absolutely no other movie of its type that’s as good asJaws.
However, the one to come closest isJurassic Park. After all, there’s only one way for a master to be followed up, and that’s with another of the master’s works.Jurassic Park’s reputation precedes it, as evidenced by the ongoing multimedia franchise it (and the Michael Crichton book that inspired it) created. DoesJurassic Parkcontain some scary, intense moments? Sure. Is it a disservice to have a young person go through their childhood without having seen it at that impressionable young age at least once? Without a doubt.
14Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
If there was an actor who brought families together for peaceful two hour stretches throughout the 1990s,it was Robin Williams. And, as far as the dearly departed comedian’s star vehicles went,Mrs. Doubtfirewas absolutely the best.
The movie really does fire on all cylinders. There’s never a dull moment, Williams’ character(s) seems organic to real life, and Sally Field brings an incredible amount of gravitas to the role of his perpetually stressed wife. But then there’s Mara Wilson, Lisa Jakub, and Matthew Lawrence as the duo’s kids, and there’s no way the children of the audience won’t find a way to associate with one of those lovable tykes.
13The Lion King (1994)
AnOscar winner for Best Song,The Lion Kingis, at the very least, a solid musical. And being a musical isn’t even its primary function.
Instead, it’s a story of legacy, and there are few better. Simba’s arc is one that parallels many of the consistencies in childhood, and there’s little doubt the children in the audience will see themselves in the character. Jon Favreau’s 2019 remake is certainly ambitious, but when placed alongside the pure emotionality of the original film it’s a lifeless endeavor at best.
12Forrest Gump (1994)
Robert Zemeckis' lovelyForrest Gumphas gone on tobe a controversialand poorly-aged film in certain regards, but it remains a must-watch. The film is a love letter to history and a love letter to the power of a seemingly-standard person’s ability to witness and accomplish truly remarkable things.
Mr. Gump meets presidents, fights in a war, even founds a shrimping company, and even if its an epic the younger set will be engrossed. It’s a remarkable tale and a terrific (if not also very different) adaptation of Winston Groom’s novel. Just maybedon’ttry and explain that one Forrest and Jenny scene.
11The Santa Clause (1994)
A classic for anyone who grew up in the 1990s, Disney’sThe Santa Clausewas and remains one ofthe few successful star vehiclesforHome Improvement’s Tim Allen. And the actor makes it obvious why this is the case in each scene, as his curmudgeonly Scott Calvin never crosses over into unlikable territory.
It’s of note that, while the film inspired two theatrical sequels and a Disney+ series, the original is the only one to be released in the ’90s. It’s also the only one worth watching.
