10 '90s Movies That Still Rock Today!

Millennials have jumped into nostalgia-driven marketing early, but it’s important to consider if everything we cherished from our childhood truly holds up objectively. Being the first digital generation with easy access to home media such as VHS and DVDs meant we rarely ventured far from our beloved youthful entertainment. However, we find ourselves captivated by modern marketing techniques that were effective on previous generations – re-imagined versions like remakes, reboots, and revivals which can sometimes shine a less than favorable light on titles better left forgotten.

Lucky for you, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered! If you’re yearning for a taste of ’90s nostalgia, things you might have overlooked but still hold their charm, these are the movies for you! Here’s a list of 10 films that deserve another watch, whether they’ve had remakes or not. They offer an authentic glimpse into our formative years – the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Hook

Kicking things off with vigor, we present a live-action follow-up to Peter Pan, often overlooked in its merits. Helmed by Steven Spielberg, the film revolves around an adult Peter Pan (portrayed by Robin Williams), who has somehow lost touch with his past as the head of the lost boys. However, all that changes when Captain Hook (played by Dustin Hoffman) abducts his children, compelling him to revisit Neverland once more.

This message serves as a reminder that studios have historically sought opportunities to maximize intellectual property (IP) while also experimenting with novel ideas. On occasion, these attempts proved successful, and “Hook” is one such example that’s quickly approaching classic status. At present, it may not be readily available for streaming; however, you can rent or buy it on Premium Video On Demand (PVOD) platforms.

Matilda

As a cinephile who adores live-action fantasies, I can’t help but express my admiration for Matilda, a Roald Dahl adaptation that deserves every bit of love you have for your favorites. In this enchanting film, Mara Wilson breathes life into the titular character, navigating her tumultuous family life and ultimately uncovering her psychokinetic powers. This magical tale effortlessly captures an array of emotions, seamlessly blending humor and pathos in a way that could have easily chosen one genre and stayed there.

What sets Matilda apart is its enduring popularity; it actually performed better on home video than it did in theaters. With this timeless classic now more accessible than ever, it’s the perfect moment to revisit it once again.

Matilda is currently streaming on Max.

Jumanji

Perhaps you haven’t revisited the film version of Jumanji recently due to its recent adaptations, but if you haven’t, I strongly recommend it. Originating from a book written by Chris Van Allsburg with the same title, this story delves into an intriguing jungle-themed board game that takes ‘immersion’ to unprecedented levels. As players encounter threats and challenges within the game, they manifest in the real world as well.

The original film, being flawlessly excellent by itself, leaves one questioning the courage of the creators of Welcome to the Jungle. It’s additionally an ideal venue to reminisce about the touching portrayal of the late Robin Williams.

Jumanji is currently streaming on FuboTV, as well as PVOD stores.

Space Jam

Discussing cultural touchstones from the ’90s, Space Jam stands out as one of the most distinct symbols. In this animated/live-action blend, Michael Jordan appears as himself, joining forces with the Looney Tunes gang to challenge a formidable team of “Monstars” in a game of basketball. If you’ve only seen Space Jam: A New Legacy without revisiting the first one, it would be beneficial to go back and watch the original. The original movie is incredibly outlandish, and the follow-up makes several obscure references that might be missed if watched separately.

Space Jam is streaming on Netflix right now, while A New Legacy is on Max.

The Parent Trap

It’s only fair to consider remakes and revivals without criticizing them too harshly, as they played a significant role in shaping our ’90s childhood. For instance, many of us didn’t recognize The Parent Trap as a remake until much later, or learn that Lindsay Lohan wasn’t an actual twin off-screen. Similar to the original film, this reboot focuses on two girls (played by Lohan) who discover they are long-lost twins and devise a plan to swap places to reunite their parents. This movie not only captured our attention as children, but it resonates profoundly now that we’ve grown up and found ourselves in the roles of those parents.

You can see for yourself now on Disney+.

Stuart Little

1999’s film adaptation of E.B. White’s “Stuart Little” stands out as one of the most bewildering cultural relics ever created, and it’s a must-see if you haven’t watched it since becoming an adult. The movie revolves around the Little family embarking on an adoption journey to find a brother for their son George (Jonathan Lipnicki), but they end up adopting a talking mouse (voiced by Michael J. Fox instead). From its casting choices to the storyline, it’s bound to leave you puzzled, yet delightful to watch due to its sincere portrayal without any sarcastic humor or self-referential jokes. A word of caution: if you choose to watch the movie, expect to spend a few hours later exploring its backstory on Wikipedia for clarification. Unfortunately, “Stuart Little” is currently only available for streaming on PVOD platforms.

George of the Jungle

Perhaps you’ve missed out on rewatching “George of the Jungle” recently, given Brendan Fraser’s successful return to acting. However, there’s still time! This film is a modern adaptation of the ’60s cartoon, with Fraser portraying George and his adventures that unfold once Ursula (Leslie Mann) stumbles upon him in the jungle. It’s packed with physical humor, and while it offers a somewhat bumbling exploration of the “wild man” stereotype, the catchy soundtrack might linger in your memory for quite some time afterward.

The movie is currently streaming on Disney+.

Kiki’s Delivery Service

Upon discovering that Studio Ghibli movies were introduced to English-speaking audiences during the 1990s, I found myself pondering which one would be most fitting for this compilation. While there’s no single incorrect choice, Kiki’s Delivery Service stands out as a strong contender for embodying the essence of Studio Ghibli during that era, especially resonating with ’90s kids in the U.S. This captivating tale follows Kiki and her feline companion as they embark on a flying messenger service, utilizing Kiki’s magical abilities to deliver messages in a unique way.

Occasionally in this film, it may seem like nothing is happening or going anywhere, but then you’re drawn into an unexpected and charming adventure that you wouldn’t have thought possible. It becomes even more astounding when you understand as an adult that these sensations were intentionally stirred up by the creators, reflecting the anxious anticipation of growing up. Currently, Kiki is available for streaming on Max, along with many other Studio Ghibli films.

The Rocketeer

Previously mentioned yet still undervalued, “The Rocketeer” serves as a pivotal precursor to the blockbuster superhero films of subsequent decades while standing strong on its own merits. This film, set in 1938, chronicles the thrilling escapades of stunt pilot Cliff Secord (portrayed by Billy Campbell) following his acquisition of a jet pack that enables him to fly high. Cliff’s journey is not only marked by evading the inventors of the jet pack but also combating Nazi agents intent on seizing it for their own nefarious purposes. The film masterfully blends the familiar formula with an original charm, making it a captivating revisit in our current era overflowing with superhero movies.

It’s available to stream now on Disney+ for those interested.

Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion

Romy and Michele’s High School Revival introduces Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow portraying lifelong buddies Romy and Michele. They receive an invitation for their ten-year high school reunion, stirring memories of their past as social misfits. Determined to reinvent themselves and impress their former peers, they invent extravagant tales about their post-high school lives.

Revisiting the movie “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion” may prompt reflection if you identify as a ’90s kid, since you might find yourself being the same age or even older than the main characters who were 28. But don’t let this realization bring on feelings of aging – that’s something ’90s kids have mastered by now! Instead, appreciate the heartfelt story about friendship, growing up, and finding your unique path that might just resonate with you in a surprising way.

At present, you won’t find the movie on any streaming platforms; however, it can be rented or bought from PVOD outlets.

2025-02-11 03:11

10 ’90s Movies That Still Rock Today!