7 “Terrible” Movies Every 90s Kid Secretly Loved

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For me, the 1990s were the absolute best time to grow up! We had just enough technology to be excited, and the movies and TV shows were amazing. While a lot of ’90s family films are now considered classics, let’s be real – we all loved some pretty cheesy ones too. Maybe the adults or even our friends thought they were terrible, but we didn’t care! We might have watched them secretly, but those movies were pure gold to us. Here are my top seven guilty pleasures from when I was a ’90s kid.

7) Flubber 

Robin Williams was a hugely talented actor with an impressive body of work, but *Flubber* isn’t likely to be considered one of his best films. In it, he plays a professor who creates a bouncy, powerful, and surprisingly intelligent substance called Flubber, hoping to save his college. However, when Flubber develops a personality of its own and a ruthless businessman tries to steal it, things quickly get chaotic. While the 1997 movie did well in theaters and Williams received positive reviews, critics generally disliked the story, the special effects, and the silly humor. But for those who grew up in the ’90s, Williams was always a hit, and *Flubber*’s simple, over-the-top comedy was incredibly funny.

6) Heavyweights 

While the movie *Heavyweights* wouldn’t be made today due to its potentially harmful message about food, weight, and exercise, those of us who grew up in the ’90s still have a soft spot for it. The film centers around Camp Hope, a summer camp for boys, where the initial focus is on getting fit through fun activities. However, things change when a ridiculously over-the-top fitness guru, Tony Perkins (played brilliantly by Ben Stiller), takes over. Despite its now-questionable themes and initial box office failure in 1995, *Heavyweights* remains a nostalgic favorite thanks to its endearing characters and their inspiring victory over a mean-spirited adult.

5) Inspector Gadget 

While critics and longtime fans of the original 80s cartoon weren’t happy with the 1999 *Inspector Gadget* movie for straying from the source material, those of us who grew up in the 90s were captivated by its special effects and over-the-top action. The film boasted a strong cast, with Matthew Broderick as the titular Inspector Gadget – a police officer rebuilt with a variety of high-tech gadgets after a near-fatal accident – and Rupert Everett as the villainous Dr. Claw. We loved the witty Gadgetmobile, the fantastic soundtrack, and the constant surprise of what gadget would pop out of Inspector Gadget’s body next as he adjusted to his new, bionic life.

4) Model Behavior 

Released as a Disney TV movie in 2000, *Model Behavior* is a familiar take on *The Prince and the Pauper*. What makes it memorable isn’t the story itself, but the casting of a then-rising star: Justin Timberlake. The movie stars Maggie Lawson as both Alex, an ordinary high schooler, and Janine, a glamorous model, who swap lives after discovering they look remarkably alike. Timberlake, in his first film role, plays a fellow model who’s drawn to Alex’s down-to-earth personality. While *Model Behavior* wasn’t a cinematic masterpiece, it captured the imagination with its blend of teen romance, wish fulfillment, and the early appeal of Justin Timberlake, earning it a nostalgic spot for many viewers.

3) Good Burger 

It’s probably not a typical idea to make a whole movie based on a short sketch from a kids’ show, but we really enjoyed *Good Burger* when it came out in 1997. Kenan Thompson stars as a laid-back teen who needs a summer job fast to pay off a debt from a car accident, and Kel Mitchell plays his hilariously goofy best friend. Together, they try to save their burger restaurant from closing when a large fast-food chain opens right across the street. Even though critics weren’t fans, we loved seeing characters from *All That* on the big screen and still remember the movie’s famous line: “Welcome to Good Burger, home of the Good Burger, can I take your order?”

2) Air Bud 

It’s hard to believe a golden retriever could play basketball, but the movie *Air Bud* makes it seem possible. The filmmakers tried to explain the dog Buddy’s amazing talent by saying he used to be in the circus, but it still stretches the truth. When *Air Bud* came out in 1997, kids didn’t really care if it was realistic. We loved the movie because it was heartwarming and showed a sweet connection between a boy and his dog.

1) Monkey Trouble 

It seems like every kids’ movie has an unbelievable animal companion, and *Monkey Trouble* is no different. The story follows Eva, a young girl who feels overlooked when her parents have a new baby. She finds a friend in Dodger, a monkey she takes in, only to discover he’s a mischievous pickpocket escaping a bad owner. Eva must help Dodger turn his life around. Like *Air Bud*, the movie isn’t very realistic and didn’t make a huge splash at the box office, but we enjoyed *Monkey Trouble* because it cleverly addressed a common childhood experience – adjusting to a new sibling – and reminded us to look for the best in others.

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2025-09-29 01:10