32 Kids Movies From The ’90s I Still Like Despite Being Kind Of Terrible

Nostalgia is a powerful feeling that can really shape how we remember the past. It can even alter our perceptions of things like childhood memories, people we knew, and even movies we watched. When we think back to beloved films from our youth – like many kids’ movies from the ‘90s – we often overlook their flaws. Even if a movie wasn’t actually very good, those who grew up with it will fiercely defend it, and always cherish those memories.

From classics like *Hook* and *Dennis the Menace* to the original *Super Mario Bros. Movie*, here’s a list of 32 kids’ movies from the 90s that I still enjoy today.

The Little Rascals (1994)

I was the perfect age – six – when the movie *The Little Rascals* came out. I’ve seen it many times since, and even though it’s not perfect, it still brings back fun memories. It was especially great to share it with my own children.

Rookie Of The Year (1993)

I have fond memories of seeing *Rookie of the Year* with my dad – I thought it was amazing! The idea of a kid pitching for the Cubs was so appealing. While the movie isn’t perfect – the dialogue and acting aren’t great – it did give us the unforgettable line, “Funky Butt-Loving.”

Dennis The Menace (1993)

The 1993 film *Dennis the Menace*, based on the classic comic strip, isn’t a particularly well-made movie. In fact, it’s not very good at all. Still, I secretly enjoy it – especially Christopher Lloyd’s quirky way of eating apples with a knife.

Camp Nowhere (1994)

I hadn’t thought about *Camp Nowhere* in years – it’s one of those movies from the ’90s that slipped my mind until recently. I remember seeing it at a friend’s birthday party when I was in second grade and really enjoying it. It’s a bit over-the-top in places, but it’s still a fun movie overall.

Hook (1991)

I was surprised to learn a few years ago that not everyone loves the movie *Hook*. I grew up thinking this 1991 Steven Spielberg film-one of my first or second times at the cinema-was a classic. Despite its flaws, it’s hard not to be swept away by the fun and magic of this fantasy adventure.

Super Mario Bros. (1993)

The 1993 live-action *Super Mario Bros.* movie is famously one of the worst video game adaptations ever made. But despite being so bad, it’s strangely memorable, thanks to its unique style and the performances of Bob Hoskins as Mario and Dennis Hopper as Bowser. It’s definitely not a *good* movie, but I’ll probably watch it again anyway.

Little Big League (1994)

Okay, so *Little Big League* is pretty ridiculous if you think about it. I mean, there’s no way MLB would actually let a kid own a team, let alone be the coach! But honestly, I still love it because it has Ken Griffey Jr. and Randy Johnson showing up near the end, and that was awesome even back then, and it *still* is after all these years.

Problem Child (1990)

Problem Child is similar to The Good Son, but more comedic and less frightening. It’s tonally inconsistent, features a truly mischievous child, and has over-the-top antics. Despite its flaws, it’s still a watchable movie if it happens to be on TV.

Angels In The Outfield (1994)

Okay, let’s be real – *Angels in the Outfield* is definitely cheesy, you can pretty much guess what’s going to happen, and the whole premise is a little out there. But honestly? I still love it. It’s a fun baseball movie from ’94, and it’s got some serious star power – four actors who’ve *won* Oscars, even if not for this one! Plus, it takes a surprisingly dark turn near the end, and there’s some genuinely funny physical comedy. It’s a wild ride, and I always enjoy rewatching it.

Man Of The House (1995)

Don’t mistake this film for the one with Tommy Lee Jones! *Man of the House*, released in 1995, is a comedy about a boy (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) who clashes with his mother’s new boyfriend (Chevy Chase). I recently rewatched it with my kids, and while it hasn’t aged particularly well, it was still a nostalgic and enjoyable experience.

George Of The Jungle (1997)

While *George of the Jungle* was a big financial success, it’s not a particularly great movie. That said, I do enjoy its playful habit of acknowledging the audience and all the slapstick humor. I’m not sure I’d feel the same way about it now if I hadn’t watched it as a child, but nostalgia definitely plays a role.

Air Bud (1996)

It’s a little embarrassing to admit, but I still enjoy *Air Bud* even now. I wouldn’t choose it over other sports movies from the ’90s, but if I’m looking for a lighthearted movie to watch with my kids – one where a dog plays basketball – *Air Bud* is perfect.

Honey, I Blew Up The Kid (1992)

I remember when we first got Disney+, my daughter and I watched *Honey, I Blew Up the Kid*, and she was instantly hooked! It actually pulled her away from watching *Frozen 2* non-stop – she’d been obsessed for days, and that movie features a lot of chaos. While it’s not a *good* movie, honestly, it’s so over-the-top that we both really enjoyed it anyway.

Jungle 2 Jungle (1997)

Tim Allen was incredibly popular when *Jungle 2 Jungle* was released in 1997. He had just finished working on *Toy Story*, starred in a highly-rated TV show, and was enjoying a string of successful movies. While it’s not his best film, *Jungle 2 Jungle* is a genuinely enjoyable and surprisingly touching story about a father and son, and it’s hard to find much fault with it.

Suburban Commando (1991)

While many wrestlers have starred in good movies, 1991’s *Suburban Commando* isn’t one of them. Starring the late Hulk Hogan, this comedy about an alien mercenary stuck on Earth is pretty terrible, honestly. But, surprisingly, I still enjoy watching it after all these years.

3 Ninjas (1992)

Despite being a bit of a chaotic and flawed film with plenty of plot holes and questionable characters, *3 Ninjas* is surprisingly enjoyable. Watching it with my kids reminded me how much fun it can be to simply enjoy a silly, not-so-great movie.

First Kid (1996)

I loved watching *First Kid* when I was a kid, and my parents probably paid a lot in late fees to Blockbuster because of it! While the 1996 movie – starring Sinbad as a Secret Service agent tasked with protecting the President’s son – might not seem as good now, it still brings back fun memories and I enjoy its silly, slapstick humor.

Blank Check (1994)

While *Blank Check* gets a lot of things wrong – like how much money was worth in 1994, tax rules, and a particularly uncomfortable kiss between an adult and a young boy – it’s a surprisingly fun trip back to the early-to-mid ’90s. The fashion, toys, and technology really capture the feel of that era.

Richie Rich (1994)

I have such a clear memory of my grandma taking me to see *Richie Rich* – I left the theater absolutely convinced I *needed* a McDonald’s built into our house and a rollercoaster in the backyard! Obviously, that didn’t happen. Looking back now, the movie isn’t quite as magical as I remembered it being as a kid. Still, it’s one of those guilty pleasures from the ’90s that I’ll happily watch if I stumble across it on a streaming service.

Ladybugs (1992)

Growing up, my friend was really into ladybugs, and we watched the 1992 Rodney Dangerfield movie about a father who makes his stepson dress as a girl to play soccer countless times. Honestly, it’s a terrible movie and probably shouldn’t be remembered, but I still feel the urge to watch it just one more time before it disappears completely.

Inspector Gadget (1998)

The 1998 movie *Inspector Gadget*, starring Matthew Broderick, is one of those films that, on paper, shouldn’t be good – and critics agree, as it received very poor reviews. However, despite its flaws and general lack of memorability, I’ve always secretly enjoyed it.

Mr. Nanny (1993)

Early in the movie *Mr. Nanny*, there’s a strange moment where Hulk Hogan’s character is riding a motorcycle, and someone throws a dog into the water behind him. I have no idea how that scene ended up in the finished film, but it’s part of what makes this wonderfully awful kids movie so endearing.

The Big Green (1995)

Some might see *The Big Green* as Disney trying to capitalize on the popularity of kids’ sports movies like *The Sandlot* – both films actually star Patrick Renna. It doesn’t offer anything new, the plot is easy to guess, and it’s not particularly memorable. But, surprisingly, every time I watch it, I can’t help but call everyone ‘Deputy Dog’ for the rest of the day.

Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)

I love all the Ernest movies, even the ones that aren’t very good. That’s why I have a soft spot for *Ernest Scared Stupid* – it’s a classic from my childhood. It’s not quite as hilarious as *Ernest Goes to Camp*, which is one of the best comedies of the 80s, but I still enjoy it.

Houseguest (1995)

The plot of *Houseguest* isn’t groundbreaking – a criminal dodging the mob pretends to be a houseguest while also scamming the family – but the chemistry between Sinbad and the late Phil Hartman is fantastic. It’s not a great movie, but it’s surprisingly funny anyway.

A Kid In King Arthur’s Court (1995)

As a big fan of 90s comedies, I always get a kick out of noticing connections between movies. It’s funny to me that *A Kid in King Arthur’s Court* and *Rookie of the Year* both star Thomas Ian Nicholas as a baseball player! While *A Kid in King Arthur’s Court* doesn’t quite reach the heights of *Rookie of the Year*, I think it’s a genuinely funny movie – way funnier than a lot of critics give it credit for.

We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story (1994)

After *Jurassic Park* became a huge hit, a lot of dinosaur movies came out. One that people often forget about is *We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story*. This animated film, released in 1994, is surprisingly enjoyable, even if it’s not a masterpiece.

Jack Frost (1998)

Let’s be honest, *Jack Frost* is a pretty bad movie – genuinely scary at times! But there’s a strange charm to this 1998 comedy about a boy whose father’s spirit lives on inside a snowman. It’s one of those odd roles Michael Keaton took after leaving the Batman franchise, but before his recent career comeback, and I find it surprisingly enjoyable.

Good Burger (1997)

I saw *Good Burger* with my mom and brothers when it first came out, and it was a pretty different experience for all of us. My brothers and I thought the movie, which starred Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell from *All That*, was hilarious, but my mom really didn’t enjoy it. Looking back, I think my mom was right to dislike it, but I still have a soft spot for it.

Flipper (1996)

The 1996 movie *Flipper* isn’t very good overall, but there’s one memorable moment: Paul London’s character effortlessly opens a coconut with just two fingers. That scene always excites me whenever the movie is on.

Leave It To Beaver (1998)

As a kid, when I saw the trailer for the *Leave It to Beaver* movie, I assumed Christopher McDonald would play the bad guy – at the time, I mostly knew him from *Happy Gilmore*. While I was a little let down that he ended up playing the relatively nice Ward Cleaver in this 1997 remake, I’ve always enjoyed the movie, even though it’s pretty clear it was made to make money.

Small Soldiers (1998)

When I was in fifth grade and recovering from having my tonsils out, my godfather gave me the movie *Small Soldiers*, and I absolutely loved it. While it doesn’t quite reach the level of the 1991 film *Toy Soldiers*, it’s a fun, family-friendly action movie that’s better than many people remember.

2025-09-17 18:56