Only ’90s kids will remember these goofy but heartfelt family movies from their childhoods—but that doesn’t have to be the case. This list for ages 10 & under is perfect for nostalgic parents looking to show their kids what life was like before iPhones or YouTube but who also are glad the days of pagers and VHS are behind them. Rewind the clock, not the tape, with classics like Toy Story, The Sandlot, and the original Good Burger. They’re so good, you’ll almost miss your Beanie Babies and bleached tips. To see the full list of ’90s kids’ movies, check it out at Common Sense Media, and for more nostalgic picks, check out Best ’80s Movies and Classic Cartoons Parents Love to Share with Kids.
1. Kiki's Delivery Service
From celebrated animator Hayao Miyazaki, this gentle story tracks Kiki, a witch in a new city, as she makes friends, starts a delivery service (on her broom, of course), and experiences a crisis of confidence related to puberty. An ideal family film, Kiki's Delivery Service will be especially meaningful to any child (or adult) who has grappled with the responsibilities of independence and peer group problems. Recommended for ages 5 and older Directed by Hayao Miyazaki (Buena Vista, 1998).
2. Toy Story
This beloved animated feature about a boy’s toys, who come alive when he leaves the room, will charm kids and adults alike. When Woody accidentally pushes his new rival, Buzz Lightyear, out the window, Woody works to right his wrong and rescue Buzz. Adventure, mild peril, and positive messages about loyalty and teamwork abound in this crowd-pleasing classic. Recommended for ages 5 and older Directed by John Lasseter (Pixar Animation Studios, 1995)
3. Aladdin
Disney’s animated retelling of the classic folktale recounts the story of sweet street kid Aladdin as he seeks to win over princess Jasmine with the help of show-stealer Genie, voiced by the incomparable Robin Williams. Some characters reflect objectionable stereotypes, but the overall message of staying true to yourself will appeal to parents, while kids will fall in love with the exciting story and catchy soundtrack. Recommended for ages 6 and older Directed by John Musker, Ron Clements (Walt Disney Pictures, 1992)
4. Babe
Babe is widely considered one of the best family movies of all time for good reason. This beloved live-action farm story of a spunky little pig who aspires to be a sheepdog, but seems destined for the dinner table, will inspire viewers of all ages to dream big, persevere, and love well. Recommended for ages 6 and older Directed by Chris Noonan (Universal Pictures, 1995)
5. The Iron Giant
The Iron Giant is filled with the kind of action kids love, like a giant robot under attack; buildings, trains, and cars crashing; Hogarth, the boy hero, creeping through a dark forest looking for "trouble"; and an arrogant, mean-spirited villain who poses great danger to the world. The exceptionally good script and thought-provoking ideas will win over parents, making this a film the whole family will adore. Recommended for ages 6 and older Directed by Brad Bird (Warner Bros., 1999)
6. The Parent Trap
In this delightful remake of the 1961 original, twins brought up by divorced parents on different continents meet up at summer camp, switch places, and plot to get their parents back together. A young Lindsay Lohan is fantastic as both twins, and the implausibility of the story is overcome by its humor and sweetness. Kids and parents both will get a kick out of this movie. Recommended for ages 6 and older Directed by Nancy Meyers (Walt Disney Pictures, 1999)
7. Space Jam
This animation/live-action mix, where good triumphs over evil, enjoys cult status amongst parents of a certain age. The Looney Tunes characters of old here team up with basketball great Michael Jordan to overcome their would-be alien masters. This quirky movie is a solid pick for family movie night, and will especially impress younger viewers with its heroic characters and funny action sequences. Recommended for ages 7 and older Directed by Joe Pytka (Warner Bros., 1996)
8. Sandlot
Set in the 1960s, The Sandlot follows a group of neighborhood friends who hit a valuable ball into a junkyard. They devise an elaborate scheme to evade a terrifying guard dog and retrieve the ball. With its themes of summer-time fun, friendship, and teamwork, the movie has a sun-kissed, nostalgic tone that both kids and parents will appreciate. Recommended for ages 8 and older Directed by David M. Evans (Twentieth Century Fox, 1993)
9. Good Burger
Good Burger has an absurd charm. A slapstick comedy about two teenagers who do the bare minimum at work until they realize their jobs are at stake, they end up showing loyalty, a strong work ethic, a moral compass, and a lot of smarts. Silly jokes and pratfalls will have kids laughing and parents will appreciate the solid positivity of the film. Recommended for ages 10 and older Directed by Brian Robbins (Paramount Home Media Distribution, 1997)
