25 Kid Summer Movies from the 1990’s
25 Family-Friendly ’90s Movies to Watch with Your Kids This Summer
There is just something so cozy about a summer movie night.
This summer, we’ve been watching a movie together almost every evening. Some nights we finish the whole movie, and other nights we spread it out over a couple of nights. Either way, it has become one of my favorite parts of our summer.
It seems like each summer we naturally pick a different movie theme. Last year, we got hooked on classic Disney movies like Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty. This year we’ve been making our way through all of the family movies John and I loved growing up in the ’90s (with a few favorites from the ’80s mixed in!).
Watching these movies as an adult has been so much fun. Not only do they bring back so many childhood memories, but now I get to experience them all over again through my girls’ eyes. Sometimes they laugh at the exact same parts I did, and sometimes I’m surprised by what catches their attention.
I thought it would be fun to share 25 family-friendly movies from the ’90s that are perfect for summer movie nights. Some we’ve already watched this summer, and others are still on our list.
I’d love to hear your favorites too! Leave them in the comments because I’m always looking for more movie night ideas.
1. Rookie of the Year (1993)
This is hands down my favorite summer movie from my childhood.
I honestly can’t count how many times I watched Rookie of the Year growing up. There is just something about baseball, summer break, neighborhood adventures, and an ordinary kid suddenly pitching for the Chicago Cubs that makes it the ultimate summer movie.
We’ve already watched this one several times this summer, and we even watched it again with my parents while we were visiting them.
This movie is a MUST!
Rating: PG
Where to Stream: Disney+ or Hulu
Best Age Group: Ages 6+ (Great for family baseball nights!)
2. Angels in the Outfield (1994)
Apparently we have a thing for baseball movies during the summer!
This one is such a sweet, feel-good movie with a wonderful message about hope, family, and believing in something bigger than yourself. Our girls laughed so much while watching it, and it quickly became one of their favorites too.
Rating: PG
Where to Stream: Disney+ or rent via Amazon Prime Video
Best Age Group: Ages 6+ (A phenomenal, star-studded cast featuring young Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Danny Glover, Matthew McConaughey, and Adrien Brody!)
3. Baby’s Day Out (1994)
I had completely forgotten how much slapstick comedy was in ’90s movies!
The bad guys get beat up in true Home Alone fashion, and my four-year-old thought it was absolutely hilarious. Watching it as a parent is a completely different experience than watching it as a kid!
Rating: PG
Where to Stream: Disney+ or rent/buy via Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV Store
Best Age Group: Ages 5+ (Written by John Hughes, the legendary creator of Home Alone—perfect for kids who love bumbling cartoonish villains!
4. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
I know this technically came out in the late ’80s, but it was such a huge part of growing up in the ’90s that I couldn’t leave it off the list.
As a kid, I was fascinated by the giant insects and backyard adventure. As a parent, I found myself feeling so much empathy for the parents trying to find their kids. Funny how movies change as we grow up!
Rating: PG
Where to Stream: Disney+ or rent on Amazon Prime Video
Best Age Group: Ages 6+ (A brilliant summer adventure about teamwork, facing giant ants, and navigating a lawnmower jungle!)
5. A Goofy Movie (1995)
This Disney classic deserves more love.
Max and Goofy’s father-son road trip is funny, heartfelt, and filled with songs you’ll probably still remember.
Maybe one of my top three favorite summer movies!
Rating: G
Where to Stream: Disney+ or rent/buy via Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV
Best Age Group: Ages 5+
6. Space Jam (1996)
If you grew up in the ’90s, chances are you’ve watched Space Jam more than once.
Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes make such a fun combination, and it still feels just as entertaining today.
Rating: PG (For some mild cartoon language)
Where to Stream: Rent or buy via Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV
Best Age Group: Ages 5+
7. The Parent Trap (1998)
This movie never gets old.
Lindsay Lohan did such an incredible job playing both twins, and it is one of those movies I can watch over and over again. It has the perfect mix of laughs, adventure, and heart.
We’ve been watching this one for awhile. It’s one of my older daughter’s go to airplane movies.
Rating: PG (For some mild pranks and mischief)
Where to Stream: Disney+ subscription or rent on Amazon Prime Video or Google Play.
Best Age Group: Ages 6+
8. It Takes Two (1995)
This one rivals Rookie of the Year for me!
I absolutely loved Mary-Kate and Ashley growing up, and this movie was always one of my favorites. The story is sweet, funny, and full of childhood adventure.
Mary-Kate and Ashley I just wish you could release all your old fun movies. Everything from The Case movies to Holiday in the Sun! Please, please, please!
Rating: PG (For some mild language)
Where to Stream: Rent or buy via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play.
Best Age Group: Ages 6+
9. Free Willy (1993)
This movie made me want to visit SeaWorld every summer.
The ending still gives me chills, and watching Willy leap to freedom is just as magical today as it was when I was little.
This movie is deeply ingrained in my memory, we must have watched it 1000 times!
Rating: PG
Where to Stream: Available to stream on Netflix or rent/buy via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Fandango.
Best Age Group: Ages 6+
10. Homeward Bound (1993)
Bring tissues!
I remembered loving this movie as a kid, but I forgot just how emotional it is. Shadow, Chance, and Sassy make such a lovable trio.
Rating: G
Where to Stream: Disney+ subscription or rent/buy via Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV.
Best Age Group: Ages 5
11. Richie Rich (1994)
Wouldn’t we all have wanted Richie’s house as kids?
The roller coaster, McDonald’s in the house, and endless gadgets made this such a fun movie to imagine yourself living in.
12. The Baby-Sitters Club (1995)
This movie brings back so much nostalgia.
If you loved the books growing up, this movie is such a fun trip down memory lane.
13. Honey, I Blew Up the Kid (1992)
If your family enjoyed Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, this sequel is worth watching too.
The giant toddler creates plenty of funny moments that younger kids especially seem to enjoy.
14. The Flintstones (1994)
Yabba Dabba Doo!
This live-action version of the classic cartoon is full of colorful sets, silly jokes, and plenty of nostalgia.
15. A Very Brady Sequel (1996)
If you grew up watching The Brady Bunch, you’ll probably appreciate all of the clever jokes hidden throughout this movie.
It’s definitely one that adults may enjoy even more than kids.
16. Air Bud (1997)
Who doesn’t love a sports movie starring a golden retriever?
This movie is sweet, funny, and perfect for the whole family.
17. The Sandlot (1993)
You’re killing me, Smalls!
This is one of the most iconic summer movies ever made. Baseball, neighborhood friendships, adventures, and unforgettable one-liners—it doesn’t get much better.
18. Life-Size (2000)
Okay…this one technically came out in 2000, but it has all the ’90s nostalgia.
I loved this movie growing up. Watching it now, it didn’t hold my attention quite the way it used to, but my girls absolutely loved imagining what it would be like if their dolls suddenly came to life.
I will say I still knew the theme song by heart!
19. The Big Green (1995)
Another fun sports movie from the ’90s!
This underdog soccer team is easy to cheer for, and it’s a great reminder that teamwork matters more than winning.
20. Heavyweights (1995)
This camp comedy is definitely a product of the ’90s.
Some of the humor feels a little dated today, but there are still plenty of funny moments and lots of nostalgia if you grew up watching it.
21. First Kid (1996)
What would it be like if the President’s child just wanted to be a normal kid?
This movie has a fun premise and plenty of laughs for the whole family.
22. Blank Check (1994)
As kids, who didn’t dream about finding a million-dollar check?
Watching Preston spend his fortune is still entertaining, and it’s one of those movies that instantly transports me back to childhood.
23. Madeline (1998)
This charming movie has such a cozy, storybook feel.
It’s slower than some of the others on this list, but it’s sweet, wholesome, and beautifully made.
24. Man of the House (1995)
This one is funny, heartfelt, and full of memorable moments.
The relationship between the main characters makes this a great family movie to revisit.
25. Johnny Tsunami (1999)
No list of family-friendly ’90s movies would be complete without a Disney Channel favorite!
Surfing, snowboarding, friendship, and learning to stay true to yourself make this one such a fun movie to end the list with.
Which ’90s Movies Would You Add?
These movies have made our summer movie nights so much fun, and I know there are so many more we could add to the list. I’m sure I forgot a few favorites!
I’d love to hear from you. Which family-friendly movies from the ’90s did you love growing up? Are there any that your kids are enjoying now?
Leave a comment below—I can’t wait to add even more classics to our family’s movie night list!
-Holley
