In anticipation of International Family Day this weekend, we're bringing you our picks for the best family movies decade by decade.
At times like these, family movies provide great comfort, as well as entertainment. And there were some brilliant offerings for the whole clann during the 1990s.
We've picked a selection of live-action as well as animated movies for you to enjoy from home.
We're even sussed out exactly where you can find them on demand.
Space Jam
Most will be familiar with the 1990s classic 'Space Jam' in which basketball superstar Michael Jordan is recruited by the Looney Tunes to help them beat the Monstars. If they lose, they'll be forced to become slaves at Mr. Swackhammer's (Danny DeVito) intergalactic amusements park. In spite of a mixed critical reception, it has become something of a cult classic. A sequel starring LeBron James is in the works.
Jumanji
With the 1995 movie 'Jumanji', you'll not only have an excuse to not only embrace your inner child; it's also an excuse to introduce little ones to the wonder that was Robin Williams. 'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle' starring Dwayne Johnson, is streaming on Netflix too if you feel like seeing the modern day follow-up. The original follows two kids and two adults as they play a supernatural board game which sends animals into the world.
Matilda
Another beloved 1990s family flick is Matilda, starring Mara Wilson as the girl genius who defies her cruel parents and principal to forge her own path. Based on the Roald Dahl book, it's directed Danny DeVito, who also stars in it alongside his wife, actress Rhea Perlman. Wilson is a joy as Matilda while Embeth Davidtz is sweet as pie as Miss Honey. Certain elements of the movie haven't aged well, but the takeaway lessons are timeless.
Home Alone
You can now catch 'Home Alone' and two of its sequels (there were two more made-for-TV installments - and a reboot is on the way) on Disney+ now. But the original has all the charm. Macaulay Culkin plays the iconic Kevin McCallister, an eight year old scamp who is accidentally left behind by his family when they go on Christmas vacation. When two burglars (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) attempt to break into his house, Kevin makes sure he's armed and ready.
The Lion King
Naaaaaaaaaaaaaants ingonyaaaaaaaama bagithi Baba... Etc. (and no, we totally didn't copy the lyrics off Google)... The original 'The Lion King' (its remake was just so bleugh, right?) remains Disney's most successful 2D animated movie yet. And it's hard to believe it's essentially a modern take on Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'. It tracks the story of Simba as he comes of age and takes his place as king of Pride Rock.
Aladdin
'Aladdin' marks another Disney animated classic that got treated to an inferior live-action remake. The original is gorgeous and loaded with unforgettable characters and songs. Robin Williams is of course inimitable as the Genie, and Jafar and Iago make for a deliciously dastardly pair of villains. Its singalong numbers include "A Whole New World", "One Jump Ahead", "Prince Ali" and the showstopper "Friend Like Me".
Mulan
With the remake of 'Mulan' delayed (until July 24th, though this is subject to change), you might as well check out the animated original. Featuring the snappy dragon Mushu (voiced by the legendary Eddie Murphy) and a great soundtrack of songs (neither of which, reportedly, are included in the remake), it tells the story of the daughter of a Chinese warrior who takes her father's place in the army.
Men in Black
Will Smith was at the peak of his career when he did 'Men in Black', suavely and confidently stepping into the shoes of Agent J. Whoever thought of teaming him up with the grumpy Tommy Lee Jones, who plays Agent K, was a genius. They play members of a secret agency that defends the world from extraterrestrial invasion and polices alien life on Earth. Its special effects still hold up quite well, actually.
Watch on Now TV/Sky Cinema.
The Prince of Egypt
Dreamworks Animation came out with a slew of great 2D animated features during the 2000s including 'The Road to El Dorado' and 'Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas', before turning their focus to CGI. 'The Prince of Egypt' was only the studio's second feature after 'Antz', and it is just gorgeous. It relates the story of Moses and packs quite a voice cast between Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfieffer, Sandra Bullock, Jeff Goldblum and Danny Glover among more.
Watch on Prime Video/Now TV/Sky Cinema.
Jurassic Park
We couldn't leave out one of the biggest movies of the 1990s, and of all time! 'Jurassic Park' was movie magic as it brought a theme park of cloned dinosaurs to life. Inevitably, the park suffers a major power breakdown before opening to the public, meaning those who have been privileged with a preview are in danger of the escaped dinos. The film would kick off what would become a major movie franchise with a sixth movie in the works.
