As a dad in 2024, there’s something magical about introducing my kids—twin five-year-olds and a sixteen-year-old—to the movies that defined my childhood. Movie nights have become a cherished tradition in our house, and ’90s classics are my secret weapon. They bring a mix of nostalgia for me and new wonder for the kids. If you’re looking to curate your own ‘90s movie night, here are my top picks, complete with my kids’ reactions and tips for making it a memorable family experience.
1. “The Sandlot” (1993)
Why It’s Great: This movie is the ultimate ode to summer, friendship, and the pure joy of being a kid. It’s packed with memorable lines (you know the one: “You’re killing me, Smalls!”) and adventures that remind us of simpler times.
Kid Reactions: My five-year-olds were glued to the screen, captivated by the gang’s shenanigans and the epic quest to retrieve a baseball. My teen, though initially skeptical, admitted it’s “actually pretty cool” and loved the relatable coming-of-age story.
Pro Tip: Pair this one with some s’mores or a backyard baseball session for extra fun. Bonus points if you teach them how to chew Big League Chew (minus the sugar overload).
2. “Matilda” (1996)
Why It’s Great: Equal parts whimsical and empowering, Matilda tells the story of a brilliant girl who discovers her own strength amidst tough circumstances. It’s a perfect blend of humor, heart, and the tiniest dash of magic.
Kid Reactions: My little ones were mesmerized by Matilda’s telekinetic powers and giggled every time Miss Trunchbull got her comeuppance. My teen appreciated the deeper themes of resilience and justice.
Pro Tip: Inspired by the famous chocolate cake scene? Bake a cake together before (or after) watching. Just make sure no one pulls a Bruce Bogtrotter on you.
3. “Free Willy” (1993)
Why It’s Great: The story of a boy’s bond with a captive orca is as heartwarming as it is tear-jerking. While the CGI may look a little dated to us, the themes of freedom and conservation are timeless.
Kid Reactions: My twins couldn’t stop talking about Willy’s big jump at the end, while my teen got surprisingly emotional over the movie’s environmental message.
Pro Tip: Follow up with a family chat about marine life, or take it a step further with a visit to your local aquarium. You might also find yourself re-watching Blackfish later to dive deeper into the topic.
4. “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993)
Why It’s Great: Robin Williams in peak form! This movie balances laugh-out-loud comedy with heartfelt moments about family and love. It even tackles divorce in a way that’s both approachable and touching.
Kid Reactions: The five-year-olds loved the slapstick comedy, while my teen connected with the film’s themes about family dynamics. We all laughed our heads off at the cooking scene gone wrong.
Pro Tip: Bring the fun to life by experimenting with simple disguises or makeup. Bonus points if you can quote Williams’ iconic, “Hellooo!” as convincingly as he does.
5. “The Mighty Ducks” (1992)
Why It’s Great: This underdog hockey team story is filled with teamwork, humor, and just the right amount of cheese to make it a ’90s classic.
Kid Reactions: My kids were inspired to attempt hockey (in the living room, naturally). My teen liked the sportsmanship and even looked up some real-life hockey stats afterward.
Pro Tip: A mini “hockey game” in your yard or a trip to a local rink can help channel that Ducks spirit. Quack! Quack! Quack!
6. “Hocus Pocus” (1993)
Why It’s Great: What’s not to love about the Sanderson sisters? With a mix of spooky and silly, this film has Halloween charm that works year-round.
Kid Reactions: My twins were half-thrilled, half-spooked but begged to watch it again the next day. My teen loved the campy humor and called it “cringe in a good way.”
Pro Tip: Whip up some Halloween-themed snacks like “witch’s brew” punch or candy eyeballs for added atmosphere.
Setting the Stage for the Perfect ‘90s Movie Night
Snacks: Go all-in with popcorn, Capri Sun, or even Tang for a throwback vibe. If you’re feeling ambitious, try hunting down discontinued ‘90s snacks like Dunkaroos or Surge soda.
Ambiance: Dim the lights, throw a blanket on the floor, and put up some throwback posters. If you’re feeling adventurous, dust off that old VHS player for the ultimate retro experience.
Post-Movie Chat: After the credits roll, talk about what your kids liked or found surprising. It’s a great way to bond and explore how times (and tech!) have changed since the ‘90s.
These retro flicks not only entertain but also open the door to conversations about a different era. They’ve sparked laughs, tears, and plenty of “Whoa, Dad, was everything that old back then?” in our house.
So grab some snacks, snuggle up on the couch, and dive into the magic of the ‘90s. Who knows? You might even hear your kids say, “That was pretty cool… for something old.” And if that’s not a parenting win, I don’t know what is.
