Nothing quite compares to the charm and ambiance of Walt Disney Productions back in the day. A golden era for Disney films and entertainment, this pilot period spun a spectacular web of classic movies that audiences have been stuck in ever since, changing the course of cinema with its many spin-offs, sequels, and innovations. From talking dragons and dancing candles to magic genies and scheming witches, the ’90s are revered as some of the best Disney movies ever made.
Audiences across the world fell in love with some of Disney’s most recognizable and beloved characters, with familiar faces like Buzz Lightyear, Mushu, Lumiere, and conspiring twins Annie and Hallie making their debuts during the nostalgic decade. Fondly known as the Disney Renaissance, the ’90s was a time of a popular resurgence for the animation studio after a couple of less beloved decades. Here are the best films released.
Updated May 2023: If you are a fan of ’90s Disney movies, you’re in luck. This article has been updated with additional content and entries by Molly Byrne.
20 Flubber (1997)
The science fiction comedy, Flubber, stars Robin Williams in his prime, though his entire career is noteworthy. It was released in 1997 and is a remake of the 1961 Disney film, The Absent-Minded Professor. It had a decent reception and grossed $178 million at the box office with an $80 million budget.
Flubber follows Williams as Professor Philip Brainard who is attempting to make an energy source in his science lab so he can raise money for the defunded colleges. The comedy side of the film takes action when the green goo he creates starts bouncing all around the town, as it inherited kinetic energy and super elasticity. Professor Brainard uses the goo, also known as Flubber, to help basketball players achieve great heights by applying it to their shoes. It helps the Professor’s car fly and somehow learns to dance as well. The film ends with the Professor making enough money off of his invention to save the colleges from closing, and he and his Flubberremain friends, as it took on human qualities that the Professor became close to.
19 The Adventures of Huck Finn (1993)
The Adventures of Huck Finn is a film adaptation based on Mark Twain’s 1884 novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The film doubled its budget at the box office, however, could have done better being that it is regarded as one of the best versions of the many remakes of the original story.
Starring Elijah Wood as Huck Finn and Courtney B. Vance as Jim, The Adventures of Huck Finn tells a story of triumph, respect, and adventure. Huck, having run away from his abusive home, is accompanied by Jim, a runaway slave. The two venture the Mississippi River to Illinois so that Jim can be a free man. They become separated during their travels, experiencing death and captivity, but reunite before Jim is to be hanged. With a little help, Jim is freed and Huck is given a new lease on life, disappearing into the sunset before anyone can capture him again.
18 The Parent Trap (1998)
After Terminator 2: Judgment Day was released, Arnold Schwarzenegger made it pretty clear that no one could ever look cooler while strutting to the tune of Bad to the Bone on the big screen. That is until young Lindsay Lohan came along with Disney’s splendid remake of The Parent Trap. The classic song by George Thorogood & the Destroyers played during the twins’ epic poker scene in the 1998 hit film, which also starred Dennis Quaid and a standout Natasha Richardson.
The Parent Trap follows two formerly estranged twins who reunite at summer camp and conjure a plan to get their divorced parents back together. At just 11 years old, Lohan already displayed a great deal of range, especially by nailing two different accents. There are lots of grownup actors in Hollywood who still can’t pull this off! The roles rightfully earned Lohan a number of accolades and made her an overnight sensation.
17 Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey is a film adaptation of the novel by Sheila Burnford. It is also a remake of the 1963 film, The Incredible Journey. The film grossed $57 million at the box office and was noted as having improved the original film concerning the truth of the story.
When Chance the Bulldog, Shadow the Retriever, and Sassy the Cat are left alone at their family’s farm, they believe that they have been abandoned, so they choose to journey to their home on foot. The three encounter inevitable problems of the wilderness like wild animals, rocky terrain, and little food. The odds are against them, but their spirit allows them to travel hundreds of miles one sniff at a time. After many ups and downs, the three make it back to their owners who had been looking for them all along, making for a very happy ending for some very courageous animals.
16 Hocus Pocus (1993)
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Walt Disney Pictures
A perfect flick to curl up around the fire with when trick-or-treaters are out to play, Hocus Pocus is a household Halloween movie. Centered around a coven of three Salem witches, played by actresses Sarah Jessica-Parker, Bette Midler, and Kathy Najimy, this costume drama makes light of the tragic history between magic and women.
While the title might signal a hint of horror, the movie is more a comedy than anything. For decades, women were chastised for being “witches.” Now they have transcended into quite the trendsetters, with numerous movies and shows about witches. Giving children the opportunity to laugh along with this trio of sister witches breaks the barrier between fear and understanding. Today, being a witch is actually a cool thing, although the intimidation factor for men may still hold true. There is no doubt that this fantastical film had a little something to do with it, considering the people who seem to be practicing pagan beliefs are the ones who likely grew up watching and loving these ladies.
15 Tarzan (1999)
Tarzan, an immaculate conception of the close yet diluted bond between people and simian primates, is a permanent reminder showcasing we are not so different. Tarzan, voiced by Tony Goldwyn, is a coming-of-age lad who lives a nomadic lifestyle in the jungle with a close-knit family of wild gorillas. As the story unfolds, Tarzan develops a romantic relationship with Minnie Driver’s dearly beloved female protagonist Jane Porter, who comes to Africa with her father and another guide in pursuit of studying gorillas.
Creator Edgar Rice Burroughs uses their epic love story to juxtapose how Earth’s resources are being exploited without even someone like Jane being aware of the extent of the damage, despite her being a self-proclaimed expert in the field who desires nothing more than to help, learn and understand more about these delicate creatures. Therein lies the reason this is considered among the best of the best ’90s movies, not to mention soundtracks, from Disney.
14 Pocahontas (1995)
Pocahontas is an animated musical drama about the history of America’s first colonization and settlers. The film is part of the Disney Renaissance time period when the animated films that told true stories became great successes. It grossed $346.1 million with a budget of $55 million and was given positive reviews. The film also has an all-star voice cast composed of Mel Gibson, Christian Bale, Irene Bedard, and more.
The film tells the true story of Susan Constant who traveled with a group of English settlers from London, England to America in 1607. Pocahontas, who already lives in the Colony of Virginia with her tribe, meets John Smith, a soldier and colonial governor. Though Pocahontas is supposed to marry a native tribe member, she and Smith fall in love. Smith runs into trouble with Kocoum, the man that the family of Pocahontas wants her to marry.
The plot turns when Grandmother Willow tries to bring peace between the natives and the settlers. John ends up leaving Virginia after he’s been shot, resulting in the iconic photo of Pocahontas atop a mountain watching him deploy via boat. Though Smith proposed that Pocahontas go with him, she stays to keep the peace for her tribe. The two go separate ways, but Pocahontas no longer has to marry a man she never wanted to marry.
13 Hercules (1997)
Greek mythology met the magic of vintage animation in the 1997 blockbuster Hercules, but Zeus and Hades were not the only Godly concepts introduced in this film. Hercules is the ultimate underdog and one of the greatest superheroes to ever exist, yet this dynamic shift did not happen overnight.
In the film’s messaging, this holds a lot of weight because it shows that even if you are the son of a god, there will still be a struggle, there is always strife, and others might even look down on you, so it takes a lot of work to reach your divine destination. However, if you do put in that work, in the name of the greater good, the reward will be fruitful. Not only does this act as a staple for the age-old “root for the underdog” folklore, but it also teaches kids that power comes from within and is drawn out only through you.
12 The Jungle Book (1994)
The Jungle Book is a film adaptation of the Mowgli stories, who is a feral child raised in the jungle of India. The stories are in the 1984 book, The Jungle Book, written by author Rudyard Kipling. There was an animated version released in 1967, while the live-action film premiered in 1994. Its reception was decent, having made $70.7 million at the box office, but its second live-action version, released in 2016, made $966.6 million, making The Jungle Book a classic from the sixties to now.
In the film, Mowgli is a 5-year-old boy who becomes lost in the jungle. He befriends a small cub and is soon taken in by a black panther who gives him kinship while no humans are around. When Mowgli grows older, he eventually goes into a local village and falls in love with a woman named Kitty. Though he loves Kitty, the village life was not suitable for Mowgli, so he journeys back into the wild with his cub brothers and sisters. However, trouble follows when the men of the village attempt to capture him because he knows where a treasure is hidden. Mowgli ends up fending off the attackers and is given leadership of the jungle. He continues his relationship with Kitty and everyone learns to respect him as the new jungle lord.
11 The Mighty Ducks (1992)
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The Mighty Ducks is a 1992 film based on the Anaheim hockey team that was owned by Disney until 2005 when they were sold for $75 million. The film belongs to a three-film franchise and serves as one of the most classic Disney sports movies. It grossed only $50.8 million at the box office but is more of a success now than it ever was.
In the film, the Mighty Ducks is an underdog hockey team of both girls and boys. When Gordon Bombay has to coach the team for community service, the team gets better and better. Bombay, having been a hockey player himself, teaches the team the fundamentals, and they become good enough to finally make it to the pee-wee championship game. The Mighty Ducks end up defeating their rival team and Coach Bombay returns to the game of hockey as a player. The team and Bombay motivated each other to the point of becoming champions, leading to even more success as the franchise unfolds.
10 Cool Runnings (1993)
Relevant to the times both then and now, Cool Runnings artfully dips into the pool of racial and cultural differences with this Disney marvel centered around a Jamaican athlete who’s forced to change his course of direction after failing to make the Olympic track team. Broadly based on true historical events, the story follows Derice Bannock, played by Leon Robinson, on his journey as he forms a team to compete for gold in a sport he, and apparently anyone, least expected to be playing: bobsledding. Not only is this timeless tale cheeky and absolutely hilarious, but it also depicts some extremely important and intricate themes and has a delightful John Candy performance.
9 A Goofy Movie (1995)
A criminally underrated Disney classic in its own right, 1995’s A Goofy Movie follows the lovable titular character as he embarks on a cross-country father/son fishing trip with his moody teenage son Max in hopes of mending their troubled relationship. The animated musical comedy features a spectacular soundtrack including songs by the film’s famous pop star Powerline (performed by R&B singer Tevin Campbell), with the toe-tapping numbers Stand Out and I 2 I becoming instant hits for nostalgic ’90s kids. Despite an initial mixed response at the box office, A Goofy Movie went on to find new life via home media release and has since been regarded as a heart-warming cult film with a passionate fan following.
8 A Bug’s Life (1998)
Not only can you watch A Bug’s Life, but you’re also able to experience the story at the Disney theme park, Animal Kingdom, making this film even more enticing. The animated comedy was released in 1998 and grossed $363.3 million. It had great success and stayed number one upon its debut at the box office for two consecutive weeks.
In the film, a colony of bugs has to join together every year to pay the gang of grasshoppers an abundance of food. When the harvest is accidentally destroyed, the lead grasshopper, Hopper, orders the Bugs to pay double. When what’s available isn’t good enough for Hopper, he takes the Bugs’ winter supply. The Bugs attempt to shoot Hopper off of the island like a cannonball, but he escapes in the nick of time. Hopper eventually comes to a demise when he is eaten by a bird, but the Bugs are finally at peace and no longer have to be bossed around.
7 Newsies (1992)
Disney’s mega-hit musical did so well that they had to make it again. Since its debut back in 1992, Newsies has amassed a vast following of sing-along fanatics. So many, in fact, that they decided to make a modern adaptation of it again in 2017. Set in New York nearly a century before the film’s release, the narrative is based on a newsboy strike that actually happened back then, and it revolves around a rebellious young lad named Jack Kelly.
Jack is one of the first roles played by world-famous Batman star, Christian Bale, but that’s not all that this theatrical dramedy has going for it. Newsies is informative of a crucial turning point in history, but it is also a classic that captures the near-universal period of brooding boyishness that is both beguiling and baffling to behold.
6 Toy Story 2 (1999)
Whoever says sequels can never stack up to the original has never seen Toy Story 2. Ratings might be slightly skewed but as far as novelistic nostalgia and cinematic masterpieces go, these epic sagas are at an even tie. While Toy Story will always be at the front of the line for many fans, the subsequent film is tremendously close behind.
Having introduced beloved new faces to the series including cowgirl Jessie and Woody’s trusted steed Bullseye, the acclaimed follow-up currently holds a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score (just like its predecessor) and has been touted by some critics as one of a select few sequels superior to the original. Over 25 years and through four or five fantastic movies later (give or take a Lightyear), the franchise is still flourishing.
5 Beauty and the Beast (1991)
A ’90s classic, Beauty and the Beast was and still is a top-tier Disney princess film. The 1991 animated film grossed $440.1 million at the box office with just a $25 million budget. It has had impeccable reception and became a live-action film in 2017, which starred Emma Watson and Dan Stevens.
Beauty and the Beast is a story about Belle whose father becomes hostage to the Beast for trespassing on the castle’s property. Belle gives her life to the Beast, so her father can be freed. But now Belle is hostage and the only way out is through the love that grew between her and the Beast. Her father attempts to free her by attacking the Beast, giving him fatal wounds. However, when Belle cries in despair for the Beast, she proves that she loves him, making him come back to life and even return to human form. The two live happily ever after and her father no longer has to worry about trespassing on the castle’s ground.
4 Aladdin (1992)
Another legacy left by Disney in the ’90s, Aladdin was made in 1992 as a tribute to Middle Eastern heritage. Set on the desert sands of an Arabian Pangea, the film takes viewers through a whole new world of cultural creation, customary practices, and traditional values. Along with featuring some of the most famous and catchy film music ever made to date, it also stars one of the best, most well-known actors of all time: the adored Robin Williams. A real-life legend in his time, Williams played the role of a genie almost too well. Genie left the same heartwarming, endlessly endearing impression on fans that the Jumanji icon who played him left on the world before he died. Rest in peace, King.
3 Mulan (1998)
Mulan might be one of the best movies ever made, period. It speaks to gender norms that are still very much alive and well in society today but with a twang of Chinese culture. From the song I’ll Make a Man Out of You to the elegant kimono that Mulan, voiced by Ming-Na Wen, is made to wear at the beginning, every scene substantiates symbolism for the disparate roles ascribed to stereotypical masculinity and femininity. If the theme doesn’t tell you enough about how amazing this movie is, the sheer entertainment, action, and allure certainly will.
2 Toy Story (1995)
Toy Story is an absolute all-timer and fan favorite. Following the secret life of Andy’s toys, Toy Story brings a child’s deepest dreams and desires to life while also fostering touching themes about friendship. Woody, a cowboy doll voiced by award-winning actor Tom Hanks, and Buzz Lightyear, a toy Space Ranger superhero voiced by Tim Allen, not only epitomize undying loyalty to their human buddy but also to each other and the rest of the gang. You’ve Got a Friend in Me is a track that will jerk every last happy and sad tear from the eyes of anyone aware of the sentimental anecdote behind it. Not to mention this song still hits to this very day.
1 The Lion King (1994)
Voted the best animated film of all time by Ranker, The Lion King is naturally at the top of this list too. The colorful, vibrant, and jovial representation of an African-set animal kingdom is remarkable for its ability to depict darker, more mature themes. A great deal of this box office success (grossing nearly $1 billion) is rooted in the dynamic demonstration of its themes about family and filial identity in relation to the self, which serves to both educate youth while also entertaining the elders who have to sit there and watch it with them.
With amazing music, gorgeous animation, great suspense and comedy, and wonderful voice acting, Lion King is one of a kind in the sense that anyone of any given age can sit down at any time and get optimum enjoyment out of it.
Disney films are more than enchanting, they bring families together and continue to do so long after the film has premiered. The ‘90s was a special era for Disney in film and the movies released serve as some of the most classic Disney flicks to date. From novel adaptations to live-action and animation, Disney truly knows how to bring a story to life.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
