10 Best Feel-Good Movies From The ’90s That Have Aged Well

Movies from the ’90s are turning thirty this decade, reminding many of the fantastic films that came from the era. While some haven’t translated in today’s world as well as others, many movie fans agree that a majority of their favorite flicks have aged like fine wine, bringing them back to a better time.

From beloved children’s classics like Matilda to hilarious satirical comedies such as Office Space, there are plenty of movies that will be sure to turn a bad day around after watching. Viewers are certain to have a good time while turning the clock back and watching as some of their favorite characters, soundtracks, and storylines fill the screen.

My Girl (1991)

Stream On Netflix & Tubi

While the movie My Girl could also be considered one of the most heartbreaking films of the ’90s, the overall story provides one that fills viewers with the warm-and-fuzzies. Vada is a little morbid, due to her mother dying shortly after childbirth and her father working and living in a funeral home. The movie is a wonderful depiction of coming-to-age as Vada experiences many firsts over her summer break, which include getting her period and kissing her best friend Thomas J. just to see what all the hype was about.

The nuance of innocence is strung throughout in the ways Vada and Thomas J. ride their bikes together, go fishing, and climb trees, and is supported by the acting of Dan Akroyd and Jamie Lee Curtis as their characters develop a relationship. Be sure to have a box of tissues while rewatching this ’90s favorite.

Hook (1991)

Stream On Netflix & AMC+

Robin Williams brings Peter Pan to life in the 1991 live-action film Hook and returns to Never Land as an adult when Captain Hook kidnaps his children in the middle of the night. The versatility of Robin Williams’s acting ability is unmatched as he tries to re-discover his magic from his youth so he can save his kids from the pirate’s clutches.

The movie provides a feeling of wonderment and realization as Peter transforms from an overworked, temperamental lawyer to becoming a kid again with the help of The Lost Boys with the message that just because someone grows up doesn’t mean they have to stop having fun. The charm of a continuation to a Disney classic has Hook as a movie that’s bound to stay timeless.

Sister Act (1992)

Stream On Disney+ & Amazon Prime

Whoopi Goldberg’s performance as Deloris in Sister Act is comedic gold in this feel-good movie from the ’90s. Deloris is forced into a new identity in the witness protection program after witnessing a crime and finds herself living amongst nuns. After struggling to fit in, she finds solace in the church choir, spicing up the music and providing the community with a breath of fresh air at the liveliness her coaching brings.

Watching as Deloris comes to care for the nuns she originally had no interest in is heartwarming and captures the beauty that can come from going outside one’s comfort zone. The movie is filled with wonderful songs to sing along to as well as a great example of putting differences aside. Plus, it’s great to rewatch ahead of the upcoming Sister Act 3.

Matilda (1996)

Stream On Starz

It’s almost impossible to believe that Matilda is over a quarter of a century old, as it’s still a movie people love to revisit to this day. This film adaptation was inspired by the book written by Roald Dahl and features a girl who is a misfit in her own family, being a bookworm with a thirst for knowledge her parents and brother don’t understand.

The movie is filled with memorable characters such as Matilda’s lovely teacher Ms. Honey and the horrifying antagonist Trunchbull. The scenes are one-of-a-kind as Matilda reveals she has secret powers, zooming objects around her with the flick of a finger, and makes for a fun watch every time.

Flubber (1997)

Stream On Disney+

This remake of the 1961 film The Absent-Minded Professor is another Robin Williams favorite of the ’90s. Accompanied by his adorable robot Weebo, Professor Philip Brainard experiments to find a new source of energy that will save the college his future wife is the dean of. The experiment backfires and he creates flubber, a green, rubbery, substance that just so happens to be filled with bouncing energy and tends to have a mind of its own.

The movie is wonderful as it provides a fun storyline filled with humor and romance and, of course, the unmatched acting of the late Robin Williams. The playful scene of Flubber performing a dance number, and the professor struggling to control the bouncing ball of rubber, provide a fun watch for families everywhere.

Good Burger (1997)

Stream On Netflix

Nickelodeon fans from the ’90s can appreciate the zany performances and hilarious antics from Kenan and Kel in Good Burger. Dexter (Kenan Thompson) takes his mother’s car for a joy ride and ends up getting into an accident, resulting in him having to get a summer job to afford the expenses of the damage.

He eventually ends up at the fast-food restaurant Good Burger and reluctantly befriends the dim-witted cashier Ed (Kel Mitchell) when they join forces to expose the Mondo Burger across the street for chemically enhancing their burgers. The ridiculous plot line and nature of the film create an air of familiarity for viewers who watch the film today. The movie provides many funny one-liners and even has a cameo from Shaq, triggering nostalgia for many.

The Parent Trap (1998)

Stream On Disney+

Lindsay Lohan brings 11-year-old twins Hallie Parker and Annie James to life in the 1998 remake of The Parent Trap, giving the film a stamp of timelessness to its name. The girls meet at summer camp and at first, are sworn enemies, each one-upping the next with the pranks they play on one another.

They then discover the obvious truth that they’re related and come up with a plan to bring their parents together by swapping places upon returning home. The Parent Trap has aged well thanks to the lovable cast and charming storyline, creating a nostalgic feel upon every rewatch, making it hard to believe the original film from 1961 had its 60th-anniversary last year.

But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)

Stream On Hoopla, Vudu, The Roku Channel, Tubi, Kanopy, & IMDb TV

Cult classic But I’m a Cheerleader was ahead of its era as it’s one of the best films in the ’90s (it had a wide release in 2000 but debuted in 1999) with LGBTQ+ representation that is still seen as progressive in today’s climate. Natasha Lyonne plays Megan, a teenage girl who is sent to conversion therapy after her parents suspect her of being a lesbian.

The feminine cheerleader finds herself coming to terms with her sexuality, developing feelings for one of the girls at conversion camp where she realizes…maybe she is gay. The movie is filled with satirical humor throughout as Megan is exposed to the LGBTQ+ community her parents were trying so hard to stray her away from.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Stream On Disney+

It should come as no surprise that 10 Things I Hate About You is a majority of fans’ favorite movie from the ’90s. The film is the perfect portrayal of feminism as Kat (Julia Stiles) can’t be bothered to fall into the norm expected of high school teenage girls and is not afraid to put the boys back in their place with their sexist remarks towards her.

She’s the complete opposite of her younger sister, Bianca, who appreciates attention from her peers and wants to date her crush, which prompts their dad to say she can date—but only if Kat does too. There are many ways that 10 Things I Hate About You still holds up to this day, from the quotability to the humor, and makes for a great watch no matter what year it is.

Office Space (1999)

Rent On Apple TV

Peter Gibbons is sick of his corporate office job at Initech and sees an occupational hypnotherapist in the satirical comedy Office Space. People to this day can still relate to the dull nine to five slug, hearing the same things over and over again from clueless bosses, and getting stuck in stand-still traffic on their commute to and from work.

Peter leaves the hypnotherapist in a state of bliss, despite the fact that the doctor suffered from a heart attack right after,  and decides to put minimal effort into his job and start enjoying life to the fullest. Between the hilarious commentary of the characters and the life lessons learned throughout, Office Space is one ’90s movie that gained appreciation over the years.

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