Watch order guide · VHS Kids Classics

How to watch the '90s Kids movies in order

Updated October 21, 2026 · 19 min read · 27 titles · 47 hours

These '80s and '90s family films don't share a story, so any order works. Release order runs from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) to The Parent Trap and Small Soldiers (1998).

Titles

27

Films

27

Watch time

47 hours

Box office

$4.65 billion

Avg IMDb

6.7

'90s Kids movies in release order

Here is every '90s Kids title in the order it came out, 1982 to 1998: 27 films.

'90s Kids timeline: movies in chronological order

The same titles in story order, by when they take place, with the year or era each one is set in.

Release or chronological: which order is best?

Release order and story order disagree on 13 titles here. In release order you start with E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982); in story order you start with The Sandlot, set in 1962, which came out 11 years later.

First time through, watch in release order. That is how the twists, returning characters and callbacks were built to land, and later entries assume you have seen the earlier ones. On a rewatch, try story order. It turns VHS Kids Classics into one continuous story and makes the prequels play as setup instead of backstory.

Where to start

Every '90s Kids movie, explained

One entry per title in release order: what it is about, why it matters to the bigger story, who is in it and how it did.

No. 01 · 1982 · Film · 1h 55m · 2nd in story order

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

An alien is left behind on Earth and saved by the 10-year-old Elliott who decides to keep him hidden in his home. While a task force hunts for the extra-terrestrial, Elliott, his brother, and his little sister Gertie form an emotional bond with their new friend, and try to help him find his way home.

Why it matters: Spielberg's boy-and-alien classic.

Starring

Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, and Robert MacNaughton

Director

Steven Spielberg

Box office

$797 million on a $11 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.9 · Rotten Tomatoes 99%

No. 02 · 1984 · Film · 1h 41m · 3rd in story order

The NeverEnding Story

While hiding from bullies in his school's attic, a young boy discovers the extraordinary land of Fantasia, through a magical book called The Neverending Story. The book tells the tale of Atreyu, a young warrior who, with the help of a luck dragon named Falkor, must save Fantasia from the destruction of The Nothing.

Why it matters: A book that pulls its reader in.

Starring

Noah Hathaway, Barret Oliver, and Tami Stronach

Director

Wolfgang Petersen

Box office

$20 million on a $27 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.3 · Rotten Tomatoes 84%

No. 03 · 1985 · Film · 1h 54m · 4th in story order

The Goonies

Young teen Mikey Walsh and his friends set off on a quest to find Pirate One-Eyed Willie's treasure in hopes of saving their homes from demolition. However, on their quest to find the treasure, they run into a family of recently escaped criminals, determined to capture the kids and reach the treasure first.

Why it matters: One-Eyed Willy's treasure.

Starring

Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, and Jeff Cohen

Director

Richard Donner

Box office

$70 million on a $19 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.7 · Rotten Tomatoes 77%

No. 04 · 1986 · Film · 1h 30m · 5th in story order

Flight of the Navigator

12-year-old David is accidentally knocked out in the forest near his home, but when he awakens eight years have passed. His family is overjoyed to have him back, but is just as perplexed as he is that he hasn't aged. When a NASA scientist discovers a UFO nearby, David gets the chance to unravel the mystery and recover the life he lost.

Why it matters: A boy returns eight years later, unchanged.

Starring

Joey Cramer, Paul Reubens, and Veronica Cartwright

Director

Randal Kleiser

Box office

$19 million on a $9 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.9 · Rotten Tomatoes 85%

No. 05 · 1989 · Film · 1h 33m · 6th in story order

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids

The scientist father of a teenage girl and boy accidentally shrinks his and two other neighborhood teens to the size of insects. Now the teens must fight diminutive dangers as the father searches for them.

Why it matters: Lost in the backyard.

Starring

Rick Moranis, Matt Frewer, and Marcia Strassman

Director

Joe Johnston

Box office

$223 million on a $18 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.5 · Rotten Tomatoes 76%

No. 06 · 1990 · Film · 1h 43m · 7th in story order

Home Alone

Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister makes the most of the situation after his family unwittingly leaves him behind when they go on Christmas vacation. When thieves try to break into his home, he puts up a fight like no other.

Why it matters: Kevin defends the house at Christmas.

Starring

Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, and Daniel Stern

Director

Chris Columbus

Box office

$477 million on a $18 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.8 · Rotten Tomatoes 66%

No. 07 · 1991 · Film · 2h 22m · 8th in story order

Hook

The boy who wasn't supposed to grow up—Peter Pan—does just that, becoming a soulless corporate lawyer whose workaholism could cost him his wife and kids. During his trip to see Granny Wendy in London, the vengeful Capt. Hook kidnaps Peter's kids and forces Peter to return to Neverland.

Why it matters: Peter Pan grown up.

Starring

Dustin Hoffman, Robin Williams, and Julia Roberts

Director

Steven Spielberg

Box office

$301 million on a $70 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.8 · Rotten Tomatoes 37%

No. 08 · 1992 · Film · 2h · 9th in story order

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Instead of flying to Florida with his folks, Kevin ends up alone in New York, where he gets a hotel room with his dad's credit card—despite problems from a clerk and meddling bellboy. But when Kevin runs into his old nemeses, the Wet Bandits, he's determined to foil their plans to rob a toy store on Christmas Eve.

Why it matters: Kevin alone in New York.

Starring

Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, and Daniel Stern

Director

Chris Columbus

Box office

$359 million on a $18 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.9 · Rotten Tomatoes 35%

No. 09 · 1992 · Film · 1h 27m · 10th in story order

Beethoven

The Newton family live in their comfortable home, but there seems to something missing. This "hole" is filled by a small puppy, who walks into their home and their lives. Beethoven, as he is named, grows into a giant of a dog... a St Bernard. Doctor Varnick, the local vet has a secret and horrible sideline, which requires lots of dogs for experiments. Beethoven is on the bad doctor's list.

Why it matters: A St. Bernard takes over.

Starring

Chris the Dog, Charles Grodin, and Bonnie Hunt

Director

Brian Levant

Box office

$147 million

Scores

IMDb 5.8 · Rotten Tomatoes 31%

No. 10 · 1992 · Film · 1h 41m · 11th in story order

The Mighty Ducks

After reckless young lawyer Gordon Bombay gets arrested for drunk driving, he must coach a kids hockey team for his community service. Gordon has experience on the ice, but isn't eager to return to hockey, a point hit home by his tense dealings with his own former coach, Jack Reilly. The reluctant Gordon eventually grows to appreciate his team, which includes promising young Charlie Conway, and leads them to take on Reilly's tough players.

Why it matters: A lawyer coaches a pee-wee hockey team.

Starring

Emilio Estevez, Joss Ackland, and Lane Smith

Director

Stephen Herek

Box office

$51 million on a $10 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.6 · Rotten Tomatoes 27%

No. 11 · 1993 · Film · 1h 41m · 1st in story order

The Sandlot

During a summer of friendship and adventure, one boy becomes a part of the gang, nine boys become a team and their leader becomes a legend by confronting the terrifying mystery beyond the right field wall.

Why it matters: Baseball and the Beast, summer 1962.

Starring

Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, and Patrick Renna

Director

David Mickey Evans

Box office

$34 million on a $7 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.8 · Rotten Tomatoes 66%

No. 12 · 1993 · Film · 1h 43m

Rookie of the Year

When the cast comes off his once broken arm, a 12-year-old boy can throw a 100-mile-an-hour fastball, and the Chicago Cubs want him as their new pitcher.

Why it matters: A 12-year-old pitches for the Cubs.

Starring

Thomas Ian Nicholas, Gary Busey, and Albert Hall

Director

Daniel Stern

Box office

$57 million on a $31 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.1 · Rotten Tomatoes 43%

No. 13 · 1993 · Film · 1h 36m

Hocus Pocus

After 300 years of slumber, three sister witches are accidentally resurrected in Salem on Halloween night, and it is up to three kids and their newfound feline friend to put an end to the witches' reign of terror once and for all.

Why it matters: The Sanderson sisters return on Halloween.

Starring

Omri Katz, Thora Birch, and Vinessa Shaw

Director

Kenny Ortega

Box office

$52 million on a $28 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.9 · Rotten Tomatoes 42%

No. 14 · 1993 · Film · 1h 52m

Free Willy

When maladjusted orphan Jesse vandalizes a theme park, he is placed with foster parents and must work at the park to make amends. There he meets Willy, a young Orca whale who has been separated from his family. Sensing kinship, they form a bond and, with the help of kindly whale trainer Rae Lindley, develop a routine of tricks. However, greedy park owner Dial soon catches wind of the duo and makes plans to profit from them.

Why it matters: A boy frees an orca.

Starring

Jason James Richter, Keiko, and Lori Petty

Director

Simon Wincer

Box office

$154 million on a $20 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.1 · Rotten Tomatoes 71%

No. 15 · 1993 · Film · 1h 38m

Cool Runnings

When a Jamaican sprinter is disqualified from the Olympic Games, he enlists the help of a dishonored coach to start the first Jamaican bobsled team.

Why it matters: Jamaica's bobsled team.

Starring

Leon, Doug E. Doug, and Rawle D. Lewis

Director

Jon Turteltaub

Box office

$155 million on a $14 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7 · Rotten Tomatoes 75%

No. 16 · 1993 · Film · 2h 5m

Mrs. Doubtfire

Loving but irresponsible dad Daniel Hillard, estranged from his exasperated spouse, is crushed by a court order allowing only weekly visits with his kids. When Daniel learns his ex needs a housekeeper, he gets the job -- disguised as a British nanny. Soon he becomes not only his children's best pal but the kind of parent he should have been from the start.

Why it matters: Robin Williams as a nanny.

Starring

Robin Williams, Sally Field, and Lisa Jakub

Director

Chris Columbus

Box office

$441 million on a $25 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.1 · Rotten Tomatoes 71%

No. 17 · 1994 · Film · 1h 43m

Angels in the Outfield

Roger is a foster child whose irresponsible father promises to get his act together when Roger's favourite baseball team, the California Angels, wins the pennant. The problem is that the Angels are in last place, so Roger prays for help to turn the team around. Sure enough, his prayers are answered in the form of angel Al.

Why it matters: Angels help the Angels.

Starring

Danny Glover, Tony Danza, and Brenda Fricker

Director

William Dear

Box office

$50 million on a $31 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.3 · Rotten Tomatoes 31%

No. 18 · 1994 · Film · 1h 47m

Little Giants

When Danny O'Shea's daughter is cut from the Peewee football team just for being a girl, he decides to form his own team, composed of other ragtag players who were also cut. Can his team really learn enough to beat the elite team, coached by his brother, a former pro player?

Why it matters: Underdog football.

Starring

Rick Moranis, Ed O'Neill, and Devon Sawa

Director

Duwayne Dunham

Box office

$19 million on a $20 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.5 · Rotten Tomatoes 50%

No. 19 · 1994 · Film · 1h 34m

Richie Rich

Billionaire heir Richie Rich has it all, including Reggie Jackson as a batting coach and Claudia Schiffer as a personal trainer -- but no playmates. What's more, scoundrel Laurence Van Dough is scheming to take over the family empire. Uh-oh! Enter faithful butler Cadbury to save the day.

Why it matters: The richest kid in the world.

Starring

Macaulay Culkin, John Larroquette, and Edward Herrmann

Director

Donald Petrie

Box office

$38 million on a $40 million budget

Scores

IMDb 5.5 · Rotten Tomatoes 27%

No. 20 · 1995 · Film · 1h 40m

Casper

Casper is a kind young ghost who peacefully haunts a mansion in Maine. When specialist James Harvey arrives to communicate with Casper and his fellow spirits, he brings along his teenage daughter, Kat. Casper quickly falls in love with Kat, but their budding relationship is complicated not only by his transparent state, but also by his troublemaking apparition uncles and their mischievous antics.

Why it matters: The friendly ghost.

Starring

Malachi Pearson, Christina Ricci, and Bill Pullman

Director

Brad Silberling

Box office

$288 million on a $50 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.2 · Rotten Tomatoes 59%

No. 21 · 1995 · Film · 1h 44m

Jumanji

When siblings Judy and Peter discover an enchanted board game that opens the door to a magical world, they unwittingly invite Alan -- an adult who's been trapped inside the game for 26 years -- into their living room. Alan's only hope for freedom is to finish the game, which proves risky as all three find themselves running from giant rhinoceroses, evil monkeys and other terrifying creatures.

Why it matters: The board game that comes to life.

Starring

Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst, and Bradley Pierce

Director

Joe Johnston

Box office

$263 million on a $65 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.1 · Rotten Tomatoes 56%

No. 22 · 1996 · Film · 1h 38m

Matilda

Matilda Wormwood is an brilliant and intelligent little girl. Unfortunately, her parents, Harry and Zinnia, fail to see that fact. As time passes, she finally starts school and has a kind teacher, loyal friends, and a terrifying, sadistic headmistress. As she becomes fed up with the constant cruelty, she discovers she has a special gift that she just might be able to use to outwit the unruly adults around her.

Why it matters: A girl with telekinesis.

Starring

Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, and Rhea Perlman

Director

Danny DeVito

Box office

$34 million on a $36 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7 · Rotten Tomatoes 90%

No. 23 · 1996 · Film · 1h 41m

Harriet the Spy

Harriet may only be in the sixth grade, but she's already found her calling: to be a spy. In a private journal she takes everywhere, Harriet records suspicious activity and keeps a running list of observations on virtually everyone she knows. It seems harmless enough until, one day, someone finds the journal and exposes Harriet's critical thoughts about her classmates. Suddenly, even her best friends are against her, and Harriet resolves to take revenge.

Why it matters: A young spy's notebook is found.

Starring

Michelle Trachtenberg, Gregory Smith, and Vanessa Lee Chester

Director

Bronwen Hughes

Box office

$27 million on a $12 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6 · Rotten Tomatoes 47%

No. 24 · 1996 · Film · 1h 27m

Space Jam

With their freedom on the line, the Looney Tunes seek the help of NBA superstar Michael Jordan to win a basketball game against a team of moronic aliens.

Why it matters: Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes.

Starring

Michael Jordan, Wayne Knight, and Theresa Randle

Director

Joe Pytka

Box office

$250 million on a $80 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.5 · Rotten Tomatoes 46%

No. 25 · 1997 · Film · 1h 34m

Flubber

Professor Phillip Brainard, an absent minded professor, works with his assistant Weebo, trying to create a substance that's a new source of energy and that will save Medfield College where his sweetheart Sara is the president. He has missed his wedding twice, and on the afternoon of his third wedding, Professor Brainard creates flubber, which allows objects to fly through the air.

Why it matters: Flying rubber.

Starring

Robin Williams, Marcia Gay Harden, and Christopher McDonald

Director

Les Mayfield

Box office

$178 million on a $80 million budget

Scores

IMDb 5.3 · Rotten Tomatoes 24%

No. 26 · 1998 · Film · 1h 50m · 27th in story order

Small Soldiers

When missile technology is used to enhance toy action figures, the toys soon begin to take their battle programming too seriously.

Why it matters: Toys with military chips.

Starring

Gregory Smith, Kirsten Dunst, and Denis Leary

Director

Joe Dante

Box office

$55 million on a $40 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.3 · Rotten Tomatoes 51%

No. 27 · 1998 · Film · 2h 8m · 26th in story order

The Parent Trap

Hallie Parker and Annie James are identical twins who were separated at a young age due to their parents' divorce. Unbeknownst to their parents, the girls are sent to the same summer camp, where they meet, discover the truth about their relationship, and come up with a plan to switch places in an effort to reunite their mother and father.

Why it matters: Twins swap places to reunite their parents.

Starring

Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, and Natasha Richardson

Director

Nancy Meyers

Box office

$92 million on a $15 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.7 · Rotten Tomatoes 86%

'90s Kids box office and budgets

The 27 '90s Kids films with reported numbers have grossed $4.65 billion worldwide on about $794 million in combined budgets, roughly 5.7 times what they cost. The biggest is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial at $797 million, 17% of the franchise's total on its own, followed by Home Alone ($477 million) and Mrs. Doubtfire ($441 million).

Measured against what it cost, the best return belongs to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, which made 76 times its $11 million budget. The weakest was The NeverEnding Story at 75% of its $27 million budget. As a rule of thumb, a film needs about two and a half times its budget at the box office to cover marketing and the theaters' cut.

The best and worst rated '90s Kids movies

Across 27 rated titles, VHS Kids Classics averages 6.7 on IMDb. The top of the list is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial at 7.9, then Home Alone (7.8) and The Sandlot (7.8). At the bottom: Flubber (5.3) and Richie Rich (5.5).

1. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial7.9 · RT 99%
2. Home Alone7.8 · RT 66%
3. The Sandlot7.8 · RT 66%
4. The Goonies7.7 · RT 77%
5. The NeverEnding Story7.3 · RT 84%
6. Mrs. Doubtfire7.1 · RT 71%
7. Jumanji7.1 · RT 56%
8. Cool Runnings7 · RT 75%
9. Matilda7 · RT 90%
10. Flight of the Navigator6.9 · RT 85%

Who appears in the most '90s Kids movies

Robin Williams leads with 4 appearances as Peter Banning and Peter Pan, ahead of Macaulay Culkin (3) and Daniel Stern (3). Counted from each title's top-billed cast.

'90s Kids directors and creators

23 filmmakers have directed or created VHS Kids Classics; Chris Columbus has the most, with 3.

• Chris ColumbusHome Alone (1990), Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), and Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
• Steven SpielbergE.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and Hook (1991)
• Joe JohnstonHoney, I Shrunk the Kids (1989) and Jumanji (1995)
• Wolfgang PetersenThe NeverEnding Story (1984)
• Richard DonnerThe Goonies (1985)
• Randal KleiserFlight of the Navigator (1986)
• Brian LevantBeethoven (1992)
• Stephen HerekThe Mighty Ducks (1992)
• David Mickey EvansThe Sandlot (1993)
• Daniel SternRookie of the Year (1993)
• Kenny OrtegaHocus Pocus (1993)
• Simon WincerFree Willy (1993)
• Jon TurteltaubCool Runnings (1993)
• William DearAngels in the Outfield (1994)
• Duwayne DunhamLittle Giants (1994)
• Donald PetrieRichie Rich (1994)

How long it takes to watch every '90s Kids movie

All 27 titles add up to 47 hours. That is about 24 two-hour evenings, or 5 days of ten-hour binges. The longest film is Hook at 2h 22m.

Upcoming '90s Kids movies

• Jumanji: Open WorldDecember 25, 2026
• Hocus Pocus 3Date to be announced

Common questions

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