10 Live-Action Disney Movies From The ’90s That Fill Us With Nostalgia

The 1990s were a huge decade for Disney. The studio was gaining traction with its animation department and entering the period known as the Disney Renaissance. While the iconic animated movies of the ’90s are more widely talked about, like Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King, the live-action releases deserve as much recognition. Some of the live-action contributions to Disney’s filmography spark nostalgia in viewers today, as they’re reminiscent of a time when Disney was arguably at its best. Though Disney has put out amazing live-action projects in recent years, these are especially sentimental.

Today, Disney’s live-action remake movies are some of the studio’s biggest draws outside of animation. However, there used to be many more original films being made within the live-action side of production. Huge stars of the ’90s were prominently featured in some of these films, as well as young actors who would go on to have long and critically acclaimed careers through their later work. Though some movies from the 1990s have dated elements or special effects that haven’t aged well, that doesn’t stop audiences from returning to these works and watching them with hearts full of nostalgia.

10

Flubber (1997)

Directed by Les Mayfield

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Flubber

PG

Comedy

Family

Sci-Fi

7/10

Release Date

November 26, 1997

Runtime

93 minutes

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Robin Williams In The 2006 AmFAR Cinema

    Robin Williams

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    Marcia Gay Harden

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As he does in every project, Robin Williams brings his characteristic charisma and comedic timing to Flubber, elevating the somewhat fantastical premise and giving it an emotional edge. One of the biggest filmmakers of the 1980s, John Hughes, wrote the script based on the original 1961 film The Absent-Minded Professor. Williams’ character, Philip Brainard, is an eccentric inventor in Flubber, inventing the magical product he calls Flubber while trying to win back the love of his life and save the university where he works.

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Though Williams is the best part of Flubber, the rest of the cast is just as dedicated to the outlandish premise, rolling with the silly humor and somewhat dated effects at every turn. However, even if Flubber doesn’t rise far above its predictable story beats, that doesn’t make it any less fun to revisit today. Flubber successfully pays tribute to its predecessor, The Absent-Minded Professor, and gives the story a modern twist and sensibility, earning a place in the hearts of everyone who watches it.

Title

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

Flubber (1997)

24%

33%

9

The Mighty Ducks (1992)

Directed by Stephen Herek

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The Mighty Ducks (1992)

PG

Comedy

Family

Drama

Release Date

October 2, 1992

Runtime

101 Minutes

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Emilio Estevez In The WE Day UN at the Barclays Center

    Emilio Estevez

    Gordon Bombay

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    Joss Ackland

    Hans

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    Lane Smith

    Jack Reilly

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    Heidi Kling

    Casey Conway

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One of the best movies from a member of the Brat Pack, The Mighty Ducks​​​​​, stars Emilio Estevez as Gordon Bombay. Bombay is a lawyer who becomes a local hockey team’s unexpected hero. However, Gordon isn’t back on the ice but behind the scenes as the coach of the rag tap ground of young boys who are in desperate need of leadership. Though The Mighty Ducks delivers a classically uplifting conclusion, it’s a darker and more nuanced story than other Disney films, as it begins with Gordon being arrested for drinking and driving.

However, rewatching The Mighty Ducks today demonstrates that this tough beginning gives Gordon a compelling arc throughout the story. He grows a lot by the end of The Mighty Ducks, and the audience is rooting for him because it’s clear that he’s capable of change. With Gordon’s redemption arc and the iconic underdog tale of a team rising from the ashes to become champions, there’s something moving about the message of The Mighty Ducks.

Title

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

The Mighty Ducks (1992)

27%

65%

8

The Parent Trap (1998)

Directed by Nancy Meyers

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The Parent Trap

PG

Comedy

Drama

Family

Romance

10/10

Release Date

July 29, 1988

Runtime

128 Minutes

Cast

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    Lindsay Lohan

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    Dennis Quaid

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Well known for being Lindsay Lohan’s breakout movie and featuring the warm, lived-in quality of all of Nancy Meyers’ movies, the 1998 version of The Parent Trap has eclipsed the popularity of the 1961 original. Though the ’90s update includes plenty of the same beats and gags as the first film, it made enough changes to justify the remake and arguably has an even stronger legacy. While Lohan leads the cast in her dual role as Hallie and Annie, Natasha Richardson and Dennis Quaid make believable romantic leads in the story.

It’s not surprising that The Parent Trap so effectively catapulted Lohan to fame, as she’s just as believable as each of the twins today as she was when the film was released.

It’s not surprising that The Parent Trap so effectively catapulted Lohan to fame, as she’s just as believable as each of the twins today as she was when the film was released. Though a large part of the movie’s success can be attributed to the cast and Meyers’ creative vision, it’s the heart of the narrative that has allowed it to remain such a large part of the cultural conversation. The girls’ desire to see their parents reunited and in love, restoring the idyllic conception of family, is a familiar theme that the audience can relate to.

Title

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

The Parent Trap (1998)

87%

70%

7

101 Dalmatians (1996)

Directed by Stephen Herek

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101 Dalmatians

g

Adventure

Comedy

ScreenRant logo

6/10

Release Date

November 27, 1996

Runtime

103minutes

Cast

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    Glenn Close

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    Jeff Daniels

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The 1996 101 Dalmatians was the first-ever live-action remake, and though it didn’t receive the strongest critical reception, it set a compelling precedent (via People). It performed well at the box office, despite the critical dissent, and features an incredible cast, with Glenn Close giving a campy and memorable performance as the evil Cruella de Vil. Like every iteration of 101 Dalmatians, the film has a simple premise, with villains who are easy to hate, and a touching message of love and family at the heart of the story.

Before Disney’s live-action remake movie strategy was to release these adaptations in quick succession, 101 Dalmatians was something of a risk, even with its star-studded cast. While 101 Dalmatians isn’t the most famous or popular live-action remake, revisiting it is a reminder of its many merits. It’s clear that the cast is having a lot of fun with the outlandish premise, and Close is enjoying her turn as the dastardly de Vil.

Title

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

101 Dalmatians (1996)

39%

40%

6

Hocus Pocus (1993)

Directed by Kenny Ortega

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Hocus Pocus

PG

Comedy

Family

Fantasy

Horror

ScreenRant logo

7/10

9.7/10

Release Date

July 16, 1993

Runtime

96 minutes

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Bette Midler

    Bette Midler

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    Sarah Jessica Parker

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The cult classic Halloween fantasy movie, Hocus Pocus, hasn’t lost any of its staying power, as the long-awaited 2022 sequel performed well despite being released on streaming. Additionally, Hocus Pocus 3 has been confirmed and will likely be another fun and slightly scary addition to the franchise. However, it will be difficult to top the humor and unabashed spirit of the original, which stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the central trio of witches.

Fantasy movies have used the witch archetype for many years, and Hocus Pocus has fun subverting and adhering to the many tropes that can be seen across the genre.

Fantasy movies have used the witch archetype for many years, and Hocus Pocus has fun subverting and adhering to the many tropes that can be seen across the genre. Since it’s meant for kids, Hocus Pocus is never truly scary but does have some exciting thrills and enough stakes to keep the viewer engaged. The central chemistry between Midler, Parker, and Najimy is reason enough to keep the Hocus Pocus franchise and fandom alive, as they’re easy to watch onscreen.

Title

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

Hocus Pocus (1993)

41%

72%

5

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)

Directed by Duwayne Dunham

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Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

G

Adventure

Comedy

Drama

Release Date

February 3, 1993

Runtime

84 Minutes

Cast

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  • Headshot of Michael J. Fox

    Michael J. Fox

  • Headshot Of Sally Field

    Sally Field

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    Don Ameche

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    Robert Hays

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Before Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, there was the 1963 movie The Incredible Journey, which inspired the surprisingly moving story of the 1993 iteration. Any animal lover will be immediately compelled by Homeward Bound​​​​​​. The narrative revolves around the connection between a pet and their person and how strong this relationship is, especially in childhood. In Homeward Bound, Chance, Shadow, and Sassy are so devoted to their people that they face overwhelming odds to get back to them.

Featuring iconic voice work from Michael J. Fox, Sally Field, and Don Ameche as the three pets, Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey sees them trek across some of the most beautiful parts of the U.S., making for a visually appealing film. However, the meat of the story comes from the seriousness with which the movie treats the relationships between the kids and their pets. The film allows adult viewers to remember their youth and engage with the narrative with as much emotion as possible.

Title

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)

87%

71%

4

Newsies (1992)

Directed by Kenny Ortega

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Newsies

PG

Musical

Drama

History

Release Date

April 10, 1992

Runtime

121 minutes

Cast

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A young Christian Bale leads the cast of the 1992 musical Newsies, which loosely adapts the true story of the 1899 newsboys strike. Bale plays Jack Kelly, the protagonist of Newsies who wants to escape his life as a newsboy and eventually becomes the face of the movement to unionize the boys. Though much of Newsies revolves around Jack’s personal and emotional arcs, there are some poignant themes about the importance of grassroots organizing and giving the working class a voice.

The musical numbers from the film lent themselves to being translated to the stage, as the large ensemble numbers that showcased the cast’s dancing abilities are still fun to sing along with today.

Despite its lukewarm critical reception and poor performance at the box office, Newsies has found a second life as a stage production, allowing the original movie to recover its reputation. The musical numbers from the film lent themselves to being translated to the stage, as the large ensemble numbers that showcased the cast’s dancing abilities are still fun to sing along with today. Though Bale wouldn’t return to his musical roots in later work, he’s undeniably charming as Jack, giving the story the boost it needs.

3

Angels In The Outfield (1994)

Directed by William Dear

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Angels in the Outfield

PG

Comedy

Family

Fantasy

Release Date

July 15, 1994

Runtime

102 Minutes

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Danny Glover

    Danny Glover

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    Tony Danza

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    Brenda Fricker

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    Ben Johnson

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A remake of the 1951 movie of the same name, Angels in the Outfield, got a modern reimagining in 1994 starring a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Danny Glover. While many moments spark nostalgia in Angels in the Outfield, the film holds up well thanks to the many iconic actors featured in the cast, like Christopher Lloyd and Tony Danza, as well as Adrien Brody and Matthew McConaughey before they were stars. However, Angels in the Outfield isn’t just worth watching because of its ensemble.

The relationship between the struggling coach George (Glover) and the young Roger (Gordon-Levitt) is an excellent example of the found family trope that doesn’t feel formulaic. This emotional core helps balance the comedic moments in Angels in the Outfield, as does the underdog story that sees the titular Anaheim Angels evolve into a real team. Angels in the Outfield is an uplifting tale that allows the audience to escape the harsher aspects of reality into a world where hope carries a lot of weight.

Title

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

Angels in the Outfield (1994)

31%

49%

2

Cinderella (1997)

Directed by Robert Iscove

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Cinderella

G

TV Movie

Family

Fantasy

Music

Romance

Release Date

November 2, 1997

Runtime

88 minutes

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Brandy Norwood

    Brandy Norwood

    Cinderella

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Whitney Houston

    Fairy Godmother

  • Headshot Of Victor Garber

    Victor Garber

    King Maximillian

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Whoopi Goldberg

    Queen Constantina

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The Cinderella fairy tale has been brought to life onscreen many times over the years, but the 1997 iteration is one of the best versions. Starring Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother and Brandy as Cinderella, it’s not surprising that the musical numbers in the film are all fantastic, as the cast is overflowing with talented singers. These performances, combined with the gorgeous fairy tale world crafted for the film, make Cinderella a vivid and engaging take on the timeless story.

Fiyero from Wicked is in front of the ensembles from West Side Story and Rent

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Receiving almost universal praise, Cinderella is a great example of how to naturally make a fairy tale story compelling and relevant as time passes. Outside the central performances of Brandy and Houston, the rest of the cast delivers skillful work that helps establish the film as a classic of the era. In every way, Cinderella is dedicated to being as magical as possible, elevating the importance of emotional realism above all. Brandy’s take on the iconic character ranks among the best iterations of the Disney princess.

Title

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

Cinderella (1997)

86%

74%

1

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Directed by Brian Henson

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The Muppet Christmas Carol

g

Family

Musical

9.5/10

Release Date

December 11, 1992

Runtime

85minutes

Cast

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  • Shot Of Michael Caine In The World premiere of 'The Great Escaper' at BFI Southbank

    Michael Caine

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    Dave Goelz

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Though the puppets are what make The Muppet Christmas Carol stand apart from other takes on Charles Dickens’ traditional tale, it’s Michael Caine who makes it memorable. As Ebenezer Scrooge, Caine plays the character completely straight, giving a performance that would be at home in a dramatic Shakespearean adaptation in the midst of an army of colorful puppets. However, this commitment to the part and the gravity of the story are what allows the story to hit its biggest emotional and comedic beats.

Today, The Muppet Christmas Carol is frequently mentioned on roundups of the best Christmas movies and is easily one of the best projects within the Muppet universe. Though Disney was one of the distributors of The Muppet Christmas Carol, the heart and soul of the Jim Henson Company can be seen throughout the work. Combining Dickens’ enduring story with one of the biggest cultural touchstones of children’s media, the Muppets, turned out to be a stroke of genius.

Title

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

78%

86%