I'm not going to make this intro anything long and crazy, it's pretty simple. Below is a list of 15 of my favorite movies from my 90s kid childhood that weren't cartoons. Most of which were watched on UPN Sunday Afternoon Movies. Anybody else remember that? They played the BEST movies!
Curly Sue
I just bought this on thriftbooks.com and can't wait for it to get here! I had trouble finding it for many year and now suddenly it's on several sites. The reviews of course are middle of the road but I think it's a classic. The bathtub scene with the umbrella and tube and then eating pizza in the robe has always stuck out to me as favorites scenes.
Father of the Bride
I saw both of these a million times because UPN seemed to play it weekly for a time. The second is ok but the first will always be my favorite. Anything with Steve Martin is good (except Mixed Nuts...I wasn't into it) but this tops the list for me. Even as a kid I felt the grocery store scene where he is in his tux bitching about the different numbers of hot dogs and buns in my soul. My old soul I guess.....
Wish Upon a Star
Every time I mention this movie to someone they don't know what I'm talking about. Might I suggest watching it ASAP so you can live your life without regret?
The younger unpopular and short sister wishes to trade lives with her popular tall sister (but seriously....why are the popular girls always tall?) Spoiler alert: the wish comes true.
The Parent Trap
Even though the story is a remake, it had all the makings of a cliche 90s hit. Twins (twins were quite celebrated in the 90s) switcheroos, camp, a bitchy stepmother figure (fiancée in this case) and shenanigans. Two thumbs up here
The Sandlot
Everyone loves The Sandlot, even my dad (and that's saying something). It became a cult classic that taught us the right way to make a smore and got us all saying "you're killing me smalls!" It also really made me want a treehouse.
The Princess Diaries
This film was quirky and fun without being overly cheesy (in my opinion at least) Apparently, The Boy has never seen it... I'm in shock. You know what we will be watching on his next night off.
Teen Witch
This one takes me BACK! God its a good one. I mean, the "Top That" scene still makes me cringe, but everything else charming as can be. I especially love Madame Serena.
Now and Then
Now and then is like the girl gang version of The Sandlot. It's a coming of age story about a group of girls over the summer of 1970 (Sandlot is set in 62) Just swap out the Legend of The Beast for the story of Dear Johnny and make the treehouse a little more fabulous. Oh, and the cast is pretty "star studded" as they say.
Mrs. Doubtfire
I think every 90s kid loved this movie and Robin Williams. He's like our generation's honorary uncle. (For real though, I was kind of a basket case when he passed away. Hit me hard). Anyway, this movie was loved by kids and parents alike It touched on the real life pain of divorce while leaving us with iconic lines such as "it was a run-by fruiting" and "HellOOOooo!"
Mr. Mom
Watching this movie as a kid several things went over my head with the jokes so it just got better and better each time I watched it. And can we all agree that young Michael Keaton was kind of a fox?
It's because of this movie that I find myself saying "Schooner tuna: the tuna with a heart." every time I crack open a can of fish.
Life- Size
This movie premiered on The Wonderful World of Disney which aired on Sunday nights and was my shit! I honestly need to rewatch this one because it's been a while so the details are fuzzy but I remember absolutely loving it! I guess they put out a sequel a couple of years ago that I haven't seen....not sure I want to go down that path. Anyone watch it and want to weigh in?
Hook
I was completely obsessed with this movie as a kid. The mermaids, the colorful food that The Lost Boys ate, the costumes, Uncle Robin.....all of it! It's funny to find out that Steven Spielberg hated the film because I feel like it was so unique and loved by everyone I know.
Side step little story: I remember being completely convinced Rufio was a girl I mean....he had earrings in his ear and wore a crop top.....what other explanation was there? My mom repeatedly told me he was a boy and my 4 year old little brain took some time to wrap my head around it but I eventually got here. (Don't worry, I'm far more progressive at 31 than I was at 4)
Clueless
This is another one that I was too young at the time to pick up on some things but I felt super "cool" watching. Cher and friends were the epitome of fashionistas to my first grade self. A fuzzy ended pen became a MUST and the movie was also responsible for my second grade phase of refusing to take a backpack to school. I wanted to carry my books like a "cool girl" and had a small pink see through plastic bag that my mom got as a free gift from Clinique (ha!) as my "purse" I think that was the moment I peaked on the hot shit scale.
A Little Princess
\This one has two pictures on purpose. I grew up watching the top one from a very young age. Apparently it was a British miniseries from 1986 which explains why it had TWO VHS tapes. You knew shit was real legit when it required a second tape. Then when I got a little older the bottom one came out in 1995 but I didn't see it for a few years until it was on TV. I liked it well enough, but still prefer the top one. The 1986 version was more detailed and I've been a slut for details since I can remember.
A League of Their Own
Look, I know tensions are high right now in the US. We're divided as ever and insults and labels are being hurled at each other constantly, but I think we can all agree on this: A League of Their Own is a national treasure. To dislike it would be simply unamerican....amirite?
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This movie was funny, charming, had historical relevance. So much so that it was added to the National Film registry by the Library of Congress for being culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant.
As a kid the scene where Jimmy walks the locker room having to break the news that someone's husband had died in combat always stuck with me. Each of them are tense as he makes his way down the line and relax in relief as he passes them, only to watch their friend and teammate Betty Spaghetti be the unfortunate one. It was a moment of both grief and relief that was incredibly powerful and truly helped paint the picture of what people in that position go through. On one hand you are glad it's not you but then are painfully aware that someone else isn't as lucky. It was deep shit for a wee little lassie like myself but a wonderful teaching moment.
There ya have it folks! Fifteen of my favorite non cartoon movies. Did your favorites make the list? Any you think need mention?
