20 Movies Every Millennial Grew Up Watching
Growing up in the ’90s and early 2000s, millennials were blessed with a golden era of movies that shaped our childhoods and left an indelible mark on our memories. Whether it was VHS tapes getting stuck in the VCR or the thrill of a blockbuster rental weekend, these films were the backdrop to sleepovers, lazy afternoons, and the occasional attempt to mimic the stunts seen on screen. Let’s revisit the cinematic gems that every millennial grew up watching, and that still give us all the feels.
1. The Lion King (1994)
No millennial childhood was complete without the heartbreak of Mufasa’s fall or the joyous refrain of “Hakuna Matata.” This animated classic taught us about the circle of life, the importance of facing our responsibilities, and that, yes, it’s perfectly normal to burst into tears at the sight of a cartoon lion.
2. Home Alone (1990)
The idea of being left alone at home was both terrifying and thrilling, but Kevin McCallister turned it into an adventure. Watching him outwit bumbling burglars with homemade booby traps became a holiday tradition, and also sparked more than a few attempts to create our own Rube Goldberg-style contraptions.
3. Toy Story (1995)
Before we were aware of the depths of Pixar’s emotional manipulation, we just loved the idea that our toys might be secretly alive. Woody, Buzz, and the gang made us look at our own playthings with a mixture of suspicion and fondness, and we’ll never forget the gut punch of that song, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.”
4. Jurassic Park (1993)
Dinosaurs came roaring back to life and into our nightmares with this groundbreaking movie. The mix of awe and terror as we watched T-Rexes and Velociraptors wreak havoc left a lasting impression. And let’s not forget that iconic theme music, which, when hummed, instantly transports us back to Isla Nublar.
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5. The Little Mermaid (1989)
Ariel made us all want to be part of her world, even if it meant giving up our voices. This Disney classic with its unforgettable songs and underwater adventures sparked many a mermaid phase among millennials, complete with makeshift fin-swimming in the pool and belting out “Part of Your World” in the shower.
6. Aladdin (1992)
Who didn’t want a magic carpet ride or a genie to grant three wishes? Aladdin brought us into a whole new world of adventure, romance, and the genius of Robin Williams as the voice of Genie. It’s safe to say many millennials can still recite every word of “A Whole New World” (or at least enthusiastically sing along).
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7. Matilda (1996)
The story of an extraordinarily gifted girl who uses her telekinetic powers to outwit her cruel family and school principal was the ultimate tale of empowerment. Matilda showed us that brains can beat brawn, and that with a bit of magic, even the toughest situations can be overcome.
8. Space Jam (1996)
Basketball and Looney Tunes—a combo that could only have been dreamed up in the ’90s. Michael Jordan teamed up with Bugs Bunny and the gang to save the day, and it was just as epic as it sounds. Space Jam made us believe that slam dunks and cartoon physics were the perfect match.
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9. The Mighty Ducks (1992)
This ragtag group of underdog hockey players and their reluctant coach taught us all about teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of a good quack chant. The Mighty Ducks trilogy became a staple for any millennial, whether they were into sports or just liked watching kids triumph against the odds.
10. Clueless (1995)
As if! Clueless was the quintessential teen movie that not only defined a generation but also gave us endless quotable lines and fashion goals. Cher Horowitz and her Beverly Hills crew made high school look like a designer-clad dream, complete with the challenges of matchmaking and navigating the social scene.
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11. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Robin Williams in a dress and wig as a loving but unconventional nanny? It’s no wonder Mrs. Doubtfire was a hit. This heartwarming film about family, love, and doing whatever it takes to be close to your kids was both hilarious and deeply touching—who knew a cake to the face could be so emotional?
12. The Sandlot (1993)
“You’re killing me, Smalls!”—an iconic line from an iconic film about friendship, summer, and the greatest pickle ever experienced by a group of young baseball players. The Sandlot was more than just a sports movie; it was a nostalgic look at childhood adventures and the magic of a summer spent outdoors.
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13. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
This tale as old as time brought us enchanted castles, talking furniture, and the ultimate story of love conquering all. Beauty and the Beast not only charmed us with its beautiful animation and unforgettable music but also taught us not to judge a book by its cover—or a beast by his fur.
14. The Parent Trap (1998)
Lindsay Lohan’s double role as twins trying to reunite their estranged parents was pure ’90s gold. Whether it was the epic prank wars or the heartwarming family reunion, The Parent Trap was a favorite that made many of us secretly wish we had a long-lost twin too.
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15. Free Willy (1993)
The story of a boy and his beloved orca was the ultimate tale of friendship and freedom. Free Willy made us all cheer for the underdog and had us dreaming of setting our own orcas free—if only we had one. The emotional leap at the end remains one of the most iconic moments in ’90s cinema.
16. A Goofy Movie (1995)
Goofy and his son Max’s road trip was a hilarious and heartfelt journey that many of us related to on a personal level. From the awkward dad moments to the catchy Powerline songs, A Goofy Movie captured the essence of navigating the tricky waters of parent-child relationships during adolescence.
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17. Jumanji (1995)
A board game that brings wild animals, natural disasters, and untold chaos into real life? Sign us up—at least, that’s what we thought until Jumanji showed us how terrifying that actually could be. Robin Williams shone once again in this adventure film that had us both glued to the screen and peeking through our fingers.
18. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Tim Burton’s spooky, musical masterpiece blurred the lines between Halloween and Christmas in the most delightfully creepy way. Jack Skellington’s journey to bring holiday cheer to Halloween Town became a cult favorite among millennials who couldn’t decide if they wanted a pumpkin or a candy cane.
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19. Hook (1991)
Steven Spielberg’s reimagining of the Peter Pan story gave us an adult Pan, played by Robin Williams, who had forgotten his magical roots. Hook was a tale of rediscovery, adventure, and believing in the impossible—a theme that resonated with every millennial who never wanted to grow up.
20. Titanic (1997)
You knew this one was coming. Titanic wasn’t just a movie; it was an event. From swooning over Leo DiCaprio to gasping at the ship’s tragic end, this epic romance had us all captivated—and probably led to a few too many repeats of “My Heart Will Go On.” And yes, we’re still arguing about whether there was room for two on that door.
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