30 Must-Watch Animated Movies from the 1990s
The 1990s were a golden age for animated movies, with studios pushing boundaries in storytelling and visuals. From Disney’s hand-drawn epics to Pixar’s groundbreaking computer animation, the decade delivered films that captivated kids and adults alike, leaving a lasting impact.
These 30 movies showcase the diversity of 90s animation, blending humor, heart, and adventure. Whether you’re nostalgic for classics or seeking hidden gems, this list highlights the best animated films from 1990 to 1999 that you need to watch.
‘The Rescuers Down Under’ (1990)
Two brave mice team up to save a boy and an eagle in Australia. The animation is vibrant, with sweeping landscapes and thrilling flight scenes. The story kicks off the decade with high-energy adventure. It’s a lesser-known Disney gem.
The film improves on the original with sharper visuals and a faster pace. Characters like Bernard and Bianca are charming and determined. The villain, a cruel poacher, adds tension. It’s a fun, action-packed start to the 90s.
‘DuckTales: The Movie – Treasure of the Lost Lamp’ (1990)
Scrooge McDuck and his nephews hunt for a magical lamp. The animation captures the TV show’s colorful, adventurous vibe. The story is packed with humor and treasure-hunting excitement. It’s a nostalgic treat for fans.
The film brings the beloved series to the big screen with flair. Genie antics and a villainous sorcerer keep things lively. The voice cast, including Alan Young, shines. It’s a lighthearted adventure for all ages.
‘An American Tail: Fievel Goes West’ (1991)
A mouse family heads to the Wild West seeking a better life. The animation is bright, with dusty deserts and lively characters. The story mixes humor, heart, and Western flair. It’s a fun sequel to the original.
Fievel’s courage and the new setting make it engaging. The voice cast, including James Stewart as a sheriff dog, adds charm. The songs are catchy but simple. It’s a solid family-friendly adventure.
‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1991)
A bookish woman falls for a cursed beast in a magical castle. The animation is stunning, with elegant designs and fluid motion. Songs like ‘Be Our Guest’ are joyful and memorable. It’s a timeless romance.
Belle’s strength and the Beast’s growth drive the story. The voice cast, with Paige O’Hara and Robby Benson, is excellent. The film earned a Best Picture Oscar nomination. It’s a Disney masterpiece.
‘Rock-A-Doodle’ (1992)
A rooster leaves his farm to become a rock star, causing chaos. The animation blends colorful cartoon styles with live-action elements. The story is quirky and full of energy. It’s an odd but fun film.
The mix of music and adventure keeps it entertaining. Characters like Chanticleer and the evil owl are memorable. The voice cast, including Glen Campbell, adds personality. It’s a unique 90s pick.
‘FernGully: The Last Rainforest’ (1992)
A fairy and a human work to save a rainforest from destruction. The animation is lush, with vibrant jungle scenes. The story tackles environmental themes with heart. It’s a colorful, meaningful film.
The voice cast, including Robin Williams and Tim Curry, is stellar. The songs are catchy and fit the eco-message. It’s a blend of fun and purpose. The visuals still impress today.
‘Aladdin’ (1992)
A young thief finds a magic lamp and wins a princess’s heart. The animation sparkles with bright colors and lively designs. Robin Williams as the Genie is hilarious and unforgettable. Songs like ‘A Whole New World’ are iconic.
The film mixes adventure, comedy, and romance perfectly. The Middle Eastern-inspired setting feels fresh and vibrant. The voice cast, including Scott Weinger, shines. It’s a Disney classic that never fades.
‘Tom and Jerry: The Movie’ (1992)
The famous cat and mouse team up to help an orphaned girl. The animation keeps the classic slapstick style with added polish. The story adds dialogue to the duo, which is a bold change. It’s a fun, nostalgic ride.
The film leans into humor and heart, with new characters adding depth. The chase scenes are as wild as ever. The voice cast is solid, though the music is forgettable. It’s a quirky addition to the franchise.
‘Batman: Mask of the Phantasm’ (1993)
Batman faces a mysterious vigilante while uncovering his past. The animation is dark and stylish, with a gritty Gotham vibe. The story blends action, mystery, and romance. It’s a standout for superhero fans.
The film dives deep into Batman’s emotions, making it compelling. The voice cast, led by Kevin Conroy, is perfect. It’s more mature than most animated films. It’s a must-watch for its depth and style.
‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ (1993)
Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, tries to reinvent Christmas. The stop-motion animation is eerie and charming. Danny Elfman’s songs, like ‘This Is Halloween,’ are catchy and iconic. It’s a spooky, fun classic.
The film’s unique blend of holidays makes it timeless. Jack’s journey of self-discovery is surprisingly deep. The visuals and music create a distinct vibe. It’s perfect for any season.
‘Thumbelina’ (1994)
A tiny girl faces dangers while seeking love and home. The animation is soft and colorful, with whimsical designs. The story is a sweet fairy tale with heartfelt moments. It’s a charming, underrated film.
The voice cast, including Jodi Benson, adds warmth. The songs are gentle and fit the story’s tone. It’s light but engaging for younger viewers. The visuals hold up as a 90s treasure.
‘The Lion King’ (1994)
A lion prince reclaims his throne after a tragic loss. The animation is breathtaking, with vivid African landscapes. Songs like ‘Hakuna Matata’ are fun and unforgettable. It’s a story of duty and growth.
Simba’s journey, paired with humor from Timon and Pumbaa, is perfect. The voice cast, with James Earl Jones and Jeremy Irons, is stellar. The film’s emotional depth is unmatched. It’s a 90s animation legend.
‘A Goofy Movie’ (1995)
Goofy tries to bond with his teenage son on a road trip. The animation is bright and expressive, with a 90s vibe. The songs, like ‘I2I,’ are catchy and fun. It’s a heartfelt father-son story.
The film nails teen angst and parental love. Max and Goofy’s dynamic is relatable and funny. The voice cast, including Bill Farmer, shines. It’s a cult classic with tons of charm.
‘Pocahontas’ (1995)
A Native American woman and an English settler fall in love. The animation is gorgeous, with lush forests and rivers. Songs like ‘Colors of the Wind’ are powerful and moving. It’s a romantic, historical tale.
The film tackles themes of culture and peace, though it takes liberties with history. The voice cast, including Irene Bedard, is strong. It’s visually stunning but emotionally complex. It’s a bold Disney entry.
‘Toy Story’ (1995)
A cowboy doll and a space ranger toy become friends. Pixar’s first film stuns with early computer animation. The story is funny, heartfelt, and adventurous. It changed animation forever.
Woody and Buzz’s rivalry and bond are timeless. The voice cast, with Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, is perfect. The themes of friendship and change resonate. It’s a groundbreaking classic.
‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ (1996)
A bell-ringer seeks freedom and love in Paris. The animation is dark and detailed, with grand cathedral scenes. The songs, like ‘Out There,’ are emotional and dramatic. It’s a bold, underrated Disney film.
The story tackles heavy themes like prejudice and justice. Quasimodo’s journey is moving and inspiring. The voice cast, including Tom Hulce, is excellent. It’s a powerful film with stunning visuals.
‘James and the Giant Peach’ (1996)
A boy travels inside a magical peach with insect friends. The mix of stop-motion and live-action is unique and whimsical. The story is quirky and full of adventure. It’s a fun, imaginative ride.
The film captures Roald Dahl’s oddball charm. The characters, like the wise grasshopper, are memorable. The voice cast, including Susan Sarandon, adds flair. It’s a delightful, weird 90s gem.
‘Space Jam’ (1996)
Michael Jordan teams with Looney Tunes to win a basketball game. The animation blends cartoons with live-action seamlessly. The story is silly but packed with 90s nostalgia. It’s a fun, high-energy film.
The Looney Tunes, like Bugs Bunny, shine with humor. The basketball scenes are surprisingly exciting. The soundtrack and cameos add pop-culture flair. It’s a wild, iconic 90s mashup.
‘Hercules’ (1997)
A young hero with god-like strength fights to save Greece. The animation is bold, with dynamic action and colorful gods. The songs, like ‘Go the Distance,’ are uplifting and catchy. It’s a fun, mythic adventure.
Hercules’ journey of self-discovery is engaging. The humor, especially from the villain Hades, is sharp. The voice cast, including Tate Donovan, is great. It’s a lively Disney classic.
‘Anastasia’ (1997)
A young woman searches for her identity as a possible princess. The animation is elegant, with stunning backgrounds. Songs like ‘Once Upon a December’ are haunting and beautiful. It’s a romantic, magical story.
The blend of history and fairy tale is captivating. The voice cast, with Meg Ryan and John Cusack, adds star power. It feels like a Disney film but stands on its own. It’s a 90s favorite.
‘Princess Mononoke’ (1997)
A warrior faces a battle between humans and forest gods. The anime’s animation is lush, with detailed forests and creatures. The story explores nature and greed deeply. It’s a complex, stunning film.
Miyazaki’s direction creates a vivid, living world. The characters, like the fierce Mononoke, are unforgettable. It’s thought-provoking and visually spectacular. It’s a landmark in anime.
‘Cats Don’t Dance’ (1997)
A cat dreams of becoming a Hollywood star in a world of prejudice. The animation is colorful, with lively dance scenes. The story is fun but touches on serious themes. It’s an underrated musical gem.
The voice cast, including Scott Bakula, shines. The songs are jazzy and energetic, fitting the Hollywood vibe. It’s a feel-good story with heart. The visuals pop with 90s charm.
‘Quest for Camelot’ (1998)
A young woman and a blind hermit seek a stolen sword. The animation is vibrant, with lush medieval settings. The songs, like ‘The Prayer,’ are emotional and grand. It’s a heroic, adventurous tale.
The story blends action, romance, and humor well. The voice cast, including Jessalyn Gilsig, is solid. It’s not perfect but has charm and heart. It’s a lesser-known 90s fantasy.
‘Mulan’ (1998)
A woman joins the army in disguise to save her father. The animation is vivid, with sweeping battles and bold colors. Songs like ‘Reflection’ are heartfelt and iconic. It’s a story of courage and honor.
Mulan’s strength and humor make her a standout heroine. The voice cast, with Ming-Na Wen and Eddie Murphy, is fantastic. The film balances action and emotion. It’s a Disney classic.
‘The Prince of Egypt’ (1998)
Moses leads his people to freedom in this biblical epic. The animation is grand, with stunning visuals and colors. Songs like ‘When You Believe’ are powerful and moving. It’s a bold, emotional story.
The film respects its source while appealing to all. The voice cast, including Val Kilmer, is impressive. It tackles mature themes with grace. It’s a visual and emotional triumph.
‘A Bug’s Life’ (1998)
An ant recruits misfit bugs to save his colony from grasshoppers. Pixar’s animation is crisp, with colorful insect worlds. The story is funny and full of heart. It’s a charming underdog tale.
The voice cast, including Dave Foley and Kevin Spacey, shines. The humor and action appeal to all ages. It’s less famous than other Pixar films but just as fun. It’s a 90s must-see.
‘The Rugrats Movie’ (1998)
Baby Tommy and his friends face a forest adventure after a new sibling arrives. The animation keeps the show’s quirky, kid-like style. The story is silly but heartfelt. It’s a nostalgic hit for fans.
The film captures the babies’ wild imagination perfectly. The voice cast, including E.G. Daily, is spot-on. It’s simple but fun for kids and parents. The 90s vibe is undeniable.
‘Antz’ (1998)
A neurotic ant rebels against his colony’s strict rules. The animation, an early CGI effort, is detailed and unique. The story mixes humor, romance, and social commentary. It’s a smart, fun film.
The voice cast, with Woody Allen and Sharon Stone, is stellar. The adult-leaning humor sets it apart from other animated films. It’s fast-paced and engaging. It’s a strong 90s contender.
‘The Iron Giant’ (1999)
A boy befriends a giant robot during the Cold War. The animation is clean, with a retro sci-fi feel. The story blends humor, action, and heart. It’s a cult classic with deep emotion.
The film’s message about choice and friendship resonates. The voice cast, including Vin Diesel, is unforgettable. It’s a hidden gem that gained love over time. It’s a must-watch for its warmth.
‘Toy Story 2’ (1999)
Woody faces a new adventure when stolen by a toy collector. Pixar’s animation improves, with sharper visuals and detail. The story deepens themes of loyalty and purpose. It’s a sequel that rivals the original.
New characters like Jessie add fresh energy. The voice cast, with Tom Hanks and Joan Cusack, is perfect. The humor and heart make it timeless. It’s a Pixar triumph.
Please share your top 90s animated movie pick in the comments and let us know what makes it unforgettable for you!