We all have movies that defined our childhood; movies that we watched as kids over and over and over, the ones that we can still quote by heart despite not having seen them in a decade, and the ones that our parents were also sick of seeing us put into the video player everytime we had the chance. Sure, everyone loves Ghostbusters, but when you’ve viewed it six times that month, maybe you want a change… And back then, kids movies use to be WAY darker.
These are the movies you had probably forgotten you watched on repeat when you were a kid.
1. Oliver & Company (1988)
Dogs and cats getting along? Pizza rat? Are animals way different in New York City?
2. An American Tail (1986) and An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991)
If someone told me when I was a kid that these movies had underlying themes of Jewish immigrants moving to the US, I’d probably say, “I don’t know what that means, I’m five.”
3. Balto (1995)
If you didn’t think this film was already inspiring AF as is, remember that it is also based off of a real-life dog named “Balto.” Really makes you reflect on your life.
4. It Takes Two (1995)
Just think Parent Trap but BETTER! Yeah, I said it.
5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
Shout out to the costume designer that had to make four life-sized man-turtle costumes that could withstand kung-fu action.
6. The Rugrats Movie (1998)
You know how the super awesome parents in Rugrats often lose their babies in a contained house? Well, what if they lost ’em in a vast forest?
7. Babe (1995)
Dear Hollywood, We need more pig-centered films, please.
8. The Brave Little Toaster (1987)
They made us FEEL for these inanimate objects, and then used that to make us CRY!
9. Blank Check (1994)
As a kid, the plot to this movie seemed like it’d be the best thing that could ever happen. It is not until you’re an adult that you realize that this is just a movie about a crime.
10. The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
We appreciate Benedict Cumberbatch, but Basil’s been solving crimes long before I even learned how to pronounce his last name.
11. Pokémon: The First Movie (1998)
Name a sadder moment than when Pikachu watched Ash get turned into stone? Name. One. Sadder. Moment.
12. Free Willy (1993)
SeaWorld should take some notes from this movie — LET YOUR WHALES GO FREE!
13. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Witches are not all cauldrons and spells, they need regular jobs too! For example, running a courier service.
14. All Dogs Go To Heaven (1989)
What kind of shady films were we watching as kids? This animated dog movie included violence, casinos, friends double-crossing one another, death, and Burt Reynolds!
15. The Sword in the Stone (1963)
Gandalf And Frodo = Walmart. Merlin and Arthur = Gucci.
16. Rookie Of The Year (1993)
Are there age restrictions in the MLB? Apparently not! All you have to do it be able to throw fast.
17. Homeward Bound: An Incredible Journey (1993)
OMG! Shadow’s return over the hill remains the ultimate “wait for it” moment in cinematic history.
18. The Rescuers (1977) and The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
In the first one, The Rescue Aid Society saved a kidnaped little girl. In the second one, the R.A.S. saved a little boy and a rare eagle from a poacher. But don’t worry, they’re cute mice so it’s for kids!
19. The Secret of NIMH (1982)
I’m just realizing how often early animation really utilized mice and rats. Did animators in the ’70s-’90s just really feel like animating rats was the way to go?
20. Little Giants (1994)
This film answers one of life’s biggest questions, can someone enjoy reading AND play football? Turns out, yes.
21. Flubber (1997)
I’ll never be able to unsee an anthropomorphic green slime dance to “Mambo In The Sky” for as long as I live.
22. The Swan Princess (1994)
If you wanted someone out of your way and had the power to turn them into a swan for part of the day, why not just turn them into a swan for ALL of the day (AKA forever)?
23. Mouse Hunt (1997)
All I could think about as I watched two grown men destroy their business because they couldn’t capture a mouse was, “Insurance will NOT be covering these damages.”
24. Benji (1974)
Benji saved two kidnapped children. My dog will purposefully look away from my direction when I call her name.
25. Thumbelina (1994)
Her name is Thumbelina, and she is “no bigger than her mother’s thumb.” I need a minute to process this.
26. Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998)
This monster movie switched things up by making werecats instead of werewolves, and having the zombies be good guys! Could have done without the Confederate soldiers though.
27. The Black Cauldron (1985)
Gurgi was both a beloved sidekick and also a character that made you feel very uncomfortable.
28. The Rocketeer (1991)
This and The Sound Of Music share one thing! Is it fun music? No, it’s Nazis.
29. Richie Rich (1994)
The only difference between this and Home Alone is his parent’s don’t forget him every time they leave the house. Also, they’re WAY richer.
30. Rock-a-Doodle (1991)
The only way to defeat evil owls? The sun! Because then those suckers will have to go to bed!
