A couple of weekends ago, before the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically impacted life in the U.S., my family attended a state basketball tournament. While my husband took our older kids to the games, I found myself in a hotel room with my youngest two. To keep them entertained during a particularly long afternoon, I logged into our Netflix account to help my son choose a movie. What did I find? A delightful film from my youth that instantly brought back those ’90s vibes: Richie Rich.
Since we’re big fans of Home Alone, Richie Rich was the perfect choice for passing the time. My son was ecstatic. Could it be? Was Macaulay Culkin, known for his role as Kevin McCallister, actually portraying Richie? After watching the movie, the streaming service suggested similar titles, leading me down a nostalgic rabbit hole. I discovered numerous films and shows from the ’80s and ’90s that I couldn’t wait to share with my four kids. Would they enjoy these classics as much as I did growing up? Only time would tell.
As we all navigate social isolation during this pandemic, keeping our kids entertained has become a challenge. Whether or not you’re handling homeschooling, there are still plenty of hours in the day when boredom strikes. This is where those beloved childhood movies and shows come into play, providing a perfect distraction.
If you’re subscribed to HULU, Prime Video, Netflix, or Disney+ (or, like us, all of them), you’re bound to discover feel-good films and episodes that can transport you back in time. So grab some popcorn, gather on the living room floor with pillows and blankets, and enjoy a retro movie night.
On HULU:
- Family Matters: This was one of my absolute favorite shows growing up. Who can resist the comedic genius of Steve Urkel, the wisdom of Grandma Winslow, and the humor of Carl and Harriet? This show made waves when it debuted in 1989, showcasing a black family in a prime-time TGIF slot alongside other hits like Step by Step.
- Free Willy: A young boy doing community service at an aquarium discovers that a whale named Willy is in danger of being killed and goes to great lengths to save him. And yes, there are sequels: Free Willy 2 and Free Willy 3, both available on HULU.
- Full House: My kids were shocked to learn that Fuller House wasn’t the original series! I shared some of my favorite episodes, like when DJ and Stephanie create chaos by putting a hole in their dad’s wall. Stephanie’s classic catchphrase (“How rude!”), Uncle Joey’s impressions, and Uncle Jesse’s hair obsession are unforgettable moments.
On Prime Video:
- Good Burger: I can still quote lines from this 1997 classic featuring Kel Mitchell and Kenan Thompson as teenagers Ed and Dexter. They team up to save Good Burger from being shut down by the rival Mondo Burger.
- Never Been Kissed: Drew Barrymore stars as a reporter who, after being bullied in high school, goes undercover as a student. Upon rewatching, I was surprised to spot actresses Octavia Spencer and Molly Shannon in this charming film.
On Netflix:
- Hook: This 1991 film features Robin Williams as a grown-up Peter Pan who must rediscover his youthful spirit to save his children from Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman) and Tinkerbell (Julia Roberts).
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: A witty teen (Matthew Broderick) and his friends skip school, using clever tactics to evade their strict principal and Ferris’s overbearing sister. This 1986 classic is filled with memorable lines that your kids will love.
- Indiana Jones: All four Indiana Jones films starring Harrison Ford are available for streaming. Start with the iconic Raiders of the Lost Ark. Great news: a fifth film is on the way, with Ford reprising his legendary role!
On Disney+:
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: Inventor Wayne Szalinski accidentally shrinks his two children and their friends, leading to a frantic adventure to return them to normal size. Follow it up with Honey, I Blew Up the Kid, and stay tuned for another sequel in the works!
- Sister Act: Whoopi Goldberg plays a woman who disguises herself as a nun to escape the mob after witnessing a crime. Her struggles to fit in with the convent are both humorous and heartwarming, and the music is a major draw.
- Boy Meets World: My sister and I grew up loving this show about Cory Matthews, his family, and his wise principal. After binge-watching all seven seasons, check out the reboot, Girl Meets World, available on Disney+.
To all the fans of ’80s and ’90s entertainment out there, rewatching these classics is a joy, and your kids will appreciate them for the first time as well. Plus, some nostalgic family movie nights can be a great way to lift spirits during these challenging times. For more insights on home entertainment and family activities, check out this blog post here. And for those interested in pregnancy and home insemination, visit this authority on the topic or explore an excellent resource for pregnancy information here.
Summary:
Nostalgic movies and shows from the ’80s and ’90s offer a great way to entertain kids and reminisce about our childhood. Streaming platforms like HULU, Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney+ host a variety of classics, from Family Matters to Good Burger, ensuring a fun family movie night.