Top 10 Animated Movies of the 1990s

The 1990s were a golden age for animation, a time when studios really drew outside the lines to create films that captured our hearts and filled our VHS collections. From hand-drawn classics to early CGI experiments, these movies defined childhoods and still hold up today. Grab your favorite bowl of cereal, set your VCR to “play,” and let’s dive into the top 10 animated gems of the 1990s. Warning: puns ahead.

10. A Goofy Movie (1995)

What’s a list without a little Goof? A Goofy Movie is the ultimate father-son road trip comedy with a healthy dose of heartfelt moments. Goofy’s antics paired with Max’s teenage rebellion created a film that was as goofy as it was touching. And let’s not forget Powerline’s music, which is still a bop. If you didn’t try to master the “Perfect Cast” dance move, did you even grow up in the ’90s?

9. Pokémon: The First Movie (1998)

For kids of the ’90s, Pokémon: The First Movie was the cinematic event of the decade. Seeing Ash, Pikachu, and the gang on the big screen battling Mewtwo was nothing short of electrifying. The movie also hit us with a surprisingly deep message about cloning, identity, and the value of friendship. Plus, Pikachu crying over Ash? A moment so emotional, even Team Rocket couldn’t ruin it.

8. Tarzan (1999)

With Tarzan, Disney brought the jungle to life with stunning animation and a soundtrack by Phil Collins that went ape. This is the movie that made “Two Worlds” and “You’ll Be in My Heart” synonymous with emotional rollercoasters. The vine-swinging sequences were exhilarating, and the story of a man torn between two worlds was surprisingly profound. It’s safe to say that Tarzan left its mark on animation history.

7. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Is it a Halloween movie? Is it a Christmas movie? Who cares—it’s a Tim Burton-y masterpiece either way. With its stop-motion animation, unforgettable songs, and the eccentric charm of Jack Skellington, The Nightmare Before Christmas carved out its own niche in pop culture. Watching it feels like unwrapping a creepy, delightful present that’s always in season. And honestly, who doesn’t want to live in Halloween Town?

6. Mulan (1998)

Who is that girl we see, staring straight back at… this list? It’s Mulan! This movie gave us a fearless heroine, Eddie Murphy as a hilarious dragon sidekick, and the most motivating training montage song ever written. Mulan was Disney’s way of saying, “Yes, we can do epic war stories too,” and it delivered. It’s a film that made us laugh, cry, and seriously consider signing up for the army to defeat the Huns.

5. The Iron Giant (1999)

Brad Bird’s The Iron Giant taught us that even giant robots have feelings. This underrated masterpiece blended Cold War paranoia with heartwarming friendships, and it’s impossible not to shed a tear when the titular giant declares, “I am not a gun.” A box office underdog in its day, it’s now celebrated as a steel-strong classic. And honestly, who wouldn’t want a giant alien robot as their best friend?

4. Beauty and the Beast (1991)

A provincial girl, a grumpy beast, and enchanted furniture walk into a castle… and somehow it’s a love story for the ages. Beauty and the Beast made history as the first animated film nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, and for good reason. Its lush animation, heartfelt story, and iconic ballroom scene made us all be-our-guest to its brilliance. Admit it, you still hum “Gaston” in the shower.

3. Aladdin (1992)

Take one street rat, a magic lamp, and Robin Williams at his most genie-us, and you’ve got a recipe for one of Disney’s most entertaining films. Aladdin flew high on its humor, romance, and jaw-dropping animation. The Genie’s rapid-fire jokes and pop culture references made it the diamond in the rough of animated comedies. And that magic carpet ride? Pure magic, even if it made us question the physics of rug-based travel.

2. Toy Story (1995)

Pixar kicked off its dominance in animation with Toy Story, the movie that made us all paranoid about what our toys were doing when we weren’t looking. Woody and Buzz Lightyear taught us about friendship, jealousy, and how to awkwardly shout, “You are a toy!” during family arguments. The groundbreaking CGI animation was nothing short of Buzz-worthy, changing the game for animated films forever.

1. The Lion King (1994)

Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful movie. The Lion King roared its way into our lives with a story about destiny, redemption, and a lion cub who just couldn’t wait to be king. With Elton John’s infectious songs and breathtaking animation (that sunrise? Chef’s kiss!), this movie became a purr-fect classic. And let’s not forget the emotional stampede scene that still makes us ugly cry—thanks for the emotional scars, Disney.