Ah, the 1990s, a decade with a unique cinematic landscape that brought a flood of movies we’d adore as kids. Revisiting these films with a critical eye reveals that some don’t hold up as well as we once thought. Let’s look at these nostalgic 90s movies and understand why they might not be as great as we remember.
Space Jam
Michael Jordan teaming up with Bugs Bunny seemed like a dream team, but this unique concept couldn’t save the film from its glaring faults. Watching it now, the plot appears thin, and the special effects look dated. Despite the enduring charm of the Looney Tunes characters, the storyline lacks depth and engagement.
Batman & Robin
Clooney’s Batman and Schwarzenegger’s Mr. Freeze brought star power to Batman & Robin. At the time, it was a spectacle of color and action, but these days, the campy dialogue and over-the-top performances seem more like a parody.
Mortal Kombat: Annihilation
Action-packed scenes and characters from the beloved video game made Mortal Kombat: Annihilation thrilling. However, poor CGI and a disjointed plot become more noticeable on a second watch. The nostalgia of the original game doesn’t save the film from its many flaws.
The Flintstones
A live-action adaptation of The Flintstones captivated childhood imaginations, offering a surprisingly relatable family dynamic and thrilling prehistoric adventures. Upon rewatching, it’s disappointingly clear that the charm doesn’t hold up today, with weak jokes and a stretched storyline.
Godzilla
In a premise that no child of the 1990s could resist, Godzilla features a giant monster rampaging through New York. Yet, shallow characters and a predictable plot undermine the excitement, and once-groundbreaking special effects now seem less impressive.
Inspector Gadget
Inspector Gadget’s action-packed antics were fun. Slapstick humor and a thin plot make it less enjoyable now. While the original cartoon’s charm remains, it doesn’t translate well to the big screen, resulting in a lackluster film.
Wild Wild West
Steampunk elements and Western genres made Wild Wild West a gunslinging favorite of 1990s youngsters, with Will Smith’s presence a major draw. As adults, it’s a shame to realize That It’s nothing more than an incoherent gimmick.
The Phantom
The Phantom’s main and probably only draw was a superhero with a ring fighting evil in the jungle. Initially intriguing, the film now reveals myriad flaws that include but aren’t limited to a predictable plot and wooden acting.
Jingle All the Way
Balancing heartwarming moments with slapstick humor proves challenging for this nostalgic holiday favorite, which is a far worse film than us 90’s kids remember. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s racing for the perfect toy in Jingle All The Way brought holiday cheer, but the dizzying plot and frantic energy now feel more stressful than joyful.
Super Mario Bros.
A prime example of how not to adapt a video game to film, Super Mario Bros., left many fans confused and wondering why they bothered watching. While it drew the attention of child fans, its bizarre dystopian world and convoluted plot failed to resonate for more than a few years.
The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle
Rocky and Bullwinkle’s cartoon antics entertained many, and it succeeded initially as an action-filled comedic adventure. Unfortunately, rewatching this nostalgic favorite as an adult leaves much to be desired, with its humor and story failing to engage a modern audience.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III
Time travel and subpar special effects marked Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, but this installment lacks the charm and excitement of its predecessors. Revisiting it reveals a less enjoyable trip down memory lane.
Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie
Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie brought the series to the big screen, but the transition didn’t improve the story or effects. Fans might find it lacks the energy and appeal of the TV show, making it a disappointing watch.
The Shadow
A mysterious hero made The Shadow intriguing, yet a muddled plot and underdeveloped characters detract from the film’s intended impact. Blending noir and superhero genres results in a confusing narrative that fails to engage.
Congo
Talking gorillas and jungle adventures made Congo an exciting watch. However, unrealistic effects and a silly story diminish its appeal. The film doesn’t quite deliver on its adventurous premise, leaving much to be desired.
Street Fighter
The adaptation of Street Fighter offers action but falls short in other areas. A painfully disjointed plot and over-the-top performances become more apparent upon rewatch. Nostalgia alone can’t save this film from its critical shortcomings.
Spice World
To every teenage girl in the 1990s, the Spice Girls’ charm made Spice World captivating and worthy of multiple rewatches. But a few decades later, concert footage mixed with a loose plot feels like a marketing gimmick, and the lack of narrative coherence makes it a tough watch today.
Flubber
Robin Williams brought energy to Flubber, and with its bouncing green goo, the film scored a few laughs among younger audiences. However, a thin plot and reliance on slapstick humor made Flubber less appealing to older audiences, eventually fading into obscurity.
Richie Rich
One ambitious kid with endless money and gadgets seemed appealing in Richie Rich as we grew up. Yet, shallow plot and one-dimensional characters make it less engaging, and the initial charm doesn’t extend beyond the premise.
Blank Check
A kid stumbling upon a million dollars was the exciting premise of Blank Check. Yet, an unrealistic plot and lackluster acting become apparent on a second watch. Its fantasy scenario feels more far-fetched than fun.
Home Alone 3
If a third installment of Home Alone seemed unnecessary in 1997, it seems utterly regrettable nowadays. A new cast and rehashed plot failed to capture the original films’ magic, instantly feeling like an unnecessary addition to a beloved series.
Thumbelina
Born from a flower and growing only 2 inches tall, Thumbelina follows a tiny heroine’s adventures as she navigates a challenging world. Despite this intriguing plot, dated animation and cringeworthy songs fail to impress today.
Quest for Camelot
This Arthurian animation follows a brave heroine’s quest in a magical land. Its highs and lows kept younger audiences glued to the screen. Nowadays, adult viewers can see this film for what it truly is: a predictable plot with subpar animation.
