A little while ago, before the COVID-19 pandemic swept across 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 two youngest. During a particularly long afternoon, I logged into our Netflix account to let my son choose a movie. To my delight, a nostalgic gem from my childhood appeared: Richie Rich.
As fans of Home Alone, we were excited to dive into this classic. My son was ecstatic. Could it be? Was Macaulay Culkin, known for his role as Kevin McCallister, actually playing Richie? After watching, Netflix suggested similar movies, leading me down a rabbit hole of ’80s and ’90s flicks that I couldn’t wait to share with my four kids. Would these films enchant them as much as they did me back in the day? Only time would tell.
With so many families practicing social isolation due to the pandemic, keeping kids entertained has become a full-time job. Whether you’re navigating homeschooling or just trying to fill the hours, nostalgic movies and shows can be the perfect solution.
If you have subscriptions to HULU, Prime Video, Netflix, or Disney+ (or if you, like us, have them all), you’re likely to find a treasure trove of feel-good films and series that evoke fond memories from our youth. So grab some popcorn, cozy up on the living room floor with blankets and pillows, and prepare for some classic entertainment.
HULU:
- Family Matters
This was one of my all-time favorite shows. Who could resist Steve Urkel’s hilarious antics, Grandma Winslow’s sage advice, and the playful sarcasm of Carl and Harriet? Debuting in 1989, it was groundbreaking for featuring a Black family in a prime-time slot alongside other classics like Step by Step. - Free Willy
In this touching tale, a troubled boy on community service discovers that Willy, a captive whale, is in danger of being killed. He will stop at nothing to save him. If you enjoy this, don’t miss Free Willy 2 and Free Willy 3, both available on HULU. - Full House
My kids were surprised to learn that Fuller House (which they enjoy on Netflix) is a continuation of the original. I showed them some of my favorite episodes, like the one where DJ and Stephanie accidentally damage their dad’s wall. Who could forget Stephanie’s famous catchphrase, “How rude!” or Uncle Joey’s hilarious impressions?
Prime Video:
- Good Burger
I can still quote lines from this comedic gem featuring Kel Mitchell and Kenan Thompson as Ed and Dexter. They band together to save Good Burger from the looming threat of Mondo Burger. - Never Been Kissed
Drew Barrymore shines as a reporter who goes undercover in high school, reliving her own painful past as “Josie Grossie.” This charming film is sprinkled with familiar faces like Octavia Spencer and Molly Shannon, reminding us how delightful first impressions can be.
Netflix:
- Hook
Starring Robin Williams, this 1991 classic features a grown-up Peter Pan who has forgotten his youthful spirit. He returns to Neverland to rescue his children from Captain Hook, played by Dustin Hoffman, and Tinkerbell, portrayed by Julia Roberts. - Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Matthew Broderick stars as the cheeky Ferris, who, along with his friends, skips school while evading a relentless principal. This 1986 film is packed with memorable one-liners that are sure to amuse your kids. - Indiana Jones
Stream all four Indiana Jones films featuring Harrison Ford, starting with the iconic Raiders of the Lost Ark. Great news for fans: a fifth installment is in the works, and yes, Ford will return!
Disney+:
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
Join inventor Wayne Szalinski as he accidentally shrinks his children and their friends, racing against time to rescue them. Follow it up with Honey, I Blew Up the Kid, and look forward to another sequel in development. - Sister Act
Whoopi Goldberg stars as a woman hiding from the mob in a convent, where her comedic struggles to fit in are matched only by the film’s memorable music. - Boy Meets World
My sister and I adored this series about Cory Matthews and his adventures with family and friends. After binge-watching all seven seasons, check out the reboot, Girl Meets World, also available on Disney+.
For all my fellow fans of the ’80s and ’90s, these films and shows promise to delight your kids as much as they did for us back in the day. Plus, sharing these nostalgic moments can be a comforting escape during these challenging times. For even more helpful content, check out this other blog post at Home Insemination Kit about the journey of creating a family. If you’re interested in fertility resources, this site offers valuable information, and Science Daily is another excellent resource for everything related to pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, revisiting these classic films and shows can be a fun way to bond with your kids while providing some much-needed entertainment during an unprecedented time.
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