While I used to use Hulu primarily for next-day TV episodes, I've recently come to appreciate its vast and varied library of films. To my delight, it currently hosts a ton of '80s, '90s, and '00s movies that I either owned on VHS or repeatedly rented from my nearest Blockbuster. It's a strange list — probably the only lineup that will ever feature both The Care Bears Movie and Deuce Bigalo: Male Gigalo — because it's unique to my weird cinematic taste as a kid, but I guarantee there are some titles that you've watched on repeat as well. Here are 25 of my favourite childhood films from its current catalogue! (Note that while most of these are available with a basic Hulu account, you'll need to purchase the Showtime add-on for a few.)
It Takes Two, 1995
It Takes Two is a Summer staple [1] in my house, in addition to being my go-to for sick days [2]. Would you expect any less from someone who joined the official Mary-Kate and Ashley fan club? (Really, though, they sent me a box of memorabilia and I kept it under my bed.)
Watch it now [3].
The Emperor's New Groove, 2000
This Disney move came near the end of my "seeing animated movies in theatres" days — I was 12 when it was released — but I love it nonetheless. Let this serve as your friendly reminder that David Spade was once the (vocal) star of a Disney film.
Watch it now [4].
House Arrest, 1996
Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Pollak are the adult stars of this wacky comedy about kids who want to keep their bickering parents from getting divorced. And yes, that's Jennifer Love Hewitt [5].
Watch it now [6].
The Fantasticks, 1995
What's that? You're craving a dated musical starring Joey McIntyre of New Kids on the Block fame? Say no more, friend.
Watch it now [7].
The Indian in the Cupboard, 1995
I know this movie is based on every boy's favourite childhood book, but I'm not entirely confident that it's not super problematic now.
Watch it now [8].
Billy Madison, 1995
Step 1: Go back and watch Billy Madison. Step 2: Send "T-T-T-TODAY JUNIOR!" GIFs to every person you know.
Watch it now [9].
Jurassic Park, 1993
Nothing beats the original . . . sorry, Chris Pratt.
Watch it now [10].
Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, 2004
The very same year that Mean Girls [11] was released, Lindsay Lohan [12] starred in this Disney gem as a big city dreamer forced to relocate to the 'burbs with her family. It's a true LiLo classic.
Watch it now [13].
Alive, 1993
Who else was scarred by this tale of friendship and survival starring Ethan Hawke [14]?
Watch it now [15].
Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, 1997
If you haven't argued with your best friend about who's the Romy and who's the Michele, were you even alive in the '90s?
Watch it now [16].
Deuce Bigalo Male Gigalo, 1999
I don't know how I got to see this R-rated movie in theatres at age 11, but I freakin' loved Deuce Bigalo Male Gigalo — definitely one of the underrated Rob Schneider joints out there. (For the record, The Hot Chick is also on Hulu right now [17].)
Watch it now [18].
Superstar, 1999
Speaking of Saturday Night Live [19] cast members, Molly Shannon and Will Ferrell [20] are at the top of their game in this spinoff featuring Shannon's classic character Mary Katherine Gallagher. The late, great Roger Ebert gave this movie one star [21], saying, "The film is only 82 minutes long, including the generous closing credits, and yet long before it's over, it runs out of any reason for existing."
Watch it now [22].
Ladybugs, 1992
I usually find Rodney Dangerfield overly abrasive (hate me all you want), but there's something charming about this underdog tale of a girls' soccer team.
Watch it now [23].
The Preacher's Wife, 1996
Come for Denzel's bod. Stay for Whitney's soundtrack.
Watch it now [24].
Baby Boom, 1987
I have never enjoyed Diane Keaton [25] more than in this thoroughly '80s (yet still unfortunately timely) masterpiece about modern womanhood. I still think one day I'll run my own multi-million-dollar homemade baby food operation out of my kitchen.
Watch it now [26].
Bull Durham, 1988
Kevin Costner [27] and Susan Sarandon in a love story for the ages! Plus, baseball.
Watch it now [28].
Pretty in Pink, 1986
Have you watched Pretty in Pink recently? It's far darker than Molly Ringwald's other '80s classics, Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club.
Watch it now [29].
The Love Letter, 1999
I wouldn't say this Ellen DeGeneres [30] rom-com measures up to Mr. Wrong, but it's pretty good.
Watch it now [31].
Girls Just Want to Have Fun, 1985
If you haven't somehow caught Girls Just Want to Have Fun playing on cable over the past 30 years, now's your chance to watch Sarah Jessica Parker [32] fulfil her dreams of being a regular on Dance TV.
Watch it now [33].
Shanghai Noon, 2000
Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson [34] in the Wild West! What's not to love?
Watch it now [35].
The Care Bears Movie, 1985
Looking back, this version of the Care Bears is kind of creepy . . . but at the time, it was adorable.
Watch it now [36].
Stuart Little, 1999
STUART LITTLE IS ALMOST 20 YEARS OLD. WHAT HAPPENED, YOU GUYS?!
Watch it now [37].
Hackers, 1995
Stars Jonny Lee Miller and Angelina Jolie [38] were married shortly after the release of Hackers, which is partially why it's still so fascinating to watch.
Watch it now [39].
The Legend of Bagger Vance, 2000
This was only four years after The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air [40] ended. Man, how I wish Will Smith [41] and Matt Damon [42] would do another movie together.
Watch it now [43].
Dr. T and the Women, 2000
I remember watching this bizarre romantic comedy once at a dinner party while the adults were eating. I recently rewatched it, and it's still weird. (But . . . good weird.)
Watch it now [44].