The ’90s wasn’t just a special time for music, baggy jeans, and Clarissa Explains It All. The ’90s was also a time in history when animals were movie stars! And those animal movies? They made me cry every single time. That final scene of Homeward Bound where you’re not sure if Shadow is going to make it? Everyone’s all “He’s too old.” Then BAM he limps over the hill with a broken leg. SOB! Any movie with a monkey or ape–I’m sold. What’s even better is that a lot of these films featured super cool, eccentric female protagonists. (With amazing style, just check out the trailer for Monkey Trouble.)

Babe

I didn’t eat bacon for a month. (That’s a lie. I could never stop eating bacon, but if I could I would’ve!)

Homeward Bound

A cat named “Sassy” was basically my role model.

Free Willy

The scene where he takes that giant leap–etched in my brain forever.

Monkey Trouble

The fashion is impeccable. The plot is amazing: A monkey trained to be a pickpocket–love it!

That Darn Cat

Christina Ricci was so melodramatically goth in this movie and it was fantastic. Also there was a murder mystery involving a kitty cat. Top notch.

Flipper

Elijah Wood and a dolphin. Need I say more?

Air Bud

A dog who plays basketball better than most humans. Cheesy enough to be good, people.

Lassie

Michelle Williams is a baby here. Being from the city myself, I loved any movie that took urban kids and put them in the country because I am 100% sure I would complain as much.

Paulie

A parrot who can actually talk!

Buddy

Of course this made me cry too, why would you even ask? Raising a gorilla as your own, only for him to (naturally) become the aggressive creature he was destined to be. Breaks my heart. (I still would keep a pet gorilla.)

Zeus and Roxanne

Interspecies love! Dolphins and dogs talking? Sign me up.

Shiloh

I read this book in elementary school, so of course I loved this movie.

Beethoven

I had a dog just as rebellious, fluffy, and lovable as Beethoven. There will always be a soft spot for ole’ Beets.

Wishbone’s Dog Days Of The West

I watched the show everyday after school. What’s the story, Wishbone? You remember the theme. A feature length movie was just twice the awesome.

Dunston Checks In

A mischievous orangutan is the key element of any great movie.

What’s your favorite animal movie? Let us know in the comments!