In the age of reboots, remakes and revivals there are several much beloved 90’s programs and films that are well overdue for a return to our screens. Whether that be in the form of movies, tv’s or even games like the most recent Indianna Jones revival, here are a few things from the 90’s I’d like to see get a modern retelling (and some that you might not know of that might be coming back).
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Not going to lie, this was the first one I wrote down for this list and only after starting this article did I learn that a reboot of our favourite kick-ass vampire slayer is actually already in the works. Former Buffy star, Sarah Michelle Gellar is attached to the new TV, after Chloe Zhao asked to meet with her and talked Gellar into making a return after sharing her plans for what a revival could look like. It has been made clear by the current production team that former show runner and creator Joss Whedon will have no involvement with the show.
Reading Rainbow
Hear me out on this. Reading Rainbow was a children’s classic and was a phenomenal show and I will accept no slander on the topic. Levar Burton also was an incredible storyteller and a program like this would soar if the right creative and passionate team behind them. With kids’ programs like Bluey getting a lot of love and showing that family programs can cater to all audiences this should make a revival. If Levar Burton can’t do it, then get Donald Glover to do it.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
I know we’ve tried this already, but that Michael Bay movie just doesn’t count. Let’s not shy away from the camp that was the original Power Rangers and bring the show back to its roots. You could start with a new team of Rangers, let everything that happened before still exist and do a new Netflix like series that acknowledges its past and creates a new team for the new generation. Netflix might even be a solid home for it, with what its done with other popular older franchises and kept their original and campy roots this seems like a no brainer.
The Mask
No one could ever replace the incredible Jim Carrey, but The Mask has so much potential especially in today’s market. With superhero stories and fourth wall breaking characters becoming more and more popular over the years, a character like The Mask is begging to make a return.
Mr. Bean
I still find it insane that there are only 15-episodes of the original run of Mr. Bean (and one of them is a best-bits episode). A show has never had more reach potential, when the main character relies on their actions over their words it eliminates the language barrier and becomes one of thee most accessible shows in the market. Rowan Atkinson has returned for a few movies with the character now, but a proper series return is long overdue, there are still so many more stories to be told with the loveable idiot and his Teddy.
The Nanny
Out of all the 90’s sit-coms that we got, I don’t think any deserves more of a revival than The Nanny. Yes I know Seinfeld, Will & Grace, and Friends exist, but they still to this day get heaps of air-time and at this point if I ever see those shows get a reboot or revival, I’ll be mad, those shows are untouchable and are products of their time. The Nanny however has ample opportunity to get a modern-day retelling. Whether it be a completely new story or even potentially based on Maggie, Brighton, or Grace’s kids?
Xena: The Warrior Princess
A reboot for this series was originally in the works but was cancelled back in 2017. With female action leads becoming increasingly popular and relevant it’s a good time to bring one of the og’s back. With a team of good writers behind them, a Xena franchise could soar again.
The Mummy
Good news, The Mummy is already in the works to return and you won’t have to wait long (Thankfully it looks like it won’t be like the Tom Cruise one). Sadly, Brendan Fraser won’t be returning as Rick O’ Connell but it will instead feature a new cast and story entirely. The Mummy returns in April of 2026 with horror writer and director Lee Cronin who is likely to bring the film back to its horror roots.
Batman Beyond
I’m just going to say it, the original Batman Beyond series is incredible and I’d much rather see this get a Into The Spider-Verse like animated series or film than ANOTHER new Bruce Wayne Batman film. We have had multiple Batman movies every decade for a while now. Let Bruce play a side part for a while and give Terry his time to shine.
The Goonies
GOONIES FOR LIFE! This one still hurts that it’s not happened, news of a Goonies sequel has been up and down for decades. Last we’ve heard is that of September of 2024 a film is NOT in the works, which is absolutely unacceptable. The Goonies deserve a proper second film with its original cast appearing, whether it be focused on their kids now or the adults going on another adventure, it doesn’t matter to me Colombus and Spielberg better get writing.
Starship Troopers
Would you like to know more? Yes, I would like to know more on when I can expect to see this massively over the top, cheesy mess of a franchise is returning. With the video game Helldivers 2 taking massive inspiration from Starship Troopers and finding great success, it shows that an audience does exist for this satirical comedy war film about alien bugs. Thankfully, Sony Pictures agrees and a new Starship Movies Reboot is reportedly in the works.
Mr Rogers
Lastly, whilst Mr Rogers may be gone, the lessons he taught us are not and they’re still just as important potentially now more than ever. I’ve no idea how you’d do it, who’d you do it with, but a show that teaches people to reconnect with their neighbours and strangers in an empathetic way may just be what this crazy divided world needs right now.
