7. The Borrowers
Based on a series of childrens books by Mary Norton, The Borrowers is the only family film on our list of the best of 1998 (so far). Its one of those films that is intelligent and fun enough to appeal to grown-ups as well as kids, and it stands out with its satisfying storytelling, compelling characters and first-rate special effects. A family home is targeted for demolition by a menacing developer played by John Goodman. Unknown to the inhabitants of the house, a family of tiny people, the borrowers, lives in the walls, and it falls to these four-inch beings to save the day. John Goodman is particularly good here, and hams it up playing the villain. British actor Jim Broadbent stands out as Pod Clock, the patriarch of the little people.