The Best Movies Of 1994

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Updated May 2, 2024 40.9K views 85 items
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Only movies released in theaters in 1994.

These are the best movies of 1994, from instant classics like Pulp Fiction to hilarious PG-13 Comedies like Dumb and Dumber. Hollywood thrived in 1994 with top critically acclaimed movies like Forrest Gump. Some the best movies from this year are some of the best teen, coming of age, adventure, comedies, and dramas in history. This 1994 movie list even includes some of the best animated movies of all time like The Lion King. Be sure to vote up your favorite movies from 1994 to help them reach the top of the list. You can vote down any that you think other fans should skip.

The films on here are very memorable and had audiences on the edges of their seats, and still pack a punch so many years after they were first released. You shouldn't be too surprised by the movies listed on this list of the top films of 1994.

Most divisive: Ed Wood
Over 2.2K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies Of 1994
  • The Shawshank Redemption
    1

    The Shawshank Redemption

    Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton
    1,213 votes
    The Shawshank Redemption, a captivating drama directed by Frank Darabont, hinges on the resilience of the human spirit. The narrative unfolds in the grim confines of Shawshank State Penitentiary, where banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) lands after being wrongfully convicted for murder. Alongside Ellis 'Red' Redding (Morgan Freeman), a long-term inmate, Andy battles despair and corruption. In this struggle, they form an unshakeable bond that transcends the prison walls. A seven-time Oscar nominee, 'The Shawshank Redemption' is a testament to friendship's power and hope's endurance amid adversity.
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  • Pulp Fiction
    2

    Pulp Fiction

    John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman
    1,202 votes
    Pulp Fiction, a quintessential Quentin Tarantino piece, is a genre-defying blend of crime, drama, and black comedy. The film intricately weaves the lives of two hitmen - Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson), with a washed-up boxer Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis), and a mob boss's wife Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman). Punctuated by Tarantino's signature non-linear storytelling, the movie explores themes of redemption and consequences. It bagged the prestigious Palme d'Or at Cannes in 1994, testifying to its cinematic brilliance.
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  • The Lion King
    3

    The Lion King

    Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones
    995 votes
    In The Lion King, a young lion prince named Simba (voiced by Jonathan Taylor Thomas when young and Matthew Broderick as an adult) is destined to become king of the Pride Lands. His wicked uncle Scar (Jeremy Irons), however, has other plans. The film, an animated musical drama produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation, presents a tale of betrayal, exile and ultimately redemption. Aided by a meerkat Timon (Nathan Lane) and a warthog Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella), Simba reclaims his birthright. It won two Academy Awards in 1995 for Best Original Score and Best Original Song.
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  • Forrest Gump
    4

    Forrest Gump

    Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise
    1,244 votes
    Slow-witted Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) has never thought of himself as disadvantaged, and thanks to his supportive mother (Sally Field), he leads anything but a restricted life. Whether dominating on the gridiron as a college football star, fighting in Vietnam or captaining a shrimp boat, Forrest inspires people with his childlike optimism. But one person Forrest cares about most may be the most difficult to save -- his childhood love, the sweet but troubled Jenny (Robin Wright).
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  • Léon: The Professional
    5

    Léon: The Professional

    Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, Natalie Portman
    804 votes
    Mathilda (Natalie Portman) is only 12 years old, but is already familiar with the dark side of life: her abusive father stores drugs for corrupt police officers, and her mother neglects her. Léon (Jean Reno), who lives down the hall, tends to his houseplants and works as a hired hitman for mobster Tony (Danny Aiello). When her family is murdered by crooked DEA agent Stansfield (Gary Oldman), Mathilda joins forces with a reluctant Léon to learn his deadly trade and avenge her family's deaths.
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  • Speed
    6

    Speed

    Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper, Sandra Bullock
    732 votes
    In the adrenaline-pumping thriller, Speed, Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves), a young LAPD cop, races against time to save a bus full of passengers. A mad bomber, Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper), has rigged the city bus to explode if it drops below 50mph. The resilient passenger Annie Porter (Sandra Bullock) unwittingly becomes an integral part of this high-stakes saga. As the cityscape blurs in their wake, Jack must outsmart Payne and keep everyone alive. This high-octane movie, fueled by daring stunts and sharp dialogue, won two Academy Awards for its sound production.
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  • True Lies
    7

    True Lies

    Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Arnold
    629 votes
    In True Lies, a high-octane blend of action-comedy and spy-thriller, Harry Tasker (Arnold Schwarzenegger) leads a double life. By day, he's a dull computer salesman married to Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis), but by night, he's a top-secret government agent combating international terrorism. When his two worlds collide following an investigation into illegal arms sales, chaos ensues. Director James Cameron expertly orchestrates this rollercoaster ride of suspense, humor, and explosive stunts. The film scooped up an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, testament to its groundbreaking spectacle.
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  • Dumb and Dumber
    8

    Dumb and Dumber

    Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, Lauren Holly
    752 votes
    Imbecilic best friends Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) and Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels) stumble across a suitcase full of money left behind in Harry's car by Mary Swanson (Lauren Holly), who was on her way to the airport. The pair decide to go to Aspen, Colo., to return the money, unaware that it is connected to a kidnapping. As Harry and Lloyd -- who has fallen in love with Mary -- are pursued across the country by hired killers and police, they find both their friendship and their brains tested.
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  • The Santa Clause
    9

    The Santa Clause

    Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson
    478 votes
    In the family-comedy film The Santa Clause, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) inadvertently becomes Santa Claus. A regular father and business executive, Calvin stumbles upon a peculiar situation on Christmas Eve involving the real Santa. After donning the red suit and delivering gifts worldwide, he wakes up to find it wasn't a dream. The transformation begins gradually, and as the reality sinks in, he must juggle his everyday life with his newfound responsibilities at the North Pole. The movie cleverly weaves humor and fantasy, providing a fresh spin on holiday lore.
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  • Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
    10

    Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

    Jim Carrey, Courteney Cox, Sean Young
    625 votes
    Ace Ventura: Pet Detective is a comedy film that features Jim Carrey as the quirky and flamboyant character, Ace Ventura. The plot revolves around his mission to recover the missing mascot of the Miami Dolphins football team, a dolphin named Snowflake. Courteney Cox co-stars as Melissa Robinson, an employee of the football team who assists Ventura in his investigation. As he navigates a series of comedic escapades and brushes with danger, Ventura uncovers a deeper conspiracy involving a disgraced ex-player (Sean Young). The movie, directed by Tom Shadyac, has become iconic for Carrey's eccentric performance and slapstick humor.
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  • The Crow
    11

    The Crow

    Brandon Lee, Ernie Hudson, Michael Wincott
    647 votes
    In the dark, gritty world of The Crow, Eric Draven (Brandon Lee) is brought back from the dead to avenge his and his fiancé's murder. Set in the grim underbelly of Detroit, this action-packed film blends elements of fantasy and horror. Director Alex Proyas paints a cityscape filled with crime and corruption, where Draven, guided by a mystical crow, battles against evil kingpin Top Dollar (Michael Wincott). This cult classic, known for its stylized violence and haunting score, showcases Lee's final, posthumous performance. Despite its tragic production history, The Crow remains a testament to the enduring power of love and revenge.
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  • The Mask
    12

    The Mask

    Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz, Peter Riegert
    658 votes
    In the 1994 comedy The Mask, Stanley Ipkiss (Jim Carrey), a timid bank clerk, stumbles upon a mysterious mask. This is no ordinary costume piece; it's imbued with transformative powers that turn its wearer into an unstoppable mischief-maker. The film charts Stanley's exploits in Edge City as he tangles with gangsters, charms the stunning Tina Carlyle (Cameron Diaz), and wrestles with controlling the mask's potent influence. Despite the madcap chaos, there's a heart beneath the hijinks - a tale of an underdog rising above his mundane existence. The Mask is a blend of comedy, fantasy, and action that showcases Carrey's manic energy and comedic genius.
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  • Maverick
    13

    Maverick

    Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, James Garner
    412 votes
    The film Maverick, an intriguing blend of Western and comedy, showcases the adventurous life of Bret Maverick (Mel Gibson), a charming poker player. Not just seeking fortune, he aims to secure a spot in a high-stakes poker game. Alongside him is Annabelle Bransford (Jodie Foster), a crafty thief and Cooper (James Garner), a lawman with secrets. The trio navigates through con artists, outlaws, and Native American warriors. The narrative, studded with twists and humor, culminates at the poker table where hidden truths unfold. Garnering an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design, Maverick remains a delightful watch.
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  • Interview with the Vampire (1994)
    14

    Interview with the Vampire (1994)

    Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Antonio Banderas
    616 votes
    Interview with the Vampire is a compelling exploration of immortality, guilt, and human nature. The film unravels the centuries-long life of Louis de Pointe du Lac (Brad Pitt), a reluctant vampire, as he recounts his tale to a modern-day journalist (Christian Slater). Turned into a vampire by the charismatic yet ruthless Lestat de Lioncourt (Tom Cruise), Louis grapples with his new existence. Claudia (Kirsten Dunst), a child turned into a vampire, adds another layer of complexity to their unconventional family dynamic. This Gothic horror-drama, based on Anne Rice's popular novel, earned two Academy Award nominations and remains an iconic entry in the vampire genre.
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  • Clear and Present Danger
    15

    Clear and Present Danger

    Harrison Ford, Willem Dafoe, Anne Archer
    409 votes
    In Clear and Present Danger, Jack Ryan (Harrison Ford), a CIA analyst, finds himself in the midst of political warfare. When a close friend of the President is murdered by a Colombian drug cartel, Ryan is drawn into an illegal covert war against them. Unearthing layers of deception within his own agency, he realizes he's been made a scapegoat. As Ryan ventures deeper into this dangerous world, he must navigate through treacherous political waters to preserve his career, his life, and the principles he holds dear. This action-packed thriller, based on Tom Clancy's novel, won multiple awards for its gripping narrative and stellar performances.
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  • Natural Born Killers
    16

    Natural Born Killers

    Woody Harrelson, Juliette Lewis, Robert Downey Jr.
    531 votes
    In the turbulent and twisted film Natural Born Killers, Mickey (Woody Harrelson) and Mallory Knox (Juliette Lewis) are the central characters. This couple, far from ordinary, embark on a violent cross-country killing spree. With an almost psychedelic approach, director Oliver Stone presents their journey through a variety of visual styles. Robert Downey Jr. portrays Wayne Gale, a sensationalist television reporter who becomes entangled in their chaotic world. The movie is renowned for its controversial exploration of media influence and violence in American culture, making it a significant piece in the crime genre.
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  • Stargate
    17

    Stargate

    Kurt Russell, James Spader, Jaye Davidson
    425 votes
    In modern-day Egypt, professor Daniel Jackson (James Spader) teams up with retired Army Col. Jack O'Neil (Kurt Russell) to unlock the code of an interstellar gateway to an ancient Egypt-like world. They arrive on a planet ruled by the despotic Ra (Jaye Davidson), who holds the key to the Earth travelers' safe return. Now, in order to escape from their intergalactic purgatory, Jackson and O'Neil must convince the planet's people that Ra must be overthrown.
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  • The River Wild
    18

    The River Wild

    Meryl Streep, Kevin Bacon, David Strathairn
    235 votes
    Fast-paced thriller in which a young family on a white-water rafting adventure in Montana are taken hostage by a pair of dangerous fugitives. The rafting holiday - a birthday gift for the New England couple's ten-year-old son - turns into a nightmare when the two armed killers take control and try to force the mother, a proficient rafter, to use her skills to help them escape down the treacherous rapids.
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  • Clerks
    19

    Clerks

    Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Marilyn Ghigliotti
    543 votes
    In Clerks, Dante Hicks (Brian O'Halloran) is a convenience store employee, suddenly thrust into an unplanned double shift. His friend, Randal Graves (Jeff Anderson), works next door at a video rental shop. Both are disillusioned with their mundane lives in suburbia. Over the course of one day, they encounter a parade of colorful characters, discuss pop culture and life's absurdities, and confront personal dilemmas. This black-and-white indie film, directed by Kevin Smith, won the Filmmaker's Trophy at Sundance in 1994. It is a raw exploration of 90s slacker culture with comedic undertones and sharp dialogue.
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  • Legends of the Fall
    20

    Legends of the Fall

    Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Aidan Quinn
    512 votes
    Legends of the Fall is a sweeping epic drama set against the rugged Montana landscape. The narrative centers on the lives of the Ludlow brothers, Alfred (Aidan Quinn), Tristan (Brad Pitt), and Samuel (Henry Thomas), who are raised by their stern father, Colonel William Ludlow (Anthony Hopkins). Their tranquil existence is disrupted when Samuel brings home his beautiful fiancé, Susannah (Julia Ormond), sparking a love triangle that threatens to tear the family apart. This tale of brotherly love, betrayal, and redemption won an Academy Award for Cinematography.
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  • Reality Bites
    21

    Reality Bites

    Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, Ben Stiller
    248 votes
    In the heart of the 90s, Reality Bites blooms as a romantic comedy-drama, capturing the spirit of Generation X. Lelaina Pierce (Winona Ryder), an aspiring documentarian, grapples with post-college life alongside her roommate Vickie Miner (Janeane Garofalo). Their lives intertwine with Troy Dyer (Ethan Hawke), a brooding musician, and Michael Grates (Ben Stiller), an executive at an MTV-like network. As Lelaina documents their struggles and successes, love triangles emerge and friendships are tested. Directed by Ben Stiller, this film encapsulates the angst and uncertainty of young adulthood while offering sharp social commentary on the era's pop culture.
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  • It Could Happen to You
    22

    It Could Happen to You

    Nicolas Cage, Bridget Fonda, Rosie Perez
    187 votes
    Charlie Lang (Nicolas Cage) is a simple, kindhearted New York City cop. When he realizes he has no money to tip waitress Yvonne Biasi (Bridget Fonda), Lang offers her half the winnings of his lottery ticket. Amazingly, the ticket happens to be a winner, in the sum of $4 million. True to his word, Lang proceeds to share the prize money with Biasi, which infuriates his greedy wife, Muriel (Rosie Perez). Not content with the arrangement, Muriel begins scheming to take all the money.
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  • Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult
    23

    Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult

    O. J. Simpson, Raquel Welch, Anna Nicole Smith
    234 votes
    Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult is a 1994 comedy film, the third and final film in the Naked Gun series, which was based on the Police Squad! television series. It was marketed with the tagline: "Mostly All New Jokes." The "33⅓" of the title is a reference to the speed at which long playing phonograph records play. The film was originally going to be titled Naked Gun 33⅓: Just for the Record, but was changed after the studio felt not many understood the joke. It was also going to be called "The Naked Gun III: The Final Insult", according to some Christmas 1993 video previews. Leslie Nielsen returns as Lieutenant Frank Drebin, along with Priscilla Presley as Jane Spencer Drebin, O. J. Simpson as Officer Nordberg and George Kennedy as Captain Ed Hocken. Newcomers to the series Fred Ward, Anna Nicole Smith, and Kathleen Freeman co-star as a gang of bombers set to blow up the Academy Awards ceremony. Raye Birk reprises his role as the villainous "Pahpshmir" from The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!.
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  • Four Weddings and a Funeral
    24

    Four Weddings and a Funeral

    Hugh Grant, Andie MacDowell, Kristin Scott Thomas
    422 votes
    Four Weddings and a Funeral is a captivating British romantic comedy. Charles, portrayed by Hugh Grant, is a charming yet commitment-phobic bachelor who finds himself smitten with an American beauty, Carrie (Andie MacDowell). As the title suggests, the film follows their serendipitous encounters at four weddings and a funeral, over which their love story unfolds. A delightful blend of humor and sentimentality, this film was a box-office hit and received two Academy Award nominations. With its clever script and engaging performances, Four Weddings and a Funeral remains an iconic entry in the rom-com genre.
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  • Ed Wood
    25

    Ed Wood

    Johnny Depp, Martin Landau, Sarah Jessica Parker
    476 votes
    Ed Wood (Johnny Depp) is a passionate but troubled filmmaker, struggling in Hollywood's golden age. This biographical comedy-drama, directed by Tim Burton, chronicles Wood's life and his unconventional friendship with horror film legend Bela Lugosi (Martin Landau), whose career was in decline. The movie explores the production of Wood's infamous B-movie classics like Plan 9 from Outer Space and Glen or Glenda. Landau's exceptional portrayal of Lugosi earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Despite its humorous tone, Ed Wood remains a poignant tribute to one of cinema's most eccentric figures.
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  • The Client
    26

    The Client

    Susan Sarandon, Tommy Lee Jones, Mary-Louise Parker
    168 votes
    In The Client, an 11-year-old Mark Sway (Brad Renfro) becomes the sole witness to a mob lawyer's suicide - a death that reveals the whereabouts of a murdered senator's body. Mark finds himself under the protection of Reggie Love (Susan Sarandon), a dedicated attorney with a soft spot for lost causes. As they navigate through treacherous legal waters, the duo must outwit both Barry Muldano (Anthony LaPaglia), a dangerous mafia hitman, and Roy Foltrigg (Tommy Lee Jones), an ambitious federal prosecutor. This riveting legal thriller, based on John Grisham's best-selling novel, won Susan Sarandon an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. The film weaves together elements of crime, drama, and suspense in a tightly knit narrative that keeps viewers on edge from start to finish.
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  • Quiz Show
    27

    Quiz Show

    John Turturro, Rob Morrow, Ralph Fiennes
    421 votes
    Queens-born Herbie Stempel (John Turturro) becomes an unlikely hero after winning on America's beloved game show, "Twenty One." When the network decides to bring in a more telegenic contestant, the WASP-ish Charles Van Doren (Ralph Fiennes), Stempel takes aim at the show, announcing that the game is rigged. Congressional investigator Dick Goodwin (Rob Morrow) is brought in to examine the claim that winners were given the answers. Goodwin wrote the book on which this true story is based.
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  • Wes Craven's New Nightmare
    28

    Wes Craven's New Nightmare

    Robert Englund, Heather Langenkamp, Miko Hughes
    245 votes
    In Wes Craven's New Nightmare, horror takes a meta turn. Heather Langenkamp, playing herself, is a retired actress famous for her role as Nancy Thompson in the Nightmare on Elm Street series. Her old nemesis, Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund), transcends fiction and invades reality, terrorizing Heather and her family. Directed by Wes Craven himself, this self-referential film blurs the line between cinema and life, wrapping up the Nightmare series with an innovative twist. The movie boasts a unique blend of suspense and horror, which earned it a Saturn Award nomination for Best Horror Film.
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  • Hoop Dreams
    29

    Hoop Dreams

    William Gates, Arthur Agee, Sheila Agee
    355 votes
    Hoop Dreams is a compelling documentary that chronicles the lives of two Chicago high school students, William Gates and Arthur Agee (themselves), who dream of becoming professional basketball players. The film, directed by Steve James, delves into the harsh realities of their journey, from academic pressures to family struggles. It's not just about sports; it's an exploration of American life, aspirations, and societal structures. Garnering critical acclaim, Hoop Dreams won the Audience Award for Best Documentary at Sundance in 1994. This is a narrative of perseverance and ambition against all odds.
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  • Wyatt Earp
    30

    Wyatt Earp

    Kevin Costner, Dennis Quaid, Gene Hackman
    285 votes
    The epic biography of western lawman Wyatt Earp, who at an early age, is taught that nothing matters more than family and the law. He becomes a respected sheriff in Dodge City and Tombstone. Joined by his brothers and Doc Holliday, Earp wages war on the dreaded Clanton and McLaury gangs.
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