The Best Movies Of The 1990s
- 1Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton
The Shawshank Redemption, released in 1994 and directed by Frank Darabont, has become a pinnacle of hope and redemption in the world of cinema. With an outstanding adaptation of Stephen King's novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, the film chronicles the life of Andy Dufresne (played by Tim Robbins), an innocent man charged with murder. Alongside his newfound loyal friend Red (Morgan Freeman), they navigate through the horrors of Shawshank State Penitentiary while never losing sight of their humanity. Impeccable storytelling, combined with excellent character development, gives viewers a sense of inspiration that resonates long after watching the film. The thrilling escape plan orchestrated by Andy contributes to this masterpiece's widespread acclaim as one of the best movies from the 1990s.
- Dig Deeper...Behind The Scenes Of 'The Shawshank Redemption,' And The Making Of An Unlikely Classic
- #2 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #1 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- 2Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum
Jurassic Park, a groundbreaking 1993 adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg, revolutionized visual effects with its astonishing representation of dinosaurs brought back to life. Based on Michael Crichton's novel, this cinematic marvel follows paleontologists Alan Grant (Sam Neill) and Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) as they embark on an ill-fated journey to Isla Nublar – home to John Hammond's (Richard Attenborough) genetically engineered dinosaur theme park. As chaos ensues, it becomes a race against time for survival amidst these prehistoric creatures' rampage. Its perfect blend of awe-inspiring visuals, captivating score by John Williams, and intense action sequences make Jurassic Park an enduring classic that still manages to enthrall audiences nearly three decades later.
- 3Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn
Released in 1991 and directed by Jonathan Demme, The Silence of the Lambs is a chilling psychological thriller that delves deep into the twisted minds of two serial killers: Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) and Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine). The movie follows novice FBI agent Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) as she seeks Dr. Lecter's insight to assist her in tracking down the elusive Buffalo Bill. With unforgettable performances by both Hopkins and Foster, who earned well-deserved Academy Awards for their roles, this intense and suspenseful film keeps viewers on edge from beginning to end. The Silence of the Lambs left an indelible mark on the thriller genre, earning its status as a quintessential 1990s movie.
- 4Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci
Directed by Martin Scorsese and released in 1990, Goodfellas is a crime drama that takes a deep dive into the world of mobsters, showcasing their rise and fall through loyalty, betrayal, and violence. Based on Nicholas Pileggi's non-fiction book "Wiseguy," this brilliant adaptation centers on Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), an ambitious young man who becomes involved with organized crime alongside his friends Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) and Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci). With standout performances from its ensemble cast and masterful storytelling by Scorsese, Goodfellas has become a timeless classic deserving recognition as one of the best films produced in the 1990s.
More Goodfellas
- Dig Deeper...Who Would Star In 'Goodfellas' If It Were Cast Today?
- #67 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #21 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- 5Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise
Forrest Gump, directed by Robert Zemeckis and released in 1994, is an emotional journey through American history seen through the eyes of its naive but kind-hearted protagonist Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks). This engaging film chronicles Forrest's extraordinary life experiences as he meets numerous historical figures and unwittingly influences significant events - all while harboring unrequited love for his childhood friend Jenny Curran (Robin Wright). Bolstered by Hanks' Oscar-winning performance along with captivating special effects seamlessly blending fiction with reality, Forrest Gump remains an endearing and timeless classic that captured audiences' hearts, earning its place among the best films of the 1990s.
More Forrest Gump- Dig Deeper...20 Crazy Behind-the-Scenes Facts About Forrest Gump
- #5 of 50 onThe Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
- #31 of 96 onThe Very Best Oscar-Winning Movies For Best Picture
- 6Tom Hanks, Edward Burns, Tom Sizemore
Saving Private Ryan, a 1998 war epic directed by Steven Spielberg, offers an unflinching portrayal of the brutal realities faced by soldiers during World War II. The film follows Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) and his squad as they embark on a perilous mission to locate and bring home Private James Ryan (Matt Damon) after learning that his three brothers have been killed in action. Featuring a harrowing opening sequence depicting the Omaha Beach landing during the Normandy Invasion, this powerful movie effectively conveys the chaos and horrors of war with unprecedented authenticity. Its remarkable storytelling, striking visuals, and poignant human drama make Saving Private Ryan an unforgettable cinematic experience and one of the best films from the 1990s.
- 7Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong
Terminator 2: Judgment Day is an exhilarating sci-fi action blockbuster directed by James Cameron and released in 1991 that redefined the possibilities for special effects in cinema while delivering an adrenaline-pumping story filled with intense action sequences. In this gripping sequel to Cameron's original Terminator film, Arnold Schwarzenegger reprises his role as a cyborg sent back in time to protect young John Connor (Edward Furlong), the future leader of the human resistance against Skynet – a malevolent artificial intelligence system. Linda Hamilton delivers a powerful performance as John's fiercely protective mother, Sarah Connor, while Robert Patrick shines as the menacing and nearly indestructible T-1000. A thrilling ride from start to finish, Terminator 2 remains a true standout among action-packed 1990s movies.
- 8Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss
The Matrix, released in 1999 and directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski, is a groundbreaking science fiction film that explores the concept of reality within an artificially created world controlled by sentient machines. Computer hacker Neo (Keanu Reeves), guided by enigmatic Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), discovers he is "The One" destined to lead humanity's rebellion against their oppressors. With its innovative visual effects - particularly the iconic "bullet time" technique - along with an intelligent script delving into philosophical themes, The Matrix has become a seminal work in both science fiction and action genres while remaining one of the most influential films of the 1990s.
- 9Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow
Seven is a chilling crime thriller directed by David Fincher and released in 1995 that examines humanity's darkest inclinations through its portrayal of a methodical serial killer (Kevin Spacey) enacting the seven deadly sins on his victims. Veteran detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and his impulsive new partner David Mills (Brad Pitt) form an uneasy alliance as they race against time to apprehend the murderer before he completes his grisly masterpiece. Featuring an atmospheric setting, meticulous pacing, and unforgettable performances from its lead actors, Seven effectively captivates viewers with its sinister ambiance while earning recognition as one of the most memorable films of the 1990s.
More Seven- #2 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #128 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #25 of 125 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
- 10Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones
The Lion King is a captivating animated musical released by Disney in 1994 that has enthralled audiences for generations with its compelling story, unforgettable characters, and uplifting music. Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, this enchanting film follows young lion Simba (voiced by Matthew Broderick) on his journey to reclaim his rightful place as king after the death of his father Mufasa (James Earl Jones). With iconic songs composed by Elton John and Tim Rice that continue to resonate today, The Lion King remains an enduring classic among animated films and one of the best movies created in the 1990s.
More The Lion King- Dig Deeper...13 Messed Up Things You Never Noticed About The Lion King
- And Deeper...Every Song in The Lion King, Ranked by Singability
- #4 of 50 onThe Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
- 11John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman
Pulp Fiction is an innovative and genre-defying crime drama directed by Quentin Tarantino that premiered in 1994, showcasing intertwining stories full of colorful characters, razor-sharp dialogue, and unflinching depictions of violence. This modern classic stars John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, and Bruce Willis in career-defining roles navigating Los Angeles' seedy underworld while encountering various eccentric individuals along the way. With its stylish non-linear narrative structure combined with Tarantino's signature wit and penchant for pop culture references, Pulp Fiction has left an indelible mark on cinema history while being hailed as one of the greatest movies produced during the 1990s.
More Pulp Fiction- Dig Deeper...Deleted Scenes in 'Pulp Fiction' As Explained By Quentin Tarantino
- #134 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #54 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- 12Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles
Toy Story, released in 1995 as Pixar's inaugural feature film with director John Lasseter at the helm, is an enchanting animated tale that delves into the hidden lives of children's toys when their owners are not around. The story revolves around Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), a cowboy doll who fears being replaced by new action figure Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen). As they overcome their rivalry to work together against common threats, Toy Story not only captivated viewers' imaginations but also made history as the first entirely computer-animated feature film. Its heartfelt narrative, lovable characters, and groundbreaking animation technique firmly establish Toy Story among the most groundbreaking movies of the 1990s.
More Toy Story - 13Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette
The Sixth Sense is a spine-chilling psychological thriller directed by M. Night Shyamalan that sent shockwaves through audiences upon its release in 1999 for its haunting atmosphere and unforgettable twist ending. The film follows child psychologist Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) as he tries to help young Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), a boy tormented by his ability to see ghosts. Through their evolving relationship set against an eerie backdrop rife with spectral encounters, The Sixth Sense masterfully conveys themes of redemption and emotional healing while remaining one of the most memorable movies from the 1990s.
More The Sixth Sense - 14Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes
Steven Spielberg's powerful Holocaust drama Schindler's List, released in 1993, tells the remarkable true story of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a German businessman who saved over a thousand Polish Jews during World War II by employing them in his factories. Presented in striking black and white cinematography with an evocative score by John Williams, this cinematic masterpiece sensitively portrays the horrors of war through its vivid depiction of human suffering and resilience. Schindler's List not only garnered critical acclaim but also stands as one of the most significant films produced during the 1990s.
More Schindler's List - 15Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern
Home Alone, directed by Chris Columbus and released in 1990, is a beloved family comedy that warms the hearts of audiences with its charming story of resourcefulness and resilience. When young Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is accidentally left behind during Christmas vacation, he must protect his home from two bumbling burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) using an array of ingenious booby traps. With its spirited performances, uproarious slapstick humor, and underlying message about the importance of family connections, Home Alone has solidified itself as a holiday classic and one of the most endearing films of the 1990s.
More Home Alone- Dig Deeper...Home Alone Is Way, Way More Messed Up Than You Remember
- #2 of 50 onThe Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
- #29 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- 16Brad Pitt, Ed Norton, Helena Bonham Carter
Fight Club is a provocative and subversive psychological drama directed by David Fincher that premiered in 1999 based on Chuck Palahniuk's novel about society's disillusionment and self-destruction. The film stars Edward Norton as an insomniac white-collar worker who forms an underground fight club with soap salesman Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) as an outlet for their pent-up aggression towards consumerist culture. With its unforgettable twist ending and biting social commentary, Fight Club has garnered a cult following and is widely regarded as one of the most influential films of the 1990s.
More Fight Club- Dig Deeper...'Fight Club' Fan Theories That Just Might Be True
- And Deeper...20 Surprising Facts You Didn't Know About Fight Club
- #8 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- 17Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan
Braveheart is an epic historical drama that captivated audiences upon its release in 1995 for its sweeping portrayal of Scottish hero William Wallace (Mel Gibson), who led his countrymen against English oppression during the late 13th century. Directed by Gibson himself, this Oscar-winning film showcases stunning cinematography alongside powerful battle sequences filled with raw emotion to convey the indomitable spirit of freedom fighters throughout history. Its rousing story and passionate performances have solidified Braveheart among the best movies produced in the 1990s.
- 18Tom Hanks, David Morse, Michael Clarke Duncan
The Green Mile, directed by Frank Darabont and released in 1999, is an emotional drama adapted from Stephen King's serial novel that delves into themes of compassion, redemption, and supernatural powers. The film chronicles the experiences of death row prison guard Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks) as he forms a bond with gentle giant John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), who possesses mysterious healing abilities despite being convicted of a heinous crime. With its moving performances and thought-provoking narrative, The Green Mile remains an enduring classic among 1990s movies.
More The Green Mile- #29 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #2 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #24 of 125 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
- 19Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott
Groundhog Day, directed by Harold Ramis and released in 1993, is a witty and inventive comedy that explores themes of self-improvement and existentialism through a unique time-loop premise. The film stars Bill Murray as Phil Connors, a cynical weatherman who finds himself reliving the same day over and over again until he learns to become a better person. With its clever script full of humorous situations and memorable dialogue combined with Murray's pitch-perfect performance, Groundhog Day is not only laugh-out-loud funny but also deeply insightful, marking its place among the best movies of the 1990s.
More Groundhog Day- #31 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #71 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #80 of 114 on50+ Movies That Need Sequels
- 20Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck
Good Will Hunting is a poignant drama directed by Gus Van Sant in 1997 that explores themes of self-discovery, redemption, and friendship through the experiences of a young janitor with untapped mathematical genius working at MIT named Will Hunting (Matt Damon). Robin Williams portrays Sean Maguire - a compassionate therapist whose guidance helps Will find direction amidst personal turmoil and emotional baggage - earning him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Written by Damon and co-star Ben Affleck, this heartfelt film earned critical acclaim not only for its captivating narrative but also for its outstanding performances from its talented ensemble cast – ensuring its place among the best films of the 1990s.
More Good Will Hunting- Dig Deeper...12 Behind-The-Scenes Stories From The Making Of 'Good Will Hunting'
- #84 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #197 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- 21Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane
Titanic is a sweeping romantic drama directed by James Cameron that captured audiences' hearts upon its release in 1997 for its grandiose portrayal of the doomed ocean liner's ill-fated maiden voyage intertwined with a passionate love story between two passengers from different social classes - Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet). This epic film not only broke box office records but also garnered 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Cameron. Its unforgettable story, superb acting, breathtaking visuals, and hauntingly beautiful score by James Horner have solidified Titanic among the best movies produced during the 1990s.
More Titanic - 22Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Sela Ward
The Fugitive is an engrossing action thriller released in 1993 directed by Andrew Davis which expertly blends elements of mystery, suspense, and human drama into an unforgettable cinematic experience. Based on the hit television series from the 1960s, this modern adaptation stars Harrison Ford as Dr. Richard Kimble - a man wrongly convicted for his wife's murder who escapes custody to track down the real killer while evading capture by relentless U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones). With its captivating story, stunning action set-pieces, and superb acting – particularly from Jones, who won an Academy Award for his performance – The Fugitive remains a standout among 1990s films.
- 23Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah
The Mummy, directed by Stephen Sommers in 1999, is an action-packed adventure film that combined elements of horror and comedy to create an entertaining thrill ride for viewers. The movie follows adventurer Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser) and librarian Evelyn Carnahan (Rachel Weisz) as they accidentally awaken an ancient Egyptian curse by reviving Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), a powerful priest seeking vengeance against those who wronged him millennia ago. With its blend of humor, suspenseful action sequences, and captivating performances from its charismatic leads, The Mummy remains a standout among 1990s films.
More The Mummy- Dig Deeper...Things You Didn't Know About 'The Mummy'
- #16 of 50 onThe Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
- #36 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- 24Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper, Sandra Bullock
Speed is a taut action thriller directed by Jan de Bont that premiered in 1994 with adrenaline-fueled intensity and edge-of-your-seat suspense that kept audiences captivated throughout its entirety. Keanu Reeves stars as LAPD officer Jack Traven, who must prevent a city bus rigged with explosives from falling below a certain speed or risk detonation – all while attempting to apprehend the man behind the deadly plot (Dennis Hopper). Sandra Bullock co-stars as passenger-turned-improvised-driver Annie Porter, adding heart and levity to this non-stop thrill ride of a movie that remains one of the best examples of 1990s action cinema.
More Speed- Dig Deeper...Behind-The-Scenes Stories From The Making Of 'Speed'
- #5 of 99 onThe Best 1990s Action Movies
- #61 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- 25Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan
Mrs. Doubtfire is a heartwarming comedy directed by Chris Columbus that premiered in 1993 starring Robin Williams as Daniel Hillard, a divorced father who disguises himself as an elderly British nanny to spend time with his children. This hilarious yet touching film showcases Williams' unparalleled comedic talents while addressing themes of family, love, and acceptance. Its memorable moments and central message have endeared it to audiences, securing its position as one of the most beloved films from the 1990s.
More Mrs. Doubtfire- Dig Deeper...Mrs. Doubtfire Is Actually A Dark Film About An Extremely Deranged Man
- #7 of 50 onThe Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
- #44 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- 26Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum
Released in 1996 and directed by Roland Emmerich, Independence Day is an iconic science fiction disaster film that has since solidified its place in pop culture history thanks to its thrilling action sequences, memorable one-liners, and groundbreaking special effects. The film follows a diverse group of characters – including pilot Steven Hiller (Will Smith), scientist David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum), and President Thomas Whitmore (Bill Pullman) – as they join forces to save Earth from alien invasion. Its blend of high-stakes drama, engaging storylines, and pulse-pounding action make Independence Day a lasting favorite among fans of 1990s cinema.
More Independence Day- Dig Deeper...13 Things That Prove Pacific Rim And Independence Day Are The Exact Same Movie
- #13 of 50 onThe Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
- #33 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- 27Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White
Beauty and the Beast, an enchanting animated musical released by Disney in 1991 and directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, has captured the hearts of audiences across generations with its timeless tale of true love conquering all obstacles. This groundbreaking film tells the story of Belle (voiced by Paige O'Hara), a spirited young woman who finds herself imprisoned in a magical castle inhabited by cursed beings led by the fearsome Beast (Robby Benson). Featuring memorable songs composed by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman along with stunning animation that earned it an unprecedented Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards, Beauty and the Beast holds its place as one of the best movies produced during the 1990s.
More Beauty and the Beast- #34 of 50 onThe Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
- #64 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #14 of 450 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
- 28Ed Norton, Edward Furlong, Fairuza Balk
American History X, directed by Tony Kaye and released in 1998, is a hard-hitting drama that examines the harrowing world of white supremacist groups in contemporary America. The film stars Edward Norton as Derek Vinyard - a reformed neo-Nazi who seeks to prevent his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong) from following down his destructive path upon his release from prison for manslaughter. Featuring powerful performances from its cast alongside gritty depictions of the consequences of hate-filled ideologies, American History X stands as a thought-provoking and sobering commentary on modern society, earning recognition among the best films produced during the 1990s.
More American History X- #337 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #4 of 125 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
- #58 of 308 onThe 295+ Best Movies For Guys
- 29Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin
Aladdin is an enchanting animated musical released by Disney in 1992 that takes viewers on a thrilling adventure through the mystical land of Agrabah alongside its titular hero (voiced by Scott Weinger) and his magical Genie (voiced by Robin Williams). Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, this captivating film not only enchants audiences with its spellbinding story but also dazzles them with memorable songs composed by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice – including the Academy Award-winning "A Whole New World." With its breathtaking visuals, unforgettable characters, and vibrant soundtrack, Aladdin remains one of the best movies created during the 1990s.
More Aladdin- Dig Deeper...13 Stories From Behind The Scenes Of Disney’s Original ‘Aladdin’
- And Deeper...Every Song in Aladdin, Ranked by Singability
- #8 of 50 onThe Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
- 30Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Michael Biehn
Tombstone is a riveting western drama directed by George P. Cosmatos that premiered in 1993, breathing new life into classic tales of lawmen facing off against outlaws in America's Wild West. The movie follows legendary lawman Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell) as he joins forces with Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer) to protect their town from feared outlaw gang The Cowboys. Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, Powers Boothe, Michael Biehn, and Dana Delany alongside iconic lines such as "I'm your Huckleberry," Tombstone continues to resonate with fans of both westerns and 1990s cinema alike.
More Tombstone- Dig Deeper...Behind-The-Scenes Stories From The Making Of ‘Tombstone’
- #1 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #79 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
