The Best Movies Of 1995

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Updated May 1, 2024 30.0K views 90 items
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Vote for your favorite movies released in 1995.

Here is a list of the best movies of 1995, from children's movies like Toy Story to gritty dramas like Kids. The '90s were a decade where Hollywood thrived. In were new stars and big blockbusters and 1995 was no exception. Some the best movies of '95 are some of the best teen, coming of age, adventure, comedies and dramas in history. 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 here. As stated before, some of the best action movies of the decade were released in 1995. Who could forget Heat with Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, Die Hard With A Vengeance, and of course, Bad Boys starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. And let's not forget about Seven with Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Spacey The best movies of 1995 featured some of the biggest stars in the movie business. Whether it was the aforementioned stars continuing their success or the breakout performances featured in Billy Madison and Tommy Boy, or established stars like Mel Gibson in Braveheart. Some of the best movies of all time were released in 1995. This is the ultimate list of the best movies of 1995, which shouldn't feature the best movies of 1993. Vote and re-rank this list according to how you think the best movies of that year should be reflected.

Most divisive: Waterworld
Over 1.3K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies Of 1995
  • Toy Story
    1

    Toy Story

    Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles
    826 votes
    In the animated adventure Toy Story, Woody (Tom Hanks), a cowboy doll, reigns supreme in the room of his young owner, Andy. Life takes an unexpected turn when spaceman action figure Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) becomes Andy's new favorite toy. Woody, consumed by jealousy, pushes Buzz out a window, sparking a thrilling journey of redemption and self-discovery. This Pixar masterpiece, winner of a Special Achievement Academy Award for its groundbreaking computer animation, weaves together comedy and drama to captivate audiences with its narrative on friendship and rivalry among toys.
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  • Seven
    2

    Seven

    Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow
    797 votes
    In Seven, Detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman), a seasoned but weary crime fighter, partners with the young and impulsive Detective David Mills (Brad Pitt) to investigate a series of grisly murders. Each murder uniquely represents one of the seven deadly sins - a chilling theme that pervades the movie. The film, directed by David Fincher, is dark and atmospheric, delivering an intense thriller that delves into the heart of human depravity. As the detectives unravel each horrifying crime, they are drawn deeper into a twisted killer's methodical madness. A critical success, this 1995 film won an MTV Movie Award for Best Movie.
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  • Braveheart
    3

    Braveheart

    Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan
    717 votes
    Braveheart is a historical war drama directed by Mel Gibson, who also stars as the film's protagonist, William Wallace. Set in late 13th century Scotland, the narrative follows Wallace's life from his childhood to his role in leading the Scottish against their English oppressors. The movie features an ensemble cast with notable performances from Sophie Marceau as Princess Isabelle and Patrick McGoohan as King Edward I. Braveheart won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, distinguishing itself for its epic battle scenes and compelling storytelling.
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  • Heat
    4

    Heat

    Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer
    636 votes
    In the heart-throbbing movie Heat, Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro), a seasoned professional criminal, masterminds high-stakes heists with surgical precision. On the other side of the law, Lieutenant Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino), an intense and dedicated detective, relentlessly pursues McCauley's crew. The cat-and-mouse game between these two formidable characters escalates into a thrilling confrontation, as their personal lives intertwine with their professional commitments. Directed by Michael Mann, this crime drama is known for its detailed portrayal of criminal and police work, and its climactic downtown shootout scene. Despite not winning any awards, the film's intricate plot and strong performances have made it a benchmark in the genre.
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  • Die Hard with a Vengeance
    5

    Die Hard with a Vengeance

    Bruce Willis, Jeremy Irons, Samuel L. Jackson
    522 votes
    In the heart-pounding thriller Die Hard with a Vengeance, John McClane (Bruce Willis) finds himself caught in a web of danger. New York City becomes his battleground as he grapples with a vengeful adversary, Simon Gruber (Jeremy Irons). The stakes escalate when Simon initiates a deadly game of Simon Says, dragging McClane and an unlikely ally, Zeus Carver (Samuel L. Jackson), into a high-stakes treasure hunt. Amidst ticking bombs and complex riddles, the duo must unravel Simon's sinister motives to save their city. Directed by John McTiernan, this third installment of the Die Hard franchise astounds with its relentless action and clever plot twists.
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  • Casino
    6

    Casino

    Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci
    581 votes
    In the heart of Las Vegas's glitz and glamour, Casino unfolds. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this crime drama features Sam Ace Rothstein (Robert De Niro), a meticulous casino operator with ties to the mob. Alongside him is Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci), an impulsive enforcer whose volatile nature threatens their empire. Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone) completes the trio as Ace's opportunistic wife, her loyalty wavering between love and greed. This gritty portrayal of ambition, power, and downfall won Stone a Golden Globe for Best Actress in 1996. As an exploration of corruption within the neon glow of Las Vegas, Casino remains a significant entry in Scorsese's filmography.
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  • The Usual Suspects
    7

    The Usual Suspects

    Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri
    602 votes
    The Usual Suspects is a mystery-thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. Five criminals, including Dean Keaton (Gabriel Byrne) and Verbal Kint (Kevin Spacey), meet during a police lineup. Soon after, they are entangled in an intricate plot involving a legendary criminal mastermind named Keyser Söze. The movie won two Academy Awards, one for Best Original Screenplay and another for Best Supporting Actor (Spacey). Directed by Bryan Singer and written by Christopher McQuarrie, it's a film of deception, power plays, and secrets that constantly challenges its audience.
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  • Apollo 13
    8

    Apollo 13

    Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon
    705 votes
    Apollo 13, a gripping space docudrama, chronicles the real-life, perilous lunar mission of 1970. The film features astronaut Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks), command module pilot Ken Mattingly (Gary Sinise), and flight director Gene Kranz (Ed Harris). When an oxygen tank explodes, the spacecraft's crew must abort their moon landing, transforming their mission into a struggle to return home safely. Directed by Ron Howard, Apollo 13 masterfully blends historical accuracy with cinematic suspense. It was nominated for nine Academy Awards in 1996, underscoring its significant impact on the genre of true-story films.
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  • Jumanji
    9

    Jumanji

    Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt, Kirsten Dunst
    602 votes
    In the heart-thumping adventure film Jumanji, a seemingly harmless board game transforms into a wild jungle escapade. The movie follows young Alan Parrish (Robin Williams), who becomes trapped inside the game for 26 years until siblings Judy (Kirsten Dunst) and Peter (Bradley Pierce) unwittingly release him. Together, they must finish the game to revert its chaotic effects on their town. This fantastical tale, brimming with dangerous beasts and tropical mayhem, intertwines themes of courage, friendship, and redemption. A family-friendly spectacle, Jumanji cleverly blurs lines between reality and fantasy.
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  • Babe
    10

    Babe

    James Cromwell, Magda Szubanski, Hugo Weaving
    477 votes
    In the heartwarming film Babe, a runt pig named Babe (voiced by Christine Cavanaugh) is adopted by Farmer Hoggett (James Cromwell). Unexpectedly, this little porker has aspirations bigger than his barnyard companions can comprehend. With a unique knack for herding sheep, he aims to break free from societal expectations and redefine what it means to be a pig. This family-friendly comedy-drama, directed by Chris Noonan, won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and garnered multiple nominations including Best Picture and Best Director. The movie skilfully blends elements of fantasy with real-life farming challenges, offering viewers an engaging tale of determination and unexpected heroism.
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  • Pocahontas
    11

    Pocahontas

    Irene Bedard, Judy Kuhn, Mel Gibson
    297 votes
    A stirring exploration of history and culture, Pocahontas is a 1995 animated musical film from the creative minds at Disney. The narrative focuses on Pocahontas (voiced by Irene Bedard), a Native American woman, and her unexpected romantic entanglement with Englishman John Smith (Mel Gibson). This tale of two worlds colliding unfolds against a backdrop of early American colonization, offering rich historical context. Notably, the film won two Academy Awards for its musical score. Striking visuals enhance this compelling tale, making it a memorable cinematic experience.
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  • 12 Monkeys
    12

    12 Monkeys

    Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, Brad Pitt
    541 votes
    In the dystopian sci-fi thriller 12 Monkeys, James Cole (Bruce Willis), a convict from a post-apocalyptic future, is sent back in time on a mission to prevent a deadly virus outbreak. Guided by cryptic messages from a group known as the 'Army of the 12 Monkeys', he navigates through the past accompanied by psychiatrist Dr. Kathryn Railly (Madeleine Stowe). As they delve deeper into the mystery, their paths cross with Jeffrey Goines (Brad Pitt), an unhinged animal rights activist. Directed by Terry Gilliam, this film received two Oscar nominations and was praised for its intricate plot and compelling performances.
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  • Tommy Boy
    13

    Tommy Boy

    Chris Farley, David Spade, Brian Dennehy
    426 votes
    In the heartwarming comedy Tommy Boy, Tommy Callahan (Chris Farley) is a well-meaning but clumsy heir to an auto parts factory. Following his father's sudden demise, Tommy and his sardonic assistant Richard Hayden (David Spade) embark on a cross-country sales trip to save the family business from bankruptcy. The duo's misadventures and mishaps form the crux of this tale. Despite its slapstick humor, Tommy Boy subtly explores themes of friendship, responsibility, and self-belief. This film, directed by Peter Segal, remains one of Farley's most memorable performances.
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  • GoldenEye
    14

    GoldenEye

    Pierce Brosnan, Sean Bean, Izabella Scorupco
    436 votes
    In GoldenEye, James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) returns, tasked with halting a lethal satellite weapon system from falling into the wrong hands. Aided by CIA agent Jack Wade (Joe Don Baker) and computer whiz Boris Grishenko (Alan Cumming), Bond navigates a world of treachery, betrayal, and high-tech espionage. The film, notable for its thrilling action scenes and introduction of Judi Dench as M, marked Brosnan's debut as the iconic British spy. With its blend of classic Bond charm and modern sensibilities, GoldenEye revitalized the franchise for a new era.
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  • Clueless
    15

    Clueless

    Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy
    506 votes
    In the heart of Beverly Hills, high schooler Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) reigns as a self-proclaimed fashionista and matchmaker. Clueless, a comedy-drama flick directed by Amy Heckerling, sees Cher navigating the tricky waters of adolescence while attempting to handle love interests and maintain her social status. Alongside Cher is her best friend Dionne Davenport (Stacey Dash), who aids in her various escapades. The film, an amusing modern adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma, cleverly taps into teenage angst and the complexities of young love. Despite its light-hearted tone, it subtly addresses pertinent social issues, making it a timeless classic.
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  • Friday
    16

    Friday

    Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long
    384 votes
    Friday, a comedy film from the mid-nineties, follows the life of Craig Jones (Ice Cube), an idling young man from South Central LA. After losing his job on his day off, Jones and his friend Smokey (Chris Tucker) spend their Friday navigating neighborhood drama. From dealing with a local bully to avoiding the advances of a woman who isn't his girlfriend, Jones's day is anything but mundane. The movie, directed by F. Gary Gray, offers a light-hearted yet poignant exploration of urban life in Los Angeles, without veering into over-dramatization or caricature. Despite its comedic undertone, Friday subtly addresses serious issues like unemployment and drug use, adding depth to this seemingly simple story.
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  • Crimson Tide
    17

    Crimson Tide

    Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, George Dzundza
    333 votes
    Crimson Tide, a gripping drama set against the backdrop of global conflict, explores the tension-filled relationship between two naval officers aboard a U.S. nuclear submarine. The seasoned Captain Frank Ramsey (Gene Hackman) and his new executive officer Lt. Commander Ron Hunter (Denzel Washington) find themselves in a bitter power struggle as a potential nuclear disaster looms. As the world teeters on the brink of war, the fate of humanity rests in their hands. This film is a riveting exploration of leadership, duty, and the harrowing reality of war beneath the sea. It garnered multiple award nominations, cementing its place in cinematic history.
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  • While You Were Sleeping
    18

    While You Were Sleeping

    Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher
    265 votes
    In While You Were Sleeping, Lucy Moderatz (Sandra Bullock) is a lonely token collector for the Chicago Transit Authority. Secretly admiring a handsome commuter, Peter Callaghan (Peter Gallagher), she saves him from an oncoming train after he falls onto the tracks. Unconscious in the hospital, Peter's family mistakenly believes Lucy to be his fiancée. Jack Callaghan (Bill Pullman), Peter's brother, is skeptical yet drawn towards Lucy. As Peter recovers, Lucy finds herself entangled in a comical and unexpected romantic dilemma. This charming 1995 rom-com won the hearts of many, earning Bullock a Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Actress.
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  • Billy Madison
    19

    Billy Madison

    Adam Sandler, Darren McGavin, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras
    432 votes
    Billy Madison is a comedy flick that showcases the life of Billy Madison, a man-child played by Adam Sandler. He's an heir to a hotel empire, but his father (Darren McGavin) doubts his capability to take over. Hence, he's forced to go back to school, starting from kindergarten up to high school, in order to prove his worthiness. The movie takes viewers through hilarious situations as Billy navigates the education system and tries to win over his teacher Veronica Vaughn (Bridgette Wilson). This film marked a significant point in Sandler's career and is noted for its humorous portrayal of adult immaturity with a unique twist on the redemption narrative.
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  • Casper
    20

    Casper

    Christina Ricci, Bill Pullman, Cathy Moriarty
    311 votes
    In Casper, a family-friendly fantasy-comedy, Dr. James Harvey (Bill Pullman) is a paranormal therapist tasked with exorcising Whipstaff Manor, an old mansion. Alongside him is Kat (Christina Ricci), his teenage daughter. They encounter Casper, a friendly and lonesome ghost longing for companionship while cohabitating with his mischievous spectral uncles - Stretch, Stinkie, and Fatso. As the story unfolds, it explores themes of friendship and loss through the bond between Kat and Casper. The film's delightful blend of humor and heartwarming moments has made it a classic in its genre.
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  • Desperado
    21

    Desperado

    Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Joaquim de Almeida
    352 votes
    In Desperado, Antonio Banderas stars as El Mariachi, a musician turned vigilante on a relentless quest for vengeance. The movie, directed by Robert Rodriguez, is an adrenaline-fueled ride through the dusty streets of Mexico. It's a mix of action and drama, featuring high-octane shootouts and intense confrontations. Co-starring Salma Hayek as Carolina, the fiery bookstore owner who aids him in his mission, Desperado is a stylishly violent tale of retribution that won't disappoint fans of the genre. A sequel to Rodriguez's 1992 film El Mariachi, it's filled with memorable moments that prove its worth as part of this trilogy.
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  • A Goofy Movie
    22

    A Goofy Movie

    Bill Farmer, Jason Marsden, Jim Cummings
    302 votes
    In the heartwarming family film, A Goofy Movie, Goofy (Bill Farmer) embarks on a cross-country trip with his teenage son, Max (Jason Marsden). Their journey begins as an effort for father-son bonding, but quickly becomes a wild adventure filled with unexpected twists. As they encounter eccentric characters and thrilling situations, their relationship is put to the test. Will they manage to strengthen their bond or let their differences drive them apart? This animated comedy-drama, set against a backdrop of heartfelt musical numbers, showcases the ups and downs of familial love and the challenges of growing up.
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  • Dangerous Minds
    23

    Dangerous Minds

    Michelle Pfeiffer, George Dzundza, Courtney B. Vance
    334 votes
    Former Marine Louanne Johnson (Michelle Pfeiffer) lands a gig teaching in a pilot program for bright but underachieving teens at a notorious inner-city high school. After having a terrible first day, she decides she must throw decorum to the wind. When Johnson returns to the classroom, she does so armed with a no-nonsense attitude informed by her military training and a fearless determination to better the lives of her students -- no matter what the cost.
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  • Bad Boys
    24

    Bad Boys

    Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, Téa Leoni
    397 votes
    In the explosive action-comedy Bad Boys, Miami detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) form an unlikely duo. The pair are tasked with recovering stolen drugs from their precinct's secure vault, navigating a world of deadly cartels and internal corruption. Amidst high-speed car chases and intense shootouts, their distinct personalities clash, adding a layer of humor to the suspenseful narrative. Directed by Michael Bay, this film successfully merges crime drama with comedy, making it a unique entry in its genre. Despite the danger, their loyalty to each other remains unshakeable, underpinning the core theme of brotherhood.
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  • Major Payne
    25

    Major Payne

    Damon Wayans, Karyn Parsons, Michael Ironside
    288 votes
    Maj. Benson Payne (Damon Wayans) lives, breathes and sleeps war. But after being honorably discharged from the Marines due to a lack of wars, Payne, the natural-born killer, has absolutely no idea how to cope in everyday civilian life. Fortunately, before he completely breaks down, Payne finds his way back into a military capacity at Madison Preparatory School, leading a group of misfit JROTC students who don't want to be led. Whipping these kids into shape might be his toughest battle yet.
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  • Outbreak
    26

    Outbreak

    Dustin Hoffman, Rene Russo, Morgan Freeman
    283 votes
    In the gripping film Outbreak, a deadly and highly contagious virus is unleashed in a small California town. The virus, brought to American soil by an African monkey, swiftly turns the peaceful town into a hotbed of contagion. Sam Daniels (Dustin Hoffman), a maverick virologist, races against time to isolate this new pathogen before it spreads beyond control. Assisting him are his ex-wife, Robby Keough (Rene Russo), and his loyal colleague, Casey Schuler (Kevin Spacey). The trio must navigate governmental obstruction, personal tensions, and their own fears in this tense medical thriller. Their mission: halt the outbreak and prevent a potential global catastrophe.
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  • Mallrats
    27

    Mallrats

    Shannen Doherty, Jeremy London, Jason Lee
    348 votes
    In Mallrats, lifelong friends T.S. Quint (Jeremy London) and Brodie Bruce (Jason Lee) find solace in their local mall after being dumped by their girlfriends on the same day. A comedy directed by Kevin Smith, the film follows their misadventures as they plot to win back their respective exes, Brandi Svenning (Claire Forlani) and Rene Mosier (Shannen Doherty). The duo's antics intertwine with a memorable cast of characters, including comic book guru Silent Bob (Kevin Smith) and his sidekick Jay (Jason Mewes), adding to the hilarity. The movie is a riotous exploration of youth culture and relationships set against a backdrop of consumerism.
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  • Now and Then
    28

    Now and Then

    Christina Ricci, Thora Birch, Gaby Hoffmann
    208 votes
    In Now and Then, four childhood friends reunite in their small hometown, sparking a series of flashbacks to the pivotal summer of 1970. Samantha (Gaby Hoffmann/Demi Moore) is the introverted writer, Teeny (Thora Birch/Melanie Griffith) dreams of stardom, Roberta (Christina Ricci/Rosie O'Donnell) is tomboyish and brave, while Chrissy (Ashleigh Aston Moore/Rita Wilson) is naively sweet. This drama-comedy explores the girls' adventures, mysteries, and life-altering experiences during that memorable summer. The movie masterfully intertwines past and present, revealing how these formative events shaped the women they become.
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  • Mortal Kombat
    29

    Mortal Kombat

    Robin Shou, Linden Ashby, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras
    335 votes
    Mortal Kombat delves into an ancient tournament where Earth's greatest fighters face off against foes from the realm of Outworld. Spearheaded by Liu Kang (Robin Shou), Johnny Cage (Linden Ashby), and Sonya Blade (Bridgette Wilson), they battle deadly enemies to prevent Outworld's domination over Earth.
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  • Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls
    30

    Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls

    Jim Carrey, Ian McNeice, Simon Callow
    416 votes
    Legendary pet detective Ace Ventura (Jim Carrey) returns for another adventure when he's coerced out of retirement while on a soul-searching retreat in the Himalayas. He must now retrieve an endangered white bat from a village located in Africa. The sacred animal was offered up as a wedding dowry from the Wachootoo prince to the Wachati princess, and, if Ace can't track down the culprit behind the kidnapping in time, civil war will break out between the two rival tribes.
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