Looking to pick something to watch from the best 90s movies of all time? I thought so!
As someone who grew up with the innovative movies of the 80s and high caliber movies of the 90s, I find I am so disappointed with the current offering of movies out now (most of which have been remakes from the 90s anyways – ugh!).
Instead of searching out new films to see, I often find myself re-watching an older film that I loved years ago, many of those movies being from the 1990s; that era of film-making, in my opinion, was one of the greatest filmmaking periods and many films from that time are just as good and often better than many of the current films available now.
So if you’re looking for a good movie to watch but have zero interest in the latest releases, check out the list below and brush up on your 90s pop culture references!
There’s something for everyone in this list – romance, comedy, drama, suspense, action – I guarantee you will find something to watch from this list of the best 1990s movies of all time, so get your popcorn ready.
1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – Drama
This movie always pops up if you as a guy who grew up in the 90’s what their favourite movie is – guaranteed!
The Shawshank Redemption is a movie about Andy, a man wrongly imprisoned for life for a crime he didn’t commit. He’s forced to make the best of things in grisly prison while befriending another inmate and hoping to one day be redeemed for his injustice and be free. In any best 90s movies list, this was is always there.
2. Clueless (1995) – Teen Romantic Comedy
Clueless is a fun movie about a popular high school girl named Cher who’s beautiful and fashionable but often literally clueless about life.
She decides to help others with their love lives and popularity, but her meddling begins to backfire and makes her question her own place in the world of teenage angst. This movie is a light comedy filled with humor, romance, 90’s style and valuable life lessons (like not to drive into parked cars), showing that being kind and genuine is more important than just being popular.
3. Dumb And Dumber (1994) – Comedy
My most favourite comedy and probably in my top 5 most favourite movies of all time, Dumb And Dumber follows two seriously intellectually challenged guys – Lloyd and Harry – who mistakenly find a briefcase full of money and embark on a hilarious journey to return it to its owner – a beautiful woman they both ending up falling for. They leave for Aspen, Colorado to return the briefcase and hilarious shenanigans ensue.
This is a movie that gets funnier the more you watch it and one of the few comedies that keeps you laughing from the very beginning to the very end. You also get to see Jim Carrey in his prime as the character Lloyd Christmas, which is a must see.
4. Se7en (1995) – Suspense/Thriller
Se7en is a thrilling mystery movie about two detectives, Somerset and Mills (Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt), trying to catch a deranged serial killer who commits horrific crimes based on the seven deadly sins.
They follow disturbing clues to stop the killer from continuing his killing spree, not realizing that their lives will inadvertently intertwine with the killer’s intentions. This is a dark movie that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with suspense, with an ending that you’ll never forget and will have you asking “what’s in the box??!!”.
5. Schindler’s List (1993) – Period Drama
Get the tissues ready, because this period drama describes one of the darkest, most inhumane times of our history – the Holocaust.
Based on a true story, Schindler’s List is a powerful movie set during World War II, where Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a German businessman, saves over a thousand Jewish lives by employing them in his factory to protect them from Nazi persecution.
The film portrays the horrors of the Holocaust and the bravery of Schindler in the face of evil. It’s a moving tale of compassion, sacrifice and humanity, reminding us of that one person’s bravery to stand up to injustice has the power to impact many lives. This is a movie that isn’t easily forgotten, but a must-see for everyone.
6. Saving Private Ryan (1998) – Action/Period Drama
Saving Private Ryan is an intense war movie set during World War II. After the D-Day invasion, a group of soldiers led by Captain Miller is sent to find Private Ryan, a paratrooper whose three brothers have already been killed in action.
The mission is dangerous and emotional, taking them through difficult battles and challenges along the way. The film portrays the realities of war and the bonds formed between soldiers and is a gripping story about honour, duty and the cost of freedom.
7. Casino (1995) – Crime Drama
If you love mob movies, Casino is a movie that should be on your radar. It’s a thrilling movie about the world of gambling and the mob and follows Sam “Ace” Rothstein (Robert DeNiro), a skilled gambler, and his friendship with Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesce), a violent mobster.
Together, they build a successful casino empire in Las Vegas, which feeds into their greed and leads to actions that attract unwanted attention from the authorities. The film shows the glamorous and dangerous side of the casino world, full of betrayal, love and high-stakes risks.
8. Scent Of A Woman (1992) – Drama
Scent of a Woman – another personal favourite – is a heartwarming movie about a young man, Charlie (Chris O’Donnell), who agrees to care for a blind, super-crabby retired army officer named Frank (Al Pacino) over a Thanksgiving weekend for some extra cash.
Despite initial challenges, they develop a unique friendship. Frank shows Charlie the joys of life, while Charlie helps Frank find new meaning after his military career. The film celebrates the power of friendship, love and finding beauty in life, even amidst difficulties while showcasing the acting chops of Pacino in his Oscar-winning role.
9. Titanic (1997) – Period Drama/Romance
A visual delight – Titanic is a romantic and tragic movie set in 1912 showing the doomed voyage of the famed luxury ship. Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio), a poor artist, and Rose (Kate Winslet), a wealthy woman, fall in love aboard the grand ship that is doomed for tragedy.
Their love faces challenges due to their different backgrounds and the movie showcases their passionate love story, the ship’s tragic (and annoyingly avoidable) sinking and the bravery of those aboard. It’s a tale of love, sacrifice and the unthinkable event that changed history.
10. The Sixth Sense (1999) – Psychological Thriller
The Sixth Sense is a chilling and mysterious movie about a young boy named Cole (Haley Joel Osment) who can see and talk to ghosts.
He is scared and confused until he meets Dr. Malcolm (Bruce Willis), a psychologist who helps him understand his gift. Cole forms an unlikely friendship with Malcolm, who also has a personal struggle he is dealing with.
The film keeps you guessing until the surprising ending, leaving you with goosebumps and a sense of wonder about the supernatural.
11. Braveheart (1999) – Period Drama
Braveheart is an epic historical movie about William Wallace (Mel Gibson), a Scottish warrior who leads a revolt against English rule in the 13th century.
His fight for freedom inspires his fellow Scots to join him in battle against the oppressive English forces. The film portrays Wallace’s bravery, determination and love for his country and you can’t help but hope for the defeat of the English by the end as you bond with all the characters throughout the film.
It’s a must see for history lovers and kilt lovers alike and won the Oscar for best picture back in the day.
12. Cruel Intentions (1999) – Teen Romance/Drama
Cruel Intentions is a drama about wealthy step-siblings, Sebastian (Ryan Phillipe) and Kathryn (Sarah Michelle Gellar), both vile characters who make a wicked bet to ruin an innocent girl named Annette (Reese Witherspoon).
However, as the story unfolds, Sebastian falls in love with Annette, making him question his cruel intentions, which eventually come back to haunt him. The movie explores themes of love, betrayal and redemption, with unexpected twists and turns.
13. The Matrix (1999) – Action
The fourth instalment of this franchise released not too long ago, so you know you should probably see the original that started it all. In “The Matrix,” a dystopian future is dominated by intelligent machines that have enslaved humanity within a simulated reality.
Neo (Keanu Reeves), a computer hacker, discovers the truth and joins a group of rebels as they seek to free humanity from the Matrix’s illusion and battle formidable agents tasked with preserving the system with mind-bending (and back-bending) action sequences.
14. The Silence Of The Lambs (1991) – Thriller/Suspense
“The Silence of the Lambs” is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the young and determined FBI trainee, Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster), as she is tasked with interviewing the brilliant but insane cannibalistic serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter (super talented and creepy Anthony Hopkins), to gain insights into the mind of another serial killer on the loose called Buffalo Bill.
Starling forms an eerie and complex relationship with Lecter, all while racing against time to rescue Buffalo Bill’s latest victim. The film is a tense and chilling cat-and-mouse game that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats while unraveling Lecter’s truly sinister character.
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15. Home Alone (1990) – Comedy
Known as a must-see Christmas movie, “Home Alone” is a beloved 1990 holiday comedy that follows eight-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation for Christmas.
Initially enjoying his newfound freedom, Kevin soon faces the challenge of defending his home from two bumbling burglars, Harry and Marv, portrayed by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern.
Using ingenious traps and clever tricks, Kevin turns his house into a booby-trapped fortress to stop the thieves. Filled with humor, heartwarming moments and a message about the importance of family, “Home Alone” remains a classic family film that I still watch to this day (my kids love it too!).
16. Goodfellas (1990) – Crime Drama
If you love mob movies, you can’t continue to go on without watching Goodfellas – it’s a mob classic! “Goodfellas” chronicles the rise and fall of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a young man seduced by the allure of the mob.
As he becomes involved with the ruthless Italian-American Mafia in New York City, Henry experiences wealth, power and danger.
Alongside his volatile friend Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) and psychotic cohort Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci), they engage in a life of organized crime, including heists, drug deals and murder. However, their world unravels as paranoia and betrayal consume their loyalty.
17. While You Were Sleeping (1995) – Romantic Comedy
One of my all-time romantic comedy faves, I’ve seen this movie countless times! This movie follows Lucy (Sandra Bullock), a lonely and shy Chicago transit worker.
When Lucy saves the life of a handsome stranger named Peter who falls onto the train tracks, she becomes mistakenly known as his fiancée after a mix-up at the hospital.
As she gets to know Peter’s quirky yet endearing family, Lucy finds herself drawn to both his family and his charming brother, Jack (Bill Pullman). Caught in a web of white lies that keep growing, Lucy begins to find love in the most unexpected place.
18. The Birdcage (1996) – Comedy
OMG – another longtime fave – so funny! This story revolves around a loving, unconventional couple: Armand (Robin Williams) and Albert (Nathan Lane a.k.a. Pepper Saltzman from “Modern Family” fame) who run a drag nightclub in Miami.
Chaos ensues when Armand’s son, announces his engagement to the daughter of a conservative senator (Gene Hackman). In a bid to impress Barbara’s family and appear ‘normal,’ they embark on a hilarious mission to hide their eccentric lifestyles and transform themselves into a traditional family – what could go wrong??
19. Mrs. Doubtfire (1996) – Comedy Drama
Another wonderful Robin Williams comedy, “Mrs. Doubtfire” is a heartwarming comedy-drama that follows the life of Daniel Hillard, a recently divorced father who disguises himself as a Scottish nanny named Mrs. Doubtfire to spend time with his children.
Facing limited visitation rights, Daniel takes on the elaborate ruse to be close to his kids, all while navigating the challenges of his double life. Hilarity ensues as he juggles his job as a nanny and maintains the façade under the unknowing eye of his ex-wife (Sally Field) and her new love interest (Pierce Brosnan).
20. Good Will Hunting (1997) – Drama
The movie that put Ben Affleck and Matt Damon on the map and won them an Oscar, “Goodwill Hunting” is a gripping drama that revolves around Will Hunting (Matt Damon), a janitor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with an extraordinary talent for mathematics.
When he solves a complex math problem that stumps the MIT professors and the students, he catches the attention of a brilliant professor who wants to enlist Will to work on more mathematical equations with him. However, Will’s troubled past and emotional scars threaten to hold him back from all the new opportunities his skills and new love interest (Minnie Driver) hold for him.
With the help of skilled therapist (Robin Williams), Will confronts his demons, learns to trust and ultimately discovers his true potential.
21. The Piano (1993) – Drama
“The Piano” is a hauntingly beautiful drama set in 19th-century New Zealand. It follows Ada McGrath (Holly Hunter), a mute pianist, and her young daughter Flora, who are sent to an arranged marriage with a wealthy landowner.
Ada’s prized possession, her piano (and her only real voice), becomes a source of tension as her new husband refuses to transport it to their remote home. Instead, it ends up in the hands of George Baines, a local worker who trades it back to Ada in exchange for piano lessons and a “unique” arrangement.
As Ada’s connection with George deepens, the film explores themes of love, desire and the power of communication through music set to an enthralling soundtrack.
22. Forrest Gump (1994) – Comedy/Drama
I can still remember watching this one in the theatre when it was released…”Forrest Gump” is a heartwarming and iconic film that follows the extraordinary life of Forrest (Tom Hanks – he won Best Actor for this role), a simple, sweet man with a low IQ.
Despite his limitations, Forrest achieves remarkable success in various endeavors (often by chance!), including football, shrimping and running, to name a few. His life intertwines with significant historical events and figures, such as the Vietnam War, the death of John Lennon and the assassination of President Kennedy for an entertaining story set to historical events.
Throughout it all, Forrest’s unwavering kindness, innocence and his enduring love for his childhood friend, Jenny make this unique, historically-woven drama a must-see.
23. Dances With Wolves (1990) – Period Drama
“Dances with Wolves” (another all-time fave of mine) is an epic Western film directed by and starring Kevin Costner. The story follows Lieutenant John Dunbar (Costner), a disillusioned Civil War soldier, who is stationed at a remote outpost in the American frontier in the 1860s.
As he unintentionally befriends and integrates into a Sioux tribe, he adopts their culture and values, earning the name “Dances with Wolves.” Dunbar’s deep connection with the Native Americans, his love for a Sioux woman and his commitment to protecting their way of life puts him at odds with his own people, pushing him to ultimately choose between the two sides.
24. Fear (1996) – Psychological Thriller
One of Mark Wahlberg’s earlier films, “Fear” is a tense thriller that explores the consequences of obsession and manipulation. The film centers on a young woman, Sarah (Reese Witherspoon), who falls for the charismatic and seemingly charming David (Mark Wahlberg).
Their whirlwind romance takes a dark turn when David’s lies and violent tendencies emerge. Sarah’s life transforms into a nightmare, as she becomes trapped in a web of fear and abuse while David stalks her in an attempt to get her back.
As her desperation intensifies, she must summon her inner strength to confront the terrifying reality of her situation and find a way to escape David’s clutches.
25. Terminator 2 (Judgment Day) (1991) – Action/Thriller
This was an amazing action film that still keeps me entertained if I watch it to this day. “Terminator 2” is a sci-fi action thriller directed by James Cameron that foresees a dystopian future, where advanced artificial intelligence called “Skynet”, seeks to eradicate humanity.
To prevent this, a reprogrammed Terminator machine (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is sent back in time to protect young John Connor (Edward Furlong), who is the key to fighting this AI war. Meanwhile, a shape-shifting, more advanced Terminator, the T-1000 (Robert Patrick), is also dispatched to eliminate John. The film explores themes of fate, free will and the consequences of technology.
This is a sequel to the original film “The Terminator” in which Schwarzenegger was originally the villain trying to terminate John Connor’s mother.
26. Speed (1994) – Action
The movie that fueled my crush on Keanu Reeves, “Speed” is a high-octane action thriller that follows LAPD cop Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves) and bus passenger Annie Porter (Sandra Bullock) as they attempt to thwart a terrorist’s plot and not die.
A deranged bomber, Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper), rigs a city bus to explode if its speed drops below 50 mph (sounds crazy, I know, but it’s so much fun!). Traven boards the bus to keep it moving, setting off a relentless adrenaline-pumping chase through Los Angeles.
Tension escalates as they face obstacles and moral dilemmas, racing against time to save the passengers and capture the bomber.
27. Interview With The Vampire (1994) – Drama/Supernatural Horror
“Interview With The Vampire” is adapted from a novel about a brooding vampire named Louis de Pointe du Lac (Brad Pitt), as he recounts his two-century-long life to a journalist, portrayed by Christian Slater.
He reveals his transformation into a vampire by the charismatic Lestat (Tom Cruise) and their tumultuous relationship. As they navigate their immortal existence, they encounter other vampires and face moral dilemmas about their predatory nature. The film explores themes of immortality, love and the dark side of humanity.
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28. The Craft (1996) – Supernatural Horror
If you love mild horror and witchcraft, “The Craft” is a supernatural teen thriller that revolves around a group of four high school girls who form a coven of witches.
Sarah, a new student with magical abilities, joins the clique and completes the quartet. As they harness their newfound powers, they experience the thrill of empowerment and popularity. However, their spells take a dark turn, unleashing chaotic consequences. Personal conflicts and a growing lust for power lead to a terrifying climax.
29. The Mummy (1999) – Action/Thriller/Fantasy
Before “The Whale”, there was Brendan Fraser in “The Mummy”, a thrilling adventure film that unfolds as an ancient curse is awakened.
In 1926, adventurer Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser), archaeologist Evelyn Carnahan (Rachel Weiss), and her brother Jonathan stumble upon the cursed tomb of the Egyptian priest Imhotep. Imhotep, brought back to life, seeks to resurrect his forbidden love, Princess Anck-su-Namun, by sacrificing Evelyn.
The group races against time to stop Imhotep’s malevolent plans, battling supernatural forces and their own doubts. As they uncover the secrets of Imhotep’s curse, they must confront their fears and the relentless pursuit of an undying evil. “The Mummy” is a gripping blend of action, horror and romance that will still keep you on the edge of your seat today.
30. The Green Mile (1999) – Drama
Get your tissues ready – based on the book by Stephen King, “The Green Mile” is set in a 1930s Southern prison and tells the story of prison guard Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks) and his encounters with a massive, gentle death row inmate named John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan) who is in jail for the murder of two little girls.
As Paul and his fellow guards get to know the sweet and gentle Coffey, they discover he possesses miraculous healing powers and is true of heart. Despite the grim backdrop of death row, the film explores themes of compassion, redemption and the supernatural.
31. Donnie Brasco (1997) – Crime Drama
“Donnie Brasco” is a tense crime drama based on true events. The film follows FBI agent Joe Pistone, (Johnny Depp), as he goes undercover as Donnie Brasco, a low-level mobster, to infiltrate the Bonanno crime family.
Immersed in the dangerous world of organized crime, Pistone forms a close bond with Lefty Ruggiero, (Al Pacino), who becomes a father figure to him. As Pistone’s loyalty to the FBI and his friendship with Lefty collide, tensions rise, leading to a gripping exploration of trust, betrayal and the high-stakes game of survival as an undercover cop in the mafia underworld.
32. True Lies (1994) – Action/Comedy
This movie is so much fun! “True Lies” is an action-comedy film that follows Harry Tasker (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a seemingly mundane computer salesman who leads a double life as a covert government spy.
When Harry’s wife Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis) considers an affair and unwittingly gets tangled in a terrorist plot, Harry must reveal his true identity to save her and their marriage.
The film is a rollercoaster of high-octane action, explosions and hilarious comedy and marital drama as Harry and Helen navigate their newfound partnership in espionage while attempting to thwart the terrorists.
33. Happy Gilmore (1996) – Comedy
“Happy Gilmore” is a slap-stick sports comedy starring Adam Sandler as Happy. The story follows him as a failed hockey player with a powerful slapshot and a volatile temper.
Desperate to save his grandmother’s house from foreclosure, he discovers an extraordinary talent for long-drive golf. With the help of an eccentric coach, Chubbs Peterson, Happy enters the professional golf circuit. His unorthodox style and colorful personality create chaos on the course, leading to hilarious confrontations with his rival, Shooter McGavin.
As Happy strives to win tournaments and secure his grandmother’s home, he learns valuable life lessons about family, perseverance and the true meaning of happiness in the most hilarious way (which also involves getting into a historical boxing match with Bob Barker).
34. Scream (1996) – Horror/Suspense
The movie that started multiple sequels – “Scream” is a classic horror film that follows Sidney Prescott, (Neve Campbell) a high school student in the quiet town of Woodsboro, who becomes the target of a masked killer known as Ghostface.
As the body count rises, Sidney, along with her friends and the town’s sheriff, must uncover the identity of the relentless killer. The film blends suspense, dark humor, and self-awareness, as it deconstructs the tropes of the horror genre.
With its iconic Ghostface mask and memorable performances, “Scream” became a cultural phenomenon, revitalizing the slasher genre and leaving audiences questioning the true identity of the killer until the shocking climax.
35. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) – Drama/Suspense
The Talented Mr. Ripley” is a psychological thriller film that sees Tom Ripley, (Matt Damon), a cunning and impoverished young man who is sent to Italy by a wealthy industrialist to persuade his son, Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law), to return to America.
However, Tom’s infatuation with Dickie leads him down a dark path of deception and murder. He assumes Dickie’s identity and lifestyle, struggling to maintain the façade as suspicions arise. The film explores themes of identity, obsession and the consequences of living a lie, making it a suspenseful and eccentric story.
36. The Last Of The Mohicans (1992) – Period Drama
“The Last of the Mohicans” is an epic historical film set during the French and Indian War in colonial America. The film follows Hawkeye (Daniel Day-Lewis), a resourceful frontiersman, as he becomes embroiled in the conflict between the British, French, and Native American tribes.
Hawkeye, along with his Mohican companions, must rescue a British officer’s daughters, Cora and Alice, from hostile forces. Amidst breathtaking wilderness landscapes and intense battles, love blossoms and loyalties are tested. The film explores themes of honor, sacrifice, and cultural clash while delivering thrilling action sequences and a heart-wrenching love story in a beautifully crafted historical setting, making it a must-see in any best 90s movies list.
37. Batman Forever (1995) – Action/Fantasy
Before Patterson, Bale and Clooney as Batman, there was Val Kilmer. If you love the Batman franchise and prefer the more fun, comic-book themed movies, you’ll enjoy Batman Forever. In this installment of the Batman franchise, Gotham City’s Caped Crusader, Batman, faces two iconic villains: the enigmatic Riddler (Jim Carrey) and the vengeful Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones).
As they wreak havoc on the city, Batman must confront his own inner demons and accept the help of his new ally, Robin (Chris O’Donnell). Together, they strive to stop the villains’ nefarious plans while unraveling their pasts.
38. The Devil’s Advocate (1997) – Supernatural Horror
“The Devil’s Advocate” is a thriller that stars Keanu Reeves as Kevin Lomax, a talented young lawyer who joins a prestigious New York law firm led by the enigmatic John Milton, (Al Pacino).
As Kevin rises through the legal ranks, he becomes entangled in a world of wealth and power. However, he soon discovers that Milton’s firm is involved in supernatural and sinister dealings. The film explores themes of temptation, morality and the corrupting influence of ambition as Kevin grapples with his own conscience and the realization that his boss may be the Devil himself – literally!
39. Legends Of The Fall (1994) – Drama/Romance
If you love a young Brad Pitt in all his glory, this film should top your movie list. “Legends of the Fall” is an epic drama set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Montana.
The film revolves around the tumultuous lives of the Ludlow family. Colonel William Ludlow (Anthony Hopkins) raises his three sons – the disciplined Alfred (Aidan Quinn), the wild Tristan (Brad Pitt), and the compassionate Samuel (Henry Thomas) – in the rugged wilderness.
Their bonds are tested by love, war and betrayal when Samuel marries his fiancée, Susannah (Julia Ormond), and the brothers enlist in World War I – sparking a fracture in the family that they struggle to repair.
40. Romeo & Juliet (1996) – Drama/Romance
If you hate the dry portrayals of William Shakespeare’s plays, this adaptation of the classic “Romeo & Juliet” just might change your mind. This film modernizes Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy and is set in a fictional Verona Beach, amid gang warfare between the Montagues and Capulets.
Romeo, (Leonardo DiCaprio), and Juliet, (Claire Danes), fall passionately in love at first sight, defying their feuding families. This movie’s visually striking and stylized production captures their intense romance amidst a chaotic backdrop of violence and betrayal (and a great soundtrack!).
The film pays homage to the original text while infusing it with contemporary elements, making it a visually dazzling and emotionally powerful retelling of Shakespeare’s classic tale of love and fate.
41. Ghost (1990) – Drama/Romance/Supernatural
“Ghost” is a romantic supernatural film starring Patrick Swayze as Sam Wheat, a man who is tragically murdered.
After his death, Sam becomes a ghost and discovers that his murder was part of a larger conspiracy. He learns to communicate with his grieving girlfriend, Molly, (Demi Moore), with the help of a hilarious psychic, Oda Mae Brown, (Whoopi Goldberg).
Together, they uncover the truth behind Sam’s death and work to protect Molly from danger in this supernatural love story that is in every best 90s movies list.
42. Pretty Woman (1990) – Romantic Comedy
“Pretty Woman” is a beloved 1990 romantic comedy that follows the unlikely love story between Edward Lewis (Richard Gere), a wealthy businessman, and Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts), a vivacious prostitute.
When Edward hires Vivian to accompany him to social events, a transformative journey unfolds. As they spend time together, their worlds collide, leading to personal growth and unexpected romance. With humor, charm and iconic moments, “Pretty Woman” remains a classic tale of unexpected love that no one can resist falling for.
43. To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything Julie Newmar (1995) – Comedy
“To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” is a heartwarming comedy film that follows three drag queens, Vida Boheme (Patrick Swayze), Noxeema Jackson (Wesley Snipes), and Chi-Chi Rodriguez (John Leguizamo), as they embark on a cross-country road trip from New York to Hollywood.
Their journey takes an unexpected turn when their car breaks down in a small conservative town. Stranded in the town, the queens inspire and empower the locals, challenging societal norms with their charisma and kindness.
Through their colorful transformations, the trio teaches the community about acceptance, love and the importance of being true to oneself, leaving a lasting impact on everyone they meet and comedic scenes for all the viewers!
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44. Sense & Sensibility (1995) – Period Drama/Romance
The 1995 film adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility” is a tale of two contrasting sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. Following their father’s death, they navigate the challenges of 19th-century England’s rigid social norms and financial instability.
Elinor, (Emma Thompson), embodies practicality and restraint, concealing her deep affection for the reserved Edward Ferrars (Hugh Grant). In contrast, Marianne, (Kate Winslet), embodies passionate impulsiveness and falls for the dashing but unreliable John Willoughby (Greg Wise). The film beautifully explores themes of love, sacrifice, and societal expectations, ultimately celebrating the balance of sense and sensibility in life and romance. It’s also a fan favourite that still has a huge following to this day!
45. Contact (1997) – Drama/Sci-Fi
“Contact” is a thought-provoking science fiction film that sees Dr. Ellie Arroway (Jodie Foster) as a passionate scientist who receives a mysterious extraterrestrial signal containing blueprints for a revolutionary machine.
With the support of a diverse team, including Palmer Joss (Matthew McConaughey), she builds the machine, a massive interstellar transporter called the “Machine,” and embarks on a journey to meet the enigmatic extraterrestrial beings behind the message, but does she ever get there?
The film explores profound themes of faith, science and the quest for knowledge, while navigating the challenges of global politics and skepticism surrounding the encounter with alien intelligence and is a must in my best 90s movies list.
46. Leon, The Professional (1994) – Action/Thriller
If you love vengeance, this is your film. “Leon, The Professional” is an action thriller that revolves around Leon, a reclusive and highly skilled hitman, brilliantly portrayed by Jean Reno.
His isolated world takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Mathilda, a young girl played by Natalie Portman, whose family is brutally murdered by corrupt DEA agents led by Stansfield, portrayed by Gary Oldman.
Leon reluctantly takes Mathilda under his wing, teaching her the art of assassination while forming an unlikely bond. The film is a tale of redemption, revenge and the complex relationship that develops between these two damaged souls amidst the violent backdrop of crime-ridden New York City.
47. There’s Something About Mary (1998) – Comedy
This is a hilarious romantic comedy film that revolves around the charming yet socially awkward Ted (Ben Stiller) and his enduring infatuation with his high school crush, Mary (Cameron Diaz).
After hiring a private investigator to find her, Ted’s quest leads to a series of absurd and comical mishaps involving stalkers, deceitful friends and unusual characters. As Ted reenters Mary’s life, he competes with other eccentric suitors. The film combines slapstick humor with genuine heart that makes for a comedic love story.
48. Apollo 13 (1990) – Period Drama
This space drama is based on a true story. It follows the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission, where astronauts Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks), Fred Haise (Bill Paxton), and Jack Swigert (Kevin Bacon) face a life-threatening crisis when an oxygen tank explodes onboard their spacecraft, jeopardizing their journey to the moon (totally not terrifying at all, right??).
Stranded in space, the astronauts must rely on their ingenuity, NASA’s ground control and sheer determination to survive and make a perilous return to Earth. The film captures the tense race against time and the extraordinary teamwork that saved their lives, in dramatic fashion, of course.
pin the list of these best 90s movies for later!
What are the best 90s movies of all time in your opinion? Honestly, the 1990s had some of the best movies and you’re missing out if you don’t watch anything from that era of film making, in my opinion anyways.
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