Evergreens: the best films from the 90s

The 90s weren't so bad!
The Shawshank Redemption (Frank Darabont, 1994)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (James Cameron, 1991)
American History X (Tony Kaye, 1998)
Titanic (1997)
Reservoir Dogs (Quentin Tarantino, 1992)
My Best Friend's Wedding (P. J. Hogan, 1997)
Fargo (Joel Coen, 1996)
Trainspotting (Danny Boyle, 1996)
Schindler's List (Steven Spielberg, 1993)
Jurassic Park (Steven Spielberg, 1993)
Romeo + Juliet (Baz Luhrmann, 1996)
Thelma & Louise (Ridley Scott, 1991)
Pulp Fiction (Quentin Tarantino, 1994)
Edward Scissorhands (Tim Burton, 1990)
Good Will Hunting (Gus Van Sant, 1997)
The Truman Show (Peter Weir, 1998)
The Lion King (Rob Minkoff and Roger Allers, 1994)
Home Alone (Chris Columbus, 1990)
The Matrix (Lily and Lana Wachowski, 1999)
The Big Lebowski (Joel Coen, 1998)
Forrest Gump (Robert Zemeckis, 1994)
American Beauty (Sam Mendes, 1999)
The Thin Red Line (Terrence Malick, 1998)
All About My Mother (Pedro Almodóvar, 1999)
Groundhog Day (Harold Ramis, 1993)
After Life (Hirokazu Koreeda, 1998)
Toy Story (John Lasseter, 1995)
Goodfellas (Martin Scorsese, 1990)
The Sixth Sense (M. Night Shyamalan, 1999)
Clueless (Amy Heckerling, 1995)
Pretty Woman (Gary Marshall, 1990)
Point Break (Kathryn Bigelow, 1991)
Heat (Michael Mann, 1995)
Beauty and the Beast (Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale, 1991)
Saving Private Ryan (Steven Spielberg, 1998)
Boogie Nights (Paul Thomas Anderson, 1997)
Fight Club (David Fincher, 1999)
Before Sunrise (Richard Linklater, 1995)
Unforgiven (Clint Eastwood, 1992)
The Piano (Jane Campion, 1993)
Chungking Express (Wong Kar-Wai, 1994)
Life is Beautiful (Roberto Benigni, 1977)
The 90s weren't so bad!

Nowadays, there's a lot of nostalgia surrounding the '90s. Millennials are growing older and their favorite TV shows, songs, and accessories are being rediscovered again by younger generations. To continue with our journey down memory lane, we have created a list of the best 50 movies that were released in the '90s. Enjoy!

 

The Shawshank Redemption (Frank Darabont, 1994)

The movie based on a novel written by Stephen King tells the story of Andy Dufresne and is said to be among the best movies in history. The end of 'The Shawshank Redemption' will leave you breathless. Totally worth watching.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (James Cameron, 1991)

And if we talk about influential movies, this film by James Cameron set a before and after in terms of science fiction productions. Arnold Schwarzenegger was perfect in the role of the T-800 and Linda Hamilton became the unexpected heroine of Hollywood.

American History X (Tony Kaye, 1998)

This redemption story showed us how dangerous extreme political thinking can be and how talented Edward Norton was. The end of this movie will stay in your memory for a long time.

 

Titanic (1997)

Having 'Titanic' on the list was a no-brainer. This dramatic and romantic story was the highest-grossing film in the history of cinema and put Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in the highest place of the star system, along with James Cameron.

 

Reservoir Dogs (Quentin Tarantino, 1992)

This was Quentin Tarantino's first movie and couldn't have been more perfect. This brilliantly written thriller had an interesting plotline and a wonderful cast. It also has an amazing soundtrack: 'Hooked on a Feeling' is the main track.

Image: Miramax

My Best Friend's Wedding (P. J. Hogan, 1997)

Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz's fight over the love of their lives (Dermot Mulroney) is everything you could ask for in a '90s rom-com. The film was funny and adorable and had the amazing Rupert Everett as Julia Roberts' best friend.

Fargo (Joel Coen, 1996)

The main character is a police chief officer with very personal humor, who is pregnant and has to solve her first murder case. This is not the kind of plot anybody was used to in the '90s but it turned out to be a cinema masterpiece. It was funny, intriguing, and unexpected and the reason Frances McDormand received her first Oscar.

 

Trainspotting (Danny Boyle, 1996)

If you ask any cinema lover what is the best '90s film, this movie will probably be among the answers. This cult film connected with the post-grunge generation since its first minute.

Image: Film 4 Productions

Schindler's List (Steven Spielberg, 1993)

Steven Spielberg, the King Midas of Hollywood, was able to conquer another decade in the history of cinema thanks to this movie. 'Schindler's List' was an amazing adaptation of one of the toughest and darkest stories of the Holocaust which is based on Oskar Schindler's own experience.

Image: Universal Pictures

Jurassic Park (Steven Spielberg, 1993)

Yes, this prolific director dared to release 'Jurassic Park' and 'Schindler's list' in the same year. We are not calling him the King Midas of Hollywood for nothing.

 

 

Romeo + Juliet (Baz Luhrmann, 1996)

This updated musical version of the classic Shakespeare story was a risky move that worked out. The film was set in a fictional coastal location in the '90s but kept the style and manners of the original play. It was a success and the chemistry between Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio was on another level.

Thelma & Louise (Ridley Scott, 1991)

This definitely represented an important feminist move for the industry. The film took down walls and barriers, and three decades later is still an iconic story. Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon's friendship will forever be in our hearts.

 

Pulp Fiction (Quentin Tarantino, 1994)

Tarantino's establishment as one of the best directors in Hollywood came with this movie. Scenes like the dance between John Travolta and Uma Thurman or some of Samuel L. Jackson's speeches are part of the history of cinema. All the credit goes to this wonderful director who knew exactly where to place each piece of this narrative puzzle.

Image: Miramax

Edward Scissorhands (Tim Burton, 1990)

The universe of Tim Burton surrounded this beautiful tale about unexpected love. Thanks to the movie, we were able to see how the relationship between one of the most relevant couples of the decade, Johnny Depp and Wynona Ryder, moved from the screen to real life.

 

Good Will Hunting (Gus Van Sant, 1997)

Matt Damon delivers an amazing performance as a troubled and highly gifted boy who enjoys bringing down those who "supposedly" should know more than him. However, it was Robin Williams who received all the praise, recognition, and an Oscar for her role as the psychologist, Sean McGuire. His conversations with Will Hunting are some of the best dialogues ever written in the history of cinema.

Image: Miramax

The Truman Show (Peter Weir, 1998)

The film was released before anything was done on television about 'Big Brother'. That's why we were able to really enjoy one of the best performances of Jim Carrey who, at the time, didn't want to be typecast as a comedic actor.

 

The Lion King (Rob Minkoff and Roger Allers, 1994)

This is an undeniable masterpiece. The story is full of drama, fun, beautiful songs, and relevant messages. The movie also has one of the best soundtracks in the history of cinema.

Image: Disney Enterprises

Home Alone (Chris Columbus, 1990)

This classic Christmas family film is one of the most iconic and funny movies of the decade. Macaulay Culkin's performance is great, and the wonderful screenplay was written by the legendary John Hughes.

 

The Matrix (Lily and Lana Wachowski, 1999)

This movie marked a before and after in science fiction films. 'The Matrix' surprised us with never-before-seen action scenes, an unusual hero, and a philosophical message that blew everyone's minds. Neo, Trinity, Morfeo, and Agent Smith became iconic characters.

 

The Big Lebowski (Joel Coen, 1998)

This movie became a referent for '90s pop culture. Every cinema lover remembers the Dude's classic outfit as well as the iconic bowling scene with Jesús Quintana who was played by the wonderful John Turturro.

 

Forrest Gump (Robert Zemeckis, 1994)

This movie softened the heart of the whole world and won 6 Oscars out of the 13 nominations it received. Tom Hanks' lovable, naïve, and brave character, created by Robert Zemeckis, was supposedly the reason for some of the most incredible events of the 20th century.

American Beauty (Sam Mendes, 1999)

Lester Burnham's expectations in the film taught us that imagination can sometimes make us happier than reality. The amazing cast was completed by Mena Suvari, Thora Birch, Annette Benning, and Wes Bentley.

 

The Thin Red Line (Terrence Malick, 1998)

Terrence Malik dared to show us the other side of war and how human beings can entirely shift their personality, humanity, and self-awareness when facing the hard reality of the world.

All About My Mother (Pedro Almodóvar, 1999)

Emotions, drama, and pain are some of the elements that build this incredible story directed by Almodovar. Pedro Almodovar's aesthetic becomes part of a story that is beautifully led by the actress Cecilia Roth.

 

Groundhog Day (Harold Ramis, 1993)

This is the reason why 'Groundhog Day' has now become a global event. It was also the movie that consolidated Bill Murray as a comedic genius. In this hilarious take on time loops, we can see a gorgeous Andie McDowell.

After Life (Hirokazu Koreeda, 1998)

If you could choose just one memory to remember for the rest of your life, what will it be? This is the premise of the wonderful movie directed by Hirokazu Koreeda.

 

Toy Story (John Lasseter, 1995)

This is the first movie that was good enough to shake Disney's established empire. This Pixar film convinced the audience that animated films were not just for kids. Toy Story was a reflection of love and friendship and also about the transition from child to teenager. Tom Hanks was the voice of our favorite cowboy, Woody.

Image: Pixar

Goodfellas (Martin Scorsese, 1990)

This film noir masterpiece is one of Scorsese's best films. Joey Pesci and Ray Liotta are just some of the wonderful actors that were part of the cast of this twisted American dream story.

 

The Sixth Sense (M. Night Shyamalan, 1999)

"I see dead people". This absolutely terrifying premise has a surprising ending (no spoilers here) and amazing performances by Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, and Toni Collette.

Clueless (Amy Heckerling, 1995)

This updated and modern version of Jane Austen's novel 'Emma' is a '90s classic. The film gave us an insight into the fashion, music, and slang of the decade; it also launched Alicia Silverstone's career which, only a few years later, began to go downhill after starring in 'Batman & Robin'.

 

Pretty Woman (Gary Marshall, 1990)

If you haven't seen this movie, you probably have been living under a rock. This is the most iconic rom-com film in the history of cinema. This modern version of Cinderella had America's sweetheart, Julia Roberts, and the perfect husband and lover, Richard Gere, as the protagonists.

Point Break (Kathryn Bigelow, 1991)

Keanu Reeves, Patrick Swayze, beaches, surf, and action. This thriller already had everything it needed to succeed, but Kathryn Bigelow knew how to turn it into a cult film.

 

Heat (Michael Mann, 1995)

This action-filled movie is the masterpiece of an action expert, Michael Mann, who delighted us in the '80s with 'Miami Vice'. The director reunited Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, however, the two excellent actors were sometimes overshadowed by the incredible, Val Kilmer.

Image: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Beauty and the Beast (Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale, 1991)

This was an instant classic that confirmed what 'The Little Mermaid' had already announced: The success of Disney's factory in the animation industry.

Image: Walt Disney Productions

Saving Private Ryan (Steven Spielberg, 1998)

Yes, Spielberg did it again, but this time with a war movie. This masterpiece, which didn't get the Oscar for Best Film because 'Shakespeare in Love' had won it, presented us with one of the best scenes ever filmed in cinema: The Normandy landing.

Boogie Nights (Paul Thomas Anderson, 1997)

The film shows us the behind-the-scenes of the adult film industry in a funny and interesting way. In the movie, we can see the incredible performances of Mark Wahlberg and Heather Graham.

 

Fight Club (David Fincher, 1999)

This other '90s classic had the incredible talent of Brad Pitt and Edward Norton on full display. In this movie, David Fincher wanted to raise awareness about the consumerism of society... Unfortunately, that has increased a lot since then!

Before Sunrise (Richard Linklater, 1995)

Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke's love story in the film is simple, passionate, and beautiful. Their incredible chemistry and the enthusiasm of the audience were enough to make the film a trilogy.

 

Unforgiven (Clint Eastwood, 1992)

After four Oscars, Clint Eastwood consolidated his career as an excellent director. An example of his work is 'Unforgiven', one of the best western movies in cinema history.

The Piano (Jane Campion, 1993)

Delicate, elegant, and tough is the story that made Jane Campion the first woman to win the Palme d'Or at Cannes. At 11 years old, Anna Paquin was the second youngest girl to win an Oscar (for Best Supporting Actress).

 

Chungking Express (Wong Kar-Wai, 1994)

This independent film deserves to be watched. The story about two completely different broken hearts who share a common link was so good that transformed 'Chungking Express' into a cult film.

Life is Beautiful (Roberto Benigni, 1977)

The Italian director Roberto Benigni showed us the efforts of a father to make the life of his son in a concentration camp more bearable through games and laughter. A very difficult-to-watch, but necessary, film.

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