90s Movies: 40 Classic Movies We Love to Watch Again and Again
Film classics: We present 40 of the best 90s films – from the beginning to the end of the decade
After devoting some time to Y2K fashion trends , we're now going back another decade. Not in a fashion sense, though, but to a time before Netflix , Amazon Prime, and the like. A time when (if you didn't want to wait forever) you could only see all the major films in the cinema.
The best 90s moviesBut what was so popular in the '90s? Well, for one thing, many of the classic romantic comedies, the so-called romcoms, are among the best films of the '90s—often featuring Julia Roberts. For example:
- “Pretty Woman”
- “Four Weddings and a Funeral”
- "Forrest Gump"
- “Notting Hill”
Also very popular were teenage films that not only influenced an entire generation of adolescents at the time, but are still celebrated as film classics today, including:
- “William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet”
- “Edward Scissorhands”
- “Ice Cold Angels”
- "My Girl"
But no 90s film review is complete without science fiction and exciting thrillers. These include:
- "Matrix"
- “Men in Black”
- “The Fifth Element”
- "Seven"
- “The Silence of the Lambs”
to name just a few…
There are also films of other genres that wonderfully captured and shaped this decade. In this context, we must, of course, mention David Fincher's masterpiece "Fight Club," starring Brad Pitt and Edward Norton, or the Quentin Tarantino classic "Pulp Fiction."
90s Movies: Our 40 Must-WatchesJoin us on a nostalgia trip and immerse yourself in our list of wonderful 90s movies.
“Pretty Woman” (1990)A love story you won’t soon forget: “Pretty Woman”.
A lonely businessman (Richard Gere) meets a sex worker (Julia Roberts) in LA. But instead of for sex, he hires her as a business companion for a week. While Vivian immerses himself in a new world, Edward, influenced by her, also begins to question his previous life.
For Julia Roberts, the modern Cinderella story not only marked the beginning of her career as a superstar actress, but also a lifelong friendship with her on-screen partner Richard Gere. Nine years later, the two reunited in the romantic comedy "Runaway Bride."
“Ghost” (1990)Have tissues ready: “Ghost” touches the heart.
Banker Sam (Patrick Swayze) is murdered one day in the street, right in front of his wife Molly ( Demi Moore ). Concerned about his beloved partner, his spirit contacts psychic Oda Mae (Academy Award for Whoopi Goldberg), who also helps him clarify the circumstances of his death—a tragically beautiful love story that's worth watching again and again.
“Edward Scissorhands” (1990)Johnny Depp in "Edward Scissorhands".
Abandoned and forgotten, Edward, an artificial human with Scissorhands, meets Peg Boggs, a cosmetics saleswoman who sees him as a potential customer for hair styling and takes him home with her. Under the family's wing, the young man falls in love with Peg's eldest daughter, Kim Boggs. Despite their mutual feelings, Edward is the laughingstock of the entire town. This absolute fantasy gem from Tim Burton was the first of many in which the director cast Johnny Depp as the lead.
“Dances with Wolves” (1990)Epic and opulent: “Dances with Wolves”
In an outpost of the Old West, a young lieutenant named John Dunbar (Kevin Costner) befriends the Sioux people. Dunbar recognizes himself in the tribe and the values they uphold. Kevin Costner also directed this film, which won a total of seven Oscars, including Best Picture.
“Goodfellas – Three Decades in the Mafia” (1990)“Goodfellas” is considered one of Martin Scorsese’s best films.
Since childhood, Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) has had only one goal: to become a gangster and part of the Mafia. As a teenager, he begins working for Paul Cicero (Paul Sorvino), while admiring other gangsters like Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro), who specializes in securing stolen goods. As he delves deeper into the Mafia underworld, Henry encounters more than a few problems along the way in Martin Scorsese's mafia drama .
“Thelma & Louise” (1991)So, who's sitting next to Geena Davis in the car? Couldn't it be a certain Brad Pitt?
Susan Sarandon , Geena Davis, a car, and a gun—and you have one of the most famous cinema classics. Ridley Scott's feminist road movie tells the story of two women who escape a life of patriarchal monotony and, between laughter and tears, pave the way for one of the best final scenes in American cinema.
“Point Break” (1991)Police officer Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves) and his man-crush Bodhi (Patrick Swayze).
Did you know that this emotional action thriller about a group of surfing bank robbers served as the inspiration for the "Fast and Furious" saga? Keanu Reeves plays a police officer who goes undercover with the bon vivant Bodhi (Patrick Swayze). Using the enigmatic surfer's network, he is tasked with finding out who's behind the robberies. But the case becomes complicated when the lawman begins to feel at home in the beach community.
Even more movie classics of the 90s “Addams Family” (1991)The “Addams Family” taught us to be afraid in an entertaining way in the nineties.
Creepy yet so irresistible: In the first of the three Addams Family films, Anjelica Huston plays the divine Morticia Addams, always dressed in the finest pieces and, of course, always in elegant black. And how could anyone forget the sadistic Wednesday Addams , played by Christina Ricci, who demonstrated her acting talent at just eleven years old? In 2022, the horror comedy was remade as a Netflix series – and became a worldwide hit!
“The Silence of the Lambs” (1991)Scary film classic: “The Silence of the Lambs”.
Anthony Hopkins shocked the world in 1991 by playing an elderly psychiatrist who turns out to be a sadistic cannibal. The film features a game of cat and mouse between the doctor and FBI agent Clarice Starling, played by Jodie Foster. The skilled agent can't help but be captivated by the psychopath's intelligence. At the 1992 Academy Awards, the film won a total of five awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Actress.
“Bodyguard” (1992)Singer Whitney Houston made her acting debut in “Bodyguard.”
When pop diva Rachel Marron (Whitney Houston) is threatened by an obsessed fan, her management hires bodyguard Frank (Kevin Costner) to protect her. It all happens as it must: To the tune of the mega-hit "I Will Always Love You," the two fall in love.
The romantic drama was nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award in seven categories. Nevertheless, director Mick Jackson created a monument to Whitney Houston's glory days with "Bodyguard."
“Jurassic Park” (1993)“Jurassic Park” raised the bar for science fiction.
Billionaire John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) plans to open a groundbreaking theme park teeming with living dinosaurs on a remote island. The scientists he hired have already successfully cloned about a dozen species, including a T. rex and a velociraptor. But during a power outage, the prehistoric animals escape from their enclosures... The special effects of this 90s film are among the most elaborate ever seen in cinema: The post-production of the scene in which a Tyrannosaurus attacks two children in the pouring rain took six hours per frame.
“Mrs. Doubtfire – The Prickly Nanny” (1993)A 90s film that touches the heart: “Mrs. Doubtfire” with Robin Williams.
After a bitter divorce, the fun-loving Daniel (Robin Williams) loses custody of his three children. Faced with this heartbreaking news, he devises a plan to still see his loved ones every day: He disguises himself as Mrs. Doubtfire, an elderly Scottish woman with a sharp wit, and takes a job as his ex-wife's (Sally Field) housekeeper. The film features Robin Williams in one of his best and perhaps most touching roles. He deservedly received the Golden Globe for Best Actor in 1994.
“Pulp Fiction” (1994)Their scene is cult: John Travolta and Uma Thurman in “Pulp Fiction”.
Quentin Tarantino's second film is undoubtedly one of his best. "Pulp Fiction," which won the Palme d'Or at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival, tells the hyper-violent story of gangsters, drug addicts, and a professional fighter in Hollywood. The 1990s film is a cult classic for this scene alone: Drug addict Mia Wallace ( Uma Thurman ) dances the twist with her husband's henchman (John Travolta) in a 1950s restaurant.
“Four Weddings and a Funeral” (1994)“Four Weddings and a Funeral” is a rom-com through and through.
With this romantic comedy, Hugh Grant laid the foundation for his career as a distracted romantic: It follows the extremely single and extremely handsome Charles (Hugh Grant). Love seems to be of no interest to him until, as best man at a wedding, he meets Carrie (Andie MacDowell), who, unfortunately, is already engaged—oh dear! The film remains firmly on lists of the best British films to this day and is one of the most successful films in British cinema history.
Tom Hanks in his signature role “Forrest Gump” (1994)Getty Images
"Run Forrest, run!" – these words were burned into the collective memory of viewers in the 1990s. In this classic film, the eponymous hero, Forrest Gump, staggers from one important historical event to the next, always hoping to find the love of his life again.
Particularly heartwarming: Despite his low IQ, Forrest possesses more charm, life experience, and kindness than most people in the world. This touching masterpiece won six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director (Robert Zemeckis), and Best Actor ( Tom Hanks ).
“Léon – the professional” (1994)Natalie Portman made her breakthrough as an actress with “Léon – The Professional”.
The young and determined twelve-year-old Mathilda Landon wants to avenge the death of her parents. To fulfill her wish, she teams up with professional assassin Léon (Jean Reno). With her first major film role in Luc Besson's thriller, Natalie Portman demonstrates her great acting talent early on.
“Speed” (1994)Sparks fly between Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock in “Speed.”
In this action film, Sandra Bullock has to take the wheel of a speeding public bus. The tricky part: Because a terrorist (Dennis Hopper) has rigged it with a bomb, the vehicle can't travel below 80 kilometers per hour, or it will explode. Above all, the chemistry between Bullock and Keanu Reeves, who plays police officer Jack Traven, makes the film a real delight.
“Interview with a Vampire” (1994)Brad Pitt in “Interview with the Vampire”.
This elegant 1990s film classic is based on a novel by Anne Rice: In 1990s San Francisco, journalist Daniel Malloy (Christian Slater) interviews a charming man with an unusually pale complexion ( Brad Pitt ). He turns out to be a vampire brought to life by another vampire named Lestat de Lioncourt (Tom Cruise), an arrogant and sadistic creature with a great appetite for suffering. Kirsten Dunst, only 11 at the time, stars here in her first major role.
This film is a source of inspiration in terms of 90s style “Clueless – What else!” (1995)Rich, beautiful and popular: Alicia Silverstone as Cher in “Clueless – What Else!”
A modern interpretation of Jane Austen's novel " Emma ," the film depicts the lives of Beverly Hills' rich and beautiful. Cher (Alicia Silverstone) is the most popular girl in school with an unusual hobby: matchmaking. Together with her best friend Dionne (Stacey Dash), she takes new classmate Ty (Brittany Murphy) under her wing. Even decades later , "Clueless" remains one of the ultimate teen movies, undoubtedly inspiring the later milestone "Mean Girls." (Find even more '90s style inspiration here.)
“10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)Before he knows it, Patrick (Heath Ledger) develops real feelings for the quick-witted Kat (Julia Stiles).
Awkward student Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) falls in love with the charming Bianca Stratford (Larisa Oleynik). The problem is: She's only allowed to date a boy if her older sister Katarina (Julia Stiles) also has a date. So Cameron pays his rebellious classmate Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger) to take Kat out. Will this work out?
The romantic teen comedy is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew." However, because it cleverly and sharply addresses sociopolitical issues such as consent, gender roles, and feminism, "10 Things I Hate About You" gives its source text a contemporary update.
“Now & Then” (1995)In this heartwarming coming-of-age film, four childhood friends reunite as adults to reminisce about their childhood in the summer of 1970. They had an unforgettable summer full of adventures, first love, and family problems. Christina Ricci, Thora Birch, Gaby Hoffmann, and Ashleigh Aston Moore play the young heroes, while Melanie Griffith, Demi Moore, Rosie O'Donnell, and Rita Wilson take on the roles of the adult friends. Incidentally, the screenplay for "Now & Then" was written by Marlene King, the creator of "Pretty Little Liars."
“The Craft” (1996)These girls are the kind of girls you shouldn't mess with. Credit: Columbia/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock
In "The Craft," four misfits (Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Rachel True, Neve Campbell) at a Catholic high school discover their talent for dark magic and form a coven. They use their powers to take revenge on those who have spurned and tormented them and to improve their lives – but abuse of power, jealousy, and dark forces soon put their friendship and morals to the test. Incidentally, the emo cult film provides plenty of inspiration for the Dark Academia style .
“Seven” (1995)One of the best thrillers of all time: David Fincher’s “Seven”.
In this chilling crime thriller, Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman hunt a religious serial killer who sees his victims as guilty of the seven deadly sins – lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, anger, envy, and pride. Director David Fincher and co-lead Brad Pitt first teamed up for this brilliant thriller; their collaboration was repeated in 1999 for "Fight Club" and 2009 for "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."
“William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet” (1996)“William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet” sets the action in the USA in the 1990s.
Baz Luhrmann's modern interpretation of Shakespeare's influential play tells the story of two rival mafia clans in sleepy Verona Beach. When their offspring (played by Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio) fall in love, the family feud escalates into tragedy.
To emphasize the contemporary aspect of the story, Australian costume designer Kym Barrett dressed the protagonists in Hawaiian shirts , leather tops, and sequined dresses. The Capulet family wore Dolce & Gabbana, while Prada provided Leonardo DiCaprio's wardrobe. Seventeen years later, Prada, Baz Luhrmann, and Leonardo DiCaprio reunited for the production of "The Great Gatsby."
You might also be interested in: The best fashion films of all time
“Jerry Maguire” (1996)He had her after saying hello.
In this lighthearted drama, Tom Cruise takes on the role of a successful sports agent. After becoming overcome with scruples and writing a rousing e-mail to his company, he is summarily fired. With a single client (an Oscar for Cuba Gooding Jr.) and a single mother (Renée Zellweger) as his secretary, Jerry must start all over again. Can he lead his small company to "the bottom line"?
The most expensive film of the 90s “Titanic” (1997)James Cameron’s blockbuster “Titanic” is one of the most successful films of all time.
When we talk about films of the 90s, this timeless gem can't be left out: On the fateful maiden voyage of the luxury liner Titanic, wealthy Rose DeWitt Bukater and penniless painter Jack Dawson meet and fall in love – heartbreak guaranteed ! This spectacular romantic drama became a springboard for the careers of Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio and is not only one of the most successful films of the 90s, but of all time: "Titanic" has grossed more than two billion US dollars to date and has won eleven Oscars.
“The Fifth Element” (1997)You can't see this crazy space action too often: "The Fifth Element"
Luc Besson's science fiction blockbuster is also one of the best films of the 90s: The humanoid Leeloo escapes a laboratory and lands in the flying taxi of Korben Dallas, played by Bruce Willis. What ensues is an increasingly absurd space chase in which the pair search for element stones that will save the planet and defeat the villainous industrialist Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg (played by the extravagantly dressed Gary Oldman). Tough heroine: With her bright orange bob, white bondage bodysuit, and tough fighting skills, Milla Jovovich 's character Leeloo became a sensation.
“Good Will Hunting” (1997)Matt Damon wrote the first draft of the screenplay for “Good Will Hunting” in college.
The screenplay, written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, tells the story of Will (Matt Damon), a rebellious math genius who lives with his friends in poverty in the American university town of Boston. Despite his brilliant intellect, he often gets into trouble and is constantly at risk of going to prison. While he's working as a temp at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), cleaning the hallways and solving math equations on the side, a professor discovers his genius. To avoid prison, Will agrees to meet weekly with psychologist Sean Maguire (Robin Williams). Robin Williams won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role, and Matt Damon and Ben Affleck won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay.
“Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” (1998)A wild trip for both audience and protagonists: “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”.
Far from his usual roles as a teen heartthrob, Johnny Depp gets to demonstrate his full acting chops in the role of an atypical drifter. He plays a failed, cocaine-addicted journalist who, accompanied by his friend Dr. Gonzo (Benicio del Toro), embarks on a crazy desert trip to Las Vegas. Based on the novel by Hunter S. Thompson, the film oscillates so much between disillusionment and hallucination that you constantly wonder what you're actually watching.
“Fight Club” (1999)We allow ourselves to break the first rule of “Fight Club”.
David Fincher's dark, confusing film is a must-see: Jack (Edward Norton) is an insurance agent suffering from insomnia. His personal and professional life is less than satisfying until he meets the strange soap salesman Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt), who accepts him into his underground fight club.
Unforgettable cinema classics from the 90s “Matrix” (1999)With its irresistible style and anti-capitalist message, “Matrix” has entered the annals of pop culture.
What if the world we live in is actually just a simulation? For hacker Neo (Keanu Reeves), this thought experiment is bitter reality – but a group of rebels is convinced that, as the chosen one, he can defeat the system and free humanity from slavery. The Wachowski siblings' cyber thriller was a revelation on multiple levels, redefining the boundaries of action cinema. And lead actor Keanu Reeves, sporting sunglasses and a floor-length leather coat, became a cult icon of the millennial generation.
“My Girl” (1991)“My Girl” tells of first love and first heartbreak.
Long before she caused a stir as Amy Brookheimer in "Veep," Anna Chlumsky was the best friend of Macaulay Culkin, whose life is taken by a tragic accident in "My Girl." A film that still has an emotional impact 30 years later.
“Cruel Intentions” (1999)Step-siblings Sebastian and Kathryn play with the feelings of their classmates.
If you haven't seen this classic 90s film yet, it's a remake of the French novel "Dangerous Liaisons." In it, two wealthy step-siblings enter into a treacherous bet during their summer vacation: Sebastian (Ryan Philippe) is supposed to deflower the daughter of the new school principal (Reese Witherspoon) before the start of the school year. If he succeeds, he'll be allowed to sleep with his stepsister Kathryn (Sarah Michelle Gellar); if he loses, he'll have to give her his vintage convertible. Things get complicated when the honest and warm-hearted Annette melts Sebastian's cold heart.
The film boasts an outstanding soundtrack, including "Colorblind" by Counting Crows and "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve. What's more, from Kathryn's slip dresses to Anette's mom jeans, the film provides plenty of style inspiration .
“Notting Hill” (1999)Hollywood star falls in love with normal guy – can this work out?
Hugh Grant's mop of hair and Julia Roberts's radiant smile are just two of the major assets of this sensitive and characterful romantic comedy from the late 1990s. Divorced William Thacker runs a travel guide bookshop in London's Notting Hill district (which became a trendy neighborhood thanks in no small part to this film). When he unexpectedly runs into the world-famous US actress Anna Scott one day, the two contrasting characters fall in love. But their love is severely tested by their different life realities.
“My Private Idaho” (1991)Gus Van Sant's queer youth drama is remembered primarily for actor River Phoenix, as it was the last film he made before his untimely death. The story begins on the streets of Portland, where friends Mike (Phoenix) and Scott (Keanu Reeves) live and work as prostitutes. However, when the two embark on a search for Mike's mother, a melancholic road movie unfolds, exploring themes such as identity, unrequited love, and the quest for belonging.
“Gilbert Grape – Somewhere in Iowa” (1993)A film that touches the heart: “Gilbert Grape – Somewhere in Iowa”.
Young Gilbert Grape (Johnny Depp) lives in a desolate small town and bears the responsibility for his family: his mentally disabled brother Arnie (Leonardo DiCaprio in one of his best roles), his sisters, and his severely overweight, depressed mother. His everyday life is characterized by a sense of duty, excessive demands, and a longing for a different life. When the freedom-loving Becky (Juliette Lewis) comes to town, Gilbert begins to question his life for the first time. This devastating family drama is memorable above all for its outstanding performances. Leonardo DiCaprio was even honored with the first of his seven Oscar nominations for his performance.
“Crazy” (1999)Life in the Claymoore Sanatorium is taking its toll on Susanna (Winona Ryder).
Based on the memoirs of Susanna Kaysen, this gripping drama tells the story of her 18-month stay in a mental institution after she attempted suicide. At the Claymoore Sanatorium in the late 1960s, Susanna (played by Winona Ryder ) meets other young women struggling with mental health issues: Polly "Torch" Clark (Elisabeth Moss), who suffers from schizophrenia; Daisy Randone (Brittany Murphy), who self-harms and suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder; Georgina Tuskin (Clea DuVall), a pathological liar; and the anorexic Janet Webber. Susanna is particularly attracted to the rebellious Lisa ( Angelina Jolie ), who persuades her to stop her medication and refuse therapy.
“Before Sunrise” (1995)One of the most honest films about love: “Before Sunrise.” Photo by Castle Rock/Detour/Kobal/Shutterstock
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you simply gave in to a crazy idea? In "Before Sunrise," that's exactly what happens: An American tourist (Ethan Hawke), traveling through Europe for the summer, meets Céline (Julie Delpy), a beautiful French woman. In Vienna, they impulsively get off the train and spend 24 hours together, changing their lives forever.
“Men in Black” (1997)In this action comedy, Will Smith is recruited by a secret agency that monitors and regulates alien immigration to Earth. Equipped with dark sunglasses, a black suit, and a handy device that can erase memories, he tracks down the newly arrived aliens who are misbehaving. Smith also contributed the film's title song.
“Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” (1991)After "Bodyguard," this is Kevin Costner's second film to rely heavily on its soundtrack: Bryan Adams' soft-rock ballad "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" perfectly captures the romantic charm of the selfless hero Robin Hood (played by Costner). He bands together with lepers in Sherwood Forest to rebel against the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham (Alan Rickman). Together, they steal from the rich and distribute the loot to the poor.
This article first appeared in a similar form on Vogue.fr .
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