Best 90s Movies of All Time — An Awesome 90s Movies List

Girl, Interrupted is based on the best-selling memoirs of Susanna Kaysen, who is played by Winona Ryder. Set in the 1960s, a young woman living in a mental hospital must choose between what’s in between the walls of the institution---the people and her old ways, or face the reality of the outside world. 

This film makes the list for a few reasons, but plot isn’t really one of them. Sorry to disappoint. But to be fair, the best part about the 90s was the music, so when you find a 90s movie that dedicates itself to it, it’s hard to pass up. It also comes with great early performances from Rene Zellweger and Liv Tyler, grappling with their blown out of proportion problems mixed in with a few larger ones. 

Vada Sultenfuss (Anna Chlumsky) lives with her father (Dan Aykroyd) who operates a funeral home. Her mother passed away giving birth to her, and it’s no wonder she doesn’t feel like the most normal girl. She and her best friend Thomas, played by Macaulay Culkin, make an amusing pair, until the end. The performances are especially appreciated. 

Independence Day is an action packed, sci-fi blockbuster co-written and directed by Roland Emmerich. It features an ensemble cast including Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell, Randy Quaid, just to name a few. The movie shows these disparate groups of people who come together in the Nevada desert after an extraterrestrial race attacks the human race. This group and the rest of the world launch a global counter-attack on July 4th.

While the film was originally released on July 3rd, for a limited few, they began screening it on July 2nd, the day the film’s story actually starts. Like any absurd blockbuster, it received mixed reviews, but ultimately grossed $817.4 million, effectively becoming the highest grossing film of that year, and the second highest of all time, right behind Jurassic Park. Its sequel was released in 2016, the first installment of a planned film series. 

Movies that were released this late in the 90s probably qualify more for “best of the early 2000s,"  but I’m not writing that article so we’re running on a technicality here. Visually innovative and invigorating, The Matrix depicts a dystopian world where the future of humanity is unknowingly stuck inside a simulation. The machines controlling it are using up human energy. Boasted a slew of great reviews and more than a few Academy Awards. But my favorite win from this was the “bullet-time” capture that only seemed to work in the first Matrix.

Three police officers try to tackle the corruption surrounding an unsolved murder in LA in the 1950s. This neo-noir comes from the mind of James Ellroy, and has aged fairly well as a crime noir. 

The modern fable with strong chemistry from Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, that launched Roberts career. A love story filled with overcoming obstacles to bridge the gap between their two separate worlds. 

When you’re in the mood for a tear-jerker and possibly one of the best performances of Leonardo DiCaprio’s career, might I say, before he even had a career, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape is the one to watch.  And while sometimes hard to watch, the performances and rawness makes it well worth it. Gilbert Grape played by Johnny Depp is a small town guy with a ton of responsibilities---taking care of his mother who is too overweight to leave their house, while trying to manage his younger brother who has autism, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who regularly gets into trouble.

Kids did some damage on this decade. It was one of those films that you never have to see again, but was so raw and in your face, you appreciate its existence. Set during the course of a single day, it follows a group of teenagers in New York City as they drink, smoke, have a ton of  sex, skateboard, and... head stomp strangers. Initially, it received an NC-17 rating and generated a ton of controversy at its release. Threats of childhood obscenity and even accusations of pornography, caused some disrupted some ticket sales but that opening year was wildly successful, grossing in about 7 mil. 

A story that is adored by critics and fans alike. With a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score and audience score, it’s no doubt a classic. Disney’s animated features of the adventures of Simba, his family, and his friends who become family, doesn’t stop making us cry even all of these years later.

Long before I moved to Los Angeles, Clueless taught me a thing or two about the city of angels. I learned that 1) “everywhere in LA takes 20 minutes,”  2) the freeways here can kill you, 3) what a grassy knoll is, and 4) the valley is really, really far away. Rich and popular, Cher played by Alicia Silverstone is at the top of the pecking order at her Beverly Hills high school. When a new girl shows up, she jumps on the opportunity to give the poor girl, Tai, a makeover, (Brittany Murphy). When Tai suddenly becomes more popular than her, she questions everything. 

Andy Dufresne, (Tim Robbins), framed for his wife’s murder, begins a new life at Shawshank prison. A fairly simple but hopeful plot, the film explores human institutionalization through inmates’ relationships and the harsh realities inside the prison system.  It may be overrated to some, but the movie still remains a classic for its good heartedness.

An epic love story against the backdrop of tragedy. James Cameron succeeds in his obsession to reproduce history near perfectly. It’s beautifully shot from start to finish, with unforgettable performances from Kate and Leo.

A cynical man (obviously played by Bill Murray), finds himself reliving the same day over and over again. As a weatherman, he goes to report on a town’s annual Groundhog Day, and is initially mystified as to what is happening. He’s able to find a new outlook on the situation, and uses this odd situation to thrive. 

What would 90s cinema be without Tarantino? Pulp Fiction is likely considered one of his best, though at this point, a few of them probably are. But this one boasts more than just incredible performances from Thurman and Travolta---brilliant screenwriting, directing, and cinematography, while being wildly original. 

Produced, directed, and co-written by James Cameron comes the sequel set 11 years after the first installment. The sequel stars Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Robert Patrick, and Edward Furlong. The story follows a young John Connor who is the target of a  T-1000 Terminator. Another Terminator T-800, played by Schwarzenegger, sets out to save the boy. They form an unlikely connection.

It became an immediate success upon release, grossing $520 million globally. Most fans and critics consider it better than the first. 

A glimpse into New York City’s Harlem drag-ball scene and “house” culture in the 1980s. Made over the course of seven years, this landmark documentary offers an on the ground view and intimate perspective of the elaborate balls and competing house culture, trans women and men, and lgbt performers would participate in. House mothers would offer support and mentoring for many of these socially ousted individuals. A community of love and empowerment to fight back against a transphobic, homophopic, and racist world. 

Forrest Gump’s mental disability does little to stop him from achieving whatever he wants in life. Whether fighting in Nam or captaining a shrimp boat, he lives a full life. When he meets the love of his life, Jenny, (played by Robin Wright), things aren’t so easy. 

As a Coen Bros film would, Fargo is accompanied by a fascinating cast of characters, with a fairly unpredictable plot even if it’s based on a true story (mostly based on a true story). A movie that floats around from genre to genre, comedy hides in weird places met with drama and suspense. 

Original story by Chuck Palahniuk with strong themes against consumer-driven society. Fincher’s version gives us strong performances from Ed Norton, Brad Pitt, and Helena Bonham Carter. 

Clarice Starling, played by Jodie Foster, is a top student at the FBI’s training academy. She believes Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), a murderous psychopath and cannibal behind bars, can give her insight into her latest case. Their strange relationship takes us through this witty and jolting thriller that became an instant classic.