Citywide destroying flying saucers. Simulated realities. Cybernetic protectors from the future. And Dinosaur theme parks that go awry. Damn, the ’90s really were a blast of cinematic entertainment. We really had it great back then, didn’t we? Name a decade full of jaw-dropping spectacles and blockbuster wonders? It was time to enjoy some of the biggest, most beloved movies on the big screen.
The ’90s were truly an enthralling decade full of enjoyment. There’s a lot from this decade to call the most thrilling of the bunch. But there are some cinematic wonders that came out around this time that captured our imagination and filled us with so much excitement. From action-packed blockbusters to gripping crime dramas to beloved childhood classics, here are the ten most entertaining movies of the 1990s.
10
‘Home Alone’ (1990)
Directed by Chris Columbus
Starting off with a gut-busting holiday tale, Home Alone defined ’90s comedies and Christmas movies with its heartwarming and hilarious story that’ll have viewers keep coming back for more. Starring the wonderful trio of Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, and Daniel Stern, it follows eight-year-old Kevin McCallister as he defends his home on Christmas Eve from two bumbling burglars after being accidentally left behind on a family vacation.
A touching family comedy with laugh-out-loud slapstick humor, Home Alone is truly one of the most rewatchable films of the decade. It’ll have you laughing uncontrollably one moment and tugging at your heartstrings another. And, it’s simply wonderful from start to finish, thanks to its smart writing, enjoyable performances, and, of course, the memorable trap sequence, which is always a delight to revisit.
9
‘Fight Club’ (1999)
Directed by David Fincher
A film that defined David Fincher‘s directing career, Fight Club is his magnum opus, a memorable psychological dark comedy thriller. Featuring the dynamic duo of Brad Pitt and Edward Norton, it follows an insomniac office worker, crushed by the stresses of society and stuck in a dead-end job, as he finds new meaning in life after he sparks an unusual friendship with an anarchistic soapmaker and forms an underground fighting organization.
Fight Club is a unique, fascinating genre-bender that, even today, is still mind-blowing. It also truly captured the rebellious, anti-establishment spirit of the late ’90s, and continues to be explored for its compelling messages and themes about society and culture. It’s thrilling throughout and keeps you coming back for more rewatches.
8
‘Toy Story’ (1995)
Directed by John Lasseter
The groundbreaking Disney/Pixar film Toy Story is a cherished ’90s classic that’s shaped many young audiences’ childhoods. It was revolutionary for its time as the first feature-length CGI kids’ movie and became an inspiration for animation films for decades, and is still ongoing. It follows a young boy’s favorite toy doll, Woody (Tom Hanks), as he becomes worried and jealous that he’s being replaced by a new spaceman toy, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen).
Toy Story has become timeless for its charming story and lovable characters. There are memorable lines and a beloved theme song that is so instantly recognizable. It’s often considered one of Pixar’s finest, and despite its age, it’s still constantly watched and loved by generations. It’s undoubtedly entertaining and represents kids’ movies of the 1990s.
7
‘Independence Day’ (1996)
Directed by Roland Emmerich
A film that defined ’90s summer blockbusters, Independence Day is one of the most thrilling and explosive films of the decade. An exciting mix of science fiction, action, and disaster, it follows a colorful band of survivors, led by the U.S. President (Bill Pullman), as they strike back against a technologically superior alien race.
Yeah, it’s loud, dumb, and a bit emotionally manipulative, but damn, it is far from being boring. It’s a blast from start to finish, featuring nonstop explosions and Oscar-winning special effects. The cast, featuring Will Smith during the rise of his superstardom, is memorable and so easy to root for. Independence Day is exactly the kind of ’90s popcorn flick anyone can endlessly enjoy. Even now, its best moments will leave you cheering with your fists in the air.
6
‘Goodfellas’ (1990)
Directed by Martin Scorsese
The revered Martin Scorsese has given cinema some of its greatest hits, but none are quite as beloved as his magnum opus, Goodfellas. A fascinating crime epic full of compelling dialogue, drama, and quotable one-liners, it sees the late Ray Liotta as mob associate turned FBI informant Henry Hill, who narrates his rise and fall from grace within the Lucchese.
Goodfellas is undoubtedly one of the greatest crime films of all time, often stacking up alongside others like The Godfather and Once Upon A Time in America. But, this is truly the most entertaining, as it excites viewers with its dark and oddly attractive look into the world of organized crime and the glamour and danger that comes with it. Throw in an epic Robert De Niro gangster performance and Joe Pesci in his Oscar-winning role as the psychotic Tommy DeVito, and Goodfellas is a mob classic that gets more fun the more you see it.
5
‘The Matrix’ (1999)
Directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski
The Wachowskis‘ The Matrix is an action masterpiece that’s unlike anything that has come out of the 1990s. Featuring revolutionary effects and ideas, this game-changer has inspired countless films throughout the years since it first exploded onto the big screen. Starring Keanu Reeves and Hugo Weaving, it follows a computer hacker who learns to believe in himself and fulfill his destiny as a hero who must save humanity after it’s been enslaved to live in a simulated world created by machines.
Propelling the action genre to new heights at the end of the decade, The Matrix blew audiences’ minds away with its jaw-dropping visuals and bullet-fueled action scenes. Not to mention, its thought-provoking themes about the dangers of rising technology and the illusion of freedom have made it highly rewatchable and studied throughout the years, and it is still going strong today. It’s a joy to re-experience time and again, and it is truly a film that represents some of the best moments of cinema in the ’90s.
4
‘Titanic’ (1997)
Directed by James Cameron
The most successful blockbuster of the decade, James Cameron‘s Best Picture-winning masterpiece, Titanic, has captured the minds and hearts of cinemagoers for years, thanks to the incredible story that unfolds over its long runtime. Featuring iconic performances by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, it tells of two young people from different backgrounds as they spark an unexpected romance aboard the doomed R.M.S. Titanic on her fateful voyage.
It’s one of the most profitable films in history, grossing $2.2 billion at the box office and having a significant impact on pop culture. There are memorable lines, compelling drama, and jaw-dropping, Oscar-winning effects that still hold up remarkably well by today’s standards. It’s incredibly rewatchable and eye-catching from beginning to end. Truly, it’s a classic that deserves a mention when talking about this decade.
3
‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994)
Directed by Quentin Tarantino
Not done yet talking about crime epics, truly the one that stands out the most from the ’90s is Quentin Tarantino‘s masterpiece, Pulp Fiction. A non-linear story, featuring Oscar-winning writing and celebrated performances, it centers around colorful criminals partaking in three wild stories, all beginning with two hitmen trying to collect their mob boss’s stolen goods.
Pulp Fiction screams ’90s cinema. Whether it’s the quotable lines, memorable costumes, or badass characters, this one is unforgettable and so much fun to watch. It’s often hailed as Tarantino’s greatest work, and it has proven itself constantly throughout the years as it’s still cherished by fans, new and old.
2
‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ (1991)
Directed by James Cameron
James Cameron was at an all-time high in his career in the ’90s. Outside True Lies and Titanic, he gave audiences one of the most celebrated sci-fi action movies ever, Terminator 2: Judgment Day. It sees Arnold Swarzennger returning to his legendary role as an unstoppable cyborg assassin, but this time working as the good guy, serving as a protector of the leader of humanity against the machines in the present day.
This action-packed masterpiece is impossible not to enjoy. From its state-of-the-art special effects, daring stunts, and epic explosions, Terminator 2 knows how to keep up the excitement, and in doing so, it’s never lost its ability to leave viewers satisfied. The ’90s wouldn’t have been such a blast without a thrilling tale, and honestly, it’ll always be amazing to see.
1
‘Jurassic Park’ (1993)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
At number one is the cinematic event of the ’90s, the one that’s still constantly watched, mentioned, and praised by die-hard cinema lovers for its sheer enjoyment: Steven Spielberg‘s Jurassic Park. Indeed, no other film from this time captures the exciting spirit of going to the movies. Starring Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum, it sees a small group struggling to get off an island infested with hungry cloned dinosaurs created as part of a theme park attraction.
Jurassic Park takes viewers on an exciting, unforgettable journey, full of wonders and dinosaur action. It’s beautiful to watch, and its CGI and realistic practical effects give it a timeless, enjoyable feel that’s sure to continue for generations. It’s never dwindled in popularity in the more than thirty years since it came out, and will forever stand as the most entertaining movie of all time.