Some (rather ill-informed) people like to say that the '90s were a “bad” time for movies. But there’s no need to worry: I am here to prove these people wrong, because the '90s were a decade chock-full of classics (and a few cheesy moments, too). From Goodfellas to Toy Story, from flashy action flicks to the entire genre of the modern rom-com, the '90s have cemented themselves as one of the best, most memorable decades in movie history, with no shortage of movies that’ll be watched many times through the coming generations. So, in no particular order, here are some of the best movies the '90s have to offer:
1.Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
2.10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Buena Vista Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
Where did all the Shakespeare adaptations go?!
High school senior Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles) is snarky and uptight, but ultimately, Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a boy from their school, wants to go out with her younger sister, Bianca (Larisa Oleynik), who isn't allowed to date until Kat does. Their dad thinks this is a foolproof plan; Kat will never go out with anyone. That is, until Cameron enlists the help of Patrick (Heath Ledger), the school's bad boy, to win Kat over.
Where to watch it: Stream it on Hulu.
3.Titanic (1997)
4.The Lion King (1994)
5.Scream (1996)
6.Pretty Woman (1990)
7.Romeo + Juliet (1996)
8.Notting Hill (1999)
Universal / Courtesy Everett Collection
The first time I watched Notting Hill, I sat down the very next night and clicked play on the movie again. Notting Hill simply required a second viewing. This opinion could be wrong, but...this may be the best rom-com of all time.
Or maybe it's just what I needed in that moment. Maybe it's what you need, too. Give it a shot. It has Hugh Grant.
When dazzlingly famous American actress Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) wanders into the life of bookshop owner William Thacker (Hugh Grant), they unwittingly embark on a whirlwind romance. But their wildly different backgrounds pose a challenge.
Where to watch it: You can find this baby on Amazon Prime.
9.Jurassic Park (1993)
10.The Matrix (1999)
11.Home Alone (1990)
12.Mission: Impossible (1996)
13.Forrest Gump (1994)
Paramount / Courtesy Everett Collection
Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks), a slow-witted Alabama man, thrives through some of the greatest moments in American history from the '50s to the '70s, all while yearning after his childhood love, Jenny (Robin Wright).
According to IMDb, Tom Hanks agreed to take the role only as long as the movie remained historically accurate. Even his accent was patterned after that of Michael Conner Humphreys, who plays young Forrest and hails from Independence, Mississippi.
Where to watch it: You can find it streaming on Paramount+.
14.Toy Story (1995)
15.The Truman Show (1998)
16.Goodfellas (1990)
17.Fight Club (1999)
18.Pulp Fiction (1994)
19.Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Walt Disney Co. / Courtesy Everett Collection
The first animated feature to be nominated for Best Picture, Beauty and the Beast remains one of Disney's most-rewatched, beloved movies.
In provincial France, a young woman struggles to find meaning in her small town. When her father goes missing, she leaves home to find him and discovers he has been imprisoned in a castle. His captor, a creature who once was a man, has been cursed to live a lonely life as a hideous beast; his only hope for salvation is to learn to love another and be loved in return.
Where to watch it: Stream it on Disney+, of course. It's just as good as you remember it.
20.The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Orion Pictures Corp. / Courtesy Everett Collection
In which Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins steal the show. This movie swept the Oscars, and for good reason. If you like psychological thrillers, strong female protagonists, and performances that will stick in your head forever, then watch this movie!
A serial killer is stumping the FBI, and a young recruit, Clarice Starling, is sent to get help from one of the leading experts in the field: famed and convicted murderer Hannibal Lecter.
Where to watch it: Stream it on MGM+ or YouTube Premium.
21.Fargo (1996)
Gramercy Pictures Courtesy Everett Collection
In this black comedy, a down-on-his-luck, small-town Minnesota car salesman attempts to get himself out of debt by kidnapping his own wife. Unfortunately for him, he and his cronies are no match for the detective work of police chief Marge Gunderson. This movie has the unusual attribute of being both absolutely hilarious and critically acclaimed (by very artsy people — it was nominated for the Palme d'Or, fer cryin' oot lood).
Where to watch it: You can stream it on Max!
22.Dazed and Confused (1993)
23.The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
24.Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
25.Clueless (1995)
Are there any favorites that were left out? If so, let me know down in the comments!
