Top 1990s Movies

Pretty Woman – 1990

"Pretty Woman" is THE quintessential RomCom. Released in 1990, directed by Garry Marshall and starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. The story follows a wealthy businessman, Edward Lewis, who hires a beautiful and charismatic sex-worker, Vivian Ward, to be his companion for a week during his business trip in Los Angeles. As they spend more time together, they begin to develop feelings for each other. Throughout the film, they navigate their differences and their complicated relationship, while also facing judgment and criticism from Edward's business associates and society at large.

The Silence of the Lambs – 1991

"The Silence of the Lambs" is a psychological thriller, directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. The movie follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling, who is tasked with interviewing the notorious serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter in order to gain insight into the mind of another serial killer, known as Buffalo Bill. As Clarice delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers disturbing details about Buffalo Bill's crimes and begins to unravel the complex and unsettling relationship between Lecter and Buffalo Bill. As the case intensifies, Clarice finds herself in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with both killers, leading to a heart-stopping climax. The film received critical acclaim for its exceptional performances, intense storytelling, and masterful direction, and it won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Anthony Hopkins. So many creepy quotable moments, you won’t regret re-watching this classic horror flick.

Sister Act -1992

"Sister Act" is a musical comedy film released in 1992, directed by Emile Ardolino and starring Whoopi Goldberg in her full comedic glory. The story follows Deloris Van Cartier, a lounge singer who witnesses a murder committed by her boyfriend and is forced to go into hiding in a convent, where she poses as a nun. As Deloris adjusts to her new life as Sister Mary Clarence, she uses her musical talents to transform the choir into a soulful and dynamic ensemble, which becomes a hit in the local community. However, her past catches up with her, and she must navigate a dangerous situation while also protecting her newfound friends and her true identity.

Mrs. Doubtfire – 1993

"Mrs. Doubtfire" is a comedy-drama film released in 1993, directed by Christopher Columbus (not that one) and starring the late and super-great Robin Williams, Sally Field, and Pierce Brosnan. The movie follows Daniel Hillard, a voice actor and father of three children who is going through a divorce from his wife Miranda. In an effort to stay close to his children, Daniel disguises himself as a British nanny named Mrs. Doubtfire and applies for the position of Miranda's housekeeper. As Mrs. Doubtfire, Daniel is able to spend more time with his children and connect with them in a new way, but he must also navigate the challenges of maintaining his secret identity and dealing with his strained relationship with Miranda. Great for family night even today.

The Mask – 1994

"The Mask" is a 1994 American superhero comedy film directed by Chuck Russell and starring Jim Carrey in the lead role. The movie follows Stanley Ipkiss, a timid and unlucky bank clerk who discovers a magical mask that transforms him into a mischievous and powerful superhero. With his new persona, he sets out to fight crime and impress the woman he loves, but soon realizes that the mask also brings out his darker side. The Mask shows off Carrey’s face contorting, shape-shifting comedic skills, and showed off what was considered groundbreaking special effects for the time.

Apollo 13 – 1995

"Apollo 13" is a space docudrama film directed by Ron Howard, starring Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, and Bill Paxton. The movie is based on the real-life events of the Apollo 13 mission in 1970, where an explosion in one of the spacecraft's oxygen tanks jeopardizes the lives of the three astronauts on board. The film follows the efforts of NASA's Mission Control team and the astronauts' families to bring them back safely to Earth. With limited resources and time, the team faces numerous obstacles in their attempt to save the crew. The movie was a critical and commercial success, earning nine Academy Award nominations and winning two.

Independence Day – 1996

"Independence Day" is a science fiction film (with some comedy sprinkled in) directed by Roland Emmerich and starring Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, and Bill Pullman. The movie follows a group of people who band together to save the world from an alien invasion on July 4th, Independence Day in the United States. The film depicts the worldwide destruction caused by the extraterrestrial attack and the efforts of humanity to fight back against the overwhelming force. With the help of unconventional tactics, the human race unites to launch a counterattack against the aliens in a final battle for the fate of the planet. The movie was a commercial and critical success and is considered a classic of the science fiction genre.

Men in Black -1997

"Men in Black" is a science fiction-action-comedy (yeah that’s a lot!) film directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and starring Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith. The movie follows a secret organization called the Men in Black (MIB), which monitors extraterrestrial activity on Earth and regulates alien immigration. The film focuses on a new recruit, Agent J, played by Will Smith, who is tasked with working alongside veteran Agent K, played by Tommy Lee Jones, to save the world from an intergalactic threat. Together, they uncover a plot by an alien bug to steal a powerful energy source and destroy the planet.

Saving Private Ryan – 1998

"Saving Private Ryan" is an epic war film considered one of the best movies of all time; directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, and Tom Sizemore. The movie is set during the invasion of Normandy in World War II and follows a group of U.S. soldiers who are sent on a mission to locate and bring back Private James Francis Ryan, played by Matt Damon, who is the last surviving brother of four soldiers. The group faces intense battles and overwhelming odds as they navigate through enemy lines and search for Ryan. The film depicts the horrors of war and the sacrifices made by soldiers to protect their country and comrades. The movie was a critical and commercial success, earning 11 Academy Award nominations and winning five, including Best Director for Spielberg.

The Matrix -1999

"The Matrix" is a science fiction action film directed by the Wachowskis and starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, and Carrie-Anne Moss. The movie follows the story of Thomas Anderson, played by Keanu Reeves, a computer programmer who leads a double life as a hacker under the alias "Neo." After being contacted by a group of rebels, led by Morpheus, played by Laurence Fishburne, Neo learns that the world as he knows it is a simulated reality created by sentient machines to subdue and control humanity. The rebels believe that Neo is "The One," a prophesied hero who will overthrow the machines and free humanity from their control. The film is known for its groundbreaking special effects, innovative action sequences, and philosophical themes of reality, perception, and self-discovery. A cult-classic.