15 Movies from the ’90s That Still Hit Home Today
Films of the 1990s possess a certain je ne sais quoi that other movies of different eras can’t match. The decade ushered in new technological advancements and storytelling innovations. Given its range of production and creativity, the 1990s marks itself as a critical chapter in the film industry.
Aside from their pre-21st-century delivery, movies released in the 1990s brought an extensive stream of goodies many still snack on today. Rising stars, tear-jerking Oscar winners, adrenaline-filled action sequences — the 1990s delivered on everything.
Though released years before, these pictures still resonate today, tugging at all the missed sentiments of the past. Whether these films rank highly on evaluative lists or not, their messages and motifs still strongly impact audience emotions.
As Good as It Gets (1997)
The stellar recipe of casting Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, and Cuba Gooding Jr. in a comedy-drama attracts the seats of many moviegoers. With director James L. Brooks’ As Good as It Gets, the results print successful box office numbers and strong messages of unity and understanding.
Though the actors don’t collaborate on other big projects, As Good as It Gets reminds audiences of life-changing love and redemption. Nicholson’s Melvin Udall undergoes tremendous shifts as a character, and the fans can’t help but relate to his personal growth.
The Truman Show (1998)
Director Peter Weir has a knack for pulling apart hearts and minds, and he conducts so successfully with The Truman Show. A story of a man unknowingly living on a soundstage, the film familiarizes its context with transcendental sequences of evolution and power. Jim Carrey, Laura Linney, and Ed Harris carry thought-provoking scenes that blend psychological motifs with comedy.
The Truman Show stands as one of Jim Carrey’s best performances, uplifted by a fantastic thrill ride from Andrew Niccol’s screenplay. Many viewers seek truth in their lives, and the film offers that sense of heightened realism for motivation.
Groundhog Day (1993)
Audiences forked over their hard-earned dollars to absorb the Groundhog Day movie starring Bill Murray. The fantasy comedy pins Murray’s Phil Connors on a psychological cycle of repeating the same day. This empowers Connors to soon acquire some life lessons while enduring a ridiculous time loop.
Groundhog Day embraces life in several ways by portraying Connors’ existentialism as an untouched painting waiting for life’s illustrations. Self-improvement and self-discovery serve as pivotal pillars for Connors’ maturity, all of which align with any audience member.
Toy Story (1995)
Reaffirming imperative themes in a movie for children presents plenty of challenges, yet Pixar manages to keep young viewers intrigued. With its first feature film, Toy Story, the animation studio spurred the interests of everyone in a movie theater. Following a lineup of charming toys, the film explores newfound friendships amid a child’s imagination and wonder.
Toy Story mainly explores the growing bond between Woody and Buzz (Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, respectively). It manifests its themes of fantasy and friendship via living action figures while delivering some humor along the way. Furthermore, loyalty and personal pilgrimages act as additional threads for fans to pull on when they need a life lesson.
Jumanji (1995)
Another product of 1990s childlike wonder comes from director Joe Johnston’s original Jumanji adventure. Delving deep into fantasy land, the film journeys across supernatural perils with its life-altering board game. Starring notable actors like Robin Williams and Bonnie Hunt, Jumanji opens a thrill ride for the family.
Jumanji‘s heart lies primarily in its cast of characters who all encounter separate issues due to the game’s metaphysical nature. In addition to the Man vs. Nature conflict, the film tackles its questions of inner peace, friendship, loss, and growing up. Some of these inspired the thematic cores of Zathura and the Jumanji sequels in the 21st century.
Friday (1995)
N.W.A. alum Ice Cube penned the comedic Friday feature to favorable acclaim. Starring himself, Chris Tucker, John Witherspoon, and others, Friday smokes up a lively portrait of South Central Los Angeles. Cube and Tucker lead the film as two buddies evading the troubles that plague their neighborhood.
Friendship plays a thread in Friday‘s narrative, as well as family and community motifs that reverberate through the film’s climax. Despite later sequels straying away from the original’s formula, the 1995 Friday saga lives as a classic in many layers.
Dazed and Confused (1993)
Puffing up another cult classic from the ’90s decade, Dazed and Confused centers on the youthful experiences of a group of teenage characters. Filmmaker Richard Linklater directs a diverse cast following a non-linear narrative set in 1976 Austin, Texas. Matthew McConaughey, Milla Jovovich, Parker Posey, and many others star in Linklater’s coming-of-age project.
To some, Dazed and Confused shadows the stoner genre by exhibiting ideal rebellious youth. Others view Linklater’s film as a vital representation of teenage angst, love, growth, and groove blended into one charming experience. With a radical soundtrack, Dazed and Confused emits all the good vibes echoing the audience’s emotions.
Clueless (1995)
Director Amy Heckerling majorly garnered as many slang terms as possible for a proper portrayal of high school in Clueless. Like other popular coming-of-age films in the ’90s, Clueless features several famous faces. These include Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, Brittany Murphy, and Stacey Dash.
Rewatching Clueless becomes a necessity when assembling movie plans for the summer. Joining Cher Horowitz (Silverstone) and her vibrant endeavors in high school delivers a satisfying experience. The “411” on Heckerling’s film relies closely on themes of friendship and feminism through its lead characters.
Home Alone (1990)
Some films feel situated for specific holidays, and adding Home Alone to a playlist always fits the bill. Kevin McCallister’s (Macaulay Culkin) ingenious defenses against two burglars execute family-friendly comedy and a handful of memorable quotes. Moreover, his ridiculous antics as an unaccompanied child convey only holiday joy to audiences.
Selecting Home Alone as an at-home holiday attraction remains popular among fans when the snow season arrives. Culkin’s portrayal of a neglected child experiencing exponential love after surviving a home invasion causes all hearts to drop. His connection with his on-screen mother (Catherine O’Hara) hits home with many cinephiles.
Years later, Culkin acquired a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with O’Hara in attendance.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Whether critics label it a Halloween or a Christmas flick, The Nightmare Before Christmas impacts many who watch its endearing animation. Creator Tim Burton curates a unique world through the lens of filmmaker Henry Selick in a story that collides holidays with tunes.
The Nightmare Before Christmas becomes a worthy choice for entertainment on just about any occasion. Whether the holidays come knocking around the corner or a friend’s birthday approaches, the film serves as the perfect go-to for familiar pictorial pleasures.
Forrest Gump (1994)
Momentous quotes, rocking tunes, and stellar CGI effects encapsulate Forrest Gump‘s visual flair, yet its story notably strikes home. Starring Tom Hanks in the titular role, the film’s hip attitude swings tremendously with various decades in American history. Depictions of the Vietnam War, counterculture influences, and presidential encounters glue onto Gump’s saga of discovery, optimism, and love.
Considering Gump’s revelations in the film, audiences always leave with a message or two to remember. From appreciating life’s gifts and challenges to embracing another’s identity, Forrest Gump‘s themes persevere beyond its runtime. Unlike a box of chocolates, audiences know what they’re getting with Forrest Gump.
Hook (1991)
Childlike wonders come in all shapes and sizes, as Robin Williams takes on a portrayal of Peter Pan in Hook. Aligning on a more lively level, Hook focuses on an adult Peter Pan rediscovering his past. He journeys to Neverland in search of his forgotten childhood.
Many of Hook‘s motifs progressively resonate with viewers as each screening plays out. Childhood and adulthood metaphysically collide via comedy and fantasy by featuring a mature Peter Pan. Rediscovering oneself remains a deep sensation many relate to, and Hook offers a perspective on this with a touch of magic.
The Sandlot (1993)
Assembling the troops for a game of baseball sounds like a fantasy these days to some. Luckily, The Sandlot swings for a relatable sports tale featuring imaginative youth in the summer of 1962.
Throwing on David Mickey Evans’ baseball flick brings back a flood of familiar sentiments the summer only offers. Growing up and losing friends play out as expected parts of life, and the characters undergo such shifts. The film illustrates these ideas to a humorous yet heartbreaking degree.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Director Frank Darabont stirs the drama in The Shawshank Redemption, which adapts its tale from Stephen King’s short story. The central narrative follows prisoner Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) as he endures a magnitude of issues behind bars. The title references Dufresne’s overarching tale of salvation, though it also shares characteristics with Morgan Freeman’s character, Red.
Aside from its suitable theme of redemption, the film also explores hope and trust amid silhouettes of betrayal. Andy and Red’s friendship demonstrates an essential bond in cinema. The film cemented its legacy beyond the 1994 premiere; it currently sits at number one on IMDb’s “Top 250 Movies” list.
House Party (1990)
Gettin’ jiggy with Reginald Hudlin’s House Party pumps up the music to complement an entertaining 100-minute fiesta with Kid ‘n Play. Featuring the hip-hop group alongside members of Full Force and other actors, House Party mixes song and dance with comedic bits.
With brisk rappers at the mic, House Party invites everyone for a kickin’ time with Kid n’ Play. While a musical in some elements, the film reminds viewers to live and dance to life to the fullest. That familiar ’90s atmosphere shines many colors in Hudlin’s 1990 cult classic, supplemented by some fly tracks.
