How ‘Jumanji: Open World’ Will Honor Robin Williams

The new Jumanji movie, Jumanji: Open World, starring Dwayne Johnson, will feature a special tribute to the late Robin Williams.

The beloved comedian played a key role in the original fantasy adventure film released in 1995, and his performance remains memorable even today. Despite the franchise being refreshed with a new series starting in 2017, audiences still fondly remember his work in the classic ’90s movie.

The new Jumanji movie, starring Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, and Kevin Hart, will include a subtle tribute to Robin Williams.

Dwayne Johnson said at a CinemaCon event Monday that the entire film series wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for Robin Williams, as reported by USA Today.

The action star revealed a small, hidden tribute to Robin appears in every scene of the movie, saying, ‘This one’s for you, Robin!’

A prop from the original Jumanji game – one of the dice used by Robin Williams as Alan Parrish in the first movie – makes several appearances throughout the film.

Dwayne Johnson announced that filming for the movie recently finished in Hawaii and it’s now in the editing phase. He also shared that Open World will be the last movie in the Jumanji series, scheduled for release in November 2025.

Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan are returning for another Jumanji movie. This time, the game’s dangers are spilling over into the real world, and the group will have one final adventure to deal with the consequences.

“I feel like in this one, the game rules don’t apply,” Hart teased at CinemaCon.

Jumanji: Open World is scheduled to release in theaters on December 25, 206.

The Top 100 Movies of the 90s

100. The Two Jakes (1990)

Initially seeming like an unnecessary follow-up, The Two Jakes surprisingly delivers on a question you didn’t even know you had. Set long after the events of Chinatown, the film finds private investigator Jake Gittes (Jack Nicholson, who also directed) entangled in a complex case. His client, Harvey Keitel, may be using him to conceal a planned murder, and the investigation forces Gittes to confront secrets from his own past. Despite a difficult production and initial failure, The Two Jakes, penned by the original Chinatown writer Robert Towne, is a beautifully sad story about being haunted by the past. While the ending of Chinatown is famous, the final line of The Two Jakes – “It never goes away” – is perhaps even more chilling.

99. Following (1998)

Christopher Nolan’s first film, Following, immediately showcased the themes he’d become known for. The movie tells the story of a young writer who starts following people and gets drawn into the world of a burglar named Cobb (a name he’d revisit in Inception). This low-budget but ambitious film features a non-linear timeline and focuses on thieves who are strangely fixated on a code of ethics. While not fully polished in terms of camerawork or directing, Following is full of clever twists and hints at the larger, complex filmmaking style Nolan would develop. It explores ideas about revenge, life, and even the art of filmmaking itself.

98. Dirty Work (1998)

Norm Macdonald didn’t receive the recognition he deserved during his life. Despite being fired from SNL, possibly for being too funny, he consistently created good work in different formats until his death in 2021, though it often received negative reviews. His attempt at leading a film, Dirty Work, currently has a low score on Rotten Tomatoes. In the movie, Norm plays a man who starts a business helping people get revenge, alongside his friend Artie Lange. Directed by Bob Saget, another talented but overlooked actor, Dirty Work isn’t a particularly strong story, and some of the humor is definitely questionable. However, it’s often genuinely funny—much funnier than many comedies that were critically praised during the 90s—and Norm is fantastic in it. (Seriously, though, what was up with those oversized shirts?) I need to rewatch Dirty Work soon.

97. Arachnophobia (1990)

Frank Marshall, a long-time producer for Steven Spielberg, made his directorial debut with the creature feature Arachnophobia, clearly influenced by Spielberg’s work, particularly Jaws. Like Jaws, the film’s monster – a spider – is given human-like intelligence and a deliberately malicious personality. The spider actively seeks out victims, starting with a scientist and a sick man, even stowing away in a coffin to travel to the United States. It then spreads, finding a mate and producing a swarm of equally menacing offspring who terrorize Jeff Daniels and his family. While the premise is undeniably outlandish, it’s no more unbelievable than the events in Jaws or Jurassic Park. It’s a classic Spielbergian trick – and when executed well, it’s thoroughly enjoyable, which this movie certainly is.

96.Clockers (1995)

Richard Price, who wrote the screenplay for Mad Dog and Glory, had previously worked with Martin Scorsese on The Color of Money. Scorsese was originally slated to direct Price’s script for Clockers, a film about the world of New York City police and drug dealers. However, he decided to focus on Casino instead. This opened the door for Spike Lee to direct Clockers, resulting in a notable partnership between two iconic New York filmmakers.

95. The Spanish Prisoner

I recently watched The Spanish Prisoner, and wow, it’s a seriously twisty movie about con artists! The dialogue is fantastic – it’s written by David Mamet – and the cast is amazing, with Campbell Scott, Ben Gazzara, Ricky Jay, Ed O’Neill, and even Steve Martin. The story centers around Joe, played by Scott, who has this potentially huge invention. Then Steve Martin’s character, Jimmy, shows up, suddenly very interested. It immediately made me wonder who was actually helping Joe, and if everyone was just trying to trick him. Plus, the movie keeps you guessing about this mysterious ‘Spanish Prisoner’ – it’s actually a clever name for an old scam, not a person! It’s a really engaging film that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

94. The Lion King (1994)

Few things are as powerfully entertaining as a Shakespearean tragedy mixed with silly humor, and The Lion King nails both. It’s also beautifully animated, featuring some of the best traditional 2D animation ever created.

93. Lone Star (1996)

John Sayles was a highly respected and important independent filmmaker throughout the 1980s and 1990s. While he’s made fewer films since the 2000s – his last one was released in 2013 – it seems his work has become less well-known to newer generations of film fans. His 1996 film, Lone Star, was a critical success and featured an early role for Matthew McConaughey, playing a famous Texas sheriff. The story follows the sheriff’s son (Chris Cooper) as he investigates the discovery of remains years after his father’s death, uncovering hidden truths about their town. Lone Star is a compelling mystery that realistically examines the romanticized image of small-town American life.

92. Last Action Hero (1993)

Despite being released just a week before the massive hit Jurassic Park, Last Action Hero quickly disappeared from public attention. It deserves a rewatch. Few blockbusters offer such a clever critique of the genre itself – writer Shane Black playfully pokes fun at the over-the-top action movies that made him famous, and Schwarzenegger hilariously questions his own persona, both as the fictional cop Jack Slater and as the actor “Arnold Schwarzenegger,” even meeting a fictional version of himself in a memorable scene. While the young sidekick isn’t as strong as the one in Terminator 2, the film’s satire and fake trailers are spot-on.

91. Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Quentin Tarantino’s first film famously begins with a conversation about Madonna’s “Like a Virgin.” This playful discussion of pop culture establishes the style audiences would come to expect from him. But the choice of that specific song is telling: as a first-time director, Tarantino was, in a sense, a “directorial virgin,” and he used the scene – delivered by the character Mr. Brown – to signal his filmmaking philosophy. Even after 25 years, it remains a strong debut, highlighting a core value of Tarantino’s work: professionalism.

90. The Grifters (1990)

Based on a novel by Jim Thompson and featuring a script by Donald E. Westlake, the 1990 film The Grifters is a classic noir with a fantastic cast and crew, including director Stephen Frears and producer Martin Scorsese. Anjelica Huston, John Cusack, and Annette Bening star as a group of con artists constantly trying to one-up each other. If you enjoy dark and gritty noir films, The Grifters is among the bleakest you’ll find.

89. Men in Black (1997)

This film, produced by Steven Spielberg, blends the fun of Ghostbusters and the adventure of Indiana Jones with the heartwarming themes of E.T. It’s about ordinary people facing extraordinary, supernatural problems. Spielberg even makes a brief appearance, revealing that Earth’s hidden population of aliens includes some very famous faces – a nod to his own success as a director. And let’s not forget Vincent D’Onofrio, who delivers a truly unforgettable performance as a large alien disguised as a human – arguably the best of its kind.

88. Scream 2 (1997)

With a fantastic cast including all the original stars plus additions like Sarah Michelle Gellar and Timothy Olyphant, Scream 2 is often considered the strongest film in the series. After cleverly satirizing slasher movies in the first Scream, the sequel brilliantly took aim at the tropes of sequels themselves. Many fans believe this was the last Scream movie to truly feel innovative, which may be linked to the fact that series creator Kevin Williamson only had a significant writing role in a few of the later installments.

87. MouseHunt (1997)

I’ve always been fascinated by directors who can really swing for the fences with blockbuster filmmaking, and Gore Verbinski is definitely one of them. By the 2010s, a lot of cinephiles were really appreciating his unique style in movies like The Ring, Rango, and, of course, the Pirates of the Caribbean films. But there’s one movie of his that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: his very first film, MouseHunt. It’s a really silly, slapstick comedy – kind of like The Naked Gun – about two brothers (Nathan Lane and Lee Evans are hilarious) desperately trying to catch a mouse that’s causing chaos in their inherited mansion. It’s packed with fantastic physical comedy and surprisingly good special effects. Honestly, it feels like a classic Looney Tunes cartoon come to life, and you can still see Verbinski’s signature technical skill shining through. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend tracking it down – it’s a blast!

86. One False Move (1992)

Billy Bob Thornton’s success with Sling Blade was built on the foundation of One False Move, a fantastic crime drama he co-wrote and starred in a few years earlier. The film, directed by Carl Franklin (who went on to have a successful directing career), follows three criminals—Thornton, Cynda Williams, and Michael Beach—as they flee from Los Angeles to the South, hoping to evade the law and sell drugs. Simultaneously, an Arkansas police officer (Bill Paxton), who may have ties to the criminals, begins to pursue them. One False Move is a dark, realistic, and emotionally affecting film that stands alongside other great crime movies of the 1990s.

85. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)

If it’s been a while since you’ve seen the original Ninja Turtles movie – maybe since the early ’90s – you’ll be pleased to know it still stands up today. It’s a surprisingly good live-action take on some very silly characters, and a genuinely solid action film, even with all the actors hidden under layers of foam latex. When people look back at the history of comic book movies, certain titles always come up – Superman, Batman, X-Men. But Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles proved that even the most unusual comic book characters – and the Turtles are definitely out there – could succeed on the big screen. It really opened the door for everything that followed.

84. Magnolia (1999)

After the success of Boogie Nights, director Paul Thomas Anderson went all out with Magnolia, a sprawling film about life in the San Fernando Valley. It’s a complex story featuring music by Aimee Mann, child game show contestants, and big questions about life and luck. While incredibly ambitious and featuring a fantastic cast, Magnolia might try to do a bit too much. But in a time when many films play it safe, that’s perhaps a positive quality.

83. Edward Scissorhands (1990)

The film Edward Scissorhands tells the story of Edward, a man with scissors for hands who is brought into a typical suburban neighborhood. Initially, the town embraces him as an oddity, but they eventually turn against him, a common reaction to someone who doesn’t conform. While the movie can feel a little sad at times, it’s instantly recognizable as a Tim Burton film – every scene is filled with his unique style and vision.

82. Dazed and Confused (1993)

While Dazed and Confused is famous for launching Matthew McConaughey’s career – and its iconic scenes often overshadow the rest of the film – it’s a carefully crafted story about growing up in 1970s Texas. The movie also gave early roles to many other now-famous actors, including Ben Affleck, Parker Posey, and Milla Jovovich. More than that, its realistic and heartwarming portrayal of teenage life felt like a preview of the even more impressive films Richard Linklater would later create.

81. Fight Club (1999)

Ignoring the film’s occasionally annoying fans and its initial rules for a moment, Fight Club tapped into a cultural moment that predicted our own – a crisis of masculinity that could destabilize society. Director David Fincher managed to create a powerful critique of consumerism and traditional male culture, but also made it a thrilling and visually dynamic movie, all within the limitations of the Hollywood system. Despite its grand statements about capitalism and masculinity, Fight Club is surprisingly nuanced. Film critic Eric D. Snider pointed out a clever detail: the film’s first two rules are actually the same, but presented as distinct – a major hint at the film’s central twist, cleverly hidden in plain view.

80. Darkman (1990)

Despite being a strong entry in the superhero genre, Darkman is often overlooked when people discuss the best superhero films. This is likely because the story was originally created for the movie, not based on an existing comic or book. (It probably doesn’t help that the hero, played by a young Liam Neeson, considers himself a frightening ‘monster’!) However, director Sam Raimi’s first attempt at a superhero movie was a big hit, skillfully mixing horror, action, and humor into a really enjoyable film.

79. The Age of Innocence (1993)

Martin Scorsese, known for his energetic films, took a different approach with The Age of Innocence, a beautifully crafted period piece. The film stars Daniel Day-Lewis as a wealthy man caught between his duties to his family and his forbidden love for Michelle Pfeiffer’s character. While more subtle than his usual work, this restraint perfectly suits the film’s poignant story of unfulfilled desire. Beneath the lavish costumes and settings, The Age of Innocence, like many of Scorsese’s films, explores the struggle of an individual fighting for personal freedom against the constraints of society.

78. Night Falls On Manhattan (1996)

As a big fan of Sidney Lumet, I always appreciate how he tackles tough subjects, and Night Falls on Manhattan is no exception. It’s a really smart film about a promising lawyer, played by Andy Garcia, who quickly learns just how corrupt things can be in New York politics. It doesn’t rely on a big, flashy courtroom drama – instead, it spends its time showing how ambition and power can really damage our justice system. What’s even cooler is seeing so many actors who would later become famous in The Sopranos – Dominic Chianese, Frank Vincent, and a particularly chilling James Gandolfini as a flawed police officer. It’s a great film that really makes you think.

77. The Game (1997)

Often seen as a weaker film between Se7en and Fight Club, The Game is worth revisiting. Beyond its thrilling plot, the movie offers surprising depth. Michael Douglas plays a successful but emotionally detached banker whose life is turned upside down when his brother, Conrad (Sean Penn), introduces him to an immersive “game.” Run by a company called Consumer Recreation Services, the game systematically takes away his wealth and possessions. While the story is simple on the surface, it’s open to interpretation. One insightful analysis suggests the film is an exploration of faith from a non-religious perspective. The way CRS manipulates Douglas’ character and controls his life seems unbelievable, but it perfectly illustrates a common theme in David Fincher’s work: ordinary people facing off against incredibly clever and powerful adversaries with elaborate plans.

76. True Lies (1994)

The last time Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Cameron worked together was on this fun parody of James Bond films. Schwarzenegger plays a seemingly ordinary family man who secretly leads a double life as a top secret agent. While True Lies feels more like a typical Arnold Schwarzenegger movie than one directed by James Cameron, it still explores themes Cameron often used, like the challenges of marriage and living a hidden life. Cameron’s talent for creating incredible action scenes is on full display, including a particularly memorable horse chase.

75. Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)

The original Gremlins movie was surprisingly intense for a kids’ film, and it actually led the MPAA to create the PG-13 rating. This new rating filled the space between family-friendly PG movies and more mature R-rated ones. However, Gremlins 2: The New Batch didn’t cause any similar uproar. Director Joe Dante deliberately changed the tone of the sequel, aiming for the chaotic energy of a Looney Tunes cartoon – he even brought in animation legend Chuck Jones to create new Looney Tunes shorts for the film! The Gremlins in the second movie were less scary and much sillier – there’s even a Gremlin parodying the movie Marathon Man. The film’s wild and unpredictable nature included breaking the fourth wall with cameos from Hulk Hogan and film critic Leonard Maltin. And that Gremlin yelling “Is it safe???” still gets a laugh from me.

74. The Paper (1994)

Despite directing popular films like Backdraft, Apollo 13, and Ransom in the 1990s, Ron Howard’s The Paper is often overlooked. However, many consider it his best work from that decade. This energetic film offers a look inside a bustling city newspaper, starring Michael Keaton as a stressed-out editor whose relentless pursuit of a story puts both his career and marriage at risk. For fans of investigative journalism movies, The Paper is a standout, featuring an impressive ensemble cast including Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Jason Alexander, Marisa Tomei, and Jason Robards.

73. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)

Even before The LEGO Batman Movie, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm proved that animation was a perfect fit for the Batman story. Made by the creators of the beloved Batman: The Animated Series, Mask of the Phantasm captured everything that made the show special – stunning visuals, smooth animation, and memorable voice acting – in a concise and excellent 75-minute film. Unlike many Batman movies that feel long and tiring, Mask of the Phantasm is streamlined and focused, like a well-crafted comic book. The tragic love story between Bruce Wayne (voiced by Kevin Conroy, widely considered the best Batman voice actor) and Andrea Beaumont is as compelling as Bruce’s romance with Selina Kyle in Batman Returns, and the film’s mystery is genuinely surprising – as long as you avoid spoilers from the action figures!

72. Strange Days (1995)

Kathryn Bigelow is now celebrated as one of today’s top directors, known for films like The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty. However, her earlier work didn’t always receive positive reviews. Following the success of Point Break (which could also be considered a standout film), she made Strange Days in 1995 – a sci-fi thriller starring Ralph Fiennes as a dealer in virtual reality memories who becomes involved in a dangerous plot. While the technology depicted in the film—using MiniDiscs for virtual reality—feels outdated now, the movie surprisingly foreshadowed concerns about deepfakes. Bigelow’s direction remains both powerful and visually impressive.

71. A Few Good Men (1992)

Towards the end of a remarkably successful period as a director in the 80s and early 90s, Rob Reiner collaborated with Aaron Sorkin, adapting his play into a hugely popular and often-quoted legal thriller. The film boasts a stellar cast, including Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, and Jack Nicholson, who delivers a powerful performance as the uncompromising military commander, Nathan R. Jessep. Jessep believes that achieving results justifies any actions, especially when national security is at stake. The climactic courtroom scene is a dynamic showcase for Cruise and Nicholson, but also embodies Reiner’s strong belief – as both a filmmaker and activist – that everyone must be held accountable under the law.

70. A League of Their Own (1996)

Everyone remembers the line “There’s no crying in baseball!” from Penny Marshall’s funny and heartwarming movie about a women’s baseball league during World War II. While Tom Hanks’ speech as the team’s coach is iconic, the film really shines thanks to the talented cast, especially Geena Davis as the catcher Dottie Hinson. It’s also unusual because it has several different endings, and they all work really well!

69. The Red Violin (1998)

This film uniquely blends mystery and storytelling as it traces the journey of a remarkable violin, nicknamed the “Red Violin.” We see its history unfold from its creation in the 17th century all the way to its appearance at a Montreal auction in the late 1990s. The story is told through a series of connected scenes, showing the violin’s travels through cities like Vienna, Oxford, and Shanghai. Samuel L. Jackson plays a quiet appraiser who uncovers a key secret about the violin’s past.

68. The Big Lebowski (1998)

Like the Dude’s go-to drink, a White Russian, The Big Lebowski is a surprisingly harmonious mix of different things. It’s a detective story, a comedy about laid-back characters, and a look at the frustration of competitive bowling, all rolled into one. Despite all that, some still consider it not the Coen brothers’ best film from the 1990s.

67. The Man in the Moon (1991)

Reese Witherspoon became a well-known actress after starring in Election and Cruel Intentions, but she first showed her talent in her very first film, the touching independent movie The Man in the Moon. In it, the 14-year-old Witherspoon plays a young girl growing up in 1950s Louisiana, experiencing her first crush on Jason London. Even in this debut role, Witherspoon acted with the poise of an experienced professional. Anyone who saw the film when it came out in the early 1990s likely predicted her future success.

66. The Quick and the Dead (1995)

Sam Raimi is now considered one of the best filmmakers of his generation, but that wasn’t always the case. In the 1990s, many critics dismissed his work as being all flash and no depth. This led them to underestimate films like The Quick and the Dead, which was a visually stunning Western—perhaps the most dynamic since Sergio Leone’s films. It also boasted an incredible cast, including Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Keith David, and rising stars Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio, all before they became household names. Despite its strengths, the film didn’t resonate with audiences at the time, as Westerns weren’t very popular in the 90s, and the movie largely went unnoticed. It’s surprising that such a visually exciting film could be met with so little enthusiasm – audiences back then simply didn’t realize how good it was.

65. GoldenEye (1995)

Everyone has a special connection to the first James Bond film they saw as a child, and for me, it’s GoldenEye. My dad took me to see it when I was fourteen, and I immediately became a Bond fan – a month later, I received several Bond movies on VHS as a birthday gift, solidifying my love for the series. But GoldenEye is more than just nostalgia; it’s a genuinely entertaining film from start to finish. It boasts a fantastic opening with memorable stunts – a bungee jump off a bridge and a daring leap into a falling plane – a captivating theme song by Tina Turner, a compelling villain in Sean Bean, an incredible tank chase, and a breakout performance by Famke Janssen. While Pierce Brosnan may not have reinvented the role of James Bond, as a fourteen-year-old, when he delivered the line “No more foreplay,” I thought he was the most amazing person in the world.

64. The Rocketeer (1991)

Disney had high hopes for The Rocketeer, a movie based on the popular indie comic book by Dave Stevens. Unfortunately, despite positive reviews, the film didn’t perform well at the box office. Had it been a success, continuing the story of hero Cliff Secord (played by Billy Campbell) would have been straightforward. But weak ticket sales ended any plans for sequels or a franchise. Years later, Disney briefly brought The Rocketeer back as an animated series for children, reimagining the hero as Cliff Secord’s great-granddaughter. While my daughters enjoyed the show, it was also canceled after just one season. It seems The Rocketeer has struggled to find lasting success in any format.

63. Princess Mononoke (1997)

Calling Princess Mononoke Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece feels a bit misleading, considering his impressive filmography. While he’s created many incredible films, Mononoke is definitely among his most visually stunning and emotionally powerful, telling the story of a conflict between humans and nature in feudal Japan.

62. Mission: Impossible (1996)

While later Mission: Impossible films would feature even bigger stunts, the original still delivers fantastic action. It includes a thrilling break-in at the Pentagon, Tom Cruise escaping a massive aquarium explosion, and the iconic train-top fight where he takes down a helicopter with just a piece of gum. 1996 also gave us great action movies like Michael Bay’s The Rock, but I still think the first Mission: Impossible stands out as the best.

61. Titanic (1997)

James Cameron’s most famous films consistently blend several key ingredients: a love story, large-scale action, exciting pursuits, and a complex relationship with technology. While Titanic isn’t as action-packed as films like The Terminator or Avatar, it still embodies these themes. It was a groundbreaking and hugely successful film for its time, and it’s clear why even today. Cameron excels at keeping the focus on the characters, even when surrounded by massive and spectacular scenes.

60. Casino (1995)

When Casino first came out, some people thought it was too similar to Scorsese’s Goodfellas. But over time, the film has gained respect as a sweeping look at the world of Las Vegas crime, and a surprisingly accurate reflection of life itself. A crucial scene early in the movie shows De Niro’s character explaining how they tricked a billionaire who had taken their casino, luring him back with a fake plane crash. As De Niro narrates, the main goal of a casino is simple: keep people playing, keep them returning. The longer they play, the more they lose, and ultimately, the house always wins.

That’s exactly what happens in the film – the billionaire loses everything and more. But the film suggests that life is the real casino, and even when you’re successful, you’re still compelled to keep going – until, eventually, everything is taken from you. The characters in Casino achieve incredible wealth, but they’re unable to walk away. They’re trapped, forced to keep playing the game, and that’s all there is to it.

59. Quiz Show (1994)

Often overlooked amidst the more sensational Best Picture contenders of 1994, Quiz Show is a truly excellent historical drama, and a modern counterpart to the sharp TV satire Network from the 1970s. Director Robert Redford used the true story of the 1950s game show Twenty-One – later exposed for being rigged to favor popular contestants and keep ratings high – to explore how powerfully television and fame can both attract and corrupt.

58. Se7en (1995)

Despite being set in a city with few clues about when it takes place, the film Se7en still feels remarkably current after 25 years. This helps make its story of a serial killer’s gruesome, religiously-inspired crimes feel like a classic story about morality. Se7en was director David Fincher’s first major success, and it established his signature style: thoughtful explorations of good versus evil combined with exciting thriller elements. The film also features a line that perfectly captures the tone of his work: “You know, this isn’t going to have a happy ending.”

57. Scream (1996)

Scream wasn’t just a good or great movie—it was truly significant. Many consider it the most influential horror film since the original Halloween in 1978. It broke the typical horror movie mold by featuring characters who were fans of the genre themselves, allowing them to use their knowledge to survive—or even become more effective killers. While it inspired many sequels and similar self-aware slasher films, eventually becoming somewhat predictable, that wasn’t Scream’s failing. It remains a landmark achievement in horror cinema.

56. Clueless (1995)

If you were a teenager in the 90s, watching Clueless is a surprisingly accurate trip down memory lane. Even if your high school experience didn’t involve Beverly Hills wealth, the movie perfectly captures the vibe of the era. It’s like a hilarious time capsule filled with 90s pop culture and fashion. Plus, Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd are fantastic, and the movie is packed with endlessly quotable lines thanks to Amy Heckerling’s clever writing.

55. Rushmore (1998)

Wes Anderson truly established himself as a director with Rushmore, a sweet and slightly sad story about growing up. It follows a bright but unusual student (Jason Schwartzman) who develops a crush on his teacher (Olivia Williams) and forms a complicated relationship with a fascinating, older man (Bill Murray). While some of Anderson’s later movies feel familiar, Rushmore still feels fresh and full of the energy it had when it was first released, even decades later.

54. Election (1999)

The movie Election features a fantastic cast of characters, including the driven Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon), the well-meaning but naive Paul (Chris Klein), and the bitter Mr. McAllister – a particularly affecting role for Matthew Broderick, known for his youthful parts. What’s clever about the title Election – without the word ‘The’ – is that the film explores the difficult act of making decisions in general, not just the outcome of a student council election.

53. Galaxy Quest (1999)

Often cited as a fantastic movie that deserved a sequel but never got one, Galaxy Quest is also a brilliant parody of the Star Trek franchise. Though not officially part of the Star Trek universe, it’s impossible to miss the film’s clever send-up of the show and its dedicated fans. The story follows the former cast of a cancelled sci-fi TV series, Galaxy Quest, who are mistaken for actual heroes by aliens. These aliens bring them across the galaxy to help fight an invasion. With hilarious performances and a smart script by David Howard and Robert Gordon, Galaxy Quest both celebrates and playfully mocks Star Trek and its fans, making it one of the greatest sci-fi comedies ever created.

52. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Let’s skip the usual argument about whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie and instead talk about whether Eyes Wide Shut is actually the best one. With Tom Cruise wandering through a strangely beautiful, Christmas-lit New York City, a pervasive sense of mystery and loneliness, and a final line that perfectly fits the season, I think it just might be.

51. Trees Lounge (1996)

Steve Buscemi has directed just five movies, beginning with a remarkably overlooked film that deeply explores the life of an alcoholic – played by Buscemi himself – as he struggles with a worsening addiction. The film is steeped in the atmosphere of New York City and features a fantastic cast of New York-based actors, including Mark Boone Junior, Carol Kane, Michael Imperioli, and John Ventimiglia. It tackles its heartbreaking story with a perfect balance of dark humor and realistic pessimism.

50. Being John Malkovich (1999)

The name ‘Malkovich’ is repeated many times, creating a strange and unsettling effect. It’s a litany of a single name, almost like a mantra or an obsessive thought.

49. Addams Family Values (1993)

Barry Sonnenfeld’s Addams Family is a fun movie, but its sequel, Addams Family Values, is even better. It’s packed with clever, dark humor – almost every line is a witty joke. Christina Ricci deserved an Oscar nomination for her performance, especially the scene where she painfully forces herself to smile. It’s a masterclass in acting.

48. Misery (1990)

Released in 1990, Rob Reiner’s Misery is a remarkably insightful film of the 1990s. Adapted from a 1987 Stephen King novel, the movie tells the story of a devoted but unstable nurse (played by Kathy Bates, who won an Oscar) who saves her favorite author (James Caan) after a car accident. She then imprisons him and forces him to rewrite a book to her liking. In retrospect, the film eerily foreshadows the sometimes obsessive nature of modern fan culture and the internet age.

47. Con Air (1997)

When Con Air came out in the 90s, critics were pretty baffled. Here was Nicolas Cage, fresh off an Oscar win for Leaving Las Vegas, seemingly diving headfirst into… well, over-the-top action flicks! But honestly, revisiting it now, it doesn’t feel dumb at all. It plays like a knowingly ridiculous, and totally enjoyable, action comedy. The action sequences are genuinely solid, but what really makes it work is the incredible cast. You’ve got John Cusack, Steve Buscemi, Danny Trejo, Ving Rhames, a fantastic John Malkovich, and of course, Cage as Cameron Poe – the only genuinely good guy on a plane full of criminals. Everyone involved clearly understood the assignment and seemed to be having a blast, and that energy is infectious. It’s just a fun, over-the-top ride.

46. Jurassic Park (1993)

Seriously, do I even need to explain why Jurassic Park is amazing? I could just as easily praise The Godfather – it’s simply a fantastic film!

45. The Sixth Sense (1999)

I remember when The Sixth Sense came out in 1999 – it wasn’t just a film, it was everywhere! Everyone was talking about that twist – it was a total cultural moment. What’s amazing to me is how good it still is even after you know the secret. Knowing what M. Night Shyamalan did doesn’t ruin it at all! It’s truly a masterpiece of filmmaking and one of the most clever movies ever made.

43. Trainspotting (1996)

Considered a landmark film of the 1990s independent movie scene, Trainspotting offered a darkly funny and visually dynamic look at the lives of heroin users in Scotland. The film is famously remembered for a particularly shocking scene involving Ewan McGregor and a filthy toilet – he was searching for lost medication! – and helped launch him to international fame.

42. The Virgin Suicides (1999)

Sofia Coppola’s debut film is considered one of the best first films ever made. Based on Jeffrey Eugenides’ novel, it centers on the mysterious tragedy of the Lisbon sisters, told from the perspective of the neighborhood boys who watched them grow up. Through Giovanni Ribisi’s evocative narration, the film explores how these boys struggled to understand the events unfolding before them. Coppola masterfully recreates the atmosphere of 1970s suburban life with a distinctive soundtrack and a dreamy, washed-out visual style. The Virgin Suicides feels like a fading, unsettling dream that slowly turns into a nightmare.

41. Heat (1995)

Michael Mann’s Heat is a classic cop thriller starring a cool and collected Robert De Niro and an intensely energetic Al Pacino. The action is thrilling, but the most memorable moment is the long-awaited face-off between De Niro’s professional thief and Pacino’s determined detective, a tense meeting that takes place in a diner.

40. Terminator 2: Judgment Day 1991)

I’ll never forget seeing this movie in the summer of 1991. It was my first R-rated film – I was ten and the last of my friends to be allowed to see one, which I was really upset about at the time! Looking back, I can’t believe my dad actually let me watch it at that age! But beyond the rating, the movie itself truly blew me away. The special effects, action, visuals, suspense, and even the humor all felt incredible when I was a kid. To me, it seemed like the best movie ever made. Even now, it remains one of the most impressive blockbusters of the 1990s.

39. Schindler’s List (1993)

Steven Spielberg won his first Best Director Oscar and the Academy Award for Best Picture with this powerful historical drama. Schindler’s List tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who risked everything – his money and his life – to save over a hundred Jewish people by employing them in his factories during World War II and the Holocaust. Widely considered one of the greatest biographical films ever made, it both portrays a complete and captivating story of Schindler himself and powerfully depicts the terrible suffering endured by millions during the Holocaust.

38. The Player (1992)

Robert Altman’s The Player begins with a stunning eight-minute, continuous shot that sweeps around a Hollywood studio backlot, showcasing the daily routines of those in charge and those making the movies. This impressive feat of filmmaking isn’t just a technical showoff—it’s a nod to classic long takes like the one that opens Orson Welles’ Touch of Evil. But beyond the visual flair and industry jokes, the scene cleverly maps out the studio’s power dynamics, revealing who truly holds the influence and who simply believes they do. When a security guard wistfully recalls Welles’ filmmaking freedom, Altman subtly declares that The Player operates outside the very system it satirizes, representing a different style of filmmaking altogether.

37. Drunken Master II (1994)

As a longtime fan, I’ve seen a lot of Jackie Chan movies, and while the 90s were a golden age for him, if I had to pick one film to define his entire career for someone who’s never seen him before, it would absolutely be Drunken Master II. It’s just a sensational display of everything that makes him amazing – his incredible athleticism, his graceful movements, and his perfect comedic timing. He plays the legendary Wong Fei-hung, and the story lets him really shine with his unique style of drunken boxing. It’s the perfect film to showcase how he blends lightning-fast action with hilarious physical comedy; honestly, it’s a masterpiece.

36. Deep Cover (1992)

As a total film buff, I’ve always been captivated by Bill Duke’s Deep Cover. It’s a fantastic thriller, but it’s so much more than that – it really delves into the mind of a cop who starts to lose himself in an undercover role, and it’s a powerful critique of the whole war on drugs. Plus, it has one of the most memorable scenes ever: Jeff Goldblum yelling, “We’ll have shrimp!” while kicking someone out of a moving car. Seriously, what’s not to love? For a long time though, it was surprisingly underappreciated, even among serious movie fans like myself. Thankfully, it’s finally getting the recognition it deserves, especially since the Criterion Collection added it in 2021.

35. Beau Travail (1999)

Claire Denis’s film Beau Travail is a powerful exploration of masculinity, inspired by Herman Melville’s Billy Budd. It tells the story of a French Foreign Legion soldier (played by Denis Lavant, a compelling actor and dancer) reflecting on his troubled past. Driven by envy and possibly hidden desire for a new recruit, he subtly tries to ruin the younger man’s life. Throughout the film, Denis poetically portrays the lives of these soldiers stationed in Africa, leaving many questions unanswered – including the fate of Lavant’s character and the meaning behind the film’s breathtaking final dance. As Lavant’s character narrates, “We all have a trash can deep within. That’s my theory,” hinting at the hidden darkness within us all.

34. Toy Story 2 (1999)

Pixar is now known for making lots of sequels, though many aren’t particularly memorable. It’s easy to forget they once created one of the best sequels ever made. The moment in Toy Story 2 where Jessie’s sad past is revealed is arguably the most heartbreaking scene in any Pixar film. This was a key turning point for the company, especially considering it started as a simple home video project. Pixar transformed it into a powerful, big-screen movie and, for the first time, explored such emotionally intense storytelling.

33. Total Recall (1990)

Arnold Schwarzenegger shines in this thrilling and confusing sci-fi film. It’s about a construction worker who gets a memory implant of a Mars vacation, but it unexpectedly reveals a hidden past as a secret agent. Or is it all just a side effect of the implant, the final thoughts of a failing mind? Director Paul Verhoeven keeps you guessing, and Schwarzenegger is fantastic as a man running from an unknown past, questioning his life, and craving excitement, all while delivering surprisingly funny lines. (“Consider that a divorce.”) It’s a wild, exciting, darkly humorous, and surprisingly deep film that perfectly captures the spirit of the early 1990s.

32. Ronin (1998)

Director John Frankenheimer’s later work, Ronin, is a straightforward action film about a group of tough mercenaries hired for a high-stakes robbery. While the plot isn’t particularly original, the film boasts a fantastic cast – including Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone, Stellan Skarsgard, Sean Bean, and Jonathan Pryce – and sharp, realistic dialogue reportedly refined by the acclaimed playwright David Mamet. It’s also famous for featuring one of the most exciting car chases ever filmed.

31. Wayne’s World (1992)

I have a funny story about seeing Wayne’s World for the first time in 1992. I laughed so hard—especially during the scene where Wayne and Garth jokingly criticize product placement—that I actually fell out of my chair at the movie theater! That’s only happened to me once more, during The Naked Gun 1. While Wayne’s World is definitely a product of its time (you might need to be familiar with 90s cable access and Aerosmith to fully appreciate it), the movie still delivers big laughs thanks to the charming way Mike Myers and director Penelope Spheeris captured that era.

30. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Steven Spielberg’s powerful and disturbing portrayal of World War II, particularly the D-Day landings and the tragic death of a key character by a Japanese soldier, stays with viewers long after the credits roll. The film is also remembered for Tom Hanks’s somber line, “earn this,” a phrase that feels almost impossible to live up to.

29. Irma Vep (1996)

This isn’t really a remake at all, but a fascinating look at what remakes are and who makes them – and filmmaking in general. Maggie Cheung gives a brilliant performance as a fictionalized version of herself, an outsider navigating the complex world of French cinema and its tangled relationships. The biggest drawback of Irma Vep is that it will immediately make you want to watch either the original Les Vampires or another film starring Cheung, The Heroic Trio.

28. The Mask of Zorro (1998)

Before superhero movies became so popular, The Mask of Zorro set the stage with a unique structure. It felt like a sequel to a Zorro movie that hadn’t actually been made, with Anthony Hopkins playing the original Zorro and passing on his skills to Antonio Banderas. The film is filled with exciting action directed by Martin Campbell (who later directed Casino Royale) and witty humor from Hopkins, and it also launched Catherine Zeta-Jones’s career as the original Zorro’s daughter. It remains a fantastic and often overlooked blockbuster from the 1990s.

27. The Blair Witch Project (1999)

Go ahead and call it a cheap trick if you like, but The Blair Witch Project did more than just start a trend. Its realistic “found footage” style was so effective that many people actually thought it was real, despite being a low-budget horror film about filmmakers facing supernatural terror. And even knowing it’s fake, the movie still manages to create a genuinely creepy and unsettling atmosphere.

26. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Frank Darabont’s film about friendship and hope, starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, wasn’t initially successful in theaters. However, it slowly gained popularity as a ’90s favorite through repeated showings on cable television. Perhaps that journey – starting with failure and ending with enduring appeal – perfectly reflects the film’s story of two men forging a powerful bond while imprisoned for many years.

25. Clerks (1994)

Starting with just $27,000 and a strong drive, Kevin Smith transformed his job at a New Jersey convenience store and video shop into a defining independent film of the 1990s. Clerks is a funny and often profane story about two friends trying to break free from the monotony of their retail jobs. Surprisingly, despite being set almost entirely in and around a strip mall, the film felt ahead of its time and, in a way, foreshadowed the popularity of today’s podcasts with its long, rambling conversations about life and pop culture.

24. Batman Returns (1992)

Tim Burton’s second Batman film, like Christopher Nolan’s final one, is unusual, quirky, and challenging. It takes everything that made the first Batman great – the gothic style, darkness, and dramatic storytelling – and amplifies it. The film portrays Bruce Wayne, the Penguin, and Catwoman as damaged individuals, each seeking solace and understanding. While often considered an odd blockbuster, it remains highly entertaining, largely due to Michael Keaton’s subtle performance and Michelle Pfeiffer’s iconic portrayal of a deeply complex Catwoman. It’s a shame Pfeiffer’s Catwoman never got her own movie, while Halle Berry’s version did – it’s a major misstep in Hollywood history.

23. The Iron Giant (1999)

Before Tony Stark, there was a different Iron Man: the giant robot from Brad Bird’s first movie as a director. This film, set in 1950s Maine, tells the story of a young boy who befriends this incredible machine. While the 1990s were full of beautifully hand-drawn animated films, computer animation was starting to become more popular. The fact that The Iron Giant came out near the end of this era of traditional animation makes it even more meaningful and touching.

22. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Many thrillers feature disturbed criminals, but Jonathan Demme’s The Silence of the Lambs is far more intricate and insightful. It’s a compelling character study of Agent Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster, in an Oscar-winning performance) as she navigates a world dominated by men who are either controlling or dangerous. While Hannibal Lecter (also played by an Oscar winner, Anthony Hopkins) is a significant presence, the film uniquely presents him from Clarice’s perspective, which is what truly sets it apart.

21. Army of Darkness (1992)

The way Sam Raimi directed cameras in the 1990s was unmatched. You could practically build a visual storytelling course just using the first 20 minutes of Army of Darkness. His camera movements – the pans, shifts, zooms, and dollies – were energetic and fast-paced, but always served to enhance the story, humor, and horror. He also seamlessly blended intense scares with silly comedy like no one else. And with Bruce Campbell giving a wonderfully over-the-top performance, the film is a true gem of comic horror.

20. Close-Up (1990)

Considered a landmark film in Iranian cinema, Close-Up tells the story of a man who pretended to be a famous director and tricked a family in Tehran. Director Abbas Kiarostami uniquely cast the real people involved to play themselves, filming parts of the actual court case and recreating events leading up to it. The film brilliantly mixes documentary footage with a fictionalized narrative, and its exploration of themes like fame and social class continues to be incredibly influential.

19. Household Saints (1993)

Nancy Savoca’s film, Household Saints, is unusual in its ability to blend humor and heartbreak while exploring faith with honesty and a critical eye. Perhaps its unique nature is why it wasn’t widely seen until recently – it’s a movie that’s hard to categorize and likely difficult to promote. It’s too spirited for religious audiences, but it doesn’t aim to ridicule Catholicism. That’s what I appreciate about it; it offers a fresh take on both the subject matter and the characters. Lili Taylor gives a truly memorable performance as the central figure in this story about an Italian American family spanning multiple generations. Her character feels unlike anyone I’ve seen on screen before.

18. Fargo (1996)

Okay, let’s talk about the Coen brothers. They absolutely had to be included, and for me, Fargo is the perfect choice. It’s a brilliantly dark and funny crime story, uniquely their style. Frances McDormand is fantastic as the pregnant police chief leading the investigation, but honestly, the whole cast shines. Steve Buscemi, Peter Stormare, Steve Park, John Carroll Lynch… they’re all great. But William H. Macy really steals the show as a desperate, down-on-his-luck used car salesman trying to weasel his way out of a seriously bad situation.

17. L.A. Confidential (1997)

I’ve been thinking about how interesting it is that L.A. Confidential feels like layers of nostalgia. It’s a movie set in the 50s, but it clearly takes inspiration from 70s classics like Chinatown. And it came out in the late 90s, which feels like a different world now – a time when you could still get a big, complex crime drama made without relying on huge stars or existing franchises. Kevin Spacey and Kim Basinger were pretty well-known, but most of the cast weren’t massive names. What really struck me is how the movie, just like the book it’s based on, completely dismantles the idea that the 50s were some perfect, innocent time in Los Angeles. It shows you the dark side, the stuff people tried to keep hidden, and it’s thanks to the author James Ellroy and director Curtis Hanson that we finally get to see the real story.

16. Ed Wood (1994)

Tim Burton made a surprisingly touching and funny film about the life of Edward D. Wood Jr., the director of the famously bad movie Plan 9 From Outer Space. It could have easily been a silly parody, but Burton captured the excitement and heartbreak of filmmaking perfectly, showing how creative dreams clash with the demands of studio executives and financial constraints. While Ed Wood (played by Johnny Depp) wasn’t a filmmaking genius like Orson Welles, he wasn’t incompetent either. He was a hopeful person stuck in a strict Hollywood system where money mattered more than artistic vision—making him a classic Tim Burton character.

15. Devil in a Blue Dress (1995)

Is there anyone who looked better in a white tank top than Denzel Washington in Devil in a Blue Dress? While it’s not a typical way to judge a film, it highlights just how captivating Washington is in this role. Based on Walter Mosley’s novel, the movie features one of the most charismatic performances of the 90s. Washington plays Easy Rawlings, an out-of-work man who gets pulled into a complex and unexpected mystery when he searches for a missing person. The supporting cast – including Tom Sizemore, Jennifer Beals, and a standout Don Cheadle as Easy’s friend Mouse – is excellent. The film, directed by Carl Franklin, also powerfully explores the racial tensions in 1940s Los Angeles. And honestly, Denzel Washington is mesmerizing throughout the entire movie.

14. Matinee (1993)

Joe Dante’s Matinee cleverly uses classic, low-budget movies to examine the difference between genuine fear and the manufactured thrills created by schlock filmmaker Lawrence Woolsey (John Goodman). But what makes a film about a cheesy producer so insightful? While Matinee fondly remembers 1960s B-movies, it also acknowledges the harsh realities of the world both then and now. The film centers on Gene (Simon Fenton), a teenager living with his mother and brother on a military base, constantly moving due to his father’s Navy service during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His father is never seen onscreen. With his mother (Lucinda Jenney) often struggling to cope, Gene is responsible for looking after his younger brother, Dennis (Jesse Lee). Because of their father’s job, the brothers are always the new kids at school, making the local movie theater a welcome escape and a source of joy.

13. Jackie Brown (1997)

What I really appreciate about Jackie Brown is how flawed and realistic the characters are. Max Cherry isn’t a typical cool gangster; he’s just a regular guy who’s losing his hair. And Jackie Brown isn’t a criminal mastermind – we even see her practicing how to draw her gun! Even Louis Gara has a relatable moment, forgetting where he parked during a robbery. They feel like real people, and I think some of Quentin Tarantino’s later films, while still excellent, could benefit from that same human touch.

When Jackie Brown first came out, some viewers were let down that it wasn’t as flashy or intricate as Pulp Fiction. But Tarantino’s choices, though more subtle, are spot-on. The opening credits, reminiscent of The Graduate, immediately establish Jackie’s character without her saying a word, and scenes like the one with Ordell and Beaumont are brilliantly done. The film also ends with a truly memorable kiss – not because it’s overly sensual, but because it feels genuine and imperfect.

12. Toy Story (1995)

Pixar’s first feature film doesn’t look as groundbreaking as it did in 1995, especially when you compare it to their more recent work. However, it’s still a wonderful movie! You can’t go wrong revisiting the original adventures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear, enjoying Randy Newman’s memorable score, or remembering the surprisingly unsettling scenes with the villainous Sid and his homemade toys.

11. The Fugitive (1993)

It’s easy to overlook a genuinely fun movie when you’re focused on films with deeper meanings or symbolism. But The Fugitive isn’t just entertaining—it makes a complex, large-scale chase seem effortless. It’s actually quite challenging to create a film with such a gripping mystery, clear action, and strong performances, especially from Tommy Lee Jones as the relentless U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard. The film remains endlessly rewatchable because it’s made with a level of skill and attention to detail that’s even more uncommon today than it was when it was released in 1993.

10. Hard Boiled (1992)

John Woo’s Hard Boiled begins with a simple scene: a drink being made. Tequila and soda are poured into a glass, then the glass is slammed onto the bar, mixing the contents. This seemingly small moment actually hints at the entire film’s theme. Hard Boiled is about what happens when two very different people are brought together and collide. Both Chow Yun-Fat and Tony Leung are fantastic actors on their own, but when they work together, the result is explosive action movie brilliance.

9. Boogie Nights (1997)

Paul Thomas Anderson’s film is a heartfelt, often humorous, and ultimately sad look at the golden age of the adult film industry in Southern California. It moves through the late 1970s with a lively pace, introducing a memorable cast of characters – including a filmmaker reminiscent of Burt Reynolds and a troubled, maternal figure played by Julianne Moore. The film isn’t just about these individuals; it’s a broader exploration of America during that era – its beauty, its desires, and its struggles with depression and excess.

8. The Matrix (1999)

One of the few real benefits of getting older is revisiting movies and seeing how well they stand the test of time. I remember seeing The Matrix when it first came out – I went in with no expectations and was completely blown away. It was such a thrilling experience that I can still picture the exact theater, auditorium, and even my seat! The trailers were promising, but the movie itself was truly captivating, and it still is more than 20 years later. If I have one complaint, it’s that The Matrix is too engaging to have on in the background – you’ll inevitably get sucked in and end up watching it all the way through… again.

7. American Movie (1999)

I wrote about this documentary a few years back for its 25th anniversary, and honestly, it really resonates differently now. The more life I live, the more I see Mark Borchardt – the filmmaker at the heart of the story – not as a funny con artist, but as a genuinely moving, almost heartbreaking figure. He is the embodiment of chasing a dream that might never come true. What really strikes me is how almost every scene highlights this idea that the simple act of wanting to create is what makes even the most mundane parts of life worthwhile.

6. Chungking Express (1994)

Beyond its famous elements – like the fantastic music, vibrant visuals, and bittersweet love stories – Chungking Express beautifully portrays the feeling of city life. It captures the loneliness you can experience even when surrounded by crowds, the longing for open spaces, the fleeting nature of connections, the charm of a neighborhood bar, and the curious eyes of those working late into the night.

5. The Truman Show (1998)

It’s unsettling how accurately The Truman Show predicted our current world – a reality filled with constant surveillance, advertising, and widespread anxiety. If we aren’t living in a simulation, the movie’s foresight feels almost supernatural. Beyond being about a man unknowingly starring in a reality TV show, the first half of the film brilliantly captures the feeling of a mid-life crisis – that moment when you turn 40 and question everything. Jim Carrey delivers an incredible performance, playing Truman as almost the opposite of his character in The Cable Guy. While that character was negatively influenced by television, Truman grows up inside a TV show and somehow manages to stay genuinely good at heart.

4. Pulp Fiction (1994)

While Pulp Fiction may not be the most copied film of the 1990s today, it was hugely influential for a time. The fact that so many attempts to copy it were so bad actually highlights just how talented Quentin Tarantino is, both then and now.

Pulp Fiction is a strange mix of things that somehow all fit together. It’s a grand story about crime in Los Angeles, but also a deep look at its characters. It jumps between the wildly fantastical—think mysterious briefcases and secret clubs—and the everyday, like conversations about foot rubs and fast food. It’s both epic and intimate, funny and sad, violent and silly. That’s what makes it Pulp Fiction.

3. Groundhog Day (1993)

As a movie lover, I think Groundhog Day is genuinely one of the smartest comedies ever made. Bill Murray is incredible as Phil Connors, a self-absorbed TV weatherman – the movie immediately establishes this by showing him acting like he is controlling the weather! Anyway, he gets stuck repeating the same Groundhog Day over and over in a small town. It’s basically the story of a guy who starts out thinking he’s all-powerful, slowly becomes better, and ultimately figures out what it means to be a decent human being.

2.Goodfellas (1990)

Even thirty years after its release, Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential films of the 1990s. It’s a fantastic pairing with his later film, The Irishman, if you’re up for a long movie marathon. The film chronicles the life of a young man (the late Ray Liotta) as he climbs the ranks of the mafia, experiencing both lavish success and a dramatic downfall – one moment enjoying a feast, the next reduced to simple meals. Everything about the film – the acting, script, editing, cinematography, and music – is flawless. It’s hard to believe Dances With Wolves won Best Picture over Goodfellas.

1. Hoop Dreams (1994)

The documentary Hoop Dreams is about far more than just basketball. It follows the young men not through their final games, but to their high school graduations. As Spike Lee points out when speaking to aspiring college players, the world of competitive sports is heavily influenced by money. The film leaves you feeling like there are actually two games happening: the one played on the court, and a separate, often unfair game played by coaches and scouts. It makes you wonder what these young athletes are supposed to hope for when the system seems stacked against them.

2026-04-14 23:50