The 1990s were a time when cinema witnessed unforgettable breakthroughs. Or maybe it’s just millennial sentiment? However, it cannot be denied that it was a decade that greatly influenced the aesthetics, themes and techniques used in cinema, leaving indelible traces in popular culture. We’ve selected the 20 best movies from the 90s, how many are your favourites?
From epic dramas to groundbreaking animation, from psychological thrillers to blockbuster action films, the 1990s was a time in which audiences were immersed in stories that resonated with them for far longer than the film ran. We invite you on a short journey into the past. Here are the movies that continue to delight and inspire. In the article below, we will take a look at the 20 best productions of the nineties in our opinion. We also hope that you will share with us in the comments your choices for the best films of that period.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
The film explores themes of alienation, social differences and the beauty of difference, presenting a surreal but deeply moving world of characters. Tim Burton has created an extraordinary story about Edward, a man with a pair of scissors, who tries to find his way in society by discovering himself.
Goodfellas (1990)
Martin Scorsese presented the brutal world of the mafia from the perspective of Henry Hill, taking us into the world of crime, explaining the psychology of the characters and the consequences of certain life choices. The film explores the gangster ethos perfectly, making it an unforgettable journey through the dark alleys of yesteryear’s criminal underworld.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
FBI Agent Clarice Starling works with serial killer Hannibal Lecter to catch another psychopath. The film gained fame thanks to its exceptional acting and disturbing atmosphere, becoming a classic of psychological cinema.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
The second part of the story about a cyborg from the future offers a new perspective on the science fiction world, where the machine fights to protect humanity. The film was a revolution when it came to special effects, combining stunning shots with a deeper message about human nature.
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Quentin Tarantino’s first feature film is a crime thriller that introduces a group of criminals who suffer the tragic consequences of a jeweler’s robbery. The director surprises with a unique plot structure and narrative style, making this film a milestone in independent cinema.
Jurassic Park (1993)
Steven Spielberg presented viewers with a fantastic world of dinosaurs brought to life, using revolutionary special effects that were breathtaking at the time. The film has become an icon of adventure cinema, combining entertainment and science fiction.
Schindler’s List (1993)
Another Spielberg production from 1993. In the film, filmed in Poland, the director tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved Jews during the Holocaust. This poignant and shocking work shows human tragedy and heroism in times of extreme cruelty.
The Fugitive (1993)
Andrew Davis delivers a tense thriller starring Harrison Ford as a doctor wrongly accused of murdering his wife. The film, which was released in cinemas in 1993, left an impression on viewers, among others: amazing action and tension associated with the unusual situation in which the main character finds herself.
Forrest Gump (1994)
Adapted from the wonderful book by Winston Groom, which tells the life story of Forrest Gump, a man with low IQ who was accidentally involved in key historical events in the United States of America. The film is full of wisdom, emotion, and unforgettable moments that have earned it an important place in contemporary popular culture.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Another change in our classification; This time based on the best-selling book by Stephen King. Director Frank Darabont showed the story of Andy Dufresne, who was wrongly convicted of murder. It is a story about hope, determination and an unwavering will to survive, whose deep meaning moves and stays in the minds of viewers for a long time.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
An iconic film from the 90s that sealed Quentin Tarantino’s future career. It is the story of several characters connected to the criminal world of Los Angeles. The unconventional narrative structure, unforgettable dialogues and original characters are just some of the elements that made this film one of the director’s most important works.
The Lion King (1994)
The Disney animated classic tells the story of Simba, a lion who must regain his place as king of the savannah after tragic events befall his family pride. Animation still warms the oldest hearts to this day. It’s not only a classic children’s fairy tale, but also a very wise story about growth, destiny, and courage.
brave heart. Braveheart (1995)
Another adaptation on our list, this time to the poem. Mel Gibson directed the story of Scottish hero William Wallace, who led the fight for Scottish independence. The director also played the main role. The film is notable for its epic production scale and stunning fight scenes.
Toy Story (1995)
The first animated film produced entirely using 3D computer animation, showcasing gaming adventures in their own world. It is an animation masterpiece that started a revolution in this field of films.
Fargo (1996)
A dark comedy from the Coen brothers, which confirmed the world’s belief that this duo can really tell stories through images. The film is set in a regional world where a kidnapping leads to rapidly growing problems. The production delights with a mixture of black humour, absurdity and human psychology.
Tagimnis Los Angeles (1997)
Curtis Hanson takes viewers back to 1950s Los Angeles, where detectives try to solve a series of murders. It is a noir film full of betrayals, conspiracies and dark secrets, where the performances of the actors and the excellent plot attract the viewer from the first minutes.
Titanic (1997)
A production that probably needs no introduction to anyone who remembers the years. 90. James Cameron created a story about tragic love against the backdrop of the disaster of the legendary ship Titanic. The film has its own special effects and successful combination of love story and social drama.
The Truman Show (1998)
It is very possible that Peter Weir’s painting is as relevant today as ever. The director explores the topic of media manipulation through the story of a man whose life is broadcast like a reality show 24 hours a day. It’s a clever satire about people’s obsession with voyeurism, the world of celebrities, and their curiosity about the way other people live.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
And Spielberg again. The director presents a shocking story about World War II, in which a group of soldiers sets out to search for one of their men during a major conflict. In the 1990s, the film was distinguished by its brutal realism in combat scenes, making it one of the most poignant and realistic images of war.
Back in the day, but in the 90s.
Although the above list contains unique and unforgettable films, the reality of the 1990s was much richer. A time of video rental stores, stacks of VHS tapes, and endless searches for new titles – that’s how I remember that era. But the 1990s saw hundreds of other productions. These are nostalgic memories of visiting movie rental stores, selecting new titles, and exciting evenings in front of the TV. What 90s movies impressed you the most? Do you have favorite titles that aren’t on this list? Share your suggestions and memories – maybe we can create a bigger list of must-see cinema of the 90s.
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