10 ’90s Movies That Prove It Was the Best Decade for Sci-fi Action Movies

The 1970s and 80s gave us classic sci-fi action films like Star Wars, Predator, and Blade Runner. However, many believe the 1990s were the peak decade for the genre, especially when it came to thrilling action sequences. Those 90s films still feel exciting today, partly because filmmaking technology had improved enough to create believable large-scale stories, but before special effects became too reliant on computers. It was a sweet spot where practical effects and computer technology worked together perfectly.

These films demonstrate why the 1990s were a golden age for action movies with a science fiction edge – and vice versa.

10) Darkman

Before directing the blockbuster Spider-Man and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Sam Raimi made Darkman, a truly original superhero film. It’s a clever story of one man taking on a whole gang of criminals, and features strong early performances from Liam Neeson and Frances McDormand.

There are two main reasons why Darkman is so successful. First, the story’s unique idea – a man presumed dead by the mob disguising himself as them to get revenge – is brilliant. Second, Larry Drake delivers a perfect performance as the villain; he’s both frightening and clearly enjoying his role.

Stream Darkman on Peacock.

9) Total Recall

Many fans consider Paul Verhoeven’s Total Recall to be Arnold Schwarzenegger’s greatest sci-fi film – and that’s saying something, given his iconic roles in The Terminator and Predator. It’s also a well-regarded adaptation of a story by Philip K. Dick.

Total Recall is successful because it creates a wildly imaginative world that still feels grounded and important. Director Paul Verhoeven’s signature use of exaggerated violence is shocking and memorable, but remains fantastical enough to avoid feeling truly realistic. Plus, Arnold Schwarzenegger was clearly enjoying himself during this period in his career, and that energy shines through in the film.

Stream Total Recall on fuboTV.

8) Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Widely considered one of the greatest action films of all time, Terminator 2: Judgment Day brilliantly builds on the success of the first movie by subverting expectations while still delivering everything fans loved about the original. It’s arguably Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best performance, not just from the 1990s, but throughout his entire career.

Honestly, I went into this expecting a mess. Taking a character who was purely evil in the first film and turning him into a father figure? It shouldn’t work, but James Cameron pulls it off. He’s a master at both the big spectacle – those set pieces are incredible – and, surprisingly, genuinely moving emotional moments. He just knows how to connect with the audience on both levels.

Stream Terminator 2: Judgment Day on Paramount+.

7) Universal Soldier

Although Universal Soldier is a well-known film featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme, it primarily served as a showcase for director Roland Emmerich’s skills. Some compare him to Michael Bay, which is understandable, but Emmerich’s films from the 1990s often explored themes with a bit more substance.

Look, a lot of people would argue for Stargate over Universal Soldier, and honestly, I get that. But to me, both movies really showcase what Roland Emmerich does best: he takes a cool, big idea and runs with it. He knows how to get great performances out of his actors and deliver those over-the-top action scenes we all love.

Stream Universal Soldier on fuboTV.

6) Independence Day

If you’re looking for a movie to watch on the Fourth of July, look no further than Roland Emmerich’s Independence Day. It’s a classic alien invasion film that’s best enjoyed without overthinking it. What makes it so popular is that it follows the stories of many different people during the crisis.

The movie centers around three main characters: Captain Hiller, played by Will Smith, President Whitmore, played by Bill Pullman, and David Levinson, played by Jeff Goldblum. Their individual stories move the plot forward and cleverly connect with each other, making them engaging to watch. We find ourselves rooting for all of them to make it through the alien invasion.

Stream Independence Day on YouTube TV.

5) Face/Off

John Woo’s Face/Off is a wildly exciting and fast-paced action film, and many consider it his best work in Hollywood. It’s visually stunning, expertly balancing personal drama with over-the-top action – think shattered glass, flying bullets, and even doves!

The movie’s success isn’t just due to Woo’s directing style. While the idea of swapping faces is inherently ridiculous, it works because John Travolta clearly enjoys playing a villain (for much of the film), and Nicolas Cage delivers a compelling performance as a father desperately trying to cope while trapped in the body of the man who took his son.

Stream Face/Off for free with ads on The Roku Channel.

4) The Fifth Element

Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element is a film that people tend to either strongly love or strongly dislike. It’s a prime example of his unique filmmaking style, showcasing a vision of the future filled with over-the-top fashion and fun details, like a machine that instantly applies makeup.

The movie also gives Gary Oldman a chance to playfully overact as the villain, something he excelled at in The Professional. It seems director Besson knows how to best showcase Oldman’s comedic talents.

Stream The Fifth Element on TNT.

3) Men in Black

Without the success of Titanic, Will Smith’s sci-fi action films would have topped the box office for two years running. Men in Black is a perfect example – it truly captures the spirit of the late 90s, but still feels fresh and fun for audiences today.

What really makes this movie work is letting the audience see the world through the eyes of someone who initially finds everything absurd. Will Smith is at his most charismatic as Agent J, but he’s not the only reason it’s so good. The fantastic chemistry between Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, combined with Vincent D’Onofrio’s genuinely scary performance as the villain, and the film’s fast-paced action, all come together perfectly.

Stream Men in Black on fuboTV.

2) Starship Troopers

Besides RoboCop, Starship Troopers is a prime example of Paul Verhoeven’s signature style: blending intense, violent action with sharp satire of serious issues. While RoboCop critiqued corporate greed, Starship Troopers satirizes fascism—a stark contrast to the original book’s themes.

The movie Starship Troopers isn’t known for amazing performances, and surprisingly, that actually works in its favor. It creates the feeling of watching genuine soldiers in an exaggerated, futuristic world. Combined with incredibly large-scale battle scenes, it’s a gripping late-90s epic – if you’re open to its unique style.

Stream Starship Troopers on fuboTV.

1) The Matrix

The Wachowskis’ film, The Matrix, was remarkably prescient in its depiction of quickly evolving computer technology, and it continues to be both intellectually stimulating and genuinely thrilling. It’s disappointing, however, that the three sequels weren’t able to expand on the strong foundation the original film established.

Even now, the action scenes in The Matrix, especially the famous bullet time effect, are captivating and play with how we see what’s real. The film also perfectly utilizes Keanu Reeves’ calm acting style and gave Laurence Fishburne one of his most memorable performances. Beyond the action, it’s a thought-provoking movie that explores what it means to be human, and makes us value our physical existence.

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2025-11-25 03:44