7 More Movies From the 1990s You Forgot Were Awesome

The 1990s were a fantastic decade for movies, offering something for every taste. Whether you were in the mood for action, sci-fi, drama, or even the first modern superhero films, the ’90s delivered. It was a truly golden age of cinema, making it a perfect decade to revisit for a cozy movie night. There are simply so many great films to choose from!

We recently shared a list of fantastic movies from the 1990s that you might have overlooked, but that was just the beginning. There are so many other great films from that decade! While we could keep going, here are seven more awesome movies from the ’90s. You might have forgotten these came out in the ’90s, or maybe you’d simply forgotten about them altogether. Either way, they deserve a spot on your watch list!

7) Chaplin

These days, Robert Downey Jr. is best known for playing Tony Stark/Iron Man in the Marvel movies. But director Jon Favreau chose him for the role because he’s a truly talented actor, and a great example of that is a lesser-known film from his early career. Released in 1992, Chaplin featured Downey Jr. as the iconic actor and filmmaker Charlie Chaplin. Despite being a well-made film, it wasn’t a commercial success, earning only $12 million at the box office against a $31 million budget.

Despite not being a box office success, Robert Downey Jr. was widely praised for his performance in the film, and many consider it one of his finest roles. He even received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, among other honors. If you enjoy movies, Hollywood history, or Downey’s work, this film is definitely worth watching.

6) Office Space

Let’s be clear: we’re not suggesting you’ve forgotten about the movie Office Space, or that it’s not a great film! What you might have forgotten is that it actually came out in the 1990s. Released in 1999, Office Space has become a cult classic, living on for over 25 years through countless internet memes. The film, written and directed by Mike Judge – the creator of Beavis and Butt-Head – is a humorous look at office life, focusing on a group of employees at a 1990s software company who are completely fed up with their jobs.

The enduring appeal of Office Space lies in its relatable portrayal of office life. Although the film focuses on a software company, its themes resonate with anyone who’s worked in a white-collar job. Even though the professional world has evolved since the movie came out, its core observations still ring true, keeping it a timeless classic.

5) Jackie Brown

Many people disagree, but Jackie Brown is arguably Quentin Tarantino’s best film – if you haven’t watched it, you’re missing out! Inspired by Elmore Leonard’s novel Rum Punch and paying tribute to 1970s blaxploitation movies, the film stars Pam Grier as Jackie, a flight attendant who gets involved in a dangerous money-smuggling operation between Mexico and the US. It also features a fantastic cast including Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Keaton, Robert De Niro, Bridget Fonda, and Robert Forster.

Upon its release, Jackie Brown suffered from comparisons to Pulp Fiction due to their similar crime drama themes. Though the film was well-received by critics and did well in theaters, it’s often overlooked when people discuss Quentin Tarantino’s work. In truth, it’s a truly excellent movie that deserves more recognition – and it also played a key role in bringing Pam Grier’s career back to life, which is another great outcome.

4) Event Horizon

The 1990s produced many excellent science fiction and horror films, and Event Horizon stands out as a brilliant example of both. Directed by Paul Anderson and featuring Laurence Fishburne, Sam Neill, Kathleen Quinlan, and Joely Richardson, the film tells the story of a rescue crew sent in 2047 to investigate the Event Horizon spaceship. The ship mysteriously reappeared near Neptune seven years after vanishing.

Beyond the film itself, Event Horizon is known for its troubled production history. Paramount Pictures rushed the editing process to release it when Titanic‘s release was delayed. While the heavily cut version released in August 1997 flopped in theaters and received negative reviews, it found success on home video. Over time, Event Horizon has become a cult classic and a significant influence on science fiction and horror, even inspiring a sequel comic book series released this year.

3) School Ties

No list of great 1990s films would be complete without Brendan Fraser, so we’re including School Ties. Released in 1992, the movie stars Fraser as Davide Greene, a hardworking Jewish student who earns a scholarship to a prestigious private school. However, due to antisemitism at the school, he decides to conceal his background. The film boasts a strong cast, featuring Matt Damon, Chris O’Donnell, Anthony Rapp, and Ben Affleck, along with a young Cole Hauser who would later star in Yellowstone.

Okay, let’s be honest, School Ties wasn’t a huge hit when it came out, and critics weren’t exactly raving about it. The story is fairly predictable, but what really struck me revisiting it was just how many future stars were launching their careers here – Brendan Fraser, Ben Affleck, Don Cheadle, and Matt Damon all appear. Fraser, in particular, is fantastic, and honestly, his performance alone is reason enough to give this film another look. It’s a solid piece of nostalgia and a great early showcase for some serious talent.

2) The Phantom

Based on the classic comic strip, the 1996 superhero film The Phantom largely faded from memory – and understandably so. While it wasn’t a critical or commercial success upon release, revisiting it now reveals a surprisingly enjoyable movie with impressive visuals for its time.

Billy Zane plays the Phantom, a mysterious and seemingly ageless hero who fights all sorts of villains in this action-packed film. The cast also includes Treat Williams, Kristy Swanson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and James Remar. It’s hard to describe the movie – you really just have to see it! The Phantom feels more like a legendary figure than a typical superhero. Though it wasn’t a hit in theaters, it gained a following on home video and still has fans today. It’s a very 90s movie and a fun look back at the evolution of superhero films.

1) The Quick and the Dead

Sam Raimi has worked in many different movie genres, including westerns. His 1995 film, The Quick and The Dead, wasn’t a big hit with audiences or critics when it came out, but looking back, it’s actually a much stronger film than people gave it credit for. It might even be Raimi’s most overlooked work.

Featuring a stellar cast including Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Russell Crowe, and Leonardo DiCaprio, this western centers around a mysterious gunfighter known as ‘The Lady’ (Stone) who arrives in the lawless town of Redemption, ruled by John Herod (Hackman). Driven by a desire for revenge for her father’s death, she enters a dangerous duel competition. Many consider this film to be a hidden gem – not only among director Sam Raimi’s work, but one of the most overlooked films of the 1990s. It’s a truly excellent and captivating western.

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2025-12-18 03:41