The 1990s were a fantastic decade for movies. No matter what kind of film you enjoyed – action, animation, sci-fi, fantasy, or drama – there were plenty of great options to see in theaters or watch at home on VHS or DVD. It was a really special time for cinema, and the decade produced many unforgettable films.
The 1990s were a fantastic era for movies, and as time passes, many great films from that decade have faded from memory. These are still excellent movies that deserve another watch, perhaps overshadowed by more recent favorites. Here are seven awesome films from the ’90s that you might have forgotten – it’s worth revisiting them soon!
7) George of the Jungle
Brendan Fraser is enjoying a career resurgence lately, but it’s also a great time to remember his excellent work from the 1990s. One film that often gets overlooked is George of the Jungle. Released in 1997 by Disney, the movie tells the story of a man (Fraser) who grew up in the jungle with animals after a plane crash. He later meets and falls for a rich woman, creating trouble with his arrogant fiancée.
This movie is a funny take on the Tarzan story. While it didn’t receive great reviews when it came out, it’s genuinely hilarious – a lighthearted and silly film that really showcases Brendan Fraser’s comedic talent. It was a box office success and remains highly enjoyable even now.
6) Misery
Despite being released in 1990, the movie Misery still feels relevant today. Based on Stephen King’s 1987 novel, it tells the story of a romance novelist, Paul (James Caan), who is held captive by an obsessed fan, Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates). Annie forces Paul to rewrite his latest book to give it the ending she desires.
Everyone generally agrees that Misery is a fantastic movie. It was highly praised by critics, is a beloved adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, and features a truly terrifying scene – the one where Annie injures Paul. It’s not that people think Misery is bad; they’ve just likely forgotten it was released in the 1990s.
5) Pleasantville
The 1998 film Pleasantville may not have been a huge box office success, which is perhaps why it’s faded from memory for some. Featuring a cast including Tobey Maguire, Jeff Daniels, Joan Allen, and Reese Witherspoon, the story follows two teenage siblings who are mysteriously transported into a seemingly perfect 1950s TV sitcom after a fight over the remote control. The show is set in a pleasant, idyllic small town in the Midwest.
The film offers a thoughtful look at how we view progress, change, and the way we often romanticize the past. Its striking visuals, achieved through a blend of black and white and color cinematography, are particularly noteworthy. Director Jon M. Chu has also revealed that the movie Pleasantville inspired his depiction of Oz in Wicked and Wicked: For Good.
4) Empire Records
Released in 1995, Empire Records tells the story of a group of record store workers trying to save their shop from being bought out by a big corporation, and they learn a lot about each other along the way. The film wasn’t successful when it first came out – critics didn’t like it, and few people saw it in theaters. However, it features a great soundtrack and has gained a dedicated following over time.
One of the reasons Empire Records is so beloved, yet often overlooked, is its incredibly positive outlook. The movie blends the fun spirit of 1980s teen comedies with the rebellious, anti-corporate themes of the 1990s. Ultimately, it’s a feel-good story about the strength of friendship overcoming big business, and even though it’s a bit lighthearted, that message still connects with people today.
3) The Rocketeer
Inspired by the comic book character created by Dave Stevens, The Rocketeer is a fun ’90s film that often gets overlooked, which is a shame because it’s really good. The movie, starring Billy Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, Timothy Dalton, Paul Sorvino, and Alan Arkin, takes place in 1938. It centers around Cliff Secord, a stunt pilot who discovers a secret rocket pack that allows him to fly. This attracts the attention of the government, Howard Hughes, and even Nazi spies who originally stole the pack from Hughes.
“The Rocketeer” is a thrilling and exciting movie with something for everyone. It’s packed with action, adventure, and romance, and features satisfying moments as the heroes defeat the villains—who happen to be Nazis. It’s a truly enjoyable film, and fans have been hoping for a follow-up for a long time.
2) The Hurricane
Released near the end of the 1990s, The Hurricane features what many consider to be one of Denzel Washington’s finest performances. He portrays Rubin “The Hurricane” Carter, a former boxer who was unjustly convicted of a triple murder and spent years in prison before finally being exonerated. The movie depicts Carter’s arrest, his struggles while incarcerated, and his eventual release, made possible by the dedication of his Canadian support system and a young man from Brooklyn named Lesra Martin.
The Hurricane is a fantastic film and features one of Denzel Washington’s strongest performances. He received a Golden Globe for his work in the movie and was also nominated for an Oscar. While it might be overlooked when people talk about 90s films, it’s a truly excellent movie.
1) The Addams Family
Even though Netflix’s Wednesday is a huge hit, many still consider the 1991 film The Addams Family to be the best adaptation of the classic characters. With Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, and Christina Ricci in the cast, the movie set the standard for all other versions – including Wednesday – and remains the most definitive take on the Addams Family.
The movie centers around a scheme involving Gomez’s lawyer, Tully Alford, who is in debt to a dangerous con artist. He realizes the con artist’s son, Gordon, is a dead ringer for the long-lost Fester Addams. Tully and Gordon hatch a plan for Gordon to impersonate Fester, hoping to gain access to the Addams family’s fortune hidden within their house. However, the Addams family isn’t like any other, leading to hilariously chaotic and unexpected situations. The film is a classic, and many consider Anjelica Huston and Raul Julia’s performances as Morticia and Gomez to be absolutely perfect – they’re relationship goals!
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2025-12-13 03:12