The Greatest Movies of the 1990’s Ranked

Not many decades in film history made movies as iconic as the 1990’s. A groundbreaking decade, the 1990’s forever changed filmmaking. Whether it’s redemptive prisoners, pulp gangsters or fight club organizers, the decade created several characters. Given the number of films in the 1990’s, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for best 1990’s movies that deserve to be celebrated.

1. The Shawshank Redemption

Hope is something that I’ve often found hard finding. As far as I remember, I’ve never been a hopeful person. Several years ago, my life hit a crushing low when I began failing classes in school causing sorrow. Unable to cope with the pressure posed by high school studies, I experienced intense anxiety. During a painful time, it was impossible for me to see a bright light at the end of the pitch-black tunnel. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the importance of hope allowing people to achieve redemption as powerfully as “The Shawshank Redemption”. Ever since its release in 1994, Frank Darabont’s film has stood the test of time as the greatest movie of the 1990’s. With the greatest film of his career, Darabont captured a pair of prisoners forming a long-lasting friendship in a prison facing despair. Darabont has always had an aptitude for demonstrating emotions through voice-over narration, and his strengths as a filmmaker are evident in “The Shawshank Redemption”. For instance, the scene in which Red narrates his harrowing memories of the time when Andy escapes the prison is one of the greatest moments of the decade. At the centre of it all are two phenomenal performances from Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins, capturing prisoners facing despair. Ultimately, what makes “The Shawshank Redemption” a masterpiece is its message. Unlike most movies made during the decade, it has aged beautifully with commemorated themes that remain relevant today. The film delivers a profound message about the importance of hope which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years after the release of a commemorated classic about hopeless inmates that question whether they should get busy living or get busy dying searching for redemption in a terrifying prison, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a decade that is worthy of celebration.

2. Schindler’s List

The Holocaust is a sensitive subject matter that has fascinated my teacher. Years ago, I was taught about the genocide by a Jewish teacher whose parents died in a ghetto. I remember a history teacher that was fascinated with mass genocide disasters that changed his life forever. He always believed movies were an art that couldn’t capture genocides that tore lives apart. As someone treasuring fond memories of a teacher that was fascinated with the Holocaust, I appreciated “Schindler’s List”. Released in 1993, Steven Spielberg’s movie offered a powerful portrait of the Holocaust. Drawing from his own personal experience as a Jew with long-lasting ties towards the Holocaust, Spielberg painted a portrait of the genocide that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Schindler reacts with horror seeing the girl in the red coat is one of the greatest moments of the 1990’s decade. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Ralph Fiennes, who embodied an evil Nazi commander. Ultimately, what makes “Schindler’s List” a commemorated masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about genocide which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the history of the Holocaust to appreciate it. Nearly 90 years after a gruesome mass genocide in which people died, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a groundbreaking decade that made commemorated movies which always left audiences satisfied.

3. Forrest Gump

Intellectual disabilities impacted my identity. At an early age, my life forever changed when I was diagnosed with Autism causing damage. I remember feeling terror when I was diagnosed with a disability that put my life in danger. Nevertheless, my mother’s words of wisdom motivated me to cope with the challenges of Autism. As someone impacted by intellectual disability that caused my life to face a bump, I adored “Forrest Gump”. Released in 1994, Robert Zemeckis’ Oscar-winning movie offered an amazing adaptation of a book about intellectual disability. Zemeckis is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled at using non-linear storytelling in his movies, and his strengths are evident in “Forrest Gump”. For instance, the scene in which Forrest recounts with nostalgia memories of meeting Jennie in America is one of the greatest moments of the 1990’s decade. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Tom Hanks, who created one of the most iconic characters in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Forrest Gump” one of the best movies of the 1990’s is its message. The film delivers a heartwarming message about intellectual disability which would resonate with everyone. As precious as Forrest Gump’s box of chocolate, it’s a riveting reminder of a great decade that produced memorable movies audiences appreciate.

4. Goodfellas

Gangsters are grand figures that have always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a grandfather that loved gangsters causing damage. He was fascinated with gangsters seeking to be somebodies in neighbourhoods full of nobodies. Through his love for gangsters, my grandfather gave me appreciation for figures that I treasure. As someone treasuring a grandfather that loved gangsters, I loved “Goodfellas”. Ever since its release in 1990, Martin Scorsese’s film has become one of the best gangster movies ever made.  With the most personal film of his career, Scorsese traced a real-life gangster. Scorsese has an aptitude for capturing gangsters, and “Goodfellas” showcased his strength as a director. Drawing from his personal experience as a child that grew up observing gangs in Little Italy, Scorsese painted a realistic portrait of real-life gangsters in history. For instance, the scene in which Tommy throws a temper tantrum at Henry for calling him funny in a restaurant is one of the greatest moments of the 1990’s. Ultimately, what makes “Goodfellas” a mobster masterpiece is its humanity. It turned gangsters committing crimes into people that audiences can easily relate to. As strong as Henry Hill’s desire to become a gangster, it’s a riveting reminder of a decade that made great movies audiences treasure.

5. Pulp Fiction

Quentin Tarantino is a fantastic filmmaker that inspired my teacher years ago. I remember forming a strong bond with a teacher that loved the world-famous filmmaker. My teacher regarded all of Tarantino’s movies with affection, but his favourite movie by the filmmaker was always “Pulp Fiction”. Ever since its release in 1994, Tarantino’s movie has become a crime classic audiences adore. With the greatest film of his career, Tarantino showcased his flair for using witty dialogue to capture gangsters that evoke fear. Tarantino’s greatest strength as a filmmaker is his ability to create compelling characters through engaging dialogue, and its evident in “Pulp Fiction”. For instance, the iconic scene in which Jules and Vincent discuss their favourite burger restaurants during a car ride is one of the most memorable moments of the 1990’s decade. Ultimately, what makes “Pulp Fiction” one of the best movies of the 1990’s is innovative storytelling. Unlike most movies made during the decade, it introduced revolutionary storytelling techniques through its non-linear structure. As memorable as crimes Jules and Vincent have committed, it’s a riveting reminder of a decade that produced unforgettable movies audiences appreciated.

6. Titanic

When it comes to the most tragic events in history, it’s worth discussing the Titanic. The R.M.S. Titanic was the largest passenger ship in the world that was believed to be unsinkable. However, in 1912, the ship sank as a result of striking an iceberg. In 1997, James Cameron captured the tragic sinking of the ship in his iconic film “Titanic”. Unlike most movies made during the era, what makes “Titanic” stand out is its strong sense of spectacle. Cameron showcased his strength for capturing a frightening historic disaster through practical effects that are fantastic. At the centre of it all are a pair of powerful performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, capturing a couple on a doomed ship facing despair. 90 years after the tragic sinking of the Titanic, it’s a fantastic reminder about a decade that created a legacy which is iconic.

7. The Silence of the Lambs

Serial killers are frightening figures that have always scared me. At an early age, I formed a lifelong fear of serial killers when my housekeeper was murdered. A cold-blooded crime that wasn’t investigated, it left my family emotionally affected. As someone haunted by scary memories of violence, I adored “The Silence of the Lambs”. Released in 1991, Jonathan Demme’s Oscar-winning movie captured the enduring appeal of serial killers. Demme uses stunning visuals to capture serial killers engaging in violence that’s frightening. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Anthony Hopkins, who created one of the most iconic serial killers in cinematic history. A powerful portrait of serial killers committing shocking violence, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a decade that produced memorable movies earning a huge audience.

8. Good Will Hunting

Therapists have impacted my identity. At an early age, I formed bonds with a therapist delivering a meaningful message. When I was diagnosed with anxiety, I began seeing a psychologist offering therapy. His wisdom guided me in the right direction. Few films I’ve seen have captured inspiring therapists as powerfully as “Good Will Hunting”. Released in 1997, Gus Van Sant’s Oscar-winning movie captured therapists. Unlike most 1990’s movies, what makes “Good Will Hunting” stand out is its realism. Gus Van Sant used naturalistic dialogue to create compelling portraits of therapists. Assisted by Matt Damon who is excellent, Gus Van Sant created a powerful portrait of therapists. As strong as Will Hunting’s desire to find meaning, it’s a riveting reminder of a decade that produced memorable movies which are worth celebrating.

9. Fight Club

David Fincher is a legendary filmmaker that made memorable movies in the 1990’s. With dark characters, compelling storytelling and engaging atmosphere, Fincher’s movies achieved a huge following. Fincher achieved fame in the 1990’s when he made his influential film “Fight Club”. Released in 1999, David Fincher’s groundbreaking movie introduced his dark style of filmmaking. With the greatest film of his career, Fincher used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the mind of a mentally ill insomniac experiencing despair. At the centre of it all are Brad Pitt and Edward Norton, who delivered career-defining performances deserving appreciation. As precious as the fight club the narrator seeks to organize, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a decade that made commemorated movies which audiences idolize.

10. American Beauty

Few actors that achieved fame during the 1990’s have attracted controversy of Kevin Spacey. Recently, the actor’s glorious career was destroyed by assault controversies. Before his career was ruined by controversy, Spacey made the unforgettable movie “American Beauty”. Released in 1999, Sam Mendes’ Oscar-winning movie captured a suburban father. Mendes used symbolism to discuss controversial subjects rarely seen in movies during the 1990’s. Although the film’s legacy has been tarnished by Spacey’s allegations, it remains one of the finest movies of the 1990’s. As strong as Lester Burnham’s desire to find beauty in his American neighbourhood, it’s a riveting reminder of a decade that has stood the test of time as an important time for Hollywood that I will forever treasure for inspiring my love for movies that are good.