The Best ’90s Movies That Are Modern Classics
It’s hard to believe that the films of the ’90s are now considered classic cinema, but the best of the decade can definitely be looked back on fondly as modern classics. From science-fiction, to comedy, to westerns, and plenty of other genres, the ’90s have some of the most iconic films of all time. Here are some of the best ’90s movies that have become modern classics.
The Matrix
The Matrix is an absolute classic, and though it seems like it appeared out of nowhere in 1999, it still stands as revolutionary filmmaking. Directed by the Wachowskis, The Matrix presents an unbelievable story of an average guy named Neo, who finds out the world is different from how it actually appears. The film’s impact was undeniable, and it was eventually followed up with two sequels.
Pulp Fiction
This Quentin Tarantino crime classic changed cinema forever, and still surprisingly holds up today. Pulp Fiction follows different stories linked by crime, and it’s remembered for its iconic characters like Jules (Samuel L. Jackson) and Vincent (John Travolta). It was also the movie that won Tarantino his Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
The Lion King
This Disney classic follows the story of a lion cub, Simba (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) who is the heir to the Pride Lands, but he must challenge his corrupt uncle Scar (Jeremy Irons) in order to reclaim his birthright. The Lion King was revolutionary for its time, partly because of its musical numbers, and partly because it featured an all-star cast of both actors and singers. Its visuals are also still just as stunning today.
Toy Story
The first entry into the Pixar universe, Toy Story brought us the lovable Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and their adventures in Andy’s room. The film was revolutionary for its time in that it made audiences sympathize and connect with characters that weren’t even ‘real.’ Toy Story was eventually followed up by three sequels and continues to be beloved today.
Fight Club
The 1999 classic Fight Club tells the story of an average office worker, played by Edward Norton, who starts an underground fight club with charismatic loner Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt). The film was eventually followed up with a cult following, and its ideals are still echoed throughout pop culture today.
The Shawshank Redemption
This ’90s classic follows a banker, Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), who is wrongfully convicted of murder and he must survive his prison sentence in the Shawshank facility. His friendship with Red (Morgan Freeman) is one of the movie’s standout moments and continues to resonate with audiences today.
Titanic
Titanic was a revolutionary film of the ’90s, which followed the star-crossed love story between Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (Kate Winslet). The movie details their journey on the ill-fated voyage, and the pair is one of the most iconic movie couples of all time.
Jurassic Park
Who could forget the classic dinosaurs of Jurassic Park? This Steven Spielberg classic captivated audiences with the idea that dinosaurs had been reborn, and they eventually break free from the confines of the park. The iconic visuals and sounds of the film still stand today, making it one of the most influential movies of its time.
Goodfellas
Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas is one of the most iconic movies of the ’90s and it tells the story of a group of mobsters in New York City who get involved in organized crime. It follows the rise and fall of the group and its characters, with superb performances from Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci. Goodfellas was the pinnacle of the gangster genre, and its influence can still be seen today.
Other Notable Classics
These classic movies of the ’90s are all must-sees and definitely stand the test of time. But don’t forget about other contenders from the decade, like Forrest Gump, The Silence of the Lambs, The Big Lebowski, Saving Private Ryan, The Sixth Sense, and There’s Something About Mary.
The kids of the ’90s may in awe of these modern classics years later, but it’s clear that the ’90s held some of the best movies of all time that still hold up today. Whether you’re talking about science-fiction, comedy, or something else, these are the classic films that defined the decade and they’ll continue to be watched and re-watched for years to come.
