For every medium, there’s an era or decade that revolutionizes the art form. Literature had the beat generation. Music had the psychedelically tinged 60s. For cinema, that decade is arguably the 90s.
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The decade was huge for film and gave rise to some scintillating narratives across a variety of in-demand genres. Couple with that the breakthrough hits of esteemed directors such asQuentin TarantinoandPaul Thomas Anderson, in addition to hugely memorable characters like Tyler Durden and Keyser Soze, and it’s small wonder the era is remembered so very fondly.
9. American History X (1998)
A movie famed for its necessity as much as its brutal honesty,Tony Kaye’sAmerican History Xfollows Derek (Edward Norton), a recently released convict and former neo-nazi skinhead who fights to prevent his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong) from straying down the same, toxic path that he once did.
American History Xis commendably distinguished by some very effective performances from its leading actors, and it’s an early notch in the belt for the ever-impressive portfolio of Edward Norton.
8. Heat (1995)
Heatisquite possibly the model modern heist movie. While occasionally flirtatious with the paradigm of style over substance, no film epitomizesMichael Mann’scandid style of direction thanHeat.
The biggest draw, though, is the on-screen chemistry of Hollywood iconsRobert De NiroandAl Pacino, as two opposing but mutually respective leaders on either side of the law. This was a combination that wasn’t repeated untilMartin Scorsese’sThe Irishmanin 2020.
7. The Usual Suspects (1995)
Despite being somewhat on the nose with its cinematic influences,The Usual Suspects, directed byBryan Singeris nonetheless a well-conceived thriller led by a gifted cast.Kevin SpaceyandBenicio Del Toroare amongst a gang of five unassuming criminals who are one day led into each other’s path during a seemingly routine police line-up.
The enigmatic and villainous Keyser Soze heads a twisting narrative that builds a desire for repeated viewings if only to find the breadcrumbs when and where they fall.
6. Fargo (1996)
QuintessentiallyCoen brothers,Fargoexpertly blends dark humor with small-town satire.Frances McDormandturns in an Academy Award-winning performance as Marge Gunderson, a heavily pregnant police officer hoping to solve three murders linked by a failing Minnesota car salesman (William H. Macy).
The renowned director’s subtle use of violence here is deliberate and shocking, helping to instill a narrative tone that feels remarkably original when compared against films that are relatively more violent and action-packed.Fargowas so influential,it even inspired a leading television series.
5. Boogie Nights (1997)
One can wonder if anyone but Paul Thomas Anderson could create a film with the controversial subjects of drugs and pornography, and steer it so admirably from crass exploitation. More than that,Boogie Nightsfills its story with surprisingly empathetic, if flawed characters.
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The cast is led byMark Wahlbergas an up-and-coming adult movie star Dirk Diggler, discovered by idealistic producer Jack Horner (Burt Reynolds) in the hopes of exalting his craft. Anderson’s breakout picture stands as a provocative and thoughtful case study of the much-maligned, yet largely misunderstood porn industry of the late 1970s.
4. Goodfellas (1990)
Martin Scorsese’sintricately engrossing tale of organized crime in America is the consummate gangster film, arguablyrivaled only by that ofThe GodfatherandThe Sopranos. It’s based on the real-life story ofHenry Hill(Ray Liotta) and his life and exodus from the Italian-American crime syndicate.
Visually mesmeric and distinctive in tone, if there is but one quality we can otherwise assert withGoodfellas, it’sJoe Pesci’scaptivating performance as Tommy DeVito, as unsettlingly natural as it is passionate.
3. Pulp Fiction (1994)
A marvel of interwoven storylines connects two hitmen, a boxer, a gangster and his wife, and a pair of diner bandits inQuentin Tarantino’s third directorial picture. Add a thoroughly well assembled, ensemble cast, punchy dialogue, and Tarantino’s penchant for gradual character development and irreverent violence, and you have a stunningly original film that, over two decades later, has lost none of its pull.
2. Fight Club (1999)
We’ll break the first rule here.David Fincher’sadaptation ofChuck Palahniuk’swatershed novel polarized audiences upon its release. However, as a commentary on the fragility of masculinity and the depravities of consumerism,Fight Clubis a hugely relevant picture of the 90s.
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Stylistically, it’s undoubtedly accomplished, andBrad Pitt’sturn as the dangerously charismatic Tyler Durden is also up there as perhaps the greatest the most significant in his versatile body of work.
1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Followers of IMDB may see this as the obvious choice, but there’s a reason it’s stayed top of the top 250 user-reviewed films on the site for what feels like forever.
The Shawshank Redemptionis, by all regards, a flawless story, seamlessly blending the harrowing and the poignant in a drama with unforgettable characters. This is an endlessly quotable movie that sticks around long after its touching and well-earned conclusion.
