The 1990s were a decade many of us today remember fondly for its rewatchabillity. To some, there was no decade more beloved and cherished for creating memorable childhoods than the '90s. This was an age of rising blockbuster franchises, new achievements in the field of special effects and CGI, and, across all genres, there was a string of hits that continue to blow us away today.
The '90s are the go-to for many cinema buffs looking to relive the glory days of cinema, before the time when sequels, remakes, and reboots flooded our current market. This really was a time to be a movie fan, as every year is laced with great cinematic wonders that defined childhoods for some and captivated the minds of many. From a beloved holiday classic to a long-awaited continuation of a story from a galaxy far, far away, here are the ten most nostalgic movies from every year of the 1990s.
10 'Home Alone' (1990)
Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister sitting at the top of the stairs in Home Alone (1990)
For a lot of folks who grew up in the early '90s, the Christmas season was defined by Home Alone. Directed by Chris Columbus, this charming, endlessly watchable holiday family comedy, about a young boy who was left behind on vacation and is forced to defend his home from two bumbling robbers, was a smashing success that not only was the highest-grossing film of its year but became one of the most popular Christmas movies, being constantly shown throughout the decades.
With iconic characters, a heartwarming tone, a whimsical score, and uproarious slapstick comedy, Home Alone has achieved legendary status within pop culture. It's always fun to look back and enjoy this one around every holiday season, as it sparks the same feeling when watching it during adolescence. You'll laugh, you'll cheer, and it will make you feel like you're returning to the joyous times of experiencing Christmas as a kid.
9 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day' (1991)
Action was defined in the early '90s by a kick-ass, ground-breaking action masterpiece that proved that some sequels can surpass their originals. Yes, James Cameron's Terminator 2: Judgment Day is one of the greatest movie sequels ever made, a thrilling joyride that made crowds in 1991 raise their fists in the air with excitement. Arnold Swarzennger, in the continued height of his leading man powers, steals the show as a cybernetic protector sent back in time to save the future leader of humanity from his more advanced rival.
The action is flawless, the pacing is perfect and never leaves dull moments, and of course, it's best known for revolutionary CGI effects, which not only encouraged other films to use this advanced tech nology, but these effects still look so incredible today. Terminator 2
8 'Wayne's World' (1992)
Wayne and Garth in the car rocking out in Wayne's World, three friends in the backseat singing along.
The culture of the '90s was greatly inspired by its many now classic comedies. While there were certainly too many to choose from, 1992's Wayne's World arguably had the biggest impact of the earlier time and is still brought up even now. Based on the legendary Saturday Night Live skit by comedians Mike Myers and Dana Carvey, it follows two mental-head best friends as they try to save their popular public access show as it transitions into a mainstream success.
Even those who haven't even seen Wayne's World are at least familiar with its iconic opening sequence, where the guys sing the lyrics and bang their heads to Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," a moment immortalized in cinema history. The rest of the film is an absolute laugh-fest that only gets funnier with age and proves this one will always be remembered as the comedy that no one will ever forget when thinking of 1992.
7 'Jurassic Park' (1993)
A Tyrannosaurus rex roaring at the end of Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park (1993)
There's no denying that Steven Spielberg's epic adventure blockbuster Jurassic Park wasn't only the cinematic experience of the year 1993, but of the entire decade. It's a thrilling journey that, as its tagline wonderfully points out, took 65 million years in the making. It follows a small group of scientists and tourists as they fight for survival on an island theme park that's overrun with living cloned dinosaurs.
Audiences were blown away, and childhoods were changed for the better with the release of this captivating thrill ride. The story is endlessly rewatchable, the characters are memorable, the lines are constantly referenced today, and the CGI effects used to bring the dinosaurs to life look so incredibly spectacular that they truly made this film timeless. When thinking back fondly on this decade, Jurassic Park certainly gets a mention.
6 'The Lion King' (1994)
Simba and Nala from the ending of The Lion King (1994).
1994 will go down as one of the most significant years in cinematic history. Truly look at the line-up of this amazing year: Pulp Fiction, The Shawshank Redemption, and Forrest Gump, just to name a few. It's impossible to pick which one is the definitive best, but in terms of nostalgia, that honor goes to Disney's The Lion King, perhaps one of the most compelling animated films of all time. It's a classic tale of a male lion who, after blaming and banishing himself for the death of his king father, must confront his sinister uncle and reclaim his throne.
In a year full of stiff competition, this one stands out for its moving story that, more than thirty years later, can still have a profoundly emotional effect on audiences. From its stellar animation to the timeless messages it shares, The Lion King is the Mouse House's most beloved and unforgettable classic, and it shaped many young childhoods. Looking back now, it's just as captivating and lovely to watch as ever.
5 'Toy Story' (1995)
Buzz and Woody racing down a street on a remote control car reaching out and looking stressed in Toy Story.
Disney Pixar was still in its infancy in the mid-'90s, but it catapulted itself into the spotlight thanks to a groundbreaking masterpiece, Toy Story, released in 1995. It follows a living cowboy doll who fears he's being replaced when his owner receives a popular new spaceman toy for his birthday.
Perhaps the decade's most beloved family classic, Toy Story is a film many kids saw and then never stopped coming back to it, as it's a charming tale with fun characters and impressive animation. It spawned a highly successful franchise that's still going strong today, and many kids who grew up with this first one have never stopped citing it as one of their fondest childhood memories.
4 'Scream' (1996)
Scream's Ghostface holding a knife
The horror genre experienced a rollercoaster ride in terms of quality going into the '90s. Though it started off significantly strong at the start with Misery, Candyman, and the Best Picture winner, The Silence of the Lambs, it wasn't exactly reaching huge success on a commercial level. That was until Wes Craven's Scream came out in 1996, which not only rejuvenated horror fans but became a phenomenon. It follows a small town group of friends as they try to figure out which movie-obsessed killer is running around terrorizing the community while dressed in a Ghostface costume.
It is intense, terrifying, but with a perfect mix of dark and self-aware humor, making it so endlessly enjoyable even after all these years. Scream shaped many young horror lovers' fascinations with the genre in the late '90s and much of the 2000s, all thanks to a revolutionary story and legendary moments.
3 'Titanic' (1997)
Kate Winslet as Rose, standing on the bow of the ship with her arms spread, with Leonardo DiCaprio as Jack holding her from behind in Titanic (1997).
Jurassic Park may have been the cinematic event of the time, but James Cameron's Titanic is the '90s classic that made us love going to the movies. Released in 1997, this epic titan of a film was unforgettable, one of the most stellar to look at, exciting, and profound films of the latter half of the decade. Starring Academy Award winners Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, it follows an elderly woman who recounts surviving the infamous sinking of the RMS Titanic and her star-crossed romance with a poor artist.
Told with striking visuals, Oscar-winning direction and cinematography, and legendary performances, Titanic is one of the most acclaimed films of the 1990s, winning 11 Academy Awards. It deserved every one of them, as it has created a remarkable legacy as a recognizable cinematic masterpiece. It was seen by many and forgotten by none, and today it is one of the most profitable films in history.
2 'The Big Lebowski' (1998)
Jeff Bridges as the Dude and John Goodman as Walter sitting in a bowling alley in The Big Lebowski
Truly, Joel and Ethan Coen's quintessential quirky comedic masterpiece, The Big Lebowski, deserves a mention when talking about the '90s. It's unbelievably funny from beginning to end, featuring some of the best, most quotable lines and characters in pop culture. Starring Jeff Bridges and John Goodman, it follows a lazy slob named The Dude and his overzealous Vietnam vet buddy, Walter, as they become tangled in a bizarre kidnapping conspiracy after two thugs urinate all over The Dude's rug.
Its lines are constantly referenced today, the characters are instantly recognizable, and everything about the story has proven that The Big Lebowski is one of the greatest comedies of all time. It's a staple of the unique comedic style of the late '90s, and it's had an effect on viewers ever since its release, making them constantly come back to enjoy everything funny and great about this cultural phenomenon.
1 'Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace' (1999)
Ray Park as Darth Maul in 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace'
Finally, capping off the decade with one last exciting blockbuster was George Lucas's long-awaited continuation to the highly successful Star Wars franchise, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. A prequel to the original trilogy from the '70s and early '80s, The Phantom Menace was the most anticipated event of 1999 and, as a result, became the highest-grossing film of that year. Set during the age of the Old Republic, it follows two Jedi Knights as they try to stop a war between the ambitious Trade Federation and the peaceful people of Naboo.
While The Phantom Menace may not be everyone's favorite Star Wars film today, it was one of the most commercially successful films in the series, as well as one of the most talked about. It was a huge box office hit at the time, with so many audiences of all ages seeing it, and more growing up with it. It ended the '90s with one last big hurrah, and it is always a joy to look back on when thinking of such a nostalgic decade.
