There are a number of unforgettable movies that define a decade full of innovation. In order to shine a light on arguably one of the best decades of film, I’ve rounded up some of the best-ranking films of the 1990s.
For this particular list, we’re going to get a little eclectic, so every genre is fair game. I’ve included Hollywood hits and more. I’ll take into account the pictures’ overall awesomeness, contribution to culture, and the ability to re-watch. To be clear, all of these films are great in their own right, and all film fans have to see each of them at least once. GoldenEye (1995) A breath of fresh air delivered Bond to the 1990s. Directed by Martin Campbell (who returned a decade later with Casino Royale), Golden Eye is an awesome action thriller with the kind of set pieces that really added to the iconic Bond brand. There are plenty of vibrant and memorable characters that really spoke to the culture of the time. Goldeneye the movie is now almost completely synonymous with the video game for the N64, the first-person shooter that had perhaps even more of a cultural impact than the film. Magnolia (1999) Whoever said melodrama is a bad word is wrong. Paul Thomas Anderson’s ensemble follow-up to Boogie Nights is an incredible collage of interconnected stories, featuring the Oscar-nominated Tom Cruise. Depending on who you ask, some people think the finale is genius or a bust, but it by far is an iconic film. Edward Scissorhands (1990) It’s impossible to not be entranced by Tim Burton’s fairy tale about a gentle-natured outsider feared for his ghastly appearance. This Christmas season's favourite benefits from stunning German Expressionism production design and haunting score by Danny Elfman. There's Something About Mary (1998) Definitely not a film you’d traditionally want to watch with your parents, the vulgar and offensive film is a jumping-off point for the comedy of Peter and Bobby Farrelly. Ben Stiller, Matt Dillon, Lee Evans, and Chris Elliot star as men enchanted by the prospect of winning the affection of a beautiful woman named Mary, played by Cameron Diaz. Wayne's World (1992) The majority of SNL movies have a bad rap for being infamously bad. But Mike Myers and Dana Carvey are party time, excellent in Penelope Spheeris’ side-splitting laugh riot. And unlike some, the sequel is nothing to scoff at either. Sleepless in Seattle (1993) Stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, as well as director/co-writer Nora Ephron, are in top form in this sweet and often hilarious romantic comedy about a widower and a reporter who fall in love through the airwaves. It was nominated for two Oscars, proving to be a big hit with the critics and the box office, grossing approximately ten times its budget globally. Reservoir Dogs (1992) It’s very tempting to call Reservoir Dogs one of the ultimate independent films. It’s a heist movie, only due to budgetary concerns, the viewer never actually sees the heist, primarily just the aftermath. The film is actually stronger due to this reason. It’s all about the process, not the payoff. The process is the payoff. Yet, as crackling and head-turning as the filmmaking is, it doesn’t transcend its genre-movie trappings to become something new. If you were to rewatch Reservoir Dogs in 2022, it comes across as a wildly talented filmmaker warming up to bigger and better things. The Fugitive (1993) Harrison Ford’s most popular picture since Witness, a Hitchcockian tale of a wrongfully accused man and an aggressive manhunt offered a critical and commercial phenomenon. It was nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award. These are just a few of the most memorable movies of the time, but there are definitely many more to cover. Perhaps we’ll explore those in another article. For now, if you haven’t had the chance to take a look at some of these films from the 1990s, it’s time to boot up your favourite streaming service and give them a watch. You won’t be sorry. This fall season is proving to have a colourful roster of worthwhile content, and with the chill in the air nearly upon us, you’re going to need a good blanket and something to watch. Here are some of the top picks you can enjoy across popular streaming platforms.
Lord of the Rings – Rings of Power, Amazon Prime This series is set thousands of years before the original events of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings and is based on the history of Middle-earth. The series starts at a time of relative peace and covers all of the major events of Middle-earth’s Second Age: the forging of the Rings of Power, the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, the fall of the island kingdom of Númenor, and the last alliance between Elves and Men. These events take place over thousands of years in J. R. R. Tolkien’s original stories but have been condensed down for the series. See, Apple TV+ During the 21st century, a virus has wiped out the majority of humanity. Fewer than two million people have survived, and both they and their descendants have lost the ability to see. See takes place several centuries later, when society has adapted and found new ways to socially interact, build, hunt, and survive without their sight. The concept of vision has become a myth, and any mention of it is considered heresy. In the mountains, a pregnant woman named Maghra seeks shelter with the Alkenny tribe. The chief of said tribe, Baba Voss, was unable to father his own children, choosing to marry Maghra and care for her children. However, the children’s biological father, a man named Jerlamarel, is wanted by the Queen of the Payan kingdom for the heresy of being “sighted” (being able to see). The word spreads of Jerlamarel siring children, prompting a hunt for the man and his offspring. Baba Voss subsequently must protect his family and tribe against the Queen’s army. House of the Dragon, HBO Adapted from George R. R. Martin’s Targaryen history book Fire and Blood, House of the Dragon is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones. The show focuses on the infamous event in Westeros history referred to as the Dance of the Dragons. This is a civil war that took place between the siblings Aegon II and Rhaenyra regarding who would take the throne after the death of their father Viserys I. The war would pit all of Westeros against itself, with other houses such as the Starks and Lannisters joining each side. Many of House Targaryen’s powerful dragons would perish, and soon after, would go extinct until Daenerys Targaryen would hatch three eggs hundreds of years later. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Amazon Prime The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina takes place in the fictional town of Greendale. The series is a dark, coming-of-age story that plays on the themes of horror, fear, and the art of witchcraft. Sabrina Spellman, a young teen girl, has to reconcile her dual nature as a half-witch, and half-mortal, all while fighting the evil forces that threaten her, her family, and the world of humans. |
AuthorBardya Ziaian is a Toronto-based business executive, film producer, actor, and entrepreneur with specific expertise in the areas of Fintech, brokerage services, and financial systems. Archives
February 2023
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