Looking to take a trip down memory lane? Netflix has got you covered with an incredible collection of 90s movies that will transport you back to the good old days. From timeless classics that never get old to cherished childhood favorites, this list is always being updated with the very best films from the 1990s.
If you’re craving some epic movie magic, look no further than Jurassic Park and Heat. These two films are not only legendary, but they’re also incredibly addictive to watch over and over again. And that’s just the beginning! Netflix also offers a treasure trove of other amazing films like The Waterboy, The Sixth Sense, Seven, and Eyes Wide Shut.
But don’t just take our word for it. You have the ultimate power to decide which 90s movies deserve your undivided attention. Share your favorite picks from the list and don’t forget to suggest any other films you believe absolutely must be included.
So, grab a bucket of popcorn, get cozy, and let the 90s nostalgia wash over you. Prepare for a streaming experience like no other!
(Note: The most controversial film, “An American Tail: The Mystery of the Night Monster,” is not mentioned in this text.)
1. Schindler’s List
Schindler’s List, a powerful war drama directed by Steven Spielberg, takes us through the extraordinary life of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), an unlikely hero in the midst of the Holocaust. Set in Nazi-occupied Poland, Schindler, a businessman, emerges as an unexpected savior by employing Jews in his factories to shield them from the horrors of concentration camps. Two key characters, Stern (Ben Kingsley), his accountant, and Goeth (Ralph Fiennes), a cruel camp commandant, play pivotal roles in this intense storyline. The film received critical acclaim, earning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, for its gripping portrayal of humanity’s unwavering strength in the face of utter darkness.
Released: 1993
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Actors: Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes
2. The Matrix
The Matrix is an absolute game-changer in the world of science fiction movies. It took the genre to a whole new level. We follow the dual life of Thomas Anderson, played by the legendary Keanu Reeves. During the day, he’s a corporate slave, but by night, he becomes Neo, a badass computer hacker. And then, out of the blue, the mysterious Morpheus, played by Laurence Fishburne, contacts Neo and everything takes a wild turn.
Before he knows it, Neo finds himself on a mind-bending journey to uncover the truth about The Matrix. This mind-blowing world is actually a creation of sentient machines. Can you believe it? This dystopian thriller, directed by the talented Wachowskis, got some serious recognition. It won four Academy Awards thanks to its groundbreaking visual effects and mind-bending editing techniques.
But it’s not just about the special effects. The Matrix is so much more than that. It’s a movie that messes with your head and makes you question everything you thought you knew about reality. The complex narrative and deep philosophical ideas in this film will leave you contemplating your own perception of the world around you.
Released: 1999
Directed by: Lilly Wachowski, Lana Wachowski
Actors: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss
3. The Waterboy
The Waterboy is a comedy film that follows the story of Bobby Boucher (played by Adam Sandler), a socially awkward water boy for a college football team. One day, Bobby discovers his extraordinary tackling skills and gets the opportunity to join the team. However, his overbearing mother (played by Kathy Bates) isn’t too thrilled about his new path, leading to some tense moments between them. On the bright side, Bobby’s coach (played by Henry Winkler) recognizes his potential and pushes him to pursue his talent. Throughout the movie, Bobby faces the challenges that come with newfound fame and personal struggles, ultimately transforming from an underdog into an unexpected hero.
Released: 1998
Directed by: Frank Coraci
Actors: Adam Sandler, Kathy Bates, Henry Winkler
4. Pulp Fiction
Pulp Fiction, directed by Quentin Tarantino, is a remarkable film that defies genre boundaries. It effortlessly combines elements of crime, drama, and black comedy to create a unique viewing experience. The movie intricately connects the lives of two hitmen – Vincent Vega, played by John Travolta, and Jules Winnfield, portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson. Alongside them, we follow the story of Butch Coolidge, a washed-up boxer expertly played by Bruce Willis, and Mia Wallace, the wife of a mob boss, portrayed by Uma Thurman.
What sets Pulp Fiction apart is Tarantino’s distinctive approach to storytelling. The film unfolds in a non-linear fashion, jumping back and forth in time, adding layers of complexity and intrigue. Through this unconventional narrative structure, Tarantino explores themes of redemption and the consequences of our actions.
The impact of Pulp Fiction was widely recognized, as it was awarded the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1994. This recognition serves as a testament to the brilliance of Tarantino’s cinematic creation.
Released: 1994
Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
Actors: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman
5. Scream
Scream, a quintessential horror film, is a masterful blend of suspense and dark humor. We are introduced to Sidney Prescott, a high school student residing in the fictional town of Woodsboro, California. Little does she know, her life is about to take a terrifying turn as she becomes the primary target of a mysterious killer known as Ghostface. This cunning murderer draws inspiration from classic horror movies, adding an eerie twist to the story.
As the body count continues to rise, Sidney and her friends find themselves in a race against time to unveil the identity of the killer before they become his next victims. Directed by the brilliant Wes Craven and written by the talented Kevin Williamson, Scream artfully challenges the typical genre conventions while delivering spine-chilling scares. It has rightfully earned its place as a modern classic in the world of horror cinema.
Released: 1996
Directed by: Wes Craven
Actors: Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courteney Cox
6. Tarzan
In the heart of the jungle, there’s this kid who grows up with apes. Yeah, I’m talking about Tarzan, played by Tony Goldwyn. This awesome animated adventure flick is made by Disney, and it’s all about Tarzan trying to figure out who he really is – a man or a beast.
But then, everything changes when he meets Jane Porter, played by Minnie Driver. She’s this curious human who shows Tarzan what civilization is all about. And that’s when the story really kicks off. Tarzan has to deal with his own identity crisis, a super mean hunter named Clayton (played by Brian Blessed), and his blossoming love for Jane.
Oh, and did I mention that Tarzan won an Academy Award? Yeah, it got the Best Original Song award, which is a big deal for this kind of movie. Pretty impressive, right?
Released: 1999
Directed by: Chris Buck, Kevin Lima
Actors: Tony Goldwyn, Glenn Close, Minnie Driver
7. The Pelican Brief
The suspenseful thriller, The Pelican Brief, takes us on a thrilling ride as law student Darby Shaw, played by Julia Roberts, gets caught up in a dangerous web of political intrigue. Her life takes a dangerous turn after she writes a legal brief predicting the motives behind the murders of two Supreme Court justices, making her a target. As the story unfolds, investigative journalist Gray Grantham, portrayed by Denzel Washington, joins forces with Darby to uncover the truth. Directed by Alan J. Pakula, this film delivers a tale of mystery and danger, where trust is hard to find, and every move could be fatal. It promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats with its gripping plot and unexpected twists.
Released: 1993
Directed by: Alan J. Pakula
Actors: Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Sam Shepard
8. Now and Then
Hey there! So, there’s this awesome movie called Now and Then, where four childhood friends get back together in their small hometown. It’s pretty cool because it takes us back to the summer of 1970 through a bunch of flashbacks.
We’ve got Samantha, who’s played by Gaby Hoffmann or Demi Moore, depending on which version you watch. She’s this quiet and introspective writer. Then there’s Teeny, played by Thora Birch or Melanie Griffith, who dreams of becoming a star.
Roberta, played by Christina Ricci or Rosie O’Donnell, is this tough and adventurous tomboy. And finally, we have Chrissy, played by Ashleigh Aston Moore or Rita Wilson, who’s just super sweet and innocent.
The movie is a mix of drama and comedy, and it’s all about the crazy adventures, mysteries, and life-changing moments these girls go through during that unforgettable summer.
What’s really cool is how the movie weaves together the past and the present, showing us how these experiences shaped the amazing women they grew up to be. It’s definitely worth a watch!
Released: 1995
Directed by: Lesli Linka Glatter
Actors: Christina Ricci, Thora Birch, Gaby Hoffmann
9. Bad Boys
In the explosive action-comedy Bad Boys, we meet Miami detectives Mike Lowrey (played by Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (played by Martin Lawrence), an unlikely duo who are about to embark on a thrilling adventure. Their mission? To recover stolen drugs from their precinct’s secure vault, all while facing the dangerous world of deadly cartels and internal corruption.
Throughout the film, we witness high-speed car chases and intense shootouts, which add an exhilarating layer of suspense to the story. But what really sets Bad Boys apart is the clash of personalities between Mike and Marcus, which brings a refreshing dose of humor to the mix. These two detectives couldn’t be more different, yet they somehow manage to work together and create a unique chemistry on screen.
Directed by Michael Bay, Bad Boys successfully combines crime drama with comedy, making it a standout entry in its genre. The movie seamlessly blends thrilling action sequences with laugh-out-loud moments, creating an entertaining and enjoyable experience for the audience.
Despite the constant danger surrounding them, Mike and Marcus’s loyalty to each other remains unshakeable. This bond of brotherhood serves as the core theme of the film, highlighting the importance of trust and friendship even in the face of adversity.
Overall, Bad Boys is an action-packed ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With its explosive action, hilarious banter, and strong bond between the two main characters, this movie delivers a unique and entertaining experience that is sure to leave audiences wanting more.
Released: 1995
Directed by: Michael Bay
Actors: Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, Téa Leoni
10. Billy Madison
Billy Madison is a hilarious comedy flick that follows the life of Billy Madison, a man-child played by the talented Adam Sandler. Billy happens to be the heir to a hotel empire, but unfortunately, his father, portrayed by Darren McGavin, questions his ability to take over the family business. As a result, Billy is compelled to go back to school, starting from kindergarten all the way up to high school, in order to prove himself.
Throughout the movie, viewers are treated to a series of side-splitting situations as Billy navigates the ups and downs of the education system, all while attempting to win the heart of his teacher, Veronica Vaughn, played by the lovely Bridgette Wilson.
This film truly marked a pivotal moment in Sandler’s career, and it stands out for its unique twist on the redemption narrative. Billy Madison expertly blends adult immaturity with humor, creating a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.
Released: 1995
Directed by: Tamra Davis
Actors: Adam Sandler, Darren McGavin, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras
11. The Crow
In the world of The Crow, Eric Draven is brought back to life to seek vengeance for the murder of himself and his fiancé. This thrilling film takes place in the gritty streets of Detroit, immersing viewers in a combination of fantasy and horror. Director Alex Proyas expertly portrays a city plagued by crime and corruption, as Draven, guided by a mystical crow, fights against the notorious villain Top Dollar. The movie is revered as a cult classic, celebrated for its stylized violence and haunting soundtrack, and stands as a poignant reminder of Brandon Lee’s final and unforgettable performance. Despite its tragic production history, The Crow serves as a powerful testament to the enduring themes of love and revenge.
Released: 1994
Directed by: Alex Proyas
Actors: Brandon Lee, Ernie Hudson, Michael Wincott
