The 10 Best Films of the 1990s, that I’ve seen (and in my opinion)
by George Watches Things
Today, we continue counting down the decades. We’re so close, too!
10. Croupier
Croupier is just utterly fascinating. It’s an amazing study of humans and what they do, and Clive Owen (who I’ve never really liked) is brilliant in it. Runner-ups: Edward Scissorhands, Gattaca, Manhattan Murder Mystery, and Trainspotting.
9. My Cousin Vinny
The movie that made me fall in love with Marisa Tomei. My Cousin Vinny is full of heart without being corny or giving up its side-splitting nature. An interesting double-feature pair with The Lincoln Lawyer. Or Bernie, for that matter.
8. The Fugitive
If his roles in the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises didn’t win you over to Harrison Ford’s side, The Fugitive might just do that. In the film, he’s framed for his wife’s murder, and must become a (you guessed it) fugitive. The film is tense throughout, and Ford is really good in it, even though Tommy Lee Jones is better as the FBI agent chasing him. The awkward conspiracy stuff at the end is excusable.
7. The Silence of the Lambs
Over the next year, we’ll get to see two TV spin-offs of The Silence of the Lambs. Lifetime is developing something called Clarice, and NBC has already ordered 13 episodes of Hannibal. If you don’t feel like watching the two brilliant main characters of the film separated (because you know, they are what make the film), then you can just rent the film version.
6. Babe
Oh, Babe. The other day, while preparing for the 2009 catch-up festival, I told my friend I had just seen “the most charming film.” (Review coming in early June!) But then I had to take it back, because I knew that just wasn’t true. Babe is the most charming film I’ve ever seen and ever expect to see. Talking animal films have so little to offer now-a-days. It’s a pity they didn’t learn from Babe and Babe: respect and develop your characters.
5. Toy Story 2
One of Pixar’s best efforts, for sure. It’s my personal favorite from the Toy trilogy, and I think it is timeless. I find it surprising that Toy Story 2 came out back in 1999 each time I read it, though.
4. The Truman Show
My former favorite all-time film (I’ll make a list one day)… I know it very well. See, world, Jim Carrey can do things other than dance with penguins and just look generally creepy. The Truman Show is a triumph thanks to him.
3. Fargo
I’ve only seen two Coen Brothers films, and I can’t tell which is my favorite. Fargo, though, is one of the funniest movies I’ve ever seen. So many people in over their heads… flopping around on the ice like a fish out of water. It’s cruel, really. But so funny. Frances McDormand’s famous line at the end is brilliant as well.
2. Fearless
Fearless is a true gem. I credit it (as well as Certified Copy and Rabbit Hole) for piquing my interest in film. Jeff Bridges, Rosie Perez, and Isabella Rosselini are all very good. But it’s the daring plot, flashbacks, and minor details that I’m enchanted by.
1. Pulp Fiction
What else? Pulp Fiction is just plain brilliant. It would be powerful if it were straightforward chronologically, but there’s something really special about seeing [highlight for SPOILER] Vincent Vega get shot halfway through, then finishing the movie with him. And other effects of the out-of-order plot. Also, I don’t really care about the briefcase. I largely ignore that in my memory.
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I still haven’t seen Pulp Fiction, believe it or not, but I can definitely agree with Fargo and The Truman Show (the latter of which is one of the rare movies I’ve already seem that I put in my Netflix DVD queue, which I generally reserve for watching films I haven’t seen before). It’s that good!
Good list but, Babe over Pulp Fiction?
MATTAWARDS.COM
No? Babe is at #6. Pulp Fiction is at #1.
I like the list, don’t agree with Babe over Pulp Fiction.
MATTAWARDS.COM
Well, neither do I.
Whoops! Sorry, that’s what I get for reading it on my iPhone. Didn’t see the numbers.
I’m very appreciative that you took the time to read my blog anywhere! Thanks!
[…] If you don't feel like watching the two brilliant main characters of the film separated (because you know, they are what make the film), then you can just rent the film version. 6. Babe. Oh, Babe. The other day, while preparing for the 2009 catch-up festival, I told my friend I had just seen “the most charming film.” (Review coming in early June!) But then I … My former favorite all-time film (I'll make a list one day)… … Fargo, though, is one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. … Read more: The 10 Best Films of the 1990s, that I've seen (and in my opinion … […]
D: Reservoir Dogs didn’t even make a runner up? Granted, I haven’t seen much Tarantino; I have only seen Reservoir Dogs, both Kill Bills, and Inglorious Basterds, but of the three, it was Reservoir Dogs I enjoyed by and far the most.
I haven’t seen it, unfortunately! I believe Pulp Fiction is the only Tarantino I’ve seen.
Great list. I haven’t seen Croupier, but now it’s on my Netflix queue. As for the rest of you list, I wholeheartedly agree with it. Every one is fantastic.
I hope you enjoy it!
You have a gift of categorizing, which I admire.
After I see a movie I remember it only if someone mentions its title, but if I were asked to list my 10 favorites of all times I would reward the questioner with a blank stare.
Just make a list of every film (after you see it), and year it was released!
That’s a great idea. It would be a good thing to do for the books you read, also.
Never heard of #2 or #10, but I’ll try to check them out. I’ve only seen #s 4-6 on this list, so I really need to see more of the ’90s.
Here’s my list, should I decide to post one on my blog:
1. Titanic
2. The Shawshank Redemption
3. The Truman Show
4. JFK
5. As Good As It Gets
6. Forrest Gump
7. The Sixth Sense
…can’t think of an 8, 9, or 10. Darn.
Nice list, but have you seen Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan, Goodfellas, Hoop Dreams, South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut, L. A. Confidential, Unforgiven, or The Thin Red Line. All are great films I recommend that aren’t on your list that came in the 90s.
I have seen none of those, unfortunately.
All of which I recommend, especially Schindler’s List, which is one of my ten favorite films.
Ah yes, now these are the best of the ’90s! Along with Ghost, of course.
[…] films made the top 15 (albeit there were four in the top 25 and one clinched a top 5 finish for the 90s), but they made their mark. Their films don’t talk/teach down to kids. In fact, most of their […]
These are all on my personal “Best of” list!
What are the odds?
Yes! Score!