Though people talk about the auteur revolution of the 1970s, or the warm, populist glow of neon-soaked ‘80s movies, the 1990s were an incredibly assured time in filmmaking. Romantic comedies went deeper and darker; Black filmmakers were rising to the forefront and telling their own stories; and technology had advanced to the point that things that had never been possible before were suddenly up on the screen. Plus, it was still an era when a mega-blockbuster might be an Edwardian period drama set on a boat with not a single superhero in sight. Strange days, truly.
What's Love Got to Do With It? (1993)
I'm not the only one who'll die on the hill of "Angela Bassett was robbed at the Oscars" (no disrespect to Best Actress Holly Hunter), but regardless, her performance here is wildly memorable, elevating what might have been a more standard biopic with a committed performance that never feels like mimicry. Tina Turner's life story has such a powerful dramatic arc that it would have been hard for a movie to go too far wrong. You can stream What's Love Got to Do With It? on Hulu or rent it from Prime Video.
What's Love Got to Do With It? (1993) at Hulu Learn More Learn More at HuluBoyz n the Hood (1990)
Writer/director John Singleton’s debut earned him an Academy Award nomination, and the movie’s reputation has only grown with time. The movie follows Tre (Cuba Gooding Jr.) as he’s sent to live with his father (Laurence Fishburne) in South Central LA, with the pressures of gang culture all around him. You can stream Boyz n the Hood on Starz or rent it from Prime Video.
Boyz n the Hood (1990) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime VideoGoodfellas (1990)
Martin Scorsese's epic take on the life of real-life mobster Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) is an indisputable classic of the genre—in fact, it's the movie many people think of first when you mention gangster movies. Scorsese has rarely been better, but the movie's performances (from Liotta, Robert De Niro, Lorraine Bracco, and Joe Pesci) are where it soars. You can stream Goodfellas on Netflix and Max or rent it from Prime Video.
Goodfellas (1990) at Max Learn More Learn More at MaxSleepless in Seattle (1993)
It’s easy to forget that Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan don’t meet for nearly the entirety of the movie—that’s how memorable their chemistry is. A kid’s request (to a very-1990s radio talk show) for a new girlfriend for his grieving dad culminates in a memorable meeting at the Empire State Building. You can rent Sleepless in Seattle from Prime Video.
Sleepless in Seattle (1993) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime VideoWaiting to Exhale (1996)
This Terry McMillan adaptation about the power of female friendships has an all-time great cast led by Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon. You can stream Waiting to Exhale on Hulu or rent it from Prime Video.
Waiting to Exhale (1996) at Hulu Learn More Learn More at HuluThe Crow (1994)
In spite, or perhaps because of, its behind-the-scenes tragedy, Brandon Lee's look and performance here made the movie a touchstone for an entire generation of tatted-up, moody goth kids. Director Alex Proyas' signature visual style is on full display here. You can stream The Crow on Kanopy or rent it from Prime Video.
The Crow (1994) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime VideoDazed and Confused (1993)
A surprisingly smart high school stoner movie from writer/director Richard Linklater, Dazed and Confused follows a bunch of rowdy Austin teens on the last day of school in 1976. The cast is great, and the ‘70s soundtrack isn’t bad, either. You can stream Dazed and Confused on Prime Video.
Dazed and Confused (1993) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime VideoBoogie Nights (1997)
Paul Thomas Anderson's first film, Hard Eight, became a cult classic but didn't make a penny at the box office; just a year later, though, he broke through with this period epic set during the golden age of porn of the 1970s. Mark Wahlberg plays Dirk Diggler, who rises and falls in his career as a porn star, while Julianne Moore and Burt Reynolds earned Oscar nominations, as did Anderson for his screenplay. You can rent Boogie Nights from Prime Video.
Boogie Nights (1997) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime VideoEve's Bayou (1997)
Kasi Lemmons' Southern Gothic drama is a sultry, genre-busting triumph. Jurnee Smollett plays 10-year-old Eve Batiste, who witnesses her father's infidelity, but is made to doubt her own eyes. Tensions build within the family as the extent of her father's betrayal becomes more clear, and Eve turns to her Aunt Mozelle, a gifted Hoodoo practitioner who helps Eve develop her own gifts. You can stream Eve's Bayou on Peacock or rent it from Prime Video.
Eve's Bayou (1997) at Peacock Learn More Learn More at PeacockThe Truman Show (1998)
A rather shockingly prescient comedy-drama from director Peter Weir (Picnic at Hanging Rock, Dead Poets Society), Truman stars Jim Carrey (transitioning into his serious-actor era) as Truman Burbank, a man who doesn't realize that he's the subject of a popular reality show, his whole life on display for the amusement of countless viewers. The science fiction-light premise would soon become our daily reality. You can stream The Truman Show on Hulu, Kanopy, and Paramount+ or rent it from Prime Video.
The Truman Show (1998) at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+Terminator 2 (1991)
James Cameron re-teamed Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger for this action-blockbuster sequel that took everything great about the first one and turned up the dial. A deeply satisfying sci-fi spectacle. You can stream T2 on Paramount+ and Kanopy or rent it from Prime Video.
Terminator 2 (1991) at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993)
Both Sister Acts are great, but if it’s a ‘90s vibe you’re going for, this one involves Whoopi Goldberg’s Deloris Van Cartier putting the band (of nuns) back together to save a city school facing closure. It all culminates in a stage performance including jams, baggy overalls, white-boy rap, and Lauryn Hill. This will be a primary source for historians of the era. You can stream Sister Act 2 on Disney+ or rent it from Prime Video.
Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993) at Disney+ Learn More Learn More at Disney+Bound (1996)
A wildly sexy neo-noir involving ex-con Corky (Gina Gershon) and Mafia moll Violet (Jennifer Tilly), in which the two display all-time great cinematic chemistry while using their relationship to egg on the straight-male insecurities of mobster Caesar (Joe Pantoliano). The Wachowskis came on strong in their feature debut. You can stream Bound on Pluto TV or rent it from Prime Video.
Bound (1996) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime VideoThe Living End (1992)
New Queer Cinema pioneer Gregg Araki’s best-known film is likely Mysterious Skin, but his angry, freewheeling early work The Living End is the purest expression of his talents as a filmmaker. Araki's movie is a primal scream in which a couple of HIV-positive drifters kill a homophobic cop and take off on a “fuck everything”-themed road trip. You can stream The Living End on Kanopy or rent it from Prime Video.
The Living End (1992) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime VideoToy Story (1995)
Near the dawn of digital filmmaking, Pixar came along with strong case that, in the right human hands, computer animation could have heart and soul. Tom Hanks leads an all-star voice cast in the much-beloved movie about a bunch of toys who come to life whenever Andy isn't looking. You can stream Toy Story on Disney+ or rent it from Prime Video.
Toy Story (1995) at Disney+ Learn More Learn More at Disney+The Blair Witch Project (1999)
So convincing was the found-footage illusion here that people believed that they were watching the real thing. Of course, we’re far less gullible now. You can stream The Blair Witch Project on Kanopy or rent it from Prime Video.
The Blair Witch Project (1999) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime VideoThe Watermelon Woman (1996)
Cheryl Dunye’s indie rom-com finds lead Cheryl exploring the history of a fictional Black golden age film star while simultaneously looking for love and trying to hold onto her job at the video store. The movie explores complicated topics without ever succumbing to self-seriousness. You can stream The Watermelon Woman on The Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video.
The Watermelon Woman (1996) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime VideoCandyman (1992)
From an era during which Black characters in horror movies were pretty much exclusively victims, Tony Todd's chilling, seductive Daniel Robitaille stalks Chicago's Cabrini-Green housing project to avenge the racial violence of the past, as well as to reclaim a lost love. You can rent Candyman from Prime Video.
Candyman (1992) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime VideoMulan (1998)
"Be a man," one of the movie's catchiest songs demands, but there's a double meaning; our lead is a young woman taking her father's place to defend Imperial China from a Xiongnu invasion. Slightly underrated, at least in Disney terms, it's a fun and action-packed musical, and proves that women can do anything men can do—and that cross-dressing is a viable path to success. You can stream Mulan on Disney+ or rent it from Prime Video.
Mulan (1998) at Disney+ Learn More Learn More at Disney+Office Space (1999)
The great King of the Hill was just a couple of seasons in, and fans of Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-head might have been forgiven for not expecting the kind of trenchant satire that Office Space provides. If anything, the film's take on the pointless forms and stapler-hoarding that make up the world of the modern white-collar worker feels more accurate now than ever. You can stream Office Space on Hulu or rent it from Prime Video.
Office Space (1999) at Hulu Learn More Learn More at HuluJurassic Park (1993)
Steven Spielberg’s dino drama remains a favorite. Even more shocking, the special effects remain impressive despite decades of innovations. It's still the dinosaur-rampage movie to beat. You can stream Jurassic Park on Hulu or rent it from Prime Video.
Jurassic Park (1993) at Hulu Learn More Learn More at HuluThe Addams Family (1991)
Director Barry Sonnenfeld and company have a ton of fun in expanding Addams Family lore into a full-blown tribute to weirdness—just when we needed it most. Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, and Christina Ricci head the stacked cast. The sequel is even better. You can stream The Addams Family on Netflix or rent it from Prime Video.
The Addams Family (1991) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime VideoThe Brady Bunch Movie (1995)
The joke here is that the goofy Brady family of the very ‘70s sitcom are living their lives in a pseudo-punk ‘90s. It shouldn’t work at feature length, but the commitment to the bit—and to replicating the look and feel of the beloved sitcom—makes it a camp classic. You can stream The Brady Bunch Movie on Kanopy or rent it from Prime Video.
The Brady Bunch Movie (1995) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime VideoPoetic Justice (1993)
John Singleton followed up Boyz N the Hood with this comparatively mellow romantic drama, with leads Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur offering up impressive, moving lead performances. You can stream Poetic Justice on Starz or rent it from Prime Video.
Poetic Justice (1993) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime VideoThe First Wives Club (1996)
It’s not Shakespeare, but Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton are great fun as three divorcées seeking revenge on the husbands who left them for younger women. The finale, set to “You Don’t Own Me,” is cheer-worthy. You can stream The First Wives Club on Paramount+ and Kanopy or rent it from Prime Video.
The First Wives Club (1996) at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
One of the decade’s great rom-coms has a requisite tragic setup that builds to not only a great romance, but several memorable Bollywood dance numbers. You can stream Kuch Kuch Hota Hai on Netflix and Prime Video.
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime VideoPrincess Mononoke (1997)
Another triumph from Hayao Miyazaki, Princess Mononoke is set in a fantasy medieval Japan. Ashitaka is infected in an animal attack, and seeks a natural cure—only to discover that humanity’s activities have angered the gods and thrown off the natural balance. If it’s not the director’s best, it’s one that best sums up his talents. You can stream Princess Mononoke on Max or rent it from Prime Video.
Princess Mononoke (1997) at Max Learn More Learn More at MaxWilliam Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet (1996)
After the director's phenomenal Strictly Ballroom, Baz Luhrmann broke into the mainstream in a big way by going back to Shakespeare. His signature style blends operatic beauty with hyperactive camerawork, and that's all fully on display here, shining a new light on the tragedy with some help from then-teen heartthrobs Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. You can stream Romeo + Juliet on Hulu or rent it from Prime Video.
William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet (1996) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime VideoPulp Fiction (1994)
Quentin Tarantino made quite a splash with this retro-style, endlessly quotable, non-linear neo-noir packed full of memorable scenes. Uma Thurman is phenomenal, but there’s no weak link in the large ensemble. You can stream Pulp Fiction on Hulu, Peacock, and Pluto TV, or rent it from Prime Video.
Pulp Fiction (1994) at Peacock Learn More Learn More at PeacockGhost in the Shell (1995)
Rather artfully blending CGI and cel animation, Ghost in the Shell involves cyborg agent Maj. Motoko Kusanagi trailing a man who hacks minds. Like Blade Runner before it, the movie explores the nature of human consciousness and the idea that we might be just another kind of machine. You can stream Ghost in the Shell on Kanopy and Pluto TV or rent it from Prime Video.
Ghost in the Shell (1995) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime VideoGhost (1990)
Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore at the height of their box-office powers lead this clever and crowd-pleasing supernatural romance about a banker murdered in a seemingly random attack, and the girlfriend he leaves behind. Bruce Joel Rubin won an Academy Award for the screenplay, and Whoopi Goldberg took home an Oscar for her scene-stealing performance, even if it was clearly a belated prize for The Color Purple. You can stream Ghost on Kanopy and Paramount+ or rent it from Prime Video.
Ghost (1990) at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+Blade (1998)
A Marvel movie before there was such a thing, Blade stars Wesley Snipes as the thoroughly bad-ass title character: He's a vampire who can walk in the daylight, hunting the world's more conspicuously evil bloodsuckers for funsies. The movie is appropriately bloody and endlessly stylish, and leads to an even better sequel directed by Guillermo del Toro. You can rent Blade from Prime Video.
Blade (1998) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime VideoThe Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Every generation, it seems, gets its own Tom Ripley. Adaptations of the Patricia Highsmith novel series are, perhaps, more ubiquitous than viewers even realize: Purple Noon, The American Friend, and the John Malkovich-starring Ripley's Game are just a few examples, alongside the spiritual successor Saltburn and now joined by the Netflix series Ripley. This one swims near the top in that sea of sociopaths, with Anthony Minghella's confident, stylish direction lending deniability and likability to Matt Damon's Ripley, a killer and a con man you almost feel bad for. You can stream The Talented Mr. Ripley on Paramount+ or rent it from Prime Video.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+Happy Together (1997)
Wong Kar-wai's romantic drama stars Leslie Cheung and Tony Leung Chiu-wai as a pair of lovers in a tempestuous and, frankly, ill-conceived relationship in Buenos Aires. There's not much of a plot here, but it's not necessary: These two are hypnotic, as are Wong's flawless pacing and Christopher Doyle's cinematography. You can stream Happy Together on Max and The Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video.
Happy Together (1997) at Max Learn More Learn More at MaxShowgirls (1995)
As with most of Paul Verhoeven's other films, it's possible to view his notoriously trashy film as either dark satire or unintended camp. It's tremendous fun either way and, though it quickly gained a reputation as garbage, it's far more watchable than many other better-reviewed films. You can stream Showgirls on Tubi and Pluto TV.
Showgirls (1995) at Tubi Learn More Learn More at TubiEdward Scissorhands (1990)
Tim Burton was at the top of his game when he directed this deeply weird but sweet fable that also served as a fitting swan song for Vincent Price. You can stream Edward Scissorhands on Disney+ or rent it from Prime Video.
Edward Scissorhands (1990) at Disney+ Learn More Learn More at Disney+Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997)
Approaching 30, our leads (Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow) haven’t achieved much of significance, so they decide to beef up their resumes—with mixed results. Sorvino and Kudrow are so charmingly stupid here that it’s impossible not to root for them against the mean girls. Amid all the broad comedy, the movie makes a good case that it’s better to be a slacker than an ambitious jerk. You can rent Romy and Michele from Prime Video.
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime VideoLove Jones (1997)
The chemistry between Larenz Tate and Nia Long is off the charts after they meet in a Chicago club. Their passionate connection is threatened by old relationships and her impending move to New York. You can rent Love Jones from Prime Video.
Love Jones (1997) Learn More Learn MoreRing (1998)
Before the (quite good) American remake, there was the excellent Japanese original about a mysterious tape that curses its viewers to death over the course of seven days. The image of Sadako climbing out of a TV is indelible. You can stream Ring on Shudder, Kanopy, and The Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video.
Ring (1998) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime VideoMalcolm X (1992)
Spike Lee brings his signature directorial style to this epic, ensuring that this plays as far more than a typical biopic. Denzel Washington absolutely disappears into the lead role. You can stream Malcolm X on Paramount+ or rent it from Prime Video.
Malcolm X (1992) at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+Before Sunrise (1995)
Richard Linklater follows Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy) as two people who meet on a train and spend a night walking the streets of Vienna and chatting about life and love. That's really all there is to it, but it's all written and performed with such intelligence and emotional honestly that it feels as though we're getting a very full meal indeed, surpassed only by its even-better 2004 sequel. You can rent Before Sunrise from Prime Video.
Before Sunrise (1995) Learn More Learn MoreFriday (1995)
Craig and Smokey (Ice Cube and Chris Tucker) are just a couple of guys hanging out hoping for something to do. They shoulda been careful what they wished for, as this one impossible Friday will see them involved with burglaries, shoot-outs, and excessively horny pastors. As in all the best buddy/stoner comedies, it's all in goofy fun. You can stream Friday on Max and Netflix or rent it from Prime Video.
Friday (1995) at Max Learn More Learn More at MaxBabe (1995)
Mad Max director George Miller, alongside Chris Noonan (who was nominated for two Oscars here) crafted this big-hearted but darkly comic all-ages barnyard fable. It was so influential that star James Cromwell immediately gave up eating meat. You can stream Babe on Peacock or rent it from Prime Video.
Babe (1995) at Peacock Learn More Learn More at PeacockHeat (1995)
Michael Mann’s crime drama pits an LAPD detective against a career criminal, their cat-and-mouse game revealing that they’re as similar as they are different. Al Pacino and Robert De Niro are at the tops of their mid-career games. You can stream Heat on Netflix or rent it from Prime Video.
Heat (1995) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime VideoScream (1996)
Wes Craven reinvented slasher movies with this funny, bloody, clever film that breaks down and breaks apart everything we love about the genre. We’re still living in the horror flick world that Craven created, and not just because this franchise is still going, stronger than ever. You can stream Scream on Max or rent it from Prime Video.
Scream (1996) at Max Learn More Learn More at MaxMenace II Society (1993)
The Hughes Brothers’ early masterpiece, Menace believably recreates the world of LA’s Watts and Crenshaw neighborhoods in the era, with Tyrin Turner’s Caine looking to escape from violence—only to find himself drawn deeper in. You can stream Menace II Society on Pluto TV or rent it from Prime Video.
Menace II Society (1993) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime VideoWhite Men Can’t Jump (1992)
Wesley Snipes gives a smart, funny performance in this basketball-themed comedy-drama, as does Woody Harrelson—though, of course, Rosie Perez steals every scene she’s in. It was one of director Stanley Kubrick’s favorite movies. You can stream White Men Can't Jump on Hulu or rent it from Prime Video.
White Men Can’t Jump (1992) at Hulu Learn More Learn More at HuluDef by Temptation (1990)
James Bond III writes, directs, and stars in this classic horror film as Joel, a minister from a long line of ministers who nevertheless becomes disillusioned and heads off to NYC to visit his old friend, K (Kadeem Hardison). As it turns out, the first attractive woman (Cynthia Bond) that Joel meets during a night out is a literal succubus, preying on unsuspecting Black men. Samuel L. Jackson and Bill Nunn also star. You can stream Def by Temptation on Shudder, Prime Video, and Peacock.
Def by Temptation (1990) at Peacock Learn More Learn More at PeacockParty Girl (1995)
An irresponsible club kid (an absolutely unforgettable Parker Posey) gets bailed out of jail (she threw an illegal rave) by her librarian godmother and is forced to get a job cataloguing books to get her life back on track. It's a brilliantly funny indie comedy, but also a surprisingly authentic recreation of rave culture of the time, displaying some actual diversity and dodging all of the common tropes. You can stream Party Girl on Hulu, Peacock, and The Criterion Channel, or rent it from Prime Video.
Party Girl (1995) at Peacock Learn More Learn More at PeacockTitanic (1997)
In a modern world of blockbusters designed to be as comforting and non-threatening as possible, be the movie that made an entire generation of moviegoers loudly sob. You can stream Titanic on Prime Video.
Titanic (1997) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( The 50 Best '90s Movies You Can Stream Right Now )
Also on site :