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Top Ten American Films of the 1990sMar 09 '07 (Updated Apr 09 '09) Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line The best the 90s had to offer -- The Hollywood version I started really getting into films in the mid-90s. Possibly, this may be why there is a bias towards later films of the decades on this list. Yet, most likely, it is probably exactly because movies started being better during that run that I got into films. In fact, I watched quite a bit of early 1990s work (some after the fact) and only a few were even potential contenders. Let’s hope that this early 90s void will be but a stitch in time in this fabulously enthralling art that is film. Note: I normally do not specifically divide American cinema and international films and rather see the art as a whole. Only, for the purpose of this analysis, I decided to split the list between American cinema and foreign language films to give two distinct, equally delectable flavors for a wholehearted nineties film appreciation. Please see the sister review for the full story of the 1990s: Top Five Foreign Films of the 1990s Top 10 American Films of the 1990s 10. Pulp Fiction (1994) Skillfully making a mark with the dark Reservoir Dogs in the early nineties, Tarantino’s vision will give him International success with this one and will continue to bewilder movie audiences for a long time. Crude, creative, comical, revolutionary. 9. Contact (1997) – Best Science-Fiction A personal favourite of mine, Zemeckis’ take on Carl Sagan’s novel is a rare occurrence of a film being better than the novel. Imaginative, mindful of pacing, he makes the wonders of the Universe tangible and the intrigue real while still finding ways to ask the tough questions. Jodie Foster embodies Ellie’s convictions and is infectious in her search for something greater. 8. Lion King (1994) – Best Animated Movie Disney’s triumph, this animated musical has drama & laugh-out-loud comedy interwoven with a tale of redemption and love. Musically compelling with Elton John & Tim Rice at the helm, this did the reverse of the current trend and became a highly-successful Broadway musical after being a film. 7. Se7en (1995) – Best Crime Thriller What better villain has ever graced the screen than Kevin Spacey’s supporting role in the year he won Best Actor for Usual Suspects and before his role of a lifetime in American Beauty? This screenplay is twistedly good and leads to that unforgettable ending. 6. Good Will Hunting (1997) Two Boston kids come out of the blue with this refreshing look at life and its possibilities. Love, friendship and growth are explored in a very mature, nuanced way. The acting and directing are good and you are easily swept in this touching tale. 5. Titanic (1997) – Best Romance Canadian director, James Cameron, pulls out all his tricks to treat this well-known tragedy with mystery, melodramatic edge, time perspective, and definitive artistic and technical prowess. It is hard to pass this tear-jerker and Oscar heavy-hitter 4. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) A landmark drama, Tim Robbins & Morgan Freeman carry this critics and moviegoer’s favourite. Simple. Sweet. All the elements of film blend seamlessly and unnoticeably, until you are not quite sure why you love this movie, only you are quite sure that you love it. 3. Braveheart (1995) Mel Gibson acts in and directs this epic tale of the fight for freedom in Scotland. Grandiose & gruesome battle scenes, personal and political agendas revealed, and another memorable film that understandably did well at the Academy Awards that year. 2. Eyes Wide Shut (1999) Film pioneer & perfectionist, Kubrick’s parting gift. This films needs multiple viewing to unveil all the hard labor of love poured into it. Alienating. Confusing. This is a layered expedition into our unconscious. Not for everyone, but truly thought-provoking for an engaged audience. 1. American Beauty (1999) This is the type of movies that change lives. Incredible script from Allen Ball who would later create on of the best television series in Six Feet Under, and handled by the deft hands of Sam Mendes and his trusted cinematographer, the great Conrad L. Hall. This is what all American cinema should aspire to be. Discover Beauty. Discover Life. ================ Special Mentions ================ Fun Factor Runner-Ups Best War Movie Saving Private Ryan (1998) Popular Steven Spielberg’s other take on WWII. After Schindler’s List’s achromatic treatment and personal journey into the dark days of the Holocaust, Spielberg’s literally revolutionize the genre of the war movie with showing a no less gritty side of war with soldiers fighting far from home for a slightly elusive cause. Cunning directing and editing.Visuals & sounds that will remain with you like actual war memories. Best Action Movie Bad Boys (1995) Michael Bay is the director the critics love to hate, but it is hard to deny that he was able to capitalize on the best buddy cop action/comedy script and let Will & Martin do their thing in this purely entertaining ride. The action is great and the comedy is even better. Check it out to round off your 1990s repertoire. ================== Related Reviews ================== 2000 Series Fifteen Finest Films of 2000 Fifteen Finest Films of 2001 Fifteen Finest Films of 2002 Fifteen Finest Films of 2003 Fifteen Finest Films of 2004 Fifteen Finest Films of 2005 Fifteen Finest Films of 2006 Fifteen Finest Films of 2007 Other Related Reviews Top 15 Sex Scenes in Film (Part 1: 15-11) Top 15 Sex Scenes in Film (Part 2: 10-1)  |
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by Stephen_Murray
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