Ah, the 1990s. A time when Furbee’s, Gameboys and grunge fashion were all the rage. I can almost smell the scented markers, school pizza and candy necklaces. It still seems strange to me to think that 1990 was 28 years ago from today. Nearly 30 whole decades and the world has certainly changed in more ways than one.
If you are anything like me, you still get nostalgic, especially about the ’90s. It was a simpler time and sometimes I wish I could go back, if only for a day or two. Unfortunately for us, time machines still don’t exist, so one way I go back in time is by watching movies. So if you are stuck on what to binge watch this month, or just want to be nostalgic, then check out this list of rad of ’90s films.
1990: Pretty Woman
We are starting off this ’90s movie list with a Julia Roberts classic. Pretty Woman is a modern rags to riches story about a feisty woman who gets hired by an attractive rich man and the pair grow quite fond of each other. Not to mention she gets to experience some of the finer things in life- like a fancy hotel and even a shopping trip to Hollywood Boulevard (yes, please!).
1991: Hook
The next movie to watch is an underappreciated Robin Williams film that does a unique ’90s spin on a Peter Pan movie. So instead of a young boy playing Peter Pan, we have a middle-aged man who must come to deal with his magical qualities. It’s both full of heart and humor- a winning combination.
1992: Sister Act
Moving into 1992, you’ve got to give this Whoopi Goldberg movie a try because it’s got some pretty great music, many funny moments and wild ’90s fashion. And I mean in terms of plot it’s about a lounge singer who becomes a convent member because she gets put into a witness protection program, so if that doesn’t sound like an interesting time, then I don’t know what will.
1993: Jurassic Park
I can’t do a ’90s movie list and leave off Jurassic Park, it just wouldn’t be right. So I hope you have seen this movie, but if not, it’s basically about a theme park with a bunch of dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes in it, and suffice to say, things don’t go according to plan.
1994: Little Women
Moving into the mid-’90s you’ve got to check out this heartwarming movie, which takes place in the late 1800s, right after the civil war. Little Women focuses on the lives of a group of sisters who deal with all sorts of ups and downs as being young ladies in the 19th century. Be prepared to cry and laugh while watching this one.
1995: Clueless
You might be asking what a rich white girl from California has in common with you? Well maybe not much, but this movie is full of iconic lines and iconic ’90s fashion- so if you want to watch something light, give this movie a try.
1996: Romeo + Juliet
A movie about two super young star-crossed lovers who fall for each other despite their families literally hating each other. As you might guess, this doesn’t end well for either of them, but this film has a young ’90s Leonardo DiCaprio in it- so it’s a must watch regardless.
1997: Men in Black
Will Smith? Check. Aliens? Check. Cool suits? Check. Do I have your attention yet? If not, then I should tell you that Men in Black is a fun movie about a city cop turned agent, known as “J,” fights for good and justice in spite of some of the criminals being aliens. In other words, the universe gets saved in this movie and it’s just full of ’90s humor and Will Smith. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
1998: Mulan
What ’90s film list would be complete without having one Disney movie on there? Obviously, there are many other worthy Disney movies, but Mulan is a classic because of not only a wonderful storyline but also wonderful characters, like Mulan’s sidekick, Mushu, who is a fun little red dragon that helps her out. This isn’t a movie you want to miss.
1999: 10 Things I Hate About You
Last, but certainly not least, we end out this ’90s throwback list with an iconic film about a group of teens dealing with life, relationships and school. This movie is both full of humor and has heartfelt moments- all while taking inspiration from Shakespeare believe it or not. So please check this one out, or at the very least watch it for the sake of seeing Heath Ledger run away from the cops.
Now that you have looked through this list, hopefully, you have found some inspiration for your next movie binge session, because the ’90s were a great time for movies. I love all of these movies individually and collectively so I hope you can find one you love just as much.
Stay rad my ’90s movie watchers!
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