1990s Best Movies

Is it really possible to pick a single best movie of the 1990s? This is the decade that gave us Goodfellas in 1990, Fight Club in 1999, and countless masterpieces in between. It was a decade when Quentin Tarantino went from video store clerk to the hottest director in town. At least a few of the films we revisit are guaranteed to be close to your heart and ours. So we invite you to find a comfortable spot on the sofa and join us for a journey through our vast VHS collections.

Bowfinger (1999)

Who doesn’t love a movie about making a movie? Who doesn’t love Eddie Murphy? Who doesn’t love Steve Martin? By the end of our “Bowfinger” podcast, you’ll find out exactly who. Along the way, you’ll hear Big D downplay the tragedy of Anne Heche’s death. Gene will explain his fascination...

Sneakers (1992)

“Sneakers” is to Dick Ebert as “Hackers” is to Gene Lyons. This 1992 thriller doesn’t have flashy graphics, funky fashions or a techno soundtrack—but it does have Ben Kingsley, Sidney Poitier, Dan Aykroyd and Robert Redford. In loafers. With its playful tone, low barrier to entry and established cast, this...

Major Payne (1995)

Dick Ebert wonders why Damon Wayans wasn’t in more movies after filming “Major Payne.” Gene Lyons wonders why Damon Wayans was in any more movies after filming “Major Payne.” This 1995 comedy featuring the musical stylings of 2 Live Crew and star power of Michael Ironside and Bam Bam Bigelow...

Hackers (1995)

A teenage hacker finds himself framed for the theft of millions of dollars from a major corporation. Master hacker Dade Murphy, aka Zero Cool, aka Crash Override, has been banned from touching a keyboard for seven years after crashing over 1,500 Wall Street computers at the age of 11. Now keen to get back in front of a monitor, he finds himself in more trouble than ever.

Highlander II: The Quickening (1991)

In this sci-fi/fantasy sequel, Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert) has become an elderly man after losing his immortality. Living in a bleak future where the world is protected from solar radiation by a massive shield, MacLeod regains his youth when he kills two assassins from his home planet. This results in an ongoing battle with the villainous and powerful Gen. Katana (Michael Ironside), but MacLeod receives help when the noble Juan Ramirez (Sean Connery) returns.

Speed (1994)

We all remember the big explosions and daring stunts in “Speed,” but some of the biggest risks had nothing to do with the on-screen mayhem. Hiring Ted “Theodore” Logan as an action star? Casting Jeff Daniels as a grizzled police vet? Letting Dennis Hopper anywhere near explosives? Mega-commissioner Jackson M....

Beowulf (1999)

When warrior Beowulf (Christopher Lambert) learns that the inhabitants of the Outpost are being killed by a monstrous creature named Grendel, he offers to help the king, Hrothgar (Oliver Cotton), fight off the beast. The beleaguered fighters are grateful for his help, but a warrior named Roland (Gotz Otto) grows jealous of Beowulf when he sees him with the king’s daughter (Rhona Mitra). As Beowulf learns more about Grendel, he realizes how much danger they all are in.

Deep Rising (1998)

A newly unveiled ocean liner, the Argonautica sets out on its first cruise, only to encounter dangers both on board and in the ocean depths. While the beautiful thief Trillian (Famke Janssen) attempts to steal riches from the boat’s wealthy passengers, the ship encounters major problems, most notably a giant murderous sea creature with tentacles. Eventually, a boat captained by John Finnegan (Treat Williams) comes across the Argonautica, and everyone struggles to survive the monster.