Films in the 90s were truly great.
There was excitement around new film releases; they didn’t come around often and if you wanted to be the first to see a film, you needed to get to the cinema.
No illegal downloads or pirate DVDs. You had to wait until VHS had come out. And if you got a copy from a local Blockbuster, you had to hope that the previous viewer had rewound the tape back to the beginning.
Here are the top 50 grossing movies of the 90s, worldwide.
How many have you seen?
1. Titanic
This action-packed romance epic is the story of the maiden voyage of R.M.D Titanic which hit an iceberg resulting in the death of over a 1,000 people.
Whilst it is a sad tale, the film is an ultimate classic. With an iconic theme tune and equally iconic image of Jack and Rose embracing on the ship.
2. Jurassic Park (1993)
A groundbreaking sci-fi adventure directed by Steven Spielberg. Scientists and a group of visitors must survive when genetically engineered dinosaurs run amok in a theme park. Stunning effects and suspense make it a classic.
3. The Lion King (1994)
Disney’s animated masterpiece follows young lion Simba as he navigates life’s challenges, including his uncle Scar’s treachery. Memorable characters and a powerful soundtrack make it timeless.
4. Star Wars Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
George Lucas returns to a galaxy far, far away with this prequel. Jedi knights, podracing, and the rise of Darth Vader mark the film, though divisive among fans.
5. Independence Day (1996)
Aliens invade Earth, and humanity fights back in this action-packed sci-fi film. Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum lead the charge in this epic battle for survival.
6. Forrest Gump (1994)
Tom Hanks portrays Forrest Gump, a simple man with an extraordinary life. His journey through decades of American history is touching, funny, and thought-provoking.
7. The Sixth Sense (1999)
A psychological thriller directed by M. Night Shyamalan. A troubled boy, played by Haley Joel Osment, can see and communicate with the dead, leading to a chilling revelation.
8. The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
The sequel takes the action back to the dinosaur-infested island. Jeff Goldblum returns to face more prehistoric peril, with Steven Spielberg once again at the helm.
9. Men in Black (1997)
Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones team up as secret agents protecting Earth from extraterrestrial threats. A blend of sci-fi and comedy that spawned a franchise.
10. Armageddon (1998)
A disaster film directed by Michael Bay. Bruce Willis leads a group of oil drillers sent to space to prevent an asteroid from colliding with Earth. High-stakes action and heartwarming moments abound.
11. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
James Cameron’s sci-fi masterpiece sees Arnold Schwarzenegger return as the Terminator, this time tasked with protecting John Connor from a more advanced model. Groundbreaking effects and thrilling action.
12. Ghost (1990)
A romantic fantasy with Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. After a murder, Swayze’s character returns as a ghost to protect his love. The film blends romance, suspense, and the supernatural.
13. Aladdin (1992)
A Disney classic featuring a young thief, Aladdin, and his magical genie. Robin Williams’s voice work as the Genie is a highlight of this animated musical.
14. Toy Story 2 (1999)
The toys return in this Pixar sequel. When Woody is stolen, Buzz Lightyear and the gang embark on a rescue mission. Heartfelt and humorous, it’s a beloved addition to the franchise.
15. Twister (1996)
A thrilling disaster film about storm chasers tracking tornadoes. Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton lead the cast in this adrenaline-fueled ride through Oklahoma’s Tornado Alley.
16. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Steven Spielberg’s war epic follows a squad sent to retrieve a soldier during World War II. Known for its intense opening sequence and emotional depth.
17. Home Alone (1990)
Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, a young boy who defends his home from burglars when accidentally left behind during a family vacation. Hilarious and heartwarming.
18. The Matrix (1999)
A mind-bending sci-fi action film directed by the Wachowskis. Keanu Reeves discovers the truth about reality and battles machines in a dystopian future.
19. Pretty Woman (1990)
Julia Roberts and Richard Gere star in this modern Cinderella story. A wealthy businessman falls for a charming prostitute in this romantic comedy.
20. Mission: Impossible (1996)
Tom Cruise leads a team of spies in this action-packed thriller. Known for its iconic theme music and daring stunts.
21. Tarzan (1999)
Disney’s take on the classic tale of a man raised by gorillas in the jungle. Memorable music by Phil Collins and stunning animation.
22. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Robin Williams disguises himself as an elderly British nanny to spend time with his children after a divorce. Heartwarming comedy with a touching message.
23. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Disney’s beloved animated musical tells the story of Belle, a young woman who befriends a prince cursed to live as a beast. A tale of love and redemption.
24. Dances with Wolves (1990)
Kevin Costner directs and stars in this Western epic about a Union soldier who befriends Native Americans. Known for its beautiful cinematography.
25. The Mummy (1999)
Brendan Fraser battles an ancient curse and encounters a resurrected mummy in this action-adventure film with a dose of horror.
26. The Bodyguard (1992)
Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner star in this romantic thriller. A bodyguard is hired to protect a pop star, leading to a complex and dangerous relationship.
27. Toy Story (1995)
Pixar’s groundbreaking debut film introduces Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the gang of toys who come to life when their owner isn’t around. A classic in animation history.
28. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
Kevin Costner portrays the legendary outlaw Robin Hood, battling the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham, played by Alan Rickman.
29. Godzilla (1998)
A modern take on the classic monster, Godzilla wreaks havoc on New York City. Spectacular special effects and monster mayhem.
30. True Lies (1994)
James Cameron directs this action-comedy featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a spy who keeps his job secret from his family, leading to humorous complications.
31. There’s Something About Mary (1998)
A hilarious romantic comedy starring Cameron Diaz and Ben Stiller. A man seeks to reconnect with his high school crush, leading to outrageous and cringe-worthy situations.
32. The Fugitive (1993)
Harrison Ford plays Dr. Richard Kimble, a man wrongly accused of murder, while Tommy Lee Jones is the relentless U.S. Marshal pursuing him.
33. Die Hard: With a Vengeance (1995)
Bruce Willis returns as John McClane, this time teaming up with Samuel L. Jackson to stop terrorists in New York City. Explosive action and witty banter.
34. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
Kevin McCallister is back, this time getting lost in New York City and again foiling a pair of bumbling burglars. More slapstick comedy and clever traps.
35. Notting Hill (1999)
Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant star in this romantic comedy about the unlikely love story between a famous actress and a British bookseller.
36. A Bug’s Life (1998)
Pixar’s animated adventure follows a misfit ant who recruits a group of circus insects to save his colony from greedy grasshoppers.
37. The World Is Not Enough (1999)
Pierce Brosnan returns as James Bond, facing a villain with a deadly plot involving nuclear weapons. Classic Bond action and intrigue.
38. American Beauty (1999)
A dark drama exploring suburban dysfunction, starring Kevin Spacey as a disillusioned father. It delves into themes of identity, beauty, and desire.
39. Apollo 13 (1995)
Based on a true story, this film chronicles the harrowing journey of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission to the moon and the heroic efforts to bring the astronauts safely back to Earth.
40. Basic Instinct (1992)
A steamy thriller featuring Michael Douglas as a detective investigating a murder linked to a seductive crime novelist, played by Sharon Stone.
41. GoldenEye (1995)
Pierce Brosnan’s debut as James Bond, featuring action, espionage, and a memorable N64 video game tie-in.
42. The Mask (1994)
Jim Carrey stars as a timid bank clerk who transforms into a zany, superpowered character when he wears a mystical mask.
43. Speed (1994)
Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock must keep a bomb-rigged bus moving at a high speed in this heart-pounding action film.
44. Deep Impact (1998)
A disaster film depicting humanity’s efforts to prevent a massive asteroid from colliding with Earth. Tense and emotional moments abound.
45. Pocahontas (1995)
Disney’s animated film reimagines the story of the Native American woman Pocahontas and her relationship with English settler John Smith.
46. The Flintstones (1994)
A live-action adaptation of the classic animated series, with John Goodman and Rick Moranis as Fred and Barney.
47. Batman Forever (1995)
Val Kilmer dons the cape and cowl as Batman, facing off against the Riddler and Two-Face, played by Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones.
48. The Rock (1996)
Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage star in this action thriller about a rogue military general threatening San Francisco with stolen chemical weapons.
49. Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
Pierce Brosnan returns as James Bond to thwart a media mogul’s nefarious plot to start a war between the UK and China.
50. Seven (1995)
Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman star as detectives on the trail of a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives. A dark and chilling thriller.
Bring back some memories?
Fortunately, most are available via some sort of modern film streaming service and you are probably old enough to watch all of them without having to sneak (illegally) into a cinema!
