Off the Shelf Media

As a fellow product of the 1990s, there is a bit of personal attachment to these movies. One important note about my possible bias is that these movies were the old ones when I was a kid, watching them for the first time, yet their grandeur still managed to cut through the newer titles and became lasting treasures to have watched. Many still stand up today, and most even cut through what is becoming the cookie-cutter byproduct of the streaming model. This list is not just a compilation of the best titles, but titles that also defined that era of film.

Beyond the Era of Release

A few years ago, I was stunned to find out that Saving Private Ryan (1998) was released in the ’90s. It starts our list for two major reasons. The most obvious that it is one of, if not the greatest, war movie ever made. The attention to detail and realism make it a gritty and unashamed to show how brutal war can be. For anyone who has seen the movie, it is obvious why it is on so many lists, as the cast, unique plot, and practical effects merge together into a perfect storm of cinema. 

While those reasons are certainly noteworthy, there is another reason in particular why it stands not only above its contemporary films but also many titles released even today. It was the movie that marked the new age of cinematography. Janusz Kaminski and Steven Spielberg managed to blur the line between a modern film and a period documentary. With adapted cameras, color reduction, and adjusted shutter speed, the scenes do nothing short of breathe when on screen. 

Even with an incredible story and practical effects, the visuals alone give modern films a run for their money. The use of practical effects makes it almost timeless. Take, for instance, Enemy at the Gates (2001). Both focus on war during WWII, albeit from different fronts, but what is important to note is that Enemy at the Gates was released three years after Saving Private Ryan. Both are good war movies, but what cannot be compared is how much better visually Saving Private Ryan looks. 

Because of my age when it was originally released, I assumed it was far more modern than actuality. Had I seen it on release, I would have been an upset wreck to watch so many movies after it that lack that visual competency. Saving Private Ryan might seem like low-hanging fruit in terms of defending ’90s movies, but it gives credence to the argument of better days because of the measurable difference in visual quality. A practice that took time and dedication. 

Risk Takers

Movies weren’t afraid to take risks, well, at least studios were willing to let directors take risks. There was an obvious desire for original plots to pull people to the movies. That does not mean that every movie was good but so many of them were memorable. Wild Wild West (1999) is one such title. Where else are you going to find steampunk-themed cowboys? Whether you think the movie is good or bad, you cannot deny it is entertaining and unapologetic. The same can be said for Quentin Tarantino’s first works, Reservoir Dogs (1992) and the more famous Pulp Fiction (1994). Both movies are incredible crime dramas that pushed the line on violence while delivering completely unique plots with unprecedented pacing. 

The need to create a unique movie that was good enough to get in the car and go to the movies to watch was the perfect amount of pressure to remove fear and go all in. It’s good to see that the desire occurred throughout the era and across the pond. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) was another instant classic crime movie. The blend of action and comedy crossed over to American audiences because of its combination of grit and originality. 

If you need more evidence, how about two movies about bugs? That were released in the same year? And both are, actually, good movies. Antz (1998) and A Bug’s Life (1998) follow roughly the same general plot about a single worker ant who does not fit in with the colony, ultimately becoming the collective’s savior because of their ingenuity and gumption. Legal creative fueds aside, they both have the same idea but took different paths to get to their respective ends. 

Another great example is Total Recall (1990). It was the peak of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s popularity and centered around one of the most original and wacky plots ever created. The hard-hitting R-rated sci-fi epic became an instant cult classic. Performing so well and with such a dedicated fan base, Total Recall was rebooted in 2012. In short, it was stripped of its soul. The newer PG-13-rated title fell short in every aspect compared to the original, especially at the box office, which no doubt received a boost in numbers from those who loved the original. 

Making of a Mouskateer

For those who did grow up in the ’90s, there is no better time period for child programming. The 1990’s define the Walt Disney Company’s golden age, though it is technically considered Disney’s renaissance period. During this time, most of their classic animation movies were released: Beauty and the Beast (1991), Aladdin (1992), The Lion King (1994), Pocahontas (1995), Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), Hercules (1997), Mulan (1998), and Tarzan (1999). Today, these titles are as relevant as they were on release. They did nothing short of defining the Disney style that can still be seen in their current release. 

While Disney continues to release original and rebooted movies alike, there’s something special about this era. Each finding a similar style in animation while maintaining a unique identity. It was not simply a time of setting the bar, but raising it across the animation industry to a point of total domination. 

Here We Are Today

My case is not that movies today are bad. You can certainly find excellent titles released, but so few can do that simple task that the movies of the ’90s strived for: getting the family in the car to the theaters. Yes their are limited screening times, but even still, their design intention cripples them into obscurity. There are a few directors who actually strive to make something of that caliber. It’s why it was so important to specifically bring up the movies Disney made: There were simply more classics to fall in love with.

Obviously, pressure from producers and studios plays a role, but the streaming angle of commercialization has damaged them, and with AI peaking its head across every industry today, it leaves little hope for a brighter tomorrow on the silver screen.