Essential 90s Films: Adventure, Drama, and Comedy Classics

Looking to revisit some of the best movies from the 90s? Whether you’re into heartwarming drama, thrilling adventures, or laugh-out-loud comedies, this list has you covered. Check out these classic films that defined the decade and continue to entertain audiences today.

Drama and Adventure

The Prince of Tides

A heartfelt drama about a man who returns to his hometown to help his sister and confronts past family trauma. 1991, R, 6.8
What’s Good: Strong performances from Nick Nolte and Barbra Streisand, combined with a touching story of family and healing.

New Jack City

A gritty crime drama depicting the rise and fall of a drug kingpin in Harlem. 1991, R, 6.7
What’s Good: A powerful look at the drug trade with memorable performances by Wesley Snipes and Ice-T.

Backdraft

A gripping action film about firefighters battling dangerous blazes and personal conflicts. 1991, R, 6.7
What’s Good: Exciting fire scenes and a compelling story about bravery and brotherhood.

The Running Man

A dystopian sci-fi action film where a wrongly convicted man is forced to participate in a deadly game show. 1987, R, 6.7
What’s Good: An intense, action-packed thriller with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic performance.

Prince of Darkness

A horror film about a group of scientists who encounter an ancient evil force in a church. 1987, R, 6.7
What’s Good: John Carpenter’s direction creates a chilling atmosphere with plenty of scares.

From Beyond

A cult sci-fi horror film about scientists who unlock a dimension of terror through their experiments. 1986, R, 6.7
What’s Good: A blend of bizarre horror and sci-fi with inventive special effects.

Hamburger Hill

A war film depicting the brutal battle for a strategic hill during the Vietnam War. 1987, R, 6.9
What’s Good: A realistic and harrowing portrayal of war, focusing on the soldiers’ experiences.

Back to School

A comedy about a wealthy businessman who enrolls in college with his son, causing chaos and hilarity. 1986, PG-13, 6.7
What’s Good: Rodney Dangerfield’s comedic performance and the film’s humorous take on college life.

Return to Oz

A dark fantasy film that continues the story of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, featuring a new set of magical adventures. 1985, PG, 6.6
What’s Good: A unique and darker take on the classic Oz story with imaginative visuals.

Comedies

L.A. Story

A whimsical romantic comedy about a weatherman in Los Angeles who falls in love with a quirky woman. 1991, PG-13, 6.7
What’s Good: Steve Martin’s comedic genius and the film’s playful look at life and love in LA.

City Slickers

A comedy about three urban men who go on a cattle drive to find adventure and themselves. 1991, PG-13, 6.8
What’s Good: Hilarious performances by Billy Crystal and Jack Palance with a heartwarming story.

The Great Outdoors

A comedy about a family’s disastrous vacation in the woods, filled with mishaps and laughs. 1988, PG, 6.5
What’s Good: A classic comedy with strong performances by John Candy and Dan Aykroyd.

Short Circuit

A sci-fi comedy about a military robot that gains human-like intelligence and escapes to avoid being decommissioned. 1986, PG, 6.6
What’s Good: A charming and funny film featuring a lovable robot and a strong cast.

She’s Gotta Have It

A romantic comedy-drama by Spike Lee about a woman juggling three different relationships. 1986, R, 6.8
What’s Good: A fresh and innovative look at relationships with a strong, independent female lead.

Oliver & Company

An animated musical adventure about a stray kitten who joins a group of street-smart dogs. 1988, G, 6.7
What’s Good: A fun and musical take on Dickens’ Oliver Twist, featuring catchy songs and vibrant animation.

Postcards from the Edge

A comedy-drama about an actress recovering from a drug overdose and her strained relationship with her mother. 1990, R, 6.7
What’s Good: Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine deliver standout performances in this sharp, witty film.

Mermaids

A comedy-drama about a single mother and her two daughters dealing with life and love in the 1960s. 1990, PG-13, 6.8
What’s Good: A charming story with strong performances from Cher and Winona Ryder.

City Slickers

A comedy about three friends who go on a cattle drive and discover more about themselves. 1991, PG-13, 6.8
What’s Good: A humorous adventure with a mix of comedy and heartfelt moments.

The Great Outdoors

A comedy about a family’s misadventures during a camping trip. 1988, PG, 6.5
What’s Good: A classic vacation comedy with great performances by John Candy and Dan Aykroyd.

Miscellaneous

batteries not included

A family sci-fi film about a group of elderly tenants who receive help from tiny alien robots to save their apartment building. 1987, PG, 6.6
What’s Good: Heartwarming and imaginative, with charming special effects and a feel-good story.

Black Rain

A crime thriller about two New York cops who are sent to Japan to track down a dangerous criminal. 1989, R, 6.6
What’s Good: Ridley Scott’s direction and Michael Douglas’s performance create a gripping cross-cultural crime drama.

Oliver & Company

An animated film about a kitten who joins a gang of street-smart dogs. 1988, G, 6.7
What’s Good: Fun and musical with vibrant animation and catchy songs.

The Prince of Tides

A drama about a man helping his sister recover from trauma, leading to a journey of self-discovery. 1991, R, 6.8
What’s Good: Strong performances and a touching story about family and healing.

The Running Man

An action-packed sci-fi film where a man fights for survival in a deadly game show. 1987, R, 6.7
What’s Good: Exciting and entertaining with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic role.

Enjoy these classic films that continue to entertain and inspire. Whether you’re in the mood for a heartfelt drama, a thrilling adventure, or a good laugh, these 90s gems have something for everyone. Happy watching!