The 100 Greatest movies of the 1990s 1. Goodfellas (115 Viewers)

[KarmaPolice]

I've never seen The Green Mile despite liking MCD. Nor have I seen Heat or Swingers or Millers Crossing. I got a lot of stuff to watch.

Holy crap, man. Forget Super - watch Heat.

Maybe all the hype in here will set expectations too high. It has flaws, but it is still so damn good.

 

[TripItUp]

Another personal favorite of mine that probably isn't on a lot of lists is "Beautiful Girls"

 

[General Malaise]

I assume Constanine will fit in with those movies? (any of those you haven't seen?)

yea. Of that list I have not seen Super so will watch that one. You might have to just rent Constantine from amazon for $3.79. I looked around and couldn't find a free stream. Says it is fee on itv but when I search it doesn't come up. Sorry about that bro.

And while we are swapping movies @General Malaise you can watch West of Memphis (if you haven't seen it yet) while I watch Four Little Girls (god that sounds so pervy)

You're on, Cowboy. And I promise it's the furthest thing from pervy. Check back soon?

 

[Terminalxylem]

2. Schindler’s List (1993)

Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Starring: Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley

Synopsis: A German industrialist saves lives during the Holocaust.

The list is life- Ben Kingsley as Itzak Stern

I won’t comment too much about either this film or the one I chose as #1 because if you’ve seen them there shouldn’t be much more to say. But I do want to talk about Ralph Fiennes because IMO he gives the finest acting performance of the decade. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor (didn’t win) but in actuality the moment he appears on the screen (about a third of the way through the film) he is the star of the film- the entire middle section of the film is really about him, his motivations, etc. By way of comparison he has much more screen time than Anthony Hopkins in Lambs, and Hopkins won Best Actor.

Fiennes was great in Quiz Show and he’s been great ever since (I saw The Menu last year and it’s a weird quirky film that I can’t quite recommend but Fiennes is outstanding.) His brother has also turned into a terrific actor (anyone watch The Handmaid’s Tale?) But this is clearly Ralph’s finest moment.

Solid movie. Probably around #50 for me in the 90s rankings.

Did I miss Heat on this countdown somewhere?

It’s either #1 or not on the list crazy

Never seen Heat, and didn’t realize it was so highly regarded. I’ll put it on my list with Boogie Nights.

 

[General Malaise]

Another personal favorite of mine that probably isn't on a lot of lists is "Beautiful Girls"

I was JUST about to post this! I loved this movie.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Another personal favorite of mine that probably isn't on a lot of lists is "Beautiful Girls"

This seems to be the "guy" rom/com. I am quite surprised that it took this long to get mentioned. I didn't like it, but also don't remember why.

 

[TripItUp]

A few more on my list

Dances with Wolves and Desperado

 

[Ilov80s]

2. Schindler’s List (1993)

Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Starring: Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley

Synopsis: A German industrialist saves lives during the Holocaust.

The list is life- Ben Kingsley as Itzak Stern

I won’t comment too much about either this film or the one I chose as #1 because if you’ve seen them there shouldn’t be much more to say. But I do want to talk about Ralph Fiennes because IMO he gives the finest acting performance of the decade. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor (didn’t win) but in actuality the moment he appears on the screen (about a third of the way through the film) he is the star of the film- the entire middle section of the film is really about him, his motivations, etc. By way of comparison he has much more screen time than Anthony Hopkins in Lambs, and Hopkins won Best Actor.

Fiennes was great in Quiz Show and he’s been great ever since (I saw The Menu last year and it’s a weird quirky film that I can’t quite recommend but Fiennes is outstanding.) His brother has also turned into a terrific actor (anyone watch The Handmaid’s Tale?) But this is clearly Ralph’s finest moment.

Solid movie. Probably around #50 for me in the 90s rankings.

Did I miss Heat on this countdown somewhere?

It’s either #1 or not on the list crazy

Never seen Heat, and didn’t realize it was so highly regarded. I’ll put it on my list with Boogie Nights.

Heat is the epic American bank robbing movie.

 

[General Malaise]

I will also tip my cap to @timschochet for the same reasons I praise others
Maybe this isn't the 100 movies you would pick but it got a lot of folks together to share thoughts and POV on the movies he chose and to add your own afterwards
It's hard to drive a 61 page thread, trust me I know
It's obvious people enjoyed themselves

Good job Timmy

Agreed. It's the most invested I've been in a thread here in a while. Well done Tim.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I will also tip my cap to @timschochet for the same reasons I praise others
Maybe this isn't the 100 movies you would pick but it got a lot of folks together to share thoughts and POV on the movies he chose and to add your own afterwards
It's hard to drive a 61 page thread, trust me I know
It's obvious people enjoyed themselves

Good job Timmy

Agreed. It's the most invested I've been in a thread here in a while. Well done Tim.

Where were you 3 years ago during 80s' and my far superior countdown?

 

[General Malaise]

2. Schindler’s List (1993)

Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Starring: Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley

Synopsis: A German industrialist saves lives during the Holocaust.

The list is life- Ben Kingsley as Itzak Stern

I won’t comment too much about either this film or the one I chose as #1 because if you’ve seen them there shouldn’t be much more to say. But I do want to talk about Ralph Fiennes because IMO he gives the finest acting performance of the decade. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor (didn’t win) but in actuality the moment he appears on the screen (about a third of the way through the film) he is the star of the film- the entire middle section of the film is really about him, his motivations, etc. By way of comparison he has much more screen time than Anthony Hopkins in Lambs, and Hopkins won Best Actor.

Fiennes was great in Quiz Show and he’s been great ever since (I saw The Menu last year and it’s a weird quirky film that I can’t quite recommend but Fiennes is outstanding.) His brother has also turned into a terrific actor (anyone watch The Handmaid’s Tale?) But this is clearly Ralph’s finest moment.

Solid movie. Probably around #50 for me in the 90s rankings.

Did I miss Heat on this countdown somewhere?

It’s either #1 or not on the list crazy

Never seen Heat, and didn’t realize it was so highly regarded. I’ll put it on my list with Boogie Nights.

Heat is the epic American bank robbing movie.

So much more than that. Epitome of cat vs mouse and the toll it all takes on interpersonal relationships. But the performances are otherworldly.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

Grabbed these from Rolling Stone's list...I don't think Tim included any of them, and I'd consider most.

'Lone Star' (1996)
'Jackie Brown' (1997)
'L.A. Confidential' (1997)

These 3 would've been in my top 10, including my #1 (Lone Star)

Still, a nice job by Tim. Agreed with many of his picks. Thanks.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

Another personal favorite of mine that probably isn't on a lot of lists is "Beautiful Girls"

Love this one....definitely top 50 of the 90s for me.

 

[TripItUp]

Point Break - A guilty pleasure that i've probably watched 20 times...peak Busey

Patriot Games -

 

[General Malaise]

I will also tip my cap to @timschochet for the same reasons I praise others
Maybe this isn't the 100 movies you would pick but it got a lot of folks together to share thoughts and POV on the movies he chose and to add your own afterwards
It's hard to drive a 61 page thread, trust me I know
It's obvious people enjoyed themselves

Good job Timmy

Agreed. It's the most invested I've been in a thread here in a while. Well done Tim.

Where were you 3 years ago during 80s' and my far superior countdown?

Yelling at you for leaving out Platoon.

 

[rockaction]

For the average person-yes. For people in the "porn" industry, not so much. I think that might have been his intent.

I'm curious because I think I'm (possibly) not understanding a very good observation you're making. Do you mean to say that that the murder is shocking and gratuitous to most of us but for the porn industry it draws shrugs and is akin to another day at the office?

I just want to clarify if maybe I'm missing your point or if I've gotten it. Because I'd agree with you if you meant something close to that, and that it might indeed have been his intent to show their callousness towards life.

 

[TripItUp]

Jackie Brown was awesome, definitely makes my top 100.

 

[rockaction]

This was a cool countdown because of the knowledge of the contributors and the progenitor of the thread. I enjoyed reading all of you guys. Thanks.

 

[TripItUp]

Sneakers

The Bodyguard

JFK

Stargate

The Crow

Scream

Interview with the Vampire

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

I enjoyed reading all of you guys

YES! I feel so wanted

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

I did not like the crow, like at all.

 

[bryhamm]

Sneakers

The Bodyguard

JFK

Stargate

The Crow

Scream

Interview with the Vampire

Sneakers is one of my all time favorites.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I will also tip my cap to @timschochet for the same reasons I praise others
Maybe this isn't the 100 movies you would pick but it got a lot of folks together to share thoughts and POV on the movies he chose and to add your own afterwards
It's hard to drive a 61 page thread, trust me I know
It's obvious people enjoyed themselves

Good job Timmy

Agreed. It's the most invested I've been in a thread here in a while. Well done Tim.

Where were you 3 years ago during 80s' and my far superior countdown?

Yelling at you for leaving out Platoon.

Lol. We did the 90s one first though. (I think)

 

[dutch]

IMO, best movie ever made is Goodfellas. Or, better said - it's my personal favorite. Of all time. 1.01.

It's the Godfather of the 90's, it's only missing Godfather II to elevate it to the top of all time.

 

[nirad3]

Not gonna knock the guy for the work that's gone into this, but man there were some total head-scratchers on this list and some movies that I not only have never seen, but never even heard of. I guess that's on me for not being very worldly? Kudos for an outstanding discourse, though, and gives me some impetus to watch some films that obviously have some merit. Nice job!

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

I strongly considered Private Parts

How does a movie that you had in the 50s all time, not make the top 100 of the 90s 8 years later?

I copied and pasted from others, added some of my own.
I’m assuming all you guys checked against Tims list and eligibility lol

In no particular order here’s 50
Heat
L.A. Confidential
Chungking Express
Three Colours Red
Three Colours Blue (will leave White off)
Sneakers
JFK
Stargate
Quick Change
The Crow
Scream
Interview with the Vampire
True Romance
Miller’s Crossing
Jackie Brown
Boyz N the Hood
Grosse Point Blank
Groundhog Day
Men in Black
My Cousin Vinny
Thin Red Line
Philadelphia
Presumed Innocent
The Hunt for Red October
Dances with Wolves
Galaxy Quest
Malcolm X
Private Parts
Stargate
Dogma
Edward Penishands
Starship Troopers
City Slickers
Get Shorty
Home Alone
The Mummy
Magnolia
Princess Mononoke
Hunt for Red October
The Piano
Speed
Hard Boiled
Presumed Innocent
Raise the Red Lantern
Farewell My Concubine
The Castle
Romper Stomper
Bad Boy Bubby
Muriels Wedding
Death in Brunswick

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

Edward Penishands

I was too young to watch this movie

 

[Pip's Invitation]

I strongly considered Private Parts

How does a movie that you had in the 50s all time, not make the top 100 of the 90s 8 years later?

I copied and pasted from others, added some of my own.
I’m assuming all you guys checked against Tims list and eligibility lol

In no particular order here’s 50
Heat
L.A. Confidential
Chungking Express
Three Colours Red
Three Colours Blue (will leave White off)
Sneakers
JFK
Stargate
Quick Change
The Crow
Scream
Interview with the Vampire
True Romance
Miller’s Crossing
Jackie Brown
Boyz N the Hood
Grosse Point Blank
Groundhog Day
Men in Black
My Cousin Vinny
Thin Red Line
Philadelphia
Presumed Innocent
The Hunt for Red October
Dances with Wolves
Galaxy Quest
Malcolm X
Private Parts
Stargate
Dogma
Edward Penishands
Starship Troopers
City Slickers
Get Shorty
Home Alone
The Mummy
Magnolia
Princess Mononoke
Hunt for Red October
The Piano
Speed
Hard Boiled
Presumed Innocent
Raise the Red Lantern
Farewell My Concubine
The Castle
Romper Stomper
Bad Boy Bubby
Muriels Wedding
Death in Brunswick

He already explained that the old list was his personal favorites and this list is supposed to be more objective or something.

 

[massraider]

I know he didn't direct this but QT did write the screenplay for True Romance and I think that is one of his best. I never get tired of watching that one. The scene with Walken and Hopper is just *chef's kiss*.

We didn't know what we were getting at the time.

Just a few years later, Tony Scott doing his take of a Tarantino script would be the most anticipated film in years.

There's some YouTube videos out there of Tarantino discussing Scott's treatment of his work, they're really cool to check out.

Tarantino commentary of True Romance

 

[B Maverick]

My Cousin Vinny and Galaxy Quest should be here, as should Philadelphia.

GQ was on over the weekend and I forgot how much fun it is.
Vinny is a classic, so many good scenes.

Philadelphia is one of those you should watch and is a great movie. Not sure how many rewatches it generates.

I did not like the crow, like at all.

I like most of the Crow and will watch when it's on. Kind of bogs down in the end.

 

[nightmare]

For the average person-yes. For people in the "porn" industry, not so much. I think that might have been his intent.

I'm curious because I think I'm (possibly) not understanding a very good observation you're making. Do you mean to say that that the murder is shocking and gratuitous to most of us but for the porn industry it draws shrugs and is akin to another day at the office?

I just want to clarify if maybe I'm missing your point or if I've gotten it. Because I'd agree with you if you meant something close to that, and that it might indeed have been his intent to show their callousness towards life.

I thought you were talking about the gang bang

 

[Ilov80s]

Jackie Brown was awesome, definitely makes my top 100.

It's definitely top 4 QT for me. Might be as high as 2.

 

[zamboni]

Another personal favorite of mine that probably isn't on a lot of lists is "Beautiful Girls"

Love this one....definitely top 50 of the 90s for me.

I alluded to this early in the countdown with A League of Their Own and how Rosie O’Donnell was even better in another film. Beautiful Girls was that other film.

Great scene - and the whole movie is truly enjoyable

 

[DocHolliday]

I always appreciate anyone that puts the work in to make these music, tv, or movie lists. This list seemed pretty different than what others would have done. It’s good for generating discussion,if nothing else.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I always appreciate anyone that puts the work in to make these music, tv, or movie lists. This list seemed pretty different than what others would have done. It’s good for generating discussion,if nothing else.

Agreed. It can be fun to quibble about this movie not making it or that movie being too low, but the discussion is always good. And the 90s was a decade LOADED with quality films.

 

[Gr00vus]

Of the ones Tim listed, I have a clear top 6 (in no particular order):
Swingers
Trainspotting
Shawshank Redemption
Big Lebowski
Usual Suspects
Office Space

One from the end of decade that I love, which I'm pretty sure I'm on an island of one for, is The 13th Warrior. It's derivative, it suffered from passing through several hands in production, but I still love the theme of courage and how it delivers Crichtons mash up of Ibn Fadlan, Vikings, and Neanderthals in an attempt to imagine some sort of historical / pre-historical explanation underpinning the Beowulf saga. I'm also a sucker for all things Viking and Neanderthal, I think i may have been the target audience for this one. Gerry Goldsmith's score is really good as well.

 

[nirad3]

Of the ones Tim listed, I have a clear top 6 (in no particular order):
Swingers
Trainspotting
Shawshank Redemption
Big Lebowski
Usual Suspects
Office Space

Can't disagree with any of these being at or near the top of a list of 90's movies, at least for me. :thumbs up emoji:

 

[El Floppo]

I strongly considered Private Parts

How does a movie that you had in the 50s all time, not make the top 100 of the 90s 8 years later?

I copied and pasted from others, added some of my own.
I’m assuming all you guys checked against Tims list and eligibility lol

In no particular order here’s 50
Heat
L.A. Confidential
Chungking Express
Three Colours Red
Three Colours Blue (will leave White off)
Sneakers
JFK
Stargate
Quick Change
The Crow
Scream
Interview with the Vampire
True Romance
Miller’s Crossing
Jackie Brown
Boyz N the Hood
Grosse Point Blank
Groundhog Day
Men in Black
My Cousin Vinny
Thin Red Line
Philadelphia
Presumed Innocent
The Hunt for Red October
Dances with Wolves
Galaxy Quest
Malcolm X
Private Parts
Stargate
Dogma
Edward Penishands
Starship Troopers
City Slickers
Get Shorty
Home Alone
The Mummy
Magnolia
Princess Mononoke
Hunt for Red October
The Piano
Speed
Hard Boiled
Presumed Innocent
Raise the Red Lantern
Farewell My Concubine
The Castle
Romper Stomper
Bad Boy Bubby
Muriels Wedding
Death in Brunswick

Romper Stomper and Quick Change might make my list too... Good call on a couple that haven't been mentioned yet!

We talked about these during, but...
Walking and Talking
Kicking and Screaming (Baumbach, not Will)
Secrets and Lies

I included a couple Mike Leigh movies previously, but had to add that last one

 

[Ilov80s]

Tim won't but I will.

Firing up Heat tonight. One of the all time great crime movies.

I do what I do best, I take scores. You do what you do best, try to stop guys like me.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Tim won't but I will.

Firing up Heat tonight. One of the all time great crime movies.

I do what I do best, I take scores. You do what you do best, try to stop guys like me.

I gotta hold on to my angst. I preserve it because I need it. It keeps me sharp, on the edge, where I gotta be.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

In the Company of Men is one id have probably had in there somewhere

 

[Ilov80s]

Tim won't but I will.

Firing up Heat tonight. One of the all time great crime movies.

I do what I do best, I take scores. You do what you do best, try to stop guys like me.

I gotta hold on to my angst. I preserve it because I need it. It keeps me sharp, on the edge, where I gotta be.

You don't live with me, you live among the remains of dead people. You sift through the detritus, you read the terrain, you search for signs of passing, for the scent of your prey, and then you hunt them down. That's the only thing you're committed to. The rest is the mess you leave as you pass through.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Well I am... over-****in' whelmed. What d'you want for that, a junior g-man badge?

 

[northern exposure]

Grosse Pointe Blank, Simple Plan, and Slingblade are 3 mentioned at the end that people might not have seen and should.

Just recently re-watched Grosse Pointe Blank. Great movie with an excellent soundtrack.