15 Great '90s Movies You've Probably Never Seen
14 Great '90s Movies You've probably Never Seen
The '90s were a great time for film, but we suspect a great many '90s kids were too busy obsessively re-watching movies like "Clueless" and "Lion King" to take in the full breadth of everything that decade had to offer. In honor of the 25th anniversary of the under-appreciated gem "Searching for Bobby Fischer," here are some must-see '90s movies you might have skipped at the time.
'My Own Private Idaho' (1991)
As much as Keanu Reeves might have developed a reputation for wooden acting in the '90s, "My Own Private idaho" proves that there's always been a talented thespian lurking within. Reeves and the late River Phoenix make a terrific pair as two troubled, wandering street hustlers. In a decade full of great takes on classic Shakespeare plays, this is one of the best.
'Singles' (1992)
"Singles" is the forgotten Cameron Crowe film, being sandwiched in between classics like "Say Anything" and "Jerry Maguire." It's a shame, as this romantic comedy perfectly captures the mood of the early '90s Seattle grunge scene.
'Searching for Bobby Fischer' (1993)
You wouldn't think cerebral chess matches would make for riveting a riveting movie experience, but that's the brilliance of this severely underrated 1993 drama. It's not a biopic of Fischer, but rather a movie about a fictional chess prodigy striving to live up to the example of his idol. Ben Kingsley shines as a strict, overbearing chess instructor.
'Carlito's Way' (1993)
Pacino's follow-up to his Oscar-winning role in "Scent of a Woman" is far superior to that film, and criminally underrated. Pacino is a gangster with a heart of gold -- and a nickel-plated pistol -- looking to get out of this life one way or the other. Sean Penn's standout performance as Pacino's scumbag lawyer "friend" is also noteworthy.
'Empire Records' (1995)
It might not have had the same cultural impact as "Clueless," but "Empire Records" is every bit the delightful mid-'90s time capsule. Watching this movie takes you back to a simpler time when record stores were still viable businesses and a love of music was truly enough to triumph over adversity. And naturally, it has a killer soundtrack.
'Bound' (1996)
Most moviegoers took notice of the Wachowskis when they delivered the cyberpunk blockbuster "The Matrix" in 1999. But for some, the Wachowskis had already established their reputation in 1996's "Bound." This erotic crime thriller was truly groundbreaking for its time, and it still holds up as a great film over 20 years later.
'Fly Away Home' (1996)
Before "X-Men" and "True Blood" made her a star, a young Anna Paquin charmed moviegoers in this family-friendly dramedy about a ftaher and daughter helping a flock of Canada geese migrate. It's a gorgeously shot film that also makes you think that maybe humans and animals can get along after all.
'Set It Off' (1996)
Somehow a heist movie starring Jada Pinkett, Vivica A. Fox, and Queen Latifah flew under the radar in 1996. That's too bad, though we're hopeful the strong reception to 2017's "Girls trip" will shine a spotlight on this forgotten gem. It's the best female-driven '90s crime movie this side of "Thelma and Louise."
'That Thing You Do!' (1996)
You might not have seen this faux-biopic about a '60s one-hit wonder band, but you've probably caught yourself humming the titular song now and again. This crowd-pelasing coemdy showed that Tom Hanks has a future in directing if that whole acting thing doesn't end up working out.
'Les Misérables' (1998)
It didn't get nearly the mainstream hype or awards buzz of the 2012 version, but many hardcore "Les Misérables" fans would agree that this is the superior film, story-wise. It sticks to adapting the novel rather than the stage musical, offering a tightly crafted story and a terrific Jean Valjean/Inspector Javert rivalry thanks to stars Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush.
'Velvet Goldmine' (1998)
If "Citizen Kane" were about a '70s glam rock superstar rather than an early 20th Century business tycoon, "Velvet Goldmine" would be the end result. The talented cast, incredible costume design and inventive narrative structure all combine to make this faux-biopic a truly memorable experience. Critics and audiences weren't quite ready for it at the time, but we like to think the audience is there nowadays.
'Dick' (1999)
What if the real Watergate whistleblowers were actually a pair of high school girls? That's the "Forrest Gump"-worthy premise driving this entertaining 1999 comedy. The film works all the more because it's as much a satire of the Clinton/Lewinsky scandal as it is Richard Nixon's failed presidency.
'Ghost Dog: Way of the Samurai' (1999)
Not since "Le Samouraï" has the idea of merging samurai and gangster movies worked so well. Forest Whitaker delivered one of his greatest performances to date as a devout warrior who works as a retainer for a local New Jersey mob boss. The RZA's hip-hop-fueled soundtrack gives this one an extra flavor.
'Mystery Men' (1999)
"Mystery Men" was undoubtedly ahead of its time. It's a superhero spoof that landed in a time when few studios were delivering superhero movies worth spoofing in the first place. Even so, "Mystery Men" serves as an entertaining send-up of the genre, and one that benefits from an eclectic, hilarious cast of oddballs.
'October Sky' (1999)
Two years before his breakout role in "Donnie Darko," Jake Gyllenhaal first impressed critics in this biopic about rocket scientist Homer Hickam, Jr. "October Sky" hits all the right emotional beats, telling a coming-of-age story that hinges heavily on the conflict between father and son and the sheer thrill of space exploration.
