Since reflecting on cinema of the '90s, it's become clear that a lot of movies from that decade don't exactly fall in line with modern sensibilities. What was funny then might be dated or even offensive now, hence why many '90s films are considered amongst the most cheesy, offensive, or vulgar.
However, several '90s films have stood the test of time and are still fan favorites to this day. Be it a bloody slasher, romantic comedy, or sci-fi adventure, what makes a movie good is not its initial impact on its audience, but rather its legacy in the years following.
10 The First Wives Club Made Bette Midler A New Type Of Famous
A 1996 female-led buddy comedy, The First Wives Club follows three former college friends as they reunite after their friend's passing. When they learn that a case of infidelity was the reason behind their friend's death, they vow to get revenge on their own unappreciative husbands.
The First Wives Club pushed Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton into the spotlight once again and introduced them to a generation that may have otherwise never known the full scope of their talents. The film also gave the world the iconic "You Don't Own Me" scene, which still makes its rounds on TikTok and Twitter to this day.
9 Science Fiction Is Colorful, Wacky, And A Cult Clasisic
Luc Besson's sci-fi adventure, The Fifth Element, divided fans and critics upon its theatrical release in 1997. While some appreciated the flick for its wacky sense of humor and highly stylized environment, others saw it as a poor attempt at creating a goofy science fiction comedy.
Despite its initial reviews, The Fifth Element has since gone on to become a cult classic, thanks to its vibrant and eccentric costumes, namely Mila Jovovich's recognizable orange suspenders and Chris Tucker's outrageous leopard print bodysuit. The Fifth Element is a far cry from the dark and dusty dystopian sci-fi films that were popular at the time and thus has inspired a generation of colorful science fiction cinema.
8 Set It Off Is More Than Just A Heist Drama
Queen Latifah, Vivica Fox, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Kimberly Elise came together in '96 to make the heist thriller Set It Off, and fans couldn't have been happier. Critics have long praised the film for its complex characters and fresh take on the crime genre.
Set It Off does away with the rugged White male cast typical of heist films, and tells the story of four Black women mistreated by the system they were born in. As a result, the female leads take their lives into their own hands. Set It Off does not excuse the crimes committed in the movie but instead aims to highlight the struggles of Black women and the importance of meaningful representation in the media.
7 The Blair Witch Project Inspired Other Found Footage Horror Films
Although the Paranormal Activity franchise has popularized the found footage horror genre, it was The Blair Witch Project that first brought the genre to the mainstream in 1997, much to the surprise of theater goers everywhere. Little was spoken of the film leading up to its premiere, which was a plan devised by its creators to further immerse its audience in the horror. Fans were rightfully frightened by the film's possibly real events.
Since its initial release, theories that The Blair Witch Project told a true story have since been debunked. Nevertheless, its legacy lives on in the countless found footage films that have been released in the years since.
6 Pretty Woman's Titular Character Knows Her Worth
Nowadays, a lot of the language and sentiments present in Pretty Woman are considered problematic, but for the time, this movie is progressive compared to its peers. Pretty Woman tells a story of a sex worker in Hollywood, played by Julia Roberts, as she grows close with a wealthy businessman and is then introduced to the finer sides of life in LA.
Despite its less-than-politically-correct premise, Pretty Woman tells a touching story about a woman who knows her worth both with and without her fancy clothes and higher social status. Roberts' strong-willed Vivian Ward and her adventures in Hollywood have since become iconic, though modern films could handle Pretty Woman's themes and portrayal of sex work better.
5 Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman Are The Perfect Sisterly Pair In Practical Magic
1998's Practical Magic follows sisters Sally and Gillian Owens as they reconnect with their magical roots and save Gillian from her abusive ex-boyfriend. In addition to Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, the film stars Hollywood legends Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest as the young witches' eccentric aunts.
At its core, Practical Magic is the story of two sisters who grow closer as they discover their true potential, both as women and as witches. It's a heartwarming tale that teaches the importance of family and community, a lesson that anyone can enjoy. It's no wonder that Practical Magic is a fan favorite and must-watch to this day.
4 Se7en Reformed The Crime Genre
Everyone remembers Se7en's ending scene and their subsequent disgust when learning what was in the box. Though the contents of the box are unsettling, the scene and film's legacy have lived on for years following Se7en's release in 1995.
Starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman as homicide detectives investigating a series of mysterious murders, Se7en tells a creative and stylized story inspired by the seven deadly sins. Despite its 20th-century release, David Fincher's crime thriller contains some of the best cinematography of its decade, rivaling some of today's higher-budget films. As a result, Se7en is a must-watch.
3 Clueless Introduced The World To Brittany Murphy And Plaid Two-Pieces
Clueless follows the '90s trend of retelling classic stories in a modern light, seen more notably in films such as 10 Things I Hate About You and She's All That. However, Clueless tells an updated version of Jane Austen's Emma as opposed to a Shakespearean play.
This teen comedy follows the fabulous Cher Horowitz as she traverses the many challenges of young adulthood like driver's ed and high school popularity. In addition to inspiring an entire generation's wardrobe, Clueless skyrocketed budding stars Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd to mega-fame and introduced audiences to the talented Brittany Murphy.
2 Malcolm X Is Still Important And Necessary
Spike Lee's 1992 Malcolm X biopic, starring Denzel Washington in the leading role, is a dramatic retelling of the activist's life and contributions to Black liberation in the 1950s and '60s. Malcolm X received widespread praise from critics upon its theatrical release for its honest and inspiring telling of the late minister's challenging and inspiring life.
Considering the current political climate of the United States, it is important now more than ever to remember the life and teachings of Malcolm X. The biopic can still hold up to serve as a constant reminder of Malcolm X's heroism and resilience in the face of systemic racism.
1 The Craft Taught Audiences Perfect Love And Perfect Trust
The 1996 supernatural horror The Craft is a staple of '90s cinema for a multitude of reasons. It tells a compelling story of teenage girls coming into their own, it helped popularize modern spirituality and Paganism, and features a powerhouse leading cast including Rachel True, Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, and Scream's Neve Campbell.
A highly stylized film, The Craft is the epitome of the '90s Catholic-inspired goth subculture and style, especially given its Catholic school setting. Although it wasn't initially met with much praise, The Craft has become a go-to amongst magical film lovers. The 1996 film is highly regarded amongst films like Practical Magic and The Witches of Eastwick as a genre-defining cult classic.