Terry’s Top 10 – The 90’s

 Go to Top 10 Lists of the 90's

In compiling my Top 10 movies of the 90’s, I discovered that the 90’s really belonged to two actors: Kevin Spacey and Tom Hanks.  As you read below, you will see why…

Honorable Mention – A Few Good Men (1992), Titanic (1997), Fight Club (1999)

10.  Fargo (1996) – This is the film that made the Coen brothers who they are today.  This quirky, yet dark drama is shot beautifully and acted perfectly.  Some movies are defined by one or two classic scenes.  Every scene in this film is a classic scene with countless memorable characters, including Frances MacDormand’s Marge Gunderson who won the Oscar for Best Actress.  The screenplay also won Best Original Screenplay.

9.  Saving Private Ryan (1998) – This film, directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg who won the Oscar for this film, starts off with one of the greatest opening sequences ever as the D-Day invasion of Normandy is recreated to perfection.  However, the film is more than just a great opening scene, as it depicts the bond between soldiers and the fight of a small group of men just to get a boy home.  Tom Hanks sighting #1.

8.  L.A. Confidential (1997) – The star-studded cast comes to life in this murder mystery that investigates police corruption as much as it does the case at hand.  The script is sharp, the direction is brilliant, and the story is gripping.  Kim Basinger won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as a sophisticated Hollywood hooker.  The screenplay also won the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar.  Kevin Spacey sighting #1.

7.  The Green Mile (1999) – This magical story, directed by Frank Darabont, tells the tale of a death row, its guards, and its inmates, including one very special man played by Michael Clarke Duncan in the role that launched his career.  This film leaves you fascinated from start to finish.  Tom Hanks sighting #2.

6.  The Usual Suspects (1995) – Who is Keyser Soze?  That is the plot to this entire film, directed by the then unknown Bryan Singer.  As we are told the story of a group of criminals and their schemes and plots, this question continues to roll around in your head until one of the biggest shocker endings of all time.  Kevin Spacey won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for playing Verbal Kint.  The film also won Best Original Screenplay.  Kevin Spacey sighting #2.

5.  American Beauty (1999) – No film quite defined our American society quite like this snapshot of a year in the life of everyday average Joe, Lester Burnham.  Kevin Spacey won another Oscar for playing the main character in this film which looks at how society tells us how we should be.  This film is the first Best Picture winner on my list, and also won Best Director for Sam Mendes, as well as Best Original Screenplay.  Kevin Spacey sighting #3.

4.  The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – This is a story about friendship.  It is a story about determination.  It’s about fighting for what you believe in.  All of this takes place in Shawshank prison as Andy Dufresne fights to clear his name and escape.  This first film by Frank Darabont is beautiful from start to finish and does a lot of the same things as The Green Mile.  It establishes the humanity and society of the setting, and gets you rooting for the prisoners.  Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman lead the amazing cast in this near-perfect film.

3.  Schindler’s List (1993) – No film in the 90’s had a story that needed to be told more than this film did.  It is the most impactful and important film of the decade.  This film, which also won Steven Spielberg the Best Director Oscar, tells the story of a man who rescued Jews from the hands of the Nazis through the fortunate position he was put in.  It is the movie that best depicts the horrors of the Holocaust.  It also launched the careers of Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes.  This won Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay Oscars, along with the Best Director.

2.  Apollo 13 (1995) – My personal favorite film of all time tells the true story of the plight of the failed mission to land on the moon.  Every shot in this film is masterful, the effects are stunning for any time period, the script does not compromise the story or details but instead educates you as it goes along, and the cast is perfect.  No matter how many times I watch this film, it never gets old, and never will.  Tom Hanks sighting #3.

1.  Forrest Gump (1994) – In what was probably the best year for movies since 1976, the story of a simply man that likes to run outshines them all.  In a year with The Shawshank Redemption and the iconic Pulp Fiction, Forrest Gump is the top dog.  Every aspect of this film is perfect.  Tom Hanks, who won the Oscar as the title character, completely embodies his character in one of the greatest performances I have ever seen.  The script weaves a beautiful tale of the adventures of Forrest through practically every important event in American history in the 60’s and 70’s.  Yet his focus is never on the historical significance of where he is or who he is with.  He only thinks of three things: his mama, his friends, and his girl.  The cast is perfect in every aspect, from the troubled Jenny to the dreaming Bubba to the conflicted Lieutenant Dan to the wise Mama Gump.  The Oscar-winning direction by Robert Zemeckis is equally as brilliant as historical footage is seamlessly placed throughout the film.  On top of it all, it has one of the best soundtracks you will ever hear.  It topped all the other brilliant films of 1994 to win Best Picture, Hanks won Best Actor, Zemeckis won Best Director, and the screenplay took home the Oscar for Adapted.  Simple is best, and Forrest Gump is a testament to that.  Tom Hanks sighting #4.