Todd’s Top 10 – The 90’s

  Go to Top 10 Lists of the 90's

My Top 10 from the 1990s came almost directly from My Top 100 of all time. For me, the 1990s were all about the introduction of innovative writer-directors into the filmmaking world. It brought us groundbreaking filmmakers Paul Thomas Anderson, Quentin Tarantino, Kevin Smith, and many others. This list includes 5 Best Picture nominees, and only three years are repeated. 1994 ruled this decade, which is reflected in the fact that I have 3 films from this year on the list, which doesn’t even include 3 or 4 more from my top 100. When I leave The Usual Suspects off any list, then that is really saying something. It was an incredibly strong decade.

Honorable Mention – Fargo (1996), Chungking Express (1994), Fallen Angels (1995), Breaking the Waves (1996), Toy Story (1995), The Usual Suspects (1995)

10. Boogie Nights (1997) [directed by Paul Thomas Anderson] - This is my favorite film by one of my favorite filmmakers, Paul Thomas Anderson. It packs just about as much star power imaginable into a tale about the 1970s pornography industry. It is a thrilling, disturbing, hilarious, provocative character study. It features one of the most innovative scripts I have come across. It features a legendary limited role by Alfred Molina. Everything about the film is just flawlessly structured and unforgettable. It is movie-going at its best.

9. Quiz Show (1994) [directed by Robert Redford] - I love Robert Redford as a director, and this is his best film. Everything about it is just about perfect. The acting, especially by John Turturro, is highly effective. The directing is flawless. The screenplay gives an interesting commentary on show business and raises compelling moral issues. It is a highly entertaining and thought-provoking film that is about as underrated as a Best Picture nominee can be.

8. Pulp Fiction (1994) [directed by Quentin Tarantino] - This is one of the many masterworks by my favorite screenwriter Quentin Tarantino. Ever since I first saw it, I knew I was watching a film make history. It is probably the most groundbreaking film of the past several decades, inspiring a whole new genre of film and style of storytelling. Its flawlessly-edited interlocking stories with perfect characters make this film the shortest two and a half hours ever on screen.

7. Hoop Dreams (1994) [directed by Steve James] - This is my favorite documentary. When watching it, I was completely glued to the screen for the entire 170 minutes of the running time. It is a visionary, meaningful, and emotionally satisfying experience. Oh, and it is about basketball. That always helps.

6. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) [directed by James Foley] - This is what I consider the greatest screenplay of all time. It is completely my kind of film, one that is exclusively dialogue-driven. The ensemble cast is possibly the most impressive ever assembled, and every one of them gives Oscar-level work. It features classic lines, brilliant characters, and just an overall satisfying and scorching experience. I can’t get enough of this one.

5. Before Sunrise (1995) [directed by Richard Linklater] - This is a film that features just about the most adorable young couple ever put on screen (which was reprised in the equally brilliant Before Sunset). The chemistry between Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke is classic, and the dialogue is deep and moving. It is like a Woody Allen film, but much better edited and more appealing to wide audiences. It is the most beautiful and touching film about young love I have witnessed.

4. American Beauty (1999) [directed by Sam Mendes] - This is the greatest directorial debut I have ever seen. Sam Mendes became a household name, and screenwriter Alan Ball became a huge sensation after this film swept the Oscars. It has countless classic moments, and the characters are among the most interesting I have seen. It inspired a whole new brand of suburban dramas, but this one will never be matched. It is a powerful, darkly hilarious, and brilliant film that really defines a generation of film.

3. Good Will Hunting (1997) [directed by Gus Van Sant] - This is a film that I get a craving to watch every once in a while. There are very few movies like that, like maybe a handful of them. This is one of those films that really spoke to me personally, and it never fails to bring tears to my eyes. It is one of the rare films that I can simply think about, and it will put me in a good mood. The cast is top-notch. The screenplay by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck is one of my favorites. It is an absolutely lovely film.

2. Goodfellas (1990) [directed by Martin Scorsese] - This is my favorite filmmaker’s masterpiece. The energy and realism that Scorsese brings to this mob story makes it an instant classic. All the performances are pitch-perfect. Every moment seems vital, and the direction is the best of the 1990s. It is one of the all time greats.

1. Leaving Las Vegas (1995) [directed by Mike Figgis] - This is probably the most devastating film I have ever seen. Somehow, amazingly, this does not prevent additional viewings. The two leads, played by the amazing Nicolas Cage and Elisabeth Shue, are possibly my favorite leading couple of all time. Their chemistry is unmatched by any movie, and their performances rank with the all time greats. This is simply one of my all time favorite films, and one that will never get old and never fail to pack an emotional punch.