The Best Movies of 1990: A Retrospective Review

In 1990, a pivotal year for cinema, the world was in the midst of a cultural transition. The vibrant and rollicking rock ‘n’ roll 80s were fading into memory, and the global stage was witnessing the gradual thawing of the Cold War. The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) dominated the gaming world, the airwaves resonated with the melodic tunes of “Hold On” by Wilson Phillips, and television was experiencing a revolution with the unprecedented success of Twin Peaks.

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Amidst this backdrop of cultural transformation, the world of film was also experiencing a renaissance. In this article, we delve into the 15 best movies of 1990, a year that marked a significant turning point in cinematic history.

15. ‘Wild at Heart’

From the enigmatic imagination of David Lynch, “Wild at Heart” may not stand as his most mind-bending creation, yet it offers a captivating dose of road-movie spontaneity. The film unfolds the story of two young lovers, one of whom is on parole, as they embark on a journey to California in an attempt to escape their tumultuous lives. Little do they know that their troubles will persist, relentlessly chasing them throughout their odyssey.

While “Wild at Heart” faced criticism for its uneven narrative, it compensates with a blend of diverse genres. Within its frames, one can discern elements of romance, black comedy, erotic thriller, and crime drama. Despite receiving only one Oscar nomination, it clinched the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 1990 Cannes Film Festival and has since earned a devoted following as an energetic cult classic.

14. ‘Miller’s Crossing’

“Miller’s Crossing,” one of the early offerings from the Coen Brothers, emerges as a neo-noir crime thriller that, despite its initial box office struggle, has matured into a cult classic within the duo’s illustrious filmography. With their signature stylistic flair, the film immerses viewers in a power struggle over a police informant between two Prohibition-era gangsters and a cunning crook who plays both sides against each other.

As the Coen Brothers’ third film, “Miller’s Crossing” showcases their defining traits: sharp dialogue, impeccable cinematography, and a gallery of eccentric characters. The exceptional ensemble cast, with standout performances by Gabriel Byrne and John Turturro, elevates this film to the ranks of the best of its era.

13. ‘Back to the Future Part III’

A delightful fusion of sci-fi, 80s adventure, and comedy, the “Back to the Future” trilogy is revered by many as one of the finest movie trilogies in cinematic history. “Back to the Future Part III” seamlessly continues the narrative from its predecessor, tracking Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) as he ventures back to 1885 to warn his friend, Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd), of his impending demise.

While this installment excels as a standalone film, its true acclaim lies in its role as the concluding chapter of this beloved time-travel saga. The movie offers a perfect blend of exhilarating fun and heartwarming triumph, encapsulating the essence of blockbuster cinema that has endured through the years.

12. ‘An Angel at my Table’

“An Angel at my Table,” the second directorial effort by the Oscar-winning filmmaker Jane Campion, catapulted her onto the international stage. This biographical drama chronicles the various stages in the life of New Zealand writer Janet Frame (portrayed by Kerry Fox, Alexia Keogh, and Karen Fergusson), from her challenging childhood to the discovery of her writing talent during her time in a mental institution.

Despite Campion’s relative inexperience in her second directorial venture, the film exudes maturity by presenting Janet Frame’s life story as a grounded, gripping drama without unnecessary embellishments. Clocking in at 158 minutes, it exudes the grandeur of an epic while maintaining an intimate, emotionally resonant narrative, firmly establishing itself as one of the standout films of 1990.

11. ‘Close-Up’

Hailing from Iran, “Close-Up” is hailed by many critics as not only one of the greatest films of the 1990s but as one of the all-time cinematic masterpieces. Categorized as docufiction, this film is based on a true story in which a cinephile impersonates a renowned Iranian filmmaker to deceive a family of film enthusiasts and infiltrate their lives.

What sets “Close-Up” apart is its unique blend of fact and fiction, with the real individuals involved portraying themselves. This innovative approach transforms it into a compelling true crime drama, exploring themes of human identity. Despite its compact 98-minute runtime, “Close-Up” remains an astonishing international film that all cinephiles should seek out.

10. ‘Ghost’

“Ghost” is a rare cinematic gem that not only encapsulates the spirit of its time but also ages gracefully as the years roll on. This iconic romance film seamlessly weaves elements of horror, fantasy, mystery, and comedy. It revolves around the spirit of a murdered banker, desperately trying to communicate with his lover to thwart the sinister plans of his corrupt business partner.

From the chemistry between Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore to the intelligent and witty screenplay, and the subversive execution of its supernatural elements, every aspect of “Ghost” harmoniously intertwines. It boasts one of the most memorable movie scenes of all time in the famous pottery sequence, making it a timeless classic.

9. ‘La Femme Nikita’

“La Femme Nikita” marked the earliest signs of the grounded, intense violence that would come to define 90s indie cinema. This French film traces the story of a convicted teenager recruited by the government to serve as a lethal assassin tasked with eliminating high-profile targets.

Beneath the pulsating action lies Nikita’s (portrayed by Anne Parillaud) struggle to balance her personal life with her deadly profession. This added layer of humanity elevates “La Femme Nikita” into an intense thriller that bet heavily on its formidable female movie assassin, ultimately laying the groundwork for the action heroines of the future.

8. ‘Jacob’s Ladder’

Often featured in lists cataloging films too psychologically disturbing for repeated viewings, “Jacob’s Ladder” stands as an anxiety-inducing, mind-bending masterpiece. This psychological horror film traces the descent of a Vietnam War veteran into madness as flashbacks and hallucinations consume his daily existence.

A disorienting tour de force, “Jacob’s Ladder” fearlessly confuses audiences to convey its protagonist’s disintegrating reality. Tim Robbins delivers an underrated performance, guiding the audience through the film while portraying a harrowing descent into insanity. As the credits roll, audiences are left in awe of this haunting cinematic experience.

7. ‘The Hunt for Red October’

While Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan novels have inspired numerous politically-charged action thrillers, none have surpassed the excellence of 1990’s “The Hunt for Red October.” This Cold War thriller thrives on close-confined suspense and global intrigue, delivering an edge-of-your-seat spectacle that remains gripping even after three decades.

The film follows a rogue captain in the Soviet navy seeking defection to the U.S. with an advanced submarine. This triggers an intense situation as the CIA and U.S. military race to decipher the reasons behind the vessel’s approach. The movie’s brilliance is exemplified by Alec Baldwin’s understated heroism and Sean Connery’s spectacular portrayal of the Soviet captain.

6. ‘Edward Scissorhands’

Tim Burton, renowned for his unique stylistic sensibilities, made a name for himself in the late 1980s with hits like “Beetlejuice” and “Batman.” The dawn of the 1990s introduced what could arguably be Burton’s magnum opus: “Edward Scissorhands.” This modern gothic fairy tale follows an artificial man with scissor-like appendages.

Abandoned after the death of his creator, Edward (played by Johnny Depp) finds refuge with a compassionate family, where he falls in love with their teenage daughter. “Edward Scissorhands” struck a chord with audiences, cementing its status as an enduring cult classic and marking the inception of a longstanding collaboration between Burton and Depp.

5. ‘Days of Being Wild’

Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar-wai has garnered a dedicated cult following throughout his career. His films are characterized by rich atmosphere, stunning cinematography, and a surreal, dream-like aura. In only his second feature film, “Days of Being Wild” may not have achieved the same level of popularity as some of his later classics, but it possesses the essential elements that define Wong Kar-wai’s remarkable filmography.

The film centers around an amoral and selfish playboy’s quest to uncover the truth about his parentage after his surrogate mother, a former sex worker, reveals that he is not her biological child. “Days of Being Wild” weaves through various moods and characters, exploring the theme of unrequited love with striking visuals, securing its place as one of the standout films of 1990.

4. ‘Misery’

Stephen King’s prolific library of horror novels has been adapted for the screen numerous times, with varying degrees of success. Among the adaptations, 1990’s “Misery” stands out as one of the most underrated and chilling renditions of King’s work.

Featuring stellar performances by James Caan and Kathy Bates, “Misery” narrates the ordeal of a successful author who, after a serious car accident, is abducted by a deranged fan determined to nurse him back to health. This psychological thriller, a spine-tingling exploration of obsession, has retained its status as one of the finest horror films of the 90s.

3. ‘Total Recall’

Arnold Schwarzenegger, hailed as the quintessential action movie star of the 1980s, transitioned smoothly into more nuanced iterations of the genre as the decade drew to a close. “Total Recall” serves as a prime example of this evolution, blending action with potent sci-fi elements and thematic depth.

The film revolves around a futuristic construction worker who, during a visit to a company specializing in implanting false memories, discovers that he is being pursued due to a forgotten past. “Total Recall” delivers a fast-paced, visually stunning, and outrageously entertaining cinematic experience that continues to offer exhilarating enjoyment to modern audiences.

2. ‘Dances with Wolves’

Winner of seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Kevin Costner’s epic Western, “Dances with Wolves,” captured the zeitgeist of its time. The narrative centers on a Civil War soldier stationed at a remote outpost who opts to join the Lakota People, developing an appreciation for their way of life even as the Union army looms on the horizon.

As one of the grandest entries in the Western resurgence of the 1990s, “Dances with Wolves” hearkened back to the genre’s classics of the 1960s with its epic scope and sweeping landscapes. While its cultural simplicity may be more pronounced today, its noble intentions and riveting triumph continue to shine brightly, making it a timeless masterpiece.

1. ‘Goodfellas’

While “Dances with Wolves” claimed numerous Oscars, Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas” has etched an indelible mark in cinematic history. Celebrated as one of the greatest crime movies ever crafted, this biographical drama follows Henry Hill (portrayed by Ray Liotta) and his two friends as they ascend the ranks of the New York mob.

Beyond its explicit portrayal of violence, “Goodfellas” distinguishes itself by skillfully capturing the allure and dread of organized crime. Ray Liotta delivers an outstanding lead performance, complemented by stellar work from Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. Scorsese’s impeccable style and storytelling acumen elevate “Goodfellas” to a timeless classic that remains one of the finest films ever made.

In conclusion, 1990 witnessed a cinematic landscape undergoing significant transformation. These 15 films, diverse in genre and narrative, collectively represent the pinnacle of cinematic achievement for that remarkable year. As the decades have passed, their enduring appeal and impact on cinema remain as vibrant as ever.

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