The 1990s was a transformative decade for cinema, with a multitude of 90s movies that have since become iconic. However, amidst the blockbuster hits and critically acclaimed masterpieces, many 90s movies have slipped through the cracks of popular memory, becoming what we now refer to as “forgotten 90s movies.
These 90s movies, despite their initial impact, have faded from mainstream consciousness but remain worthy of rediscovery. These 90s movies offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and cinematic landscape of the decade. Here, we delve into some of these forgotten 90s movies, exploring their plots, notable cast and crew, popularity, and box office performance.
List Of Forgotten 90s Movies:
Dark City (1998) Watch Now
IMb Rating 7.6/10
One such forgotten 90s movie is “Dark City” (1998), a neo-noir science fiction film directed by Alex Proyas. The film stars Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, and William Hurt.
Dark City follows John Murdoch (Sewell), who wakes up in a hotel bathtub with no memory, only to find himself pursued by mysterious forces known as the Strangers. As he uncovers the truth about the city’s perpetual night and the Strangers’ experiments on human memories, Murdoch must fight to reclaim his identity and reality itself. Despite its intriguing plot and stunning visual style, “Dark City” struggled at the box office, grossing just over $27.2 million worldwide.
Critics praised its innovative storytelling and atmospheric design, but it was overshadowed by the release of more mainstream sci-fi films like “The Matrix” (1999). Today, “Dark City” is often overlooked, yet it remains a cult classic and a testament to 90s sci-fi creativity.
The Ice Storm (1997) Rent Now
IMDb Rating 7.3/10
Another forgotten 90s movie is “The Ice Storm” (1997), directed by Ang Lee. This drama, based on Rick Moody’s novel, features an ensemble cast including Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Sigourney Weaver, and a young Tobey Maguire.
Set during Thanksgiving 1973, the film explores the unraveling lives of two families in suburban Connecticut against the backdrop of a severe ice storm. Themes of infidelity, adolescent experimentation, and social disintegration are poignantly portrayed. Although “The Ice Storm” received critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and screenplay, it failed to make a significant impact at the box office, earning around $8 million.
Its somber tone and mature subject matter likely contributed to its limited commercial appeal. Nonetheless, “The Ice Storm” remains a powerful examination of American suburban malaise and a beautifully crafted piece of 90s cinema.
Ravenous (1999) Rent Now
IMDb Rating 6.9/10
Ravenous (1999), directed by Antonia Bird, is another notable yet forgotten 90s movie. This horror film, set during the Mexican-American War, stars Guy Pearce, Robert Carlyle, and Jeffrey Jones, David Arquette.
It tells the story of Captain John Boyd (Pearce), who is posted to a remote military outpost in the Sierra Nevada mountains. There, he encounters a mysterious stranger, Colqhoun (Carlyle), who recounts a tale of cannibalism and survival. As the soldiers investigate, they uncover a terrifying and supernatural aspect of cannibalism linked to the Native American legend of the Wendigo. “Ravenous” blends dark humor, horror, and historical fiction, creating a unique and unsettling narrative.
Despite its originality and strong performances, the film was a commercial failure, grossing only $2 million against its $12 million budget. Over time, “Ravenous” has gained a cult following for its daring approach and eerie atmosphere.
The Iron Giant (1999) Rent Now
IMDb Rating 8.1/10
The Iron Giant (1999), directed by Brad Bird, is an animated film that has only recently begun to receive the recognition it deserves.
This heartwarming story, set during the Cold War, follows a young boy named Hogarth Hughes who discovers a giant robot from outer space. Voiced by Eli Marienthal and Vin Diesel, Harry Connick Jr. respectively, Hogarth and the Iron Giant form an unlikely friendship. As they evade government agents determined to destroy the robot, the film explores themes of fear, bravery, and humanity.
Despite critical acclaim and positive audience reception, “The Iron Giant” was a box office disappointment, earning $31.3 million against a $50 million budget. Its failure was attributed to poor marketing and competition from other animated releases. However, the film has since been hailed as a classic of animated cinema, cherished for its emotional depth and timeless storytelling.
Sneakers (1992) Rent Now
IMDb Rating 7.1/10
Another forgotten 90s movie that merits attention is Sneakers (1992), a caper film directed by Phil Alden Robinson. The film stars Robert Redford, Sidney Poitier, Dan Aykroyd, and River Phoenix as members of a team of security experts who are blackmailed into stealing a powerful cryptographic device.
As they unravel the true purpose of the device, they find themselves embroiled in a web of intrigue involving the NSA and a rogue ex-CIA agent played by Ben Kingsley. “Sneakers” combines humor, suspense, and a stellar ensemble cast, delivering an entertaining and intelligent thriller.
It performed moderately well at the box office, grossing $105.2 million worldwide, but has since faded from mainstream recognition. Despite this, “Sneakers” remains a witty and engaging film that captures the spirit of early 90s tech paranoia and espionage.
CHRISTOPHER NOLAN MOVIES FROM $126,052 USD TO $1.085 BILLION
Gattaca (1997) Rent Now
IMDb Rating 7.7/10
Gattaca (1997), directed by Andrew Niccol, is another film that, despite its significance, is often overlooked today. This dystopian science fiction film stars Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, and Jude Law.
Set in a future where genetic engineering determines one’s social and professional status, “Gattaca” follows Vincent Freeman (Hawke), a naturally conceived man who dreams of becoming an astronaut despite his genetic “inferiority.” With the help of a genetically superior individual, Jerome Morrow (Law), Vincent assumes a new identity to achieve his goal. “Gattaca” explores themes of genetic discrimination, human potential, and the ethical implications of biotechnology.
Although it received critical acclaim, the film underperformed at the box office, earning $12.5 million domestically against a $36 million budget. Its thought-provoking narrative and striking visual style have since earned it a place in the pantheon of underrated sci-fi films of the 90s.
The Last Seduction (1994) Rent Now
IMDb Rating 7.0/10
The Last Seduction (1994), directed by John Dahl, is a neo-noir thriller that has largely been forgotten despite its compelling narrative and strong performances. The film stars Linda Fiorentino as Bridget Gregory, a cunning femme fatale who flees New York with a fortune stolen from her drug-dealing husband, played by Bill Pullman. She manipulates a small-town insurance salesman, Mike Swale (Peter Berg), to achieve her ends, leading to a series of twists and betrayals. Fiorentino’s performance was widely praised, and she won several awards, though she was controversially ineligible for an Academy Award nomination due to the film’s initial television release.
The Last Seduction garnered critical acclaim but did not achieve significant box office success, grossing $5.843 million worldwide . Its dark, twisted storyline and memorable lead performance make it a standout film that deserves more recognition.
Joe Versus the Volcano (1990) Watch Now
IMDb Rating 5.9/10
Joe Versus the Volcano (1990), directed by John Patrick Shanley, is another 90s film that has faded from public memory.
This quirky romantic comedy stars Tom Hanks as Joe Banks, a hypochondriac who is told he has a terminal “brain cloud” and decides to accept an offer to jump into a volcano to appease island gods. Along the way, he falls in love with Patricia (Meg Ryan), who accompanies him on his surreal journey.
Despite its whimsical plot and the star power of Hanks and Ryan, “Joe Versus the Volcano” was a commercial failure, grossing $39.4 million Worldwide. The film’s offbeat humor and fantastical elements were not widely appreciated at the time, but it has since gained a cult following for its originality and charm.
Out of Sight (1998) Watch Now
IMDb Rating 7.0/10
Out of Sight (1998), directed by Steven Soderbergh, is a crime comedy that, despite its star-studded cast and critical acclaim, is often overlooked in discussions of 90s cinema. The film stars George Clooney as charming bank robber Jack Foley and Jennifer Lopez as federal marshal Karen Sisco.
Based on Elmore Leonard’s novel, the story follows Foley and Sisco’s cat-and-mouse game, which evolves into a romantic entanglement. “Out of Sight” is noted for its witty dialogue, stylish direction, and the chemistry between Clooney and Lopez.
It received positive reviews and earned $77.7 million worldwide, but it did not achieve the lasting fame of other films from the era. Its clever blend of romance, humor, and crime caper elements makes it a film worth revisiting.
Fearless (1993) Watch Now
IMDb Rating 7.1/10
Fearless (1993), directed by Peter Weir, is a drama that has largely slipped into obscurity despite its powerful performances and thought-provoking themes.
The film stars Jeff Bridges as Max Klein, a man who survives a plane crash and emerges with a new sense of invulnerability and detachment from his previous life. As he helps another survivor, Carla Rodrigo (Rosie Perez), cope with her trauma, Max’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, straining his relationships with his family and friends.
“Fearless” explores themes of mortality, trauma, and the search for meaning in the aftermath of a near-death experience. Despite critical acclaim, particularly for Bridges’ and Perez’s performances, the film was a box office disappointment, earning just over $7 million. Its introspective and existential narrative has prevented it from achieving mainstream success, but it remains a deeply affecting and beautifully crafted film.
In conclusion, the forgotten 90s movies mentioned above offer a rich and diverse tapestry of cinematic experiences that, despite their initial reception, deserve to be revisited and appreciated. These 90s movies capture the spirit of the decade in various ways, from innovative sci-fi and dark thrillers to poignant dramas and quirky comedies.
They feature compelling narratives, strong performances, and unique stylistic approaches of 90s movies continue to resonate with those who seek them out. While they may not have achieved the lasting fame of other 90s hits, these forgotten 90s movies provide valuable insights into the era’s cultural and artistic landscape, making them well worth rediscovery.
