The world of movies looks a lot different today than it did 30 years ago. Both in front of and behind the camera, Hollywood is more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming than it’s ever been. Nevertheless, some people simply can’t let go of the nostalgia that the movies of the 1990s bring, especially those that are turning 30 in 2023.
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Despite celebrating their thirtieth anniversary in 2023, many of the best 1993 movies are just as relevant today as they were back then. Like any great movie, they’ve become indelible to most movie-going audiences, and have either defined the careers of their stars or remained hidden gems for hardcore movie fans to discover.
10The Sandlot
Coming-of-age movies were incredibly popular in the early 90s, with movies likeReality BitesandThe Little Rascalsbeing some of the most memorable.The Sandlot, released in April 1993, is one of those movies that holds a special place in the hearts of many ’90s kids. The movie centers arounda small-town little league baseball teamin the 1960s.
Its supporting cast features a who’s who of ’90s celebrities, including Karen Allen and James Earl Jones. Some of the movie’s child actors have remained iconic faces of 1990s sports movies too, including Tom Guiry and Patrick Renna. For those who loveThe Sandlot, 2023 will likely be a special year.
9What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the most famous and acclaimed actors on planet Earth. Although he finally won the coveted Best Actor award for his performance in 2015’sThe Revenant, his first nomination came after his role in the 1993 dramaWhat’s Eating Gilbert Grape?in which he played the mentally disabled brother of the titular character.
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DiCaprio stars as Arnie alongside Johnny Depp as Gilbert Grape, with supporting actors including a young John C. Reilly and Mary Steenburgen. DiCaprio would follow this movie with heartthrob performances inRomeo + JulietandTitanicbefore the ’90s were up, makingWhat’s Eating Gilbert Grapesomewhat of a powder keg for his career.
8Groundhog Day
One actor who didn’t need a powder keg in 1993 was Bill Murray. The actor came to prominence in the 1970s asa cast member onSaturday Night Live, before making the successful transition to movie star withGhostbustersandScrooged. On the surface,Groundhog Daywas just another notch in Murray’s comedy belt.
Nevertheless, the movie has taken on a life of its own, inspiring countless other movies after it. Murray plays an arrogant weatherman who gets stuck in a time loop on the titular holiday, which won’t end until his heart grows three sizes. It’s an expert outing by actor Murray and writer-director Harold Ramis, his fellow Ghostbusters collaborator.
7So I Married An Axe Murderer
The 1990s were fruitful for the career of Canadian legend Mike Myers. The actor had also becomea star throughSaturday Night Live, before blowing away moviegoing audiences with his 1992 movieWayne’s World. Myers' next movie would find him testing his leading man skills in a romantic comedy with Nancy Travis.
So I Married An Axe Murdererstars Myers as a man who begins dating a woman he suspects to be an axe murderer. Myers also, through prosthetic makeup, portrays his character’s father, predating hisAustin Powerstactic of playing multiple characters. It’s a sweet comedy movie with some iconic moments from Myers.
6Dazed And Confused
Commercially, Richard Linklater has had far more successful movies at the box office thanDazed and Confused. However, few of his movies have remained as big cult classics as the ensemble comedy. The movie finds the director gathering an ensemble of soon-to-be movie stars including Ben Affleck, Milla Jovovich, Matthew McConaughey, and more.
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The movie takes place during the last day of high school for a group of rambunctious teens, leading to some of the most memorable coming-of-age antics put on screen. The movie is also responsible for coining McConaughey’s iconic catchphrase: “Alright, alright, alright!” It was a strong, memorable start for Richard Linklater’s rich filmography.
5Robin Hood: Men In Tights
Leave it to Mel Brooks to create a comedy that still captures audiences to this day. The writer-director followed up a successful 70s and 80s with his first movie of the 90s:Robin Hood: Men in Tights, starring Cary Elwes in the titular role alongside a burgeoning Dave Chappelle and Amy Yasbeck.
ThoughRobin Hood: Men in Tightswould be far from Brooks' most acclaimed work, the movie has garnered as much of a cult following as previous movies of his likeSpaceballs. It was also a strong showcase for actor Cary Elwes, who followed up his iconic role asWesley in 1987’sThe Princess Bridewith yet another iconic comedy.
4Mrs. Doubtfire
Few people need to be reminded how much of a comedic force Robin Williams was,especially in the 1990s. The sitcom actor and stand-up comedian had already proven himself a box office draw with movies likeHook,Aladdin, andDead Poets Society. However, his role in the comedyMrs. Doubtfirewould find the comedian at his most utilized.
The movie follows Williams as Daniel, an actor who begins dressing up as a nanny to spend more time with his children following a divorce. Simply put, putting Robin Williams in drag and giving him comedic situations to shine in is a recipe for success. It’s no wonder audiences were keen to keep showing up for the comedian’s every movie.
3Much Ado About Nothing
The 1990s saw actor and director Kenneth Branagh find lots of mileage in adapting the work of William Shakespeare for the screen. Throughout the decade,he made notable adaptations of playslikeHamletandOthellofeaturing star-studded casts. However, his 1993 adaptation ofMuch Ado About Nothingwould redefine the Shakespearean comedy.
Branagh’s supporting cast included the likes of Emma Thompson, Keanu Reeves, Denzel Washington, and Michael Keaton starring as the play’s ensemble. Like his later adaptations, Branagh’s respect for Shakespeare’s text shines through, while also making it palatable for modern-day audiences.
2The Fugitive
Few actors had as little to prove in the early 1990s as Harrison Ford. The actor had already played two iconic roles in his career: Han Solo in the originalStar Warstrilogy, and the titular adventurer in Steven Spielberg’sIndiana Jonesfranchise. The actor would continue his golden streak with the 1993 thrillerThe Fugitive.
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The movie finds Ford starring as Dr. Richard Kimble, a man framed for the murder of his wife. It features some iconic scenes for Ford as an actor, becoming one of the highest-grossing movies of 1993 in the process.The Fugitivealso netted a Best Supporting Actor win for Tommy Lee Jones, who plays the U.S. Marshal chasing Ford’s character.
1Jurassic Park
Speaking of Steven Spielberg,the acclaimed director released one of his best and most iconic movies in 1993:Jurassic Park. In typical Spielberg fashion, the movie combines his knack for compelling characters with otherworldly visuals. Never has he excelled at filmmaking more than this spectacle of a movie centered around genetically-recreated dinosaurs gone wrong.
Aside from featuring career-making performances from Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, and Sam Neill, the movie also spawned one of the most successful movie franchises of all time. The John Williams composition alone is enough to stir nostalgia in moviegoers. While there are plenty of great movies turning 30 in 2023,Jurassic Parkis on another level of iconic.
