The nineties featured an array of new and reimagined film genres and gave rise to many of our favorite memes and movie lines. We said we’d give you the 10 best movies. Well, the Dude abides.
Most Meme-Able: Friday (1995)
In response to violent flicks showing only the bad, Friday is Ice Cube’s take on a film about life in the hood, highlighting some of the positives. The movie has many memorable characters, including a drug dealer getting high on his own supply, his scary supplier, and of course, Felisha (often spelled Felicia in memes).
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Calmest Crime Investigation: Fargo (1996)
It put Fargo, North Dakota, on the map, though much of the action takes place in Minnesota. This movie has an incredible cast, well-drawn characters, and a gripping plot.
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Best Case of Mistaken Identity: The Big Lebowski (1998)
Narrated by Sam Elliot sporting an epic mustache, this movie has everything: nihilists, toes, wandering daughters, and so much more. Fun fact: Jeff Bridges supplied much of his wardrobe from his own closet. Dude.
Best Use of a Wall Hanging: The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
This decades-spanning movie, based on a Stephen King short story, might not pass the Bechdel test, but it’s hard not to watch it whenever it’s on TV. A friendship between two inmates is the centerpiece of the film, but Rita Hayworth also plays a big role.
IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
Proof That Paul Rudd Doesn’t Age: Clueless (1995)
Seriously, does Paul Rudd look any older than he did in the mid-nineties? He plays the ex-stepbrother of Cher (Alicia Silverstone) in this loose adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma. Watch it for the utter nineties fashion and the catchphrases. (I don’t think so!)
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Best Prison Cuisine: Goodfellas (1990)
Based on the book Wiseguys, Goodfellas tells the story of a man who goes from mobster to informant. He spends time in prison but eats like a king thanks to the mafia’s influence. You’ll never look at garlic the same way again.
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Best Movie Based on an SNL Skit: Wayne’s World (1992)
While many SNL skits should have stayed that way, Wayne’s World is a rare success. It also repopularized Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” featuring it in a driving-while-headbanging scene. “We’re not worthy!”
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Cringiest Voicemail Message of All Time: Swingers (1996)
If you hate leaving phone messages, you’ll likely be relieved that you’ve never left one like Mike Peters does after getting a number from Nikki, who does not know what she’s in for (he’s been pining for his ex for six months).
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
A Rare Glimpse of Gen X: Reality Bites (1994)
Jaded 20-somethings who are unemployed or underemployed? Gen X gets its shot in the spotlight with this movie about a group of friends navigating post-college life with mixed success. And there’s even a scam involving a gas card.
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Best Use of Large Rodent as Villain: Groundhog Day (1993)
If someone is going to endlessly repeat one day, it may as well be Bill Murray, playing cynical Phil Connors. Punxsutawney Phil predicts a short winter, a blizzard hits the town, and Phil Connors learns to play piano, among many other things.
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
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