Tarantino's landmark crime drama is still a joy to behold. Hugely inventive and influential, this mesmerizing tale broke all the rules of conventional cinema, kick-started the indie film movement, marked the true arrival of a brash young talent, and took Hollywood by storm. QT became a rock star after the release of this film and inspired countless cheap imitators who tried(and failed) to replicate his signature style. In Tarantino land, anything can and will happen. Fading superstars John Travolta and Bruce Willis were completely reinvigorated in career-saving comeback roles while previous bit players Samuel L Jackson and Uma Thurman became household names. It lost at the Oscars. It doesn't matter. This film may come to define the '90s more than any other.
7. "Braveheart"(1995)
It'd be a real shame if the personal trials and tribulations of Mel Gibson tarnished his sizeable legacy and contributions to the medium of film. His passion and talent is undeniable especially in his 1995 crowning achievement that single-handedly brought back the historical epic, a dead genre for the previous 30 years. You can bitch about historical accuracy if you want, but it hardly matters when the results are this stunning and powerful. This film is the reason everyone in the world knows the name William Wallace. It perfectly captures medieval warfare and The Battle of Sterling is one of the most rousing sequences ever committed to celluloid. James Horner's beautiful score may be the best I've ever heard. The finale is gut-wrenching. Watch it again and give Mad Mel a break.
8. "Toy Story"(1995)
This animated classic will continue to delight kids and adults alike for decades to come. The first ever computer animated film was a game changer that instantly rendered all hand drawn animation obsolete, but groundbreaking technology means little without an engaging story and great characters. The voice work of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen is excellent and I found myself caring more about Woody and Buzz Lightyear than 90% of the characters I've seen in live action. Director John Lasseter and the folks at Pixar truly started a revolution that included two equally successful sequels and this is easily one of the most significant films of the last 20 years.
9. "Titanic"(1997)
James Cameron's spectacular was the highest grossing film of all time(until the King of the World topped himself with "Avatar") and stands as one of the finest examples of big budget epic filmmaking. Five years of painstaking research led to 100% historical accuracy except, of course, for the fictional love story between Jack and Rose. But the emotional core was absolutely essential as Cameron had to make sure you loved these characters before that iceberg hit ensuring that you'd be devastated at the conclusion. To say Leonardo Dicaprio was catapulted to superstardom would be an understatement. Kate Winslet has been one of our most acclaimed actresses ever since. The last hour contains some of the most tense, thrilling action in movie history. Cameron made history like few filmmakers ever have.
10. "Saving Private Ryan"(1998)
Five years after "Schindler's List", Spielberg got serious again and the result was one of the greatest war movies ever made. It's common knowledge by now that the first 30 minutes alone is the most realistic and harrowing depiction of combat ever captured on film. The virtuoso camerawork and sound effects makes the viewer feel like they're in the midst of the chaos of battle and the legendary director deserved all the praise he received for this(which included the Academy Award for Best Director). Tom Hanks leads a solid cast in a searing and unforgettable tribute to true heroism. The biggest Oscar blunder of all time is "Ryan" losing Best Picture to "Shakespeare in Love". A must see.
Honorable Mentions
"Dances with Wolves"(1990)
"Misery"(1990)
"Thelma and Louise"(1991)
"Terminator 2-Judgment Day"(1991)
"JFK"(1991), "Batman Returns"(1992)
"Unforgiven"(1992)
"Reservoir Dogs"(1992)
"Groundhog Day"(1993)
"Jurassic Park"(1993)
"The Fugitive"(1993)
"Speed"(1994)
"The Shawshank Redemption"(1994)
"Apollo 13"(1995)
"Seven"(1995)
"Heat"(1995)
"Good Will Hunting"(1997)
"The Sixth Sense"(1999)
"American Beauty"(1999)
"Toy Story 2"(1999).
"Dances with Wolves"(1990)
"Misery"(1990)
"Thelma and Louise"(1991)
"Terminator 2-Judgment Day"(1991)
"JFK"(1991), "Batman Returns"(1992)
"Unforgiven"(1992)
"Reservoir Dogs"(1992)
"Groundhog Day"(1993)
"Jurassic Park"(1993)
"The Fugitive"(1993)
"Speed"(1994)
"The Shawshank Redemption"(1994)
"Apollo 13"(1995)
"Seven"(1995)
"Heat"(1995)
"Good Will Hunting"(1997)
"The Sixth Sense"(1999)
"American Beauty"(1999)
"Toy Story 2"(1999).
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