The ’90s was an incredible decade for filmmaking . It was the decade that perfected the psychological thriller, took comedy to new heights, and served up some of the greatest romcoms ever conceived.
But among the many heavyweights, there are countless underrated films that are deserving of your audience. Have a look below and check out this comprehensive collection of the most underrated movies from the ’90s .
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‘An American Tail: Fievel Goes West’
An American Tail: Fievel Goes West is a rare example of a sequel surpassing its predecessor. The film is a riveting thrill ride wrapped in a classic western and boasts incredible voice talents from Jimmy Stewart as well as John Cleese.
‘Grumpy Old Men’
I genuinely feel sorry for those who didn’t get to experience the comedic chemistry of Walter Matthau and Jack Lemon, firsthand. These two were the original odd couple (literally), and this timeless tale of bitterness and friendship never ceases to impress.
‘My Cousin Vinny’
Anyone who thinks that Joe Pesci can only play a gangster is sorely mistaken. His work in My Cousin Vinny isn’t just good, it’s impeccable, and it’s sure to have you in stitches from start to finish.
‘Boyz N The Hood’
Boyz N the Hood was the film that turned Cuba Gooding Jr. into a movie star. The film’s gripping and honest portrayal of life in South Central, Los Angeles makes for one of the greatest coming-of-age stories of this or any decade.
‘Mallrats’
Kevin Smith is one of the defining directors of the ’90s, thanks largely to films like Dogma and Chasing Amy . But if you really want to see him at his best, then you need to look no further than Mallrats.
‘Stir Of Echoes’
Don’t get me wrong, The Sixth Sense is an incredible movie, but it’s high time that Stir of Echoes receives its flowers. The suspense in this movie is bone-chilling and the plot will keep you guessing until the last moment.
‘End Of Days’
Arnold Schwarzenegger is a lot of things, but you’d hardly associate his name with the horror genre — unless you’re a fan of End of Days . This action-packed apocalyptic event is one of the better offerings to come out of the global Y2K scare.
‘Anaconda’
Everyone loves to bash Anaconda and I can’t for the life of me understand why. It plays on your primal fear perfectly and is probably the best creature feature since Jaws . The CGI might not be perfect, but the suspense is enough to take your breath away.
‘Black Sheep’
Farley and Spade were an iconic comedy duo in the ’90s, yet somehow people seem to think they only ever made one movie ( Tommy Boy ). While it’s true that Black Sheep may not have the brand name recognition, it is every bit as hilarious.
‘Batman Returns’
This might sound sacrilegious but I’m going to say it anyway — Batman Returns is better than Batman . The characters are more fleshed out, it has a better story, and it also doubles as a Christmas movie!
‘Heavyweights’
If you want to see Ben Stiller while he’s still cutting his comedic teeth, then Heavyweights is right up your alley. This seemingly forgotten ’90s classic revolves around a group of teens at a weight-loss camp, who are forced to contend with the camp’s crazy new owner.
‘Idle Hands’
Have you ever heard the saying that idle hands are the devil’s playground? The phrase is truer than you could ever imagine! Idle Hands. has everything you could ask for in a stoner Halloween movie. It’s gross, violent, malevolent, and bursting with laughs.
‘Face/Off’
What could be better than Nic Cage acting like Nic Cage? How about John Travolta doing his best impression?! Throw in a few ridiculous gunfights and some truly bizarre facial surgeries, and you’ve got yourself the makings of a ’90s cult classic.
‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’
Over the years there have been countless iterations of the TMNT, but only one ever managed to get it right. The first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie is dark, gritty, and way ahead of its time.
‘The Rock’
The Rock is one of those movies you can watch again and again and somehow never manage to get bored. With a stellar cast that consists of Nic Cage, Ed Harris, and Sean Connery, I suppose it isn’t hard to understand why.
‘Reservoir Dogs’
Despite what you’ve been made to believe, Pulp Fiction isn’t Quentin Tarantino’s best film (In fact, it’s not even in the top three). The top honor belongs to Reservoir Dogs and I am prepared to fight anyone who would argue otherwise.
‘He Got Game’
A lot of sports movies came out of the ’90s, but none of them possess the same heart, grit, or realness as He Got Game . Of all Denzel Washington’s accomplishments, this movie is talked about the least — let’s change that.
‘Small Soldiers’
Not only is the film Small Soldiers impeccable but the toyline that was released after the movie was insane! What I wouldn’t give to go back in time and play with Archer and Chip Hazard just one more time.
‘Above The Rim’
People always talk about 2Pac as a rapper and neglect the fact that he also had a budding and promising acting career. You can’t call yourself a hooper or a ’90s kid for that matter if you haven’t seen Above the Rim
‘Before Sunrise’
Few filmmakers understand the power of dialogue better than Richard Linklater. Before Sunrise truly is a film like no other, as it unfolds as one long conversation between two weary travelers who vow to spend their last night in Vienna together, before going their separate ways.
‘Lock, Stock, And Two Smoking Barrels’
If you fancy yourself a fan of Guy Ritchie, you’re probably more than familiar with Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels . But on the off chance you still haven’t seen his magnum opus, it’s probably high time you set aside an afternoon to become acquainted.
Last Updated on October 17, 2022 by Jordan Claes
