We’ve got suggestions of movies streaming on Netflix from one of the greatest decades ever: the ’90s!
Netflix is so full of amazing movies and television series that it can be difficult to choose what to watch. Well, if you’re in the mood for one of the best ’90s movies, we’ve got the perfect list for you!
The best ’90s movies streaming on Netflix
Last updated May 2019
‘Good Will Hunting’ (1997)
When we think of Robin Williams’ best movies, there’s one that comes to mind faster than any other: Good Will Hunting. No, the film doesn’t feature him being funny; it features him giving the single best acting performance of his career, and it touches our hearts every time. He won an Oscar for the role, as did Matt Damon and Ben Affleck for their perfect screenplay. With Robin gone, this is one of the best ’90s movies on Netflix to start off with.
‘Mulan’ (1998)
Of all the great Disney musicals, Mulan is easily one of our favorites. Featuring great music, great characters, and great storytelling, this is one of the best movies Disney has made. The studio will be making a live-action film adaptation of this story, much like they did with Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, but it will sadly not be a musical.
‘Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)
Not only is it one of the best films of the ’90s, The Silence of the Lambs is one of the best films of all-time. Though we’re also big fans of the NBC series Hannibal, this movie is the best adaptation of any Hannibal Lecter tale. The movie is absolutely deserving of all five Oscars it won: Best Picture, Best Actor (Anthony Hopkins), Best Actress (Jodie Foster), Best Director (Jonathan Demme), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Ted Tally).
‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994)
Quentin Tarantino consistently makes great movies, and depending on who you ask, Pulp Fiction might be his best (though this writer prefers Inglourious Basterds and both Kill Bill movies). Regardless of where it ranks in Tarantino’s personal fantastic filmography, Pulp Fiction is nothing short of an absolute masterpiece.
‘The Fifth Element’ (1997)
Luc Besson has made several great movies (and some less so) in his career, and The Fifth Element is one of his best. It’s one of the most visually inventive films ever, and the degree to which it is over the top simply works because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s become a cult classic for a reason, and casting Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, and Gary Oldman certainly didn’t hurt.
‘Hercules’ (1997)
Another of the great Disney animated movies is Hercules. It’s one of their most visually exciting musicals for sure, the songs are terrific, and the way they adapted the Hercules story into a Superman-esque tale works wonderfully. We’ll be getting a stage adaptation soon, so be sure to watch the movie a couple times and brush up on the lyrics.
‘Chasing Amy’ (1997)
Fans of Kevin Smith will certainly be excited to learn that Chasing Amy is currently on Netflix. It might not be as well known as Clerks or Dogma, but this film deserves to stand with the filmmaker’s other movies. If nothing else, you should watch it for a young Ben Affleck.
‘Scream’ (1996)
You only need to watch Scream once to understand why it has stood the tests of time. This horror movie subverted so many expectations when it first hit our screens, and it continues to be the gift that keeps on giving. Yes, it’s a slasher, and yes, it’s a bloody good time, but more than that, it is a smart take on the horror genre. It’s spawned several additional movies and a television series (where’s Scream season 3??), and fans are still enjoying the impact this movie has made on the industry.
‘The Waterboy’ (1998)
If you miss the old Adam Sandler, you might want to watch (or rewatch) The Waterboy on Netflix. It’s not necessarily one of his best films, but it’s pretty typical of the actor’s usual fare. It’s a semi-inspirational sports movie and it even stars Kathy Bates! It should hold you over until you can get your hands on The Wedding Singer or Happy Gilmore.
‘The Crow’ (1994)
If you’re looking for a cult classic, search no further than The Crow. The film stars Brandon Lee, son of Bruce Lee, and has one of the most tragic backstories in film. It’s a beloved movie, which is why there’s been some concern surrounding talks to remake it. Jason Momoa was poised to star, and although that was a promising start, he has since exited the film.
‘B*A*P*S (1997)
It’s okay if you’ve never heard of B*A*P*S because now is the time to rectify that. Critics panned this movie when it first came out, but it’s since found a second life as a cult classic, especially amongst Black audience members. It seems like this film, written by a Black woman, directed by a Black man, and starring Halle Berry and Natalie Desselle Reid, wasn’t intended for the white men who reviewed it. Thank goodness for long memories and the internet.
‘The Matrix’ (1999)
You cannot go wrong with The Matrix, which is one of the best ’90s movies currently on Netflix. It’s full of action, dynamic characters, and an intriguing story — plus it gives us a young Keanu Reeves, who continues to thrive as the internet’s darling. We’re not saying we want a Matrix reboot, but if one happens to fall into our laps, there’s plenty of room to keep telling this story.
‘As Good As It Gets’ (1997)
Jack Nicholson. Helen Hunt. An adorable dog. What more could you want? This movie tells the story of three unlikely friends. It’s a rom com for any age, and it certainly landed well with audiences when it came out. Both Nicholson and Hunt won an Oscar for Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively.
‘Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery’ (1997)
Austin Powers is no James Bond — and that’s kind of the point. This film isn’t going to be for everyone, but for those of you who love a good comedy, Mike Myers’ titular character has become a classic. He’s dangerous and charming and he’s probably saved the world more times than any of us know. If you need a good laugh along with your action, queue this one up on Netflix tonight.
‘Dumb and Dumber’ (1994)
This is a Jim Carrey classic right up there with Ace Ventura, The Mask, and Liar, Liar. Dumb and Dumber might be one of this actor’s most ridiculous movies (and that’s saying something), but it’s always good for a big laugh. Plus, if you like this one, you can always go searching for the 2014 sequel Dumb and Dumber To.
‘The Mummy’ (1999)
If you weren’t a fan of the Mummy remake starring Tom Cruise, then all you have to do is go to Netflix to watch the other remake starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz. Despite a long and varied career, this might just be Fraser’s best role yet. As a bonus, you can even watch the better-than-average sequel The Mummy Returns and the ill-fated, Rachel Weisz-less Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (which also stars Michelle Yeoh!).
‘Sixth Sense’ (1999)
This is one of the movies where M. Night Shyamalan really made a name for himself. Starring Bruce Willis, this film gave us the infamous line, “I see dead people.” It’s full of creepy suspense and plenty of twists, something that all Shyamalan movies have but which aren’t all executed as perfectly as this one.
‘Flatliners’ (1990)
Some of you may only know of this movie because of its 2017 remake. Whether or not you’ve seen the new film, this one is worth your time for the cast alone — Kiefer Sutherland, Julia Roberts, William Baldwin, Oliver Platt, and Kevin Bacon. It’s a creepy psychological horror directed by Joel Schumacher and produced by Michael Douglas.
‘Meet Joe Black’ (1998)
This is definitely one of Brad Pitt’s better-known roles, and that’s certainly saying something. In exchange for a few extra days, a business mogul agrees to host the Grim Reaper within his body so Death can have a little vacation. Plus, you can never go wrong with a little Anthony Hopkins either.
‘Casper’ (1995)
If you’re looking to get transported back to your childhood, this is the ticket! It’s where many of us fell in love with both Christina Ricci and Devon Sawa (or maybe even Bill Pullman). This is a ’90s staple, through and through, and now you can watch it over and over again whenever you want!
‘Indian in the Cupboard’ (1995)
Who wasn’t forced to read this book when they were in school? The idea is a captivating one — receiving a magic wooden cupboard that turns any of your toys real. In case you were wondering (and it is a very real question these days), the titular character is indeed portrayed by a Native American man, though he is Cherokee, not Iroquois.
‘Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves’ (1997)
Ah, Rick Moranis, how we’ve missed you! Though he’s done some voiceover work in the 2000s, it was nothing like his rise to fame in the ’80s and ’90s. Though this is the sequel to the 1989 Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, it’s just as inventive as the first, and definitely worth your time!
‘Balto’ (1995)
A live-action remake of Balto seems inevitable in this day and age, and we’re not exactly upset by the prospect. Until then, however, you can watch the original animated film full of action, adventure, and heart.
‘Tarzan’ (1999)
We don’t know how much longer Disney will keep their animated features on Netflix thanks to the upcoming Disney+ service, so take advantage while you can! The story of Tarzan is a timeless classic, but what truly makes this version standout in the phenomenal music.
‘It Takes Two’ (1995)
This is, hands down, one of the best Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen movies the twins ever made. Sure, it’s a bit Parent Trap-esque, but it has the benefit of having two tiny powerhouse actors. It’s funny, it’s heartwarming, it’s romantic, and it’s everything you need in a movie.