The 1990s were one of the best decades for movies — especially for millennials. It’s a decade full of Clueless heroines, fun and adventure, and Spice World. Yes, there are many well-known and beloved movies of this era, but we want to talk about some of the underrated gems of the ‘90s.
For this list, we will strictly focus on movies that debuted in America from 1990 to 1999. These are films in many genres that are great but maybe not universally loved, acknowledged, or praised like some of the more popular movies of this decade.
1. Primal Fear (1996)
Richard Gere, Edward Norton, and Laura Linney star in Primal Fear, a movie about a young altar boy, Aaron, accused of killing an archbishop. The defense attorney, Martin Vail, assigned to prove his innocence, develops a bond. The mental health struggles from the altar boy begin to surface.
Primal Fear is one of those movies that has incredible performances by the entire cast. However, this stands out as one of Norton’s best. The film also has one of the most jaw-dropping movie twists. This alone makes it worth watching.
Stream Primal Fear on Pluto TV.
2. The Swan Princess (1994)
Based on Swan Lake, The Swan Princess follows Princess Odette and Prince Derek as an evil sorcerer disrupts their upcoming union. She abducts Odette and curses her to become a swan by day.
The Swan Princess is an underrated animated movie because the music is divine, the love story is swoon-worthy, and it’s just beautifully drawn. It’ll appeal to anyone who enjoys Disney princesses, just without the Disney.
Buy or rent The Swan Princess on Amazon.
3. The Man in the Moon (1991)
The Man in the Moon is a coming-of-age story about first love, loss, and the pain of growing up. It follows the Trant family. 14-year-old Dani is the main character, and it mainly focuses on her developing feelings for the old boy, Court, who falls for her sister.
This is Reese Witherspoon’s debut movie, and you’re immediately endeared to her. You can tell even at such a young age that she’s destined for greatness. The Man in the Moon confirms this. It’s also simply a very heartfelt coming-of-age movie with plenty of heartbreaking and heartwarming performances.
Stream The Man in the Moon on Prime Video.
4. Life With Mikey (1993)
Former child star Michael Chapman, who now runs a talent agency for children, meets a young pickpocket. He immediately sees star potential. Working together and living together forces him to grow up and gives them both a family.
Life with Mikey stars Michael J. Fox and Christina Vidal. It’s a sweet comedy that works because of Fox and Vidal’s on-screen chemistry and charisma. You grow attached to these characters and laugh and say awe as you watch them bond.
Stream Life with Mikey on Disney+.
5. Untamed Heart (1993)
Untamed Heart is a romantic drama starring Christian Slater and Marisa Tomei. One night, a waitress gets saved by the busboy and dishwasher who works at her restaurant. He is quiet and seems reserved. However, the encounter opens the door for them to connect and fall in love.
It’s a sweet romantic movie that’s also a bit heartbreaking. Slater and Tomei’s chemistry sells this as a must-watch movie. There are a lot of great romantic dramas, but this one in particular deserves a bit more love.
6. The Good Son
Macaulay Culkin and Elijah Wood star in The Good Son. It’s a movie about a family whose life is rocked when a sudden death brings a new family member into the home. This family member is deadly.
For some reason, critics hated The Good Son, but it may be a movie a little ahead of its time. It’s a fun thriller that showcases Wood and Culkin’s talent far before they became recognizable names.
Rent or buy The Good Son on Amazon.
