1. My Best Friend’s Wedding 1997，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 156904, ID: 0119738 Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 A romantic comedy that beautifully tugs at the heartstrings, ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ is a must-see classic. Julia Roberts delivers a stunning performance as Julianne, a woman who realizes she loves her best friend Michael (Dermot Mulroney) just as he’s about to tie the knot, creating a delightful tension that keeps viewers engaged. The film’s charm is amplified by its unpredictability and clever subversion of typical rom-com clichés, making its impressive $299 million box office total even more surprising.
2. Con Air 1997，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 321763, ID: 0118880 Photo by cine-asie.fr, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Con Air’ is an action-packed thrill ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Nicolas Cage delivers a memorable performance as Cameron Poe, a man who finds himself in the midst of a prison transport flight hijacked by dangerous convicts. Despite its over-the-top action and somewhat clichéd plot, the film has a certain charm that resonated with audiences, raking in a whopping $224 million at the box office.
3. Good Will Hunting 1997，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 1083891, ID: 0119217 Photo by mojnews.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Good Will Hunting’ is a touching drama that explores the life of Will Hunting (Matt Damon), a janitor at MIT who is also a self-taught mathematical genius. The film beautifully captures Will’s struggles and his journey of self-discovery. With stellar performances by Damon and Robin Williams, it’s no surprise that this film was a box office hit, earning over $225 million.
4. There’s Something About Mary 1998，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 331341, ID: 0129387 Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘There’s Something About Mary’ is a bold and hilarious rom-com that humorously pushes the boundaries of taste and decorum. Cameron Diaz shines as Mary, unwittingly inspiring a bizarre collection of suitors who fall head over heels for her, creating laugh-out-loud moments throughout the film. Despite its crude humor that some may find controversial, the film has a unique heart that resonated with audiences, leading to a staggering box office haul of $369 million.
5. The Waterboy 1998，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 180219, ID: 0120484 Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘The Waterboy’ is a classic Adam Sandler comedy that features his trademark humor and over-the-top characters. Sandler plays Bobby Boucher, a waterboy for a college football team who becomes an unlikely sports hero. While the film’s humor may not be for everyone, it clearly struck a chord with audiences, earning a surprising $185 million at the box office.
6. Doctor Dolittle 1998，IMDB Rating: 5.4, IMDB Votes: 102781, ID: 0118998 Photo by wikifur.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Doctor Dolittle, a 1998 film starring Eddie Murphy, is a delightful comedy about a doctor who can communicate with animals. Despite its PG-13 rating and a plethora of jokes about bodily functions, it was the second most successful release of the year, earning $217.6 million domestically. The film’s humor and Murphy’s performance make it a fun watch, especially for those who enjoy light-hearted comedy.
7. Rush Hour 1998，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 298512, ID: 0120812 Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Rush Hour, the action-comedy gem from 1998, brilliantly pairs Jackie Chan, a legendary detective from Hong Kong, with the quick-witted Chris Tucker as a Los Angeles cop. Their chemistry, combined with inventive stunts and sharp humor, made the film an entertaining delight, raking in an impressive $124 million domestically. While some jokes may feel recycled, the lively banter and action sequences create a memorable viewing experience that keeps audiences coming back for more.
8. Patch Adams 1998，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 123216, ID: 0129290 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Patch Adams, a 1998 film starring Robin Williams, tells the story of a medical student who believes in treating patients with humor. Despite its tear-jerking plot and criticism for its mawkishness, the film was one of the most successful movies of the year, bringing in $61.2 million domestically. The film’s message that laughter is the best medicine resonates with many viewers.
9. Stepmom 1998，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 75076, ID: 0120686 Photo by Dnevnik, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Stepmom, a 1998 drama film starring Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon, explores the dynamics of a blended family. Despite being criticized for its predictability, the film was a box office success, earning $124 million domestically. The film’s heartfelt performances and exploration of familial bonds make it a compelling watch.
10. Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me 1999，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 250761, ID: 0145660 Photo by bfoliver.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, released in 1999, is a comical explosion of laughter with Mike Myers starring in multiple unforgettable roles. The film’s outrageous humor and delightfully absurd sight gags made it one of the year’s top comedies, attracting a wide audience. Even though some jokes may be crude, the film’s charm shines through its clever parody of spy films and pokes fun at the quirky 1960s culture that many love.
11. Ghost 1990，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 238501, ID: 0099653 Photo by Flickr, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Ghost, a romantic fantasy thriller from 1990, emerged as an unexpected box office sensation, grossing over $505.70 million. Starring the iconic Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, it tells a touching tale of love that transcends the boundary of death, making it a moving experience for viewers. Surprisingly, despite its supernatural theme, the film captivated audiences worldwide, showcasing its universal themes that led to its financial success.
12. Problem Child 1990，IMDB Rating: 5.5, IMDB Votes: 33299, ID: 0100419 Photo by cinematicrandomness.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Problem Child, a 1990 comedy film, was unexpectedly successful at the box office, grossing **$72.27 million**. Despite being critically panned for its mean-spirited humor and lack of comic invention, the film found a substantial audience, proving that sometimes, a movie’s financial success can be hard to predict.
13. Misery 1990，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 238520, ID: 0100157 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Misery, a 1990 psychological thriller, was a box office success, grossing **$61.28 million**. The film, based on Stephen King’s novel, features standout performances from James Caan and Kathy Bates. Its success at the box office might be surprising given its dark and intense plot.
14. City Slickers 1991，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 63720, ID: 0101587 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 City Slickers, a comedy film from 1991, turned out to be an unexpected success with $179.03 million at the box office. The film follows the comedic adventures of three friends on a cattle drive, blending humor with heartfelt moments that resonate with viewers. Its financial success reflects the universal appeal of well-crafted comedy, proving that laughter and friendship can create lasting memories.
15. Wayne’s World 1992，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 172602, ID: 0105793 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Wayne’s World, the iconic 1992 comedy based on a beloved Saturday Night Live skit, surprisingly grossed $183.10 million at the box office. With its unique blend of humor and unforgettable characters, the film struck a chord with audiences and quickly became a cult classic. Its unexpected financial success demonstrates the power of creativity and comedic innovation in capturing the hearts of viewers.
Blast from the Past: Reliving the 15 Iconic ’90s Movies That Defined a Generation
