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 pulls at the heartstrings, ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ is truly a delightful experience. Julia Roberts dazzles as Julianne, a woman who realizes she’s deeply in love with her best friend Michael (Dermot Mulroney) just as he’s about to tie the knot, showcasing the unpredictable nature of love and friendship. The film’s charm lies in its clever subversion of typical rom-com formulas, making it even more memorable, and it’s impressive to note that it raked in a staggering $299 million at the box office despite its unconventional storyline.
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 hilarious rom-com that pushes the boundaries of taste and decorum. Cameron Diaz shines as Mary, a woman who unknowingly inspires an array of creeps to fall in love with her. Despite its crude humor, the film has a certain heart that audiences loved, leading to an impressive 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 whimsical 1998 film featuring Eddie Murphy, tells the story of a doctor who discovers he can communicate with animals in hilarious ways. With its PG-13 rating and a slew of jokes revolving around bodily functions, it surprisingly became the second most successful film of the year, earning a whopping $217.6 million domestically. The film’s light-hearted humor paired with Murphy’s engaging performance makes it an enjoyable watch, especially for family audiences seeking delightful entertainment.
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, a 1998 action-comedy film, pairs Jackie Chan, a legendary detective from Hong Kong, with Chris Tucker, a wisecracking Los Angeles cop. The film’s humor, inventive stunts, and the chemistry between Chan and Tucker contributed to its success, earning $124 million domestically. Despite some recycled jokes, the film provides an entertaining experience.
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 heartwarming 1998 film starring Robin Williams, revolves around a medical student who champions the idea of treating patients with humor and compassion. While it faced critique for its overly sentimental plot, it emerged as one of the year’s most successful films, grossing $61.2 million domestically. The film’s underlying message—that laughter can indeed be the best medicine—strikes a chord with many viewers, making it a touching experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
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 poignant 1998 drama featuring Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon, delves into the complex dynamics of a blended family. Even though it received some flak for its predictability, the film resonated with audiences, earning an impressive $124 million in domestic box office revenue. Its heartfelt performances and deep exploration of familial bonds make it a compelling watch that brings forth both tears and laughter.
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, a riotous comedy from 1999, showcases Mike Myers in a multitude of hilarious roles. The film’s over-the-top humor and memorable sight gags played a significant role in its success, solidifying its status as one of the leading comedies of the year. Despite some crude jokes, the film’s charm lies in its clever parody of spy films and its humorous nod to 1960s culture, making it a laugh-out-loud experience.
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 1990 romantic fantasy thriller film, was a surprising box office hit, grossing over **$505.70 million**. The film, starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, tells a poignant story of love transcending the barrier of death. Despite its supernatural theme, it resonated with audiences worldwide, making it a financial success that one might not initially expect.
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, unexpectedly charmed audiences and grossed an impressive $72.27 million at the box office. Though it was widely criticized for its mean-spirited humor and lack of originality, the film found a surprising audience, demonstrating that sometimes the financial success of a movie can be both unpredictable and fascinating.
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 1991 comedy film, surprisingly made **$179.03 million** at the box office. The film, which follows the comedic adventures of three friends at a cattle drive, was well-received for its humor and heart. Its financial success serves as a testament to the universal appeal of well-crafted comedy.
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, a 1992 comedy inspired by a beloved Saturday Night Live skit, became a surprise box office sensation, pulling in a remarkable $183.10 million. The film’s unique humor and unforgettable characters struck a chord with audiences, leading to a financial success that surpassed all expectations, becoming a cult classic in its own right.
Nostalgia Unleashed: 15 Must-Watch Movies from the ’90s
