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 truly tugs at the heartstrings, ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ is a delightful watch that leaves a lasting impression. Julia Roberts shines as Julianne, a woman who realizes she’s desperately in love with her best friend Michael (played by Dermot Mulroney) just moments before he ties the knot. The film’s charm lies in its unpredictability and clever subversion of typical rom-com clichés, making it a refreshing addition to the genre. It’s also surprising to learn that this beloved film made a staggering $299 million at the box office, solidifying its status as a classic.
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 timeless Adam Sandler comedy that showcases his trademark humor and larger-than-life characters. In the film, Sandler plays Bobby Boucher, an endearing waterboy for a college football team who unexpectedly becomes a sports sensation. While the film’s brand of humor may not appeal to everyone, it clearly found its audience, earning an impressive $185 million at the box office and becoming a staple of ’90s comedy.
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, the 1998 film starring Eddie Murphy, is a charming comedy that revolves around a doctor who discovers he can talk to animals. Though it carries a PG-13 rating and features a plethora of jokes about bodily functions, it surprisingly became the second most successful release of the year, grossing $217.6 million domestically. The film’s playful humor and Murphy’s engaging performance make it a fun watch, particularly for those who appreciate light-hearted comedies.
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 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 is a 1999 comedy that promises relentless laughs and showcases Mike Myers in multiple hilarious roles. The film’s outrageous humor and clever sight gags contributed significantly to its success, cementing it as one of the most popular comedies of the year. Despite some crude jokes, the film’s charm shines through in its playful parody of classic spy films and its colorful homage to 1960s culture.
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 film, surprisingly achieved significant box office success, grossing **$72.27 million** despite being widely criticized for its mean-spirited humor and lack of originality. The film, which features a mischievous child wreaking havoc, found a substantial audience, demonstrating that sometimes a movie’s financial triumph can be quite unpredictable, even when critics are not impressed.
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 gripping 1990 psychological thriller, was a significant box office success, bringing in **$61.28 million**. Based on the chilling novel by Stephen King, the film features stellar performances from James Caan and Kathy Bates, whose portrayal of the obsessive fan is unforgettable. The film’s commercial success might come as a surprise given its dark and intense storyline, but it has since become a classic in its own right.
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 comedic gem from 1992 that originated from a popular Saturday Night Live skit, was an unexpected box office hit, amassing **$183.10 million** in revenue. The film’s unique brand of humor, quirky characters, and memorable catchphrases resonated deeply with audiences, leading to a financial success that exceeded all expectations, and it remains a beloved classic today.
Take a Nostalgic Trip Back to the ’90s with These 15 Iconic Movies
