Underrated 90's Movies Voted by Reddit Users

The 1990s was a great decade for movies, producing many blockbuster hits and acclaimed films that have stood the test of time. However, there are also several underrated gems from the 90s that often get overlooked when discussing the best movies of the decade.

On the popular online discussion forum Reddit, users recently had a lively debate about the most underrated 90s movies that deserve more attention and praise. From thought-provoking dramas to smart sci-fi thrillers, Redditors highlighted many hidden gems from the decade that still hold up today. We have trawled through the forums and highlighted some of the great choices so you don't have to...

Smart and Emotional Dramas

The 1990s produced several powerful dramas featuring standout performances that examined complex themes and moving stories. According to Reddit users, these dramatic films deserve more recognition:

Of Mice and Men (1992)

Directed by Gary Sinise, this adaptation of the classic John Steinbeck novel follows two migrant workers, George (Gary Sinise) and Lennie (John Malkovich), as they travel to California during the Great Depression. Despite strong performances and critical praise, the film did not find a large audience upon its initial release. However, Reddit users praise the emotional story and incredible acting that brings Steinbeck's classic characters to life. As one user states:

"This film is a masterclass in acting. Gary Sinise and John Malkovich are so perfectly cast and simply inhabit their roles. It's a powerful adaptation that deserves way more attention."

The Cider House Rules (1999)

Directed by Lasse Hallström and featuring an Oscar-winning performance by Michael Caine, this drama examines complex moral issues surrounding abortion, orphans, and family. Adapted from the John Irving novel, the film explores heavy themes with nuance and heart. As one Redditor argues:

"A truly thoughtful drama that avoids being heavy-handed. The performances are fantastic, but Michael Caine especially shines. It's a mature and sensitive look at moral themes that deserves more viewers."

This Boy's Life (1993)

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, this coming-of-age drama focuses on a teenager named Tobias and his abusive stepfather, set in 1950s America. Directed by Michael Caton-Jones, the film features incredible acting and a poignant exploration of domestic abuse. As one Reddit user states:

"Leo and De Niro are especially amazing in this. It's a really insightful look at dysfunctional families and parental abuse. More people should definitely check out this powerful gem."

Thrilling and Suspenseful Films

The 1990s also produced several criminally underrated thrillers, from action-packed hostage dramas to supernatural horror. According to Redditors, these thrilling films deserve far more attention:

The Negotiator (1998)

This tense hostage thriller, directed by F. Gary Gray stars Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey as skilled police negotiators caught in a deadly standoff. Despite solid reviews and box office success, Reddit users say this clever and twisting thriller deserves more praise:

"Such a fantastic cat-and-mouse thriller. Jackson and Spacey play off each other brilliantly. It keeps you guessing right up to the very end in the best way."

In the Line of Fire (1993)

Clint Eastwood stars as a grizzled Secret Service agent haunted by his failure to protect JFK who must stop another assassin (John Malkovich) targeting the president. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, this taut action thriller was acclaimed by critics but Reddit users argue it deserves more recognition.

"A phenomenal thriller that keeps the tension high throughout. Eastwood is at his best, matched only by Malkovich's chilling villain. Deserves way more props as one of the best 90s action films."

The Exorcist III (1990)

This creepy supernatural sequel to the horror classic brings back the demonic spirit of the original. Directed by William Peter Blatty and starring George C. Scott, the film was mostly ignored upon release but has since developed a cult following. As one Redditor argues:

"A genuinely scary and intelligent horror film that operates almost like a detective story. Scott's performance is killer. Far better than it got credit for when it came out."

Genre Benders

The 1990s produced several comedies and genre-blending films that brought bold creative choices and offbeat styles. According to Reddit users, these unique films were unfairly overlooked:

Ravenous (1999)

This daring eccentric horror (dark satirical comedy at times) stars Guy Pearce and Robert Carlyle as members of a forgotten 1847 regiment in the Sierra Nevadas who turn to cannibalism for survival. Directed by Antonia Bird, the film mixes gruesome horror with dark comedy and satire. As one Redditor states:

"Such an eccentric gem. It takes huge risks in blending horror and humour, and it has these incredible performances. It deserves way more attention for how creatively bold it is."

Stir of Echoes (1999)

Starring Kevin Bacon, this supernatural thriller focuses on a man who gains the ability to see visions after being hypnotised. Directed by David Koepp, the film was praised by critics but failed to find an audience. As one Reddit user argues:

"A really smart and creepy thriller with great imagery and performances. Koepp does an amazing job of slowly escalating the tension and suspense. Bacon is mesmerising in the lead role."

Blue Streak (1999)

This action comedy stars Martin Lawrence as a thief pretending to be a cop in order to retrieve a stolen diamond. Despite being a box office hit, Reddit users say this blend of humour and action deserves more appreciation.

"Such an entertaining mix of action and laughs, with Martin Lawrence at his best. It's become an underrated classic comedy, and more people should give it a chance."

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Thought-Provoking Sci-Fi Films

With the advent of groundbreaking CGI and digital effects, the 1990s produced several forward-thinking and philosophical sci-fi films that explored identity, technology, and reality. According to Reddit users, these mind-bending films are unfairly overlooked:

The Thirteenth Floor (1999)

This sci-fi thriller follows a programmer who discovers shocking secrets about reality while working on a virtual world simulator. Directed by Josef Rusnak and starring Craig Bierko, Gretchen Mol, and Vincent D'Onofrio, the film garnered strong reviews but underperformed at the box office. As one Redditor argues:

"An extremely thoughtful and criminally underseen sci-fi film. It explores themes of identity and reality in such clever ways. Far smarter than most big-budget sci-fi films today."

Strange Days (1995)

Kathryn Bigelow directed this sci-fi crime thriller starring Ralph Fiennes as a black market dealer with recorded memories in dystopian 1999 LA. Despite strong reviews, Reddit users say this unique film has been largely forgotten.

"Such an original concept executed brilliantly. The world-building is incredible, and the story offers a prescient exploration of technology and privacy. Deserves to be remembered as a 90s sci-fi great."

Dark City (1998)

Directed by Alex Proyas, this stylish sci-fi noir follows an amnesiac who realizes the city and its inhabitants are not what they seem. Despite praise from critics, the film was a commercial failure on release. As one Reddit user states:

"An aesthetic masterpiece with stunning production design and atmosphere. It's a one-of-a-kind sci-fi vision that was just too ahead of its time. More people should experience its genius."

In conclusion, the 1990s offered a treasure trove of unique, thought-provoking, and criminally underrated films across genres, from dramas to sci-fi. While they may have been overlooked upon release, Reddit users shine a light on why these films still hold up and deserve more appreciation. From powerful performances to bold directorial visions, the sheer artistry and creativity of many underseen 90s films continue to impress decades later. Their ability to tackle complex themes with intelligence and nuance is why these unsung cinematic gems deserve to be unearthed and given their due.

FULL LIST OF UNDERAPPRECIATED 90s' FILMS

Underappreciated 90s’ Films, a list by TheRewindZone

Some may know them, some may not, this doesn’t take away that fact they are slightly less mainstream than most and definitely deserve more recognition.

Trakt

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