Why the 90s Had the Best Movies and TV Shows of All Time
Period.
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If you grew up in the 90s, you know that it was a golden age for entertainment.
Or you should.
Whether it was movies, TV shows, or music, the 90s were packed with hits that are still talked about today.
In my opinion, that’s because the 90s had a unique vibe, a mix of cool creativity, new technology, and a somewhat fresh way of storytelling.
It was the era that defined me and a lot of my generation. But it still affects many of the older and newer generations as well.
In short, here is why I think the 90s were the best time for movies and TV shows.
1. Fresh Storytelling
One of the coolest things about 90s movies and TV shows was the unpredictability. Maybe it was the impact of all the new technology, but the 90s had some of the most unique (at that time) and novel ideas.
Filmmakers weren’t afraid to take risks with their stories. Think about The Matrix (1999), sci-fi genre madness with a mind-bending plot, awesome special effects, and the iconic bullet-dodging scene. Or Pulp Fiction (1994), which rewrote the rule book for storytelling with its non-linear narrative and unforgettable dialogue. These films made you think. And worry.
On TV, shows like The X-Files (1993–2002) and Twin Peaks (1990–1991) put weirdness into the mainstream. Many followed that trend. They mixed mystery, horror, and drama in ways no one had seen before. The X-Files made conspiracy theories cool, and Twin Peaks had everyone questioning what was real. They took risks and experimented with new formats, paving the way for some of the most creative television we see today.
Sitcoms like Friends (1994–2004) and Seinfeld (1989–1998) put their own twist on the formula. A typical format? Maybe. But the writing and characters were anything but ordinary.
They took everyday situations and made them hilarious, relatable, and iconic. The 90s weren’t afraid to get weird, bold, and inventive — and that’s why the entertainment from that era still stands out.
After all, the 90s brought us some of the most watched, most successful, and most celebrated movies and TV shows of all time.
I mean just take a look at this list (which is not nearly exhaustive): Titanic, The Shawshank Redemption, Jurassic Park, Terminator 2, Independence Day, Forrest Gump, Good Will Hunting, Pretty Woman, Groundhog Day, The Big Lebowski, The Silence of the Lambs, Fight Club, The Sixth Sense, Schindler’s List, Braveheart, Saving Private Ryan, Apollo 13, The Lion King, Toy Story, Home Alone.
2. The Birth of Some Serious Stars
The 90s produced some of the most legendary actors and actresses, many of whom became cultural icons and are still very much relevant today.
Tom Hanks became a national treasure with movies like Forrest Gump (1994) and Saving Private Ryan (1998). Will Smith went from being the lovable Fresh Prince to one of Hollywood’s biggest stars with movies like Men in Black(1997) and Independence Day (1996).
Then there’s Julia Roberts, who turned into America’s sweetheart with Pretty Woman (1990) and My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997). Her smile was enough to make you fall in love with her, but her performances proved she was much more than just a pretty face. And the rise of Leonardo DiCaprio, who became the heartthrob of the decade with movies like Titanic (1997) and Romeo + Juliet (1996)?
The 90s gave us an A-list roster that still makes an impact on Hollywood today. 30+ years later.
TV stars were also in full force. Friends made Jennifer Aniston a household name, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air turned Will Smith into a superstar long before he was fighting aliens. The 90s were filled with faces we still love, from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer crew to The X-Files duo to Steve Urkel.
3. The Background Music
It’s not just about the movies and shows themselves — the music in the 90s, especially the movie soundtracks, was huge.
Titanic (1997) had Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” which became the anthem of a generation. Movies like The Bodyguard (1992) had Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”. Forrest Gump (1994) featured a killer soundtrack that spanned decades of music.
TV shows weren’t left behind, either. The opening theme to Friends. The X-Files had that eerie theme music that sent chills down your spine. These tunes were more than just background noise — they became a part of our lives, instantly recognizable and forever linked to the shows and movies.
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4. True Special Effects
Not that Marvel crap.
Technology has come so far since the 90s. Yet sometimes it doesn’t feel like special effects have gotten much better.
I’d say peak CGI was not in the 90s but rather in the early 2000s with CGI masterpieces like Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.
Before CGI became a staple in movies, however, the 90s were a time when practical effects were incredible.
Jurassic Park (1993) is the prime example of this, of course. The T-Rex chase scene? A thrill ride that had me on the edge of my seat.
And even Terminator 2: Judgment Day set new standards for visual effects with its liquid metal T-1000 very early on. I mean 1991! Crazy!
But it wasn’t just big-budget blockbusters — TV shows were also pushing boundaries. The X-Files blended practical effects and subtle CGI in ways that made its alien and monster of the week episodes so much more immersive. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003) gave us epic battles between demons and vampires, often with very limited resources, but the creativity and cleverness of the team made it work.
5. Cultural Impact That Still Resides Today
The 90s were a decade where TV and film didn’t just entertain — they shaped a generation and many more to come.
Friends didn’t just redefine sitcoms, it created a whole new world of catchphrases and pop culture moments. Friends is so culturally imprinted that it has become cool to not like Friends just to counter the mainstream.
That’s when you know something had a profound impact.
The Matrix gave us a new way of thinking about reality, The Lion King (1994) made us cry, and Clueless (1995) changed the way we viewed high school life.
Those were the TikTok trends of the 90s. But with a little more substance.
6. Diversity
Racism and color has always been an issue. The 90s were no different.
But the 90s also saw a rise in diversity on both the small and big screens, something that had been long overdue.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Family Matters, and Martin (1992–1997) brought Black culture into mainstream television. Movies like The Joy Luck Club (1993) and Selena (1997) brought much-needed representation for Asian and Latino communities, respectively.
Was that enough? Hardly. But I do believe it was a step up from the 80s. And maybe even better than the decades after.
7. A Simpler Time
Before Netflix, Prime, and Hulu, watching TV and movies was an event. You had to plan for it. You watched your favorite shows when they aired, and you rented movies from Blockbuster.
“Netflix and chill” involved some serious planning beforehand.
There was something special about that — something that made those experiences feel bigger. Sure, it was a little less convenient, but it also made you appreciate the content more.
You had to wait for your favorite episode of Friends, and that anticipation made the payoff even sweeter.
Nowadays, you spend more time flipping through the streaming catalog to find something to watch than really watching something. I know I do.
The Bottom Line
The 90s are just a decade.
But for many of us, they’re so much more.
From the fresh stories and the legendary stars to the unforgettable soundtracks and special effects, a lot about 90s movies and TV shows felt exciting and new.
I still look back on those years with fondness.
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