50 movies that perfectly capture your favorite decade

Though the Golden Age of Hollywood refers to the period of cinema marked by the end of silent films in the 1920s, in our mind’s eye, it’s the 1990s. Perhaps it’s because the thought-provoking indie films, dystopic action flicks, and computer-animated cartoons of the time helped shape us. Or maybe it’s because they remind us of that thrill we used to get when perusing the New Releases section on a Friday night at Blockbuster. And while it’s nice to reminisce, the real fun starts once we sit down for a movie marathon of the best ’90s movies.

Whether you’re in the mood to cuddle up or you’re simply looking for something to do, our list of the 50 best ’90s movies to watch for every occasion, nostalgic whim or not. The only difference is that you won’t have to get off your sofa to rent a VHS this time. Our roundup of 50 films is categorized by genre, so you can take our pick from comedies, indies, romances, actions, fantasies, sci-fi, and more. Plus, we included the best one-liners from each to remind you why you loved it—or to convince you to get it on your watch list pronto. Ready to get the show on the road? Read up and then start screening the 50 films below.

Comedy

Dazed and Confused (1993): And thus, our eternal crush on Matthew McConaughey was born (not on his character, though—he was sort of a creep). This fun and funny coming-of-age movie takes place in Austin, Texas, and follows the kids as they celebrate their last day of school, when hazing ensues.

Standout Line: “When you’re being inundated with all this American bicentennial Fourth of July brouhaha, don’t forget what you’re celebrating, and that’s the fact that a bunch of slave-owning, aristocratic white males didn’t want to pay their taxes.”

Rushmore (1998): Directed by Wes Anderson, this dramedy is set at a prep school and focuses on the relationship between two men who both try to woo a first-grade teacher. Aside from the hilarious, quirky humor, Rushmore is stylistically and aesthetically delightful.

Standout Line: “I saved Latin. What did you ever do?”

Clueless (1995): No ’90s movie list would be complete without this witty fashion favorite. This comedy revolves around the lives of (charmingly) shallow, sheltered, popular teens from Beverly Hills. There’s a decade’s worth of outfit inspiration from the first half of this movie alone.

Standout Line: “As if.”

More Comedies From the ’90s: Boogie Nights, The Big Lebowski, Wayne’s World, American Pie, and Pleasantville.

Read more at My Domaine.