let's party like it's 1999

CNN recently had a link to some websites ranking the best movies of the 1990s. The 90s were some pretty formative years and I tend to remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I saw some of my favorites that have stuck with me for years. So, being the follower that I am, I decided to do my own 90s list. Here are the top 24 of the 90s, in chronological order...

PRETTY WOMAN - March 23, 1990
Yes, this list starts off with a romantic comedy that most people either make fun of or use to debate serious issues like gender equality. Yes, I know that it's about a hooker who is rescued by a man. But I'll be damned if it's not a great movie that holds up every time I watch it on TBS.

GOODFELLAS - September 19, 1990
Arguably one of the greatest gangster movies of all time (only competing with the Godfathers). I love this movie. It's pretty close to a perfect movie.

HOME ALONE - November 16, 1990
This is how you can make a kids movie into one that adults can enjoy. A perfect balance...and it doesn't hurt that it's a Christmas movie. Still watch it every year.

SILENCE OF THE LAMBS - February 14, 1991
For some reason when I found out this was released on Valentine's Day it cracked me up. This is one smart and well made thriller. One of the few "scary" movies I really like.

TERMINATOR 2 - July 2, 1991
Ahh, the summer between 7th and 8th grade. I remember it fondly. I think I saw this movie 3 times in the theater. Same summer as Robin Hood which (I know you'll all thank me) I did not include. But man, I so clearly remember Eddie Furlong and that Guns N Roses video being on every two hours.

FATHER OF THE BRIDE - December 20, 1991
I think this has been well-documented but, if not, I adore this movie. I don't know why but when I was 13, this movie really was it. It had weddings (love them), a great father/daughter relationship (have one), and just a nice Nancy Meyers moments (please let me live them). Wanted a wedding just like the one in this movie for a long time...maybe I came pretty close.

A FEW GOOD MEN - December 11, 1992
Jack's lines are a little cliche now but still a really solid film.

GROUNDHOG DAY - December 12, 1993
I barely remember this movie coming out and I know I didn't see it in the theaters. But all I needed was one video rental to think that this is Bill Murray at his best. I don't think he's ever made a better movie...though maybe Ghostbusters...hmm....

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING - May 7, 1993
While I wanted to see this movie, I also remember that we got extra credit in Mr. Pacilio's English class for seeing it. With the glaringly obvious exception of Keanu Reeves, this movie is awesome. Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branaugh's verbal sparring is impecable. And I still really REALLY want to spend the summer at that Italian villa.

JURASSIC PARK - June 10, 1993
I was sitting in my freshman Bio class (probably next to Taryn), when I heard that Spielberg was making a dinosaur movie. My thought? Um, not for me. And how would they even come close to making the dinosaurs look real? Fast forward a few months and I love the movie. I was blown away by it and still think it looks pretty good.

SCHINDLER'S LIST - December 15, 1993
Amazing movie that I've only seen once, over 13 years ago. Has stayed with me though. Really interesting that Spielberg released this a few months after Jurassic Park.

SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION - September 23, 1994
What can be said about this movie? I think one of the top 5 movies of all time. This movie only made a total of 28 million in theaters and didn't win a single Oscar.

PULP FICTION - October 14, 1994
I made the really amazing move of seeing this movie with my Dad and sister. Let's just say it was a little uncomfortable. But after I got past that, it is one hell of a film. Stacey and her posse would quote it in Math class (which of course was very edgy). Still love Quentin and I'll even forgive him for being a douche at times.

WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING - April 21, 1995
You either love or hate Sandra Bullock. I love her. So there.

USUAL SUSPECTS - August 16, 1995
No, I don't want to hear that you figured it out in the middle of the movie. Sure you did. I figured it out with the rest of America at the very end and it was an amazing movie experience.

THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT - November 17, 1995
I'm not sure why I seem to be the only one who really enjoys this movie but I do. I'm a sucker for Aaron Sorkin's preachy inspirational dialogue so this works for me. Come to think of it, I'm a sucker for Michael Douglas too.

SWINGERS - October 18, 1996
Saw this at an advance screening on campus when I first got to college and that's pretty much how you want to see it - in a theater full of 700 drunk college kids.

GOOD WILL HUNTING - December 5, 1997
And here my love for Matt Damon and Ben Affleck was born. A love that led Stacey and I to the Oscars that year. Oh, apples....

BIG LEBOWSKI - March 6, 1998
Most people would list Fargo or Barton Fink, but nothing beats the Dude.

AMERICAN HISTORY X - October 30, 1998
Still remember one scene that is burned into my mind forever. Again, I've only seen it once but that was enough.

SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE - December 8, 1998
This is definitely my type of movie. The music swells, the guy is dreamy, there are costumes, there are plays, there is funny, there is sad. Love it.

THE SIXTH SENSE - August 6, 1999
The summer of 99 I was living near UCLA with the lovely Brian and Stacey and we went to see this movie in Westwood opening weekend, before the hype. I still remember the gasps in the audience during the reveal.

FIGHT CLUB - October 15, 1999
Still seems different and original after all these years.

MAGNOLIA - December 17, 1999
This movie barely squeezed into the 90s but I'm glad because it's an amazing piece of filmmaking. Every camera move is thought out and every frame is filled.

Lest you think I forgot, I still adore watching these gems from the '90s on any rainy afternoon:
Ever After, Men At Work, The Cutting Edge, Honeymoon in Vegas, My Cousin Vinny, Dutch, Point Break, and, of course, Joe Vs. The Volcano.