In the 1990s, the film industry was going through a number of groundbreaking changes. Sci-fi or science fiction films were particularly popular in the ’90s, perhaps in anticipation of Y2K and with the advent of the internet and digital technology, and several classic films of the genre were represented in this decade. Many of these movies are still considered to be influential today and are respected and adored by moviegoers and film buffs all across the board. These films may range from chart-topping action-packed blockbusters to indie and cult hits, but what they also have in common is how influential they are and how they continue to inform the science fiction genre to this day. These are just some of the best science-fiction films of the 1990s.
7 Existenz
Existenz may not be the most well-publicized film on this list, but it’s no less deserving of its inclusion. The 1999 film directed by master of the genre David Cronenberg follows an ambitious video game developer (Jennifer Jason Leigh) who, while unveiling a new virtual reality program, finds herself the target of an assassination attempt which lands her in the cyber-reality of her own creation. What follows is a psychological and twisted experience complete with grotesque visuals, dark humor and a veiled commentary on consumerism and the dangers of stimulation. Cronenberg admirably keeps the plot twisting and turning, but the performances from Jennifer Jason Leigh and Jude Law help anchor the film, resulting in an engaging experience. Existenz also subverts the Hollywood blockbuster tradition and doesn’t offer any clear-cut heroes or villains or answers (or ending), making it a rather unique watch.
Credit also it’s stellar supporting cast including Willem Dafoe, Ian Holm, and Christopher Ecceleston in memorable roles that add to the level of talent already present. Existenz was overshadowed by other films of the decade which dealt with simulations, especially by the release of The Matrix that year. However, it more than holds its own as an exhilarating yet thought-provoking cautionary tale that fans of the genre will appreciate.
6 Total Recall
Tri-Star Pictures
In the ’90s Arnold Schwarzenegger headlined some incredible sci-fi action films, and Total Recall is one of his most entertaining and iconic. The film follows Schwarzenegger as Doug Quaid, who discovers that he’s actually a secret agent with false implanted memories, and finds himself looking for answers on the colony of Mars. Based upon a Philip K. Dick short story, Total Recall is full of bombastic action, witty one-liners and an impressively vulnerable yet commanding performance from Arnold. The film also boasts some imaginative visuals, particularly in the sleazy Mars underground and with the classic character of Kuato. Total Recall has also earned esteem for the equally notable performances of Michael Ironside as the ruthless and menacing Richter, and Sharon Stone as Quaid’s wife Lori.
The film has established itself as a fan favorite in both Schwarzenegger’s catalog and for the genre itself. Its dark commentary on consumerism (a consistent theme in science-fiction, a genre so conducive to allegory) also gives it a relevant edge that has kept the film fresh these years later. Recall was remade is 2012 starring Colin Farrell and Jessica Biel, but it lacked the imagination and spark that’s made the original a classic. Also, any film with Arnold kicking butt and taking names on Mars is well worth any serious film buff’s time.
5 12 Monkeys
Universal Pictures
Time travel is a concept explored in many sci-fi films but Terry Gilliam’s 1992 movie 12 Monkeys manages to add its own stamp to the sub-genre. The film follows James Cole (Bruce Willis), a prisoner in the year 2035 who is sent back in time to prevent a deadly outbreak that wipes out nearly half the world’s population. When he travels back too far he encounters a psychiatrist (Madeline Stowe) and the unstable inmate Jeffery Goines (Brad Pitt, in one of his first and best performances) who may hold more answers than he seems to. The film’s use of time travel is at once harrowing and stylishly subversive, and Willis delivers one of his most emotionally subtle and powerful performances on screen. Gilliam’s typically imaginative and surreal visuals keep the viewer engaged with just the right amount of bewilderment, and the film’s script unfolds its narrative in an attention-grabbing non-linear fashion, which allows for some truly mind-blowing and exhilarating twists to occur. The cast also commit tremendously to the material, including a scene-stealing performance from Brad Pitt.
12 Monkeys has been regarded as a unique take on the time travel sub-genre and one of the best remakes of all time, drawing as it has from Chris Marker’s short film La Jetee, and is also notable for it’s haunting finale. While it may not have been a blockbuster at the box office, 12 Monkeys has established itself as an influential addition to the genre. The film also inspired a TV series on the Syfy channel which ran for four seasons from 2015-2018.
4 Jurassic Park
Steven Spielberg dominated the ’90s in both awards and box office receipts,and his 1993 Jurassic Park is still considered box office blockbuster to this day. The film follows a group of scientists who, upon traveling to the world of Jurassic Park, find that it’s recreation of pre-historic dinosaurs has disastrous consequences. The film is well documented for its innovative and breathtaking special effects which truly still inspire awe in viewers. However, it also benefits from Spielberg’s ambitious and confident direction and its excellent leads including Sam Neil, Laura Dern and a scene-stealing Jeff Goldblum. Jurassic Park is also full of endless energy and thrills, making each minute of its runtime feel fully earned, and demonstrates Spielberg’s versatility has aged tremendously well in the decades since.
Jurassic Park was an instant critical and commercial success and has since spawned a franchise including several sequels and an attraction at Universal Studios. While its successive entries are hit-and-miss, the original Jurassic Park is still a touchstone of the genre and a textbook example of how to do a modern blockbuster right.
3 The Matrix
Warner Bros.
One of the sci-fi blockbusters most commonly associated with the 90s would obviously have to be the Wachowski’s influential 1999 film The Matrix. The film revolves around computer hacker Neo (Keanu Reeves) who finds himself joining the resistance to help overcome the Matrix. The Matrix has earned acclaim for its inventive mix of kung-fu action, elaborate special effects, and philosophical and existential themes. It also helped establish Keanu Reeves and Carrie Ann Moss as rising talents and featured iconic performances from Laurence Fishburne and Hugo Weaving as Morpheus and Agent Smith, respectively. The Matrix has since been lauded for its intelligent storytelling, memorable characters and ambitious effects.
The Matrix has earned a considerable position in pop culture and has launched a franchise of three sequels including 2021’s The Matrix Resurrections. Many fans still point to the original Matrix as a benchmark of the sci-fi action genre to this day.
2 Men in Black
Proof that sci-fi and comedy can mix, 1997’s Men in Black is one of the decade’s most surprising and accessible hits. Featuring Will Smith at the height of his stardom, MIB follows Will Smith’s Agent J as he teams up with Tommy Lee Jones’ Agent K in order to help stop an extraterrestrial threat from emerging in New York. MIB was refreshing thanks to its self-aware nature, chemistry between Smith and Jones, and its embrace of realistic behavior. The film also manages to offer sympathy for its extraterrestrial characters, resulting in a tremendously likable and charming experience. Men In Black also benefits from its imaginative visuals and action, which make great use of NYC as well.
Men In Blackturned out to be one of the decade’s most noteworthy hits and did impressively well at the box office. The film gained a devoted following and launched a franchise consisting of an animated series and three sequels including Men in Black: International in 2019 with Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth. Men In Black is that rare sci-fi comedy that balances its concept with smarts, humor and star power. Oh, and that soundtrack still slaps. Just saying.
1 Terminator 2 Judgement Day
Image courtesy of Tri-Star Pictures
When it comes to sci-fi films that did it all in the ’90s, Terminator 2 Judgement Day is the pure definition. The sequel to 1984’s The Terminator ups the ante on the action, world-building and character development while also telling a heartfelt story of redemption and hope in the process. In T2, Sarah Connor has been institutionalized for attempting to speak out about the impending Judgement Day; however John Connor from the future has arranged her rescue by the newly reprogrammed Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger). Chaos ensures, and Sarah Connor must both protect her son and learn to trust the same individual who once tried to kill her. T2’s visual effects and set pieces are still stunning in execution, and the liquid T-1000 remains an eye-popping and menacing creation thanks to Robert Patrick’s performance. Speaking of performances, Linda Hamilton delivers her best role yet as Sarah, who undergoes a genuine character progression here, and Edward Furlong manages to be both scrappy and likable as young John Connor. Schwarzenegger also shows why he’s one of our most valued action stars as he turns in a performance that’s wryly comic and surprisingly human.
T2 emerges as one of the most well-rounded films of the genre and decade, thanks to its strong plotting, characters, and breathtaking action and visuals. Terminator 2 was an instant success upon release and has both box office and critical acclaim to its name. The film helped solidify James Cameron, Hamilton, and Schwarzenegger as bankable talents, and has influenced the genre considerably in the year since. The Terminator franchise has continued with four live action sequels and a TV series, but many fans point to T2 as the pinnacle of the franchise. Overall T2 remains an undisputed masterpiece of the genre and continues to wow and move viewers to this day.
