The 1990s were a golden era for blockbuster films, filled with action-packed thrillers, high-concept science fiction, and unforgettable dramas. Some of these films have stood the test of time, continuing to be celebrated today. However, many blockbusters, despite their significant box office success and cultural impact at the time, have since slipped into relative obscurity. Here’s a look back at ten of the biggest, yet often forgotten, blockbusters from the 90s that deserve to be remembered.
1. The Rock (1996) Disney+
Directed by Michael Bay and starring Nicolas Cage, Sean Connery, and Ed Harris, The Rock was a fast-paced action thriller set on Alcatraz Island. The film was a quintessential ’90s blockbuster with its explosive action sequences and slick dialogue. Though it was a commercial success and beloved by action fans, it rarely enters modern conversations about iconic ’90s films.
2. Con Air (1997) Disney+
Another Nicolas Cage action hit, Con Air was a gloriously over-the-top ride featuring an ensemble cast including John Malkovich, John Cusack, and Steve Buscemi. With a crazy premise involving a hijacked prisoner transport plane, it was pure popcorn entertainment. Despite its box office success, Con Air doesn’t get as much love in the nostalgia department, especially compared to other Cage films like Face/Off.
3. Twister (1996)
Twister, starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton, was a massive hit, especially notable for its groundbreaking special effects and tornado sequences. It was one of the highest-grossing films of 1996, but discussions around the disaster movie genre today tend to focus more on titles like Independence Day or Jurassic Park. Twister deserves its place in the blockbuster hall of fame for its heart-pounding thrills and early CGI innovations.
4. The Fifth Element (1997)
Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element brought vibrant, quirky sci-fi to the big screen with Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, and Gary Oldman leading the charge. It was visually striking and filled with outlandish characters. Despite its cult following, this colorful masterpiece isn’t always top of mind when discussing sci-fi films from the era.
5. Deep Impact (1998) Prime Video
Though often overshadowed by Armageddon, Deep Impact was another asteroid disaster movie that saw tremendous box office success. With a more emotional storyline, led by Morgan Freeman and Téa Leoni, it had a different tone than its bombastic counterpart, focusing on the human response to impending doom. While Armageddon continues to be remembered for its extravagance, Deep Impact is sometimes unjustly overlooked.
6. A Time to Kill (1996) Disney+
This intense legal drama based on John Grisham’s novel featured an all-star cast including Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock, and Samuel L. Jackson. A Time to Kill was gripping, morally complex, and was both a critical and commercial hit. Yet, today, it tends to be forgotten among the many courtroom dramas of the 90s.
7. Eraser (1996)
Arnold Schwarzenegger was synonymous with action films in the 90s, and Eraser was one of his last big hits of the decade. The film, about a U.S. Marshal tasked with “erasing” the identities of witnesses, featured high-tech gadgets, thrilling action scenes, and plenty of one-liners. While Schwarzenegger’s other roles like Terminator 2 or Total Recall are often discussed, Eraser is one of his lesser-remembered blockbusters.
8. Starship Troopers (1997) Disney+
Paul Verhoeven’s Starship Troopers was a satirical, violent, sci-fi extravaganza that followed young soldiers fighting giant alien bugs. Though it underperformed initially, it has since developed a cult following. Despite that, it remains somewhat forgotten when discussing big ’90s sci-fi movies. Its unique blend of action, satire, and military propaganda critique makes it worth revisiting.
9. The Saint (1997) Paramount+
Starring Val Kilmer, The Saint was an espionage thriller that capitalized on the popularity of spy films in the 90s. With Kilmer playing a master of disguise, the film had all the ingredients for success, including a stellar soundtrack and high-energy action sequences. Yet, it’s rarely discussed in the pantheon of 90s spy thrillers like Mission: Impossible or GoldenEye.
10. Volcano (1997) Disney+
Disaster films ruled the 90s, and Volcano is one that often gets left out of the conversation. Starring Tommy Lee Jones and Anne Heche, the film centered around a volcanic eruption in downtown Los Angeles. While it didn’t quite achieve the same cultural impact as Dante’s Peak, it was a solid disaster thriller that packed plenty of tension and spectacle.
These forgotten blockbusters deserve to be reintroduced to modern audiences. Whether it’s their special effects, the big-name stars, or the thrilling plots, each of these films helped define the cinematic landscape of the 90s. Today, as nostalgia continues to drive content consumption, it’s the perfect time for these hidden gems to make a comeback in the hearts and minds of movie lovers. Whether you’re a fan of action, sci-fi, or disaster movies, these films encapsulate what made 90s blockbusters unforgettable—and they’re ready for rediscovery.
