Movies From 1990

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco
Rated R

Goodfellas is a classic crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese and released in 1990. The film follows the story of Henry Hill, a young man from Brooklyn who dreams of becoming a part of the local mafia. Through a series of events, he eventually finds himself entrenched in the criminal underworld and living the high life of mobsters. The film stars Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Ray Liotta and follows Hill’s rise and fall within the hierarchy of the mafia. It is a story of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of ambition. As Hill’s fortunes rise and fall, the audience is taken on a thrilling ride of mob violence, police corruption, and murder. Goodfellas is a gritty, powerful, and often humorous look into the life of a gangster, and is considered one of Scorsese’s greatest films.

From Kevin Costner, starring Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene, Rodney A. Grant
Rated PG-13

Dances with Wolves is a 1990 western epic directed, produced and starring Kevin Costner. Set during the Civil War, the film follows John Dunbar (Costner), a Union lieutenant who travels to the American frontier to find a new life. After befriending a tribe of Sioux Indians, Dunbar eventually earns the respect of the tribe and becomes a part of their culture. He experiences the beauty of the land and culture of the Sioux, and ultimately must choose between the two worlds he now inhabits. As the American government encroaches ever closer, Dunbar must make a difficult decision that will shape the future of both the Sioux and the American West.

From Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall
Rated PG-13

Edward Scissorhands is a 1990 American romantic fantasy film directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp. The film follows an artificial man named Edward, an unfinished creation by an eccentric inventor (Vincent Price). Edward has scissor blades instead of hands and is taken in by a suburban family after being found living alone in a castle of a deceased inventor. Through his interactions with the family and their community, Edward struggles to fit in and win the affections of Kim, a beautiful teenage girl in the neighborhood. Despite his extraordinary appearance, Edward ultimately discovers his true identity, becoming a hero and an inspiration to those around him.

From Rob Reiner, starring James Caan, Kathy Bates, Richard Farnsworth, Frances Sternhagen
Rated R

"Misery" (1990) is a psychological thriller directed by Rob Reiner, based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name. The film follows famous novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued after a car accident by his “number one fan” Annie Wilkes. While initially caring for Paul, her behavior soon becomes erratic and dangerous as she forces him to write a novel to her own specifications, while also torturing him physically and psychologically. Through a series of events, Paul is eventually able to escape, while also exposing Annie’s true nature. Despite her attempts to stop him, Paul survives and is able to confront Annie and put an end to her reign of terror.

From Penny Marshall, starring Robert De Niro, Robin Williams, Julie Kavner, Ruth Nelson
Rated PG-13

Awakenings is a 1990 American drama film directed by Penny Marshall starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro. Set in 1969, the film tells the true story of Dr. Malcolm Sayer (Williams), a British neurologist working at a psychiatric hospital in the Bronx, New York. He discovers a miracle drug that can temporarily awaken catatonic patients who have been in a "frozen" state for decades. The film follows his journey as he attempts to reconnect these patients with their pasts and the world around them. Along the way, he develops a special bond with one of the patients, Leonard Lowe (De Niro). Through his work, Dr. Sayer discovers the power of friendship and faith in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

From John Woo, starring Chow Yun-Fat, Danny Lee, Sally Yeh, Kong Chu
Rated R

The Killer is a 1989 Hong Kong crime thriller directed by John Woo. The film follows an assassin, Ah Jong (Chow Yun-fat), who is hired to kill a Triad leader, but when he accidentally blinds a singer, Jennie (Sally Yeh), in the process, he decides to help her get the eye surgery she needs. As Ah Jong and Jennie start to fall in love, the Triads send out hitmen to exact revenge on Ah Jong and anyone associated with him. Ah Jong must protect both his love and his life as the stakes get higher and higher. With a stunning blend of action, romance, and drama, The Killer is an explosive and unforgettable classic.

From Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, starring Gabriel Byrne, Albert Finney, John Turturro, Marcia Gay Harden
Rated R

Miller's Crossing is a 1990 American neo-noir crime film written, directed and produced by Joel and Ethan Coen. Set in an unnamed American city in 1929, the story follows the actions of Tom Reagan (Gabriel Byrne), an advisor to a powerful Irish mobster, Leo (Albert Finney). When Leo and his rival, Johnny Caspar (Jon Polito), both vie for the affections of Verna (Marcia Gay Harden), Tom is increasingly put in the middle of the conflict. As Tom attempts to keep the peace between Leo and Caspar, he finds himself drawn to Verna and begins to question his own allegiances. Through the course of the film, the Coen brothers explore themes of loyalty, trust and betrayal, while maintaining the 1940s gangster film genre.

From Chris Columbus, starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard
Rated PG

Home Alone is a popular Christmas comedy directed by Chris Columbus, starring Macaulay Culkin. The movie follows 8-year-old Kevin McCallister, who is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for vacation. With none of his relatives aware of his plight, Kevin is forced to fend for himself. Through various hijinks and creative problem-solving, Kevin is able to outwit two bungling burglars who are attempting to rob his house. Along the way, Kevin learns a valuable lesson about the importance of family.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Andy Garcia, Talia Shire
Rated R

The Godfather Part III is the third installment in the iconic Godfather trilogy. It is set in 1979-1980 and follows the aging patriarch of the Corleone family, Michael Corleone, as he attempts to legitimize his crime family's business and make his mark in the legitimate world. He faces numerous external and internal challenges, including a rival Mafia family, the Vatican, and his own family. Michael comes to realize the effects of his past choices, and ultimately must confront the consequences of his life. The film features Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Andy Garcia and many other acclaimed actors. It is a powerful story of love, loyalty, ambition and ultimately, redemption.

From Paul Verhoeven, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, Rachel Ticotin
Rated R

Total Recall is a science fiction action film directed by Paul Verhoeven and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rachel Ticotin, Sharon Stone and Michael Ironside. The plot follows Douglas Quaid (Schwarzenegger), a construction worker who begins to believe he is a secret agent on a mission to Mars. In order to uncover the truth, Quaid embarks on a journey that takes him to the red planet, uncovering a number of secrets and conspiracies along the way. With the help of his new found friends and allies, Quaid must face the ultimate challenge: to save the planet from destruction. Along the way, he must battle a host of villains, including the corrupt Mars administration and its leader, Richter (Ironside). With its iconic special effects, larger-than-life action sequences and its classic twist ending, Total Recall has become one of the most popular sci-fi films of all time.

From John McTiernan, starring Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Scott Glenn, Sam Neill
Rated PG

The Hunt for Red October is a 1990 American submarine spy thriller film directed by John McTiernan and starring Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Scott Glenn, James Earl Jones, and Sam Neill. The film, based on Tom Clancy's 1984 novel of the same name, is about a Soviet Navy captain who wishes to defect to the United States at the height of the Cold War and takes the crew of his advanced nuclear submarine, the Red October, with him. The United States Navy must find and stop the Red October before it reaches the American coastline, while the Soviet Navy is in pursuit. The stakes are high, as the Red October carries a revolutionary stealth propulsion system that, if it falls into the wrong hands, could alter the course of the Cold War. The Hunt for Red October is a thrilling, action-packed adventure that asks the question: Who will be the first to find the Red October?

From Adrian Lyne, starring Tim Robbins, Elizabeth Peña, Danny Aiello, Matt Craven
Rated R

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Mary Steenburgen, Tom Wilson
Rated PG

From Phil Joanou, starring Sean Penn, Ed Harris, Gary Oldman, Robin Wright
Rated R

From David Lynch, starring Nicolas Cage, Laura Dern, Willem Dafoe, J.E. Freeman
Rated R

From Renny Harlin, starring Bruce Willis, William Atherton, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson
Rated R

From Jerry Zucker, starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg, Tony Goldwyn
Rated PG-13

From Garry Marshall, starring Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Jason Alexander, Laura San Giacomo
Rated R

From Ron Underwood, starring Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter, Michael Gross
Rated PG-13

From Pedro Almodóvar, starring Victoria Abril, Antonio Banderas, Loles León, Julieta Serrano
Rated NC-17

From Abel Ferrara, starring Christopher Walken, David Caruso, Laurence Fishburne, Victor Argo
Rated R

From Directors: Howard Franklin, Bill Murray, starring Bill Murray, Geena Davis, Randy Quaid, Dale Grand
Rated R

From Franco Zeffirelli, starring Mel Gibson, Glenn Close, Alan Bates, Paul Scofield
Rated PG

From Mike Nichols, starring Meryl Streep, Shirley MacLaine, Dennis Quaid, Gene Hackman
Rated R

From Richard Benjamin, starring Cher, Bob Hoskins, Winona Ryder, Michael Schoeffling
Rated PG-13