Top Movies 1993

From Steven Spielberg, starring Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, Caroline Goodall
Rated R

Schindler's List is a 1993 American historical drama film directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg and written by Steven Zaillian. It is based on the novel Schindler's Ark by Australian novelist Thomas Keneally. The film follows Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist and member of the Nazi Party, who is looking to make a fortune by exploiting cheap Jewish labor. However, as the Second World War progresses and the fate of the Jews in Europe becomes increasingly dire, Schindler's motivations shift to a newfound empathy for his Jewish workers, whom he begins to see as human beings. With the help of his Jewish accountant Itzhak Stern, Schindler embarks on a miraculous mission to save more than one thousand Jewish lives from the Holocaust. The film stars Liam Neeson as Schindler, Ben Kingsley as Stern, Ralph Fiennes as SS officer Amon Goeth, and Caroline Goodall as Schindler's wife Emilie. Schindler's List was the first American movie to be released in India, and it was the highest-grossing film of 1993. It was nominated for twelve Academy Awards and won seven, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography,

From Steven Spielberg, starring Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough
Rated PG-13

Jurassic Park is a 1993 science fiction action-adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg. Based on Michael Crichton's 1990 novel of the same name, it stars Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, Bob Peck, Martin Ferrero, and Samuel L. Jackson. The film centers on the island of Isla Nublar, off Costa Rica's Pacific coast, where a wealthy businessman and a team of genetic scientists have created a wildlife park of cloned dinosaurs. After an accident causes the park's security system to shut down, the cloned dinosaurs escape and begin to terrorize the island's visitors. It becomes up to the park's few human inhabitants to survive the dinosaurs and restore order to the island.

From Harold Ramis, starring Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky
Rated PG

Groundhog Day is a 1993 comedy-drama directed by Harold Ramis, which stars Bill Murray as Phil Connors, a TV weatherman who finds himself stuck in a time loop, repeating the same day over and over again. Faced with the mundane tasks of the same day, Phil struggles to find meaning in his life, until he learns to appreciate the small blessings of everyday life. With the help of a friendly small-town waitress named Rita (played by Andie MacDowell), Phil learns how to use his time loop to his advantage and eventually find happiness. Groundhog Day is a heartfelt and funny story about finding joy and purpose in life, no matter what the circumstances.

From Jim Sheridan, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Pete Postlethwaite, Alison Crosbie, Philip King
Rated R

In the Name of the Father is a 1993 biographical drama film directed by Jim Sheridan. It is based on the true story of the Guildford Four, four Irish people who were falsely convicted of an IRA bombing in Guildford, England in 1974. The film follows the story of Gerry Conlon, one of the Guildford Four, as he is arrested and wrongfully convicted. Along with his father Giuseppe, Gerry struggles to prove his innocence and to make the British government accept its mistake. Throughout the film, Gerry and Giuseppe battle against the system, refusing to give up hope and fighting for justice.

From Tony Scott, starring Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer
Rated R

True Romance is a 1993 crime/romance film written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Tony Scott. The film follows the story of Clarence (Christian Slater) and Alabama (Patricia Arquette), two young lovers whose lives take an unexpected turn when they decide to take on the mob. After a chance encounter with a pimp (Gary Oldman) and an act of bravery, Clarence and Alabama find themselves on the run with a suitcase full of stolen cocaine. With the mob on their tail, they must work together to survive and find their own way to freedom. Along the way, they encounter a variety of colorful characters, including a mentor (Dennis Hopper) and a cop (Christopher Walken) who give them advice on how to stay alive and ultimately prove their love for each other. In the end, the two lovers must make their ultimate escape, no matter the cost.

From Henry Selick, starring Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey
Rated PG

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a 1993 animated musical fantasy film directed by Henry Selick and produced and conceived by Tim Burton. The film follows Jack Skellington, the beloved Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who is bored with his job and yearns for something new. After stumbling upon Christmas Town, Jack decides to take over the role of Santa Claus and bring Christmas to his home. However, when his plan goes wrong and causes chaos, it's up to Jack and his friends to save the day. Along the way, Jack learns the true meaning of Christmas and learns to appreciate everything his home has to offer.

From Brian De Palma, starring Al Pacino, Sean Penn, Penelope Ann Miller, John Leguizamo
Rated R

Carlito's Way is a 1993 crime drama film directed by Brian De Palma and starring Al Pacino, Sean Penn, and Penelope Ann Miller. The story follows former drug kingpin Carlito Brigante, played by Pacino, who is released from prison after serving a five-year sentence. On the outside, he attempts to live a crime-free life, vowing to never return to a life of crime. Unfortunately, his best intentions are thwarted when he is drawn back into the criminal underworld and is threatened by the world he left behind. With the help of his loyal friend and lawyer, Dave Kleinfeld (Penn), Carlito must fight for his life against the relentless forces of the criminal underworld.

From Andrew Davis, starring Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Sela Ward, Julianne Moore
Rated PG-13

The Fugitive is a 1993 American action-thriller film directed by Andrew Davis and starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones. The film follows Dr. Richard Kimble (Ford), a Chicago surgeon falsely convicted of murdering his wife, as he attempts to find the real killer while being pursued by Deputy U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard (Jones). While on the run, Kimble discovers evidence of a conspiracy behind his wife's death and must find the real murderer before it's too late. With Gerard hot on his trail, Kimble races against time to clear his name and find the truth.

From Robert De Niro, starring Robert De Niro, Chazz Palminteri, Lillo Brancato, Francis Capra
Rated R

A Bronx Tale is a 1993 American drama film directed by Robert De Niro, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Chazz Palminteri. Set in the Belmont area of the Bronx in the 1960s, the film follows Calogero Anello, an Italian-American youth who is influenced by two men in his life: his hard-working father Lorenzo, a bus driver, and a local mobster, Sonny. Calogero is drawn into a life of crime, and his father's efforts to steer him away from it prove unsuccessful. Sonny takes Calogero under his wing and shows him the ropes of the street life. Torn between his father's values and Sonny's dangerous yet lucrative lifestyle, Calogero learns valuable lessons about loyalty, family and right and wrong. The film stars De Niro, Palminteri, and Lillo Brancato Jr. as Calogero. It also features Joe Pesci, Taral Hicks, and Francis Capra. The movie was a success at the box office and was praised by critics for its portrayal of Italian-American culture.

From David Mickey Evans, starring Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Art LaFleur, Patrick Renna
Rated PG

"The Sandlot" is an American coming-of-age sports comedy film directed by David Mickey Evans. It follows the story of a young boy, Scotty Smalls, who moves to a new neighborhood and makes friends with a group of local kids who play baseball together at a sandlot. With their help, Scotty learns the basics of baseball and gets to join their team, the Sandlot. The boys face a series of challenges over the course of the summer, including a rivalry with a rival team, getting into trouble with the town's lifeguard, and an encounter with a legendary monster dog, the Beast. Along the way, Scotty and his friends learn important lessons about friendship, teamwork, and the value of having a good time.

From Robert Altman, starring Andie MacDowell, Julianne Moore, Tim Robbins, Bruce Davison
Rated R

Short Cuts is an American drama film directed by Robert Altman and released in 1993. The film follows the intersecting lives of 22 residents of Los Angeles, as their paths cross in unexpected ways throughout the course of one day. It is an ensemble piece featuring an all-star cast, including Tim Robbins, Julianne Moore, Andie MacDowell, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Penn, Lili Taylor, Jack Lemmon, and Jennifer Jason Leigh, to name a few. The story follows the characters as they deal with everyday issues such as infidelity, death, and depression. Through these intersecting stories, Altman is able to explore the deep-rooted issues of human relationships, both positive and negative, that are often overlooked in our day-to-day lives. The film won numerous awards, including the 1993 Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and was nominated for three Academy Awards.

From Lasse Hallström, starring Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis, Mary Steenburgen
Rated PG-13

What's Eating Gilbert Grape is a 1993 drama directed by Lasse Hallström, starring Johnny Depp as Gilbert Grape, a young man who is struggling to take care of his family in a small Iowa town, Endora. His father committed suicide years ago, and his mother (Darlene Cates) suffers from depression and obesity. Gilbert is responsible for caring for his younger brother, Arnie (Leonardo DiCaprio), who is developmentally disabled. Gilbert also has to take care of his two sisters, Amy (Laura Harrington) and Ellen (Mary Steenburgen). The film follows Gilbert as he tries to manage his family's dynamics and his own personal life. After his mother's death, Gilbert embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning to accept his past and discover his own identity. Along the way, he also forms a relationship with a young woman, Becky (Juliette Lewis). In the end, Gilbert finds a way to move forward and build a better future for himself and his family.

From Richard Linklater, starring Jason London, Wiley Wiggins, Matthew McConaughey, Rory Cochrane
Rated R

Dazed and Confused is set in a small town in Texas on the last day of school in 1976. It follows a group of high school seniors, who, while celebrating the end of a long school year, navigate their way through the complexities of teenage life. Set against a backdrop of rock and roll, partying, and sexual exploration, the movie follows the characters as they experience the highs and lows of coming of age in the 1970s. Throughout the movie, the characters grapple with issues of identity, cliques, and relationships, as they come to terms with the transition between adolescence and adulthood. With a talented ensemble cast and a nostalgic soundtrack, Dazed and Confused is a timeless classic that captures the spirit of youth.

From Joel Schumacher, starring Michael Douglas, Robert Duvall, Barbara Hershey, Rachel Ticotin
Rated R

Falling Down is a 1993 American drama film directed by Joel Schumacher and written by Ebbe Roe Smith. The film stars Michael Douglas as William "D-Fens" Foster, a divorced, unemployed former defense engineer who escalates into violent rage against the various perceived oppressors of society during a tense and disorienting, one-day journey across Los Angeles. The film also stars Robert Duvall, Barbara Hershey, Rachel Ticotin and Frederic Forrest, with Michael Paul Chan, Caroll Baker and Raymond J. Barry in supporting roles. The film follows Foster as his life spirals out of control due to a combination of his growing frustration with the various injustices of society, including being trapped in soul-crushing traffic and his growing financial desperation that leads him to increasingly desperate measures to try to make ends meet. As Foster's journey progresses, he crosses paths with a variety of people, some of whom he is able to connect with and help, while others, such as a Korean-American store-owner and a gang of neo-Nazis, he is forced to confront and engage in violent conflict. Ultimately, the film culminates in a final confrontation between Foster and an LAPD SWAT team at the Ver

From Directors: Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes, starring Tyrin Turner, Larenz Tate, June Kyoto Lu, Toshi Toda
Rated R

Menace II Society is a 1993 American hood drama film directed by brothers Albert and Allen Hughes, and starring Tyrin Turner, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Larenz Tate. Set in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, the film follows the life of Caine Lawson (Turner) as he struggles to survive in the face of his own inner demons, a broken family, looming danger from rival gang members, and a persistent police presence. After a friend is murdered and Caine is arrested for the crime, he must choose between continuing his life of crime or breaking the cycle and finding a way to create a better future. The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of inner city life in Los Angeles and its powerful acting performances.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Kevin Costner, Clint Eastwood, Laura Dern, T.J. Lowther
Rated PG-13

A Perfect World follows the story of Butch Haynes (Kevin Costner), an escaped convict on the run with a young boy (T.J. Lowther) he kidnapped from a foster home. Butch and the boy, Phillip, form an unlikely bond as they travel across Texas, pursued by a Texas Ranger (Clint Eastwood) who is determined to capture Butch and return the boy to his home. Along their journey, Butch and Phillip face challenges and danger, but also find friendship, help, and a newfound understanding of the world around them. The film explores themes such as love, family, justice, and redemption, ultimately arriving at a poignant conclusion.

From Jane Campion, starring Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel, Sam Neill, Anna Paquin
Rated R

The Piano is a 1993 romantic drama directed by Jane Campion, starring Holly Hunter and Sam Neill. The film follows Ada McGrath (Hunter), a mute Scottish widow sent to New Zealand in the late 19th century to marry a wealthy landowner, Alisdair Stewart (Neill). When Alisdair refuses to allow Ada to bring her piano with her, she strikes a bargain with him: if he allows her to keep the instrument, she will give him piano lessons. Despite their initial conflict, the two eventually develop a passionate romance. As their relationship progresses, Ada is forced to confront her past and make difficult choices in order to secure her and her daughter's future. The Piano is a visually stunning, emotionally gripping exploration of love, loss, and identity.

From Peter Jackson, starring Timothy Balme, Diana Peñalver, Elizabeth Moody, Ian Watkin
Rated R

Dead Alive is a cult classic horror-comedy film directed by Peter Jackson, best known for his later Academy Award-winning films. The film follows Lionel, a young man who is desperate to win the affections of the beautiful Paquita. When his mother is bitten by a Sumatran rat-monkey, she becomes a zombie, and the situation quickly escalates out of control as the corpses in her house come back to life. The film is full of dark humor, gore, and over-the-top violence as Lionel and his friends battle hordes of zombies. In the end, Lionel manages to save the day with a lawnmower, and the film culminates with a bittersweet romance between Lionel and Paquita.

From David Anspaugh, starring Sean Astin, Jon Favreau, Ned Beatty, Greta Lind
Rated PG

Rudy (Sean Astin) is a working-class student from a small town who dreams of attending Notre Dame and playing football for the Fighting Irish. With the help of a handful of close friends, Rudy works hard to overcome a myriad of obstacles, ultimately achieving his dream of being accepted to Notre Dame. Through a combination of determination, resilience, and sheer grit, Rudy triumphs over the odds and earns a spot on the Notre Dame football team. Despite being undersized and lacking the natural talent of his teammates, Rudy is determined to prove himself and make the most of his opportunity. Through his inspiring story, Rudy serves as an example of hard work and dedication paying off.

From Directors: Chris Hegedus, D.A. Pennebaker, starring James Carville, George Stephanopoulos, Heather Beckel, Paul Begala
Rated PG

From Sam Raimi, starring Bruce Campbell, Embeth Davidtz, Marcus Gilbert, Ian Abercrombie
Rated R

From Steven Soderbergh, starring Jesse Bradford, Jeroen Krabbé, Lisa Eichhorn, Karen Allen
Rated PG-13

From Michael Caton-Jones, starring Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Barkin, Jonah Blechman
Rated R

From Wolfgang Petersen, starring Clint Eastwood, John Malkovich, Rene Russo, Dylan McDermott
Rated R

From Chris Columbus, starring Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fierstein
Rated PG-13