Top Movies Of 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. It is based on the novel Schindler's Ark by Australian novelist Thomas Keneally, which is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. During World War II, Schindler, who is a member of the Nazi party, protects his Jewish workers from the Nazi regime by claiming them as essential to his war production. The story is told in a non-linear narrative, and focuses on the personal life of Oskar Schindler and the moral choices he makes to save the lives of his Jewish workers. The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, making Spielberg the first director to win those awards twice.

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

Jurassic Park is a 1993 American science fiction adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the novel of the same name by Michael Crichton. The film follows a group of visitors to a theme park featuring cloned dinosaurs, which have been engineered to be friendly and docile. However, the park's security systems break down and the dinosaurs escape, leading to a chaotic adventure for the visitors. In addition, two groups of people are on a mission to exploit the dinosaurs for their own personal gain. Through the struggle between man and nature, the visitors must fight to survive the rampaging dinosaurs and return to the safety of the mainland.

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

Groundhog Day is a 1993 American comedy-drama film directed by Harold Ramis, starring Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, and Chris Elliott. It follows Phil Connors (Murray), a bitter and arrogant Pittsburgh TV weatherman who is sent to cover the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. After being caught in a time loop, Phil is forced to live the same day over and over again. Through this experience, he becomes a kinder, more selfless person. As the day repeats, Phil grows to appreciate the simple joys of life and the beauty of the world around him. He ultimately learns the importance of living in the present and cherishes each moment with the people around him.

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 directed by Jim Sheridan and starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Emma Thompson. The film tells the story of Gerry Conlon, a young man from Belfast, Northern Ireland whom the British authorities falsely accused of being a member of the IRA after a pub bombing in 1974. After being wrongfully convicted, Gerry struggles to prove his innocence with the help of his father Giuseppe, who also suffers from false accusations and a lengthy prison sentence. The film follows their journey to overturn the verdict, as Gerry and his father fight for justice and face immense obstacles along the way. Despite their struggles, and with the help of a determined lawyer, they eventually prove their innocence and are released from prison. In the Name of the Father is a powerful and emotionally charged story that highlights the injustice of wrongful convictions and the strength of the human spirit.

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

True Romance is a 1993 romantic crime film directed by Tony Scott. It stars Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette as Clarence and Alabama, two star-crossed lovers who go on the run from the mob, the cops, and even Clarence's own in-laws after a botched deal leaves them with a suitcase of stolen cocaine. Along the way, the pair enlist the help of various colorful characters, including a pimp, a stoner, and a mafia hitman. The film is a wild and heartwarming story of violence, love, and redemption.

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

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a 1993 stop-motion animated musical fantasy film directed by Henry Selick and produced/co-written by Tim Burton. It follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, Halloweentown's beloved pumpkin king, who has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the "real world." When Jack accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, all bright colors and warm spirits, he gets a new lease on life — he plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the role. But Jack soon discovers even the best-laid plans of mice and skeleton men can go seriously awry. The film was released to critical acclaim and was a financial success; it has become a cult classic and a staple of the holiday season.

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

Carlito's Way is a 1993 crime-thriller film directed by Brian De Palma. The film follows the story of Carlito Brigante (Al Pacino), a former drug lord who is released from prison and is determined to go straight. After he is released he attempts to help young drug pushers and keep them off the streets, while avoiding his former gang members who are out to get him. With the help of his lawyer and friend, Dave Kleinfeld (Sean Penn), Carlito navigates the dangerous criminal underworld to stay alive and out of jail. However, he soon comes to realize that the only way to survive is to take revenge on those who have betrayed him and use his criminal instincts to remain free. In the end, Carlito must face his past and make a decision between the life of crime or a chance at redemption.

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

The Fugitive is an action-thriller directed by Andrew Davis, starring Harrison Ford as Dr. Richard Kimble, a Chicago doctor who is wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife. On the way to prison, Kimble escapes, and is pursued by US Marshal Sam Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones) and his team. As Kimble searches for the real killer, he discovers a shocking conspiracy and must evade the relentless pursuit of the law. With the help of a sympathetic medical examiner (Sela Ward) and a kindly one-armed man (Andreas Katsulas), Kimble is determined to prove his innocence and reveal the truth. The Fugitive won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor (Jones) and was nominated for 6 other Academy Awards.

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

A Bronx Tale is a 1993 American crime drama film directed by Robert De Niro. It stars De Niro, Chazz Palminteri and Lillo Brancato. The film follows Calogero Anello (Brancato) as he grows up in the 1960s in the Bronx, New York, under the influence of his father Lorenzo (De Niro) and his mobster mentor Sonny (Palminteri). Calogero is torn between his newfound love for an African-American girl and his loyalty to the Italian mafia. He must ultimately choose between the two lifestyles, as his relationships with his father, his mentor and his peers become strained. The film explores themes of race, family, loyalty, and morality.

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

The Sandlot is a 1993 American coming-of-age sports comedy film directed by David Mickey Evans. It tells the story of Scotty Smalls, a new kid in the neighborhood who is taken under the wing of a group of boys who play baseball at the sandlot. Led by the talented Benny Rodriguez, the boys learn the game of baseball and have a series of misadventures and scrapes with the neighborhood bully. Along the way, Scotty earns the admiration of the other boys and comes to understand the importance of friendship, loyalty and hard work.

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

Short Cuts is a 1993 American comedy-drama directed by Robert Altman and inspired by the short stories of Raymond Carver. The film follows the lives of 22 interconnected individuals living in Los Angeles, and examines how their lives and relationships intersect with one another. The film focuses on how loneliness, infidelity, and the search for love and connection affect the characters, as well as how their choices have unforeseen ripples and consequences. Through a series of intertwining vignettes, the film explores issues of identity and mortality, as well as the beauty, absurdity, and tragedy of everyday life.

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. It tells the story of Gilbert Grape, a young man (played by Johnny Depp) living in a small town in Iowa. Gilbert is struggling to take care of his mentally ill mother Bonnie (played by Juliette Lewis) and his developmentally disabled brother Arnie (played by Leonardo DiCaprio). As Gilbert tries to make ends meet, he also dreams of escaping his small town and pursuing a better life. With the help of a free-spirited young woman named Becky (played by Mary Steenburgen), Gilbert begins to realize that there is more to life than his current situation. Along the way, he learns important lessons about family, love, and responsibility.

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

Dazed and Confused is a 1993 American coming-of-age comedy film written and directed by Richard Linklater. Set in the small town of Austin, Texas in the 1970s, the film follows the lives of various high school teenagers on their last day of school in 1976. The teens must decide whether to embark on a summer of freedom or face the consequences of their actions. The film follows the group of friends as they wander around town on the final night of their senior year, partying and getting into mischief. The film also explores their relationships with each other, their parents, and other adults in their lives, as well as the impact of their decisions on their future. Dazed and Confused is a timeless coming-of-age story that celebrates the freedom of youth and the power of friendship.

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

Falling Down is a 1993 American neo-noir drama film directed by Joel Schumacher. The film stars Michael Douglas as William "D-Fens" Foster, a divorced and unemployed former defense engineer who is exasperated with the various flaws he perceives in society. After his car breaks down on Los Angeles' LAX freeway, he embarks on a journey of revenge and self-discovery while clashing with gang members, police officers, store owners, and other citizens. As Foster's frustration and rage escalate, he begins to violently lash out against those who represent the oppressive institutions of society. Along the way, he discovers an unlikely ally in a sympathetic rookie cop (Robert Duvall). Together, they must confront the social and economic forces that have pushed Foster to the edge.

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 the Hughes brothers, starring Tyrin Turner, Jada Pinkett, and Larenz Tate. The film follows the life of a young African-American man, Caine Lawson, living in South Los Angeles, California, who is faced with numerous difficult decisions as he attempts to escape his environment and its negative influences. Caine becomes involved in crime and violence as a result of peer pressure and desperation. Throughout the movie, Caine is constantly faced with the harsh reality of his environment, and the choices he must make to survive. As the film progresses, Caine learns how to make the right choices to ultimately save himself and those around him.

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

A Perfect World is a 1993 American crime drama directed by Clint Eastwood, and starring Kevin Costner, Clint Eastwood, Laura Dern and T.J. Lowther. The film follows two escaped convicts, Butch Haynes (Costner) and Terry Pugh (Lowther) on the run from the law in 1963 Texas, and their unexpected friendship with the young Phillip Perry (T.J. Lowther). Along the way, Butch and Terry hold up a series of households, eventually settling with a widow, Sally Gerber (Dern) and her seven year old son, Phillip. As the trio journey across Texas, an unlikely bond starts forming between Butch and Phillip, while Terry becomes increasingly suspicious of Butch's intentions. Eventually, Butch is forced to make a critical decision between his newfound fatherly relationship with Phillip or his fugitive lifestyle. With the help of Texas Ranger Red Garnett (Eastwood), Butch and Terry are pursued by the police, and a dramatic showdown ensues. Ultimately, Butch is faced with the choice of saving Phillip's life or sacrificing his freedom for the boy's safety.

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

The Piano is a 1993 New Zealand drama film written and directed by Jane Campion. The film follows the story of a mute Scottish widow, Ada, who is sent to New Zealand along with her daughter and her beloved piano as part of an arranged marriage. Ada is then forced to make a hard decision between her passion for the piano and her love for a local man. Along the way, Ada must confront her past, her identity, and the power of love and music. The Piano stars Holly Hunter as Ada, Sam Neill as her husband, and Harvey Keitel as her lover, with Anna Paquin in her Academy Award-winning performance as Ada's daughter. The film received critical acclaim and won the Palme d’Or, the highest honor at the Cannes Film Festival, and went on to win three Academy Awards.

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

Dead Alive is a 1992 horror-comedy movie directed by Peter Jackson and starring Timothy Balme. The film follows the story of Lionel Cosgrove, an awkward young man living with his domineering mother, who is bitten by a Sumatran rat-monkey and slowly turns into a zombie. As he begins to turn into a zombie, he finds himself fighting off an ever-growing horde of the undead, assisted by his increasingly outrageous uncle. With the help of a kindly local priest, Lionel is able to contain the zombie outbreak, but his mother has plans to use her son's newfound power for her own evil ends. As the situation escalates, the town becomes overrun with the living dead and Lionel must use every resource at his disposal to stop his undead family, as well as his mother, from taking over the world.

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

Rudy (Sean Astin) is a small, working-class man from a steel-working family in Indiana with a lifelong dream of playing football at the University of Notre Dame. He is routinely dismissed by his family and peers due to his size and lack of family money. With the help of his family and friends, Rudy overcomes all odds and gets accepted into Notre Dame. After a long and hard struggle to make the team, he eventually gets to suit up for one play in the last game of his senior year. In the end, Rudy achieves his dream of playing football at Notre Dame, becoming an example of determination, hard work, and perseverance.

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