By: Ava Rogha
Although I'm a sucker for modern dramas, I can't deny that some of the best movies I've ever watched were released in the 90s. So if you're waiting for a new Netflix Original to be released, take a look at our 90s favorites and see if you can find something to watch in the meantime!
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
One of my all-time favorites has got to be Romeo + Juliet (1996).
Romeo + Juliet is based on Shakespeare’s famous play Romeo and Juliet. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Romeo and Claire Danes as Juliet, this tragic drama tells the story of two lovers who come from opposing families in fair Verona, the Montagues and the Capulets. Romeo is a Montague, whereas Juliet is a Capulet.
Although it has been arranged for Juliet to marry Count Paris, she falls head over heels in love with Romeo at a costume ball. The two lovers sneak around for some time and secretly get married with the support of Friar Lawrence. But their love is short-lived. To avoid her wedding with Count Paris, Juliet fakes her death. Although the girl tries to inform Romeo through a letter, the boy is clueless, and is mourning Juliet’s ‘fake’ death, which he assumes is real. And that is why he decides to commit suicide to escape the unbearable pain! And from there on, many misunderstandings lead to the tragic death of two teenagers who were desperately in love.
"Did my heart love 'til now? Forswear its sight. For I never saw true beauty 'til this night."
This movie is highly exaggerated, from the acting of the cast to the plot of the movie. However, that’s what makes it stand out from other movies out there. It’s based on a play that was written over 400 years ago and therefore it’s interesting to see how some people lived back in those days. Although “forbidden love” is still a common theme in movies and shows, like we have discussed before, fighting for forbidden love is definitely more normalized nowadays.
Other than the forbidden romance, other themes are explored as well, including hate, violence, society obedience and death. These key-themes contribute to the action in the movie, which is why I’m a big fan personally. And to top it off, the feud between the two families really adds to the suspense! It’s definitely a must-watch!
Home Alone (1990)
This comedy is another personal favorite from the 90s!
Home Alone tells the story of an eight-year old boy called Kevin (Macaulay Culkin), who is accidentally left behind at home when his family goes on a Christmas vacation to Paris. Considering they’re a large family, it takes them some time to realize that they left their son behind! However, when they find out, there’s no way they can get tickets to go back home in time for Christmas...
Although you may expect Kevin to be freaking out without his family around, he is in fact enjoying his time alone! He spends hours eating pizza and making a mess. But this dream of his doesn’t last for long because on Christmas Eve, two burglars pay a visit to Kevin’s house!
"I made my family disappear!"
Harry and Marv, the two burglars, aren’t as smart as one may expect. Kevin uses this opportunity to build a booby trap to catch the outlaws when they enter his home.
And surprisingly, he succeeds! It’s crazy to imagine that an eight-year old outsmarts two burglars, but that’s what makes this movie so interesting to watch.
I re-watch Home Alone every Christmas and I never get enough of it!
It’s hilarious, yet action-filled. It’s also interesting to see whether Kevin reunites with his family in time for Christmas or not. This is definitely one of the best 90s movies!
And if you enjoy Home Alone, the good news is that there is a sequel with the same cast!
Titanic (1997)
Titanic is yet another great movie from the 90s starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jack Dawson, one of the main characters.
This movie is set all the way back in 1912. It explores the romantic relationship between two lovers from different social classes, who meet on a beautiful ship called “Titanic”. Jack is a third-class artist, who boarded the ship due to his luck in a poker game. Rose (Kate Winslet) on the other hand, is of the upper-class and boarded the ship to return to the United States with her family and her fiancé, Caledon Hockley – who she is not happy with!
The highly anticipated romance between the two starts when Rose DeWitt and Jack Dawson officially meet under the worst circumstances possible. Although Rose’s first-class life may sound glamorous to a lot of people, she is not happy with her life. That is why she attempts to commit suicide by throwing herself off the ship, which Jack prevents by being the only one who’s up at the deck at the exact same time. The two form a bond immediately and cannot get enough of each other from there onwards!
"A woman's heart is a deep ocean of secrets."
They sneak around quite a bit and they share many romantic moments . In fact, I envied their connection the first time I saw Titanic. But this movie is definitely not a romantic-comedy and there is a tragic ending to their relationship...
When the ship hits an iceberg, the passengers are in danger. And as the ship is sinking, people are desperately trying to figure out a way to save their lives. Although a lot of them manage to board the life boats, Rose and Jack are amongst the unlucky ones.
Even if Titanic’s running time is three and a half hours, it’s definitely worth a watch.
It doesn’t bore the viewers, it rather invites them to keep watching to see whether the lovers survive or not.
I used to be skeptical before watching it, but it has now become one of my favorite 90s movies!
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