As a seasoned film critic with over three decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the ’90s was a golden era for romantic thrillers, and this list certainly does not disappoint. Having watched more films than I can count, it’s always refreshing to see a compilation that highlights the best of the genre.
The 1990s stood out in Hollywood for numerous reasons. For a period, James Cameron held sway over the industry, horror claimed its inaugural Best Picture award, and the Star Wars series made a comeback on the silver screen. However, it was not necessary to redefine classic genres to see them represented among the decade’s most significant films. Thrillers were included in that group.
In contrast to what many might think, the ’90s didn’t shy away from the thriller genre. Instead, it provided a platform for some of the most cherished thrillers ever made, as we delve into the most successful thrillers of the 1990s, with the top-grossing thriller film of each year taking center stage.
10 1990 – ‘Presumed Innocent’
Production Budget: $20 Million – Box Office Gross: $221 Million
A Question of Innocence
According to Scott Turrow’s novel titled “Presumed Innocent,” this gripping legal drama featured notable ’90s stars such as Harrison Ford, Raul Julia, Brian Dennehy, and Bonnie Bedelia. The movie garnered positive reviews from critics and went on to earn over $200 million in 1990 – a feat that today’s legal thrillers can only aspire to achieve. The book was later adapted into an Apple TV+ miniseries, but many agree that the original film is superior.
9 1991 – ‘Cape Fear’
Production Budget: $35 Million – Box Office Gross: $182 Million
The film, Cape Fear, narrates the tale of the seemingly idyllic Bowden family who find themselves under threat from Max Cady, a vengeful ex-convict with a penchant for violence. Sam Bowden is a lawyer who, during a previous trial, didn’t go the extra mile to secure a lenient sentence for Cady in a sexual assault case. Now, this ruthless individual seeks retribution and intends to inflict pain on the Bowdens as punishment for his perceived injustice.
Martin Scorsese’s film, titled “Cape Fear“, serves as a contemporary adaptation of the 1962 original with Robert Mitchum in the lead role. Interestingly, it came out during the same year as another iconic ’90s horror-thriller featuring Hannibal Lecter, but Cape Fear proved to be quite profitable. The film boasted a talented ensemble that included Robert De Niro, Jessica Lange, Nick Nolte, and Juliette Lewis, with Scorsese directing an engaging take on a graphic thriller, riding the wave of acclaim from his 1990 hit, “Goodfellas“. The character Max Cady stands out as one particularly unforgettable villain.
8 1992 – ‘The Bodyguard’
Production Budget: $25 Million – Box Office Gross: $411 Million
Rachel Marron, renowned both in the music industry and Hollywood, often finds infamy following her footsteps. One such unwelcome follower is a persistent stalker. In an attempt to safeguard Rachel, her manager hires a former Secret Service agent as a bodyguard, capable of shielding her at all times. However, complications arise when Frank, the bodyguard, develops feelings for Rachel, which in turn threatens his professional integrity. This is particularly evident when she downplays the danger posed by her stalker.
In the same year that Disney’s Aladdin claimed the title of highest-grossing film, The Bodyguard, featuring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, also made a significant impact at the box office. The movie resonated with audiences due to its heartfelt central love story and Houston’s powerful vocal performance. Remarkably, the film’s soundtrack became the best-selling soundtrack of all time, shifting more than 50 million copies. Despite mixed reviews from critics, it eventually earned a place as an emblematic ’90s romance.
7 1993 – ‘The Fugitive’
Production Budget: $44 Million – Box Office Gross: $368 Million
Dr. Richard Kimble is wrongly charged with murdering his spouse. Upon returning home, he discovers her lifeless body, but all evidence implicates him as the perpetrator. After receiving a death sentence, Kimble seizes an opportunity to escape. A bus carrying convicts meets with an accident, and Kimble sets out on a quest to identify the true murderer while dodging a relentless U.S. Marshal.
Once more, Harrison Ford demonstrates his massive ’90s Hollywood stardom by delivering a blockbuster thriller that surpassed the box office earnings of his highest-grossing thriller from 1990. Titled “The Fugitive“, this film was inspired by the TV show from the ’60s and received critical acclaim, even being nominated for seven Academy Awards. Tommy Lee Jones took home the trophy for Best Supporting Actor in a movie that boasts an impressive 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
6 1994 – ‘The Client’
Production Budget: $45 Million – Box Office Gross: $117.6 Million
In this retelling, the narrative unfolds around the character of 11-year-old Mark Sway, who stumbles upon a man contemplating suicide in the woods. Mark confronts the stranger, causing him to flee, and later, he hears a gunshot. This event sets off a chain reaction as authorities and criminal organizations begin pursuing Mark due to the secrets the man seemed to possess before his death, which they believe were shared with Mark. Fearing for his safety, Mark enlists the help of a lawyer initially hesitant but later comes to understand that the boy’s fears are based on very real dangers.
1994’s hit movie featured Brad Renfro, Tommy Lee Jones, and Susan Sarandon delivering outstanding performances. Adapted from John Grisham’s novel, this film was a product of an era in cinema where children could face danger, and directors weren’t shy about portraying it – Joel Schumacher being one of them. In the realm of 90s legal thrillers, The Client stands out as one of the finest examples.
5 1995 – ‘Se7en’
Production Budget: $34 Million – Box Office Gross: $327.3 Million
In the movie Se7en, detectives Mills and Somerset encounter their most formidable adversary yet: a ruthless serial killer who’s targeting individuals based on the seven deadly sins. As the duo closes in, the murderer surprisingly turns himself in with only two more sins left to fulfill. The two detectives are left astounded by the cunning and diabolical deeds of an elusive and unforeseeable madman.
David Fincher’s comeback in Hollywood, following his venture with an Alien sequel, is a magnificent rendition of the genre, boasting intricately developed characters and a brilliantly crafted script that will undoubtedly leave fans of the genre thrilled. In 1995, viewers hadn’t encountered such a haunting film as Se7en, yet they were drawn to cinemas in droves, making Fincher’s trailblazing thriller one of the top-grossing films that year.
4 1996 – ‘Ransom’
Production Budget: $70 Million – Box Office Gross: $309.4 Million
In the thriller titled “Ransom“, wealthy businessman Tom Mullen endures unimaginable distress as he witnesses his son’s abduction right before his eyes. The family’s residence swiftly becomes a hive of activity with countless investigators, yet none display as relentless determination as Mullen in the search for his child. However, unbeknownst to him, Sean has been kidnapped by an undercover police officer who meticulously orchestrated the abduction. Despite this unknown fact, Mullen’s intense longing propels him to disregard standard procedures.
An overlooked yet gripping film about kidnapping offers a raw and unflinching portrayal of the ordeal. Viewers found themselves drawn to Mel Gibson’s lead character, while also appreciating Ron Howard’s skillful handling of the tension throughout, thanks to his flawless direction. Gary Sinise delivers an outstanding performance as the antagonist, one of the best in his acting career.
3 1997 – ‘Conspiracy Theory’
Production Budget: $80 Million – Box Office Gross: $137 Million
Tale of a New York City Cabbie and Conspiracy Theorist
A year following the immense success of “Ransom” at the box office (earning over $300 million), Mel Gibson collaborated with Julia Roberts in an underappreciated film. The movie, a unique blend of genres, has proven to be timeless. Despite its financial success, it didn’t win favor with critics. Roger Ebert, commenting on the film, stated: “If the movie had remained grounded—had focused on genuine characters and their stories—it could have been significantly better and funnier.
2 1998 – ‘A Perfect Murder’
Production Budget: $60 Million – Box Office Gross: $128 Million
The Story of a Wall Street Businessman’s Imperfect Marriage: This tale revolves around Steven Taylor, a man on Wall Street, who discovers his marriage isn’t as blissful as it appears. Emily, his wife, is secretly involved with another man. In an attempt to maintain his facade, Steven enlists this man to eliminate Emily, threatening to expose him if he doesn’t comply. However, things take a turn when Emily uncovers the plot and takes matters into her own hands.
Although it may not be the most memorable romantic thriller from the ’90s, “A Perfect Murder” is far from a poor film. Critics were less impressed due to accusations that it was an imitation of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Dial M for Murder.” Granted, it doesn’t possess the intricate plotting of Hitchcock’s thriller, but upon reflection, it exceeds expectations. Despite this, it managed to earn double its production cost during a time of blockbuster titans such as “Armageddon” and “Saving Private Ryan.
1 1999 – ‘Double Jeopardy’
Production Budget: $40 Million – Box Office Gross: $177.8 Million
In my perspective as a movie reviewer, “Double Jeopardy” takes you on an intriguing journey with Libby Parsons, a woman wrongly convicted for murdering her husband. Despite not remembering the act, she’s sentenced and incarcerated. A twist unfolds when Libby learns that her son, whom she believed was killed, is alive. This revelation suggests a sinister plot to frame Libby. Since she can’t be charged with the same crime twice, Libby resolves to complete the act for which she was once wrongfully convicted.
In the movie titled “Double Jeopardy“, Ashley Judd and Tommy Lee Jones team up in an intriguing storyline (the poster features their prominent faces). Despite its engaging plot that tackles complex ethical quandaries, it wasn’t universally appreciated by critics when it was released in 1999. Still, the film is a well-crafted and fast-paced thriller that managed to earn approximately $180 million at the box office.
You can stream Double Jeopardy on Paramount+.
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2024-11-17 06:32