The 1990s were an incredible decade for growth and cultural explosion. From grunge music and the emergence of the internet to a general defining mood of rebellion and non-conformity, there were elements that made the decade memorable and sweet. And amid the mainstream successes of blockbusters like Titanic and Jurassic Park, there was a flourishing undercurrent of indie cinema that too few people saw at the time.
Arthouse and independent films are like that one spicy, exotic fruit that always ripens hidden in the shade. They provide an alternative flavor for those with a taste for something different. In the ‘90s, indies served rich cinematic delicacies to contrast the bigger, mass-consumed supernovas showing up in multiplexes. These lesser-known films captured raw, unconventional slices of life to spark a discussion about themes that were shushed at the time. Using gritty cinematography and experimental narratives, they brought a fresh perspective and a voice that was often neglected otherwise.
While more well-known indie gems from the ‘90s, like Clerks and Reservoir Dogs, still get their due, many other extraordinary works from that era remain underseen. Their directors went on to shape the independent film renaissance of the new millennium. And it is only fair that we take a look back in time and appreciate these underrated ‘90s indie movies.
21 Pump Up The Volume (1990)
While the internet was still in its infancy and mobile phones were not common possessions, Christian Slater’s rebellious hacker character Mark created a makeshift pirate radio using to help displaced high school students find their voice. He called himself DJ Hard Harry, and his late-night underground broadcasts were full of subversive music and cometary. He managed to become a cunningly disguised mentor, role model, and confidante for lost adolescent souls, but when his show leads a student to take their own life, commotion arises. The authorities are involved and the students are protesting. Pump Up The Volume takes aim at a society that ignores youth. Paired with the very magnetic chemistry between Slater and Samantha Mathis, the movie is a moral tale of one teen fighting against a system that wouldn’t listen any other way.
20 Sink or Swim (1990)
Directed by Su Friedrich, Sink or Swim is as unconventional as it is innovative. Made on a shoestring budget, the movie consists of twenty-six short stories told from the perspective of a little girl as she goes through her childhood and scrutinizes everything about life – from fatherhood and family relations to work and play. Every short is narrated in a vague manner, with stills that somehow connect to a larger theme. And as the film advances, the painful and universal theme of searching for a place to belong emerges from the most absurd depths. Friedrich made eighteen films in her career, but none match the sheer brilliance of Sink or Swim as it is her only work that acts as a time capsule of her own relationship with her father.
19 Poison (1991)
Known infamously for starting the New Queer Cinema movement, Poison is director Todd Haynes’ underrated masterpiece. The movie deals with almost every sensitive and debatable topic of the time – toxic masculinity, sexual desires, frustrated fantasies, homosexuality, and physical diseases. The story is made of three instances. The first one, titled ‘Hero,’ is about a young boy who shoots his father and runs off without a trace. The second, titled ‘Horror,’ is a black-and-white science fiction about a doctor who gulps down an experimental sex serum and turns into a monster. And the last one, titled ‘Homo,’ is about two men in prison who indulge in questionable activities. The reason why this movie did not get much recognition was because of all the criticism it received for portraying certain subjects in a bold and unfiltered manner. Regardless, the ‘90s were all about living openly and Poison did just that.
18 Slacker (1990)
Emerging from the 1990s’ independent revolution, Slacker is a movie that was repeatedly rejected from film festivals and has remained under the radar since. Directed by Richard Linklater, the movie closely captures the people of Austin, Texas. Whether they’re the overachievers, the slackers, the underappreciated, the outcasts, or the social misfits, there is something about their stories that just clicks. Linklater’s camerawork is impeccable as he portrays the generational angst of Gen X and acts as a backseat philosopher to a seemingly comatose cabbie and muses on about his explorations. There is humor, there is intellect, there is poignance, and there is activism, with all of it blending into one drama that shows just how complicated and despairing humanity is.
17 A Little Stiff (1991)
Based on the true story of the director himself, A Little Stiff follows a film student who is bewitched by an art student after their little encounter in the elevator. She has a boyfriend, but he tries to ease up anyway, leading to a myriad of things. Created by Greg Watkins, Caveh Zahedi and charting an actual incident from Zahedi’s life, the movie is quirky and hilarious. To think that everything is a depiction of his struggles and triumphs while still in film school. While he shows himself as a love-struck man, he also is honest when he tells the girl that it’s okay for her not to feel the same way about him. Moreover, Erin McKim also re-enacts herself as the girl, leading to a truly praise-worthy experimental film that deserves more attention.
16 Queen of Diamonds (1991)
Recalling feminist crime films of the time like The Grifters, this taut neo-noir thriller explores issues of consent, power imbalance, and capitalism through the lens of a female blackjack dealer. It follows Tina Menkes’ character, Firdaus, rethinking her life and the fate of her missing husband. Another arc in the movie consists of her neighbors, who often indulge in mutual abuse. Director Nina Menkes uses terse, atmospheric vignettes to portray Las Vegas in its raw form. She uses Fairdaus’ sticky moral dilemmas and tedium in her life to slam us with some of the quietest and most devastating facts. Queen of Diamonds does not even have many dialogues, and it still manages to leave the audience feeling lonely and hungry for connection.
15 The Indian Runner (1991)
Bruce Springsteen’s song “Highway Patrolman,” and directed by Sean Penn (yes, apart from being a renowned actor, the man has also delivered gold as a director), The Indian Runner follows the story of two brothers with contrasting personalities, one on the good path as a deputy sheriff in a small town and the other a thrill-seeking outlaw. The movie hauntingly epitomizes the clash between law and lawlessness and culminates into a violent tale of a family made and broken by fate, blood, and murder. Viggo Mortensen and David Morse offer compelling performances as Frank and Joe, trying hard to find a balance between their opposing destinies. Moreover, the depiction of working-class Midwest life is so real, you don’t even realize when the film eases into the crime genre.
14 Gas Food Lodging (1992)
Written and directed by Allison Anders, Gas Food Lodging is a romantic drama about sisters Shade and Trudi living with their mother, Nora, who waits tables at a truck-stop diner. Set in a desolate landscape of a small New Mexico town, the movie traverses a harsh yet beautifully rendered scene made of dusty trailer parks and dead-end jobs. Shade and Trudi may be sisters, but one chooses to spend her time dissociating while the other goes out being rebellious and fun. Amidst their economically disadvantaged, these complicated characters also try to find a match for their mother. The women, desperately looking for romance, bring to the screen a fighting spirit that never loses its essential kindness, wisdom, and dignity. Clearly, Brooke Adams, Ione Skye, and Fairuza Balk are remarkable.
13 Dazed And Confused (1993)
Richard Linklater is known and admired for his gorgeous and realistic portrayal of love in the Before trilogy, but beyond those pitch-perfect movies is this unforgettable portrait of teenagers as they spend the last day of school getting into fun mishaps. Set in 1976, Texas, Dazed and Confused captures the timeless rites of passage with the kind of humor and heart only seen in ‘90s classics. The vast ensemble cast, made of Matthew McConaughey, Parker Posey, and Ben Affleck, brings an infectious lived-in feel to the characters, reminding us of the real friends we once had. But beneath the weed, chasing freshmen, the beer, and the classic rock beats is a tale of youthful anxieties and the battle with acceptance, first experiences, and freedom. The quintessential ’90s film is gaining popularity now, but it wasn’t an instant classic at the time.
12 What Happened Was… (1994)
Michael and Jackie are co-workers, lonely and transparent, on their very first date as Jackie invites Michael over for dinner at her apartment. As the night passes, the two share an awkward silence but end up indulging in profound conversations that reveal their true selves. Written and created by Tom Noonan, who also plays Michael, and starring Karen Sillas as Jackie, the movie is so delicate and so particular about its details that it is a shame that What Happened Was… remains one of the most underseen movies of the decade. The two share an instant connection, and obviously, there is sexual tension, but what is more impressive is the actors’ ability to convey difficult emotions through a single glance. Despite being set in the same place throughout, Noonan shows exceptional camerawork and the pacing is nothing but perfect.
11 Friday (1995)
Ice Cube and Chris Tucker’s hilarious debut as stoner buddies Craig and Smokey remains unrivaled for its timeless depiction of slacker style in inner-city America. In Friday, the two are indebted to a gangster, who would be out for their lives if they didn’t pay him back. So naturally, they set out to make some cash. Behind the jokes and chase lies a deep coming-of-age narrative as Craig rejects his dead-end job and loser neighbors to pursue a bigger dream. Despite having a controversial reputation among critics, the movie deserves praise for touching upon meaningful themes of big aspirations and the complexities of Black identity emerging organically through the characters’ actual experiences. Friday also offers some iconic one-liners and serves as an informal time capsule of ‘90s culture – from fashion to music to lingo.
10 Welcome to the Doll House (1995)
Before Bo Burnham’s Eighth Grade shook the audience with its relatable coming-of-age story, director Todd Solondz created Welcome To The Doll House, a criminally overlooked movie that offers a groundbreaking insight into the awkward growth spurt of girls. Following a unwantedly popular and often teased 7th grader, Dawn Weiner, as she navigates the brutal social hierarchy and also the crushing weight of being the middle child at home. Told from a child’s perspective, the movie shows Dawn being overshadowed by her nerdy older brother Mark and outgoing little sister Missy. Solondz refuses to sugarcoat anything – whether it is the cruel reality of being excluded or facing humiliation and alienation as a young girl – and makes sure he captures the pain of feeling like a nobody. Overall, the film discussed issues we now take for granted.
9 Kicking and Screaming (1995)
Kicking and Screaming was one of Noah Baumbach’s early films that never got much attention, even after the director’s breakthrough outings in the 2000s. The movie charts the quirky adventures of a group of slacker friends after college as they are brought face to face with the uncertainties of youth and the desperate need to still cling to youth. While one decides to fly away to Prague, another moves in with four equally clueless friends, but nobody wants to end up working shifts at a bar. Featuring an ensemble cast of then-unknowns including Parker Posey, Josh Hamilton, Olivia d’Abo, and Chris Eigeman, the film traces a life stuck in a limbo between two phases by using humor and relatability. An early exponent of Gen X sensibilities, it portrays a generation constantly in search of meaning with a ‘look at me’ attitude that is sure to resonate with kids today.
8 The Doom Generation (1995)
A movie that blends comedy, drama, and crime into an eye-opening journey of two women, The Doom Generation is a gritty road trip thriller about teens Jordan and Amy, who offer a ride to an adolescent drifter Xavier and embark on a bizarre adventure. Blurring the lines between promise and danger, innocence and seduction, crime and corruption, the film creates a vividly nihilistic and sexual portrait of ‘90s youth culture drifting away from morals and into a void. The instances that occur are as compelling as they are unbelievable. From a convenience store murder to a spree of physical encounters, the movie uses experimental visuals as a tool to allow us a glimpse into the restless and rootless lives of those lacking direction and only thriving on the possibility of the next high.
7 Four Rooms (1995)
Four of the greatest independent film directors – Quentin Tarantino, Allison Anders, Alexandre Rockwell, and Robert Rodriguez – gather to create this absurdist black comedy comprised of 4 short films told like an anthology. United by a wacky premise where a newly appointed bellhop Ted gets sucked into the bizarre lives of characters staying in different rooms at a Hollywood hotel on New Year’s Eve. Being his first day on the job, Ted wasn’t expecting this scale of violence, humor, sex, and redemption lurking beneath the ordinary lives of his guests. Four Rooms creates a stark contrast between each filmmaker’s vibes and visions, which allows for an exhilarating tonal rollercoaster for the audience. An all-star cast including Antonio Banderas, Madonna, Tim Roth, and Jennifer Beals brings fresh energy to outrageous scenarios, and an ever-prominent ’90s look at life’s little dramas.
6 Party Girl (1995)
.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=1500&dpr=1.5)
In the 1990s, Parker Posey was the indie film darling. And Daisy von Scherler Mayer does justice to her brilliance by giving her a lead role in this gem of a movie. Party Girl is a comedy-drama that revolves around Posey’s Mary, who manages to make ends meet but still spends a significant amount of time at the club. Her savior and confidant, Aunt Judy, has always come forward in time of need, and after bailing Mary out, the lady offers her a job at the library. As Mary navigates sticky ethical dilemmas, offbeat romance in the form of a street food vendor and the overwhelming weight of getting her life back on track, she radiates a relatable energy. Considering the stunning costumes and catchy music, it feels like Party Girl came out a decade ahead.
5 Swingers (1996)
At its best, Swingers is a generation-defining ode to screwball nostalgia, jazz obsession, and the perpetual feeling of being stuck in adolescence through the eyes of two downtown LA 20-somethings. Featuring comedic actors who were at the top of their game, from Jon Favreau to Vince Vaughn, the film chronicles their life as one tries very hard to help the other move on from a bad breakup. It feels staggeringly authentic in its portrayal of the ups and dows of post-college dating in the pre-app era. Inspired by Favreau’s initial time in the city, Swingers also pays a lot of attention to aesthetics like answering machines, payphones, thigh-high socks that transport us back to an era of innocence. Many people did not realize the brilliance it brought on screen back then, but now is the best time to appreciate this underrated wonder.
4 In The Company of Men (1997)
Another screenwriter who adapts his own play to create a cinematic masterpiece, Neil LaBute takes the story of two male coworkers who enact a sadistic wager to seduce and cruelly discard an innocent deaf woman simply to prove their power over women. Chad and Howard are going through the pain of recent heartbreak, but on a trip to England, they decide to crush the self-esteem of Stacy. The film uses this hateful premise to explore toxic masculinity, misogyny, and systems of oppression without ever paying heed to moral clarity. From the authentic and chilling sexist behavior of the main characters to the complex questions of humanity, the movie’s message is all about male privilege and the violence it breeds. In The Company of Men is an unflinching wake-up call for a world that is still learning to have difficult conversations it so desperately needs to have.
3 New Rose Hotel (1998)
The transition from the ‘90s to the aughts was a prominent one, with America seeing changes in society as well as cinema. New Rose Hotel is a movie that broke ground as an erotic thriller surrounding a corporate raider and his henchman who come up with a scheme to drive a talented scientist out of the grasp of his employer. To do so, they take help from a beautiful chanteuse. Directed by Abel Ferrara, the movie traces the idea of seeking warmth and connection in a world motored by tangible transactions. Even though the story is provocative, the overall lo-fi aesthetic and lighting, paired with unexpected but gorgeous close-up shots, make for an immersive watch. Besides, Christopher Walken, Willem Dafoe and Asia Argento are incredible together in this genre-blending beauty.
2 Belly (1998)
A gritty tale of street life, violence, ambition, and shifting priorities in the projects of Queens, starring hip hop legends Nas and DMX in acting debuts, Belly follows Sincere and Buns, two best friends who have lived a life made of risks. Given a chance at redemption, Sincere chooses the religious path and joins a Muslim community, while Buns ends up in prison after committing a crime. With raw intensity and realistic visuals, the film immerses the audience in a world where drug culture, gang life, crime, and misogyny are the norm. Whether it is through heists or turf wars, are schemes of vengeance, there is a journey every man takes before leaving his boyhood behind. And the powerful performances given by a young cast that is willing to go to uncomfortable places to show the damage it imbues on a person is what makes the movie so stunning and unforgettable.
The 1990s were an incredible decade for growth and cultural explosion. From grunge music and the emergence of the internet to a general defining mood of rebellion and non-conformity, there were elements that made the decade memorable and sweet. And amid the mainstream successes of blockbusters like Titanic and Jurassic Park, there was a flourishing undercurrent of indie cinema that too few people saw at the time.
Arthouse and independent films are like that one spicy, exotic fruit that always ripens hidden in the shade. They provide an alternative flavor for those with a taste for something different. In the ‘90s, indies served rich cinematic delicacies to contrast the bigger, mass-consumed supernovas showing up in multiplexes. These lesser-known films captured raw, unconventional slices of life to spark a discussion about themes that were shushed at the time. Using gritty cinematography and experimental narratives, they brought a fresh perspective and a voice that was often neglected otherwise.
While more well-known indie gems from the ‘90s, like Clerks and Reservoir Dogs, still get their due, many other extraordinary works from that era remain underseen. Their directors went on to shape the independent film renaissance of the new millennium. And it is only fair that we take a look back in time and appreciate these underrated ‘90s indie movies.
21 Pump Up The Volume (1990)
While the internet was still in its infancy and mobile phones were not common possessions, Christian Slater’s rebellious hacker character Mark created a makeshift pirate radio using to help displaced high school students find their voice. He called himself DJ Hard Harry, and his late-night underground broadcasts were full of subversive music and cometary. He managed to become a cunningly disguised mentor, role model, and confidante for lost adolescent souls, but when his show leads a student to take their own life, commotion arises. The authorities are involved and the students are protesting. Pump Up The Volume takes aim at a society that ignores youth. Paired with the very magnetic chemistry between Slater and Samantha Mathis, the movie is a moral tale of one teen fighting against a system that wouldn’t listen any other way.
20 Sink or Swim (1990)
Directed by Su Friedrich, Sink or Swim is as unconventional as it is innovative. Made on a shoestring budget, the movie consists of twenty-six short stories told from the perspective of a little girl as she goes through her childhood and scrutinizes everything about life – from fatherhood and family relations to work and play. Every short is narrated in a vague manner, with stills that somehow connect to a larger theme. And as the film advances, the painful and universal theme of searching for a place to belong emerges from the most absurd depths. Friedrich made eighteen films in her career, but none match the sheer brilliance of Sink or Swim as it is her only work that acts as a time capsule of her own relationship with her father.
19 Poison (1991)
Known infamously for starting the New Queer Cinema movement, Poison is director Todd Haynes’ underrated masterpiece. The movie deals with almost every sensitive and debatable topic of the time – toxic masculinity, sexual desires, frustrated fantasies, homosexuality, and physical diseases. The story is made of three instances. The first one, titled ‘Hero,’ is about a young boy who shoots his father and runs off without a trace. The second, titled ‘Horror,’ is a black-and-white science fiction about a doctor who gulps down an experimental sex serum and turns into a monster. And the last one, titled ‘Homo,’ is about two men in prison who indulge in questionable activities. The reason why this movie did not get much recognition was because of all the criticism it received for portraying certain subjects in a bold and unfiltered manner. Regardless, the ‘90s were all about living openly and Poison did just that.
18 Slacker (1990)
Emerging from the 1990s’ independent revolution, Slacker is a movie that was repeatedly rejected from film festivals and has remained under the radar since. Directed by Richard Linklater, the movie closely captures the people of Austin, Texas. Whether they’re the overachievers, the slackers, the underappreciated, the outcasts, or the social misfits, there is something about their stories that just clicks. Linklater’s camerawork is impeccable as he portrays the generational angst of Gen X and acts as a backseat philosopher to a seemingly comatose cabbie and muses on about his explorations. There is humor, there is intellect, there is poignance, and there is activism, with all of it blending into one drama that shows just how complicated and despairing humanity is.
17 A Little Stiff (1991)
Based on the true story of the director himself, A Little Stiff follows a film student who is bewitched by an art student after their little encounter in the elevator. She has a boyfriend, but he tries to ease up anyway, leading to a myriad of things. Created by Greg Watkins, Caveh Zahedi and charting an actual incident from Zahedi’s life, the movie is quirky and hilarious. To think that everything is a depiction of his struggles and triumphs while still in film school. While he shows himself as a love-struck man, he also is honest when he tells the girl that it’s okay for her not to feel the same way about him. Moreover, Erin McKim also re-enacts herself as the girl, leading to a truly praise-worthy experimental film that deserves more attention.
16 Queen of Diamonds (1991)
Recalling feminist crime films of the time like The Grifters, this taut neo-noir thriller explores issues of consent, power imbalance, and capitalism through the lens of a female blackjack dealer. It follows Tina Menkes’ character, Firdaus, rethinking her life and the fate of her missing husband. Another arc in the movie consists of her neighbors, who often indulge in mutual abuse. Director Nina Menkes uses terse, atmospheric vignettes to portray Las Vegas in its raw form. She uses Fairdaus’ sticky moral dilemmas and tedium in her life to slam us with some of the quietest and most devastating facts. Queen of Diamonds does not even have many dialogues, and it still manages to leave the audience feeling lonely and hungry for connection.
15 The Indian Runner (1991)
Bruce Springsteen’s song “Highway Patrolman,” and directed by Sean Penn (yes, apart from being a renowned actor, the man has also delivered gold as a director), The Indian Runner follows the story of two brothers with contrasting personalities, one on the good path as a deputy sheriff in a small town and the other a thrill-seeking outlaw. The movie hauntingly epitomizes the clash between law and lawlessness and culminates into a violent tale of a family made and broken by fate, blood, and murder. Viggo Mortensen and David Morse offer compelling performances as Frank and Joe, trying hard to find a balance between their opposing destinies. Moreover, the depiction of working-class Midwest life is so real, you don’t even realize when the film eases into the crime genre.
14 Gas Food Lodging (1992)
Written and directed by Allison Anders, Gas Food Lodging is a romantic drama about sisters Shade and Trudi living with their mother, Nora, who waits tables at a truck-stop diner. Set in a desolate landscape of a small New Mexico town, the movie traverses a harsh yet beautifully rendered scene made of dusty trailer parks and dead-end jobs. Shade and Trudi may be sisters, but one chooses to spend her time dissociating while the other goes out being rebellious and fun. Amidst their economically disadvantaged, these complicated characters also try to find a match for their mother. The women, desperately looking for romance, bring to the screen a fighting spirit that never loses its essential kindness, wisdom, and dignity. Clearly, Brooke Adams, Ione Skye, and Fairuza Balk are remarkable.
13 Dazed And Confused (1993)
Richard Linklater is known and admired for his gorgeous and realistic portrayal of love in the Before trilogy, but beyond those pitch-perfect movies is this unforgettable portrait of teenagers as they spend the last day of school getting into fun mishaps. Set in 1976, Texas, Dazed and Confused captures the timeless rites of passage with the kind of humor and heart only seen in ‘90s classics. The vast ensemble cast, made of Matthew McConaughey, Parker Posey, and Ben Affleck, brings an infectious lived-in feel to the characters, reminding us of the real friends we once had. But beneath the weed, chasing freshmen, the beer, and the classic rock beats is a tale of youthful anxieties and the battle with acceptance, first experiences, and freedom. The quintessential ’90s film is gaining popularity now, but it wasn’t an instant classic at the time.
12 What Happened Was… (1994)
Michael and Jackie are co-workers, lonely and transparent, on their very first date as Jackie invites Michael over for dinner at her apartment. As the night passes, the two share an awkward silence but end up indulging in profound conversations that reveal their true selves. Written and created by Tom Noonan, who also plays Michael, and starring Karen Sillas as Jackie, the movie is so delicate and so particular about its details that it is a shame that What Happened Was… remains one of the most underseen movies of the decade. The two share an instant connection, and obviously, there is sexual tension, but what is more impressive is the actors’ ability to convey difficult emotions through a single glance. Despite being set in the same place throughout, Noonan shows exceptional camerawork and the pacing is nothing but perfect.
11 Friday (1995)
Ice Cube and Chris Tucker’s hilarious debut as stoner buddies Craig and Smokey remains unrivaled for its timeless depiction of slacker style in inner-city America. In Friday, the two are indebted to a gangster, who would be out for their lives if they didn’t pay him back. So naturally, they set out to make some cash. Behind the jokes and chase lies a deep coming-of-age narrative as Craig rejects his dead-end job and loser neighbors to pursue a bigger dream. Despite having a controversial reputation among critics, the movie deserves praise for touching upon meaningful themes of big aspirations and the complexities of Black identity emerging organically through the characters’ actual experiences. Friday also offers some iconic one-liners and serves as an informal time capsule of ‘90s culture – from fashion to music to lingo.
10 Welcome to the Doll House (1995)
Before Bo Burnham’s Eighth Grade shook the audience with its relatable coming-of-age story, director Todd Solondz created Welcome To The Doll House, a criminally overlooked movie that offers a groundbreaking insight into the awkward growth spurt of girls. Following a unwantedly popular and often teased 7th grader, Dawn Weiner, as she navigates the brutal social hierarchy and also the crushing weight of being the middle child at home. Told from a child’s perspective, the movie shows Dawn being overshadowed by her nerdy older brother Mark and outgoing little sister Missy. Solondz refuses to sugarcoat anything – whether it is the cruel reality of being excluded or facing humiliation and alienation as a young girl – and makes sure he captures the pain of feeling like a nobody. Overall, the film discussed issues we now take for granted.
9 Kicking and Screaming (1995)
Kicking and Screaming was one of Noah Baumbach’s early films that never got much attention, even after the director’s breakthrough outings in the 2000s. The movie charts the quirky adventures of a group of slacker friends after college as they are brought face to face with the uncertainties of youth and the desperate need to still cling to youth. While one decides to fly away to Prague, another moves in with four equally clueless friends, but nobody wants to end up working shifts at a bar. Featuring an ensemble cast of then-unknowns including Parker Posey, Josh Hamilton, Olivia d’Abo, and Chris Eigeman, the film traces a life stuck in a limbo between two phases by using humor and relatability. An early exponent of Gen X sensibilities, it portrays a generation constantly in search of meaning with a ‘look at me’ attitude that is sure to resonate with kids today.
8 The Doom Generation (1995)
A movie that blends comedy, drama, and crime into an eye-opening journey of two women, The Doom Generation is a gritty road trip thriller about teens Jordan and Amy, who offer a ride to an adolescent drifter Xavier and embark on a bizarre adventure. Blurring the lines between promise and danger, innocence and seduction, crime and corruption, the film creates a vividly nihilistic and sexual portrait of ‘90s youth culture drifting away from morals and into a void. The instances that occur are as compelling as they are unbelievable. From a convenience store murder to a spree of physical encounters, the movie uses experimental visuals as a tool to allow us a glimpse into the restless and rootless lives of those lacking direction and only thriving on the possibility of the next high.
7 Four Rooms (1995)
Four of the greatest independent film directors – Quentin Tarantino, Allison Anders, Alexandre Rockwell, and Robert Rodriguez – gather to create this absurdist black comedy comprised of 4 short films told like an anthology. United by a wacky premise where a newly appointed bellhop Ted gets sucked into the bizarre lives of characters staying in different rooms at a Hollywood hotel on New Year’s Eve. Being his first day on the job, Ted wasn’t expecting this scale of violence, humor, sex, and redemption lurking beneath the ordinary lives of his guests. Four Rooms creates a stark contrast between each filmmaker’s vibes and visions, which allows for an exhilarating tonal rollercoaster for the audience. An all-star cast including Antonio Banderas, Madonna, Tim Roth, and Jennifer Beals brings fresh energy to outrageous scenarios, and an ever-prominent ’90s look at life’s little dramas.
6 Party Girl (1995)
In the 1990s, Parker Posey was the indie film darling. And Daisy von Scherler Mayer does justice to her brilliance by giving her a lead role in this gem of a movie. Party Girl is a comedy-drama that revolves around Posey’s Mary, who manages to make ends meet but still spends a significant amount of time at the club. Her savior and confidant, Aunt Judy, has always come forward in time of need, and after bailing Mary out, the lady offers her a job at the library. As Mary navigates sticky ethical dilemmas, offbeat romance in the form of a street food vendor and the overwhelming weight of getting her life back on track, she radiates a relatable energy. Considering the stunning costumes and catchy music, it feels like Party Girl came out a decade ahead.
5 Swingers (1996)
At its best, Swingers is a generation-defining ode to screwball nostalgia, jazz obsession, and the perpetual feeling of being stuck in adolescence through the eyes of two downtown LA 20-somethings. Featuring comedic actors who were at the top of their game, from Jon Favreau to Vince Vaughn, the film chronicles their life as one tries very hard to help the other move on from a bad breakup. It feels staggeringly authentic in its portrayal of the ups and dows of post-college dating in the pre-app era. Inspired by Favreau’s initial time in the city, Swingers also pays a lot of attention to aesthetics like answering machines, payphones, thigh-high socks that transport us back to an era of innocence. Many people did not realize the brilliance it brought on screen back then, but now is the best time to appreciate this underrated wonder.
4 In The Company of Men (1997)
Another screenwriter who adapts his own play to create a cinematic masterpiece, Neil LaBute takes the story of two male coworkers who enact a sadistic wager to seduce and cruelly discard an innocent deaf woman simply to prove their power over women. Chad and Howard are going through the pain of recent heartbreak, but on a trip to England, they decide to crush the self-esteem of Stacy. The film uses this hateful premise to explore toxic masculinity, misogyny, and systems of oppression without ever paying heed to moral clarity. From the authentic and chilling sexist behavior of the main characters to the complex questions of humanity, the movie’s message is all about male privilege and the violence it breeds. In The Company of Men is an unflinching wake-up call for a world that is still learning to have difficult conversations it so desperately needs to have.
3 New Rose Hotel (1998)
The transition from the ‘90s to the aughts was a prominent one, with America seeing changes in society as well as cinema. New Rose Hotel is a movie that broke ground as an erotic thriller surrounding a corporate raider and his henchman who come up with a scheme to drive a talented scientist out of the grasp of his employer. To do so, they take help from a beautiful chanteuse. Directed by Abel Ferrara, the movie traces the idea of seeking warmth and connection in a world motored by tangible transactions. Even though the story is provocative, the overall lo-fi aesthetic and lighting, paired with unexpected but gorgeous close-up shots, make for an immersive watch. Besides, Christopher Walken, Willem Dafoe and Asia Argento are incredible together in this genre-blending beauty.
2 Belly (1998)
A gritty tale of street life, violence, ambition, and shifting priorities in the projects of Queens, starring hip hop legends Nas and DMX in acting debuts, Belly follows Sincere and Buns, two best friends who have lived a life made of risks. Given a chance at redemption, Sincere chooses the religious path and joins a Muslim community, while Buns ends up in prison after committing a crime. With raw intensity and realistic visuals, the film immerses the audience in a world where drug culture, gang life, crime, and misogyny are the norm. Whether it is through heists or turf wars, are schemes of vengeance, there is a journey every man takes before leaving his boyhood behind. And the powerful performances given by a young cast that is willing to go to uncomfortable places to show the damage it imbues on a person is what makes the movie so stunning and unforgettable.
In conclusion, this film has captivated audiences with its mesmerizing storytelling, compelling performances, and stunning visuals. It has transported us to worlds both familiar and unknown, evoking a range of emotions that have left a lasting impact. The director’s artistic vision and the collaborative efforts of the cast and crew have brought this story to life in a truly extraordinary way. From the gripping plot twists to the heartfelt moments of connection, this film has reminded us of the power of cinema to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought.
Whether you’re a fan of the genre or simply a lover of great storytelling , this film is not to be missed. It’s a testament to the magic of filmmaking and serves as a reminder of the profound impact that movies can have on our lives. So grab your popcorn, sit back, and immerse yourself in this cinematic masterpiece.
