Arts & Entertainment

The Best '90s Films To Watch This Father's Day Weekend

Celebrate Father's Day at home by watching classic '90s flicks such as "The Matrix," "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Home Alone" and many more.

Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss and Laurence Fishburne in "The Matrix."
Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss and Laurence Fishburne in "The Matrix." (Warner Bros.)

Hoping to spend some quality time with Dad this Father’s Day weekend? We've got the perfect idea: Take a walk down memory lane by watching some classic ’90s flicks at home.

In the mood for a crime film masterpiece? Look no further than Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas,” starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci as three fellow mob associates. Meanwhile, Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” also enthralls with leads John Travolta, Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson.

When it comes to the sci-fi action film genre, be sure to watch “The Matrix,” in which Keanu Reeves portrays a computer hacker who discovers the epic war between humans and intelligent machines.

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And if you're looking for a pick suited for the whole family, check out classics such as “Beauty and the Beast,” “Sister Act,” “Home Alone” and “Mrs. Doubtfire.”

Here's our full list of ’90s films that are sure to bring on the nostalgia and help celebrate Father's Day the right way.

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Based on Nicholas Pileggi’s 1985 nonfiction book “Wiseguy,” Martin Scorsese’s gangster classic chronicles the life of mobster Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) from the time he became a gopher in the mafia world in 1955 through his meteoric rise as a mob associate and his addiction-fueled lows — all leading up to his eventual downfall. The storyline also highlights his longstanding friendship with his crime “fellas,” James Conway (Robert De Niro) and Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci). Hailed as one of the best gangster movies ever made, “Goodfellas” is truly a Scorsese masterpiece.


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“The Matrix” — Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Ann Moss; directed by Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski


With innovative visual effects and spectacular action sequences, the Wachowskis’ delightful movie set the cinematic world on a sci-fi romance whirlwind, propelling Keanu Reeves to a bona fide action star. Set in a dystopian future, the narrative follows the story of computer hacker Neo (Reeves), who unearths the truth about simulated reality called The Matrix.


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“Pulp Fiction” — John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson; directed by Quentin Tarantino


Widely regarded as Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece, “Pulp Fiction” intertwines three tales of violence and redemption: the stories of mob contract killer Vincent Vega (John Travolta); boxer Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis); and Vincent’s partner in crime Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson). Along the way, aspiring actress Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman) joins our three main protagonists when she deadpans, “Something.” In the end, Tarantino’s signature dark humor, with insanely punchy dialogue paired and the leads’ outstanding performances, will leave audiences totally mesmerized.


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“Ghost”— Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg; directed by Jerry Zucker


Have you ever seen the iconic “Ghost” pottery wheel scene that spawned countless parodies and memes over the years? Well, if not, this is your chance to see it in all its glory. Enter banker Sam Wheat (Patrick Swayze) and his girlfriend, potter Molly Jensen (Demi Moore), who are accosted by a mugger. In a scuffle, Sam gets murdered. However, his spirit lingers and drifts aimlessly — that is, until he encounters a psychic (Whoopi Goldberg) who helps him warn Molly of an impending danger. A box office smash, “Ghost” cleverly and stylishly blends comedy, horror, action and romance, garnering five Oscar nominations and a Best Supporting Actress win for Goldberg.


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“The Big Lebowski” — Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore; directed by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen


Loosely inspired by the work of American-British novelist Raymond Chandler, this Coen Brothers comedy crime caper is amusing and visually delightful. Set in Los Angeles, the story centers on Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski (Jeff Bridges), an unemployed slacker who sets out to seek recompense for his ruined rug. However, complications arise as the plot thickens with an intriguing case of mistaken identity, deception and embezzlement. Perhaps, Jeffrey’s bowling buddies, Walter (John Goodman) and Donnie (Steve Buscemi), can help shed some light on the matter in question.


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“Pretty Woman” — Julia Roberts, Richard Gere; directed by Garry Marshall


Garry Marshall’s romantic comedy launched Julia Roberts’ career to superstardom, earning the then-unknown actress an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her titular role as a hapless prostitute. Richard Gere co-stars as a high-powered corporate raider who hires the “pretty woman” to be his escort during a weeklong business trip to California. What ensues is a charming fairytale romance, sizzling with an electrifying Gere-Roberts chemistry.


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“Sister Act — Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith; directed by Emile Ardolino


In Emile Ardolino’s hilarious musical comedy, Whoopi Goldberg shines as Deloris Van Cartier, a lounge singer who goes incognito under a witness protection program. Disguised as a nun, Deloris will have to adapt to her new gig in the convent as the struggling choir’s musical director. Let the shenanigans begin!


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"Home Alone" — Macaulay Culkin, Catherine O'Hara, Joe Pesci; directed by Chris Columbus


Hoping for a Christmas romp that is great to watch all year round? Look no further than this 1990 instant classic, which made then-10-year-old Macaulay Culkin and his cuteness a household name. At the center of the story is Kevin, an 8-year-old boy who accidentally gets left behind when his harried extended family heads off for France over the holidays. Suddenly, the boy is home alone, waking up to an empty house. Will he be able to stop a pair of goons (Daniel Stern and Joe Pesci) from breaking into his family's home?


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“Beauty and the Beast” — Paige O’Hara, Robby Benson; directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise


Disney’s 30th animated feature film will surely get you sentimental, especially when you hear the movie’s title song play in the background. Nominated for Best Picture at the 64th Academy Awards, the musical romantic fantasy follows the story of a prince who is magically transformed into a ghastly beast as a punishment for being heartless and callous. To break the curse, he must make amends by earning the love of Belle, a young woman imprisoned in his castle.


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“Mrs. Doubtfire” — Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan; directed by Chris Columbus


A favorite family movie for generations to come, "Mrs. Doubtfire" tells the story of a dad (Robin Williams) determined to do whatever it takes to spend time with his children held in custody by his ex-wife (Sally Field) — including dressing up as a female housekeeper named Mrs. Doubtfire. Robin Williams is on fire as he navigates his dual roles with both superb dramatic gravitas and hairpin comic timing.


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"The Shawshank Redemption" — Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman; directed by Frank Darabont


Based on Stephen King's novella "Different Seasons," Frank Darabont's feature directorial debut is a tale of one man's path to redemption. That man is Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a banker convicted of a double murder despite his claims of innocence. While serving a life sentence in the Shawshank State Penitentiary, he and a fellow inmate Ellis Redding (Morgan Freeman) will forge a friendship that becomes instrumental in Andy's mission to reclaim his life.

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