Best Films of 1990

1. Ghost: From the Other Side of Life (Ghost)

Synopsis: Directed by Jerry Zucker, this supernatural romance follows Sam (Patrick Swayze), who, after being murdered, tries to protect his girlfriend (Demi Moore) as a ghost, with the help of a medium (Whoopi Goldberg). Data :

• Genre: Romance, Drama, Supernatural
• Budget: US$ 22 million
• Box office: US$505 million (highest box office of 1990)
• Awards: Won 2 Oscars (Best Supporting Actress for Goldberg and Best Original Screenplay); indicated at 5.
• Impact: A romantic landmark, with the pottery scene and “Unchained Melody” as cultural icons.

2. Home Alone (Home Alone)

Synopsis: Directed by Chris Columbus, this Christmas comedy sees Kevin (Macaulay Culkin), a child forgotten at home during the holidays, defending himself from thieves with ingenious traps. Data :

• Genre: Comedy, Family
• Budget: US$ 18 million
• Box office: US$476 million
• Awards: Nominated for 2 Oscars (Best Soundtrack and Best Original Song).
• Impact: Christmas classic that launched Culkin to stardom and spawned sequels.

3. Pretty Woman

Plot: Directed by Garry Marshall, this romantic comedy features Vivian (Julia Roberts), a prostitute who falls in love with a wealthy businessman (Richard Gere) in Los Angeles. Data :

• Genre: Comedy, Romance
• Budget: US$ 14 million
• Box office: US$463 million
• Awards: Nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress (Roberts).
• Impact: Established Roberts as a star and defining the romantic genre of the 90s.

4. Dances with Wolves

Synopsis: Directed by and starring Kevin Costner, this epic western follows a Civil War officer who joins a Sioux tribe, exploring culture and mutual respect. Data :

• Genre: Western, Drama
• Budget: US$ 19 million
• Box office: US$424 million
• Awards: Won 7 Oscars, including Best Film and Best Director.
• Impact: Revived the western genre with a pro-indigenous perspective.

5. Future Avenger (Total Recall)

Synopsis: Directed by Paul Verhoeven, this science fiction action follows Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger) on an adventure involving false memories and conspiracies on Mars. Data :

• Genre: Science Fiction, Action
• Budget: US$65 million
• Box office: US$ 261 million
• Awards: Won a Special Oscar for Visual Effects.
• Impact: A science fiction landmark with innovative effects.

6. Back to the Future Part III

Plot: Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the last film in the trilogy takes Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) to the Wild West of 1885 to save Dr. McFly. Data :

• Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Western
• Budget: US$40 million
• Box office: US$ 244 million
• Awards: Nominated for technical awards, no wins.
• Impact: Ended the trilogy with a fun western approach.

7. Die Hard 2 (Die Hard 2)

Description: Directed by Renny Harlin, the sequence shows John McClane (Bruce Willis) facing terrorists at an airport during Christmas. Data :

• Genre: Action, Suspense
• Budget: US$ 70 million
• Box office: US$ 240 million
• Prizes: No big prizes, but commercial success.
• Impact: Reinforced Willis as an action icon and the franchise as a reference.

8. Kindergarten Cop

Synopsis: Directed by Ivan Reitman, this action comedy features a tough cop (Arnold Schwarzenegger) working as a kindergarten teacher to catch a crime. Data :

• Genre: Comedy, Action
• Budget: US$ 15 million
• Box office: US$ 202 million
• Prizes: No big prizes, but popular with families.
• Impact: Highlighted Schwarzenegger's comedic side.

Of the most popular and successful films of 1990, which one is off this list? Comment: