These three iconic science-fiction movies from the 1990s are even better to watch now, and hold up even three decades after their releases. Sci-fi has always been a popular genre for cinema, pushing the boundaries of what audiences thought was possible, and taking us to some unexpected places. The 1990s saw a huge increase in sci-fi movies, with two Alien movies, Event Horizon, The Fifth Element, Total Recall, Independence Day, Men in Black, and many more bringing sci-fi to the masses.
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Some of these movies haven’t stood the test of time, however, and feel dated when watched nowadays. Sci-fi has come a long way, with huge technological advancements and a more streamlined filmmaking process making many sci-fi movies almost indistinguishable from real life. These three movies from the 1990s have held up perfectly, and are arguably even better when watched back now, with themes relating to contemporary society and some even being way ahead of their time.
3) The Truman Show (1998)
In an era dominated by reality TV, influencer culture, and targeted advertising, The Truman Show rings even more true now than it did back in 1998. The Truman Show stars Jim Carrey as Truman Burbank, a man who was born and raised in a colossal soundstage, with his entire life being broadcast for the world to see, unbeknownst to him. Everyone he knows, his friends, family, and lovers, are paid actors tasked with keeping the illusion alive. That is, until, he starts to realize the truth. The Truman Show highlights themes of surveillance, exploitation, simulated reality, and parasocial relationships.
These themes not only made The Truman Show one of the 1990s’ most notable, popular, and critically-acclaimed movies, but also makes it even more relevant in today’s climate. The Truman Show’s sci-fi elements are subtle – primarily featured in the creation of Truman’s world and its 24-hour-a-day broadcast – but the movie certainly rings true in a modern world where “main character syndrome” has become widespread. We love reality TV, and The Truman Show was broadcasting it to the world years before it saw a surge in the real world.
2) 12 Monkeys (1995)
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, 1995’s 12 Monkeys has taken on an even deeper and more harrowing narrative. Starring Bruce Willis as James Cole, 12 Monkeys takes place primarily in 1996, following Cole traveling back in time from 2035 to help scientists develop a cure for a deadly virus that is set to wipe out most of humanity. Terry Gilliam’s commentary on fate and free will in the face of a global pandemic is even more poignant after COVID-19 wreaked havoc a few years ago, giving the movie even more prescience and significance in light of recent events.
12 Monkeys saw a very popular TV remake in 2015, created by Travis Fickett and Terry Matalas – showrunner for the MCU’s upcoming Vision Quest series – which has given the original 1995 movie even more prominence. Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt, and Madeleine Stowe deliver career-defining performances, which makes the movie’s actual narrative even more raw, heart-wrenching, thrilling, and intense. These themes are elevated even further after the last few years, making 12 Monkeys even better three decades on.
1) The Matrix (1999)
The rise of artificial intelligence has been a hot topic of discussion in the real world in recent years, but the Wachowskis’ The Matrix was exploring these themes almost 30 years ago. Keanu Reeves’ computer hacker Thomas Anderson was thrust into a world of simulated reality, artificial intelligence, and technological anxiety when he’s broken out of the Matrix and becomes Neo, fighting a rebellion against the machines that have taken over a futuristic Earth. The Matrix is among the most successful, influential, popular, and acclaimed sci-fi movies of all time, and its themes were seriously ahead of the curve.
The real world has now caught up with all the themes depicted in The Matrix – even the idea that we all live in a simulation has gained prominence among fringe conspiracy theorists. The Matrix’s relies on philosophical, sociological, and technological teachings and advancements to deliver its complex and thought-provoking narrative, backed up with impressive visuals and strong performances. The Wachowskis pushed boundaries, but these boundaries have now become our reality.
What are your favorite sci-fi movies from the 1990s that hold up today? Let us know in the comments!
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Image courtesy of Lucasfilm.
