When we think of the 90's, there are countless things that come to mind. Flared jeans, butterfly clips, and platform shoes became our fashion choices. Music such as grunge, hip-hop, and pop became definitive genres that transformed the industry. The way we entertain ourselves has also changed, especially with the advent of the Internet. [And then there is cinema: the 1990s brought us some of the greatest films that resonate with us today. From iconic blockbusters to phenomenal children's animated films to well-crafted indie films, the decade had something for everyone. We started buying more movies; VHS tapes started making as much or more money than movie theaters. It's a near impossible attempt to pick just a handful of films released in this decade, but I've gathered some of the best films of the 90s.

First, let's start with films featuring some of the best actors of the time. Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg star in "Ghost," about a man who dies in an attempted robbery but manages to stay behind to warn his loved ones of the danger they are in. Goldberg won an Oscar for his role in the film, and the film itself was nominated for Best Picture.

Patrick Swayze plays the lead role of Sam Wheat. The film takes a thrilling turn when he realizes the truth behind the murder. Sam meets local psychic Oda Mae Brown, played by Whoopi Goldberg, who helps him warn Molly Jensen, played by Demi Moore. Blending elements of comedy, romance, and the paranormal, it's no wonder the film has remained popular over the years.

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In the 1990s, Disney certainly had its time in the sun. One of Disney's biggest hits of that era was Beauty and the Beast. The story is about a young man who is transformed into a terrifying beast (voiced by Robbie Benson). The only way he can be freed from his curse is to fall in love. That seems almost impossible until he meets Belle (voice: Paige O'Hara).

The film had everything one would expect from a Disney fantasy film: beautiful music, charming characters, and great artistry. It was the first animated film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, and it even won Best Original Score. It is a treasure of cinematic history, and no wonder it continues to be a favorite in the hearts of 90s kids.

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The impact of a film like "Schindler's List" is hard to put into words. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film tells the true story of businessman Oscar Schindler, played by Liam Neeson, who used his factory to save the lives of 1,100 Jews in danger of death. Spielberg portrays one of the darkest periods in history with remarkable accuracy and attention to detail.

It is no wonder the film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director. Liam Neeson gave one of his best performances in the film, and Ralph Fiennes and Ben Kingsley also gave strong performances. The film has had a long-lasting impact on many Holocaust survivors and inspired them to tell their own stories. It is not only a cinematic masterpiece, but also an educational tool for generations to come.

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In the 1990s, Stephen King was one of the most popular authors of his time. His horror novels were made into movies and became our nightmares. But not all of his books were about scary clowns and haunted hotels. Some, like "The Shawshank Redemption," were about friendship and hope amidst dark surroundings.

Starring Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as his friend Ellis Boyd 'Red' Redding, the film is about a man sent to prison for a crime he did not commit. But despite the lack of an obvious path to freedom, he discovers friendship within his walls. Eventually, he finds redemption. A timeless film and one of the best films of the 90s.

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"Toy Story" was more than just a charming children's film; it was the first film made entirely with CG animation. released by Pixar in 1995, the film tells the story of Andy, who receives a new toy for his birthday. Woody, Andy's favorite, can't help but feel incredibly jealous of the stylish new toy in his room. Buzz Lightyear, however, is unaware that he is a toy, making for a hilarious plot.

The film featured some of the most familiar voices we have known since the 90s. Tom Hanks played Andy's favorite toy, Woody, and Tim Allen played Buzz Lightyear, Woody's nemesis. What makes the film appealing to children as well as adults are the jokes woven by familiar toys we all had as children, such as Mr. Potato Head, Slinky, and the Green Army Men. It's one of the most iconic films of the 90s that you can watch over and over again and never get tired of.

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Matt Damon has been in some of the great films of the 90s, starting with his directorial debut, Good Will Hunting. But one of his best and most iconic films of the 90s is the harrowing dramatic thriller "Ripley's Talent."

Set in the 1950s, the film stars Matt Damon as Tom Ripley, who is on a mission to bring Dickie back to his father in New York. When Dickie, played by Jude Law, refuses, the two decide to use his father's money, which was given to Ripley. Unfortunately, Ripley's cherished friendship suddenly becomes one-sided, and the film goes the way of the murder mystery. His deception and spiraling downhill cinematography make this a must-see for those looking back on the films of the decade.

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One of the best directors to emerge in the 90s was M. Night Shyamalan. He has given us incredible, winding supernatural thrillers that still feel fresh today. One of his top selections is The Sixth Sense, starring Haley Joel Osment and Bruce Willis.

Osment plays Cole Searle, a troubled boy with a secret that no one believes. Willis plays Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a child psychologist who wants to reach out to Cole and help him, especially since Cole reminds him of a former patient. As time goes on, Malcolm learns that Cole has the ability to see and speak with the dead, but he doesn't know how to help. Toni Collette plays a supporting but impactful role as Cole's mother, who questions the inexplicable events surrounding her son. The shocking ending is one of the best in the history of cinema, with a twist.

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