Music N' Other Drugs

1994 is often considered one of the greatest years in cinema, and, when I look back now on what found its way to the multiplex, the proof is in the Jell-O pudding. We had incendiary independent films, we had blockbusters that actually entertained, and we had comedies that weren’t afraid to make people uncomfortable.

In other words, we didn’t know how good we had it, because nothing I’ve seen so far this year comes close to any of the films I’m about to get into. “Forrest Gump” won six Academy Awards including Best Picture and I didn’t even include it here. That’s how bountiful the crop was.

Some of my fondest memories are seeing “Street Fighter” on the big screen and watching “Richie Rich,” “Getting Even With Dad,” and “The Pagemaster” on VHS. I loved those films as a kid, but, as you’ll see, my tastes evolved as I got older.

Feel free to share your picks in the comments.

“Pulp Fiction” – Directed by Quentin Tarantino

Tarantino’s non-linear approach is woven together beautifully by the late Sally Menke’s editing and the cast makes every line of dialogue crackle with life.

“The Shawshank Redemption” – Directed by Frank Darabont

It’s an escape film, a crime drama, a story of friendship, and a glimpse into the harsh realities of institutionalization all rolled into one 142-minute package.

“Clerks” – Directed by Kevin Smith

Smith used the idiosyncrasies of a convenience store to make hysterical observations about human behavior.

“The Crow” – Directed by Alex Proyas

The tragic death of Brandon Lee has defined its legacy, but Proyas fully commits to the gothic aesthetic while crafting an elegiac meditation on love and loss.

“Hoop Dreams” – Directed by Steve James

The average person likely doesn’t remember William Gates and Arthur Agee, but their stories are as heartbreaking today as they were then. James examines the cost of society placing the pursuit of professional athletics on a pedestal with sobering results.

“The Lion King” – Directed by Rob Minkoff and Roger Allers

The score from Hans Zimmer, the soundtrack from Elton John and Tim Rice, the characters etc. You couldn’t go anywhere in the summer of ’94 without being exposed to some aspect of this film and it still holds up today.

“Dumb and Dumber” – Directed by Peter and Bobby Farrelly

Jim Carrey was on fire in ’94 with “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” “The Mask,” and this classic slapstick caper that is one of the most quotable films of the decade.

“Disclosure” – Directed by Barry Levinson

It’s largely ignored in Michael Douglas’s filmography, but, for me, his courtroom battle of wits with a seductive Demi Moore makes for compelling entertainment despite critical dismissal.

“Léon: The Professional” – Directed by Luc Besson

Way too grimy by 2024 standards, but the performances are stellar, and the action sequences inspired countless imitators. Plus, Gary Oldman is just unhinged throughout.

“Natural Born Killers” – Directed by Oliver Stone

Easily one of the most misunderstood entries in Stone’s career upon its release, but I think we now recognize that he was ahead of his time in terms of the statement he was making about the media.

Honorable Mentions – “Crooklyn,” “True Lies,” “Wes Craven’s New Nightmare,” “The River Wild,” and “The Paper”