Apocalyptic movies like Mad Max: Fury Road have long been favorites of sci-fi fans and moviegoers as a whole. In the 1990s the traditional plot thread of the world ending in a nuclear war lost some of its poignancy, as the Cold War was all but over. So the genre slowed down from its heyday in the 1960s-1980s.
Despite Deep Impact being in the top 10, all-time great movies The Matrix, 12 Monkeys, and Terminator 2: Judgment Day show that even a weaker decade for the genre can still produce amazing films.
Waterworld (1995) - 6.2
500 years in the future the polar ice caps have completely melted, engulfing the planet in water. Multiple factions race to find a girl with a tattoo of a map to a mythical place called "Dryland"
The practical effects of Waterworld transport viewers to the world-spanning ocean in a way that is unexpected from a film in the 1990s. Unfortunately, the other aspects of the movie leave a lot to be desired. Waterworld lacks the blistering plot and compelling villains of Road Warrior, a movie it borrows heavily from. In addition, star Kevin Costner does not bring his A-game, often appearing overly sluggish for an action movie.
The Arrival (1996) - 6.2
Part horror film, part conspiracy thriller, The Arrival (not to be confused with Arrival the 2016 film) is the story of a scientist that discovers signs of alien life but finds his superiors seem bent on preventing the info from coming out.
The twisting, turning plot is the biggest positive for this 1996 effort. The well-executed twists give the film a strong sense of propulsion and pace. A strong, frenetic acting effort from Charlie Sheen also adds to the film's vibe of discomfort and paranoia. Some silly effects and depictions of the actual aliens unmoor the film, along with dialogue that feels unnatural and stilted.
Deep Impact (1998) - 6.2
The first of the two asteroid/comet-hitting Earth movies to come out within two months of each other, Deep Impact is the one with a young Elijah Wood and President Morgan Freeman.
The main reason that Deep Impact standouts is the movie has more heart and quieter moments than most of the blockbusters of its era. Sadly those moments veer into melodrama territory more than once, giving the film an overwrought vibe. Deep Impact is a perfect example of a strong script being let down by less-than-stellar acting performances. But Deep Impact will always be measured against Armageddon, its fellow space-disaster movie.
Armageddon (1998)- 6.7
Armageddon is led by an ensemble cast of Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, Liv Tyler, Ben Affleck, and Steve Buscemi as they attempt to drill into a comet to prevent it from destroying Earth.
How much viewers get out of Armageddon depends on their thoughts on director Michael Bay and producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Armageddon is dominated by bombastic, big visuals, often made at the expense of the plot, that the pair have made a career of. A great definition of a "popcorn" movie, Armageddon is fun to watch but does not offer a lot to think about or consider.
Independence Day (1996)- 7
After aliens arrive on Earth and destroy several major cities, a group of fighter pilots, scientists and politicians hatch a plan to defeat the seemingly unstoppable invaders.
One of the highest-grossing movies of the 1990s Independence Day was and has remained immensely popular. The visual of the White House being blown up by the alien saucer is an enduring image even to this day. Somewhat thin, underdeveloped characters hold Independence Day back a little bit, but Will Smith's fun, swaggering performance as fighter pilot Captain Steven Hiller ties together this summer blockbuster.
Last Night (1998) - 7.1
As the world is hours away from ending due to an unmentioned event, regular people attempt to go through their lives in the last few hours of humanity.
A direct response to the loud, action-based American apocalypse movies, the Canadian project lacks the explosions, guns, and heroics of its contemporaries in the genre. But its often dark humor, in-depth conversations, and character-based plot lifts Last Night to heights other end-of-the-world films struggle to reach. Star Sandra Oh is especially great in the film, sad and funny in turns, she brings the entire plot into focus.
Dogma (1999) - 7.3
An all-star cast of Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Chris Rock, Alan Rickman, Salma Hayek, and George Carlin round out this Jay and Silent Bob movie about two angels (Damon and Affleck) who will end existence if they enter a church.
Some watchers may find the religious parody elements a little over the top, but that is a point. Damon and Affleck both chew every scene they are in, clearly using all of the comedic powers to the highest level. Kevin Smith's writing is also noteworthy, the pace of the dialogue gives Dogma a vibe of frenetic energy, and some of the best jokes will only be caught in a second viewing. Also, Alanis Morissette playing God's physical existence on Earth is one of the great cameos of the '90s.
12 Monkeys (1995) - 8
After a virus wiped out most of humanity, James Cole (Bruce Willis) is sent back in time to attempt to find the cause in hopes of creating a cure.
Multiple mind-shattering twists are some of the biggest selling points, on the surface, for 12 Monkeys. But what makes this 1995 offering shine is its deeper themes of memory and fate. Along with a strong performance from Willis, and an Oscar nomination-worthy effort from supporting actor Brad Pitt, 12 Monkeys has a lot to offer to fans of thrillers, and end-of-the-world movies in general.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) 8.6
The sequel to The Terminator, Judgement Day tells the story of the evil Skynet sending back a more advanced machine, the T-1000 to kill John Connor.
Widely considered one of the best sequels ever Terminator 2: Judgement Day is also one of the best science fiction movies of the 1990s, if not ever. The special effects for the T-1000 are truly amazing, they still largely hold up over 30 years later, and at the time were the pinnacle of the art form. Robert Patrick's portrayal of the T-1000 only adds to the special effects triumph, his icy cold stare and steely eyes create a real sense of horror that propels the movie.
The Matrix (1999) - 8.7
The first movie of the acclaimed saga, The Matrix introduces the world to Neo, the matrix itself, and the terrifying Agent Smith.
It is hard to overstate the importance of The Matrix not only to science fiction but to movies as a whole. The special effects set a standard for the new millennium that was not matched for years, and the two pills that Morpheus offers Neo have become cultural touchstones. Groundbreaking effects aside the plot are fresh and engaging and star Keanu Reeves delivers a signature performance that ties the whole movie together.