Although big-budget movies weren't all that new in the '90s, it does seem like the decade was something of a breeding ground for blockbusters. Building off of successes in past decades like Star Wars or Indiana Jones, the '90s played host to some huge hit films.
There were sci-fi thrillers about aliens, animated films that have gone on to become classics, and even some emotional dramas that all went on to win the box office for their respective years. Of course, making the most money doesn't always correlate with the highest quality films. Some annual winners are viewed as true greatness while others are mediocre at best.
1999 - Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (6.5)
Considering the way that Star Wars dominated the box office in the late '70s and early '80s, it only makes sense that the first one released in the '90s would do the same. After waiting for over a decade, fans finally got treated to the 1999 prequel, The Phantom Menace.
That anticipation, combined with getting to see the origins of characters like Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi, helped the film race to $924.3 million to win the box office. It ended up surpassing $1 billion on re-releases. Unfortunately, it is argued among the worst entries in Star Wars with a dull plot but some cool action sequences.
1998 - Armageddon (6.7)
In 1998, something caused audiences to become enamored with movies that told stories regarding the potential end of the world. For starters, Deep Impact was released and managed to rake in an impressive $349.4 million. However, it was bested by another film with a similar plot.
Telling the story of core drillers sent to destroy an asteroid headed for Earth, Armageddon pulled in a whopping $553.7 million. Though Deep Impact was seen as more scientifically accurate, Armageddon was more appealing to audiences for the beloved soundtrack, emotional aspects, and big-name stars.
1996 - Independence Day (7.0)
The affinity for sci-fi movies where Earth was in peril began a few years before 1998. In 1996, audiences flocked to theaters to check out Independence Day, which played a huge part in making Will Smith into one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood during the '90s and '00s.
The plot of Independence Day is simple enough as a group of humans work together to stop an alien invasion. The jaw-dropping special effects, relatable and likable characters, and scale helped it become a hit, winning 1996 with a $817.4 million intake. It even won an Oscar for visual effects.
1990 - Ghost (7.1)
When people think about the films to win a particular box office year, their minds will usually jump to certain things. Established franchises, big-budget productions, or action-packed adventures. One genre that doesn't typically get mentioned is romance but 1990's box office was won by just that kind of movie.
That would be Ghost, which got a boost from the star power of Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore to bring in $505.7 million. The film sees a spirit (Swayze) stick around to warn his lover (Moore) of incoming danger. It scored five Oscar nods, including one for Best Picture, and the pottery scene is a pop culture staple.
1995 - Die Hard With A Vengeance (7.6)
1995 wasn't a major year for films in terms of how much they grossed. $366.1 million wouldn't be enough to win most other years but it was just enough for Die Hard with a Vengeance to take the crown ahead of Toy Story (which would pass it with re-releases) and Apollo 13.
Considering the 1988 original is viewed as an all-time great action and Christmas movie, it lines up that the sequels would be huge. This one saw John McClane (Bruce Willis) work with a reluctant partner (Samuel L. Jackson) to stop bomb threats. Reviews were initially mixed but users on IMDb are clearly warmer on it.
1997 - Titanic (7.8)
James Cameron is widely seen as the king of the box office and for good reason. His films have topped it often and in 1997, he delivered his biggest hit to that point. Titanic shattered records thanks to the cinematic retelling of a famous moment, an epic soundtrack, and standout lead performances.
In its first release, Titanic grossed $1.843 billion, which was a record. Thanks to later releases, it now sits at $2.201 billion, which is best for third all-time. Unlike Cameron's 2009 release that passed it, Avatar, this film is still culturally relevant, with fans having constant debates on whether there was room for Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) on the door.
1992 - Aladdin (8.0)
The Disney Renaissance is named as such for a good reason. Following some struggles in the '80s, the studio began putting out films that were both commercially and critically successful, with many of them becoming iconic. One was 1992's Aladdin, which centers on a street urchin who gets help from a powerful genie to change his life for the better.
It won the box office with $504 million and did so thanks to animation that holds up decades later, catchy musical numbers, and a remarkable voice performance from Robin Williams. The live-action remake in 2019 was another success, surpassing $1 billion.
1993 - Jurassic Park (8.1)
A lot has been said about the technological achievement that was Jurassic Park. All of it is true as the movie was released way back in 1993, yet the special effects look far superior to many films that came out decades after. All someone has to do is look at the legendary t-rex scene for an example.
Thanks to the massive $912.6 million that it brought in (it later went over $1 billion with re-releases), it sparked a franchise with blockbuster sequels and TV shows that are still going today. The story of dinosaurs getting loose at a theme park remains one of the most thrilling ideas ever put on film.
1994 - The Lion King (8.5)
The Disney Renaissance strikes again as 1994 ensured that they followed up Aladdin with another even bigger hit. The Lion King dominated the office, winning it with $858.5 million, which was almost $200 million more than the runner-up. It didn't stop there, though.
The Lion King saw several re-releases to get it over $1 billion, had a 2019 remake also hit that mark, and was a huge success as a Broadway play. That's not even mentioning the sequels. The story for power among the family of lions is timeless and it features music that fans still listen to and scenes that they still get emotional over.
1991 - Terminator 2: Judgment Day (8.5)
Although it has the same official rating on IMDb, Terminator 2: Judgment Day just edges out The Lion King by virtue of having more total reviews. The 1991 hit gave director James Cameron the first of his three box office wins in a given year, pulling in $520.8 million worldwide.
The movie has Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) return to battle a more advanced Terminator with help from her son and her foe from the first installment (Arnold Schwarzenegger). This added another feather in Schwarzenegger's cap as a bonafide star, showed off great special effects, and expanded Cameron's skills as a director.