Top Ten Guide: Best Movies Of 1993

It was the year of blockbusters, classic comedies and moral dilemmas… and that’s just the silver screen! In the year that was 1993 we witnessed some of the best movies of the 90s, and it’s not hard to see why with our top 10 movies from 1993 list.

Schindler’s List

Not just one of the best films of 1993, Schindler’s List is one of the most important movies ever made by Steven Spielberg, exposing the depth and darkness of the human spirit.

It’s 1939 and Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson) arrives in Poland to launch his business, profiteering from the newly started World War II. By default, he joins the Nazi party and hires Jewish workers – less out of salvation, more out of necessity for work.

But when the SS start ‘removing’ the Jews, Schindler protects them within his factory to save their lives. The movie is all the more chilling, knowing just how history unfolded.

IMDb: 8.9/10

• Classification: M
• Genre: Drama
• Cast: Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes and more

Jurassic Park

When Jurassic Park first bounded onto our screens in 1993, a mega dinosaur franchise was born that continues to this day. With spectacular special effects, an anthemic musical score, and world-class direction from Steven Spielberg, the first and original installment remains its biggest hit.

As the story goes, paleontologists Alan (Sam Neill) and Ellie (Laura Dern), and mathematician Ian (Jeff Goldblum) are invited to a new dinosaur theme park, developed from prehistoric DNA.

We’re told it’s safe, but spoiler alert- it’s not. So when the predators break free, it’s everyone’s worst nightmare. Jurassic Park was also the biggest grossing movie of the year raking in a sweet $402 million.

IMDb: 8.1/10

• Classification: PG
• Genre: Sci-Fi/Action
• Cast: Jeff Goldblum, Ariana Richards, Sam Neill and more

The Fugitive

Harrison Ford likes full-on action, and in this 1993 film classic, he plays the role of Richard Kimble – a man wrongfully accused of killing his wife. Escaping the clutches of the law, he’s on a mission to find the real killer, all the while a manhunt to get him ensues.

IMDb: 7.8/10

• Classification: M
• Genre: Action
• Cast: Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Sela Ward and more

Philadelphia

In what was a ground-breaking movie for its time, Philadelphia holds up all these years on.

Earning an Academy Award for his moving performance, Tom Hanks is Andrew Beckett – a gay man living with HIV. He also happens to be one of the power lawyers at a high-flying law firm. Fired under the suspicion of having HIV, he enlists the help of Joe Miller (Denzel Washington) – the only lawyer willing to represent him.

IMDb: 7.7/10

• Classification: PG
• Genre: Drama
• Cast: Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Jason Robards and more

Mrs. Doubtfire

Ranked as the best comedy movie of 1993 and when you think of the best films of 1993, Mrs. Doubtfire is undoubtedly up there. The much-loved Robin Williams was a master of comedy and disguise, and in this standout performance he delivers both humour and emotion that tug at the heartstrings.

Going to great lengths to spend more time with his estranged family, Daniel (Williams) reinvents himself as a Mary-Poppins style nanny – but will his disguise be foiled? No spoilers this side of town. 

IMDb: 7/10

• Classification: PG
• Genre: Comedy
• Cast: Robin Williams, Mara Wilson, Lisa Jakub and more

Sleepless in Seattle

They sure don’t make movies like this anymore…. although that’s probably because they didn’t have the universal stalking tool known as Facebook back in 1993.

Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) is a widower who relocates to Seattle with his son Jonah. Keen to find a new mum, and a partner for his Dad, Jonah calls a radio talk show for advice, thrusting his dad on the phone.

One listener, Annie Reed (Meg Ryan) is moved by his story and even though she’s engaged, can’t stop thinking about him. So she does what any gal would do… and writes a letter inviting Sam to meet her at the top of the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day. 

IMDb: 6.8/10

• Classification: PG
• Genre: Romance
• Cast: Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks, Ross Malinger and more

The Firm

When a young lawyer (Tom Cruise) enrols in a highly-acclaimed law firm and finds out that they’re laundering mob money, leaving his integrity compromised. When the FBI starts to investigate, he must choose between ethics or loyalty. Adapted from John Grisham’s bestseller, The Firm takes you to places you’re not expecting.

IMDb: 6.8/10

• Classification: M
• Genre: Thriller
• Cast: Tom Cruise, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Holly Hunter and more

The Pelican Brief

When law student (Julia Roberts) uncovers some unsettling truths, she becomes the target of an assassination. With few other options left, she’s forced on the run helped by a journalist, to bring the conspiracy to the powers that be.

IMDb: 6.6/10

• Classification: M
• Genre: Thriller
• Cast: Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Sam Shepard and more

Cliffhanger

Living up to its name, Cliffhanger sees former mountain rescuer Gabe (Sylvester Stallone) caught up in a heist, following a U.S governmental aircraft dropping bags of cash throughout the wild and Rocky Mountains to the value of $100 million.

IMDb: 6.4/10

• Classification: M
• Genre: Action
• Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Janine Turner, John Lithgow and more

Indecent Proposal

Everyone has a price, or so multi-millionaire gambler John Gage (Robert Redford) believes. Prepare to be seduced, as totally-in-love couple David (Woody Harrelson) and Diana (Demi Moore) face the ultimate moral dilemma.

Falling on hard times, the couple head to Las Vegas to make a quick buck, where they meet Gage. With money no object, he proposes the most indecent and inviting of proposals: $1 million for a night with Diana. Acceptance of the proposal poses the eternal question: which matters more, love or money. 

IMDb: 6/10

• Classification: M
• Genre: Romance
• Cast: Demi Moore, Woody Harrelson, Robert Redford and more