What were you doing back in 1998? Perhaps you were building a nuclear bunker if the movies of 1998 are anything to go by.
In 1998 the best movies to watch included end-of-the-world action in Armageddon to the doomsday-mongering of Deep Impact, we’re just grateful we had a touch of Jackie Chan in Rush Hour and Robin Williams in Patch Adams to lighten things up in our collection of the best movies of 1998.
Best Movies In 1998
Here are the top 10 movies in 1998 that you need to add to your nostalgia watch list.
Saving Private Ryan
When it comes to the best movies of 90s, it’s hard not to salute Saving Private Ryan.
This lump-in-your-throat drama movie, directed by a renowned director, charts the life of U.S soldiers going behind enemy lines during the infamous Normandy Landings during World War II. With stellar acting from Tom Hanks as Captain Miller and Matt Damon as Private Ryan in this heartbreaking war movie, the film follows the story of a soldier with no experience thrust into war under the director’s dramatic vision. Winning five Oscars, it’s no surprise it was the highest-grossing of all movies in 1998.
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 95%
- IMDb rating: 8.6/10
How to watch Saving Private Ryan
The Truman show
The Truman Show isn’t just one of the best movies of 1998, it’s the zeitgeist movie of the year.
Way ahead of its time, it gave us a glimpse into a future where the lines of marketing, reality TV and ethics are blurred. In the movie, Jim Carey is at his very best, giving a gifted performance in this comedy-drama as Truman – a man born into a fake film world with him at the centre. It wouldn’t be so eerie if it didn’t ring so true. This movie will stay with you for some time.
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 89%
- IMDb rating: 8.1/10
How to watch The Truman Show
Armageddon
Bringing sexy to sci-fi, Armageddon is one of the top action movies 1998 gave us. Despite its end-of-the-world storyline, it’s hard to take this movie too seriously.
Serving up doses of cheesy lines and plenty of rom-com moments, will Bruce Willis save the day? Who even cares with a soundtrack as rousing as its cast (Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, Billy Bob Thornton).
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 73%
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10
How to watch Armageddon
Doctor Dolittle
Is there anything that Eddie Murphy can’t do? Impersonations, dating Spice Girls, and now talking to the animals! It’s not us he needs to convince though – if Doctor Dolittle can’t convince his family that he can communicate with animal species, his future is a very uncertain one indeed.
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 34%
- IMDb rating: 5.4/10
How to watch Doctor Dolittle
There’s Something About Mary
Strap yourself in for one of the funniest comedy films of the decade, let alone one of the top 1998 movies Hollywood gave us, starring some of the biggest stars.
The Farrelly brothers are stamped all over it, with witty lines, scenes that will shock you (the hair gel incident is all we’re saying) and comedy moments you could never laugh at with your mother in the room! With Ben Stiller (Ted) winning our hearts in this comedy movie, as he tries to win over Mary (Cameron Diaz) in the film, and a brilliant cameo from Lee Evans, it’s college humour at its very best.
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 61%
- IMDB rating: 7.1/10
How to watch There’s Something About Mary
Rush Hour
Bringing all the bromance feels, the film pairing of Jackie Chan (Detective Inspector Lee) and Chris Tucker (Detective James Carter), delivers action-comedy movie gold.
Assuming the role of rival FBI detectives, the duo has to work together to overcome their differences and solve the case. With ass-kicking and belly-laughing in equal measures, it’s one of the top action-comedy films in 1998.
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 78%
- IMDb rating: 7/10
How to watch Rush Hour
Deep Impact
The end is nigh, again! In our second sci-fi doomsday movie of the year, this understated more dramatic and technically astute movie might not have the gloss of Armageddon, but it does share the same fear-mongering that 1998 liked to instil in viewers.
Thankfully we have Morgan Freeman in charge of the situation to put us all at ease.
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 43%
- IMDB rating: 6.2/10
How to watch Deep Impact
Godzilla
Godzilla’s been clamping his claws into New York City since 1954, yet we never seem to tire of this well-told tale. Reprising his ‘lizardy’ ways, this giant beast returns to the city to cause havoc one more time. Despite being one of the hits of the year, it remains very lowly rated by critics – go watch the original.
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 28%
- IMDb rating: 5.4/10
How to watch Godzilla
The Waterboy
Kathy Bates is perfectly cast as the overbearing mother of Bobby Boucher Jnr (Adam Sandler no less) in this teen-humour NFL movie. Bobby might be a lowly waterboy, but when his secret tackling skills are discovered by the college football team, his fate takes a turn for the better.
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 71%
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10
How to watch The Waterboy
Patch Adams
Only the magic of Robin Williams could tell such a story so beautifully, and given his life, so poignantly too.
This simple yet touching drama movie is loosely based on the true story of Hunter ‘Patch’ Adams, a Doctor who helps transform the lives of his patients using comedy and laughter, following his stint at a mental health institute when suffering from depression.
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 73%
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10
How to watch Patch Adams
Award-Winning Films of 1998
If you are looking for films that get the critic’s tick of approval — 1998 was a remarkable year in the world of cinema, with several films not only achieving commercial success but also garnering critical acclaim and prestigious awards.
“Saving Private Ryan”, directed by Steven Spielberg, was one of the standout films of the year. This epic war film depicted the harrowing realities of World War II and won five Academy Awards including Best Director, while also being nominated for Best Picture.
“Shakespeare in Love”, a romantic period comedy-drama, was another major winner. It won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Gwyneth Paltrow, and Best Supporting Actress for Judi Dench. The film’s unique blend of romance, comedy, and historical drama won the hearts of both audiences and critics alike.
“Life is Beautiful”, an Italian film directed by and starring Roberto Benigni, was a poignant tale of a Jewish man who uses humour to protect his son from the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Benigni, making him the second actor to direct himself to a Best Acting win.
“The Truman Show”, a satirical science fiction film starring Jim Carrey, won the Golden Globe for Best Actor and was nominated for three Academy Awards. The film’s exploration of reality television and privacy issues resonated with audiences and critics alike.
“Elizabeth”, a British biographical drama about Queen Elizabeth I, won the BAFTA for Outstanding British Film and Best Actress for Cate Blanchett. It was also nominated for seven Academy Awards.
FAQ
What were some of the top-grossing films of 1998?
The highest-grossing films of 1998 included “Armageddon,” “Saving Private Ryan,” and “Godzilla.” These movies attracted huge audiences and generated significant box office revenue.
Which 1998 films are considered classics today?
Several films from 1998 have stood the test of time and are now considered classics. These include “The Truman Show,” “Saving Private Ryan,” and “American History X.” These films are still widely viewed and discussed today due to their compelling storytelling and performances.
Were there any groundbreaking animated films released in 1998?
Yes, 1998 was a notable year for animated films. Disney’s “Mulan” was released, which was praised for its animation and storytelling. Additionally, Pixar’s “A Bug’s Life” was also released, continuing the studio’s reputation for high-quality, innovative animated films.
What were some critically acclaimed dramas from 1998?
There were several dramas in 1998 that received critical acclaim. These include “Saving Private Ryan,” which won five Academy Awards, and “The Thin Red Line,” which was nominated for seven Academy Awards.
Were there any surprise hits or sleeper films in 1998?
Yes, there were a few surprise hits in 1998. “There’s Something About Mary” was a breakout success, becoming one of the highest-grossing comedies ever at the time. Additionally, “The Big Lebowski” didn’t make a big splash initially but has since become a cult classic.
What were some popular action movies from 1998?
Some of the most popular action movies from 1998 include “Armageddon,” “Lethal Weapon 4,” and “Enemy of the State.”