The 1990s was a defining decade for cinema. With groundbreaking blockbusters and indie cult classics, movies of the 1990s still hold a strong influence among audiences today. It was the golden age for genres like drama, crime thrillers, and action comedies. Movies like Pulp Fiction, The Matrix, and Goodfellas stunned us all with their innovative storytelling and visual style.
Streaming services today have opened a world of opportunities for viewers to rediscover the magic of ’90s cinema. Tubi, in particular, amasses an impressive collection of movies from this memorable decade. And most of them are available to watch for free. By housing movies like The Usual Suspects, Thelma & Louise, My Cousin Vinny, and more, it has become a go-to destination for nostalgic movie marathons.
But while these classics are only limited on Tubi for a limited time, we have hand-picked 10 movies from the ’90s that you can currently stream on Tubi for free. From quirky dark comedies and adrenaline-fueled action flicks, the list puts together a variety of genres and cult favorites to suit your taste buds.
10 The Spanish Prisoner (1997)
Considered a truly smart and stylish neo-noir thriller, The Spanish Prisoner follows a young genius and corporate engineer named Joe Ross, who has developed a groundbreaking business project that promises immense wealth. He accidentally crosses paths with Jimmy Dell, an enigmatic and mysterious businessman who offers to help protect his invention. However, Joe soon gets entangled in a web of corporate espionage and betrayal, which leads to a high-stakes, nail-biting game of cat and mouse.
A Complex Tale of Deception and Duplicity
Featuring a star-studded cast including Campbell Scott, Rebecca Pidgeon and Steve Martin, and directed by David Mamet, the movie plays out like a layered psychological thriller with a plot that twists around every turn. You think you have it figured out before another curveball is thrown, leaving you guessing till the very end. The elegant cinematography, strong performances, suspenseful atmosphere, and intricate script work together to make a unique, timeless, and critically acclaimed classic.
9 Sliding Doors (1998)
Sliding Doors, directed by Peter Howitt, explores the concept of parallel eyes through the eyes of Helen Quilley. After being fired from her PR job, Helen is on her way home when she triggers two parallel realities based on whether she catches her train or misses it. In one reality, she discovers that her boyfriend is cheating on her and builds a new life with James, a charming man, and in the second reality, she misses the train and it leads to a series of unfortunate events.
A Fresh Take on Butterfly Effect
Gwyneth Paltrow is perfectly cast as Helen in this romantic drama that alternates between two storylines to prove how a single moment can change everything. She adds depth and nuance to the contrasting experiences of her character. The inventive narrative structure and heartfelt performances from the rest of the cast, which includes John Hannah and John Lynch, make the entire theme of fate and love resonate with audiences. Despite receiving a lukewarm response by critics at the time of its release, Sliding Doors became a beloved ‘90s gem.
8 Limbo (1999)
Directed by John Sayles, Limbo is a gripping adventure that takes place against the rugged backdrop of the wilderness of Alaska. We follow Joe Gastineau, a former fisherman haunted by his past. He finds solace in his new relationship with Donna, a lounge singer who lives with her teenage daughter, Noelle. When an unexpected turn of events puts them all in danger, Joe, Donna, and Noelle are forced to run off to a remote island.
A Twilight Zone-esque Trip to the Wild
An enigmatic slow-burn that catches your attention from the get-go, Limbo is known for offering an unforgettable experience to the audience. It makes you believe the story is an adventure, that it’s about surviving on an island. But the unexpected narrative twists and complex character relationships reveal the plot is really a quest for redemption.
Sayles’ direction captures the stark beauty of Alaska, while compelling performances from David Strathairn and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio make the suspense and drama better.
7 The Frighteners (1996)
The Frighteners is a supernatural comedy horror from the very prolific Peter Jackson. It tells the story of Frank Bannister, a former architect who gets into a tragic car accident and mysteriously gains the ability to see and communicate with ghosts. Now a self-proclaimed “psychic investigator,” he often exorcizes haunted houses for some fee. But when a real, malevolent supernatural killer resembling the Grim Reaper comes to town, Frank is caught in the middle of solving the case and saving his own skin.
Ghostly Fun with a Dark Twist
Jackson’s ingenious direction combines popcorn scares and genuinely funny scenes, crafting a delightful film. Michael J. Fox shines in his against-type role and delivers a charming performance as Frank. He is supported by a quirky cast including Trini Alvarado and Jeffrey Combs.
Critics described the movie as “a mixture between Ghostbusters and Twin Peaks,” and praised the innovative use of special effects, created by Jackson’s own Weta Digital. They were groundbreaking at the time and are impressive even today.
6 Ringu (1998)
It’s not just native-language movies that became definitive of the ‘90s as a decade; on some rare occasion, a foreign-language film would arrive and become a must-watch for genre fans. Ringu is a Japanese horror movie that follows journalist Reiko Asakawa. She is investigating a cursed videotape that allegedly kills anyone who watches it within seven days.
After her niece becomes a victim, Reiko watches the tape herself and dooms herself to the same fate. She races to uncover the tape’s origin and break the curse.
A Chilling J-horror Masterpiece
Still hailed as the pioneering J-horror classic that sparked discussions about the sub-genre, Hideo Nakata’s Ringu is a masterclass in atmospheric dread, which is present throughout the movie.
Nakata’s minimalist approach, the film’s eerie visuals, and a haunting score by Jenji Kawai contribute to the unsettling mood. Not to forget the bone-chilling climax and the reveal of the curse’s origin, which still sends a shiver down the spine. Ring not only became a box office sensation in Japan, but also became globally popular and led to remakes and sequels.
5 The Boondock Saints (1999)
A vigilante thriller directed by Troy Duffy, The Boondock Saints centers around Irish-American twin brothers Conner and Murphy MacManus, who kill two Russian mobsters to defend themselves and become vigilantes. They embark on a bloody crusade to take down every mafia member in the city’s criminal underworld, believing their divine mission will clean Boston up, all while being chased by the FBI.
A Cult Action Classic That Still Holds Up
The Boondock Saints is a revered cult classic. It’s one of those movies that failed commercially at the box office and could not get enough praise from critics, but eventually found a new life on home video.
Intense, gritty, packed with action, and darkly comedic, the movie is Duffy’s feature directorial debut. His stylish and raw direction is worth the hype and wildly entertaining, but greater pleasure comes from Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus’ undeniable chemistry as the MacManus brothers.
4 Taxi (1998)
The first installment in the series was followed by four sequels, one English-language remake and a TV show. Taxi is a high-octane French action-comedy that follows the story of Daniel Morales, a pizza delivery boy turned taxi driver who loves the thrill of speed. His life takes a wild turn when he’s coerced by a police officer named Émilien into helping him catch a gang of German bank robbers. What follows is a series of thrilling car chases, a heist gone terribly wrong, and more comedic misadventures.
Fast-Paced Fun with a French Twist
The action comedy genre has a huge appeal and no decade did it better than the 1990s. Taxi helps audiences steer off course and experience a rollercoaster ride of humor and adrenaline. Directed by Gérard Pirès and written by Luc Besson, it plays with themes of friendship, morality, and vigilantism in a taut and exciting manner. The chase scenes across the bustling streets of Marseille are inventive, and the chemistry between the cast keeps you engaged.
3 Deconstructing Harry (1997)
Written and directed by Woody Allen, Deconstructing Harry is a dark comedy that explores the chaotic life of Harry Block, a successful novelist and sex addict, played by Allen himself. When he’s invited to his alma mater to receive an honorary degree despite being expelled years earlier, Harry takes a friend, a hired sex worker, and his son on a road trip. Along the way, he confronts his flawed self and infidelity through a thin veil of fictional characters created by him.
Woody Allen’s Most Brutally Honest Movie
Deconstructing Harry is a complex but mostly funny movie that revels in its own sharp wit and unflinching portrayal of a flawed main character. Only Allen could mine laughs from uncomfortable philosophical punches. His direction, screenplay, and bold narrative style are both biting and introspective. The ensemble cast, including Judy Davis, Kirstie Alley, and Billy Crystal enhance the movie’s dark humor and offer an unsettling but hilarious viewing experience.
2 Oklahoma! (1999)
Written by Rodgers and Hammerstein, who adapted the story from Lynn Riggs’ classic Broadway play, Green Grow the Lilacs, Oklahoma! is a TV movie that transports viewers to the late early 1900s and adds a fresh flair to a beloved story. We follow the romantic entanglements of farm girl Laurey Williams and her two suitors, cowboy Curly McLain and the menacing farmhand Jud Fry, as the annual box social nears and tests each character’s love and loyalty.
A Vivacious Small Screen Revival
The musical is as colorful as it is energetic. The catchy folk tunes like “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin’” and “People Will Say We’re In Love” are elevated by lively performances from an all-star cast made of Hugh Jackman, Josefina Gabrielle, and Shuler Hensley, and Maureen Lipman, as well as stunning choreography. Jackman shines as Curly, bringing vocal prowess to the role. Overall, it breathes new life into the timeless musical by capturing the essence of the original and adding a modern charm to it.
1 Point Break (1991)
An absurd and over-the-top action thriller from director Kathryn Bigelow, Point Break follows FBI agent Johnny Utah as he goes undercover to infiltrate a gang of adrenaline-seeking surfers who may be the same criminal masters committing a series of bank robberies. The gang, known as the “Ex-Presidents,” carries out the heist while wearing masks of former U.S. presidents. When Utah meets Bodhi, the gang leader, he gets in over his head, becomes friends with the guy, and finds himself drawn to his free-spirited lifestyle.
Surfing, Heists, and High Moral Stakes
Bigelow crafts a visceral action flick and brings together cops and criminals in a game of spirituality and extreme sports. She ensures that every scene is packed with tension and excitement, while the chemistry between Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze gives the movie its heartbeat. The skydiving stunts and surf scenes, as well as the iconic score, leave a lasting impact on the action genre. While not a huge blockbuster, Point Break’s reputation as the ultimate bro-cop classic stays strong.
