Movies Turning 30 in 2025

Thanks for coming back a third time this week as we look at the movies that turn 30 this year, in 2025!  As always, it's unlikely to be a complete list, so if I've missed any hit movies that you think should make the cut, please let me know in the comments.

And now... let's head back to 30 years ago!

Bad Boys  

April 7, 1995  

This comedic action movie marked the directorial debut of Michael Bay.  Produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer under Columbia Pictures, the movie stars Will Smith as Mike Lowrey, a wealthy and suave Miami narcotics detective, and Martin Lawrence as Marcus Burnett, his family man partner.  The film follows the duo as they investigate the theft of $100 million worth of seized heroin from their police precinct, with only 72 hours to recover it before Internal Affairs shuts down their entire division.  They must also protect Julie Mott (Téa Leoni), a witness to a murder tied to the case.  The movie is full of high-octane chases, shootouts, and comedic buddy-cop banter.  

The supporting cast includes Tchéky Karyo as the villainous Fouchet, Joe Pantoliano as Captain Howard, and Marg Helgenberger as Internal Affairs officer Alison Sinclair.  The film’s relatively low $19 million budget was maximized with high production and filming on location in Miami's South Beach.  Filming wrapped in August 1994 following a tight schedule due to the stars' individual television commitments.  

Critically, Bad Boys received mixed reviews, with a 44% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.  Most critics praised the chemistry between Smith and Lawrence, whose improvisational humor brought fresh energy to the film; however, many critics, including Gene Siskel, were unimpressed by the "tired buddy-cop plot," comparing it to a cheap knockoff of Lethal Weapon and Beverly Hills Cop.  Despite this, audiences embraced the film, grossing $65.8 million domestically and $141 million worldwide, making a strong return that launched a franchise with three sequels and cemented Smith, Lawrence, and Bay as major Hollywood players.

Many iconic lines, like Lawrence’s “two bitches in the sea” and the convenience store scene where the duo turns the tables on a gun-wielding clerk, were completely ad-libbed.  Bay, unhappy with the script, encouraged Smith and Lawrence to rewrite dialogue on set, tailoring it to their comedic strengths.  The movie was initially written for Dana Carvey and Jon Lovitz as "Bulletproof Hearts" at Disney’s Hollywood Pictures, but the project landed at Columbia after a complete rewrite.  Bay even paid $25,000 out of pocket for the climactic action sequence when the studio balked at funding it. 

Friday

April 26, 1995

In F. Gary Gray's directorial debut, this comedy, produced by Patricia Charbonnet and Ice Cube under New Line Cinema, stars Ice Cube as Craig Jones.  Jones is a slacker, recently fired from another job, and in need of money.  Chris Tucker stars as Smokey, his weed-loving friend, and the two navigate a chaotic day in South Central Los Angeles.  They must raise $200 to pay off a drug dealer, Deebo (former WWF wrestler "Zeus," Tommy "Tiny Lister Jr.), by day’s end, leading to hilarious misadventures.  The cast includes Nia Long as Debbie, Bernie Mac as Pastor Clever, and John Witherspoon as Craig’s dad. 

With a small $3.5 million budget, the film was shot in 20 days in Los Angeles, capturing the neighborhood’s authentic vibe.  The movie was initially called "Another Day in the Hood," but New Line changed the name to avoid the stigmas associated with gang movies.  

Roger Ebert praised the film as "fresh and lively," with praise for the chemistry between Ice Cube and Chris Tucker.  Entertainment Weekly, however, noted its thin plot and reliance on "pot humor."  It maintains a 64% on Rotten Tomatoes.  Box office returns were strong, grossing $27.4 million domestically and $28.2 million worldwide, a tenfold return on investment, spawning two sequels and even an animated series.

Chris Tucker improvised much of Smokey’s dialogue, including the now iconic “Daaaamn!”  Ice Cube co-wrote the script, drawing from his Compton upbringing.  The film is also notable for bringing Bernie Mac into the mainstream.  "Bye, Felicia!" is a phrase from the movie that went viral decades later.  Friday proved Ice Cube's star power beyond music and launched Tucker's comedy career. 

Crimson Tide

May 12, 1995

Produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer for Hollywood Pictures, Crimson Tide is a tense submarine thriller directed by Tony Scott.  It stars Gene Hackman as Captain Frank Ramsey, a seasoned Navy officer, and Denzel Washington as Lt. Commander Ron Hunter, his new executive officer, clashing over a nuclear missile launch order amid a Russian crisis.  The cast includes Viggo Mortensen, James Gandolfini, and George Dzundza.  Shot on a $53 million budget, the film utilized real Navy submarines and authentic naval locations, such as San Diego, to enhance its authenticity.

Critics praised Crimson Tide, giving it an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score (based on 53 reviews), with The New York Times praising its “crisp, suspenseful” pacing and the chemistry between Hackman and Washington.  However, some noted that its Cold War tropes felt dated by 1995.  It earned three Oscar nominations (Editing, Sound, Sound Effects) and a Grammy for Hans Zimmer’s score.  It grossed $91.4 million domestically and $157.4 million worldwide, making it a strong early summer hit.

The Navy initially resisted cooperating on the film due to the mutiny plot, but relented after the script was tweaked.  Its success boosted Scott’s reputation for high-stakes action and solidified Washington as a leading man.  

Die Hard with a Vengeance

May 19, 1995

Produced by 20th Century Fox, Die Hard with a Vengeance is the third Die Hard installment.  Bruce Willis reprises the role of John McClane, now battling Simon Gruber (Jeremy Irons), a terrorist playing a deadly game of “Simon Says” in New York City.  Samuel L. Jackson shines as Zeus Carver, McClane’s reluctant ally.  The $90 million budget funded elaborate stunts shot in New York City, with filming in both Manhattan and South Carolina.   

Rotten Tomatoes currently averages the critics' score at 59%, with most praising the action but noting that the story is less focused than the original.  Variety magazine called it a "loud, fast thrill ride."  This movie became 1995’s highest-grossing film, earning $100 million domestically and $366.1 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo.

The script, originally not connected to Die Hard, was titled "Simon Says" and was later retooled for the Die Hard franchise.  The film’s massive success reinforced the franchise’s staying power, with Samuel L. Jackson’s role adding fresh energy.  Its NYC backdrop makes it a time capsule of ‘90s urban action.

Johnny Mnemonic

May 26, 1995

Directed by Robert Longo and produced by Don Carmody for TriStar Pictures, Johnny Mnemonic is a "cyberpunk" thriller based on William Gibson’s story.  Keanu Reeves stars as Johnny, a data courier with a brain implant, carrying sensitive info hunted by Yakuza and a preacher (Dolph Lundgren).  The cast includes Dina Meyer, Ice-T, Takeshi Kitano, and Henry Rollins.  

Shot in Toronto and Montreal on a $26 million budget, it aimed to capture a dystopian 2021.  Critics panned it, with an 18% Rotten Tomatoes score averaged from 45 reviews, and The Washington Post called it “a muddled mess,” criticizing its dated effects and weak script.  Audiences didn't show up to see it in theaters, grossing only $19 million domestically and $52.4 million worldwide. 

Later, through home video and DVD releases (1998), the film gained cult status among a younger crowd.  Its cult status grew later among cyberpunk fans.  The film was initially intended to be a low-budget indie until Sony pushed for a blockbuster, resulting in numerous creative clashes during production.  A black-and-white "Japanese Cut" Blu-ray was released in 2023, closer to the director's original vision.  The depictions of the early internet are now charmingly outdated.  

Congo

June 9, 1995

Produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Sam Mercer for Paramount, this sci-fi adventure was directed by Frank Marshall on a script adapted from Michael Crichton's novel.  It stars Laura Linney as Karen Ross, leading a team to find a lost city in the Congo, joined by Dylan Walsh, Ernie Hudson, Tim Curry, and a talking gorilla, Amy (voiced by Shayna Fox).  The $50 million budget funded jungle sets and creature effects in Costa Rica and Los Angeles.

Critics absolutely hated it, with a 22% Rotten Tomatoes score over 55 reviews.  Entertainment Weekly called it “campy and incoherent,” though Curry’s over-the-top performance amused some.  Audiences had mixed reactions to the blend of absurdity and adventure, giving it a “B-” CinemaScore. The film grossed $81 million domestically and $152 million worldwide, marking it as a modest success.

The gorilla suits were so hot in the Costa Rican jungle that the actors needed oxygen between takes.  A planned volcanic eruption scene was cut for budgetary reasons.  The cheesy tone of the film earned it a cult following and more of a "comfort watch" status.  On social media, people hold dear memories of the advertising campaign and the first time they were dropped off at the theater with their friends unsupervised.  While becoming a guilty pleasure for many, it failed to match Chrichton's success with Jurassic Park.  

Batman Forever 

June 16, 1995

Directed by Joel Schumacher and produced by Tim Burton and Peter Macgregor-Scott for Warner Bros., Batman Forever rebooted the Batman franchise with a brighter, much more cartoonish tone.  Val Kilmer stars as Batman, facing Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones) and The Riddler (Jim Carrey), alongside Nicole Kidman as Dr. Chase Meridian and Chris O’Donnell as Robin.  The $100 million budget funded the creation of vibrant, comic book-style Gotham City sets in Hollywood.

Critics panned the film, criticizing its campy excess, but praised Jim Carrey's manic energy.  Currently holding a 39% Rotten Tomatoes score, reviews are largely similar to those of The Los Angeles Times, which described it as "visually dazzling but narratively weak."  Audiences, however, turned out for the film, which grossed $184 million domestically and $336.5 million worldwide, setting an opening weekend record of $52.8 million.  

Robin Williams was considered for The Riddler, but Carrey was considered more "youthful."  The iconic "Bat-nipples" suit design remains a polarizing '90s icon.  The film's success made it the fifth franchise to hit $1 billion, although its cartoony tone divided fans.  The bold visuals and pop music soundtrack set the tone for other mid-90s blockbusters.  

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie

June 30, 1995

Directed by Bryan Spicer and produced by Haim Saban for Saban Entertainment and 20th Century Fox, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie brings the smash TV series to the big screen.  The Rangers, portrayed by Karan Ashley, Johnny Yong Bosch, Steve Cardenas, Jason David Frank, Amy Jo Johnson, and David Yost  battle against Ivan Ooze (Paul Freeman).  

Critics panned the film, which currently has a 37% score on Rotten Tomatoes.  Many critics refer to it as a "glorified television episode."  Variety notes its appeal to kids, and nostalgic audiences gave it a B+ on CinemaScore.  

The $15 million budget funded CGI and stunts in Australia, and the film grossed $38.2 million domestically and $66.4 million worldwide, a success primarily due to its rabid young fan base.  The original cast was nearly replaced before filming over pay disputes.  As a bit of trivia, Ivan Ooze's slime was made from oatmeal.  Capitalizing on the Power Rangers craze, the nostalgic charm endures for all '90s kids who enjoyed the colorful, action-packed series.  

Apollo 13

June 30, 1995

Directed by Ron Howard and produced by Brian Grazer for Universal Pictures, Apollo 13 is a gripping docu-drama about the 1970 lunar mission’s near-disaster.  Tom Hanks stars as Jim Lovell, alongside Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise, and Ed Harris.  The $52 million budget recreated zero-gravity scenes using NASA’s “Vomit Comet” plane.  

Critics and audiences alike loved the movie.  Currently a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, The New York Times hailed its “masterful storytelling,” and it won Oscars for Editing and Sound.  Audiences give it an “A” CinemaScore.  It grossed $172 million domestically and $355.2 million worldwide, a certifiable hit.

The real-life astronauts focused upon in the film, including Lovell and Neil Armstrong, cameo as extras.  Tom Hanks and other actors trained with real NASA astronauts for authenticity's sake.  

Home video included VHS in December 1995, DVD in 1998, and Blu-ray in 2010.  A 4K Ultra HD release was scheduled for April 2, 2019.  The "Houston, we have a problem" line, while authentic from the actual event, became a cultural touchstone with an entirely new generation.  The emotional depth and technical precision make it a timeless classic, cementing Howard's reputation for crowd-pleasing dramas. 

Judge Dredd

June 30, 1995

Produced by Hollywood Pictures, Judge Dredd is a sci-fi action film based on the comic "2000 AD."  Directed by Danny Cannon and starring Sylvester Stallone as Judge Dredd, a futuristic lawman in Mega-City One, a fictional, dystopian city.  The film also stars Armand Assante, Diane Lane, and Rob Schneider.  

The movie had a $90 million budget, which funded several dystopian sets in London and Iceland.  

Critics have trashed the film, and it currently holds an 18% Rotten Tomatoes score based on over 60 critic reviews.  Variety called it "noisy and shallow," and audiences gave it a C+ on CinemaScore.  Financially, the film was a flop, grossing only $34.7 million domestically and $113.5 million worldwide.

Stallone fought with producers to keep his helmet on, per the comic books, but lost out to demands he show his face for "star power."  The film's shorter UK cut is preferred by most fans, who like the gritty aesthetic.  It has gained a cult following over the years and, despite its failures, was followed up by 2012's "Dredd."  

Species

July 7, 1995

Directed by Roger Donaldson and produced by Dennis Feldman and Frank Mancuso Jr. for MGM, Species is a sci-fi horror about Sil (Natasha Henstridge), a human-alien hybrid who escapes a lab.  Ben Kingsley, Michael Madsen, Alfred Molina, and Forest Whitaker co-star.

The modest $35 million budget helped create the creature effects in Los Angeles, done by H.R. Giger.  The film grossed $60.1 million domestically and $113.4 million worldwide, making a solid return on the investment.  

Critics have offered mixed reviews, currently holding a 43% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 56 reviews.  Many praised Giger's effect designs but slammed the thin plot.  The Chicago Tribune described the movie as "visually striking but narratively weak," but audiences seemed to enjoy it nonetheless.  It currently holds a "B-" on CinemaScore.  

Hesntridge was discovered at 19 years old for her debut role in this film.  Home video began in January 1996, followed by DVD in 1997 and Blu-ray in 2006.  A 4K Ultra HD was released on July 11, 2023, as many fans returned to the series for its "sexy-thriller" vibes, making it a staple of 1990s viewing.  The series spawned three sequels, and the horror elements still resonate with fans of the genre.  

Clueless

July 19, 1995

Directed by Amy Heckerling and produced by Scott Rudin and Robert Lawrence for Paramount Pictures, Clueless is a teen comedy modernizing Jane Austen’s novel, "Emma."  Alicia Silverstone stars as Cher Horowitz, a wealthy Beverly Hills teen.  The film also stars Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, and Paul Rudd. 

Critics adored Clueless, with an 81% Rotten Tomatoes score (from 82 reviews) and a 68/100 on Metacritic.  The Los Angeles Times called it “witty and charming,” though some noted its lightweight plot, but wasn't that the point?  Audiences went crazy over the film, grossing $56.6 million domestically and $78.7 million worldwide, on a $12 million budget, making it a sleeper hit.

Silverstone was cast after being spotted by director Amy Heckerling in an Aerosmith music video.  The "As if!" line became iconic and was frequently repeated by teenage girls throughout the late 1990s.  Home video included a VHS release in December 1995, just in time for Christmas, with DVDs available in 1999, and Blu-ray in 2012.  

The movies' fashion and slang defined teen culture in the 90s.  It led to a TV series, a musical, and countless pop culture references.  

Waterworld

July 28, 1995

Directed by Kevin Reynolds and produced by Kevin Costner for Universal Pictures, Waterworld is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi epic film.  Kevin Costner stars as The Mariner, a drifter in a flooded post-apocalyptic world.  The starring cast includes Jeanne Tripplehorn and a young Tina Majorino.  

The $175 million budget, then the most expensive ever for any film, funded water-filled sets in Hollywood and real water scenes in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii.  It eventually grossed $882. million domestically and $264.2 million worldwide, generating a significant portion of its profit through home video rentals.  Home Video began sales in January 1996, with its first DVD release in 1998.  A 4K Ultra HD "Extended Edition" was released in July 2019.  

Storms destroyed several of the sets, thereby inflating the production cost.  More than once, Kevin Costner nearly drowned doing his own stunts.  

Critics gave it a 47% Rotten Tomatoes score (based on 71 reviews) and a 56/100 on Metacritic, criticizing its bloated scope but praising its ambition.  Entertainment Weekly called it “flawed but visually stunning.”  Fans today still appreciate the unique premise, the engaging adventure scenes, and the distinctive world-building.  Despite its troubled production, it's often considered one of the most influential films (in terms of production and storytelling) in 1990s Hollywood.

Babe

August 4, 1995

Babe is a heartwarming comedy-drama about a piglet (voiced by Christine Cavanaugh) that becomes a sheepherder for Farmer Hoggett (James Cromwell).  Directed by Chris Noonan and produced by George Miller for Universal Pictures, the film is based on the 1983 childrens book "Babe, the Gallant Pig," by Dick King-Smith.  Babe's $30 million budget used animation and real animals for filming in Australia.

Critics raved over the movie, which still holds a 97% score off 74 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.  It has an 83/100 score on Metacritic.  The New York Times called it “utterly charming,” and it earned seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, but only won the Academy Award for Visual Effects. 

Audiences scored it an "A" on CinemaScore, and it went on to gross $63.7 million domestically and $254.1 million worldwide.

Over 500 animals were trained for the movie.  James Cromwell became a vegetarian after completing filming.  The movie's universal appeal and emotional depth make it a family classic, leaving a lasting legacy.   

Se7en

September 22, 1995

Directed by David Fincher and produced by Arnold Kopelson and Phyllis Carlyle for New Line Cinema, this dark thriller follows detectives (played by Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman) as they hunt a serial killer (Kevin Spacey).  The killer uses the seven deadly sins to murder his suspects.  

Created on a $33 million budget, the gritty, rain-soaked city of Los Angeles set the perfect scene.  

Critics praised the movie, with an 82% Rotten Tomatoes score (based on 86 reviews).  Rolling Stone called it “chillingly brilliant,” though some found it too bleak and dark.  Audiences gave it a “B” CinemaScore, and it grossed $100.1 million domestically and $327.3 million worldwide, marking it as a major hit.

The famous "What's in the box?" scene was unscripted to get Pitt's raw reaction.  Fincher fought to keep the grim ending in the film.  Its influence on thrillers is profound, redefining the genre.  It cemented Fincher's status as a director while delivering a haunting masterpiece.    

Toy Story

November 22, 1995

Directed by John Lasseter and produced by Pixar for Disney, Toy Story is the first fully CGI feature film.  Tom Hanks voices Woody, a cowboy doll, and Tim Allen is Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger, navigating rivalry and adventure. 

The $30 million budget pioneered new animation styles and set the standard for future animated films.  It grossed $146.2 million domestically and $370.6 million worldwide, making it a landmark success.

Critics raved over the film, which still holds a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score (based on 92 reviews) and has a 95/100 score on Metacritic.  The Chicago Sun-Times called it “a visionary delight.”   The movie earned three Oscar nominations and a Special Achievement Award for Lasseter. 

When Disney demanded significant changes to the story, Pixar nearly shut down production and considered abandoning the film.  Lasseter's team prevailed, launching Pixar's dominance and beloved franchise that still produces millions for Disney.  Billy Crystal passed on the opportunity to voice Buzz Lightyear, a role he has since admitted to regretting.  

GoldenEye

November 17, 1995

Directed by Martin Campbell for MGM and United Artists, GoldenEye revived the James Bond franchise with Pierce Brosnan as the new Agent 007, facing a rogue agent (Sean Bean).  Judi Dench debuts as "M," with Famke Janssen as Xenia Onatopp.  

The $60 million budget funded stunts on location in Monaco and Russia, and the film grossed $106.4 million domestically.  It reached a franchise high with a $352.1 million worldwide box office haul.

Critics embraced it, with an 80% Rotten Tomatoes score (based on 81 reviews) and a 65/100 on Metacritic.  Variety called it “a thrilling return,” praising Brosnan’s charm.  Audiences gave it an “A-” CinemaScore.  The tank chase scene was shot in St. Petersburg with real vehicles.  Tina Turner's theme song, "GoldenEye," topped Billboard charts worldwide.  

The video game, released for the Nintendo 64, became an instant classic.  It revolutionized video games by introducing a polished, accessible first-person shooter to consoles, featuring innovative elements such as split-screen multiplayer, dynamic AI, stealth mechanics, and objective-based level design. 

The movie revitalized the Bond franchise, blending classic style with a modern 90s flair.