On Monday, I began a new series of articles covering popular films that are turning major birthdays, namely 40, 35, and 30 years old. On Monday, I covered the movies we know and love that are turning 40 in 2025.
Today, I'm celebrating those who have turned 35!
Be sure to check back on Friday for the lists of films hitting 30 years old and revisit some of your old favorites, as well as long-lost memories!
Which of these classics will you be rewatching to relive the magic? Let me know in the comments below!
Tremors
January 19, 1990
This horror-comedy was directed by Ron Underwood for Universal Pictures. Set in the isolated desert town of Perfection, Nevada, the story follows handyman Valentine "Val" McKee (Kevin Bacon) and Earl Bassett (Fred Ward) as they attempt to flee their mundane lives, only to stumble upon a series of mysterious deaths. Alongside seismologist Rhonda Lebeck (Finn Carter) and eccentric survivalists Burt and Heather Gummer (Michael Gross and Reba McEntire), they battle giant, subterranean, worm-like creatures called Graboids that hunt by sensing vibrations.
The film uses B-movie monster thrills with tongue-in-cheek humor, drawing inspiration from 1950s creature features. The cast, including country star Reba McEntire in her acting debut, delivered charismatic performances that elevated the low-budget production.
Critics gave Tremors generally favorable reviews, with an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praising its clever mix of horror, humor, and practical effects. Roger Ebert called it "goofy, dumb, and fun"; however, the film struggled at the box office, grossing only $16.7 million domestically against a $11 million budget. Despite its lackluster theatrical run, Tremors found new life on home video, becoming one of the 1990s’ most rented VHS tapes and tripling its box office revenue through rentals and sales.
This cult following spurred six direct-to-video sequels, a prequel, and a short-lived TV series.
The Hunt for Red October
March 2, 1990
This Cold War thriller is based on Tom Clancy’s 1984 novel of the same name. Directed by John McTiernan and produced by Paramount Pictures, the film follows Soviet submarine captain Marko Ramius (Sean Connery), who defects to the U.S. with the advanced stealth submarine named Red October. This prompts a tense cat-and-mouse game. CIA analyst Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin) must convince the U.S. Navy, led by Vice Admiral James Greer (James Earl Jones), that Ramius intends to defect rather than attack.
Critics applauded the suspenseful story and intelligent writing, as well as strong performances by the cast, particularly Connery's commanding presence. It holds an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (based on 78 reviews), with Variety calling it a “high-tech triumph.” The film’s technical accuracy and claustrophobic submarine sequences earned acclaim, though some noted its dense plot required a viewer's complete attention.
Box office results were robust, grossing $200.5 million worldwide against a $30 million budget, making it one of 1990’s top earners and cementing Clancy’s novels as cinematic gold. The movie won an Oscar for Best Sound Effects Editing and was nominated for Best Film Editing and Best Sound. Its enduring popularity spawned four sequels with Jack Ryan as the protagonist, though Baldwin did not reprise the role.
Pretty Woman
March 23, 1990
Pretty Woman is a romantic comedy from Touchstone Pictures (Disney), directed by Garry Marshall. It stars Richard Gere as Edward Lewis, a corporate raider, and Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward, a spirited Hollywood prostitute whom Edward hires for a week as his escort. Their unlikely romance unfolds against a backdrop of class divides and personal growth. Jason Alexander, Laura San Giacomo, and Hector Elizondo deliver memorable supporting roles.
Originally titled 3000, a dark drama, the script was reshaped into a fairy-tale romance, catapulting Roberts to global fame and defining the modern romantic comedy. Critics offered mixed-to-positive reviews, with a 66% Rotten Tomatoes score from over 70 reviews. Roberts’ chemistry with Gere was a highlight of the film, although some today criticize the "high-brow" portrayal of prostitution and the predictable narrative of the unlikely duo finding love. Roger Ebert deemed it “irresistible” despite its flaws, while Janet Maslin noted its generation-crossing crowd-pleasing charm.
The film’s iconic scenes, such as Vivian’s Rodeo Drive shopping spree, became cultural touchstones that many films attempted to replicate. The movie became a box office juggernaut, grossing $463.4 million worldwide against its $14 million budget. Its box office return placed it as 1990's third highest-grossing film and a career peak for both leads. VHS rentals in the first six months following its release reportedly doubled the theatrical revenue.
Roberts, then only 21, was cast after Meg Ryan and Molly Ringwald declined the part, and Gere’s piano-playing scene was unscripted, showcasing his musical talent. The soundtrack, featuring Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman” and Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love,” topped music charts after the film's release. Roberts earned a Best Actress Oscar nomination, though the film did not win any awards. The movie spawned a 2018 Broadway "reboot" musical.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
March 30, 1990
One of the best! This live-action adaptation of the 1984 comic and hit 1987 cartoon series hit theaters 35 years ago, produced by New Line Cinema and directed by Steve Barron. It starred Judith Hoag as reporter April O’Neil and Elias Koteas as the vigilante Casey Jones. The turtles—Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael—are voiced by actors like Corey Feldman and brought to life through Jim Henson’s Creature Shop animatronics.
The plot follows the sewer-dwelling, pizza-obsessed ninjas as they battle the Foot Clan and their leader, Shredder, in gritty 1980s New York City. The film blended martial arts action with teenage humor, receiving mixed reviews from critics. Today, it holds only 40% on Rotten Tomatoes, but critics who liked the film praised the innovative puppetry and the action. However, detractors thought it looked "fake" and found the storyline too "shallow" for adults. Roger Ebert gave it 2.5 stars (out of 4) and noted that it was "mindless fun" aimed at children.
While the critics may not have liked the movie, as is often the case, the movie-going audience loved it. It grossed $135.3 million domestically, for a total of $201.9 million worldwide off its small $13.5 million budget. It was the highest-grossing independent film of all time until 1999's Blair Witch Project.
The success of the movie fueled a TMNT merchandising boom, from toys to cereals and more. Home video was an absolute phenomenon at the time, with TMNT topping VHS charts for over a year. Strong DVD sales in 2003 and again when the film was released on Blu-ray in 2014 demonstrate its enduring popularity. When compared to the cartoon series, the film was significantly darker, reflecting the tone of the original comic books. Jim Henson's team created 60 different animatronic suits for the film, and production relied on Hong Kong circus stunt teams for the fight sequences. It sparked two sequels, several offshoot animated series, a pair of CGI-heavy reboots, and a lasting pop-culture presence, with catchphrases like “Cowabunga!” now part of our lexicon.
Total Recall
June 1, 1990
This sci-fi action epic was made by TriStar Pictures, directed by Paul Verhoeven, and produced by Buzz Feitshans and Ronald Shusett. It stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as Douglas Quaid, a 2084 construction worker whose virtual Mars vacation (via memory implants) reveals he’s a secret agent. Sharon Stone, Rachel Ticotin, Ronny Cox, and Michael Ironside add to the cast. Adapted from Philip K. Dick’s “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale,” the film uses mind-bending twists, brutal violence, and pioneering CGI. The success of the film cemented Verhoeven’s post-RoboCop reputation as a top-tier director.
Critics were enthusiastic about the movie, with reviews totaling 82% on Rotten Tomatoes. Gene Siskel praised its “smart, thrilling” execution, although some found the plot to be cumbersome. Schwarzenegger’s charisma and Verhoeven’s satirical edge, which mocked consumerism and authoritarianism, elevated it beyond typical action fare. It grossed $261.3 million worldwide ($119.4 million domestic) on a $65 million budget, taking its place among 1990’s top earners.
Its groundbreaking effects, like X-ray scanners, won a Special Achievement Oscar for Visual Effects. The three-breasted mutant was a practical effect, and Schwarzenegger’s “Consider that a divorce” line was improvised. Initially X-rated for some nudity and over-the-top gore, it was edited down to an R rating. The Mars sets, built in Mexico City, utilized real volcanic ash for authenticity, and Stone trained intensely for her femme fatale role, foreshadowing her iconic portrayal in Basic Instinct.
Dick Tracy
June 15, 1990
Dick Tracy is a vibrant action-comedy film based on the original Chester Gould comic strip. Directed, produced, and starring Warren Beatty as the square-jawed detective Dick Tracy. Beatty and Touchstone Pictures (a Disney label), the movie follows Tracy as he battles crime boss Big Boy Caprice (Al Pacino), who unites the city's mobsters, while navigating romantic entanglements with sultry singer Breathless Mahoney (Madonna) and his loyal girlfriend Tess Trueheart (Glenne Headly). The ensemble cast features memorable performances from Dustin Hoffman as the mumbling henchman Mumbles, Mandy Patinkin as 88 Keys, James Caan as Spaldoni, Dick Van Dyke as D.A. Fletcher, and Charlie Korsmo as The Kid, Tracy's young sidekick.
Shot on a $47 million budget with elaborate sets in Los Angeles, the film emphasizes a stylized, comic-book aesthetic using matte paintings and practical makeup to bring the grotesque villains to life. Critically, Dick Tracy garnered mixed reviews, praised for its visual flair and bold style but criticized for a thin plot and uneven tone. It holds a 62% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 68 reviews, with critics noting its innovative use of a limited color palette (red, blue, yellow, green, orange, purple, black, and white) to mimic the comic strip's look, though some felt it prioritized spectacle over substance.
For home video, it debuted on VHS and LaserDisc on December 19, 1990, via Touchstone Home Video, followed by a DVD release on April 2, 2002. The Blu-ray arrived on December 11, 2012, with a digital copy, and a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray was released on June 14, 2022, featuring enhanced visuals and audio.
Gremlins 2: The New Batch
June 15, 1990
The horror-comedy sequel to Gremlins was directed by Joe Dante and stars Zach Galligan and Phoebe Cates as Billy and Kate, now in New York City, where Gizmo spawns mischievous gremlins in a high-tech skyscraper owned by a Trump-like mogul (John Glover). Howie Mandel again voices Gizmo, with Christopher Lee and Dick Miller adding quirky supporting roles.
Unlike the 1984 original, it embraces the absurd humor and satirizes corporate greed, the media, and itself as a franchise. Critics were split, with an overall score of 71% on Rotten Tomatoes. Roger Ebert gave it 3/4 stars (out of 4), calling it “more clever than scary,” but some found its chaotic structure lacking.
Several self-aware jokes, breaking the fourth wall, and prefigured "meta" comedies brought fans of the franchise plenty of laughs. Director Joe Dante was given full creative control and included several parodies of well-known movies, like The Wizard of Oz and Rambo. Hulk Hogan even got his own brief cameo. Its New York setting, with gremlins wreaking havoc in a genetics lab and a Broadway show, offered a wider scope than the original’s small-town chaos.
Box office returns were disappointing, however, grossing only $41.5 million worldwide off its $50 million budget, not even half of the original's $153 million haul. Still, its bold creativity earned it a dedicated following, revived through home video. Fairly strong VHS rentals were reported in 1991, followed by an explosion in nostalgic interest when sold on DVD in 2002 for the first time.
Die Hard 2
July 4, 1990
The sequel to the action franchise from 20th Century Fox was directed by Renny Harlin and produced by Lawrence and Charles Gordon, along with Joel Silver. Starring Bruce Willis, who returns as John McClane, who battles a band of mercenaries led by William Sadler, who seized Dulles Airport near Washington, D.C., to free a drug kingpin. Bonnie Bedelia, William Atherton, Dennis Franz, and Fred Thompson co-star.
Adapted from Walter Wager’s novel "58 Minutes," it escalates the original’s stakes with snow-covered runways, aircraft running out of fuel, several shootouts, and a ticking clock. Critics were mostly positive, and the film still holds a 70% on Rotten Tomatoes. They praised Willis' sarcastic humor, rugged good looks, and his ability to make John McClane an "everyman-hero." Vincent Canby called it “exhilaratingly mindless,” and the airport setting amplified tension.
It grossed $240 million worldwide ($117.5 million domestic) on a $70 million budget, a strong sequel that solidified the franchise. Its R-rated violence, like the icicle kill, pushed boundaries without alienating audiences too much. Home video rentals reportedly matched theatrical revenue.
Real snow blanketed the Denver set, and Willis, doing many stunts, suffered hearing damage from gunfire. Its Christmas setting, though less overt than the original, made it a holiday staple. The film’s practical stunts, like the plane crash, remain thrilling, and its success paved the way for three more sequels, cementing Die Hard as a defining action series.
This film also contains an edit, when dubbed for television, that is quite infamous in online circles. When John McClane says, "Yippee Ki Yay, Mother F*cker," the television version contains a voice clearly not Bruce Willis, saying, "Yippee Ki Yay, Mr. Falcon." What makes this even more interesting is that, as far as I can tell, the villain in the film was Colonel Stuart, and Mr. Falcon was never seen or mentioned beyond the weird edit.
Ghost
July 13, 1990
This romantic fantasy from Jerry Zucker stars Patrick Swayze as Sam Wheat, a banker whose ghost, after being murdered, protects his girlfriend, Molly (Demi Moore), through the medium of psychic Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Goldberg).
Blending romance, mystery, and supernatural chills, the film’s emotional depth, and most famously, the iconic pottery scene, made it a cultural milestone, with “Unchained Melody” becoming synonymous with the film.
Critics were mostly positive, still holding an 81% Rotten Tomatoes score. Whoopi Goldberg’s hilarious yet heartfelt performance won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar, stealing the show, though some found the sentimentality overdone. Janet Maslin called it “sentimental but effective,” and the visual effects, like Sam’s ghostly interactions, earned Oscar nominations.
It grossed $505.7 million worldwide on a $22 million budget, becoming 1990’s top-grossing film and a surprise blockbuster. Home video was colossal, dominating VHS rentals and sales in 1990-91, with strong performances from later releases on DVD (2001), Blu-ray (2008), and 4K UHD (2020). Rentals reportedly tripled theatrical revenue!
Goldberg, initially hesitant to do the film, joined after Swayze’s insistence, and her role grew during initial filming. Its success highlighted Moore and Swayze as 1990s heartthrobs, ensuring its status as a romantic classic.
Arachnophobia
July 18, 1990
This comedy/horror film comes to us via Hollywood Pictures, a Disney company. Arachnophobia was directed by Frank Marshall and produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Richard Vane. It stars Jeff Daniels as Dr. Ross Jennings, a California doctor whose town is infested by deadly Venezuelan spiders. Julian Sands, Harley Jane Kozak, and John Goodman (as a comical exterminator) co-star.
Billed as a “thrill-omedy” by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment, it balances genuine jump scares (and gross spiders) with humor, tapping into primal fears while keeping a PG-13 tone. Critics raved about the movie, which holds a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score. Many praised Daniels' relatable hero and the suspenseful pacing. Siskel and Ebert called it "creepy fun," although they did not appreciate its formulaic ending.
The spider effects, which used both real spiders and animatronics, were applauded for their (at the time) realism. It grossed $53.2 million worldwide ($32.1 million domestic) on a $22 million budget, a modest hit that resonated with audiences wary of creepy crawlies. Perhaps if so many people weren't afraid of spiders, the movie could have done better? Rentals reportedly doubled theatrical revenue. Trivia:
Over 300 real spiders, including a tarantula, were used, with trainers ensuring safety. Goodman’s many ad-libbed lines, like “Yeah, that’s a biggie,” stole several scenes. The film’s small-town setting was shot in Cambria, California, enhancing its quaint dread. Its practical still holds up, in this writer's humble opinion, anyway.
Pump Up the Volume
August 22, 1990
A teen drama produced by Rupert Harvey and Sandy Stern stars Christian Slater as Mark Hunter, a shy high schooler who, as pirate DJ “Hard Harry,” broadcasts rebellious rants against suburban conformity. Samantha Mathis, Ellen Greene, and Anthony Lucero co-star. Set in Arizona, the film captures 1990s youth angst with a killer soundtrack featuring indie bands of the time, such as the Pixies, Beastie Boys, and Concrete Blonde, amplifying its counterculture vibes.
Critics embraced the movie, which still holds a 79% on Rotten Tomatoes. Roger Ebert gave it 3.5 stars, praising its "vibrant" and "youthful" energy, as well as Slater's performance and raw depiction of teen alienation.
The box office was dismal, however, grossing only $11.5 million on its $10 million budget. After advertising and promotion, it lost money. After exiting theaters, its cult following grew through word of mouth, especially among teenagers. Home video saved this movie with strong VHS rentals and sales. Reports say that video rentals QUADRUPLED ticket revenue.
Slater recorded real radio sessions, broadcasting from a basement set, while the FCC subplot reflected a real-life crackdown on pirate radio stations. Pump Up the Volume influenced other 90s indie cinema with its DIY ethos and anti-establishment themes.
Goodfellas
September 19, 1990
This absolute masterpiece of cinema is brought to you by Warner Bros. Pictures and the mind of director Martin Scorsese. Starring Ray Liotta as Henry Hill, a mobster whose rise and fall in the Lucchese crime family unfolds with Robert De Niro’s Jimmy Conway and Joe Pesci’s volatile Tommy DeVito. Lorraine Bracco’s Karen Hill adds emotional depth to the film. Adapted from Nicholas Pileggi’s book, "Wiseguy," the style of the film, described as "kinetic," employs freeze-frames, voice-overs, and a fantastic soundtrack, redefining gangster films by blending glamour, brutality, and mundane everyday life.
Critics went wild over it, with a 94% Rotten Tomatoes rating, ranking it among Scorsese’s best. Roger Ebert gave it 4 out of 4 stars, calling it “electrifying,” though some noted its moral ambiguity. Pesci’s “funny how?” scene was largely improvised and became a much-quoted, iconic scene in the film. It earned him a Best Supporting Actor Oscar.
The movie grossed $47 million worldwide ($46.8 million of which was domestic!) on a $25 million budget. It was a moderate hit but received five Oscar nominations.
The real Henry Hill served as an on-set consultant, and Pesci drew inspiration for his performance from childhood memories of mobsters in his neighborhood. Scorsese’s mother, Catherine, played Tommy’s mom in several scenes. The famous Copacabana tracking shot took eight takes to perfect, but boy, was it perfect! Goodfellas influenced countless movies, not just crime dramas. Its cultural footprint runs deep.
Dances with Wolves
November 9, 1990
This epic Western, starring Kevin Costner, was released in November of 1990 via Orion Pictures. Costner also served as producer and director for the film, while starring as Lt. John Dunbar, a Civil War soldier who bonds with the Lakota Sioux. The movie also starred Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene, and Rodney A. Grant.
Dances with Wolves was Costner's directorial debut, shot across the prairies of South Dakota, offering breathtaking visuals and a sympathetic, yet idealized, portrayal of Native Americans, in stark contrast with Hollywood's traditional portrayal of Native American culture.
Critics criticized the "white savior" undertones but largely praised the movie, which still holds an 83% rating from 133 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Many called it ambitious while noting that it took several historical liberties. The film's cinematography earned an Oscar, and it grossed $424.2 million worldwide (with $184.2 million domestic) on a $19 million budget, making it a colossal hit.
In all, it won seven Oscars, including Best Picture (beating Goodfellas). Rentals reportedly doubled theatrical revenue.
Costner learned Lakota phrases for authenticity, while the buffalo hunt used 3,500 real animals. The 236-minute extended cut, released on VHS, added depth to the story, but fans were split on the additions. It was shot in only 108 days, forcing Costner to push on while facing harsh South Dakota weather.
Home Alone
November 16, 1990
Directed by Chris Columbus and produced and written by John Hughes, this family comedy stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old accidentally left behind while his family goes on vacation. Kevin outsmarts burglars Harry and Marv (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) to prevent them from robbing his home. Catherine O’Hara, John Heard, and John Candy co-starred.
John Hughes’ sharp script and Culkin’s mischievous charm, paired with slapstick traps involving the villains, make it a holiday classic that blends humor and heartwarming family reconciliation.
Critics were mixed but mostly favorable, with a current 66% on Rotten Tomatoes. Most praised Culkin's star power and the inventive gags but noted it was formulaic and predictable. It grossed $476.7 million worldwide ($285.8 million domestic) on a $18 million budget, 1990’s second-highest-grossing film ,and the top-grossing family comedy until 2011.
Its Christmas setting and John Williams’ score cemented its seasonal ubiquity. The home video release made the film a juggernaut, ruling rentals and sales in 1990-91, with subsequent massive success on DVD (1999), Blu-ray (2008), and 4K UHD (2015). Rentals reportedly quadrupled theatrical revenue.
Misery
November 30, 1990
This psychological horror film from Columbia Pictures was directed by Rob Reiner, based on a story adapted from Stephen King's novel of the same name. Starring James Caan as Paul Sheldon (no relation), an author held captive by deranged fan Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates) after a car accident. Richard Farnsworth and Lauren Bacall co-star.
The film's claustrophobic tension and Bates' chilling performance make it a standout thriller, with an infamous "hobbling scene" that has etched itself into horror lore. Critics raved, with the film currently holding a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praising Bates' terrifying yet nuanced portrayal. It grossed $61.3 million worldwide on a $20 million budget, a solid hit driven by word-of-mouth and Bates' awards buzz (she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.) Its psychological depth set it apart from gore-heavy horror.
Caan was cast after 17 actors, including Warren Beatty, declined the role. Reiner, fresh off When Harry Met Sally, shot the film in a remote Nevada lodge for isolation. Misery influenced psychological thrillers like Fatal Attraction and inspired a 2015 Broadway play with Bruce Willis. Bates’ Annie became a pop-culture villain, quoted in shows like The Simpsons.
Edward Scissorhands
December 7, 1990
This gothic fantasy from the mind of Tim Burton was directed and produced by Burton and stars Johnny Depp as Edward, an incomplete, artificially created man with actual scissor hands (more like hedge clippers). Edward is adopted by a suburban family led by Peg (Dianne Wiest). Winona Ryder, Anthony Michael Hall, and Vincent Price (in his final major role) co-star.
Burton’s semi-autobiographical tale of alienation, shot in the Florida suburbs, blends whimsy, romance, and social satire. Critics adored the movie, most praising Depp's silent, soulful performance and Burton's distinct vision. Roger Ebert called it "enchanting," although noting its "awkward pacing."
It grossed $86 million worldwide ($56 million domestically) on a $20 million budget, a moderate hit that saw growth in video sales. The unique aesthetic and gothic themes set amidst a tranquil suburb set a template for nearly every other Burton film going forward.
Depp, chosen for the role over Tom Cruise, spoke only 169 words in the entire movie, relying on physicality. Edward Scissorhands became a cultural touchstone, influencing fashion (as seen in Hot Topic's goth merchandise) and music videos. Depp’s tender portrayal launched a long career of collaborations with Burton, and the film’s outsider theme resonates with many. Its bittersweet ending and visual poetry ensure its status as a beloved cult classic.
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