For Millennials. By Millennials.
The 90s was a great era for cinema with actors like Tom Cruise, Will Smith, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Brad Pitt ruling the theaters. Not only was the 90s popular for their cinema, some of the greatest action movies of all time were also made in the 90s like Terminator, the Matrix, and even Mission Impossible. If you grew up in the 1990s and want to feel nostalgic, or if you were too little to recall the 90s films and want to relive the experience, Netflix has it handled for you.
Any learner of the 1990s should be required to watch the outstanding selection of major 90s action movies streaming on Netflix. Thus, here is a list of the best 90s action movies on Netflix to help you out in your Action Movies marathon.
1. Cliffhanger
Sylvester Stallone leads this 1993 American action movie, alongside John Lithgow, Michael Rooker, and Janine Turner. Stallone not only starred in the film, he also co-wrote it which Renny Harlin directing and co-producing it. The movie features Gabe (played by Stallone), a mountain climber who gets involved in a theft of a U.S.
Treasury jet flying through the Rocky Mountains, and is based on an idea by climber John Long. Cliffhanger made $255 million worldwide after having its Cannes premiere on May 20, 1993. This cult favorite is expertly crafted and well-made, and John Lithgow gives a sharp performance as the villain. And it is one of the Best 90s Action Movies On Netflix.
2. Men in Black
If you like the action genre, then this film is a must-watch. This 1997 film is a masterpiece directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, produced by Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald, and written by Ed Solomon. Men in Black stars Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith in the lead roles alongside Rip Torn, David Cross, and Linda Fiorentino. The movie follows two members, Agent K and J, of the Men in Black.
It is a clandestine group that oversees extraterrestrial lifeforms on Earth. They also keep their existence a secret from regular people. The film surpassed $589.3 million in worldwide box office revenue against a budget of 90 million dollars. This ranked the film third at the year’s box office.
It got favorable reviews, with reviewers appreciating the writing, the set pieces, and Jones and Smith’s performances. The movie was nominated for three Academy Awards making it one of the best 90s action movies on Netflix.
3. Mission Impossible
Another cult classic action film, Mission: Impossible is directed by Brian De Palma and came out in 1996. Tom Cruise, who is still far from the pinnacle of his power now, stars in the movie. Alongside Cruise his co-stars were Jon Voight, Emmanuelle Béart, Henry Czerny, and Kristin Scott Thomas. De Palma’s Mission: Impossible is much more centered around the characters and the story than the set plays that give the series its current jaw-dropping appeal.
However, some of the stunts he pulls off are still stunning. This movie is a follow-up to and a continuation of the television series of the same name. It centers on Ethan Hunt, as he is falsely accused of killing his IMF crew following a failed mission in Prague. Ethan must look for the true traitor in order to clear his identity after being accused of selling classified secrets to a weapons merchant known as “Max”.
Another movie that is a part of the best 90s action movies on Netflix is Mission Impossible. As the film is still talked about to this day and garnered five more movies in the series. The seventh installment in the series is all set to come out in 2023.
Related: When will the production of ‘Mission Impossible 7’ resume?
4. Natural Born Killers
Natural Born Killers, a 1994 movie, is directed by Oliver Stone. Mostly based on a Quentin Tarantino original script. However, the script was extensively rewritten by Stone, David Veloz, and Richard Rutowski. Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis played the roles of Mickey and Mallory Knox. They are a couple of drifters who go on a murdering rampage that turns them into tabloid celebrities.
Some of the film, a bold critique of celebrity society, appears a little dated in retrospect, but a greater portion seems revolutionary at the time, identifying the real crime celebrity cult that would emerge in the years to come. The movie also stars Robert Downey Jr., Tommy Lee Jones, and Tom Sizemore. This may not be the best 90s action movies on Netflix but it is definitely worth watching.
5. Starship Troopers
Based on Robert A. Heinlein’s 1959 novel of the same name, this 1997 comes from director Paul Verhoeven and writer Edward Neumeier. The only person who could have created this amazing sci-fi/action epic about enormous space bugs is the Robocop filmmaker. It appears to be an incredibly enjoyable action film about youthful warriors attempting to fight an unfathomable force.
If you delve further, you’ll uncover incredibly rewarding parody levels about fascism and even the military-industrial complex. Regardless, it is a fun film so enjoy it! The film stars Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, Dina Meyer, Jake Busey, and Neil Patrick Harris. Starship Troopers was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
6. Leon The Professional
The film Leon The Professional tells the tale of hitman Leon (played by Jean Reno), who teams up with Mathilda (played by Natalie Portman), a 12-year-old, as an unusual ally to take down a dishonest DEA agent (played by Gary Oldman). As Leon tries to prevent the little girl from going down a similar path as his, the unique duo develops a weird and slightly unsettling bond. It’s a tale about finding your family out of desperation in the most improbable of settings.
Leon The Professional is recognized in many ways,. But notably for a young Natalie Portman’s utterly stunning screen debut. Even though she was still so young, Portman started her impressive career with maturity far beyond her years in this Luc Besson directorial. This is one of the most loved and best 90s action movies streaming on Netflix.
Related: Best Natalie Portman movies you need to watch!
7. The Net
In this mid-1990s thriller-action by director Irwin Winkler, Sandra Bullock plays Angela Bennett. Angela is a computer programmer and systems analyst, who discovers a plan between the top anti-viral software provider and cyber terrorists, The Praetorians. In an attempt to reveal the truth, Angela is faced with many challenges. Like including being framed for crimes she did not do and running from a hitman. The film offers a truly intriguing perspective on the 1990s’ technological anxieties.
Even though technology may have advanced tremendously since then, the film is an excellent example of how some of the Internet’s worst aspects have not altered much. Of course, a movie with Sandra Bullock leading is always a good choice. Alongside her star actors like Jeremy Northam, Diane Baker, and Dennis Miller.
If you are looking to watch an edge-of-the-seat film, then this is one of your go-to 90s action movies streaming on Netflix.
8. Braveheart
Mel Gibson, who plays Sir William Wallace, a Scottish warrior from the late 13th century, is the director and co-producer of this 1995 American classic historical drama film Braveheart. In the movie, you will see the life of William Wallace, who led the Scottish during the First Battle of the Scottish Revolution against King Edward I of England. Moreover, famous celebrities like Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, and Catherine McCormack are also featured in the movie.
‘The Actes and Deidis of the Illustre and Vallyeant Campioun Schir William Wallace‘, written by Blind Harry in the fifteenth century, served as the foundation for the tale, which Randall Wallace adapted for the big screen. Despite earning $75.6 million in the US and $210.4 million globally, Braveheart garnered criticism for its various historical inaccuracies. It was a critical and financial triumph. The movie received five Academy Award nominations, with Gibson winning for Best Picture and Best Director.
Related: Mel Gibson cast in John Wick prequel limited series ‘The Continental’
