1990s Cinematic Giants: The Top 5 Box Office Smash Hits

1990 was a year that gave us some of the most iconic movies in cinema history. From heartwarming tales to edge-of-your-seat thrillers, the box office was bustling with hits that are still beloved today.

Whether you were munching on popcorn in the theater or renting VHS tapes (remember those?), these films made a significant impact. They brought in the big bucks and left an indelible mark on pop culture. Let’s dive into the biggest box office hits of 1990 and relive the magic.

Here are some key highlights to get you excited:

• Exploring the top-grossing movies of 1990
• Uncovering fascinating facts and behind-the-scenes tidbits
• Reliving the magic of iconic films that defined a generation

Ghost

Ghost wasn’t just a movie; it was a phenomenon. Released in July 1990, this romantic fantasy thriller captured hearts worldwide. Directed by Jerry Zucker, it starred Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg. The film tells the story of a man who, after being murdered, remains in the mortal world as a ghost to protect his girlfriend and solve his own murder.

The chemistry between Swayze and Moore was palpable, and the pottery scene became an instant classic (cue “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers). Whoopi Goldberg’s performance as the psychic medium Oda Mae Brown earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The film’s blend of romance, suspense, and supernatural elements struck a chord with audiences, making it the highest-grossing film of the year.

• Worldwide Gross: $505 million
• Academy Awards: 2 (Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay)
• Memorable Scene: The pottery wheel scene

Home Alone

Home Alone is the quintessential holiday movie that made every kid’s dream (and nightmare) come true. Directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes, it follows the adventures of Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation. Kevin, played by Macaulay Culkin, must defend his home from two bumbling burglars, portrayed hilariously by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern.

The film’s slapstick humor, clever traps, and heartwarming moments resonated with audiences, turning it into a holiday staple. Culkin’s performance catapulted him to child stardom, and the film’s success led to several sequels. Home Alone was not only a box office smash but also a cultural touchstone, inspiring countless parodies and references.

• Worldwide Gross: $476 million
• Golden Globe Nominations: 2 (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Actor – Musical or Comedy for Culkin)
• Memorable Line: “Keep the change, ya filthy animal!”

Pretty Woman

Pretty Woman is the modern-day Cinderella story that took the world by storm. Directed by Garry Marshall, this romantic comedy stars Richard Gere as Edward Lewis, a wealthy businessman, and Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward, a Hollywood prostitute. The unlikely pair forms a deep connection over the course of a week, leading to one of the most beloved love stories in cinema.

Julia Roberts’ breakout performance earned her a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination, and her chemistry with Gere was electric. The film’s blend of humor, romance, and fairy tale elements made it a massive hit, solidifying Roberts as a Hollywood A-lister. The iconic shopping spree scene and the film’s memorable soundtrack, featuring Roy Orbison’s “oh, Pretty Woman,” are still celebrated today.

• Worldwide Gross: $463 million
• Golden Globe Wins: 1 (Best Actress – Musical or Comedy for Roberts)
• Memorable Scene: The shopping spree on Rodeo Drive

Dances with Wolves

Dances with Wolves is an epic Western that showcased Kevin Costner’s talents both in front of and behind the camera. Directed by and starring Costner, the film is based on the novel by Michael Blake. It tells the story of Lieutenant John Dunbar, a Union Army officer who befriends a group of Lakota Indians and learns their culture.

The film’s breathtaking cinematography, compelling narrative, and authentic portrayal of Native American culture earned it critical acclaim and numerous awards. It won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Costner. Dances with Wolves was a box office triumph and a significant cultural milestone, highlighting the importance of representation and storytelling in cinema.

• Worldwide Gross: $424 million
• Academy Awards: 7 (including Best Picture and Best Director)
• Memorable Scene: Dunbar’s first encounter with the Lakota tribe

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles brought the beloved comic book and animated series to the big screen with a mix of live-action and puppetry. Directed by Steve Barron, the film follows the adventures of four mutated turtles—Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael—who fight crime in New York City under the guidance of their sensei, Splinter.

The film’s blend of action, humor, and nostalgia appealed to both kids and adults, making it a surprise hit. The turtles’ catchphrases, like “Cowabunga!” and “Pizza time,” became part of the pop culture lexicon. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the film’s financial success led to several sequels and cemented the turtles’ place in the hearts of fans worldwide.

• Worldwide Gross: $202 million
• Sequels: 3 (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, and a 2007 CGI reboot)
• Memorable Line: “Cowabunga!”

The year 1990 was a cinematic treasure trove, offering a diverse array of films that captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. From heartwarming romances to action-packed adventures, these movies not only dominated the box office but also left an enduring legacy. They continue to be celebrated, referenced, and loved by new generations of moviegoers.

So, whether you’re a fan of supernatural love stories, holiday hijinks, fairy tale romances, epic Westerns, or crime-fighting turtles, 1990 had something for everyone. These films remind us of the magic of cinema and the power of storytelling, transporting us to different worlds and evoking a range of emotions. Here’s to the biggest box office hits of 1990—may their legacy live on!

References

1. Box Office Mojo: 1990 Yearly Box Office
2. List of 1990 box office number-one films in the United States …
3. Top-Grossing Movies of 1990 – The Numbers