1994 Movies

Our 1994 Plex database serves as a comprehensive reference for all cinematic releases in that year. We've compiled an exhaustive, neatly arranged list of titles, rendering the usual hunt for films redundant. Through the simple click of a button, discover, navigate and connect to any 1994 movie.
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The Best Movies of 1994

1994 stands as a remarkable year, unveiling films that resonated with audiences and left lasting impressions. From riveting dramas to high-octane action and thought-provoking documentaries, this year was a treasure trove of cinematic masterpieces. Here, we explore some standout films from this incredible year.

The Shawshank Redemption

Despite a muted initial reception, The Shawshank Redemption has grown to become one of the most popular and beloved movies of all time. This film's tale of friendship and overcoming life's obstacles, all set within a high-security prison, has touched the hearts of many, leading to its legendary status today.

Clerks

Turning to a more mundane setting, Clerks breathes life into the seemingly uninteresting concept of two friends arguing while bored at work. Despite its humble origins, this Kevin Smith debut feature showcases low-budget charm, bizarre characters, and hilarious dialogue, transforming it into a truly special film.

Speed

From the genre of action, we turn to Speed, a post-Die Hard classic. Revolving around a bus rigged to explode if its speed drops below 50 miles per hour, the movie's intriguing premise keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Solid filmmaking and memorable performances by Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock, and Dennis Hopper make Speed a film worth revisiting.

The Crow

The Crow, a stylish and powerful revenge film, creates a unique blend of gothic and comic book vibes. The film's success lies in its immaculate execution of tone, balancing heightened drama without slipping into the scenes of the absurd. In its distinctive 1990s style, The Crow arguably stands as one of the best comic book movies of its decade.

Chungking Express

Chungking Express presents a unique narrative, weaving together two separate stories of lonely characters yearning for connection. The visual consistency and atmospheric tone of the film leave a deeper impact than the plot, leading some to consider it as Wong Kar-wai's finest work.

Pulp Fiction

Finally, we arrive at Pulp Fiction, Quentin Tarantino's second feature film. This film has not only defined the 1990s but also influenced many filmmakers with its unique blend of crime, drama, and comedy. The non-linear narrative, gripping dialogue, and compelling performances make Pulp Fiction a timeless classic, elevating the art of 1994's cinematic landscape.

Hoop Dreams

Moving into the niche of documentaries, Hoop Dreams stands out as one of the best of the decade. This film follows the lives of two aspiring basketball players dreaming of NBA glory. Despite the wealth of sports-related documentaries, few manage to encapsulate a range of subjects as compellingly and ambitiously as Hoop Dreams.

Ed Wood

In contrast, Ed Wood offers a unique perspective on the tumultuous and unlucky career of Edward D. Wood Jr. This film provides a humorous yet heartfelt look at the production of a legendarily bad film. Although not among Tim Burton's most celebrated films, it is undoubtedly a compelling piece on filmmaking.

Forrest Gump

A film that has become synonymous with the year is Forrest Gump, the Oscar winner for Best Picture. This beloved classic tells the unexpectedly eventful life story of its title character, presenting a charming, straightforward perspective on life. With its stellar performances, particularly by Tom Hanks, this film has seeped into the very fabric of pop culture. Forrest Gump impresses with its technical prowess, managing to strike a balance between mass appeal and sentimentality.

The Lion King

Among animated films, The Lion King holds a unique place. This iconic family film, resonating with both children and adults, infuses a Hamlet-esque narrative into a colorful animal kingdom. With memorable characters, iconic songs, and a well-balanced blend of comedy and drama, The Lion King offers a fulfilling cinematic journey.

1994 Movies & Industry Highlights

One of the standout elements of 1994 was the array of cinematic offerings. From animated wonders to dramatic classics, this year had it all.

Top Grossing Films

Crowning the list of top-grossing films worldwide was The Lion King, with an impressive figure of $763,455,561. This animated marvel earned the title of the highest-grossing animated film of all time. However, in the North American domestic box office, Forrest Gump slightly overtook it, raking in $677,945,399. Despite this rivalry, The Lion King reigned supreme on a global scale.

Other significant contributors to the year's cinema revenue included True Lies, The Mask, Speed, and The Flintstones. Each of these films brought something unique to the table, from thrilling action sequences in True Lies to the comic antics in The Mask.

Noteworthy Releases

Among these commercially successful movies, there were also films that garnered widespread critical acclaim. Forrest Gump, the tale of a simple-minded man who unintentionally influences several historical events, won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Speed, starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, also hit the screens in 1994. This film's success marked a significant point in both actors' careers, launching them into the stratosphere of superstardom.

Viacom's Acquisition

In February, Viacom made headlines by acquiring a 50.1% stake in Paramount Communications Inc. The deal, worth a whopping $9.75 billion, was the culmination of a five-month battle with QVC. This event marked a significant shift in the industry landscape, contributing to Viacom's strengthening presence in the entertainment industry.

Spielberg's Victory

Later in March, the renowned director Steven Spielberg won his first Academy Award for Best Director. The film that earned him this honor was Schindler's List, a moving and poignant account of the Holocaust. Spielberg's win was a testament to his enduring talent and the power of cinema to enlighten and inform.

Pierce Brosnan as James Bond

In June, Pierce Brosnan was officially announced as the fifth actor to portray James Bond. This announcement marked the beginning of a new era in the Bond franchise and was met with excitement from fans around the globe.

New Batman in Town

In July, the news broke that Val Kilmer would take over the role of Batman, following Michael Keaton's abrupt departure. This transition sparked much discussion among fans, igniting anticipation for the next chapter of the Batman saga.

The Dawn of Turner Classic Movies

An important milestone in the broadcasting sector came in April when Gone with the Wind aired as the first movie on the newly launched cable channel Turner Classic Movies. This marked the channel's entry into the world of classic film broadcasting, a domain it continues to dominate today.

A Year of Records

Finally, in December, Buena Vista Pictures Distribution achieved a remarkable feat. It became the first distributor to have its yearly grosses in the United States and Canada exceed $1 billion.