Was 1993 the greatest year in movie history?

Sure, countless films resonated highly in 1993, and plenty were critically lauded and commercially successful. However, when it comes to underdog success stories, look no further than Grumpy Old Men. Screen legends Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau are hilarious and even a bit endearing as rival neighbors. They depend on each other for companionship but ramp up their feud while vying for the affection of a local college professor (Ann-Margret) who moved into the neighborhood. The romantic comedy made more than $80 million and earned the sequel Grumpier Old Men.

People tend to forget that Tim Burton produced and came up with the idea for The Nightmare Before Christmas, but he did not direct the popular stop-motion animated fantasy film. It's a creatively innovative movie that follows Jack Skellington, "the King of Halloween Town," who, after coming upon "Christmas Town," decides he wants to run that, too. The movie is not for everyone, even those who appreciated Burton's other darker favorites like Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands. However, it made more than $31 million and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects.

A grade-schooler-turned major-league pitcher for the Chicago Cubs (following an arm injury that results in his tendons healing "a little too tight") is pretty out there. Then again, it's Hollywood, and almost anything can sell. Somewhat surprisingly, Rookie of the Year  remains one of the most popular baseball movies. The film made more than $56 million, and Daniel Stern is his usual goofy self, while Gary Busey actually finds himself in a normal role. Meanwhile, star Thomas Ian Nicholas has managed to live off this character for three decades.

When it came to buzz back in the 1990s, Indecent Proposal  drew plenty of it. Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson were two of the hottest stars at the time, playing Diana and David Murphy, a couple desperately in need of money. So much so that while trying to win some in Las Vegas, they get an offer from John Gage ( Robert Redford) of $1 million for Diana to spend the night with him. With morality at the heart of the plot, Indecent Proposal grossed $266,614,059 worldwide. Thus, making it the sixth-highest-grossing movie of 1993.

It's safe to say that In the Line of Fire gets lost in the shuffle with Clint Eastwood's more prominent pictures, especially those in which he pulls double duty as an actor and director. Eastwood is superbly stoic as Frank Horrigan, an emotionally self-tortured secret service agent and the lone active member who served on the detail for President John F. Kennedy when he was assassinated. Meanwhile, a present-day disgruntled former CIA agent, brilliantly played by the deliciously diabolical John Malkovich, plans to assassinate the current president and lets Horrigan know about it. The agent's life is turned upside down while trying to stop that from happening in this riveting and intense political thriller. 

Let's not forget this gem. It was based on the story of seven-year-old chess prodigy Joshua Waitzkin and adapted for the screen from the book written by the young man's father. Like the book, the movie was lauded for its authenticity. As well as the performance of young Max Pomeranc, who never did much of note in Hollywood after this picture but was  memorable as the lead character. Meanwhile, Joan Allen, Ben Kingsley, and Laurence Fishburne also shine in their supporting roles in a movie worth reliving or watching for the first time.

Michael Douglas teams with his fellow Hollywood heavyweight filmmaker Joel Schumacher (The Lost Boys; Batman Forever). In this thriller, it can be argued that Douglas delivers the most riveting and perhaps disturbing performance of his illustrious career. William Foster, an unemployed and seemingly bitter former engineer, is trying to get to his ex-wife's house for his daughter's birthday. However, several incidents varying in magnitude impede his trek and set off various emotions within the tortured and troubled individual. Robert Duvall is solid as the soon-to-be-retired cop tasked with trying to corral Foster. 

Robert De Niro stars and makes his directorial debut in this adaptation of the 1989 one-man play written by Chazz Palminteri, who portrays Sonny in the movie. In fact, it's the individual performances that make this coming-of-age crime drama an entertaining project. De Niro, Palminteri, Lillo Brancato Jr. , and a brief but subtly impactful moment from Joe Pesci all shine. Though the movie made roughly $17 million, critics praised it, and over the years, it continues to draw a following. Though maybe not to the level of other De Niro fare, but worthy of consistent celebration.

Directed by Tony Scott and co-written by Quentin Tarantino, True Romance  has earned cult classic status three decades after it came out, despite struggling at the box office out of the gate. There's undoubtedly that Tarantino feel, from the quirky dialogue, slow-motion shots, and plenty of pop culture references to make one's head spin. It's also a fantastic ensemble cast, led by Gary Oldman as the despised pimp Drexl Spivey, who employs the hooker wife (Patricia Arquette) of film protagonist Clarence Worley (Christian Slater). The latter is convinced to kill Spivey by the spirit of Elvis ( Val Kilmer).

During the late 1980s and into the early '90s, the attempt to deliver an honest portrayal of gang life in Los Angeles was all the rage. Perhaps the most authentic and disturbing of those films was Menace II Society. The Hughes Brothers pulled no punches when it came to showing the violent reality of the L.A. streets. Critically, the movie was hailed for its descriptive and intense dialogue and violence. Tyrin Turner was strong in the lead role of Caine Lawson, a young man wondering if he can avoid the street life he seems destined for. Meanwhile, Jada Pinkett and Larenz Tate deliver breakout supporting performances. 

In terms of the celebrated Hollywood underdog story, there aren't many better than that of Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger — in real life or on film. The real-life "Rudy" has made a living of telling his story to anyone who will listen. Meanwhile, on screen, it's likely still considered Sean Astin's career-defining role as the undersized, under-talented, wannabe Notre Dame football player. He defied the odds and naysayers to fulfill his dream of attending the prestigious university and playing football for the Fighting Irish. Regardless if people are tired of the story, Rudy remains among the most beloved sports movies ever.

It's one of Bill Murray's most popular films ever and introduced a new generation of movie fans to Sonny and Cher. Groundhog Day is a quirky film, no doubt. There are plenty of funny moments, but its shelf life has remained fresh three decades later because it's always mentioned, and clips from the film are shown every early February. Yes, it made $105 million, and the phrase "Groundhog Day" has taken on a second life of its own regarding agonizing repetition. However, plenty out there think the movie might be a tad overrated.

Based on the 1989 book of the same name and co-produced by Oliver Stone, The Joy Luck Club was one of the year's great success stories. And the movie still resonates with Chinese-Americans to this day. Directed by Wayne Wang, who set the stage for Asian-American filmmakers to find prominence behind the scenes in Hollywood, the film follows four aging Chinese immigrant women living in San Francisco and their relationships with their daughters. It's an emotional, heartwarming, and sincere drama that doesn't pretend to be anything other than an honest and often complex look at the family and general dynamics of immigrant families in America.

In 1993, two movie versions of John Grisham's law-thriller-themed books were released. While The Pelican Brief was the 10th-highest-grossing movie of the year ($195,268,056), The Firm ranked fifth, bringing in $270,248,367 around the globe. And we think the latter is still the best of the 10 Grisham books turned into films. In The Firm, Tom Cruise's Mitch McDeere is an ambitious and talented law student looking to leave his poor upbringing in the past and make a good living for his wife, Abby (Jeanne Tripplehorn), and himself. However, the small Memphis firm that employs Mitch isn't as good and wholesome as it seems, thus leaving him running for his life. Holly Hunter is brilliant in a supporting role as the sassy secretary helping Mitch essentially take down his corrupt firm.

As we'll see, 1993 was a pretty good year for Tom Hanks. Sleepless in Seattle  is another collaboration with late director-writer Nora Ephron and fellow star Meg Ryan. Both a critical and commercial smash, the movie proved Hanks could play the romantic lead as Sam Baldwin, a widower leery about giving love another chance, and he could thrive in the rom-com universe. As if we had doubts that he could pull it off, Hanks had a run for his money from co-star Ross Malinger, who was superb as Sam's eight-year-old son, Jonah. The film ranked eighth in '93 with a $227,799,884 worldwide gross.

In the movie based on the popular television series from the 1960s, Harrison Ford delivers a performance that's right up there with Han Solo and Indiana Jones on his legacy. Dr. Richard Kimble is framed for the murder of his wife and sentenced to death but ends up escaping custody after his prison-transfer bus crashes. From there, Richard tries to find out who killed his wife. While Ford is stellar in this non-stop thriller, Tommy Lee Jones, as the smug Deputy U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard, can more than hold his own. The Fugitive ranked third in 1993 with a worldwide gross of $368,875,760.

A presidential impersonator actually becomes the real-life POTUS without the world knowing? It's so crazy it just might work, especially today when the American political landscape is a dumpster fire of partisan ridiculousness. OK, back to the movie. Dave Kovic (Kevin Kline) is so good at impersonating President William Marshall that the role and film have become one of the most endearing of Kline's stellar acting career. The movie was the country's top-grossing film in its second week, made more than $90 million, and was nominated for a Best Picture -- Musical or Comedy Golden Globe Award.

Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne earned Academy Award nominations for their powerful performances as Tina Turner and her volatile husband, Ike, respectively, in this celebrated biopic. Based on Tina Turner's autobiography, the film was highly praised, made more than $20 million, and elevated Bassett (who won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical) to one of Hollywood's biggest stars. More impressive, she took on the role of this dynamic entertainer and did it complete justice. 

Not only has The Sandlot aged extremely well among great sports movies, but also in general film history. Beloved is just one word to describe this comedy, which introduced us to the likes of Scotty, Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez, "Ham," "Squints," and the rest of the gang. They delivered a funny, endearing, and entertaining summer to remember for any baseball fan who ever played ball in an open field or empty lot. The movie is more than just baseball; it's about childhood friendships. The kind that still means the most, even well into adulthood. 

Based on Edith Wharton's 1920 novel, the film version of The Age of Innocence  was another winner for legendary director Martin Scorsese, who remained on top of his game while nearing 30 years in the business. It was nominated for several Academy Awards, most notably Best Adapted Screenplay and a Best Supporting Actress nod for Winona Ryder, who delivered an emotionally impactful performance as young wife and mother May Welland. Ryder essentially stole the show from headlining stars Daniel Day-Lewis and Michelle Pfeiffer. That said, the marquee pair was still stellar. 

Three decades later, Dazed and Confused is still praised as the quintessential stoner film, which is quite relatable to those who attended high school parties and/or played prep sports. Director Richard Linklater’s coming-of-age-flick, and breakthrough moment to what would become a brilliant career, features plenty of before-they-were-stars actors like Ben Affleck, Matthew McConaughey, and once-indie queen Parker Posey. There's also a stellar ‘70s-laden soundtrack that fits perfectly with just about every scene. A cable-television staple, the movie’s themes of friendship and fitting in still resonate today.

Another movie that the Academy fell in love with back in 1993. Anthony Hopkins, as Stevens, a depressed but efficient butler, and Emma Thompson, his one-time co-worker housekeeper whom he often clashed with during the 1930s in Britain, each received Oscar nominations. Meanwhile, the film and directors also received two of the eight Academy Awards nominations earned. The Remains of the Day was shut out on Oscar night but is still regarded as one of the decade's best films — and of Hopkins' and Thompson's respective careers.

As sad as it is that Robin Williams is no longer here to make us laugh, the memories of his brilliant comedic work will live on. Mrs. Doubtfire is undoubtedly one of the shining moments of his wonderful legacy. Williams won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, starring as Daniel Hillard, who transforms into Euphegenia Doubtfire: The quirky, eccentric housekeeper is hired by Daniel's ex-wife, Miranda (Sally Field), from whom he is trying to gain shared custody of their three children in the divorce. The movie, which also won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, was the second-highest-grossing release of 1993 ($441,286,195).

We touched on Holly Hunter's entertaining performance in The Firm. The highlight of her 1993 was The Piano, which earned an Academy Award nomination. Playing Ada McGrath, a mute woman in the 1800s who tends to communicate through playing the piano and ends up in New Zealand after her parents sold her to be married. Along with her young daughter, Flora (Anna Paquin), who is more the mother figure in the family, they try to make things work amid adversity and uncertainty. It's an empowering film. Hunter and Paquin were compelling enough to win Oscars for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, respectively. The movie grossed roughly $140 million.

We touched on Emma Thompson's stellar performance in The Remains of the Day. She also shined enough to earn a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination as the strong-willed, activist lawyer in this crime drama about the case of the wrongfully convicted Guildford Four during the 1970s in England. However, Daniel Day-Lewis and Pete Postlethwaite also received love from the Academy for their performances in a critically praised film that received seven Oscar nominations but didn't win any. That said, Day-Lewis' effort might still be the best in a brilliant career with three Oscar wins. 

For a young actor named Leonardo DiCaprio, 1993 was a very good year. He first drew praise with his performance in the film version of Tobias Wolff's novel This Boys Life in the spring of '93, then came What's Eating Gilbert Grape. This coming-of-age drama paved the way for the 19-year-old DiCaprio's first Academy Award nomination — in the Best Supporting Actor category. Leo exceptionally plays the mentally challenged younger brother of Johnny Depp’s Gilbert Grape, who tries to find a life of his own while dealing with his sibling and a morbidly obese mother. 

When it comes to modern-day Westerns — we're talking post-Sergio Leone flicks — it's tough to beat Tombstone. From a strictly entertaining, marquee-star-filled standpoint, Tombstone  is the best of the best. Kurt Russell played Wyatt Earp, and Sam Elliott and Bill Paxton were cast as his brothers. Oh yeah, screen legend Charlton Heston also makes an appearance. But, for our money, the movie's highlight remains Val Kilmer's take on "Doc" Holliday. He's feeble, nearing death from tuberculosis, but "Doc" still has a good time with the Earp boys and is responsible for the classic line, "I'm your Huckleberry." The film made more than $73 million worldwide.

No movie in 1993 made more international money than Jurassic Park 's $914,691,120. The beloved Steven Spielberg action thriller about the return of dinosaurs, though in genetically-engineered form, became a full-blown phenomenon beyond the big screen. It opened the door for five more films to make up the massively popular franchise, made dinosaur merchandise a must-have, and somewhat directly led to the nickname of the then-new NBA franchise in Toronto. Regarding science fiction action films, the original Jurassic Park must be placed near the top of the list, as it continues to be enjoyed by a new generation of viewers.

While Sleepless in Seattle is a sentimental Tom Hanks favorite, Philadelphia still might be his greatest role. It won Hanks his first Oscar for Best Actor, showing the range and depth not seen from the star until that point. Hanks lost over 30 pounds for his portrayal of Philadelphia lawyer and AIDS patient Andrew Beckett, who sued his firm for discrimination after being unjustly fired. Meanwhile, it was also a breakout role for Denzel Washington as Joe Miller, the initially reluctant and admittedly homophobic attorney who takes Beckett's case. Not to mention, Bruce Springsteen's "Streets of Philadelphia" won the Oscar for Best Original Song.

Steven Spielberg's film take on Oskar Schindler, the German industrialist, portrayed by Liam Neeson, who saved the lives of more than a thousand refugees from the Holocaust during World War II. It's one of the most emotional and captivating movies ever made — shocking brutality mixed with heart-wrenching and eye-opening imagery and photography (notably in black and white).  Schindler's List was nominated for 12 Academy Awards, including those for Neeson and co-star Ralph Fiennes, as the conflicted and self-tormented SS officer Amon Goth. It took home seven of those Oscars, highlighted by Spielberg for Best Director and Best Picture, and was the fourth-highest-grossing film of 1993 ($321,306,305).