The Best Movies Of 1994

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Updated August 11, 2023 23.4K votes 2.1K voters 39.9K views
Over 2.1K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies Of 1994
Voting Rules
Only movies released in theaters in 1994.

These are the best movies of 1994, from instant classics like Pulp Fiction to hilarious PG-13 Comedies like Dumb and Dumber. Hollywood thrived in 1994 with top critically acclaimed movies like Forrest Gump. Some the best movies from this year are some of the best teen, coming of age, adventure, comedies, and dramas in history. This 1994 movie list even includes some of the best animated movies of all time like The Lion King. Be sure to vote up your favorite movies from 1994 to help them reach the top of the list. You can vote down any that you think other fans should skip.

The films on here are very memorable and had audiences on the edges of their seats, and still pack a punch so many years after they were first released. You shouldn't be too surprised by the movies listed on this list of the top films of 1994.

Most divisive: Ed Wood
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  • The Shawshank Redemption
    1

    The Shawshank Redemption

    Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton
    1,157 votes
    • Released: 1994
    • Directed by: Frank Darabont
    The Shawshank Redemption, a captivating drama directed by Frank Darabont, hinges on the resilience of the human spirit. The narrative unfolds in the grim confines of Shawshank State Penitentiary, where banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) lands after being wrongfully convicted for murder. Alongside Ellis 'Red' Redding (Morgan Freeman), a long-term inmate, Andy battles despair and corruption. In this struggle, they form an unshakeable bond that transcends the prison walls. A seven-time Oscar nominee, 'The Shawshank Redemption' is a testament to friendship's power and hope's endurance amid adversity.

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  • Pulp Fiction
    2

    Pulp Fiction

    John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman
    1,138 votes
    • Released: 1994
    • Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
    Pulp Fiction, a quintessential Quentin Tarantino piece, is a genre-defying blend of crime, drama, and black comedy. The film intricately weaves the lives of two hitmen - Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson), with a washed-up boxer Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis), and a mob boss's wife Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman). Punctuated by Tarantino's signature non-linear storytelling, the movie explores themes of redemption and consequences. It bagged the prestigious Palme d'Or at Cannes in 1994, testifying to its cinematic brilliance.

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  • The Lion King
    3

    The Lion King

    Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones
    940 votes
    • Released: 1994
    • Directed by: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
    In The Lion King, a young lion prince named Simba (voiced by Jonathan Taylor Thomas when young and Matthew Broderick as an adult) is destined to become king of the Pride Lands. His wicked uncle Scar (Jeremy Irons), however, has other plans. The film, an animated musical drama produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation, presents a tale of betrayal, exile and ultimately redemption. Aided by a meerkat Timon (Nathan Lane) and a warthog Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella), Simba reclaims his birthright. It won two Academy Awards in 1995 for Best Original Score and Best Original Song.

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  • Forrest Gump
    4

    Forrest Gump

    Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise
    1,179 votes
    • Released: 1994
    • Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
    In Forrest Gump, the eponymous character, played by Tom Hanks, lives an extraordinary life. Struggling with a low IQ but gifted with a heart full of gold, Forrest unwittingly influences several historical events in 20th century America. From serving in Vietnam to meeting Presidents, his life is far from ordinary. The film, directed by Robert Zemeckis, is a dramatic comedy that won multiple Academy Awards including Best Picture. Jenny Curran (Robin Wright), Forrest's lifelong love interest and Lieutenant Dan Taylor (Gary Sinise), his commanding officer in Vietnam, are other significant characters in this remarkable tale of an unremarkable man.

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  • Léon: The Professional
    5

    Léon: The Professional

    Natalie Portman, Gary Oldman, Jean Reno
    765 votes
    • Released: 1994
    • Directed by: Luc Besson
    Léon: The Professional, a thrilling crime drama, revolves around Léon (Jean Reno), an Italian hitman residing in New York City. A quiet man with a lethal profession, Léon's solitary life takes a turn when he becomes the reluctant guardian to Mathilda (Natalie Portman), a 12-year-old girl whose family has been brutally murdered by corrupt DEA agent Stansfield (Gary Oldman). As Léon teaches Mathilda his deadly skills to exact her revenge, their relationship deepens into an unconventional bond. Amidst gritty action and poignant moments, the film explores themes of vengeance, morality and redemption. Directed by Luc Besson, this movie is acclaimed for its exceptional performances and gripping narrative.

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  • Speed
    6

    Speed

    Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper, Sandra Bullock
    692 votes
    • Released: 1994
    • Directed by: Jan de Bont
    In the adrenaline-pumping thriller, Speed, Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves), a young LAPD cop, races against time to save a bus full of passengers. A mad bomber, Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper), has rigged the city bus to explode if it drops below 50mph. The resilient passenger Annie Porter (Sandra Bullock) unwittingly becomes an integral part of this high-stakes saga. As the cityscape blurs in their wake, Jack must outsmart Payne and keep everyone alive. This high-octane movie, fueled by daring stunts and sharp dialogue, won two Academy Awards for its sound production.

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