1. Schindler's List (1993)
Heartbreaking films aren't normally my favourites but this is magnificent. The director, actors, writers are all amazing so it would be difficult for this film to not be amazing. The Holocaust/Nazi topic is quite overdone and can often be clichéd/forced but this film offers a slightly different perspective (because it is not a Jewish or Nazi story but about a man who lies between the two) and is genuinely emotional. It's also a beautiful film, almost entirely black and white, that is immensely affective and the cinematography aids the story. A film to beat all films.
2. The Lion King (1994)
Hamlet with lions, I don't know how this was pitched but I'm glad Disney decided they could work with this crazy idea. Indisputably one of Disney's best films and I would consider it to have the best sequel as well (which if you haven't seen please watch). It's got music, happiness, sadness, betrayal, a monkey; it's got everything you need for a great animation and film. Everyone knows this film and have yet to meet someone who doesn't love it. It's a classic and deservedly so.
3. Leon: The Professional (1994)
I only recently watched this film and was shocked by how amazing it was. It's another film with fantastic acting (Natalie Portman...wow!) and direction so it has a solid base before the film has even begun. It's a dark film with a lot of dark humour (the best kind of humour) which relates an enjoyably balanced film. This is probably the one film I would have adored a sequel, but I'm pleased there wasn't one because I'm sure it would have fallen to the curse of the disappointing sequels. It's a great introduction into French films because it's written, directing and staring French men, however it's all in English, lovely.
4. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
A bit of an odd one but a very very good one. It's creepy and strange but thoroughly enjoyable. Amazingly stylised, (throughout the whole film I am fixated with the way Jack walks) made with figurines on tiny sets, that idea pleases me. One of the best things about this film is you are all but legally obliged to watch it at both Halloween and Christmas, so you're guaranteed at least 2 yearly viewings. Weird and wonderful.
5. The Shawshank Redemption
I recently read the book and I am shocked at how similar the two are, this is one of the most truthful adaptations I've seen. It enforces the simple moral of perseverance within more complex and delightful sub-plots and stories. Throughout there are morals about various facets of live, such as the importance of simple pleasures, and this is done in such a way that the film never feels preachy. This film is ridiculously highly regarded n the internet (number 1 on IMDb) but rarely considered many people's actual favourite (as today) but it certainly is worthy of its praise, if not quite such high praise. Hopefully everyone has seen Shawshank and I would recommend the book if you haven't taken a look at that yet.
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