I was born in the year 1991, and I while I’d been introduced to the movie theater beforehand, it was the year 1996 that I remember really falling in love with the thrill of seeing new movies on a big screen.
Most critics of the time cited 1996 as a year when movies went downhill for the rest of the decade, but for me, it remains a sentimental and special time. Some of my earliest childhood theater going memories were from seeing family films that year, including “Matilda”, “Fly Away Home”, “101 Dalmatians” and “Muppet Treasure Island”. It was also the year that original movies like “Scream” and “Mission Impossible” launched major franchises that are still going strong today.
Lastly, the year had its share of acclaimed stand-alone pictures, including “Jerry
Maguire”, and “The English Patient”, which won Best Picture. So, I
felt the time was right to stop and rank my own personal, top 10 favorite
movies of the year 1996. This list isn’t based on any kind of objective
quality, and it’s simply the films that I made the biggest connections to from
this year.
#10 “The Crucible”
Arthur Miller’s landmark play is brought to the big screen with pristine talent both in front of and behind the camera. Set in the dark ages of the 1600’s, the Salem witch trials are in full affect, and a local group of girls begin spinning yarns innocent towns folk, who are in turn falsely accused of witchcraft. It’s a disturbing look back at this grim piece of history, and the cast more than carry the film. Both Winona Ryder and Daniel Day-Lewis are especially respectful in their leading roles, and Nicholas Hytner’s direction is on point.
Some have criticized this film for being too
straightforward an adaptation of the source material without any distinct merits
of its own, but I felt it hip the point in an effective and memorable
presentation. Even though nothing supernatural happens in the picture, it still
conveys this creepy, and unshakable feel. It may not leave as big an impact as
the play itself, but I found it a more than worthy adaptation, and a highlight picture
from 1996.
#9 “Space Jam”
It’s out of my sheer, boyhood nostalgia that “Space Jam”, makes my list. While there were a number of family pictures that I bonded with at this early stage in life … I fondly look back on this as one of my childhood favorites, as well an unmistakable time-capsule of the decade. When the Looney Toons are threatened by invading aliens, a wager is made, and their freedom depends on the outcome of a high stakes Basketball Game.
The aliens cheat their way into becoming unstoppable muscle-bound sports players, leaving the unexperienced Looney Toons at a disadvantage. Thus, Michael Jordon is recruited to lead the team to victory, resulting in a colorful, slapstick laden Basketball game. This marks the first of two movies on my list that you can brand as “a guilty pleasure” … as I know there not high art, but my feelings are strong enough to count them.
More than anything, “Space Jam” has always stuck with me for being an experience my best neighborhood friends of the time and I bonded over, so I’ve got some core memories tied in with this one. While the film is obviously nothing extraordinary, it’s still something special from my childhood that I can’t help cherishing all these years later.
The animation still looks impressive, and the soundtrack … oh my goodness … few others take me back like this one dose. When it comes to worthy family pictures of the year, there were objectively better choices like “James and the Giant Peach” … but for me, there’s just some childhood delights that retain their appeal into adulthood … and “Space Jam” has always been one of them.
#8 “Romeo + Juliet”
It’s the famous tale of a young teenage romance ruined by family strife, but there’s one major difference in this 1996 production … it has the distinction of being set in modern times. Actually, there’s a second difference, and that’s Baz Luhrmann’s distinct vision and style. Even when at their weakest, I’ve always loved watching Baz Luhrmann’s movies, as he’s a filmmaker who always brings a distinct look, vision and production to his films.
Granted, the films’ loud and overblown presentation can be divisive among viewers, but it’s also incredibly unique and ambitious in its presentation. All the iconic moments we recognize from “Romeo & Juliet” are all ingrained in my mind through this film’s presentation … the love at first sight moment in which the two first see each-other through a crowded fish tank … the balcony scene being set in a swimming pool … and Romeo’s vengeful outburst leading into an exciting car chase.
Lastly, the tragic ending, but this time featuring our two lovers locking eyes with one another just before they die. This is the version that seems to attract young teen viewers, and what a cool way to be introduced to one of the greatest works of literature. It wasn’t the most disciplined romance picture to come out from the year … but it’s still remained a personal favorite of mine all the same.
#7 “From Dusk Till Dawn”
Time for my biggest 1996 guilty pleasure of them all, a movie that combines a sharp crime picture with a B-Grade Horror movie … and it’s all the more special for it. With the combined talents of Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez, you can’t go wrong. The movie opens on a somewhat serious tone as we follow two criminals who have taken a family hostage and are aiming to sneak out of the country.
Once they venture into Mexico, the group stops at a bar … which just happens to be full of vampires, and that’s when things get really crazy, and off the wall entertaining. It’s a ridiculous film, plain a simple … but it’s the novelty of seeing characters molded for a crime thriller suddenly dropped into a completely different genre picture that makes it so much fun to return to. While the movie changes style, the characters remain the same, and it’s great to see how they adjust to a completely different tone and style.
It gives the film a personality separate from other Horror movies of the decade, and it can appeal to more than one genre fan as a result. As a general monster movie fan myself, it gives me everything I enjoy … creative vampire action, monster transformations, and no shortage of cool ways to see vampires get destroyed. Once again, it’s the uniqueness of these characters interacting with these creatures that gives the film its appeal and the cast is solid.
Salma Hayek is a
knock-out as the table dancing vampire queen, and George Clooney shines in his
film debut … personally, I still find this the most entertaining performances
of his carrier. Again, this is not a high-art movie by any means, it’s all
style and goofy fun, but noteworthy for breaking conventional rules, and has a
blast all the way.
#6 “Fargo”
There were some decent nominations for Best Picture to come out of 1996 … but only one of them makes it on my list of personal favorites, and it’s the Coen Brothers Crime Thriller classic “Fargo”. Sleazy, second-hand car dealer Jerry Lundegaard hires two criminals to kidnap his own wife in an effort to inherit a large ransom from his very rich farther in law.
This gets the attention of local Police Chief Marge Gunderson, who despite being very pregnant, is determined to follow their trail and bring the crooks to justice. Frances McDormand’s Oscar Winning performance as Chief Gunderson, and her optimistic view on life made for one of the decades absolute best characters, and the rest of the cast including William H. Macy as the sleazy car dealer is quite memorable. The film walks an incredibly tense tightrope act, as is juggling comedy with cruelty, but it knows just when to be quirky, when to be serious, and when to let humanity take center stage.
It’s a crime picture, but with its
own distinct personality and presentation that makes it feel fresh and
different from so many of its pears. While there are sill more movies from 1996
that I personally liked a little more … “Fargo” absolutely was my pick
for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
#5 “Evita”
In this fact-based musical, we see the life of one Eva Peron, who for seven years was the first lady of Argentina, and leading up to her untimely death in 1952, we see how she became one of the most adored and accomplished spokeswomen to ever live. It makes for a potent look at one of the darkest chapters in the history of Argentina, and highlights the economic collapse of the time, along with Eva’s political career. While the movie admittedly struggles as a narrative peace, it nevertheless thrives as a rock-solid musical, with high energy song numbers, and it’s through this soundtrack that the film achieves both the epic and emotional grandeur which it aspires to achieve.
This musical was one of the very first I ever identified by name and became a fan of. There was admittedly some controversy revolving around the casting of Madonna as one of Argentina’s most decorative political figures … but the honest truth is … she actually played the part with great respect, as she delivers a rich performance, and even though I’ve never called myself a fan of her music … she can certainly carry a tune.
The wickedly talented Antonio Banderas is also
utilized brilliantly as an omnipotent storyteller, who seems to represent the
voice of the Argentina people. It’s all around a theatrical musical with size,
ambition, style, and one heck of an energizing soundtrack. It’s only “so-so” as
a historical picture … but it’s a smashing decade musical, and one that’s stuck
with me a personal favorite through the years.
#4 “Independence Day”
Well … this countdown just wouldn’t feel complete without arguably the biggest summer movie event of the year. Good old “Independence Day”, it’s a straightforward alien-invasion movie, as well as a 90’s staple for summer popcorn entertainment. Despite not containing a single original idea, there’s just a real sense of charisma, energy and excitement that comes with the whole package, and makes it work.
There’s also a genuine sense of high stakes, and some reasonably good tension that fits along with the films overall fun factor. The cast likewise is still very memorable, with Will Smith making a face for himself in the summer movie line-up. While this movie and “Twister” both launched the overabundance of disaster movies in the late 90’s, “Independence Day” also helped in the steady reemergence of big Sci-Fi pictures, which had been in limbo for years.
It’s not a perfect movie by any means, but for all
its shortcomings, I do think it holds up as one of the best, modern alien
invasion movies, and I don’t think I’ve seen one since that’s left quite as
memorable an impact. The effects still look great, the action fun and while the
film isn’t the most meaningful experience to watch on the 4th of
July, it certainly delivers the fireworks … and sometimes, that’s good
enough.
#3 “Hamlet”
Set in the 19th Century, Prince Hamlet of Denmark is shaken over the revelation that his father was slain by his uncle Claudius, along with the aid of his mother, in an effort to take ownership of the Kingdom. Out for revenge, and eager to reveal the truth of his corrupt family, Hamlet accidently kills the father of his love interest Ophelia … setting a series of events in play, that will eventually culminate in the Princess tragic death.
1996 was a good year for movie adaptions of William Shakespeare’s classics, I’ve already mentioned “Romeo + Juliet”, and now we’ve reached “Hamlet”. Among the many different film versions of “Hamlet” I’ve seen … none have stuck with me more than Kenneth Branagh’s 1996 epic film version.
Despite being set in 19th Centuries Victorian Era, as opposed to the 15th and 16th Century Renascence Era of the play, this film version of “Hamlet” never the less was the first unabridged, theatrical movie to follow the events of the source material closer than any other movie adaption … clocking in at 246 minutes as a result … as well as an unmistakable masterpiece all around. Under Kenneth Branagh’s brilliant direction, as well as star stealing performance in the lead role, this film hits all the dramatic marks of its source material with finely textured detail.
It's a visual marvel to behold, and an A-list cast brings all
the iconic stage characters to life masterfully. Derek Jacobi in particular
brings a complex and even sympathetic dimension to the villain Claudius. It’s
all around my favorite Epic theatrical retelling of one of Shakespeare’s
greatest Epic tales … and I feel was more deserving of Best Picture then any
film nominated that year.
#2 Disney’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”
I don’t remember the very first movie I saw in the theater … but I do remember seeing this film at a very young age and the opening shot of Notre Dame cathedral being one of my most special moments when I realized … I love watching movies on a huge screen. Beyond the sentimental value, the films strong visuals, sensational music, dark themes, epic size and beautiful message of tolerance, have sustained “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” as one of my personal favorites of Disney’s traditional hand drawn collection.
The story is engaging and everything is brought up on a grand scale, with a tremendous quire boasting its size and scope. The musical numbers are also some of my favorites, as they work on their own while also driving the narrative forward like any real on-stage musical. I also like how dark this film gets, as it took more chances, but I never felt it went too far either.
The characters are also among my favorites, with our deformed hero being a kind and humble individual to cheer for, and Ezmerelda in my view is an unsung Disney Princess. The villain Frollo is about as menacing yet complex as Disney villains get. There’re even parts when this film touches on issues of faith and religion, which gives this film a layer of substance not seen in previous Disney offerings.
While the film admittedly doesn’t work as a perfect literary adaption and occasionally struggles with some shifts in tone … it all balances out with some of the studios finest quality material. Disney’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” may not be considered an animated classic, but it’s remained one of my most cherished childhood experiences and still ranks high as one of my personal favorite traditionally animated Disney movies.
Before I
reveal my Number One favorite movie of 1996, here are some quick Honorable
Mentions …
“The Rock”
“Twister”
“Mars
Attacks!”
“The
Frighteners”
“The
Nutty Professor”
#1 “Star Trek: First Contact”
When it comes to my favorite long running franchises … “Star Trek” remains one of my most favorite, and it was seeing “Star Trek: First Contact” in the theater back in 1996 that kicked off one of my biggest fandoms. The story combines a dark, yet thrilling encounter with the lethal Borg invaders, along with a compelling time-travel adventure that showcases the origin of the Federation … and it all comes together in one masterful package.
“Star Trek: The Next Generation” in general is my favorite branch of the series, and it’s without question the best film to utilize the Nest Generation crew. Patrick Stewart gives his most iconic portrayal of Captain Picard, and the rest of the cast all have their moments to shine.
The film also highlights the TV shows most famous villains … the Borg … in cinematic glory, along with their Oscar nominated makeup designs. This marked one of my earliest PG-13 movie experiences (the first one I had in the theater) and still holds up as a great film outside of its established franchise. This is the “Star Trek” movie that always seemed to have something for everyone, whether their long-time fans or not.
There’s plenty of action, some stellar visual effects, a beautiful musical score composed by Jerry Goldsmith and memorable guest performances, especially from James Cromwell as a loony scientist. The tone is dark and suspenseful, but matched with the character arcs and humanity the series was best known for, with a subtle splash of hummer thrown in. It’s just an excellent film on all grounds, as it’s remained my personal favorite instalment of the whole “Star Trek” collection, and it’s my absolute favorite movie event of 1996 ... Engage!
Thanks for
reading my countdown … and continue to enjoy the movies you Love!
