History's Best Selling Movies of 1990

Make way for the hits of 1990! This remarkable era stood as a testament to the grunge & golden-era pop craze and the march of first-rate movies. Crowd-pleasers such as The Hunt for Red October shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers Pretty Woman and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like John McTiernan and Garry Marshall, these trailblazing products flew off store shelves and cemented lifelong fandoms and earned a permanent place in cultural lore. Check out the complete rank-ordered ledger below to relive the finest releases of the year.

1. The Hunt for Red October

   Released in 1990 by John McTiernan, Paramount Pictures

   On March 2, 1990, as the Cold War was entering its final, uncertain stages, "The Hunt for Red October" sailed into theaters across the United States. Based on Tom Clancy's best-selling 1984 novel, the film's release was perfectly timed. The Berlin Wall had fallen just months earlier, but the decades of tension between the U.S. and the Soviet Union still lingered in the public consciousness. This high-stakes techno-thriller, pitting a brilliant Soviet submarine captain against an unassuming CIA analyst, captured the zeitgeist of a world on the brink of change, offering audiences a gripping, intelligent, and suspenseful tale that felt both contemporary and historically significant.

2. Pretty Woman

   Released in 1990 by Garry Marshall, Touchstone Pictures

   On March 23, 1990, director Garry Marshall's "Pretty Woman" premiered in theaters, becoming an unexpected cultural phenomenon that would redefine the romantic comedy genre for a new decade. Starring Richard Gere as a wealthy corporate raider and a then-little-known Julia Roberts as a vivacious Hollywood prostitute, the film captivated audiences with its modern-day fairytale narrative. Its release marked the precise moment Julia Roberts was catapulted to superstardom, her infectious laugh and radiant smile making her America's sweetheart. The film's enormous box office success proved the enduring appeal of classic romance, even when packaged in a contemporary and somewhat controversial story.

3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

   Released in 1990 by Steve Barron, New Line Cinema

   March 30, 1990, marked a pivotal moment for pop culture as "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" slashed its way into theaters. This live-action adaptation defied expectations, becoming an instant box office sensation and solidifying the franchise's place beyond its comic and cartoon origins. The film's premiere wasn't just a movie release; it was a cultural phenomenon, bringing beloved characters to life with groundbreaking practical effects and a surprisingly gritty tone that resonated with millions. This date is special because it launched a new era for the Heroes in a Half Shell, proving their big-screen viability and setting a high bar for future adaptations, establishing them as unlikely cinematic superstars.

4. Total Recall

   Released in 1990 by Paul Verhoeven, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carolco Pictures, TriStar Pictures

   On June 1, 1990, audiences were blasted into a high-octane, mind-bending future with the theatrical release of "Total Recall." Directed by the provocative Paul Verhoeven and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger at the height of his box-office power, the film was a landmark event in summer blockbusters. Based loosely on Philip K. Dick's story "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale," it combined brutal action, groundbreaking special effects, and a complex sci-fi narrative about memory and identity. Its release marked a new level of ambition for the genre, a hugely expensive and visually spectacular production that pushed the boundaries of what was possible on screen while delivering the crowd-pleasing thrills audiences craved from a Schwarzenegger vehicle.

5. Die Hard 2

   Released in 1990 by Renny Harlin, 20th Century Fox, Silver Pictures, Gordon Company

   Exploding into theaters on July 4, 1990, "Die Hard 2" (often subtitled "Die Harder") was the epitome of a summer blockbuster event. Released strategically over the American Independence Day holiday, the film capitalized on the massive success of its 1988 predecessor and the burgeoning stardom of Bruce Willis. The timing was perfect, offering audiences a patriotic dose of all-American heroism as John McClane once again found himself as the only hope against a new wave of terrorists. This premiere cemented the "Die Hard" franchise's status as a titan of the action genre and set a new standard for high-stakes sequels, becoming a definitive cinematic experience of the early 90s.

6. Ghost

   Released in 1990 by Jerry Zucker, Paramount Pictures

   On July 13, 1990, audiences flocked to theaters for the premiere of 'Ghost,' a film that would defy genre conventions and captivate hearts worldwide. This date marked the beginning of an astonishing box office run for a movie that seamlessly blended romance, drama, supernatural thriller, and even comedy. 'Ghost' became an unexpected cultural phenomenon, cementing its place as one of the highest-grossing films of the year and launching several iconic moments into cinematic history. Its initial release signaled the arrival of a film that was much more than just a summer blockbuster; it was a deeply emotional and incredibly entertaining experience that would resonate for decades.

7. Presumed Innocent

   Released in 1990 by Alan J. Pakula, Warner Bros.

   On July 27, 1990, the silver screen was captivated by the gripping legal thriller 'Presumed Innocent,' marking its significant North American theatrical premiere. This date launched a film that would not only become one of the year's most talked-about movies but also a substantial box office success, grossing over $221 million worldwide. Its release was a cultural event, drawing audiences eager to see Harrison Ford in a dramatic turn and to unravel the complex web of a murder mystery based on a bestselling novel. The film's critical acclaim and commercial performance solidified its place as a quintessential entry in the legal drama genre, setting a high bar for suspense and character depth.

8. Goodfellas

   Released in 1990 by Martin Scorsese, Warner Bros.

   On September 19, 1990, Martin Scorsese's electrifying crime epic "Goodfellas" opened in theaters across the United States, forever altering the landscape of the gangster genre. Based on the 1985 non-fiction book "Wiseguy" by Nicholas Pileggi, the film presented a dizzying, first-hand account of the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill. It eschewed the mythic grandeur of films like "The Godfather" for a frenetic, documentary-style realism. From its opening frames, audiences were thrust into the seductive, violent, and ultimately paranoid world of the New York mafia, in a cinematic experience that was as exhilarating as it was terrifying.

9. Dances With Wolves

   Released in 1990 by Kevin Costner, Orion Pictures

   October 19, 1990, marked the limited theatrical release of 'Dances With Wolves,' a date that would quietly initiate one of the most unexpected cinematic triumphs of its era. What began as a modest release quickly transformed into a cultural phenomenon, culminating in an astonishing worldwide box office of over $424 million against a relatively modest budget. This day wasn't just another movie premiere; it was the genesis of an epic that captivated audiences globally, revitalized the Western genre, and cemented Kevin Costner's status as a visionary director. The film's critical acclaim and commercial success proved that daring, character-driven storytelling could still resonate profoundly with a mainstream audience.

10. Home Alone

    Released in 1990 by Chris Columbus, 20th Century Fox

    November 16, 1990, marked the highly anticipated commercial release of 'Home Alone,' a film that would swiftly etch its place into cinematic history and become an enduring holiday classic. This date saw the commencement of a record-breaking box office run, transforming a relatively modest family comedy into a global phenomenon. Its premiere heralded the arrival of a heartwarming and hilariously chaotic tale that captivated audiences of all ages, kicking off a theatrical journey that would dominate the holiday season and establish itself as an essential part of annual Christmas traditions for decades to come, far surpassing initial expectations.

11. Misery

    Released in 1990 by Rob Reiner, Castle Rock Entertainment, Nelson Entertainment

    On November 30, 1990, audiences were introduced to their new 'number one fan' with the theatrical release of 'Misery.' Directed by Rob Reiner and based on Stephen King's 1987 novel, the film arrived as a taut, psychological thriller that eschewed supernatural horror for the very real terror of human obsession and captivity. Released by Columbia Pictures, this date marked the debut of a film that would become a classic of the genre, defined by its claustrophobic atmosphere and a tour-de-force, career-defining performance by Kathy Bates. 'Misery' proved that horror didn't need monsters or ghosts to be terrifying; sometimes, the greatest threat is the person who loves you the most.

12. Kindergarten Cop

    Released in 1990 by Ivan Reitman, Universal Pictures

    On December 21, 1990, audiences flocked to theaters for the unexpected cinematic delight that was 'Kindergarten Cop'. This unique action-comedy, starring the indomitable Arnold Schwarzenegger, defied genre expectations and quickly became a holiday box office hit. The film's launch during the festive season was perfectly timed, offering a blend of laughs, action, and heartwarming moments that appealed to a broad family audience. It marked a significant moment in Schwarzenegger's career, showcasing his versatility beyond pure action roles and proving his ability to carry a comedic narrative with surprising charm. This release date heralded the arrival of a film that would endure as a beloved classic, remembered for its innovative concept and memorable performances.