1. Good Will Hunting 1997，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 1084563, ID: 0119217 Photo by mojnews.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 A heartfelt drama about a working-class genius, ‘Good Will Hunting’ stars Matt Damon as a janitor at MIT who solves complex mathematical problems. The film’s emotional depth, strong performances by Damon, Robin Williams, and Ben Affleck, and its exploration of personal growth and relationships resonated with audiences, earning it over $225 million worldwide and two Academy Awards.
2. My Best Friend’s Wedding 1997，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 156959, ID: 0119738 Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 A delightful romantic comedy that subverts the genre’s usual formulas, ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ stars Julia Roberts as Julianne, who tries to sabotage her best friend’s wedding. The film’s charm lies in its witty screenplay and the performances of Roberts, Cameron Diaz, and Rupert Everett. Despite its predictable plot, the movie’s humor and heart made it a box office hit, grossing over $299 million worldwide.
3. Con Air 1997，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 321853, ID: 0118880 Photo by cine-asie.fr, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 An over-the-top action film, ‘Con Air’ features Nicolas Cage as a parolee on a hijacked prison transport plane. The film’s absurdity and high-octane action sequences, combined with a star-studded cast including John Malkovich and John Cusack, made it a surprising box office success, grossing over $224 million worldwide. Its blend of humor and action keeps viewers entertained from start to finish.
4. There’s Something About Mary 1998，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 331411, ID: 0129387 Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 A hilarious romantic comedy, ‘There’s Something About Mary’ follows Ted (Ben Stiller) as he tries to reconnect with his high school crush, Mary (Cameron Diaz). The film’s outrageous humor and memorable scenes, such as the infamous zipper incident, made it a box office sensation, grossing over $369 million worldwide. Its blend of crude humor and genuine heart continues to entertain audiences.
5. The Waterboy 1998，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 180314, ID: 0120484 Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 A comedy about an underdog, ‘The Waterboy’ stars Adam Sandler as Bobby Boucher, a socially awkward waterboy who becomes a football star. Despite its lowbrow humor and predictable plot, the film’s charm and Sandler’s performance made it a box office hit, grossing over $185 million worldwide. Its feel-good story and quotable lines have made it a beloved comedy classic.
6. Doctor Dolittle 1998，IMDB Rating: 5.4, IMDB Votes: 102809, ID: 0118998 Photo by wikifur.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Eddie Murphy’s ‘Doctor Dolittle’ is a delightful comedy that surprisingly raked in big bucks at the box office. Despite its crude humor and mixed reviews, the film’s charm lies in Murphy’s performance and the hilarious antics of the talking animals. The movie’s success can be attributed to its family-friendly appeal and Murphy’s star power, making it a memorable hit of the late ’90s.
7. Rush Hour 1998，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 298727, ID: 0120812 Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Rush Hour’ is a classic buddy cop film that exceeded box office expectations with its perfect blend of action and comedy. Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker’s chemistry is electric, delivering non-stop laughs and thrilling stunts. The film’s unexpected financial success is a testament to its entertaining plot and the dynamic duo’s star appeal.
8. Patch Adams 1998，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 123255, ID: 0129290 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Robin Williams shines in ‘Patch Adams,’ a heartwarming yet polarizing film that surprisingly did well at the box office. Despite its mixed critical reception, the movie’s emotional depth and Williams’ charismatic performance resonated with audiences, making it a financial success. Its blend of humor and drama, though divisive, struck a chord with many viewers.
9. Stepmom 1998，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 75096, ID: 0120686 Photo by Dnevnik, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Stepmom’ is a tearjerker that performed unexpectedly well at the box office, thanks to the powerful performances of Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts. The film’s emotional storyline and strong cast drew in audiences, making it a sleeper hit. Its exploration of family dynamics and terminal illness resonated deeply, despite its predictable plot.
10. Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me 1999，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 250829, ID: 0145660 Photo by bfoliver.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Mike Myers’ ‘Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me’ is a comedic gem that grossed far more than anticipated. The film’s outrageous humor, memorable characters, and clever satire of spy films captivated audiences. Its box office success is a testament to its unique blend of comedy and nostalgia, making it a standout sequel.
11. Big Daddy 1999，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 236700, ID: 0142342 Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Big Daddy, featuring Adam Sandler, is a comedy-drama that grossed an impressive $234.8 million worldwide. The film’s blend of crude humor and heartfelt moments resonated with audiences, despite mixed reviews from critics. Sandler’s performance as a slacker who adopts a child to impress his girlfriend is both endearing and entertaining, making it a box office hit in the late 90s.
12. Se7en 1995，IMDB Rating: 8.6, IMDB Votes: 1820778, ID: 0114369 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 David Fincher’s ‘Se7en’ is a dark, gripping thriller that grossed a staggering $327.33 million worldwide. The film follows two detectives, played by Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, as they hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi. The movie’s success can be attributed to its intense atmosphere, brilliant performances, and shocking ending. ‘Se7en’ is a masterclass in suspense and storytelling, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
13. The Birdcage 1996，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 102324, ID: 0115685 Photo by oldaintdead.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Mike Nichols’ ‘The Birdcage’ is a delightful comedy that grossed $185.26 million worldwide. Starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane, the film tells the story of a gay couple who must pretend to be straight for their son’s conservative future in-laws. The movie’s success lies in its heartwarming humor, stellar performances, and its groundbreaking portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters. ‘The Birdcage’ is a charming and hilarious film that remains relevant and entertaining.
14. Ransom 1996，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 136363, ID: 0117438 Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Ron Howard’s ‘Ransom’ is a gripping thriller that grossed $309.49 million worldwide. Starring Mel Gibson as a wealthy businessman whose son is kidnapped, the film takes a unique twist when he decides to use the ransom money as a bounty on the kidnappers. The movie’s success can be attributed to its intense plot, strong performances, and Howard’s direction. ‘Ransom’ is a tense and engaging film that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
15. Phenomenon 1996，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 84431, ID: 0117333 Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Jon Turteltaub’s ‘Phenomenon’ is a heartwarming drama that grossed $152.04 million worldwide. Starring John Travolta as a man who gains super-intelligence and telekinesis after seeing a bright light, the film explores themes of love, acceptance, and the human spirit. The movie’s success lies in its emotional depth, Travolta’s compelling performance, and its uplifting message. ‘Phenomenon’ is a touching and inspiring film that resonates with audiences.
Surprising Box Office Gold: 15 Ultra Profitable Movies From The 1990s
