OK, here we go. I’m not going to right a long blurb about everything and get pictures, that would take forever. I guess I’d like to just preface all of this by stating that this is the opinion of me now, not me in the 1990s. If that was the case, this would just be a list of Weird Al albums and Power Ranger episodes. No, all of the items in these lists transcended timeliness and became all-time favorites of mine. They are:
Like I said above, these are the 1990s albums I love now. Each of them are among my favorite albums ever. As usual, I only allow one album per band.It’s weird. I don’t care much for the other work by The Smashing Pumpkins, and frankly I think Billy Corgan is pretty creepy. But there’s something about Mellon Collie that works for me in a really special way.
Yeah, even I’m suprised this is on my list. I’m not that big a fan of any of the work Weezer has done since this album, sure I like some of the albums but I wouldn’t say I love them. But this first one, man it is really good.
7. The Flaming Lips – The Soft Bulletin (1999)
This album was never very popular, but at least the critics correctly got behind it. Soft Bulletin signified a shift in the Flaming Lips’ sound… Or at least I think so. I’ve never heard Zaireeka because I’ve never had a four CD setup to play it. That’s fine, Soft Bulletin is awesome enough.
I like it, I bet you would too.
The album that put Beck on the map, (is that true? Wasn’t “Loser” a success? That was on Mellow Gold) Odelay might not be a word I understand, but that just goes to show how unique this really is.
Everyone song on this album screams the 90s, which is crucial to be this high on the list. What’s more important is how hard each track rocks. So hard.
I don’t need to write why this is on here, you all know it belongs. Maybe others would put it at #1. Maybe, but wait until you read about the next album.
Again, this was a tough call. I mean, OK Computer is amazing. But The Bends was my first Radiohead album, and cemented me as a fan. Seriously, this is probably in my top 10 albums ever.
In retrospect, this list was probably a really bad idea. My idea was to list the best shows to watch during the 90s. These shows may not all have started in the 90s, but they had to have peaked mostly during the 90s (Everybody Loves Raymond, I’m sorry).
Honorable Mentions: I’ve got a lot of these. I’d like to start two shows that I really enjoyed but haven’t seen nearly enough of; NewsRadio and Sports Night. Also, I have to list some of the many cartoons I grew up with. Remember, this list is just of the shows I still like today. Cartoons like Dexter’s Laboratory (1996-2003), Doug (1991-1994), Hey Arnold! (1996-2004), Rugrats (1991-1994, 1996-2004), The Ren and Stimpy Show (1991-1996), Rocko’s Modern Life (1993-1996). Finally, I guess I should be true to my deepest, innermost child and remind you of Pokemon (1998-), Dragonball Z (1989-1996), and Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (1995-1996)
10. Home Improvement (1991-1999)
For the longest time, I couldn’t remember that this show’s title wasn’t Tool Time. Maybe that would have been better, the Tool Time segments of the show were always more fun.
9. All That (1994-2000)
It’s like SNL for kids! That initial run of All That was great, fairly clever too.
8. Freakazoid! (1995-1997)
It’s still pretty funny. Even now, as a 19-year-old, I laugh at it. That means something. That’s important.
7. Almost Live (1984-1999)
It’s like SNL for Seattle! I just wish I watched it more when it was going on. Never forget.
6. Beavis and Butt-Head (1993-1997)
This misadventures of two perverted dofuses, as done by the creator of King of the Hill.
5. Spin City (1996-2002)
Back when I had a TV that only picked up UPN in my room, this was my bread and butter. Lots of great moments in this classic political sitcom.
4. Frasier (1993-2004)
Yeah! Another show representin’ Seattle. No, scratch that. The show representing Seattle.
3. Friends (1994-2004)
The show that spoke to the youth. It knew how people were bumming around in coffee shops and getting similar haircuts. In those latter years it got a little too romantic, but it remains one of the funniest sitcoms ever.
2. The Simpsons (1989-)
Maybe things would have been better if The Simpsons ended with the 90s. Probably. Because the show was incredible in the 90s.
1. Seinfeld (1989-1998)
Possibly my favorite show ever, Seinfeld is genius. Just try to imagine popular culture without all the contributions from this show. I don’t want to live in that world.
I hope John does this list too, because in the 90s I was totally biased towards Nintendo. Just look at my list:
Honorable Mentions: Super Mario RPG (1996), Super Mario World (1991), Super Mario 64 (1996), Soul Calibur (1999)
10. Mega Man X (1994)
9. Mario Kart 64 (1997)
Spent a lot of time playing this game’s multiplayer. Which is why it’s on the list.
8. Super Smash Bros. (1999)
This was a major factor in my family finally getting an N64. A fighting game with Nintendo characters is just too hard to pass up on.
7. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (1999)
How good was this game? When Colin came over, he had to bring his PlayStation just so we could play Tony Hawk.
6. Pokemon Red/Blue (1998)
Everyone played the GameBoy when this rolled around in 1998. You just fuckin’ gotta catch ’em all.
5. Super Mario 3 (1990)
This game, Super Mario World and Mario 64 are all fantastic. In the end though, I’ve decided that Super Mario 3 is the best. Discuss amongst yourselves.
4. Goldeneye (1997)
3. Donkey Kong Country (1994)
Mindblowing graphics + incredible platforming action.
2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time (1992)
I probably spent more time on this game than any other. The best beat ’em up ever.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
My favorite game ever made. An undeniable classic that has inspired countless imitators.
There are a lot of great movies from this decade. Many of them I haven’t even seen yet. So, I decided for this list I’d go with my gut. The movies that immediately come to mind when I think 1990s. They are (I tried for only one per director):
Honorable Mentions: The Lion King (1994), Saving Private Ryan (1998), The Matrix (1999), The Usual Suspects (1995), Fargo (1996), Goodfellas (1990), Se7en (1995), Forrest Gump (1994), LA Confidential (1997), Unforgiven (1992), Ed Wood (1994)
10. Independence Day (1994)
Look, I know this isn’t technically speaking a great movie. But, damn, it is a lot of fun. Its so patriotic and action-packed that I can’t say no.
9. Men in Black (1997)
No, this isn’t a top 10 Will Smith movies list. Men in Black is just one of the most clever comedies of the decade.
8. T2: Judgement Day (1991)
Among the great sci-fi action films of all time.
7. Toy Story 2 (1999)
Arguably better than the first, this is a touching, funny, heartfelt film with some outstanding animation.
6. Rushmore (1998)
I really, really like this movie.
I think this might be my favorite comedy ever made.
Really, just because this movie totally blew me away the first time I saw it.
3. Schindler’s List (1993)
A shocking, deeply emotional experience for anyone who has a beating heart.
2. Pulp Fiction (1994)
This movie just oozes cool. Also, one of the most quotable movies ever.
For a long time, this was allegedly my favorite movie. But that’s because I have a hard time picking favorite movies. And yet, I have to be true to my early high school self’s sarcastic answer.