The1990swas an inventive period for cinema and film. Advancements inCGIopened up new ways to explore storytelling on the big screen. There was a boom in indie filmmakers taking advantage of new technological advances, as were the big-name production houses likeDisneyandUniversal Pictures. Video rental stores likeBlockbusterwere a constant hub of activity, as there was no limitless access to streaming at home, and the sale and rental of VHS tapes and DVDs was an integral part of the industry.
During this period,Meg Ryanwas definitively America’s Sweetheart. The bombshell blue-eyed blonde had a “girl next store” appeal, and this wholesome and sweet aesthetic followed her in the majority of roles she would play throughout the decade. Though the actress would attempt to break the typecast with grittier performances outside theromantic comedygenre, her bread and butter would be the unlucky-in-love characters she would portray that suddenly find their romantic fortune taking a turn.Ryan dominated the decade’s box office, so here is every one of her ’90s movies, ranked.
15’Restoration' (1995)
Directed by Michael Hoffman
Restorationis a historical drama set in the 17th-century, whereRobert Downey Jr.plays young medical student Robert Merivel, who finds himself in the service of King Charles II of England. The film is based on the 1989 novel of the same name. Viewers are introduced to Merivel as the young doctor enjoys the debauched life of a courtier, until he becomes entangled in a marriage plot to help the King hide one mistress away from another.The King requests Merivel marry his mistress, with the stipulation that he must not fall in love with her.
When the young doctor inevitably falls in love with his new wife, he is banished from court. He travels to a sanitorium run by a friend, where he meets a troubled young woman named Katherine who has been abandoned by her husband, played by Ryan. The role is small, butRyan brings a pathos to the character that made the performance memorable. Considering she is only in the movie for a short while, the film is not Ryan’s best-known work.
Restoration
14’Hurlyburly' (1998)
Directed by Anthony Drazan
Hurlyburlyis an indie-film based on a 1984 play of the same name.The narrative follows the interconnected lives of several Hollywood big wigs and hopefuls. The ensemble cast included several power house performers, includingSean Penn,Kevin Spacey,Robin Wright, andAnna Paquin.
Although the film enabled the actors to deliver powerful performances,the narrative wascriticized for dated depictions of Hollywood and women, especially for treating the female characters as sexualized “gifts” for the male characters. Ryan plays Bonnie,an exotic dancer who dates an actor mixed up in the noise or “hurlyburly” of Hollywood. Her role is definitely a departure from her sweetheart “girl next door” typecast, but all the ladies take a backseat to the leading men in this ensemble drama.
Hurlyburly
13’Prelude to a Kiss' (1992)
Directed by Norma René
Prelude to a Kissis a romance fantasy film, based on a 1988 play that was also directed byNorma René.Alec Baldwinplays a conservative man named Peter, who is falling in love with Rita, a liberal but cynical woman, played by Ryan. On the day of their wedding, a bit of magic intervenes and switches Rita’s soul with that of an older gentleman, andthis freaky Friday scenario sends Peter on a quest to restore his bride’s personality.
Although this romance falls in line with Ryan’s typecast role,the fantasy element of the switch in spirits enabled an entirely different kind of romantic comedy performance. As an adaptation of a stage play, the dialogue and thematic content are heightened, giving the characters the quality of feeling out of place in the real world settings in the film. But Ryan was able to show a different side of her acting abilities, switching from the character of Rita as herself to Rita as an elderly man.
Prelude to a Kiss
12’Courage Under Fire' (1996)
Directed by Edward Zwick
This American war drama followsDenzel Washington’s character, Lieutenant Colonel Nathan Serling, a decorated veteran with a traumatic history that resulted in an army cover-up and a promotion to a desk job. He has been assigned to investigate an incident involving Medevac helicopter pilot Commander Karen Walden, played by Ryan. Although Walden’s character is the central figure in the narrative,Ryan’s time on screen is significantly limitedcompared to the mostly male ensemble cast.
The narrative is a bit of a mystery/thriller as Serling’s investigation attempts to uncover the truth of what occurred in a conflict with contradictory reports. Serling is pressured to assess whether Walden’s actions in combat were heroic or not, and offers an insight into the military protocols and politics that go into making such a decision.Courage Under Fireserved as Washington’s second collaboration with directorEdward Zwick, andthe enthralling military mystery offered Ryan an opportunity to take on a character completely outside of her romantic comedy wheelhouse.
Courage Under Fire
11’City of Angels' (1998)
City of Angelsis a romantic fantasy film, featuring powerful performances from both Ryan and her co-starNicolas Cage. Set in Los Angeles, California, known colloquially as the “City of Angels,” the film is a remake of the 1987 filmWings of Desire.The narrative follows an angel that falls in love with a woman,and literally falls to earth to begin the process of transitioning to become mortal in order to be with her.
The film’s soundtrack was inescapable at the time of its release, and even earned a nomination at the Academy Awards that year. While Cage and Ryan’s performances were praised by critics, many found the film overall to be a clumsy adaptation of the original. Some viewers found the resolution to be an overly heavy-handed Hollywood ending, butRyan’s performance was considered to be one that demonstrated her skillsas both a dramatic and comedic actress.
City of Angels
A celestial being becomes captivated by a heart surgeon while observing human life in Los Angeles. As he grapples with his desire to experience the world of humans, he faces a profound choice between the eternal tranquility of his existence and the unpredictable nature of human emotions.
10’Addicted to Love' (1997)
Directed by Griffin Dunne
Addicted to Loveis a zany dark romantic comedy featuringMatthew Broderickas a small-town astronomer named Sam who is determined to win back the love of his life when she ditches him for a French restaurateur in New York City. Sam breaks into an abandoned building across the street from his ex-girlfriend’s new place, and converts his astronomy equipment into spy equipment, determined to keep tabs on her. In a comedy of errors,Sam is joined in his espionage by a photographer named Maggie, who is the spurned ex-girlfriend of the restaurateur, played by Ryan.
As the two engage in their spying, determined to learn more about their ex-partners' new relationship together, their initial mutual contempt for one another transitions into a gradual friendship. And then you can probably guess the rest of the plot to this kooky rom-com. Although this film is still in the romantic comedy lane,its zany premise and dark humor are a switch up from Ryan’s typical wholesome vibe.
Addicted to Love
9’Flesh and Bone' (1993)
Directed by Steve Kloves
Flesh and Boneis a little-remembered neo-noir thriller thatenabled Ryan to deliver a masterful performance. The slow-burning mystery unfolds as the story sets up a grim crime whose consequences echo into the future. Ryan plays the romantic interest toDennis Quaid’s character, Arlis Sweeney, an exotic dancer named Kay.
Kay is a complex character, feisty and full of life, but dragged down by her abusive husband. Sweeney redirects the course of her life, while dragging up dark trouble from the past.Flesh and Boneis also noteworthy for featuring a youngGwyneth Paltrowas a stone-cold criminal.Ryan brought her signature rom-com charm to some of the more tender moments with Kay, but the role also allowed her to show offa different side of her acting abilities.
Flesh and Bone
8’When a Man Loves a Woman' (1994)
Directed by Luis Mandoki
The dramatic performance Ryan delivered inWhen a Man Loves a Womanhelped to earn the filma rare perfect scorefrom film criticRoger Ebert. The addiction drama allowed Ryan to explore darker depths in the character of alcoholicAlice Green, who is forced to confront her addiction when it begins to negatively impact her children.Andy Garcia,the newFather of the Bride, plays Alice’s husband Michael, who attempts to pick up the family’s home life as Alice seeks treatment.
The journey that Alice undergoes through the rehabilitation process is timeless. The sensitivity that the film treats the subjectmakes it an enduring story, an impressive feat considering attitudes toward addiction in the ’90s were largely less empathetic than in contemporary times. The film manages to create space for a conversation around addiction and recovery without exaggerating the tragedy or underplaying the harm.Ryan’s portrayal of Alice is exhilarating and heart-breaking in equal measure.
When a Man Loves a Woman
7’Joe Versus the Volcano' (1990)
Directed by John Patrick Shanley
Joe Versus the Volcanois a zany cult classic that subverted the traditional tropes of romantic comedies and instead offered an existential crisis wrapped in romance. The hero, Joe (Tom Hanks), is told early in the film that he is dying of a rare disease and decides to volunteer to throw himself into a volcano. While the scenario is somewhat more complex than that, involving a mineral tycoon and a fictional tribe who worship a fire god,ultimately Joe’s pessimism becomes the central interrogation point of the film.
Joe Versus the Volcano’s simplistic depiction of Pacific Islanders leaves something to be desired, but the plot is expertly crafted, which turns the film into a fun romp.Ryan plays a trio of rolesas three separate women that Joe interacts with on his journey,so this early ’90s classic really allowed her to demonstrate her acting chops.Joe Versus the Volcanois also notable for initiating the pair-up between Ryan and Tom Hanks that would create such rom-com success straight through the 1990s.
Joe Versus the Volcano
6’The Doors' (1991)
Directed by Oliver Stone
The Doorsis a biographical filmabout the titular rock band and its influence on music and the growing counterculture of the 1960s.Oliver Stonelends his formidable directorial prowess to a narrative he assistedJ. Randall Jahnsonwith crafting.Val Kilmer, in the lead role asJim Morrison, and Ryan, in the supporting role as his girlfriend,Pamela Courson, delivered electric performances, leading to an ultimately tragic pre-determined conclusion.
Stone is known to blend myth and fact in his storytelling, and this is on full display with his depiction of the moral and social decay happening in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s. Stone’s creative license in the music biopic was appreciated by some audiences, and reviled by others, especially those who had expected a film more faithful to the experience of the band during this period. What the renowned director was able to create wasa music biopic that transcends the simple facts of biography to create a lasting story beautifully told.
The Doors follows the rise of the iconic 1960s rock band, focusing on the tumultuous life of lead singer Jim Morrison. The film delves into Morrison’s artistic vision and self-destructive tendencies, exploring his complex relationships and the band’s impact on the music scene, set against the backdrop of a transformative era.
