The 1990s was a time of cultural evolution and technological advancement, and nothing reflect this more perfectly than the films from that era. Considered one of the best decades for films, the 90s was full of a whole host of modern classics. The year 1995 was a standout, giving us films that are now approaching their 30th birthday. Here are some standouts:

Se7en

Se7en, a dark mysterious thriller was the second feature length film directed by the great David Fincher. It follows veteran cop Detective Somerset (Morgan Freeman) who is paired with recently transferred Homicide Detective, Mills (Brad Pitt). They are brought together to stop a sadistic killer who bases his kills off the “seven deadly sins”. Having one of the most memorable endings ever, this is a must watch if you haven’t seen it already.

Casino

Casino, directed by Martin Scorsese, follows the real-life story of Frank Rosenthal, a casino executive who has links with the mob. The film was based upon a book by Nicholas Pileggi’s book, with Scorsese changing the name to fictionalise the setting and allow more creative control. Casino bounces back and forth between the three main protagonists, having them narrate their parts similarly to his earlier film, Goodfellas. In the same vein as Goodfellas, Casino uses the glamour of its setting to contrast its gruesome subject matter. We see Ace (Robert De Niro) and Ginger’s (Sharon Stone) romance blossom and die, and we learn to fear Nick Santoro’s (Joe Pesci) collected anger. With shining lights and slick suits, this is a must watch from 1995!

Clueless

Clueless! A classic film based on a Jane Austen classic. Following popular girl Cher (Alicia Silverstone), who thinks of herself as a matchmaker. The film starts with her getting two teachers together, emboldened by her success, she then decides to take clumsy new student Tai under her wing. When her plan backfires and Tai becomes more popular than her, she realises her ex-stepbrother was right about how self-centred she was – and in turn, falls for him. With quotable lines galore and memorable performances from Paull Rudd and the late, great, Brittany Murphy, this classic from ‘95 is a must watch.

Heat

In 1989, Michael Mann made a TV movie called L.A. Takedown, and in 1995 he remade it. That film was called Heat. Al Pacino plays police Lieutenant Vincent Hanna, who is attempting to take down expert thief Neil McCauley, played by Robert De Niro. Set against the backdrop of sunny Los Angeles, and having an ending that’ll leave you floored, this is a must watch that’s turning 30.

Jumanji

The classic film Jumanji is turning 30 this year, starring the hilarious Robin Williams in one of his most beloved roles. The film follows two kids who discover a mysterious board game and decide to play it. Unbeknownst to them, the game unleashes live jungle creatures and manic poachers, which cannot be contained until the game is completed. Teaming up with Alan Parrish (Robin Williams), who had been stuck inside the game for 26 years, they navigate through stampedes and rainforests to finish the game. With one of Kirsten Dunst earliest performances, this film is one of the best turning 30 this year.

Five films turning 30 this year