Top Movies Of 1998

From Steven Spielberg, starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns
Rated R

Saving Private Ryan is a 1998 American epic war film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Robert Rodat. The film follows United States Army Rangers Captain John H. Miller and a squad of soldiers as they search for Private First Class James Francis Ryan, who is missing in the Normandy region of France during World War II. After learning that three of Ryan's brothers have been killed in action, the U.S. Army General George C. Marshall orders the Rangers to find and bring Ryan back home in order to prevent his family from suffering any further losses. The squad embarks on a dangerous mission to find and save Ryan, encountering a German infantry division on the way. Along their journey, the squad experiences numerous harrowing battles and develops bonds that will last a lifetime. At the end of their mission, the squad successfully finds and saves Ryan, allowing him to return home to his family.

From Roberto Benigni, starring Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini, Giustino Durano
Rated PG-13

Life Is Beautiful is a 1997 Italian comedy-drama film directed by and starring Roberto Benigni. The film follows Guido Orefice, an Italian Jew, who is separated from his wife and son when they are sent to a concentration camp during World War II. To protect his son from the horrors of the camp, Guido convinces him that their time there is simply an elaborate game. Despite the horrific circumstances, Guido is determined to ensure his son’s wellbeing and to win the game. The film depicts a powerful father-son relationship, and ultimately, the triumph of love, compassion, and humor in the face of tragedy.

From Tony Kaye, starring Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Jennifer Lien
Rated R

American History X is a 1998 drama film directed by Tony Kaye and starring Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, and Beverly D'Angelo. The film is set in Venice Beach, California, and tells the story of two brothers, Derek (Norton) and Danny Vinyard (Furlong). Derek is a former white supremacist who has been released from prison after serving three years for voluntary manslaughter. He returns home determined to repair his relationship with his younger brother and to bring an end to the cycle of hatred and violence. However, his attempts to reform are put to the test when Danny falls into the same gang lifestyle he is trying to escape. Through his efforts, Derek learns that violence does not always have to be the answer, and that redemption and understanding are sometimes more important than revenge.

From Peter Weir, starring Jim Carrey, Ed Harris, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich
Rated PG

The Truman Show is a 1998 comedy-drama film directed by Peter Weir and starring Jim Carrey as Truman Burbank, a man who is unaware that his entire life (including his friends, family, and home) is actually a reality TV show. Truman only begins to suspect something is wrong when he notices strange occurrences, like the same people showing up in different places. When he confronts those in charge of the show, he learns the truth and is forced to confront the realization that his life is being broadcast to the world. He ultimately decides to break away from the show and explore the world outside of his constructed reality. The film explores themes of control, identity, and freedom.

From Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi
Rated R

The Big Lebowski is a 1998 comedy crime film written, produced and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. The film stars Jeff Bridges as Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski, a Los Angeles slacker and avid bowler whose life is turned upside down when he is mistaken for a millionaire with the same name. When The Dude's wealthy namesake is attacked, he is drawn into a complicated web of extortion, deception and a squabble over a priceless rug. With the help of his bowling buddies, Walter Sobchak (John Goodman) and Donny Kerabatsos (Steve Buscemi), The Dude sets out to resolve the situation. Along the way, he interacts with several offbeat characters, including a nihilist German auto mechanic (Peter Stormare), a repentant bowler (John Turturro), a femme fatale (Julianne Moore) and the millionaire's adult daughter (Tara Reid). The Big Lebowski is a comedic take on the classic hard-boiled detective story, and has become a cult classic since its 1998 release.

From Todd Solondz, starring Jane Adams, Jon Lovitz, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Dylan Baker
Rated NC-17

Happiness is a 1998 dark comedy-drama film directed by Todd Solondz. The film follows the lives of three sisters, Trish, Joy, and Helen, as well as their extended family members and acquaintances, who are all struggling with varying degrees of unhappiness, depression, and loneliness. The story is told through a series of interconnected vignettes that explore the complicated relationships between all of the characters. The film contains dark and often uncomfortable subject matter, such as child molestation, pedophilia, suicide, and depression. Despite its difficult themes, Happiness is a powerful exploration of the human condition and the potential for happiness in the most difficult of circumstances.

From Terrence Malick, starring Jim Caviezel, Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, Kirk Acevedo
Rated R

The Thin Red Line is a 1998 war drama directed by Terrence Malick. Set during World War II, the film follows a group of US Army soldiers of the C-for-Charlie Company as they struggle to take over a Japanese-held island. The film follows the men through their combat experience, and their reflections on their lives, the war and their relationships. The film stars Sean Penn, Adrien Brody, and George Clooney, among others. The film follows different characters over the course of the battle and gradually reveals their individual stories and the collective trauma of the war. In the end, the men ultimately succeed in their mission, but many have paid the ultimate price.

From Alex Proyas, starring Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, William Hurt
Rated R

Dark City is a 1998 science fiction film directed by Alex Proyas and starring Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, and William Hurt. Set in a dystopian and darkly futuristic world, the story follows John Murdoch (Sewell) as he wakes up with no memory of his past, only to find himself wanted for a series of murders he has no recollection of committing. As he begins to unravel the mystery of the crimes, he discovers that he is a pawn in a larger conspiracy involving a mysterious group of powerful beings known as the Strangers. With the help of a doctor (Connelly) and a psychiatrist (Hurt), Murdoch must fight to uncover the truth behind the Strangers' control of the city and its citizens. Dark City is an intense, visually stunning exploration of identity and reality.

From Wes Anderson, starring Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Olivia Williams, Seymour Cassel
Rated R

Rushmore is a 1998 comedy-drama film directed by Wes Anderson, starring Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman and Olivia Williams. The film tells the story of Max Fischer, a precocious and eccentric 15-year-old whose penchant for extracurricular activities clashes with the more traditional ideals of his private school, Rushmore Academy. After forming an unlikely friendship with a wealthy industrialist, Max is forced to choose between his own ambitions and his loyalty to those he cares about. The film was nominated for numerous awards and remains a cult classic.

From Sam Raimi, starring Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thornton, Bridget Fonda, Brent Briscoe
Rated R

"A Simple Plan" is a 1998 American neo-noir crime drama film written by Scott B. Smith and directed by Sam Raimi. It stars Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thornton, Bridget Fonda, and Brent Briscoe. The story follows two working-class brothers, Hank and Jacob Mitchell, in rural Minnesota who find a crashed plane containing a dead pilot and a bag full of $4.4 million in cash. They decide to keep it a secret, but soon find themselves struggling to keep their plan a secret as they are pursued by the FBI and a group of criminals. The movie follows their struggle to hide the money, while trying to deal with the moral and ethical implications of their decision. They must also deal with their own personal issues, such as Hank's desire to provide a better life for his pregnant wife, Sarah, and Jacob's relationship with his fiancee, Lou, who is also Hank's former lover. The film has been praised for its intense, gripping scenes, excellent performances by all of the lead actors, and its thought-provoking examination of morality.

From Gary Ross, starring Tobey Maguire, Jeff Daniels, Joan Allen, William H. Macy
Rated PG-13

Pleasantville is a 1998 fantasy comedy-drama film written, co-produced, and directed by Gary Ross. The film stars Tobey Maguire and Reese Witherspoon as two modern-day teenagers who are transported into a 1950s black-and-white sitcom called Pleasantville, where a father and a mother are living in the perfect home with two obedient children. In Pleasantville, everything is perfect and nothing ever changes. As the two teenagers struggle to adjust to the monotonous lifestyle, they begin to introduce the notion of change and color to the town. As this newfound color begins to spread throughout Pleasantville, the citizens of the town become divided between those who accept the newfound changes and those who fight to keep the town the way it was before. Ultimately, the film shows that change can be a good thing, and that embracing new ideas even in the most traditional circumstances can be a powerful form of progress.

From Terry Gilliam, starring Johnny Depp, Benicio Del Toro, Tobey Maguire, Michael Lee Gogin
Rated R

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a 1998 cult classic directed by Terry Gilliam. The film follows the adventures of Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) and his attorney Dr. Gonzo (Benicio del Toro), who embark on a road trip to Las Vegas to cover a desert motorcycle race. Along the way, they indulge in a series of drug-fuelled misadventures, facing a series of strange and often surreal encounters. As the two men spiral deeper into a drug-induced psychosis, their journey becomes an exploration of the dark side of the American Dream. The film is an adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson’s novel of the same name, and features a soundtrack of classic rock songs from the era.

From Michael Haneke, starring Susanne Lothar, Ulrich Mühe, Arno Frisch, Frank Giering
Rated Not Rated

Funny Games is a 1997 Austrian psychological thriller film written and directed by Michael Haneke. The film follows a well-to-do family—Anne (Susanne Lothar), Georg (Ulrich Mühe), and their son Georgie (Stefan Clapczynski)—who are vacationing at their lakeside home. During their stay, two mysterious young men (played by Arno Frisch and Frank Giering) invade the family’s home and subject them to a series of sadistic games, which they must win or face dire consequences. As the film progresses, the audience is drawn in as the family experiences a harrowing night of psychological and physical torture. Throughout the film, the audience is forced to question the motivations of the two men and the morality of their actions. Ultimately, Funny Games is a thought-provoking exploration of power dynamics, violence, and the ability of individuals to take control of their own lives.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Jeremy Theobald, Alex Haw, Lucy Russell, John Nolan
Rated R

Following is a British neo-noir crime film written and directed by Christopher Nolan and released in 1998. The film tells the story of an aspiring writer (played by Jeremy Theobald) who follows strangers around London and records their activities in order to create stories. His investigations lead him to a group of thieves and their mysterious leader. The film is notable for its non-linear narrative structure and its exploration of themes such as voyeurism, identity, and existentialism. Following also marked Nolan's first feature film and helped to establish his reputation as a director.

From Vincent Gallo, starring Vincent Gallo, Christina Ricci, Ben Gazzara, Mickey Rourke
Rated R

From Bill Condon, starring Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser, Lynn Redgrave, Lolita Davidovich
Rated R

From Darren Aronofsky, starring Sean Gullette, Mark Margolis, Ben Shenkman, Pamela Hart
Rated R

From John Dahl, starring Matt Damon, Edward Norton, Gretchen Mol, John Malkovich
Rated R

From Tony Scott, starring Will Smith, Gene Hackman, Jon Voight, Lisa Bonet
Rated R

From F. Gary Gray, starring Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Spacey, David Morse, Ron Rifkin
Rated R

From Vincenzo Natali, starring Nicole de Boer, Maurice Dean Wint, David Hewlett, Andrew Miller
Rated R

From David Mamet, starring Steve Martin, Ben Gazzara, Campbell Scott, Ricky Jay
Rated PG

From Chris Eyre, starring Adam Beach, Evan Adams, Irene Bedard, Gary Farmer
Rated PG-13

From Directors: John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, starring Kevin Spacey, David Foley, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Hayden Panettiere
Rated G

From John Frankenheimer, starring Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone, Stellan Skarsgård
Rated R