It was a year that reinforced Scottish cinema as a global force to be reckoned with, while a Hollywood superstar would earn praise and criticism, after receiving a $20 million payday for a film that was—honestly?—a little hit and miss with critics, but has since become a cult classic.
1996 saw franchises being given a new lease of life, with successful shows transitioning from the small screen to the silver screen. Disney started their tactic of making live-action versions of some of their classics. And a little film noir, set in cold, snowy climates and dealing with moral ambiguities, would become the Oscar darling that season. We were also set to have the future of home cinema released a year later after their initial release in Japan - something they call a “doovd.”
Sorry, I meant DVD.
Feeling old yet? It’ll be 30 years in 2026 since we last went to the cinema to see some of these incredible and/or cult classics. Here are 30 films throughout that year that became mainstays on television and video rental stores (remember them? They existed back then still!), and in some cases would influence many films to come decades later.
Did you go to the cinema or hire any of these films out upon their release?
19. Matilda (August 2)
Directed by and co-starring Danny DeVito, this celebrated adaptation of the Roald Dahl book was dedicated to the memory of child star Mara Wilson's mother, Suzie Wilson, who passed away during post-production. The film remains a beloved staple for its pro-reading and anti-bullying message. | Tristar Pictures
20. Emma (September 13)
This lush period adaptation, starring Gwyneth Paltrow, capitalized on the "Jane Austen boom" of the mid-90s. It secured an Academy Award for Best Original Musical or Comedy Score for composer Rachel Portman, making her the first female composer to win an Oscar in that category. | Miramax
21. Michael Collins (October 11)
Director Neil Jordan’s powerful biopic of the Irish revolutionary was a festival darling, winning the prestigious Golden Lion at the 53rd Venice International Film Festival, and earned Liam Neeson the Volpi Cup for Best Actor. | Warner Bros.
22. Sleepers (October 18)
This star-laden legal thriller was a box-office hit, grossing over $165.6 million worldwide. The film generated considerable media controversy surrounding the truthfulness of the book it was based on, driving discussion around journalistic and creative license in adaptations. | Warner Bros.
23. Swingers (October 18)
This quintessential indie hit, written by and starring Jon Favreau, was the defining snapshot of 'Vegas, Baby' cool culture in the mid-90s. The low-budget success launched the careers of both Favreau and Vince Vaughn, leading to the rise of the influential comedic 'Frat Pack'. | Miramax
24. Ransom (November 8)
Directed by Ron Howard, this Mel Gibson-led hostage thriller was a pure, polished Hollywood hit that grossed over $309.5 million worldwide, making it the 7th highest-grossing film of the year and earning a Golden Globe nomination for Gibson. | Touchstone Pictures