The Summer Movies of 1990 offered a diverse slate of cinematic experiences, from action-packed blockbusters to thought-provoking dramas. The seemingly weekly big budget action films starring the biggest movie stars in the world were unexpectedly handled by a smaller scale romantic fantasy released the week after the July 4th holiday.
Here’s a look at some of the most notable films that graced the silver screen:
May ~ Summer 1990 Movies
Bird on a Wire (May 18) Mel Gibson plays a former assassin in the Witness Protection Program that forced to reconnect with his former lover (Goldie Hawn) to clear his name in this thrilling action-comedy that kicked off the summer of 1990 movies slate. David Carradine and Bill Duke also starred. Directed by John Badham.
Back to the Future Part III (May 25) The beloved time-travel trilogy concluded with Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) and Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) journeying to the Wild West. Elisabeth Shue and Lea Thompson also starred.
Fire Birds (May 25) This action-adventure film starring Nicolas Cage and Tommy Lee Jones taking on powerful South American drug cartels. Sean Young co-starred.
June ~ Summer 1990 Movies
Total Recall (June 1) Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in this sci-fi action spectacle, a visually stunning and action-packed journey into the depths of human memory and the complexities of reality.
Another 48 Hrs. (June 8) Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte reunited for this buddy cop sequel, delivering more explosive action and witty banter. Directed by Walter Hill.
Dick Tracy (June 15) Warren Beatty brought the iconic comic strip hero to life in this visually stunning and stylish film noir. The all-star cast included Madonna, Al Pacino, Dustin Hoffman, Glenne Headley and James Caan.
Betsy’s Wedding (June 22) This romantic comedy explored the complexities of family dynamics and the pressures of marriage. Alan Alda wrote, directed and starred in the film. Molly Ringwald, Joe Pesci, Ally Sheedy, Burt Young and Anthony LaPaglia co-starred.
Days of Thunder (June 27) Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman ignited the screen in this high-octane racing drama directed by Tony Scott. The film captured the thrill of NASCAR racing and delivered a healthy dose of romance. Robert Duvall, Randy Quaid, Michael Rooker, Fred Dalton Thompson and Cary Elwes also starred. In Nov. 2024, rumors starting swirling that there would be a sequel to the summer of 1990 hit.
July ~ Summer 1990 Movies
Die Hard 2 (July 4) John McClane (Bruce Willis) returned in this action-packed sequel, facing off against terrorists who have taken over Washington Dulles International Airport. Bonnie Bedelia, William Sadler, Fred Dalton Thompson, John Amos, William Atherton and Art Evans also starred.
The Adventures of Ford Fairlane (July 11) Andrew Dice Clay starred in this over-the-top action-comedy, a cult classic about a private detective who specializes in the rock and roll music industry. The eclectic cast includes Wayne Newton, Priscilla Presley, Gilbert Gottfried, Robert Englund, Ed O’Neill and Kari Wuhrer.
Ghost (July 11) This romantic fantasy starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg (Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actress) was a critical and commercial success as the highest grossing film released in the summer of 1990. The film’s poignant story of love and loss resonated with audiences, and its iconic pottery scene remains a beloved moment in cinematic history.
Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in Ghost (Photo/Paramount Pictures)
Arachnophobia (July 18) This horror-comedy film, featuring a terrifying infestation of deadly spiders and delivered plenty of thrills and chills. The film starred Jeff Daniels, Harley Jane Kozak and John Goodman.
Navy SEALs (July 20) This action film starring Charlie Sheen and Michael Biehn chronicled the daring exploits of a team of elite Navy SEALs. Joanne Whalley-Kilmer, Rick Rossovich, Cyril O’Reilly, Bill Paxton and Dennis Haysbert also starred.
Presumed Innocent (July 27) Harrison Ford starred in this suspenseful legal thriller as a prosecuting attorney who is charged with the murder of a colleague with whom he was having an affair. The stellar cast also included Raul Julia, Bonnie Bedelia, Brian Dennehy, Greta Scacchi, John Spencer and Paul Winfield.
August ~ Summer 1990 Movies
Young Guns II (August 1) The sequel to the popular Western Young Guns continued the adventures of Billy the Kid and his gang. The cast also included Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, Christian Slater, James Coburn, Alan Ruck, Viggo Mortenson and William Peterson.
Mo’ Better Blues (August 3): Spike Lee’s jazz-infused drama, starring Denzel Washington, explored the world of New York City jazz musicians. The film was a critical and commercial success, showcasing Lee’s unique style and Washington’s acting prowess. Wesley Snipes, Robin Harris and Samuel L. Jackson co-starred.
Flatliners (August 10) A group of medical students experiment with near-death experiences in this thought-provoking and suspenseful thriller. Kiefer Sutherland, Julia Roberts, Kevin Bacon, Oliver Platt and William Baldwin starred.
Flatliners (Photo/Columbia Pictures)
Air America (August 10) Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr. starred in this action-comedy about CIA pilots smuggling opium out of Laos. Nancy Travis and Lane Smith co-starred.
The Two Jakes (August 10) Jack Nicholson returned as detective Jake Gittes in this sequel to Chinatown. The all-star cast included Harvey Keitel, Madeleine Stowe, Meg Tilly, David Keith, Richard Farnsworth and Ruben Blades.
Darkman (August 22) Sam Raimi directed this visually stunning superhero film starring Liam Neeson as a disfigured scientist who seeks revenge on those who wronged him. Frances McDormand co-starred.
Men at Work (August 24) This comedy starring Emilio Estevez and Charlie Sheen followed two garbage men who inadvertently become involved in local scandal around a murder.
Wrap-Up of Summer 1990 Movies
This was a summer of diverse cinematic offerings, catering to a wide range of tastes. From high-octane action to thought-provoking dramas, 1990’s summer offerings provided moviegoers with a memorable summer at the movies.
