The Highest Grossing Movies of 1994

Last year for her 40th birthday, my friend Andrea watched the top ten highest grossing movies of her birth year and I thought that would be fun to do for my 30th. Like Andrea, I chose the highest grossing domestic box office. 

I had watched all but one of these before so it was a journey back to my childhood for most of them. I won’t say all of them were good… but I certainly had a time. 

10. Interview With the Vampire 

An interview with a Vampire (Brad Pitt)  reveals his tragic life. 

Oh boy. This has not aged well. I mean I wasn’t even a fan of it when I was a kid but it comes off as really creepy now. I can’t stand Tom Cruise and I’m not really a Brad Pitt fan so that certainly didn’t help at all. Like the acting was great, but I just couldn’t get over the vibes. 

9. Mrs. Doubtfire 

Daniel (Robin Williams) dresses disguised himself as a female nanny to see his kids after his divorce. 

Technically this came out in 1993. I think because it came out so late in the year and was still in theatres in 1994, it made it onto my list. You know what, this shouldn’t have aged well. The whole premise is extremely problematic. However, Robin Williams is very charming and the movie is still a delight. 

8. The Mask

An average bank clerk (Jim Carrey) is transformed into a “hero” when he finds a mysterious mask. 

I’m not a huge Jim Carrey fan but I remember really enjoying this as a kid because it was so unhinged and fun. Well, it still is. Baby Cameron Diaz is so fun and this is definitely Carrey at his best. It’s a dumb movie but it’s a real good time. 

7. Speed 

An officer (Keanu Reeves) seeks help (Sandra Bullock) in stopping a bomb on a city bus. 

So I saw this shortly before the pandemic and found it kind of boring and apparently my opinion hasn’t changed. Both Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock were great, and I enjoy them both as actors, but this movie just didn’t do it for me. I’m pretty hit or miss with action movies, and this was a miss for me. 

6. Clear and Present Danger 

Jack Ryan (Harrison Ford) is drawn into a war against a drug cartel. 

This was the only movie I hadn’t seen before and now I see why. It’s a perfectly acceptable action film and Ford was great (as always) but it wasn’t my thing at all. 

5. The Flintstones 

Based on the tv show, Fred Flintstone (John Goodman) gets a new job and a new lifestyle. But at what cost? 

This did not age well. At all. But I enjoyed every minute. I only saw it a couple times as a kid but I was a huge fan of the show (we had a 24 hour Flintstones marathon taped on VHS and I frequently watched it) so my nostalgia was strong. 

4. The Santa Clause 

Scott Calvin’s (Tim Allen) life is turned upside down when he accidentally kills Santa and has to take his place. 

I don’t care that it’s august, I was so excited to watch this one again. It’s one of my all-time favourite Christmas movies and I’ve seen it more times than I can count. It’s still as charming as ever. 

3. True Lies 

A secret agent (Arnold Schwarzenegger) gets involved in a terrorist plot when he fears his wife (Jamie Lee Curtis) is having an affair. 

I saw this way too young and didn’t really remember it, but I remembered that it was bonkers. It’s completely batshit. It makes no sense. But I loved it. See, like I said, I’m hit or miss with action movies, but this one was weird enough that it really called to me. Also, baby Eliza Dushku. 

2. Forrest Gump 

The life story of a man with a low IQ (Tom Hanks) reuniting with his love. 

Yeah, it’s kind of problematic. It wasn’t the greatest portrayal of an autistic man and Jenny is not a great character. However, the soundtrack is incredible, the acting is incredible, and overall it’s a very enjoyable movie. 

1. The Lion King

After his father dies and he has to flee his pride, young Simba makes new friends and learns how to live. 

I mean… it’s only one of the best Disney films out there. The animation, the voice actors, the soundtrack. Also Elton John didn’t need to go so hard. Hands down one of my favourite animated movies. We just don’t talk about the 2019 remake.