Critics and moviegoers often complain that Hollywood lacks the originality it once had. While there are some exceptions, it seems as though movie executives are constantly, and lazily, rehashing unnecessary sequels and remakes of perfectly good movies.

The 1990s, however, left us with 10 original films that we’ll never delete from our Netflix favorites list.

1. “Forrest Gump” (1994)

Based on the 1986 novel by Winston Groom, “Forrest Gump” stars Tom Hanks as a man sitting at a bus stop who tells others his life story in rich detail. The film has left us with some of the most famous quotes of all time, like “Life is like a box of chocolates” and “Run, Forrest, run!”

Navdep Kaur, a freshman majoring in biology, appreciates the movie on an even deeper level.

“On the surface, the movie follows a great adventure of a common man,” Kaur said. “But I now interpret the meaning of this adventure as the questioning of life as a series of fate-filled events or pure chance.”

2. “Pulp Fiction” (1994)

Visionary director Quentin Tarantino spent the 1990s creating genius films like “Reservoir Dogs” and “Pulp Fiction.” The latter is one of the most creative films in modern cinema. Not only is it hailed for its non-linear storytelling and otherworldly atmosphere, but the movie marks a huge comeback for John Travolta.

3. “The Lion King” (1994)

Who doesn’t love a good Disney movie? Or better yet, who hasn’t seen this movie? From the amazing songs to the exciting story, “The Lion King” is a film that appeals to almost everyone. Today, the film is often quoted and has been adapted into a successful Broadway musical.

4. “Clerks” (1994)

“Clerks” follows a day in the life of workers at a convenience store in New Jersey and introduces unforgettable characters, Jay and Silent Bob, who go on to be main characters in other Kevin Smith films. “Clerks” continues to live on since AMC picked up Smith’s new reality show “Comic Book Men,” which airs at 10 p.m. on Sundays.

The movie was made on an extremely small budget, and yet it has one of the sharpest, wittiest scripts in movie history. It’s a model for all aspiring filmmakers and screenwriters.

5. “Toy Story” (1995)

“Toy Story” touches all age groups, especially ours — we grew up with all three movies. It still finds relevance with a younger age group today thanks to its release of a third movie in 2010. The films are strikingly consistent for a trilogy, a trait usually reserved for some of Hollywood’s best films, like “Star Wars.”

Megan Orcutt, a freshman majoring in linguistics, compares watching the movie when she was younger to watching it now.

“When I first saw the movie, I loved it, but I didn’t really understand some of the humor,” Orcutt said. “Now that I’ve watched it again, I completely get it.”

6. “Clueless” (1995)

Before there were “Mean Girls” quotes to overuse, people had “Clueless.” Phrases like “As if” and “Virgin who can’t drive” were said like everyday greetings.

This film was a stepping stone in its ability to approach the world of high school social structures in a witty way. And it made the most popular girl in school a relatable protagonist. Since its release, Cher (Alicia Silverstone) has become a universally loved character. Supposedly the movie is loosely based on “Emma,” a novel by Jane Austen, but who reads anyway?

7. “Scream” (1996)

“Scream” was one of the few original thrillers of the ‘90s, eventually becoming a franchise. It pushed the envelope of what defined a scary movie by incorporating comedy and self-awareness to keep the audience guessing. The series was revived in 2011 with “Scream 4,” a clever addition to the series.

8. “Fight Club” (1999)

Based on Chuck Palahniuk’s novel, “Fight Club” is a catch-22. The first rule of fight club is you never talk about fight club. On the other hand, everyone who has seen “Fight Club” won’t shut up about it. There’s a reason for this: it’s not only an original and quotable movie, but Brad Pitt is sexy. Plus, obese ‘70s singer Meatloaf has a starring role. That’s pretty sexy too.

9. “The Matrix” (1999)

The Wachowski brothers came up with something revolutionary in “The Matrix.” Not only is the premise incredibly interesting, but the film’s special effects are way before their time.

10. “American Pie” (1999)

Despite its disappointing spin-offs, the original is still amusing. After all, it coined the term “MILF.”

Other ‘90s movies you must see: “Trainspotting,” “Jurassic Park,” “The Usual Suspects” and “Shawshank Redemption.”

Think we missed a movie that should have made the cut? Tell us in the comments.