10 of the Best Hollywood Pictures Films

While Hollywood Pictures was incorporated in 1984, it didn't release its first film until 1990 with Arachnophobia. Like its sister studio Touchstone Pictures, Hollywood Pictures was meant for more mature audiences. These are 10 of the best films from Hollywood Pictures. What are your favorites?

Arachnophobia

Of course we go with the first film. This movie tells the story of a small Midwestern town than suddenly gets invaded by a bunch of deadly spiders. It's a great beginner horror film with that kind of retro flavor. I enjoyed this film so much despite my own arachnophobia!

Sarafina!

Sarafina! is a wonderful musical film and one of Whoopi Goldberg's best movies. It is based on South African musical composer Mbongeni Ngema's 1987 musical of the same name. It takes place during the Soweto Uprising in South Africa. One student, Sarafina, inspires her class to stand in protest, especially when one of their teachers is thrown in jail. The soundtrack is great, too.

Swing Kids

This film takes place in pre-World War II Germany. Two high school students attempt to be Hitler Youth during the day, but counter culture Swing Kids at night. Their move ultimately, though, impacts both their families and friends. This is one of those cult classics with a wonderful Big Band soundtrack.

The Joy Luck Club

Based on Amy Tan's book of the same name, this was the first time Hollywood starred a mostly Asian cast. It's a story about Chinese American mothers and daughters and their relationships with each other. There are generational and cultural differences that bring challenges. It's a beautiful movie and one of my favorites of all time.

The Santa Clause

While The Santa Clause 2 and 3 were produced by Walt Disney Pictures, the first film actually came from Hollywood Pictures. The reason why is that Disney often batted to Hollywood Pictures movies they were unsure about and they didn't know how Tim Allen would play in a feature film. Well, did he prove them wrong. The film is about what happens when Santa dies. Who replaces him? And how? It's a sweet family film and a definite Christmas classic.

Crimson Tide

This film is a great political thriller. It takes place on a submarine during a time when Russian ultranationalists threaten to launch nuclear missiles at the US and Japan. Conflict arises between the Executive Officer and Commanding Officer and their interpretations of an order to launch missiles. The performances are intense and incredible. It's probably one of Denzel Washington's finest films.

The Hand That Rocks The Cradle

This is a great psychological thriller that proved to be Hollywood Pictures's most successful box office films. The movie tells the story of a psychopathic nanny who wants to steal the life of the mother who's child she is taking care of. I was at the edge of my seat the entire time I watched this movie.

Mr. Holland’s Opus

This film is an inspiring drama and one of Richard Dreyfus's best films. It's the story of a music teacher who aspires to write his own musical opus, but at the expense of his relationship with his wife and deaf son. At the same time, he inspires and gets involved with the lives of his student, furthering his estrangement with his family and work on his own opus. It's a wonderful film and well worth the watch.

Evita

I know that people didn't take Madonna's version of Evita very seriously, but, honestly, I thought she did a great job. This is probably her best film she's done. The movie is an adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Weber's Broadway musical of the same name and tells the story of Evita Peron, the first lady of Argentina in the 1940s. I like to take this movie out every so often and watch it and I think it is one of Hollywood Pictures's best films.

The Sixth Sense

The Sixth Sense is an amazing supernatural thriller. It involves a boy who can see dead people. He has a difficult time with his life and child psychologist tries to help him. There is a great surprise twist at the ending. The film established M. Night Shyamalan as a writer and director and with good reason. The movie will have you at the edge of your seat.