4. The Truman Show (1998)
Though the ’90s was a whirlwind of excellent Jim Carrey movies, few stand out like The Truman Show. It’s remembered not just for its genius movie premise but also for being an excellent film in its own right. It follows Truman Burbank, a man who has unknowingly grown up in an elaborately controlled environment filled with actors as part of a TV show about him.
After falling in love with an extra, Truman become suspicious about his carefully-cultivated existence. He stages a daring escape, sailing for the horizon, only to crash into an invisible wall. Finding a hidden door, Truman finally hears the voice of Christof, the show’s director, who encourages him to stay on the set where he can be safe and happy. Despite his anxieties, Truman utters his catchphrase a final time, then steps through the door and into the unknown of the real world.
From start to finish, The Truman Show is consistently thought-provoking. When Truman’s attempts to break free of his overly comfortable existence finally succeed, it’s unclear what will happen to him. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter – Truman wants to be free, whatever that looks like. It’s an ending that sees the protagonist take an incredibly brave step out of his comfort zone, and it’s brought to life with such gorgeous imagery that it’s truly an ending for the ages.