As the year winds down, we'd like to take a look back and salute some of the best films that celebrated their 20th anniversaries in 2015, including the best of the "Die Hard" franchise. From the earliest Pixar films to some of the most timeless comedies, get nostalgic with us with these 20 great movie anniversaries.
Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls
![20 Films That Are Celebrating Their 20th Anniversaries in 2015, ace ventura]()
Back as the incomparable pet detective, Jim Carrey won Best Male Performance at the MTV Movie Awards for his safari-themed sequel where he goes deep into the jungle to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of the Great White Bat. Hilarity, hijinks, interracial love and bad park jobs ensue. Set in Africa after a spiritual journey, Ace teams up with the locals to get to the bottom of this tribal turbulence.
Batman Forever
![20 Films That Are Celebrating Their 20th Anniversaries in 2015]()
After a strong trifecta of films in 1994, Carrey followed up in '95 with two more hits, the second as The Riddler in the third installment of the '90s Batman franchise where he teams up with Tommy Lee Jones' Two-Face. Batman, played by Val Kilmer just before Clooney squashed the franchise, was directed by Joel Schumacher after the exit of both director Tim Burton and original Batman, Michael Keaton.
Apollo 13
![20 Films That Are Celebrating Their 20th Anniversaries in 2015, Apollo 13]()
Tom Hanks is joined by Bill Paxton and Kevin Bacon in this Apollo rescue mission after their gear is severely damage while in transit. Directed by Ron Howard, this heavily Oscar-nominated film stands as one of the best space adventure films of its time.
Toy Story
![20 Films That Are Celebrating Their 20th Anniversaries in 2015, Toy Story]()
Pixar's first full-length animated film features the voices of Tom Hanks (Woody, the longtime cowboy friend of Andy) and Tim Allen — not George Clooney dammit! — as the hip, new toy in the house, Buzz Lightyear. As the two toys bicker over who is Andy's best friend, the family moves and they have to all find their way back to Andy.
Die Hard With a Vengeance
![20 Films That Are Celebrating Their 20th Anniversaries in 2015, Die Hard With a Vengeance]()
One of the (great films to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2015), John McClane is once again walking into trouble, but for once not because of his wife. Met by Simon (Jeremy Irons), the brother of his past nemesis, Hans Gruber, McClane (Bruce Willis) has to play cowboy in a New York public place until he can yippee ki-yay his way to some gruesome villain deaths. Sam "badass mother effer" Jackson is his aid in the threequel, arguably the best of his franchise.
Seven
![20 Films That Are Celebrating Their 20th Anniversaries in 2015]()
Playing on the seven deadly sins, we see a clever mastermind (Kevin Spacey) tailed by the likes of a new cop duo (Morgan Freeman, Brat Pitt). With one cop on the way out and the other on the way in, the two journey through a series of murders trying to get a step ahead of their killer until being ultimately outsmarted. The film will have you crying "what's in the box!?" for weeks.
The Usual Suspects
![20 Films That Are Celebrating Their 20th Anniversaries in 2015]()
Another clever Spacey film features five specialty men hired for a job, all of which are killed, save for Spacey's character. In a real-time rundown with the cops, Spacey's Verbal Kint recalls the events of that evening as you try to pinpoint who and where Keyser Soze is. Never trust a cripple!
Billy Madison
![20 Films That Are Celebrating Their 20th Anniversaries in 2015, billy madison]()
Easily one of Adam Sandler's better career moves, we see a spoiled, never-in-work man child and his idiot friends drunkenly stumble through existence until the future of Billy's father's Madison Hotels is subject to forgo Billy's brilliant leadership. An academic decathlon the likes of which you've never seen will follow between Billy (Sandler) and his father's lacky, Eric Gordon (Bradley Whitford).
Braveheart
![20 Films That Are Celebrating Their 20th Anniversaries in 2015, Braveheart]()
"They can take our lives, but they can never take our freedom" seems like the motivational speech from a guy who knows he and his team are about to get an ass whooping. The thirteenth century story tells the tale of an undermanned Scottish war hero, William Wallace (Mel Gibson) who goes up against King Edward I and his established English army. Painted faces and bloody corpses line the movie screen. All this before Gibson became our favorite celebrity arrest.
Casino
![20 Films That Are Celebrating Their 20th Anniversaries in 2015, Casino]()
If Sharon Stone in 1992's "Basic Instinct" somehow didn't do it for you, then her ganging up with some good fellas in '96 might. Scorsese's direction of Robert De Niro as a low-level mobster moving up the ranks in the 1970s Las Vegas casino scene follows him on the way up and the plummet down with his right-hand man (played by Joe Pesci), hotel wife (Sharon Stone) and a number of others.
Leaving Las Vegas
![20 Films That Are Celebrating Their 20th Anniversaries in 2015, Leaving Las Vegas]()
Among the best and worst films of Nicholas Cage, I personally have to put "Leaving Las Vegas" at the top, if only because it's not "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance." A failed screenwriter on his way to drink himself to death in Sin City, if it weren't for the unexpected meeting of a troubled, streetwalking beauty. The film earned Cage an Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role. he still has some of the worst hairstyles known to man.
Clueless
![20 Films That Are Celebrating Their 20th Anniversary, Clueless]()
Before Paul Rudd was one of the "Wet Hot American" actors, he was playing underneath Alicia Silverstone in her prime, a film about Beverly Hills high school high society, losing your virginity, makeovers and fuckboys before "fuckboys" existed. Common '90s lingo like "whatever!" and "as if" were born here. Rudd plays her ex-stepbrother whom Silverstone borderline-incestuously falls for.
Mallrats
![20 Films That Are Celebrating Their 20th Anniversaries in 2015, Mallrats]()
Jason Lee got his start in the classic cult comedy directed by Kevin Smith in his prime just after "Clerks." Before Lee was ("Almost Famous"), he was a local mall common-goer with the likes of Jay & Silent Bob, a girlfriend (Shannon Doherty) who was stolen by the rich, successful Shannon Hamilton Ben Affleck, when he was still considered a douche and Jeremy London
Friday
![20 Films That Are Celebrating Their 20th Anniversaries in 2015, Friday]()
Most Fridays are a celebration, but in the case of Ice Cube, he owes rent and just lost his job, not to mention his girlfriend sucks and his best friend (Chris Tucker) owes his dealer money. The film takes you on an urban ride through the back alleys deals and crack whores of life, not in a figurative way, on a simple, enjoyable Friday afternoon in south-central Los Angeles. A fourth film of the franchise, "Last Friday," is currently in development.
Bad Boys
![20 Films That Are Celebrating Their 20th Anniversaries in 2015, Bad Boys]()
Another urban buddy drama featuring some of our favorites '90s actors has cop duo Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) teaming up in the first of its kind. In Michael Bay's (great directorial debut), we see the two rifling through the Miami crime scene while butting heads with one another and bumping into some of Miami's finest ladies. The two have to uncover an inside heroin job that could lead to the closing of their department if it's not solved, but luckily, this slick Willy and his bad boy partner are detecting in style.
Showgirls
![20 Films That Are Celebrating Their 20th Anniversaries in 2015, Showgirls]()
The film we thought defined porn in the '90s before we actually discovered (free porn) was the Elizabeth Berkeley post-"Saved by the Bell" era where she shows up in Vegas with a suitcase and little else to chase her dreams before realizing the misery of Sin City. It's like every day in Los Angeles but with more stripper poles.
Empire Records
![20 Films That Are Celebrating Their 20th Anniversaries in 2015, Empire Records]()
Another classic cult comedy features a going-out-of-business small time record shop on the verge of being swallowed up by corporate America, all on Rex Manning Day! With each of its employees going through their own personal drama, we realize music and small business are the answer to all of life's mind-numbing inadequacy. Also, this is where we learned about (Liv Tyler), Renée Zellweger and Robin Tunney, not to mention being topless in public.
GoldenEye
![20 Films That Are Celebrating Their 20th Anniversaries in 2015]()
Pierce Brosnan as James Bond and Izabella Scorupco as Natalya, one of favorite Bond Girls team up against ally-turned-nemesis, Alec Trevelyan. Fake Janssen also stars in the film as Bond attempts to stop 006 and his satellite scorching weapon. The question still remains: Who will be the next great James Bond?
Waterworld
![20 Films That Are Celebrating Their 20th Anniversaries in 2015, Waterworld]()
Kevin Costner after he already peaked in "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" would go on to become a real life Mer-man in "Waterworld," a film he co-directed about life after the polar caps melt and leave survivors adapting to the climate by developing gills. The film takes us on a waterpark adventure of piracy, hostile island takeover and sexy water women all in the pursuit of the Dryland.
Jumanji
![20 Films That Are Celebrating Their 20th Anniversaries in 2015, jumanji]()
The board game that came to life and freed Alan Parrish (Robin Williams) seemed like a proper way to end this lengthy anniversary list. Co-starring a young Kirsten Dunst in an obstacle-ridden game of Jumanji, the two kids bring their bearded bozo friend to the real world. It was either this or "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie," and since we love chaotic adventures with the late Robin Williams, we let you slide this time, you big dork.
Related: The 10 Best Recurring Actor/Director Combos In Film
Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls
Back as the incomparable pet detective, Jim Carrey won Best Male Performance at the MTV Movie Awards for his safari-themed sequel where he goes deep into the jungle to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of the Great White Bat. Hilarity, hijinks, interracial love and bad park jobs ensue. Set in Africa after a spiritual journey, Ace teams up with the locals to get to the bottom of this tribal turbulence.
Batman Forever
After a strong trifecta of films in 1994, Carrey followed up in '95 with two more hits, the second as The Riddler in the third installment of the '90s Batman franchise where he teams up with Tommy Lee Jones' Two-Face. Batman, played by Val Kilmer just before Clooney squashed the franchise, was directed by Joel Schumacher after the exit of both director Tim Burton and original Batman, Michael Keaton.
Apollo 13
Tom Hanks is joined by Bill Paxton and Kevin Bacon in this Apollo rescue mission after their gear is severely damage while in transit. Directed by Ron Howard, this heavily Oscar-nominated film stands as one of the best space adventure films of its time.
Toy Story
Pixar's first full-length animated film features the voices of Tom Hanks (Woody, the longtime cowboy friend of Andy) and Tim Allen — not George Clooney dammit! — as the hip, new toy in the house, Buzz Lightyear. As the two toys bicker over who is Andy's best friend, the family moves and they have to all find their way back to Andy.
Die Hard With a Vengeance
One of the (great films to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2015), John McClane is once again walking into trouble, but for once not because of his wife. Met by Simon (Jeremy Irons), the brother of his past nemesis, Hans Gruber, McClane (Bruce Willis) has to play cowboy in a New York public place until he can yippee ki-yay his way to some gruesome villain deaths. Sam "badass mother effer" Jackson is his aid in the threequel, arguably the best of his franchise.
Seven
Playing on the seven deadly sins, we see a clever mastermind (Kevin Spacey) tailed by the likes of a new cop duo (Morgan Freeman, Brat Pitt). With one cop on the way out and the other on the way in, the two journey through a series of murders trying to get a step ahead of their killer until being ultimately outsmarted. The film will have you crying "what's in the box!?" for weeks.
The Usual Suspects
Another clever Spacey film features five specialty men hired for a job, all of which are killed, save for Spacey's character. In a real-time rundown with the cops, Spacey's Verbal Kint recalls the events of that evening as you try to pinpoint who and where Keyser Soze is. Never trust a cripple!
Billy Madison
Easily one of Adam Sandler's better career moves, we see a spoiled, never-in-work man child and his idiot friends drunkenly stumble through existence until the future of Billy's father's Madison Hotels is subject to forgo Billy's brilliant leadership. An academic decathlon the likes of which you've never seen will follow between Billy (Sandler) and his father's lacky, Eric Gordon (Bradley Whitford).
Braveheart
"They can take our lives, but they can never take our freedom" seems like the motivational speech from a guy who knows he and his team are about to get an ass whooping. The thirteenth century story tells the tale of an undermanned Scottish war hero, William Wallace (Mel Gibson) who goes up against King Edward I and his established English army. Painted faces and bloody corpses line the movie screen. All this before Gibson became our favorite celebrity arrest.
Casino
If Sharon Stone in 1992's "Basic Instinct" somehow didn't do it for you, then her ganging up with some good fellas in '96 might. Scorsese's direction of Robert De Niro as a low-level mobster moving up the ranks in the 1970s Las Vegas casino scene follows him on the way up and the plummet down with his right-hand man (played by Joe Pesci), hotel wife (Sharon Stone) and a number of others.
Leaving Las Vegas
Among the best and worst films of Nicholas Cage, I personally have to put "Leaving Las Vegas" at the top, if only because it's not "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance." A failed screenwriter on his way to drink himself to death in Sin City, if it weren't for the unexpected meeting of a troubled, streetwalking beauty. The film earned Cage an Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role. he still has some of the worst hairstyles known to man.
Clueless
Before Paul Rudd was one of the "Wet Hot American" actors, he was playing underneath Alicia Silverstone in her prime, a film about Beverly Hills high school high society, losing your virginity, makeovers and fuckboys before "fuckboys" existed. Common '90s lingo like "whatever!" and "as if" were born here. Rudd plays her ex-stepbrother whom Silverstone borderline-incestuously falls for.
Mallrats
Jason Lee got his start in the classic cult comedy directed by Kevin Smith in his prime just after "Clerks." Before Lee was ("Almost Famous"), he was a local mall common-goer with the likes of Jay & Silent Bob, a girlfriend (Shannon Doherty) who was stolen by the rich, successful Shannon Hamilton Ben Affleck, when he was still considered a douche and Jeremy London
Friday
Most Fridays are a celebration, but in the case of Ice Cube, he owes rent and just lost his job, not to mention his girlfriend sucks and his best friend (Chris Tucker) owes his dealer money. The film takes you on an urban ride through the back alleys deals and crack whores of life, not in a figurative way, on a simple, enjoyable Friday afternoon in south-central Los Angeles. A fourth film of the franchise, "Last Friday," is currently in development.
Bad Boys
Another urban buddy drama featuring some of our favorites '90s actors has cop duo Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) teaming up in the first of its kind. In Michael Bay's (great directorial debut), we see the two rifling through the Miami crime scene while butting heads with one another and bumping into some of Miami's finest ladies. The two have to uncover an inside heroin job that could lead to the closing of their department if it's not solved, but luckily, this slick Willy and his bad boy partner are detecting in style.
Showgirls
The film we thought defined porn in the '90s before we actually discovered (free porn) was the Elizabeth Berkeley post-"Saved by the Bell" era where she shows up in Vegas with a suitcase and little else to chase her dreams before realizing the misery of Sin City. It's like every day in Los Angeles but with more stripper poles.
Empire Records
Another classic cult comedy features a going-out-of-business small time record shop on the verge of being swallowed up by corporate America, all on Rex Manning Day! With each of its employees going through their own personal drama, we realize music and small business are the answer to all of life's mind-numbing inadequacy. Also, this is where we learned about (Liv Tyler), Renée Zellweger and Robin Tunney, not to mention being topless in public.
GoldenEye
Pierce Brosnan as James Bond and Izabella Scorupco as Natalya, one of favorite Bond Girls team up against ally-turned-nemesis, Alec Trevelyan. Fake Janssen also stars in the film as Bond attempts to stop 006 and his satellite scorching weapon. The question still remains: Who will be the next great James Bond?
Waterworld
Kevin Costner after he already peaked in "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" would go on to become a real life Mer-man in "Waterworld," a film he co-directed about life after the polar caps melt and leave survivors adapting to the climate by developing gills. The film takes us on a waterpark adventure of piracy, hostile island takeover and sexy water women all in the pursuit of the Dryland.
Jumanji
The board game that came to life and freed Alan Parrish (Robin Williams) seemed like a proper way to end this lengthy anniversary list. Co-starring a young Kirsten Dunst in an obstacle-ridden game of Jumanji, the two kids bring their bearded bozo friend to the real world. It was either this or "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie," and since we love chaotic adventures with the late Robin Williams, we let you slide this time, you big dork.
Related: The 10 Best Recurring Actor/Director Combos In Film