The Most Beloved Movie Characters of the 1990s

With the emergence of hip-hop and grunge music and the rise of Hollywood blockbusters and their inevitably iconic characters, pop culture shifted in the 1990s.

It was a time when ripped jeans and flannels became fashion statements, and witty writing came alive in television series and movies. Independent cinema garnered audiences' attention and several characters stood out against the rest, earning the admiration of viewers.

Some of these characters were brave and relentless, like President Whitmore in "Independence Day" and William Wallace in "Braveheart." Others were endearing in their innocence, like Forrest Gump in "Forrest Gump" and Josie Geller in "Never Been Kissed." Some characters, like Austin Powers in "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" and Deloris Van Cartier in "Sister Act," won audiences over with their hilarity.

To compile this list, 247 Tempo reviewed sources like IMDb for character details as well as a variety of news media sources to understand the opinions of those who fell in love with each character. Ultimately, the most likable movie characters of the 90s had distinct characteristics that tugged at heartstrings. (See this list of the Best Movies You'll Remember If You Grew Up in the '90s.)

• Movie: "Forrest Gump" (1994)
• Played by: Tom Hanks

Forrest Gump, a cognitively disabled man with an IQ of only 75, was a brave soul who served in the Army, even earning a Medal of Honor. He looked on the bright side of things, helping to lift the spirits of those in his life. Running was a simple pleasure for Gump, and although he didn't comprehend the complexities of life, he was both respectable and wise. Hanks' portrayal of the lovable Gump earned him an Academy Award.

• Movie: "Never Been Kissed" (1999)
• Played by: Drew Barrymore

Josie Geller was an outcast growing up who suffered bullying, and in adulthood, she found her life reflected some of the same themes. Struggling as a journalist, she went undercover as a student, hoping to impress her boss. Though riddled with insecurities, Geller was a sweet, intelligent person who valued loyalty and won people over.

• Movie: "Sister Act" (1992)
• Played by: Whoopi Goldberg

Goldberg delivered an endearing performance as Deloris Van Cartier, a lounge singer forced to enter the Witness Protection Program. She ended up in a church as a haven, taking the role of a nun. She was sarcastic throughout, infusing the film with humor. You realize how caring she is throughout her experiences with the other nuns. Goldberg was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance.

• Movie: "Rumble in the Bronx" (1995)
• Played by: Jackie Chan

Keung trained in martial arts and arrived in New York from Hong Kong, finding himself immersed in a fight with the mob and a street gang. Keung didn't hesitate to defend others, and when the police were no help, he moved in heroically to save the day.

• Movie: "Babe" (1995)
• Voiced by: Christine Cavanaugh

Babe was a male piglet plucked away from his mom, entered in a competition and taken home to a farm with Arthur Hoggett. There, Babe learned to herd sheep by politely asking them to move. Though he was small, Babe was brave and displayed kindness in all his interactions.

• Movie: "Space Jam" (1996)
• Played by: Michael Jordan

Jordan played himself in this animated movie. He agreed to lend a helping hand to the Looney Tunes gang as they worked toward a basketball game win—the only way they could fight off evil aliens. Jordan was a helpful character and a good sport as the movie poked fun at his life post-basketball.

• Movie: "Independence Day" (1996)
• Played by: Bill Pullman

Previously a trained fighter pilot, Whitmore shifted to a career in politics and eventually became president of the United States. He was a focused leader who demonstrated his level head and strength throughout the movie, which portrayed a worldwide takeover of aliens intent on destroying life on Earth.

• Movie: "Sleepless in Seattle" (1993)
• Played By: Tom Hanks

Baldwin was a widow who sought a fresh start in Seattle. He was an old-fashioned guy with a big, open heart who struggled to find his place in the modern world surrounding him. With the help of his son, Jonah, he began dating again, eventually finding Annie Reed (Meg Ryan), who may just be the right woman for him.

• Movie: "Hook" (1991)
• Played by: Robin Williams

Banning had moved on from Neverland and worked as a corporate lawyer, married, and had two children. Captain Hook arrived to haunt him by kidnapping his two children. Banning must remember his childhood as Peter Pan to save them. He was a heroic character you rooted for as he reclaimed the youthful spirit he left behind.

• Movie: "Four Weddings and a Funeral" (1994)
• Played by: Hugh Grant

Charles was a commitment phobe, moving from relationship to relationship without building a lasting foundation in any of them. The film centered around this bumbling character as he worked to win over the woman who captured his attention. He was charming, even as he struggled with indecision throughout the film. Grant won several awards for the role, including a Golden Globe.

• Movie: "Muriel's Wedding" (1994)
• Played by: Tony Collette

Heslop's sweetness was undeniable. She was a bit awkward and wanted love more than anything. Unappreciated by her family or friends, Heslop was desperate to leave her hometown. With the help of a blank check, she set off to achieve her dreams but, in the process, realized she needed to get her head out of the clouds. Her character was painfully relatable, which is why she so easily won you over.

• Movie: "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" (1997)
• Played by: Mike Myers

A spy who spent the last 30 years frozen, Powers had to adjust to the modern world. He was attracted to danger as much as women were attracted to him. Trying to prove himself irresistible, Powers tried to win over the attention of the one woman who was immune to his charms. He was hilarious without trying, even as he spouted off in the most inappropriate ways.

• Movie: "American History X" (1998)
• Played by: Edward Norton

Vinyard did not start out as a likable character by any means, but he won audiences over when he became a reformed individual. Prison gave him the gift of releasing his past. Vinyard demonstrated the power of the human spirit when devoted to change (despite how many would rather see the past version of him). Norton's impressive performance garnered him an Academy Award nomination.

• Movie: "The Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993)
• Voiced by: Danny Elfman

Skellington lived in Halloween Town, where he worked as the Pumpkin King. Though a bit tired of the monotony, he delighted in his ability to provide a good scare. He found a break from his routine in Christmas Town and decided to take over and become Sandy Claws. His experience of depression following a lack of variety was one many could relate to.

• Movie: "Speed" (1994)
• Played by: Keanu Reeves

Traven worked as a police officer and was often navigating dangerous situations. His current challenge was capturing a psychopath bomber, and he moved in expertly, confidently, and heroically, working to save the hostages on a Los Angeles bus where a bomb was attached. He was unafraid and steadfast, the perfect personality anyone would want in this type of scenario.

• Movie: "Romeo + Juliet" (1996)
• Played by: Leonardo DiCaprio

This film was an adaptation of William Shakespeare's play, and Romeo was a handsome teenager with a sensitive heart. Montecchi was immature, as you might expect, considering his age, but he had a sweet, idealistic perspective that fueled his passion, making him a likable character.

• Movie: "Braveheart" (1995)
• Played by: Mel Gibson

Wallace lost his father, brother, and wife at the hands of the English, which turned him into a vengeance-fueled warrior leading men into battle to defeat the English who had oppressed his homeland. Wallace was courageous, focused on righteous action, and nearly supernatural in his quest. You felt his pain throughout the film and rooted for him at every turn.

• Movie: "The Fugitive" (1993)
• Played by: Harrison Ford

Kimble was wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife and had to give up his life as a life-saving surgeon. He escaped prison and started living life on the run. You rooted for him because there was no justice in his case, and he deserved his freedom. Kimble was a relentless man who stopped at nothing to defend his innocence. Ford's thrilling performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination.

• Movie: "Aladdin" (1992)
• Voiced by: Scott Weinger

Aladdin grew up in poverty, but that didn't affect his outlook as he always emanated a cheerful energy. Considering the conditions he endured, he took up the job of thief. Still, he spent his time daydreaming of a better situation (one that hopefully involved the woman he was smitten with: Princess Jasmine). Aladdin was an easily likable character who demonstrated kindness and surprised you with how clever he was. Though insecure, Aladdin had a heart of gold.

• Movie: "Pretty Woman" (1990)
• Played by: Julia Roberts

Ward was the product of a dysfunctional family who worked as a prostitute in Los Angeles. She met wealthy businessman Edward, who offered her $3,000 to spend the week with him. She was cautious with clients, refraining from emotional intimacy, but he caused her to reconsider. She was honest and without pretense, a refreshing quality in her character. Her spirited personality was contagious, and Edward also fell for her. Roberts' dazzling performance earned her multiple award nominations, including for an Academy Award. (If you find yourself feeling more nostalgia for movies from the '90s, check out this list of the decade's most successful movies.)