The Top Movie Stars of the 1990s

The 1990s were a fun time for movies. If you’ve watched many movies from the 90s, you’ve probably noticed quite a few repetitive faces. Many actors blew up during this decade and were in some of the best movies ever made. Who can forget iconic films of the 1990s like “Pulp Fiction,” “Malcolm X”, and animated movies like, “Princess Mononoke.”

Some of the actors on our list could also make it on the list of the top movie stars of the 80s since there is a lot of overlap. The 1990s were known for science fiction and action-adventure films. There were also plenty of monster and disaster movies that emerged in this decade. One of the best, and most quoted disaster films of all time is “Twister,” which was released on May 10, 1996, in the United States. An actor that made our list was in the film “Twister,” Cary Elwes.

Actors can really make or break a movie. Their skills can bring a character to life, or devoid it of life. The actors on this list are phenomenal at what they do and are remembered for their many 90s movie roles. (Click here for a list of the most well-liked actors in America of all time.)

To compile a list of the top movie stars of the 90s, 24/7 Tempo scoured the internet for famous actors. Many sources were consulted including Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb, which showcased reviews and important ratings.

Are you ready to discover some of the best movie stars of the 90s? Continue reading. You probably recognize many of these names.

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olson

Ashley and Kate Olson more than deserve a spot on our list for their phenomenal work in the 90s and early 2000s. These two incredible child actors were born on June 13, 1986, and rose to fame for their role of Michelle Tanner on “Full House.” During the 1990s though, the two flourished.

The twins starred in films like “Double, Double, Toil and Trouble,” “Billboard Dad,” “Passport to Paris,” and “Switching Goals.” Both actors in this dynamic duo no longer act.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks is one of the best American actors of all time. He’s been active in the film industry since 1977. Although a long-timer in the industry, some of his best acting occurred during the 1990s. Tom Banks was born on July 9, 1956, in California. One of his first movie roles was in “Splash” in 1984.

So, what did he star in during the 1990s? Tom Hanks is best known for playing Forrest Gump in the 1994 film of the same name. In the same decade, he starred in “A League of Their Own,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” “Apollo 13,” and “Toy Story.”

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder has been in countless films, many of which are considered cult classics. This lovely 90s actress was born on October 29, 1971, in Winona County, Minnesota. She’s best known for her iconic role as Lydia Deetz in “Beetlejuice.”

During the 1990s, she starred in other well-known films like, “Edward Scissorhands,” “Mermaids,” “The Age of Innocence,” “Little Women,” and “Bram Stoker’s Dracula.” For her role in “The Age of Innocence,” she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Julia Roberts

Continuing our list of the top movie stars of the 90s is Julia Roberts. She’s best known for her great role as Vivian Ward in “Pretty Woman.” Julia Roberts was born on October 28, 1967, in Georgia. She’s won a long list of awards for her acting skills.

During the 1990s, Julia Roberts starred in films like, “Hook,” “Sleeping with the Enemy,” “I Love Trouble,” “Runaway Bride,” and “My Best Friend’s Wedding.”

Cary Elwes

Cary Elwes starred in one of the most iconic films of the last century, “The Princess Bride.” Although “The Princess Bride” was released in the 1980s, Cary Elwes deserves a mention. This incredible 90s actor was born on October 26, 1962, in Westminster, London, England.

Apart from “The Princess Bride,” Elwes has also starred in cult classics like “Twister.” Also in the 1990s, Elwes starred in “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” “Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” “Liar Liar,” and “Quest for Camelot.”

Tom Cruise

It’s hard to imagine there are movie lovers who haven’t heard of Tom Cruise. Tom Cruise was born on July 3, 1962, in Syracuse, New York. He is one of the highest-grossing box-office stars in the world, known especially for his action movies. Tom Cruise has been active in the film industry since the 80s. So, what movies did he star in during the 1990s?

Some great Tom Cruise 90s movies include “Days of Thunder,” “Interview with the Vampire,” “Mission: Impossible,” and “Magnolia.”

Amy Jo Johnson

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Next on our list of the best actors of the 90s is really an honorable mention, Amy Jo Johnson. She is primarily known for her role as the pink ranger, Kimberly Hart, on “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.” This actress was born on October 6, 1970, in Hyannis, Massachusetts, and has starred in multiple television series.

During the 90s, Amy Jo Johnson starred in movies like, “Without Limits,” “Susie Q,” and “Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie.” She’s also known for her role in the TV series, “Felicity.”

Macaulay Culkin

Macaulay Culkin was a child actor in the 1990s that you couldn’t get away from. His face was everywhere, especially after he perfectly played Kevin McCallister in the first two Home Alone movies, released in 1990 and 1991. After this, Culkin went on to star in “My Girl,” “Richie Rich,” “The Pagemaster,” and “The Good Son.”

Although mostly known for his child acting, Culkin took a break from the film industry, before returning in 1998, although his roles were sporadic. He most recently starred in the TV series, “American Horror Story: Double Feature.”

Melissa Joan Hart

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One of the most well-known actresses in the 1990s, mostly for her sitcom and TV movie roles was Melissa Joan Hart. She played the main character in both “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” and “Clarissa Explains It All.”

Melissa Joan Hart was born on April 18, 1976, in Smithtown, New York, and has had a long career. She’s been actively acting since 1985. During the 1990s, she starred in films like “Drive Me Crazy,” “Sabrina Goes to Rome,” and “Silencing Mary.”

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore was in a lot of films and series during the 1990s. This wonderful actress first gained popularity as a child for her role as Gertie Taylor in “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.” Barrymore was born on February 22, 1975, in Culver City, California. She’s been active in the film industry since 1977.

Drew’s career really started blossoming in the 1990s and the early 2000s. During the 1990s, she starred in “Poison Ivy,” “Bad Girls,” “Ever After,” “Batman Forever,” “Never Been Kissed,” and “The Wedding Singer.”

Mara Wilson

Mara Wilson in the film industry was most active during the 1990s as a child actress, and she was great! Like Culkin, her face was everywhere. Mara Wilson was born on July 24, 1987, in Burbank, California. She was primarily actively acting from 1993 to 2000.

You probably know her from her role as the titular character in “Matilda,” but she’s played in many other movies. Wilson also starred in “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “A Simple Wish,” and “Miracle on 34th Street.”

Leonardo DiCaprio

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There was no way Leonardo DiCaprio wasn’t making this list of the best movie stars of the 1990s. Leonardo DiCaprio stole the hearts of many with his role in “Titanic.” Before this though, he excellently performed as Arnold Grape in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.” For his performance as Arnold Grape, he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

So, what other movies did DiCaprio star in during this fun decade? He was also featured in “Total Eclipse,” “Marvin’s Room,” and “The Man in the Iron Mask.”

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock is one of the queens of 90s and early 2000s films. She is still an excellent actress today, starring in dramas, comedies, and more. Sandra Bullock was born on July 26, 1964 in Virginia. She’s especially known for her role in “Miss Congeniality.”

Before “Miss Congeniality,” Bullock starred in “Demolition Man,” “Speed,” “Wrestling Ernest Hemingway,” “Practical Magic,” and “While You Were Sleeping.”

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt was in countless movies during the 1990s. This spectacular movie star was born on December 18, 1963, in Shawnee, Oklahoma. One of his first big roles was in “Thelma & Louise.” This film was released on May 24, 1991, in the United States, and also starred Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis.

This was just one movie though that pushed Brad Pitt to fame. In the 1990s, he also played roles in “Interview with the Vampire,” “Fight Club,” and “Seven.”

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep is one of the best actresses in the world. This iconic 90s queen was born on June 22, 1949, in Summit, New Jersey, and has dabbled in many movie genres. Streep has had a long career, starting with her debut film, “Julia,” in 1977.

During the 1990s, Meryl Streep graced the big screen with films like “Postcards from the Edge,” “Marvin’s Room,” and “One True Thing.”

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington has had a long career. He was born on December 28, 1954, in Mount Vernon, New York. He’s been acting since 1975, although is known for many roles during the 1990s. One of his biggest first roles was in the series, “St. Elsewhere.”

So, what 90s movies has Denzel Washington been in? You can see this incredible actor in “Malcolm X,” “The Preacher’s Wife,” “Philadelphia,” and “He Got Game.”

Will Smith

Another popular actor in the 1990s was Will Smith. Will Smith was born on September 25, 1968, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was very busy during the 1990s, appearing in countless movies and TV series. He first gained recognition though during the 90s for his role in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”

While starring in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” he also acted in “Where the Day Takes You,” “Bad Boys,” “Men in Black,” “Independence Day,” and “Wild Wild West.”

Jodie Foster

During the 1990s, Jodie Foster was busy starring in some of the best films in the world. Jodie Foster was born on November 19, 1962, in Los Angeles, California. Not only is she an actress, but she also directs films.

So, what was she up to in the 1990s? During this decade Foster starred in “The Silence of the Lambs,” “It Was a Wonderful Life,” “Contact,” and “Anna and the King.”

Rick Moranis

399877 32: Actor Rick Moranis attends the 4th Annual SuperSkate 2002 Charity Hockey Event January 19, 2002 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Photo by George De Sota/Getty Images)

Another top movie star of the 90s (and the 80s) is Rick Moranis. His name and face are super recognizable. Rick Moranis played impressive and large roles in film series like Honey I Shrunk the Kids and the Flinstones.

Rick Moranis was born on April 18, 1953, in Toronto, Canada. He’s been actively acting since 1976. During the 80s, he starred in “Ghostbusters” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” A decade later he was in films like “My Blue Heaven” and “Brother Bear.”

Bruce Willis

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Last but not least on our list of the top movie stars of the 90s is Bruce Willis. This top actor was born on March 19, 1955, in West Germany, although grew up in New Jersey. Bruce Willis started acting in 1980, although really grew popular after “Die Hard.”

In the 1990s, he starred in the following films, “Pulp Fiction,” “The Bonfire of the Vanities,” “The Fifth Element,” and “The Sixth Sense.”

Did you like this article? Click here to read about how “Titanic” was the most successful movie of the 1990s.