10 All-Time Great Actors from the 1990s

As the world prepared for the new millennium, Hollywood underwent a significant transformation. Independent cinema flourished, cable television expanded its reach, and the internet began to disrupt the film industry landscape. Against this backdrop of change, a new breed of actors emerged, redefining the art of their craft and leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

In this article, we'll take a journey through the 1990s, highlighting some of the decade's most notable performances and enduring legacies. From the breakout roles of early 90s newcomers to the iconic performances that cemented Hollywood legends, our countdown celebrates the most exceptional actors of the past two decades.

10. Gary Oldman - "Sid and Nancy" (1993) and "True Romance" (1993)

Gary Oldman's 90s were marked by an unmistakable intensity. His portrayal of Sid Vicious in "Sid and Nancy" (1993) was a dark, brooding interpretation that captured the essence of the Velvet Underground frontman. Oldman's performance was a testament to his versatility as an actor, and one that solidified his reputation as a leading man. His role in "True Romance" (1993) was another notable performance, showcasing his ability to play complex, layered characters.

9. Johnny Depp - "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (1993) and "Ed Wood" (1994)

Johnny Depp's early 90s were characterized by a sense of quiet, unassuming talent. His breakout role in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (1993) was a nuanced, understated performance that earned him an Academy Award nomination. Depp's portrayal of Gilbert Grape was a masterful display of subtlety, one that showcased his capacity for great emotional depth. His role in "Ed Wood" (1994) was another notable performance, showcasing his ability to play complex, eccentric characters.

8. Nicolas Cage - "Leaving Las Vegas" (1995) and "Con Air" (1997)

Nicolas Cage's 90s were a time of experimentation and risk-taking. His critically-acclaimed performance in "Leaving Las Vegas" (1995) was a haunting, deeply personal portrayal of Ben Sanderson, a troubled addict. Cage's performance was a testament to his willingness to take on complex, challenging roles, and one that earned him widespread critical acclaim. His role in "Con Air" (1997) was another notable performance, showcasing his ability to play complex, layered characters.

7. Tom Hanks - "Philadelphia" (1993) and "Forrest Gump" (1994)

Tom Hanks' 90s were marked by a sense of versatility and box office success. His performance in "Philadelphia" (1993) was a powerful, emotional portrayal of Andrew Beckett, a lawyer with AIDS. Hanks' performance was a testament to his ability to tackle difficult, socially conscious subjects, and one that solidified his status as one of Hollywood's most respected actors. His role in "Forrest Gump" (1994) was another notable performance, showcasing his ability to play complex, layered characters.

6. Sharon Stone - "Basic Instinct" (1992) and "Sliver" (1993)

Sharon Stone's 90s were defined by a sense of sensuality and allure. Her performance in "Basic Instinct" (1992) was a seductive, manipulative portrayal of Catherine Tramell. Stone's performance was a masterful display of subtlety, one that showcased her capacity for great emotional depth and complexity. Her role in "Sliver" (1993) was another notable performance, showcasing her ability to play complex, layered characters.

5. Denzel Washington - "Malcolm X" (1992) and "Remember the Titans" (1999)

Denzel Washington's 90s were marked by a sense of creative freedom and experimentation. His critically-acclaimed performance in "Malcolm X" (1992) was a powerful, emotionally charged portrayal of the civil rights leader. Washington's performance was a testament to his willingness to take on complex, challenging roles, and one that earned him widespread critical acclaim. His role in "Remember the Titans" (1999) was another notable performance, showcasing his ability to play complex, layered characters.

4. Sandra Bullock - "Speed" (1994) and "While You Were Sleeping" (1995)

Sandra Bullock's 90s were defined by a sense of adventure and box office success. Her performance in "Speed" (1994) was a thrilling, adrenaline-fueled portrayal of Annie Porter. Bullock's performance was a breakout role for her, one that earned her widespread recognition and acclaim. Her role in "While You Were Sleeping" (1995) was another notable performance, showcasing her ability to play complex, layered characters.

3. Leonardo DiCaprio - "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (1993), Titanic and "This Boy's Life" (1993)

Leonardo DiCaprio's 90s were marked by a sense of quiet, unassuming talent. His breakout role in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (1993) was a nuanced, understated performance that showcased his capacity for great emotional depth. DiCaprio's portrayal of Arnie Grape was a testament to his versatility as an actor, and one that cemented his status as a leading man. His role in "This Boy's Life" (1993) was another notable performance, showcasing his ability to play complex, layered characters. By the end of the decade, Titanic had launched DiCaprio into the stratosphere, reaching heights of popularity that few other humans on the planet could even begin to imagine.

2. Cate Blanchett - "Blue Sky" (1995) and "Elizabeth" (1998)

Cate Blanchett's 90s were defined by a sense of critical acclaim and experimentation. Her performance in "Blue Sky" (1995) was a haunting, deeply personal portrayal of Claire Simpson. Blanchett's performance was a testament to her willingness to take on complex, challenging roles, and one that earned her widespread critical acclaim. Her role in "Elizabeth" (1998) was another notable performance, showcasing her ability to play complex, layered characters.

1. Will Smith - "Independence Day" (1996) and "Men in Black" (1997)

Will Smith's 90s were marked by a sense of versatility and box office success. His performance in "Independence Day" (1996) was a thrilling, action-packed portrayal of Captain Steven Hiller. Smith's performance was a breakout role for him, one that earned him widespread recognition and acclaim. His role in "Men in Black" (1997) was another notable performance, showcasing his ability to play complex, layered characters.

The 1990s were a time of great reinvention for the film industry, and these actors played a crucial role in shaping the decade's cinematic landscape. From breakout roles to critically-acclaimed performances, these actors left an indelible mark on the industry, and their legacies continue to inspire new generations of actors.