Top 50 Most Popular 90s Actors [2023]

 

The 1990s was a game-changing decade in more ways than one. Life was simpler and, therefore, far more endearing back in the day.

 

While denim largely dominated the fashion scene, cool costumes from popular motion pictures that hit the screens during the said period ruled costume parties across the globe.

 

Needless to say, the 1990s was also a decade that saw glimpses of leap in technology.

 

Hollywood, being the dream factory that it is, was churning out bigger and better feature films and television shows.

 

Aside from the costumes and characters of the motion pictures that were released during the '90s, outrageous catchphrases had also started to populate popular culture in a big way.

 

That being said, many of the motion pictures that were released during the era helped launch the careers of some of the finest actors within the cinematic universe.

 

There were terrific film adaptations of classic books and special effects had started to play a substantial part in making the movies more exciting.

 

Therefore, the actors who debuted in these films during the period managed to make an impression on the minds of the viewers.

 

Courtesy of their unquestionable contribution to cinema, several names on our list continue to be famous and equally admired even today.

 

However, one cannot deny the fact that while many of these performers are still in business, several others have seen their careers plummet drastically over the years.

 

Be that as it may, the 1990s did succeed in making the audience familiar with some of the finest names within the entertainment industry.

 

So, without any further ado, join us in taking a trip down memory lane and getting reacquainted with 50 of the most popular stars of the '90s.

 

The actors who have managed to make it to our list have been a part of the most remarkable productions of the said decade.

 

Therefore, while we have truly included some of the best performing actors ever on our list, the rankings have got nothing to do with their caliber per se.

 

 

50. Timothy Simon Roth

 

 

 

Timothy Simon Roth, professionally known as Tim Roth, began acting in both television shows and feature films during the 80s.

 

That said, he earned an Evening Standard Award for Most Promising Newcomer after his performance in 'The Hit.' He has been seen in feature films such as 'Vincent & Theo', 'Backsliding', 'Reservoir Dogs', 'Pulp Fiction', 'Little Odessa', and 'Rob Roy' during the 90s.

 

In addition, he even directed a film called 'The War Zone' in 1999.

 

 

 

49. Jeffrey Lynn Goldblum

 

 

 

Jeffrey Lynn Goldblum, who is popularly known as Jeff Goldblum, is also a musician aside from being a talented actor.

 

The 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom' actor has been a part of some massive box office blockbusters during the 90s such as 'Jurassic Park', 'Independence Day', and 'The Lost World: Jurassic Park' among others.

 

The actor, who will next be seen in 'Jurassic World Dominion', had also appeared in titles such as 'Deep Cover', 'Powder', and 'The Prince of Egypt' during the 90s.

 

 

 

48. John Paul Cusack

 

 

 

John Paul Cusack, who started as the typical on-screen lover boy in the 80s, resorted to doing more drama-oriented films later in his career.

 

He was a key figure in the movies during the 80s and continued to star in some well-received motion pictures during the 1990s and the 2000s as well.

 

The 'Love & Mercy' star was seen in feature films such as 'Grosse Pointe Blank', 'Con Air', 'Being John Malkovich', 'The Thin Red Line', 'Anastasia', and 'Cradle Will Rock' among others during the 90s.

 

 

 

47. Arthur Christopher Orme Plummer CC

 

 

 

Arthur Christopher Orme Plummer, who was professionally known as Christopher Plummer, is one of the few performers in history to have received the Triple Crown of Acting.

 

The actor, who was excessively active and focused during the 70s and 80s, continued to be a reliable industry name even during the 90s and in the 21st century.

 

The 'Knives Out' actor was seen in feature films such as 'Malcolm X', '12 Monkeys', 'The Insider', and 'Wolf' among others during the 90s.

 

 

 

46. Timothy Francis Robbins

 

 

 

Timothy Francis Robbins, who is best known for playing the role of Andy Dufresne in the classic film titled 'The Shawshank Redemption', had made his debut on the television series 'St. Elsewhere' in 1982.

 

An actor, filmmaker, and musician, in that order, Timothy Francis Robbins has appeared in films such as 'Jacob's Ladder', 'The Player', 'The Shawshank Redemption', and 'Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me' during the 90s.

 

In addition, he even directed features like 'Bob Roberts', 'Dead Man Walking', and 'Cradle Will Rock' during the same decade.

 

 

 

45. Tommy Lee Jones

 

 

 

Tommy Lee Jones, who has won the Academy Award for the Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the 1993 thriller titled 'The Fugitive', has often been seen portraying historical figures on celluloid.

 

Before making his film debut with 'Love Story', Tommy Lee Jones Jones had moved to New York to become an actor.

 

He had made his Broadway debut in 'A Patriot for Me' in 1969. Aside from 'The Fugitive', he was also seen in motion pictures such as 'JFK', 'Batman Forever', 'Men in Black', 'Volcano', and 'Under Siege' during the 90s.

 

 

 

44. Eugene Allen Hackman

 

 

 

Eugene Allen Hackman, who is known professionally as Gene Hackman, had been a part of the movie-making business for over 60 years before he decided to call it a day.

 

He is the recipient of one Screen Actors Guild Award, four Golden Globe Awards, two Academy Awards, and two BAFTAs, respectively.

 

The veteran star continued to star in some immensely liked films such as 'Unforgiven', 'The Firm', 'Crimson Tide', 'Get Shorty', and 'Enemy of the State' during the 90s.

 

 

 

43. Adam Richard Sandler

 

 

 

Adam Richard Sandler, whose films have managed to do a combined business of over $2 billion at the worldwide box office, first came to prominence as a cast member on 'Saturday Night Live' from 1990 to 1995.

 

Soon after, the popular actor and filmmaker was seen in comedy films such as 'Billy Madison', 'The Waterboy', 'Happy Gilmore', 'Big Daddy', and 'The Wedding Singer' during the second half of the 90s.

 

 

 

42. Viggo Peter Mortensen Jr.

 

 

 

The multi-talented Viggo Peter Mortensen Jr. is the recipient of various accolades. Even though he was first reportedly seen in a mini-series on television, Viggo made his awaited film debut in a small role in Peter Weir's thriller film, titled 'Witness.' 

 

Throughout the 1990s, Viggo Mortensen continued to make a name for himself by appearing in motion pictures such as 'The Indian Runner', 'Carlito's Way', 'Crimson Tide', 'Daylight', 'The Portrait of a Lady', 'G.I. Jane', 'Psycho', 'A Perfect Murder', and 'A Walk on the Moon' among others.

 

That said, the 'Captain Fantastic' star soon found international fame for portraying Aragorn in the epic fantasy adventure trilogy, titled 'The Lord of the Rings.'

 

 

 

41. Jeffrey Leon Bridges

 

 

 

A recipient of numerous accolades, Jeffrey Leon Bridges made his debut as an infant in a feature titled 'The Company She Keeps' in the year 1951.

 

The Academy Award winner comes from a prominent acting family. Even though he has been among the movies since the late 50s, he found fame in the 80s and the 90s, respectively.

 

The actor was seen in titles such as 'The Fisher King', 'Texasville', 'American Heart', 'Wild Bill', 'The Mirror Has Two Faces', and 'The Muse' during the 1990s.

 

However, his zenith came with the cult classic 'The Big Lebowski' that turned him into a cult figure of sorts among his admirers.

 

 

 

40. Russell Ira Crowe

 

 

 

Even though Russell Ira Crowe found international fame only after having played the role of Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius in the epic historical film 'Gladiator' in 2000, he had been a part of some noteworthy features during the 1990s.

 

The incredibly talented screen performer was seen in feature films such as 'Prisoners of the Sun', 'The Crossing', 'No Way Back', 'Mystery, Alaska', 'L.A. Confidential', and 'The Insider' during the 90s.

 

He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in 'Gladiator.'

 

 

39. Michael Kirk Douglas

 

 

 

Michael Kirk Douglas, who has been a recipient of several accolades, has been among the movies since the late 1960s.

 

The 'Fatal Attraction' actor's first breakthrough television role came in the Playhouse special, 'The Experiment.' His acting career witnessed a growth after he starred in and produced the romantic adventure comedy, titled 'Romancing the Stone', in the year 1984.

 

Michael Kirk Douglas has been a part of popular feature films such as 'Basic Instinct', 'Falling Down', 'The American President', 'The Game', and 'Shining Through' during the 90s.

 

 

38. Sean Justin Penn

 

 

 

Sean Justin Penn is a two-time Academy Award winner who, aside from being an actor, is also a director, screenwriter, and producer.

 

He has played a diverse range of film roles during the 80s before continuing to impress the viewers during the 90s.

 

The 'Mystic River' star has been a part of over 50 films in his career so far.

 

He featured in titles such as 'Carlito's Way', 'State of Grace', 'Dead Man Walking', 'She's So Lovely', 'U Turn', 'The Game', 'Hurlyburly', and 'Sweet and Lowdown' during the 90s.

 

 

37. Philip Seymour Hoffman

 

 

 

Philip Seymour Hoffman was among the finest actors to have made his debut at the beginning of the 90s.

 

He was best known for playing different kinds of supporting characters. The talented performer was drawn to acting ever since he was very young.

 

Even though he began his career with the popular television show titled 'Law & Order', he gained further fame by starring in motion pictures such as 'Scent of a Woman', 'Twister', 'Boogie Nights', 'Happiness', 'Patch Adams', 'The Big Lebowski', and 'Magnolia' among others.

 

 

36. Harvey Keitel

 

 

 

Harvey Keitel, who is mostly known for playing "tough guy" characters on the big screen, has had a long and successful association with master director Martin Scorsese ever since he commenced his acting career.

 

The actor was seen in popular motion pictures such as 'Thelma & Louise', 'Bugsy', 'Reservoir Dogs', 'Bad Lieutenant', 'The Piano', 'Pulp Fiction', 'From Dusk till Dawn', and 'Cop Land' during the 90s.

 

His character enactment in director Quentin Tarantino's 'Reservoir Dogs' had taken his career to a whole new level.

 

 

35. John Christopher Reilly

 

 

 

Even though John Christopher Reilly was seen in an inconsequential role in 1988's 'Above the Law', he made his screen debut in the true sense of the word with 'Casualties of War' in 1989.

 

A talented actor, screenwriter, comedian, musician, and producer, John Christopher Reilly made a name for himself throughout the 1990s.

 

He gained a whole lot of experience and recognition by acting in significant feature films such as 'Days of Thunder', 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape', 'The River Wild', 'Hard Eight', 'Boogie Nights', 'Magnolia', and 'The Thin Red Line' throughout the 90s.

 

 

34. William John Neeson OBE

 

 

 

William John Neeson, who is professionally known as Liam Neeson, was listed at number 7 on The Irish Times list of Ireland's 50 greatest film actors of all time in 2020.

 

Even though he had been among the movies throughout the 80s, he rose to fame following his character-play of Oskar Schindler in director Steven Spielberg's masterpiece, titled 'Schindler's List.' 

 

Following the success of the aforementioned movie, Liam Neeson continued to star in successful films such as 'Nell', 'Michael Collins', 'Les Misérables', and 'Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace' throughout the 90s.

 

 

33. Gary Leonard Oldman

 

 

 

Gary Leonard Oldman is an actor who is known for his expressive acting style and unquestionable versatility.

 

The films that he has been a part of so far in his career have gone on to make over $11 billion at the global ticket windows, making him one of the highest-grossing actors to date.

 

The noted actor was seen in feature films such as 'State of Grace', 'JFK', 'Dracula', 'True Romance', 'The Fifth Element', and 'Air Force One' during the 1990s.

 

 

32. Joseph Frank Pesci

 

 

 

Joseph Frank Pesci, who is popularly known as Joe Pesci, may not have done a ton of films but the motion pictures that he had been a part of had turned him into a sensation of sorts; especially during the 1990s.

 

The actor, who had already shown his capability in titles such as 'Raging Bull', 'Once Upon a Time in America', and 'Moonwalker' during the 80s, continued to impress the viewers with his staggering performance in classic feature films such as 'Goodfellas', 'Casino', 'JFK', and 'A Bronx Tale' throughout the 1990s.

 

Not only that but he even proved his versatility by starring in comedy films such as 'My Cousin Vinny', the first two installments of the 'Home Alone' franchise, and the 'Lethal Weapon' series of films, respectively.

 

 

31. Samuel Leroy Jackson

 

 

 

A highly prolific and dependable actor, Samuel Leroy Jackson has been a part of feature films that have gone on to amass over $27 billion at the global box office.

 

This includes movies in which he has played both the supporting and lead roles. The highest-grossing live-action actor of all time has been a part of motion pictures such as 'Goodfellas', 'Patriot Games', 'Jurassic Park', 'True Romance', 'Pulp Fiction', 'Die Hard with a Vengeance', and 'Jackie Brown' during the 1990s.

 

 

30. Ralph Nathaniel Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes

 

 

 

Ralph Nathaniel Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, who is popularly known as Ralph Fiennes, made his feature film debut in 'Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights' in 1992.

 

His character portrayal of Nazi war criminal Amon Göth in director Steven Spielberg's mind-blowing drama titled 'Schindler's List' stunned the audience worldwide.

 

Needless to say, Ralph Fiennes earned him a lot many nominations and awards for the same.

 

That said, the actor was also seen in popular films like 'Quiz Show', 'The English Patient', and 'The End of the Affair' among others during the 90s, making it his breakout decade in the true sense of the word.

 

 

29. Morgan Freeman

 

 

 

Known for playing a wide range of characters and for his deep voice, Morgan Freeman's celebrated career has spanned over five decades.

 

A recipient of multiple awards, Morgan Freeman first found fame during the 1970s after appearing in the children's television series, titled 'The Electric Company.' During the 1990s, he was seen in titles such as 'Unforgiven', 'The Shawshank Redemption', 'Se7en', and 'Amistad' among others.

 

Our readers would be amused to know that Morgan Freeman had also directed a drama film called 'Bopha!' in 1993.

 

 

28. Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson AO

 

 

 

Best known for playing an action hero in many of his films, Mel Gibson is an actor, filmmaker, producer, and screenwriter.

 

There was no looking back for Mel Gibson after he starred as Max Rockatansky in the first three films of the post-apocalyptic action series, titled 'Mad Max.' 

 

The Academy Award winner was seen in motion pictures such as 'Lethal Weapon 3', 'Lethal Weapon 4', 'Hamlet', 'Forever Young', and the award-winning 'Braveheart' (which he also directed) during the 90s.

 

 

27. Edward Harrison Norton

 

 

 

Edward Harrison Norton, who is a recipient of numerous awards and nominations, stunned the audience and critics alike with his debut performance in the legal thriller, titled 'Primal Fear.' He received a nomination for the Best Supporting Actor at both the Golden Globes and Academy Awards, respectively.

 

Two of his other releases during the late 90s, namely 'American History X' and 'Fight Club', only consolidated his position as a dynamic screen performer and turned him into a reliable motion picture star.

 

 

26. John Joseph Travolta

 

 

 

John Joseph Travolta, who rose to prominence after starring in television and film projects such as 'Welcome Back, Kotter', 'Carrie', 'Saturday Night Fever' and 'Grease' during the second half of the 70s, saw his career slightly decline during the 80s.

 

However, the 90s was a sort of a resurgence of the star as he was seen in popular feature films like 'Get Shorty', 'Pulp Fiction', 'Broken Arrow', 'Phenomenon', 'Face/Off', and 'A Civil Action' among others.

 

 

25. Alexander Rae Baldwin III

 

 

 

Best known of the four Baldwin brothers in the profession, Alec Baldwin first managed to grab eyeballs after having featured on a few television shows at the beginning of his career.

 

Soon after, he was seen playing both supporting and leading roles in motion pictures.

 

During the 90s, the actor appeared in some well-known titles such as 'The Hunt for Red October', 'Glengarry Glen Ross', 'Alice', 'Miami Blues', 'The Getaway', and 'The Juror' among others.

 

 

24. Sir Daniel Michael Blake Day-Lewis

 

 

 

Sir Daniel Michael Blake Day-Lewis, who is professionally known as Daniel Day-Lewis, is known for preparing for his roles deeply.

 

The 'My Left Foot' star is the recipient of numerous accolades. He has won three Academy Awards for Best Actor, making him the first and only actor to have three wins in that category at the Oscars.

 

An honest method actor, Daniel Day-Lewis had received a knighthood for services to drama in the June of 2014.

 

He was seen in some amazing feature films during the 90s such as 'The Last of the Mohicans', 'In the Name of the Father', 'The Age of Innocence', and 'The Boxer.'

 

 

23. John Joseph Nicholson

 

 

 

John Joseph Nicholson, who is known professionally as Jack Nicholson, has been a part of the movie-making industry for over five decades now.

 

A screen legend in the true sense of the word, Jack Nicholson was already one of the most established and acclaimed actors in the history of Hollywood before the onset of the 90s.

 

The 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' star continued to charm the audience with his presence in feature films such as 'The Two Jakes' 'Hoffa', 'Man Trouble', 'As Good As It Gets', 'A Few Good Men', 'Wolf', 'Blood and Wine', 'The Evening Star', and 'The Crossing Guard' throughout the 90s.

 

 

22. Denzel Hayes Washington Jr.

 

 

 

This actor, director, and producer is known for his performances both on the silver screen and on stage.

 

Often credited with redefining the concept of classic movie stardom in Hollywood, Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. has been a recipient of several well-deserved accolades.

 

Denzel Washington, who was called the greatest actor of the twenty-first century by The New York Times, featured in important films such as 'Malcolm X', 'Much Ado About Nothing', 'The Pelican Brief', 'Crimson Tide', 'Philadelphia', and 'The Hurricane' during the 90s.

 

 

21. Kevin Spacey Fowler

 

 

 

Kevin Spacey Fowler, who kick-started his career as a stage actor during the 1980s, went on to become a notable name in films and on television soon enough.

 

The 'House of Cards' actor gained critical acclaim during the 90s after having starred in feature films such as 'The Usual Suspects', 'Se7en', 'American Beauty', 'Glengarry Glen Ross', 'Swimming with Sharks', and 'L. A. Confidential' among others.

 

Kevin Spacey had a fruitful three-decade-long career in showbiz until allegations of sexual harassment brought it to a standstill.

 

 

20. Sylvester Enzio Stallone

 

 

 

This athletically-built action superstar is known the world over for having headlined blockbuster franchises such as 'Rocky' and 'Rambo.' Sylvester Stallone went on to cement his place as one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors throughout the mid-80s to the late 90s.

 

During that era, some of his features that opened to mixed critical reviews also set the cash registers ringing.

 

He was seen in motion pictures such as 'Rocky V', 'Cliffhanger', 'Demolition Man', and 'The Specialist' during the 90s.

 

 

19. James Eugene Carrey

 

 

 

James Eugene "Jim" Carrey is an actor, comedian, producer, and writer par excellence. One of the most admired screen characters of the 90s, Carrey is known for his robust humor which the viewers have seen intensify in many of his comedic features.

 

Jim Carrey first rose to prominence after having appeared on the television series, titled 'In Living Color.' He was seen in titles such as 'Ace Ventura: Pet Detective', 'Dumb and Dumber', 'The Mask', 'Liar Liar', 'Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls', and the mind-blowing 'The Truman Show' throughout the 90s.

 

 

18. Pierce Brendan Brosnan OBE

 

 

 

A native of Ireland, the stylish Pierce Brosnan will forever be associated with the character of secret agent James Bond.

 

However, before he stepped into the shoes of Bond, he made a name for himself across the United States of America by featuring in the television series, titled 'Remington Steele.' 

 

Pierce Brendan Brosnan's popularity continued to rise as he appeared in features such as 'Mrs.Doubtfire', 'Golden Eye', 'Tomorrow Never Dies', and 'The World Is Not Enough' throughout the 90s.

 

He was also appreciated for his performance in titles such as 'Mars Attacks!' and 'The Thomas Crown Affair.'

 

 

17. Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins CBE

 

 

 

Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins was a superstar even before the 90s. A true legend of cinema, he has been a part of some of the finest theater productions at the very start of his career.

 

During the 90s, Anthony Hopkins made a splash among the masses by portraying the skillful yet scary cannibal Dr. Hannibal Lecter. He first played the role in the classic film 'The Silence of the Lambs' and reprised it later in motion pictures such as 'Hannibal' and 'Red Dragon', respectively.

 

He was also seen in some prominent films during the 90s such as 'The Edge', 'Nixon', and 'Legends of the Fall' among others.

 

 

16. Alfredo James Pacino

 

 

 

One of the few performers in the history of cinema to have achieved the Triple Crown of Acting (Academy Award, Emmy Award, and Tony Award), Al Pacino has been a true-blue superstar and a cultural icon of sorts.

 

Ever since he appeared in director Francis Ford Coppola's gangster epic 'The Godfather' in 1972, Alfredo James Pacino has been a universal name.

 

During the 1990s, Al Pacino continued to shine by starring in motion pictures such as 'Dick Tracy', 'The Godfather Part III', 'Frankie and Johnny', 'Carlito's Way', 'Scent of the Woman', 'Heat', 'Donnie Brasco', 'The Devil's Advocate', and 'The Insider' among others.

 

 

15. Robert Anthony De Niro Jr.

 

 

 

One of the greatest actors in the history of world cinema, Robert De Niro was already among the most important names in Hollywood before the dawn of the 90s.

 

The two-time Academy Award winner continued to star in some critically and commercially successful movies throughout the 90s.

 

Some of his finest films during that era were 'Goodfellas', 'Stanley & Iris', 'Guilty by Suspicion', 'Cape Fear', 'Backdraft', 'This Boy's Life', 'Night and the City', 'Mad Dog and Glory', 'Heat', 'Casino', 'Cop Land', 'Jackie Brown', 'Wag the Dog', and 'A Bronx Tale' among others.

 

 

14. Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger

 

 

 

Hollywood superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger's journey has been a classic "rags to riches" tale. This sharp-witted bodybuilder made his debut at the beginning of the 70s and turned out to be a screen sensation with the release of 'The Terminator' in the first half of the 80s.

 

He is probably the only film star in the world whose almost unpronounceable surname has turned him into a cult figure of sorts.

 

Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger has been seen in some ridiculously popular titles such as 'Total Recall', 'Last Action Hero', 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day', 'Kindergarten Cop', 'Jingle All the Way', and 'True Lies' throughout the 90s.

 

 

13. John Christopher Depp II

 

 

 

The young and handsome Johnny Depp made his screen debut in the cult thriller, titled, 'A Nightmare on Elm Street.'  He featured in a lot many unusual films during the 90s.

 

Some of his most notable credits during that era are as follows: 'Edward Scissorhands', 'Benny & Joon', 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape', 'Don Juan DeMarco', 'Dead Man', 'Donnie Brasco', 'Sleepy Hollow', 'The Nine Gates', and 'The Astronaut’s Wife' among others.

 

With the dawn of the new century, the superstar went on to headline the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise of enormously successful films that brought him a lot of appreciation from across the globe.

 

 

12. Kevin Michael Costner

 

 

 

A recipient of two Academy Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award, Kevin Michael Costner has been a part of some wonderful films during the 90s.

 

The actor, who rose to prominence with his roles in features like 'The Untouchables' and 'No Way Out', reached his peak with 'Dancing with the Wolves.' The film went on to be nominated for 12 Oscars and won 7 of them.

 

Also an enthusiastic musician, Kevin Michael Costner has starred in popular motion pictures such as 'JFK', 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves', and 'The Bodyguard' during the 90s.

 

 

11. Nicolas Kim Coppola

 

 

 

Nicolas Kim Coppola, who is professionally known as Nicolas Cage, had a great cinematic run during the 90s.

 

Nephew to acclaimed director Francis Ford Coppola, the actor delivered some of his better performances during the 90s in titles such as 'The Rock', 'Face-Off', 'Family Man', 'Con Air', and 'City of Angels' among others.

 

One of Nicolas Cage's last releases was the unconventional revenge drama, titled 'Pig'. Needless to say, the star delivered consistent performance and charmed his viewers all over again.

 

 

10. Matthew Paige Damon

 

 

 

Matthew Paige Damon, professionally known as Matt Damon, had started his career as a theater actor.

 

However, he soon made the jump to the movies in the late 80s and turned into a promising name during the 90s.

 

His biggest success during the decade was the emotionally enriching drama, titled 'Good Will Hunting.' What is exciting about the aforementioned movie is the fact that Matt Damon had written the script along with his long-time buddy Ben Affleck.

 

After winning several awards for his baby project, Damon was seen in the big-ticket Hollywood blockbuster, 'Saving Private Ryan', helmed by ace filmmaker Steven Spielberg.

 

Not only that but he also managed to make an impact after featuring in flicks like 'Dogma' and 'The Talented Mr. Ripley.'  That said, the actor also delivered praiseworthy performances in the 'Jason Bourne' and 'Ocean's' franchises, respectively.

 

 

9. Richard Tiffany Gere

 

 

 

Richard Tiffany Gere, who turned into a leading man and a sex symbol after having starred in a film titled 'American Gigolo', became an even more familiar name among the audience after featuring in 'An Officer and a Gentleman.'  

 

While the 80s managed to establish Richard Gere as a reliable name within the industry, the 90s also saw him appearing in a number of popular titles.

 

He featured in motion pictures such as 'Internal Affairs', 'Sommersby', 'The Runaway Bride', 'Pretty Woman', and 'Primal Fear' among others.

 

Aside from his superb acting credentials, Richard Tiffany Gere is also known to be close to the Dalai Lama.

 

The 'Chicago' star is said to be a true-blue activist of peace.

 

 

8. Keanu Charles Reeves

 

 

 

Arguably the coolest actor to make it to our list, Keanu Charles Reeves is as accomplished an actor as he is a person.

 

His big break came after he featured in action thrillers such as 'Point Break' and 'Speed.' He also starred in popular films such as 'Bram Stoker’s Dracula', 'Little Buddha', and 'Much Ado About Nothing' among others.

 

The actor with a dynamic screen presence became an even bigger name after having headlined the revolutionary science fiction flick, titled 'The Matrix.' As of today, Keanu Reeves continues to star in the much-loved 'John Wick' series of motion pictures.

 

 

7. Thomas Cruise Mapother IV

 

 

 

Thomas Cruise Mapother IV, professionally known as Tom Cruise, is one of the most popular movie stars in the world.

 

The actor found super-stardom after having featured in a film titled 'Top Gun' in the mid-80s.

 

However, he only bolstered his career after starring in motion pictures such as 'Days of Thunder', 'Jerry Maguire', 'The Firm', 'Eyes Wide Shut', 'Magnolia', 'Mission: Impossible', and 'A Few Good Men' throughout the 90s.

 

One of the richest actors in the world today, Tom Cruise's career continues to be driven by the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise of films.

 

 

6. Harrison Ford

 

 

 

Harrison Ford, who became a global household name after having portrayed Han Solo in 'Star Wars' in the late 1970s, has been among the most respected Hollywood stars of all time.

 

Even though he played Han Solo and rocked the show with his performance, it was the 'Indiana Jones' series of films that truly pushed him to the cusp of stardom.

 

The actor continued to bank on the success of the franchise to continue to remain a constant box office draw. He is one of the highest-grossing actors of all time, currently ranked seventh.

 

That being said, Harrison Ford also delivered decent performances in motion pictures such as 'The Fugitive', 'Patriot Games', 'Presumed Innocent', 'Air Force One', and 'Six Days Seven Nights' among others.

 

A radiant man, the 'Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens' star is another major name on our list who is committed to the environment.

 

 

5. William Bradley Pitt

 

 

 

William Bradley “Brad” Pitt, who is a recipient of various accolades, rose to prominence after having featured in the road movie, titled 'Thelma & Louise.' Following the release of the film, there was no looking back for Pitt.

 

He was soon seen in some popular and acclaimed movies of the 90s such as 'Se7en', 'Fight Club', 'Interview with a Vampire', 'Sleepers', 'Meet Joe Black', and '12 Monkeys' among others.

 

As eventful as the decade of the 90s was for Brad Pitt, the 2000s only got better.

 

He started in and produced a range of popular and acclaimed flicks has been among the awards in the recent past.

 

 

4. Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio

 

 

 

Even though many of us would like to imagine Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio as the eternal teen star, we have to acknowledge the fact that everyone matures with the passage of time.

 

DiCaprio might have begun playing character roles on television shows but he soon turned out to be one of the biggest motion picture stars to have graced the screen.

 

The 'Don't Look Up' actor was seen in notable feature films such as 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape', 'The Basketball Diaries', 'Romeo + Juliet', and the mammoth global blockbuster, 'Titanic' during the 90s.

 

Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in 'The Revenant', is also a vocal environmentalist who uses his stardom to make people aware of critical issues like climate change.

 

 

3. Walter Bruce Willis

 

 

 

Walter Bruce Willis, who has been a part of over 100 Hollywood productions, grew in popularity by leaps and bounds during the 90s.

 

This was because he headlined some enormously successful action films of the 'Die Hard' franchise.

 

Be that as it may, some of his other major hits in the 90s came towards the end of the decade.

 

While he starred in the science fiction feature titled 'The Fifth Element', he was also a part of the box office smash, 'Armageddon – The Last Judgment.' One of the most prominent actors of the 1990s and 2000s, Bruce Willis has also tried his hands at music.

 

He has released a handful of music albums starting from 1987 to the early years of the 21st century.

 

Bruce had won two Primetime Emmy Awards and one Emmy nomination, besides four Saturn award nominations.

 

 

2. Robin McLaurin Williams

 

 

 

Robin McLaurin Williams, who was best known for his improvisational skills and terrific performances, is widely regarded as one of the finest comedians and mainstream performers of all time.

 

The often cheerful actor had played a wide range of characters on celluloid. He is also credited with having improvised some outstanding scenes in the spur of the moment while shooting.

 

The magnificent star has been seen in films like 'Jumanji', 'Good Will Hunting', 'The Fisher King', 'Mrs. Doubtfire', 'Dead Poets Society', 'Hook', and 'The Birdcage' among others. Robin Williams continued to work in the 2000s as well.

 

He was seen in projects such as 'One Hour Photo', 'Insomnia', and the 'Night at the Museum' franchise of films, respectively.

 

 

1. Thomas Jeffrey Hanks

 

 

 

Widely regarded as an American cultural icon, Tom Hanks is known to have played comedic, romantic, and dramatic roles throughout his career.

 

One of the most admired film stars in the world today, he was one of the best and among the most successful actors of the 90s.

 

If he was seen stealing the show in cult romantic comedies like 'Sleepless in Seattle' and 'E-Mail for You', he was also a part of the phenomenal 'Forrest Gump', the war drama 'Saving Private Ryan', and the thought-provoking 'Philadelphia' during the 90s.

 

Tom Hanks, who has stayed away from scandals for the better part of his life and career, has been a recipient of two Academy Awards ('Philadelphia' and 'Forrest Gump') and a number of Golden Globe Awards.

 

He lives a quiet and decent life and is interested in matters of space and meditation.