Top 50 Most Popular 90s Actresses

Frances McDormand is a remarkable actress who has received numerous accolades since her debut in 1984. She is among the select performers to achieve the prestigious "Triple Crown of Acting," showcasing her extraordinary talent and range.

Throughout the 1990s, McDormand captivated audiences in acclaimed films such as Miller's Crossing, Barton Fink, and most notably, Fargo.

Her role as a police detective in Fargo earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, solidifying her status as a leading figure in Hollywood.

Meryl Streep is widely recognized as one of the greatest screen performers in cinematic history. Renowned for her unique presence, masterful command of accents, and tireless pursuit of perfection, she has collaborated with many acclaimed actors and visionary directors throughout her illustrious career.

Streep began her professional journey in the late 1970s and quickly rose through the ranks with a series of remarkable performances. Throughout the 1980s, her consistent excellence helped solidify her reputation as a formidable force and an icon within the film industry.

By the onset of the 1990s, Meryl Streep was already a celebrated star. She continued to captivate audiences in cult classics like Death Becomes Her and The River Wild, further cementing her legacy.

During this decade, the award-winning actress earned three Oscar nominations for her standout roles in Postcards from the Edge, The Bridges of Madison County, and One True Thing, showcasing her remarkable versatility and enduring appeal.

Julianne Moore began her acting journey in the early 1980s and quickly established herself as a compelling presence onscreen. Renowned for portraying emotionally complex and nuanced characters, she has built a reputation for her impressive versatility and depth.

Throughout her illustrious career, Moore has earned numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and two Emmy Awards. In the 1990s, she delivered standout performances in films like Short Cuts, Safe, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, and Boogie Nights that further cemented her status as a leading actress of her generation.

Nicole Kidman, known for her tall and elegant stature, stands out as one of Hollywood's most celebrated Australian imports. Her acting journey began with television movies, but her versatility quickly shone through as she took on a wide range of film roles across multiple genres.

Throughout the 1990s, Kidman rose to global stardom, captivating audiences in iconic films like Days of Thunder, Far and Away, Batman Forever, To Die For, and Eyes Wide Shut. These performances solidified her reputation as an international sensation.

Her remarkable talent has been recognized with numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and six Golden Globe Awards.

Kate Winslet stands out as one of the most accomplished actresses of her generation. She made her big and small screen debuts in the early 1990s, quickly capturing audiences with her exceptional talent and captivating presence.

Known for portraying strong and complex characters, Winslet appeared in celebrated films such as Heavenly Creatures, Sense and Sensibility, Titanic, Jude, and Hamlet throughout the decade.

Although her stardom soared even higher in the 2000s, Winslet’s incredible ascent in the '90s remains unforgettable. Her impressive work in Heavenly Creatures earned critical acclaim, while her performance in Sense and Sensibility won her the BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Her groundbreaking portrayal in the global phenomenon Titanic garnered her a much-deserved Oscar nomination, cementing her legacy as a 1990s icon.

Glenn Close began her acting career in the late 1970s and has continued to captivate audiences for more than four decades. Throughout the 1990s, she starred in acclaimed films and television projects such as Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story, Reversal of Fortune, and Air Force One.

A testament to her remarkable talent, Glenn Close has received numerous prestigious honors, including two Screen Actors Guild Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and three Tony Awards.

Jodie Foster, a talented and versatile actress, began her career in front of the camera at just seven years old. She made her mainstream breakthrough in the 1970s, notably earning an Oscar nomination for her role in Martin Scorsese's cult classic, Taxi Driver.

After pausing her acting career in the early 1980s to attend Yale University, Foster made a remarkable return with The Accused, a powerful film that earned her an Academy Award.

This success marked only the beginning for Foster. Throughout the 1990s, she maintained a strong on-screen presence, garnering her second Oscar for her unforgettable performance in the acclaimed psychological thriller The Silence of the Lambs.

Following this milestone, Foster starred in memorable films such as Nell, Maverick, and Contact. Her dynamic performances solidified her reputation as a leading actress of the decade.

Even today, Jodie Foster remains a celebrated figure in Hollywood, remembered as one of the greatest female stars in the industry's history.

Susan Sarandon had already established herself as a respected actress well before the 1990s, entering the decade at 44 with significant popularity and acclaim.

Throughout the 1990s, she delivered powerful performances in several acclaimed films, helping to redefine how audiences viewed actresses over forty in Hollywood.

Sarandon starred in notable movies like Thelma & Louise and The Client, earning Oscar nominations for both. In 1995, she secured the coveted Academy Award for her unforgettable role in Tim Robbins' Dead Man Walking.

Continuing her success, Sarandon also took on the lead in the box-office hit Stepmom, proving her enduring appeal and talent well into the decade—and beyond.

The exceptional Sandra Bullock began her film career with her debut in the 1987 feature "Hangmen." She truly rose to stardom in 1994 after starring in the blockbuster hit "Speed," where she shared the screen with Keanu Reeves and the late Dennis Hopper.

Bullock's popularity soared with roles in hits like "While You Were Sleeping," "The Net," and "A Time to Kill." Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, she solidified her status as one of Hollywood's leading film stars.

Hilary Swank began her acting career with appearances in television shows like "Evening Shade" and "Camp Wilder." She soon made her film debut with a minor role in the feature film "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."

Swank rose to prominence after starring in the fourth installment of the "Karate Kid" franchise, titled "The Next Karate Kid." Audiences and critics alike also praised her work in the eighth season of "Beverly Hills, 90210," making her a notable figure in late-1990s television.

Emma Thompson is a legendary actress and screenwriter, widely regarded as one of the greatest British film stars of all time. Her distinguished career has earned her two Academy Awards and two British Academy Film Awards, highlighting her exceptional talent.

In addition, Thompson has won two Golden Globe Awards, a British Academy Television Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award. Throughout the 1990s, she delivered memorable performances in films such as Dead Again, Peter's Friends, Much Ado About Nothing, Howards End, In the Name of the Father, and Sense and Sensibility.

The talented Laura Dern, most recently featured in Jurassic World Dominion, began her acting career in the early 1970s. Over the years, she has earned prestigious accolades including an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and five Golden Globe Awards.

During the 1990s, Dern appeared in notable films such as Wild at Heart, Rambling Rose, A Perfect World, and the iconic Jurassic Park. She later returned to reprise her famed role in the Jurassic Park franchise after the original film became a global sensation.

Renée Zellweger emerged as one of the most acclaimed actresses of her generation, becoming one of Hollywood’s highest-paid stars by 2007. She has earned two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, and four Golden Globes—testaments to her exceptional talent and dedication.

Beginning her career in the early 1990s, Zellweger quickly gained attention with roles in films like Dazed and Confused, Reality Bites, Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation, Jerry Maguire, and One True Thing.

As she transitioned into the new millennium, Zellweger remained a consistent and respected presence in the film industry.

Angelina Jolie has frequently ranked among Hollywood's highest-paid actresses, earning recognition for her impressive and influential film career. She began her journey in the industry as a child artist in the feature film Lookin' to Get Out.

During the 1990s, Jolie headlined several memorable movies such as Gia, Hackers, Cyborg 2, and George Wallace. Her performance in Girl, Interrupted (1999) earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, adding to her growing acclaim.

Jolie's stellar work in the latter half of the decade brought her critical praise for roles in George Wallace (1997), Gia (1998), and Girl, Interrupted (1999). With the arrival of the new millennium, her fame and success reached even greater heights.

Reese Witherspoon began modeling at just seven years old, which quickly led to her landing roles in commercials early in her career. As she pursued acting, Reese balanced her budding film career with academic studies, but eventually left her English literature course at Stanford University to star in films like Fear (1996) and Freeway (1996).

Her incredible talent and screen presence made her a breakout star in the 1990s. Over the years, Reese has risen to become one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses and has earned prestigious accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, a Primetime Emmy, and two Golden Globes.

During the 1990s, she delivered memorable performances in titles such as Election, Cruel Intentions, and Best Laid Plans, establishing herself as a leading actress of her generation.

Holly Patricia Hunter made her film debut in 1981 with the movie The Burning. She quickly rose to fame, becoming a prominent figure in Hollywood throughout the decade. Her talent has earned her an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and two Primetime Emmy Awards.

Hunter's impressive filmography includes acclaimed roles in The Piano, The Firm, and The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom. During the 1990s, she also starred in notable films such as Crash and Home for the Holidays.

Angela Evelyn Bassett is a mesmerizing and exceptionally talented actress known for her dynamic performances. Throughout her career, she has consistently delivered powerful roles in a variety of cinematic projects, showcasing her remarkable range and dedication to her craft.

Bassett has earned widespread recognition, winning three Black Reel Awards, a Golden Globe, seven NAACP Image Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. She rose to prominence with standout roles in films such as "Boyz n the Hood," "Malcolm X," and "What's Love Got to Do with It." She continued her success in the 1990s with memorable performances in "Panther," "Contact," and "How Stella Got Her Groove Back."

Whoopi Goldberg is a truly unique talent whose impact spans both film and television. Over the course of her career, she has contributed to nearly 200 acting projects, showcasing her incredible versatility and staying power in the entertainment industry.

During the 1990s, Goldberg captivated audiences with standout performances in iconic movies like Ghost, Sister Act, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, Ghosts of Mississippi, and Soapdish. An award-winning actress, she continues to earn accolades and remains an active presence on screen today.

Helena Bonham Carter is a remarkable English actress who began her career with the 1983 television movie A Pattern of Roses. She has since established herself as a prominent figure in both blockbuster hits and independent films.

Celebrated for her impressive versatility, Bonham Carter has earned numerous accolades throughout her career. During the 1990s, she delivered standout performances in movies such as Hamlet, Howards End, The Wings of the Dove, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, and Fight Club.

Jamie Lee Curtis began her career with several television roles before evolving into a celebrated film actress. Over the years, she has earned two Golden Globe Awards, a British Academy Film Award, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of her achievements.

During the 1990s, Curtis starred in a range of notable films, including True Lies, Halloween H20: 20 Years Later, and Forever Young. Her impressive filmography from this decade also features titles like Blue Steel, My Girl, Virus, and Mother's Boys.

It is impossible to talk about '90s Hollywood and not bring Julia Roberts into the debate. While she was first seen on the TV show Crime Story, she soon went on to establish herself as one of Hollywood's most beloved actresses.

Popular for her smile and immensely likeable on-screen characters, she announced her arrival into the mainstream by hitting the ball out of the park with 1990's Pretty Woman. She gained further recognition after having played an important role in feature films such as My Best Friend's Wedding, The Pelican Brief, Hook, Sleeping with the Enemy, Notting Hill, and Runaway Bride.

Roberts continues to remain one of Hollywood's most adored actresses. Not only is she one of the most bankable female leads of all time but she has also received a ton of awards throughout her career. However, it is difficult to deny that the '90s are heavily responsible for turning her into a major movie star.

The spectacular Sigourney Weaver has been working in the film industry since the second half of the 1970s. Needless to say, the actress had a fair bit of experience before venturing into the 1990s.

A recipient of a British Academy Film Award and two Golden Globe Awards, she was seen in flicks such as Alien 3, Alien Resurrection, 1492: Conquest of Paradise, Death and the Maiden, and The Ice Storm during the '90s.

Jessica Lange has won two Academy Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award; therefore, being only the 13th actress to have achieved the Triple Crown of Acting. The talented screen performer made her acting debut with the popular feature film King Kong.

She was seen in projects such as Blue Sky, Men Don't Leave, O Pioneers!, A Thousand Acres, and Titus during the 1990s. Lange was also nominated for several acting awards during the said period.

Diane is known for her distinct personality and fashion style. She has been making her presence felt in the movies right from the beginning of the 1970s. The actress has been a recipient of an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and the AFI Life Achievement Award, respectively.

She was seen in features such as The Godfather Part III, Marvin's Room, Manhattan Murder Mystery, Father of the Bride, and The First Wives Club throughout the 1990s.

Drew Barrymore started her acting career by playing minor roles in a few television movies. Even though the actress had been working since the late 1970s, it was only during the 1990s that she found fame.

Drew, who hails from the Barrymore family of actors, was seen in motion pictures such as Scream, Poison Ivy, Boys on the Side, Mad Love, and Batman Forever during the '90s.

She has been a recipient of various accolades throughout her career so far.

Emily Watson is a popular British actress who made her big and small screen debut during the first half of the 1990s. The actress was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in her debut feature film Breaking the Waves.

She was seen in flicks such as The Boxer, Hilary and Jackie, and Angela's Ashes during the late 1990s. For Hilary and Jackie, she won the British Independent Film Award for Best Actress.

Jennifer is the daughter of actors John Aniston and Nancy Dow. She made her big-screen debut by playing an uncredited role in Mac and Me. She first came into the spotlight after having been featured in the horror film Leprechaun.

The gorgeous actress rose to global fame with the success of the sitcom Friends. She was also seen in films such as Office Space, The Object of My Affection, and Picture Perfect during the 1990s.

The supremely talented Kathy Bates has been facing the camera ever since the beginning of the 1970s. She has played a variety of roles in both drama and comedy feature films.

She has received an Academy Award, two Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two Primetime Emmy Awards, respectively. Bates was seen in flicks such as Misery, Dolores Claiborne, The Waterboy, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Titanic during the 1990s.

This American actress, producer, and writer was seen playing roles on television during the 1970s before she managed to make it big in the movies. Her spectacular character projection in Fast Times at Ridgemont High brought her widespread recognition.

She was then seen in feature films such as Miami Blues, Backdraft, Single White Female, and Short Cuts during the 1990s. Also, she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her performance in Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle.

The magnificent Marie Pfeiffer started her acting career by appearing in television shows and television movies. However, she made it big as a mainstream actress soon enough. Known as one of the most prolific actresses of the 1980s and 1990s, she's been a recipient of a Golden Globe Award and a British Academy Film Award.

She was a part of feature films such as Batman Returns, The Age of Innocence, Wolf, and Love Field during the 1990s.

Uma Thurman is a hugely popular film actress, producer, and former fashion model. She shot to fame after playing a critical role in the period romantic drama Dangerous Liaisons. She found international fame after winning hearts by playing the character of Mia Wallace in Quentin Tarantino's cult classic Pulp Fiction.

For her performance in the same, she was nominated for the Academy Award, the BAFTA Award, and the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress, respectively. She was also a part of feature films such as Henry & June, Batman & Robin, The Truth About Cats & Dogs, and Gattaca during the 1990s.

Marisa Tomei made her debut playing a minor role in the feature film The Toxic Avenger in 1984. She continued to gain recognition throughout the 1990s. The stunning actress shot to fame after having won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the cult comedy film My Cousin Vinny.

She was also seen in movies such as Chaplin, Slums of Beverly Hills, Untamed Heart, Only You, and The Perez Family during the 1990s.

The tall and mesmerizing Gwyneth Paltrow began her acting career by featuring in the 1989 television movie High. While she rose to prominence after starring in the 1995 crime thriller Seven, she went on to gain further recognition for her adroit character projection in the 1996 adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma.

That said, it'd be safe to say that 1998 turned out to be a game-changing year for the star. She featured in box office hits such as A Perfect Murder and Shakespeare in Love.

Not only that but she also went on to earn a well-deserved Oscar for the latter. The actress, who continues to remain well-known today, ended the '90s by pleasantly surprising one and all with her performance in The Talented Mr. Ripley.

This actress and television producer was also coming into her own during the 1990s. She is a recipient of six Golden Globe Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Sarah Jessica Parker was seen in motion pictures such as The First Wives Club, L. A. Story, Ed Wood, Honeymoon in Vegas, and Hocus Pocus during the 1990s. She is also known for playing one of the central characters on the HBO series Sex and the City that commenced during the second half of the '90s.

The sensational Sharon Stone gave her career a kick-start during the 1980s and found stardom in the '90s. She began the decade on a promising note by featuring in the science fiction feature film Total Recall.

She rose to fame after headlining the erotic thriller Basic Instinct. Her character projection in the aforementioned motion picture transformed her into a major sex symbol and promoted her into the coveted A-list of actors.

Having said that, the actress surprised many with her strong performance in director Martin Scorsese's crime drama Casino. For the same, she even ended up earning an Oscar nomination. Even though her career went down the hill post the 1990s, one cannot deny that she had become quite dominating during the first half of the decade.

Cameron Diaz made her feature film debut by starring opposite Jim Carrey in the 1994 hit The Mask. The actress looked breathtakingly gorgeous in the movie and it was easy to guess that she was here to stay.

Today, she has cemented her place in Hollywood as one of its top-grossing female leads of all time. Films starring her so far have amassed over $3 billion in the United States of America alone.

The Vanilla Sky actor played crucial supporting roles in some big-scale motion pictures following her debut in 1994. She was seen participating in titles such as My Best Friend's Wedding and There's Something About Mary.

Sooner than later, she showcased her skill as a drama actor in full-length features such as Any Given Sunday and Being John Malkovich. With the start of the 21st century, her reputation as a bankable star only solidified with the release of films such as Charlie's Angels and its sequel.

Add to that the fact that she was also approached to lend her mesmerizing voice to the character of Princess Fiona in the beloved Shrek franchise.

Goldie Jeanne Hawn started her acting career by featuring on the television show Good Morning World. The actress is known to have posed for the cover of Playboy at the age of 39.

She was seen in motion pictures such as Bird on a Wire, Death Becomes Her, The First Wives Club, Housesitter, and The Out-of-Towners during the 1990s. She maintained her position as a bankable star for about three decades, if not more.

Winona Ryder was one of the most popular female stars during the 1990s. While she participated in prominent films such as Heathers and Beetlejuice during the second half of the 1980s, she became a major motion picture star during the following decade.

She charmed the viewers with her majestic performance in Tim Burton's unique fantasy romance Edward Scissorhands. She continued to gain prominence by appearing in feature films such as Bram Stoker's Dracula, The Age of Innocence, Little Women, and Reality Bites.

Even though her popularity plunged during the late 2000s, Ryder shall always be remembered for her performances during the 1990s. Of late, she has been seen playing Joyce in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things.

Bette Midler is yet another actress who had managed to make a name for herself before the beginning of the 1990s. She was seen playing minor roles at the start of her career, and has been a recipient of four Golden Globe Awards, three Grammy Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, and a Kennedy Center Honor, respectively.

She was seen in flicks such as Hocus Pocus, The First Wives Club, For the Boys, and Gypsy during the 1990s.

The enigmatic Catherine Zeta-Jones managed to charm the audience throughout the 1990s with her undeniable screen presence. She was seen in feature films such as 1001 Nights, Entrapment, and The Mask of Zorro during the period.

In addition, she was appreciated for her character projection in the British television series The Darling Buds of May. Catherine continued to deliver as a performer in well-known projects during the 2000s as well.

Geena Davis made her acting debut by featuring in the popular 1982 feature film Tootsie. She is the recipient of an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. She has even received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her effort in fighting gender bias both on and off-screen in the film industry.

Davis was seen in features such as Quick Change, Thelma & Louise, Hero, Angie, Speechless, and A League of Their Own during the 1990s.

Jennifer is known for her dark hair and beautiful green eyes. She made her debut as a 13-year-old with the acclaimed 1984 crime drama Once Upon a Time in America.

After having worked as a fashion model, she decided to take her acting career seriously. The actress was then seen in motion pictures such as Career Opportunities, The Rocketeer, Dark City, and Waking the Dead during the 1990s.

Sarah Michelle Prinze was spotted at the tender age of four and was soon selected to play a role in the 1983 television movie An Invasion of Privacy. Playing a crucial part in shows such as Swans Crossing and All My Children brought her fame during the 1990s.

She was also seen in feature films such as I Know What You Did Last Summer, Scream 2, and Cruel Intentions during the same period.

Demi Moore redefined success for a female star during the 1990s. She became iconic because she was hugely admired for her talent and beauty. She turned out to be the highest-paid actress in Hollywood history during the peak of her career.

Moore reportedly earned an unprecedented $12.5 million for her stunning character projection in the erotic drama Striptease. After having shot to fame with the surprise hit Ghost, she was seen in a string of box office successes such as A Few Good Men, Indecent Proposal, and Disclosure.

The mesmerizing Meg Ryan was first seen in the motion picture Rich and Famous in 1981. She is the undisputed queen of the romantic comedy genre. The talented actress found international fame during the late 1980s by playing a significant role in one of cinema's greatest romantic flicks, When Harry Met Sally.

The graceful actress continued to shine by being a part of cult romantic comedies such as Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail. The three aforementioned movies are credited with cementing her place as the genre's queen.

That being said, Ryan also lent her beautiful voice to a character in the animated hit Anastasia. She ended the 1990s with a hit in City of Angels. Even though she failed to find much success outside of the rom-com genre, her performances in the aforementioned films are enough to make her a part of our list.

Kim Basinger started her acting career after featuring in the television show Gemini Man in 1976. The former fashion model made her feature film debut with the drama Hard Country.

She continued to gain prominence throughout the 1990s, and was seen in movies such as Cool World, The Real McCoy, and L. A. Confidential. Her performance in L. A. Confidential fetched her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Alicia Silverstone made her small screen debut with The Wonder Years and her big screen debut with The Crush. She has been a part of the movie-making industry since the beginning of the 1990s.

Her performance in the aforementioned film earned her the MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance. She was seen in motion pictures such as Clueless, True Crime, and the big-budget action drama Batman & Robin during the 1990s.

Jennifer Love Hewitt is an actress, producer, and singer who was first seen playing a key role on the television show Kids Incorporated. She shot to fame after having appeared in the Fox teen drama Party of Five.

She gained further fame during the 1990s as she continued to appear in films such as I Know What You Did Last Summer, its 1998 sequel, and Can't Hardly Wait, to name a few.

This American actress and former fashion model made her screen debut by appearing in the 1984 motion picture Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes. She rose to prominence after playing a significant role in Sex, Lies, and Videotape; a project that won her critical acclaim.

Andie was then seen in feature films such as Green Card and Four Weddings and a Funeral during the first half of the 1990s. Both films fetched her Golden Globe nominations.

She was also a part of popular features such as Groundhog Day, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Short Cuts, and Multiplicity during the 1990s.

Neve Campbell is recognized for her work in drama and horror movies. She has become an influential figure over the years and is often regarded as a scream queen and sex symbol.

The actress first made an impression by starring in the Canadian drama show Catwalk. She also appeared in the teen drama series Party of Five. When it comes to the movies, she was seen in titles such as Scream, The Craft, Wild Things, and Scream 2 during the 1990s.