Memory of an Era: 15 Actresses Who Defined Movies in the 1990s

1. Clueless 1995，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 249660, ID: 0112697
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Alicia Silverstone’s Cher in ‘Clueless’ is an iconic ’90s character. Her performance perfectly captures the essence of a privileged, yet kind-hearted Beverly Hills teenager. Her comedic timing and charm make this role truly unforgettable.
2. Cruel Intentions 1999，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 206952, ID: 0139134
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Sarah Michelle Gellar’s portrayal of Kathryn Merteuil in ‘Cruel Intentions’ is a masterclass in manipulation and cunning. Her performance is both chilling and captivating, making Kathryn one of the most memorable characters of ’90s cinema.
3. Jurassic Park 1993，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 1078896, ID: 0107290
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Laura Dern’s role as Dr. Ellie Sattler in ‘Jurassic Park’ is a testament to her versatility as an actress. Her portrayal of a strong, intelligent paleobotanist navigating a park overrun by dinosaurs is both thrilling and inspiring.
4. 10 Things I Hate About You 1999，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 392591, ID: 0147800
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Julia Stiles delivers a standout performance in ’10 Things I Hate About You’ as the fiercely independent Kat Stratford. Her portrayal of a strong-willed, non-conformist high school student is both relatable and empowering.
5. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace 1999，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 866863, ID: 0120915
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Natalie Portman’s portrayal of Queen Amidala in ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace’ is truly iconic. Despite the film’s mixed reviews, Portman’s performance stands out. Her character’s strength and leadership, combined with Portman’s youthful energy, brought a fresh perspective to the Star Wars universe.
6. Pulp Fiction 1994，IMDB Rating: 8.9, IMDB Votes: 2243977, ID: 0110912
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Uma Thurman’s role as Mia Wallace in ‘Pulp Fiction’ is unforgettable. Her performance added depth to the film’s complex narrative. Thurman’s portrayal of a mobster’s wife, with her sharp wit and mysterious allure, has become a defining image of 90s cinema.
7. Forrest Gump 1994，IMDB Rating: 8.8, IMDB Votes: 2283974, ID: 0109830
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Robin Wright’s portrayal of Jenny in ‘Forrest Gump’ is deeply moving. Despite the film’s comedic overtones, Wright’s performance brings a sense of tragedy and realism. Her character’s tumultuous life story, marked by abuse and redemption, provides a poignant contrast to Forrest’s optimistic journey.
8. Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles 1994，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 351104, ID: 0110148
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Kirsten Dunst’s performance as Claudia in ‘Interview with the Vampire’ is hauntingly memorable. At a young age, Dunst convincingly portrays a centuries-old vampire trapped in a child’s body. Her performance adds a layer of eerie innocence to this dark tale.
9. Desperado 1995，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 198948, ID: 0112851
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In ‘Desperado’, Salma Hayek delivers a performance that is both fiery and captivating. Her portrayal of Carolina, the sultry-eyed owner of a local bookstore, is a testament to her versatility as an actress. Despite the film’s action-packed narrative, Hayek manages to hold her own, adding depth to her character and bringing a sense of authenticity to the role.
10. What’s Love Got to Do with It 1993，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 24902, ID: 0108551
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Angela Bassett’s portrayal of Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ is nothing short of phenomenal. She captures the essence of Turner’s strength and resilience, delivering a performance that is both powerful and emotionally charged. Her depiction of Turner’s journey from a small-town girl to a global superstar is truly iconic.
11. Waiting to Exhale 1995，IMDB Rating: 6.0, IMDB Votes: 12352, ID: 0114885
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In ‘Waiting to Exhale’, Angela Bassett once again proves her acting prowess as Bernadine Harris. Her performance is raw and authentic, effectively portraying the struggles of a woman trying to find her own identity amidst the chaos of her personal life. Bassett’s portrayal of Bernadine is a testament to her ability to bring depth and nuance to her characters.
12. The Bodyguard 1992，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 149251, ID: 0103855
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Whitney Houston’s performance in ‘The Bodyguard’ is a blend of her musical talent and acting skills. As Rachel Marron, a pop diva with a complex personality, Houston delivers a performance that is both compelling and emotionally resonant. Her on-screen chemistry with Kevin Costner adds depth to the narrative, making her portrayal of Marron truly iconic.
13. Tomorrow Never Dies 1997，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 205686, ID: 0120347
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Michelle Yeoh’s performance in ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’ is a highlight of the film. As Wai Lin, an agent for the Chinese External Security Force, Yeoh brings a unique blend of martial arts skills and acting prowess to the role. Her character is not only a formidable opponent but also a compelling ally to James Bond, making her performance truly memorable.
14. Pretty Woman 1990，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 368829, ID: 0100405
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Julia Roberts’ portrayal of Vivian Ward in ‘Pretty Woman’ is one of the most iconic roles of the ’90s. Her transformation from a streetwalker to a sophisticated woman under the patronage of a wealthy businessman, played by Richard Gere, is both engaging and heartwarming. Roberts’ performance is widely recognized as a defining moment in her career.
15. Scream 1996，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 392995, ID: 0117571
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Neve Campbell’s role as Sidney Prescott in ‘Scream’ is a defining performance of ’90s horror cinema. Her character’s strength and resilience in the face of terror redefine the ‘final girl’ trope in slasher films. Campbell’s performance, coupled with the film’s clever deconstruction of horror clichés, makes ‘Scream’ a classic.