Top 10 Picture Perfect '90s Movie Castings

#10: Julia Roberts & Richard Gere

“Pretty Woman” (1990)

You really can’t have one without the other! Together, we’ll never get enough of this dreamy duo. Richard Gere is exquisitely cast as the dapper Edward and Julia Roberts is a vision as Vivian. Their chemistry can be felt through the screen, and we really can’t imagine anyone else in these roles. Gere brings a dignified yet vulnerable appeal to his performance, while Roberts is just as convincing onscreen as Vivian is at Edward's snobbish events. Can you believe Disney didn’t originally want her in the role? That would’ve been “a big mistake, huge.”

#9: Everyone

“Pulp Fiction” (1994)

If you’re familiar with this iconic Quentin Tarantino movie, then you know every character is a stand out in their own way. This is due in large part to the phenomenal performances of Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, John Travolta, and Bruce Willis. Those are some pretty big names, and thankfully, this star-studded cast couldn’t have been more suited for their roles. Whether they’re ordering a Royale with cheese or ordering a hit on their enemies, each one is darkly funny, suspenseful, and captivating. We’ve never seen a more intense dance scene or a more iconic briefcase, and we have this outstanding ensemble to thank for it.

#8: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, & Hugo Weaving

“The Matrix” (1999)

Whether you take the blue pill or the red pill, you’re in for a serious trip with this group of characters. Keanu Reeves brings a distinct nuance to Neo, while Laurence Fishburne’s commanding presence as Morpheus is intoxicating from start to finish. Carrie-Anne Moss takes on the role of Trinity, and she’s a badass in all ways imaginable. Finally, Hugo Weaving’s portrayal of Agent Smith is immaculate. He’s the perfect foil to Reeves’s Neo, and we love to hate him. They all play off of each other perfectly, and we wouldn’t want anyone else to accompany us while we’re “tumbling down the rabbit hole.”

#7: Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, & Brittany Murphy

“Clueless” (1995)

If you don’t believe these three were perfectly cast, we think that’s way harsh and you’re totally bugging. Alicia Silverstone is synonymous with this cult classic for a reason. No one else could spew such iconic catchphrases in that yellow suit. Of course, no ‘it’ girl would be complete without her clique, so it’s fitting that Brittany Murphy and Stacey Dash are also superb as Tai and Dionne. We love seeing Tai’s journey to the top of the social pyramid, and Dionne adds just the right amount of humor and charm to the dynamic. All together, these three form an ideal girl gang. We just wish we could hang out with them.

#6: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, & Joe Pesci

“Goodfellas” (1990)

This trio committed to their roles so hard that we walked away from the theater slightly afraid they’d have us whacked, too. Joe Pesci shines as Tommy DeVito, and his volatile screen presence leaves us on the edge of our seats. It’s no surprise Robert De Niro’s performance is a masterclass in acting. We expect nothing less from him. Still, the real star of Martin Scorsese’s mobster masterpiece is Ray Liotta as Henry Hill. He expertly guides you through Hill’s evolution from wannabe gangster, to as close to a made-man as he could get, all the way to an everyday, suburban dad. Thanks to these three, as far back as we can remember, we’ve wanted to run the other way from gangsters.

#5: Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, & Helena Bonham Carter

“Fight Club” (1999)

The first rule of “Fight Club” is that we need to talk about Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, & Helena Bonham Carter in “Fight Club.” Well, it should be anyway, because we're still talking about these actors decades later. Helena Bonham Carter is arguably the heart of the film, bringing humanity back to the story and reminding us what the main characters are really fighting for. Then there’s Edward Norton, whose insomnia-ridden persona is unbelievably effective. Lastly, we’re still reeling from the way Brad Pitt’s Tyler Durden bent and opened our minds. The plot twist only adds to their portrayals in retrospect, with the subtleties of their acting becoming unforgettable.

#4: Leonardo DiCaprio & Kate Winslet

“Titanic” (1997)

This film encourages its viewers to make it count, and we count this as one of our favorite castings in history. There’s no way to avoid falling in love with Kate Winslet as Rose DeWitt Bukater, especially since her innocence and charm are matched only by her resilience and bravery. Then again, despite the film’s title, this is really the story of Jack Dawson, played by Leonardo DiCaprio at his absolute dreamiest. Like Rose, we’d totally throw everything overboard for a chance to fall for him. We’d definitely make room for him on the floating debris. Sorry, we had to. We love them both, and we love that they’re as adorable together onscreen as they are in real life together.

#3: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, & Gary Sinise

“Forrest Gump” (1994)

While Tom Hanks is clearly the stand-out in this Best Picture winner, he couldn't have done it without a stellar supporting cast. Gary Sinise’s Lieutenant Dan is hilariously tortured with one of the craziest story arcs in the film, and he plays every chapter of it with aplomb. Robin Wright is contestably the driving force of the movie, though. Her kindness, screen presence, and effortless beauty are second to none. But, of course, this film is still called “Forrest Gump.” Tom Hanks becomes the character to such an authentic degree, it’s hard to remember he’s even acting.

#2: Morgan Freeman & Tim Robbins

“The Shawshank Redemption” (1994)

We want Morgan Freeman to read us to sleep every night, and this movie is a big reason why. He plays Red, a man with a life sentence at Shawshank State Prison. Ironically, he narrates the story of Andy Dufresne, who is one of the few, if not only, possibly innocent inmates there. Their friendship feels real, and both actors come to life in ways that are empathetic, funny, and thrilling all at the same time. We can’t watch this film without feeling like these two were born to be in this epic prison drama, and they’re undoubtedly a huge reason why it’s considered one of the best films of all time.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Robin Williams, “Good Will Hunting” (1997)

Who Else Could Truly Make Us Feel Like It’s Not Our Fault?

Kathy Bates, “Misery” (1990)

Chilling, Haunting, & Perfect Are Words That Come to Mind

Jeff Bridges, “The Big Lebowski” (1998)

The Dude Abides, & We Love Every Minute of It

Ice Cube, “Boyz n the Hood” (1991)

His First Role & Arguably His Best

Lindsay Lohan, “The Parent Trap” (1998)

She’s Twice the Fun in This Seminal Coming-of-Age Flick

#1: Anthony Hopkins & Jodie Foster

“The Silence of the Lambs” (1991)

Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins are the yin and yang of this movie, and their unlikely bond, constant mind games, and tortured past are unmatched on the screen. Foster’s Clarice Starling is stoic and vulnerable, and the wave of emotion she endures is hard to watch at times. On the other side of the coin, Hopkins’ turn as Hannibal Lecter still haunts our nightmares like his piercing blue eyes are imprinted in our minds. Foster brings humanity to a role that could’ve been cold and unremarkable, and Hopkins actually made us cheer for Dr. Lecter. Neither of those are easy feats. They both won Oscars for their roles, and we can’t think of a more deserving duo.

Which role do you think was perfectly cast? Let us know in the comments!