Ah, the 90s, those were the wonderful old times for the boomer generation. Remember all those iconic teen movies that would linger in your mind for weeks, shaping our entire generation’s media preferences? Some films had unforgettable romantic plots and first kisses, while others were so filthy and unfunny you’d love to erase them from your memory, but alas, that’s not possible. However, they had one thing in common: young stars destined to take Hollywood.
We’re going to take you on a quick nostalgic journey back to that golden era when Angelina Jolie could hack a mainframe in 60 seconds, and Christina Ricci befriended the world’s nicest ghost.
1. Alicia Silverstone — Clueless (1995)
After starring in Clueless and Batman & Robin, Alicia became an icon of the 90s. However, her future acting career had somewhat of a mixed success. So the actress decided to shift her focus to activism, particularly in animal rights and environmentalism, while also continuing to work in film and television, often in more indie or supporting roles. She’s also authored books on veganism and motherhood — The Kind Diet and The Kind Mama.
2. Robin Tunney — The Craft (1996)
After the success of the horror/mystery hit The Craft, Robin Tunney’s career leaned more toward TV projects, with some movie roles here and there. Tunney’s most recent big role was in the hit TV series The Mentalist, which solidified her status as a TV star.
3. Liv Tyler — Empire Records(1995)
Liv Tyler’s movie career took off with several high-profile roles after Empire Records. She somehow landed the role of Arwen in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and then she also starred in the loudest blockbusters like Armageddon and The Incredible Hulk. Here’s hoping Liv will return to play Betty Ross in the MCU.
4. Winona Ryder — Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Even before she killed it in Edward Scissorhands and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Winona Ryder was already a prominent figure in Hollywood. What followed was her pure talent and hard work. Though Ryder’s career hit a few road bumps in the early 2000s, she made a strong comeback with the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, portraying Joyce Byers.
5. Christina Ricci — Casper (1995)
Remember when Christina befriended Casper in 1995? That movie and the Adams Family were her big debut before hitting the big leagues with movies like The Ice Storm and Sleepy Hollow. She became known for her darker, more complex characters while also appearing in mainstream movies like 2003’s Monster. In recent years, Ricci has been pretty busy, too, including The Lizzie Borden Chronicles, Yellowjackets, and, of course, Netflix’s Wednesday.
6. Sarah Michelle Gellar — I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
You’re probably familiar with SMG from Buffy the Vamp Slayer, but did you know she starred in I Know What You Did Last Summer, the same year Buffy started? She also appeared in big movies like Cruel Intentions and Scooby-Doo. Recently, she switched to producing and voice acting in Robot Chicken while paying more attention to her family.
7. Jessica Alba — Idle Hands (1999)
Before Jessica Alba’s stonks flew sky-high after her breakout role in Dark Angel, she got her humble but memorable beginnings in 1999’s Idle Hands. After Dark Angel, Alba starred in blockbuster films, including Fantastic Four and Sin City, but then transitioned into business, founding The Honest Company in 2011. While she continues to show her gorgeous face on camera, her focus has largely shifted to entrepreneurship.
8. Melissa Joan Hart — Drive Me Crazy (1999)
A few years before she appeared in Drive Me Crazy, Melissa Joan Hart started off with her two most iconic roles: as Clarissa on Clarissa Explains It All and as Sabrina on Sabrina the Teenage Witch. In the early 2000s’, she focused solely on TV, starring in and producing the sitcom Melissa & Joey and a few other shows.
9. Angelina Jolie — Hackers (1995)
If you think Jolie is hot now, you should have seen her in Hackers. That tomboyish daredevil stole the hearts of millions of young teenagers. After becoming one of Hollywood’s most wanted stars, Jolie won an Oscar for Girl, Interrupted and blew even more minds of horny teens with Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Beyond acting, the celebrity became known for her humanitarian work as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and remains a major figure in Hollywood.
