9 ’90s Movies That Secretly Launched Huge Hollywood Careers
Before they became household names, many of today’s biggest stars got started in small roles during the 1990s.
Some movies from that decade might not have been blockbusters, but they introduced us to actors who would later dominate Hollywood.
Looking back at what launched some incredible careers reveals surprising connections you probably never noticed.
1. Dazed and Confused (1993)
Richard Linklater’s coming-of-age comedy about the last day of school in 1976 introduced audiences to a young Matthew McConaughey. Playing the creepy older guy Wooderson who still hangs around high school parties, McConaughey delivered the iconic line “Alright, alright, alright” that would follow him throughout his career.
Ben Affleck also appeared as the bullying senior O’Bannion, showcasing early acting chops before becoming an A-lister. Milla Jovovich and Parker Posey rounded out a cast that would go on to dominate screens for decades.
2. Empire Records (1995)
When a quirky independent record store faces takeover by a corporate chain, employees band together in rebellion. Liv Tyler was still building her filmography when she played the sweet Corey, showing vulnerability and charm that would define her later roles in big franchises like Lord of the Rings.
Renée Zellweger appeared as the wild Gina, proving she could handle comedy years before Bridget Jones made her a rom-com queen. Even though the film flopped initially, it became a cult classic that launched multiple careers.
3. Cruel Intentions (1999)
Wealthy Manhattan step-siblings make a twisted bet involving seduction and manipulation in what became one of the decade’s most scandalous teen dramas. Reese Witherspoon played innocent Annette Hargrove, demonstrating dramatic range that would eventually earn her an Oscar just a few years later.
Ryan Phillippe and Sarah Michelle Gellar brought intense chemistry as the scheming siblings. Selma Blair’s memorable kissing scene became iconic, helping establish her as a talented actress who could handle provocative material with grace and authenticity.
4. Can’t Hardly Wait (1998)
One epic graduation party brings together every high school stereotype imaginable, creating chaos and unexpected connections. Jennifer Love Hewitt was already famous from television, but Seth Green stole scenes as the wannabe rapper Special K, showing comedic timing that would lead to Austin Powers and voice work on Family Guy.
Lauren Ambrose appeared as a band geek before landing her breakout role on Six Feet Under. Even small roles featured future stars like Jaime Pressly and Melissa Joan Hart in cameos.
5. The Faculty (1998)
Aliens take over a small-town high school by possessing teachers in what became a clever sci-fi horror mashup. Elijah Wood played the nerdy photographer Casey, building on his child actor credentials before landing Frodo Baggins just a few years later in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Josh Hartnett got major attention as the rebellious Zeke, launching a heartthrob career. Jordana Brewster and Clea DuVall also appeared, with Brewster later becoming famous through the Fast and Furious franchise that continues today.
6. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew gets a ’90s high school makeover in what became an instant teen classic. Heath Ledger charmed everyone as bad boy Patrick Verona, especially during his unforgettable bleacher serenade scene that made millions of viewers fall in love with him.
Julia Stiles played the fierce Kat Stratford with attitude and intelligence. Joseph Gordon-Levitt was still a TV kid transitioning to films, while a young Gabrielle Union showed star quality in a supporting role that hinted at bigger things ahead.
7. Scream (1996)
Wes Craven revitalized the horror genre by creating a self-aware slasher that referenced every scary movie trope imaginable. Neve Campbell became a scream queen icon as Sidney Prescott, leading a franchise that continues decades later with multiple sequels still being produced.
Courteney Cox and David Arquette met on set and eventually married in real life. Skeet Ulrich brought intensity as Billy Loomis, while Jamie Kennedy provided comic relief as the horror-obsessed Randy, making everyone want to study film theory.
8. American Pie (1999)
Four high school friends make a pact to lose their virginity before graduation, resulting in outrageously awkward situations. Jason Biggs became forever associated with a certain dessert scene that shocked and amused audiences worldwide, establishing him as a comedy star willing to do anything for laughs.
Alyson Hannigan created a memorable character with band camp stories, while Chris Klein, Thomas Ian Nicholas, and Seann William Scott all launched successful careers. Shannon Elizabeth’s breakout role as the exchange student made her an instant celebrity overnight.
9. The Virgin Suicides (1999)
Sofia Coppola’s haunting directorial debut explored the mysterious Lisbon sisters and their tragic fate in 1970s suburban Michigan. Kirsten Dunst delivered a mesmerizing performance as Lux, the ethereal blonde who captivated neighborhood boys while hiding deep sadness beneath her beauty.
Already known from Interview with the Vampire, Dunst proved she could carry complex dramatic material with grace. Josh Hartnett appeared as the high school heartthrob Trip Fontaine, cementing his status as Hollywood’s newest leading man after roles in multiple ’90s films.
