Sharon Stone defined the ’90s with her bold, captivating performances, cementing herself as a queen of the screen and one of the most iconic film actresses of the 90s. She hit her stride with an impressive versatility that few in her generation could match, taking on roles that showcased her ability to transition seamlessly between genres—from gritty thrillers to heartfelt dramas. Stone embodied the spirit of the ’90s with her fearless choices, bringing a combination of charisma, complexity, and undeniable presence to every project she touched. Her roles in this decade made her a household name and left her mark on pop culture.
More than just a star, Sharon Stone became a symbol of on-screen empowerment, particularly in roles that challenged traditional portrayals of women and their stereotypical gender roles. Whether portraying femme fatales or vulnerable characters, Stone’s undeniable acting ability helped define a generation of cinema that produced many of the most iconic ’90s films in genre-defining films. These ten movies highlight her immense talent and demonstrate why she continues to be celebrated as an icon of ’90s film.
10 Intersections (1994)
Sharon Stone Plays Sally Eastman
This film revolves around the story of Vincent Eastman, played by Richard Gere, a man caught between two versions of his life. Intersections‘ narrative fragmentedly unfolds through the initial car crash scene, which provokes and symbolizes Vincent’s inner turmoil as he questions his choices over reuniting with his wife Sally, played by Sharon Stone or his lover Olivia, portrayed by Lolita Davidovich. Stone’s portrayal of Sally is filled with suspense and tension over her relationship with her husband.
Intersections
is a remake of the 1970 French film
Les Choses De La Vie
by Claude Sautet
Despite the film’s lack of critical acclaim, Stone’s performance dominates the screen, breathing life into an otherwise straightforward plot. Stone’s magnetism keeps the audience engaged despite critics claiming the story arc is hard to follow with multiple flashbacks and time jumps. Her compelling presence underscores why she was one of the most bankable stars of the ’90s, even in films that struggled to find success. Stone’s ability to hold the audience’s attention as a lonely and cold wife makes it a noteworthy part of her diverse career and sets her up for similar future roles, such as Ginger in Casino.
9 The Muse (1999)
Sharon Stone Plays Sarah Little
The Muse features Sharon Stone as Sarah, a whimsical and mysterious muse who inspires a creatively blocked screenwriter, portrayed by Albert Brooks. The film is a lighthearted satire of Hollywood, exploring the extremes to which artists will go to find inspiration and success in the movie business. Stone’s character is an eccentric force of nature, providing a blend of humor and unpredictability. Her offbeat charm brings a fresh twist to the typical muse character, making her the driving force behind the screenwriter’s unpredictable journey toward screenwriting success.
In 1999, Helmut Voss, the then-president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, responsible for organizing the annual Golden Globe Awards, issued a directive to all 82 members of the association to return luxury watches that had been received as gifts from either Sharon Stone or USA/October Films. These luxury watches were construed as promotional items allegedly intended to potentially influence a nomination for Stone’s performance in the film.
While the film received mixed reviews due to its uneven pacing and, at times, far-fetched story, Stone’s comedic timing stands out as a highlight. She effortlessly transitions from quirky humor to moments of sincerity, showcasing her versatility beyond the dramatic and action-packed roles she was mainly known for in the ’90s. The Muse may not rank as highly due to its inconsistent tone. Still, Stone’s playful and engaging performance makes it an enjoyable watch, especially for those seeking a lighthearted take on somebody suffering from Hollywood’s creative struggles.
8 He Said, She Said (1991)
Sharon Stone Plays Linda Metzger
He Said, She Said is a romantic comedy that uniquely presents the same love story from two opposing and different perspectives: Dan, played by Kevin Bacon, and Lorie, played by Elizabeth Perkins. Sharon Stone plays Linda, a charismatic supporting character who complicates Dan’s romantic life. Although Linda is not the central focus of the plot, Stone’s performance as the alluring and slightly manipulative temptation adds multiple layers of complexity to an otherwise a-to-b narrative. Her presence adds tension to the relationship dynamics, compelling the romantic conflict.
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Even though Stone’s screen time is limited compared to the lead actors and other films in this ranking, she leaves a lasting impression with her energy and undeniable charisma. Even in a supporting role, she brings depth to Linda, turning what could have been a one-dimensional character into someone memorable. He Said, She Said follows a traditional romantic comedy formula, which explains its lower ranking, but Stone’s ability to enhance even a smaller role demonstrates her talent for making every character impactful, no matter how minor.
7 The Specialist (1994)
Sharon Stone Plays May Munro
In this action-packed thriller, Sharon Stone stars as May Munro, a woman determined to avenge her parents’ murder by enlisting the help of an explosives expert, played by Sylvester Stallone. The film is filled with high-octane action sequences as May and Ray, portrayed by Stallone, work together to bring down a powerful mafia. Stone’s character is vulnerable and driven, a winning combination of raw emotion and calculated determination. The chemistry between Stone and Stallone contributes to the film’s intensity, making their partnership integral to the film’s appeal.
Her ability to convey both fragility and strength adds complexity to the film and her character, which could have otherwise been a typical action thriller.
While The Specialist was lamented for its formulaic plot, Stone’s fiery performance was widely acknowledged as one of its major strengths. Her portrayal of May adds depth to a character motivated by grief, transforming a straightforward revenge story into something more emotionally resonant. Her ability to convey both fragility and strength adds complexity to the film and her character, which could have otherwise been a typical action thriller. Stone’s commanding presence and palpable chemistry with Stallone elevate the source material, ensuring her role remains a standout in the action genre.
6 Sphere (1998)
Sharon Stone Plays Dr. Elizabeth Halperin
Set in the depths of the ocean, Sphere is a sci-fi thriller where a team of scientists, led by Dr. Elizabeth Halperin, played by Stone, explores a spacecraft discovered to be of alien origin on the ocean floor. The team encounters psychological challenges that test their sanity as they delve deeper into the mystery surrounding their discovery. Stone’s marine biologist character brings a rational, scientific perspective to the film, adding to its eerie tension and unexpected twists.
If you enjoyed the film,
Sphere
was based on Michael Crichton’s 1987 novel of the same name.
Stone’s performance in Sphere is one of her more intricate roles in a genre film. She brings a sense of intellectual maturity and emotional elements to her character. Her on-screen chemistry with co-stars Dustin Hoffman and Samuel L. Jackson adds another layer to the interpersonal aspects of the drama in the film. Despite overall mixed reviews, Stone’s portrayal is one of the film’s redeeming qualities, making her character relatable and compelling in the high-concept sci-fi story.
5 The Quick And The Dead (1995)
Sharon Stone Plays Ellen “The Lady”
Sharon Stone stars as Ellen, a lone female gunslinger seeking vengeance in a male-dominated world, in Sam Raimi’s The Quick and the Dead. Set in a small frontier town, the film follows Ellen as she enters a high-stakes shooting contest to kill the corrupt mayor (Gene Hackman), who murdered her father in cold blood. Stone depicts Ellen as resilient and energetic, making her one of the Western’s most memorable characters.
The Quick and the Dead stands out for its unique approach to the Western genre, and Stone’s performance is critical to its success. She effortlessly commands the screen with her determined and cold resolve, proving her ability to lead an action-packed, male-dominated film in a career-defining way. Her role in The Quick and the Dead challenged gender norms in a typically male-dominated genre, earning praise for her acting and her redefinition of a Western heroine, and the film as a whole was critically acclaimed for its performances, direction, and cinematography.
4 The Mighty (1998)
Sharon Stone Plays Gwen Dillon
Sharon Stone portrays Gwen Dillon, the mother of a boy living with Morquio syndrome who befriends a lonely, outcast boy. The Mighty is a touching tale of friendship, courage, and self-worth, with Stone’s character adding another emotional element as a protective yet nurturing mother who wants to let her son explore the world while still remaining protected. The movie explores how two very different boys find strength and happiness in one another, with Stone’s maternal warmth grounding the story.
The Mighty
received positive reviews from critics, and Stone was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Gwen Dillon.
Stone’s role in The Mighty demonstrates her ability to transition from tough, intense characters, like her role in the previous entry, The Quick and the Dead, to more vulnerable, nurturing roles like Gwen Dillon. Her portrayal of Gwen is understated yet powerful, allowing the film’s emotional core to resonate throughout the 100-minute runtime. While The Mighty primarily focuses on the boys’ friendship, Stone’s performance supports the tenderness that balances the film’s weightier themes, making her an essential part of its emotional arc.
3 Basic Instinct (1992)
Sharon Stone Plays Catherine Trammel
The film follows Detective Nick Curran (Michael Douglas) as he investigates a brutal murder, with the seductive Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone) as the prime suspect. Basic Instinct is filled with psychological tension and eroticism and achieved iconic status mainly due to Stone’s magnetic performance as the manipulative, enigmatic Catherine. Her ability to keep audiences guessing her character’s true motives makes the film compelling.
Her bold, fearless portrayal of Catherine not only defined her career but also established her as one of the top actresses of the ’90s.
Stone’s portrayal of Catherine Tramell is a lesson in psychological complexity and manipulation. She effortlessly transitions between seductive charm and icy menace, making her one of cinematic history’s most memorable femme fatales. Basic Instinct became a cultural phenomenon, and Stone’s performance was a significant reason for its success. Her bold, fearless portrayal of Catherine not only defined her career but also established her as one of the top actresses in one of the best films of the 1990s.
2 Total Recall (1990)
Sharon Stone Plays Lori Quaid
Sharon Stone plays Lori, the wife of Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger), who is part of the conspiracy against Douglas, a construction worker who receives implanted memories of being a secret agent aiming to stop Martian dictator Viols Cohaagen. As Quaid’s world unravels, Stone’s character evolves from a seemingly loving spouse to a formidable adversary, adding layers of deception and intrigue to Total Recall. The sci-fi action movie is a whirlwind of plot twists and high-stakes drama, with Stone’s performance heightening the tension and her chemistry with her co-stars electrifying the screen.
Total Recall
is based on the 1966 short story “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale” by Philip K. Dick.
Stone’s ability to portray the supportive wife and ruthless villain in a short amount of time effortlessly showcases her versatility as an actress. She brings intensity to the role that perfectly complements the film’s fast-paced, action-packed narrative. Her genuine physicality in the fight scenes and her sharp, cunning demeanor make Lori one of the film’s standout characters. Total Recall remains a milestone in sci-fi cinema, winning an Academy Award for practical special effects, and Stone’s performance is another significant reason why it continues to be revered today.
1 Casino (1995)
Sharon Stone Plays Ginger McKenna
In Martin Scorsese’s Casino, Sharon Stone delivers a powerful performance as Ginger McKenna, a glamorous yet self-destructive hustler caught in the tumultuous world of Las Vegas casinos. As the wife of Robert De Niro’s character, Ace Rothstein, Ginger’s downfall is as captivating as it is tragic. The film chronicles the rise and fall of Las Vegas, with Stone’s character at the center of the turmoil and her perpetual relationship with her abusive ex-partner and pimp.
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Stone’s portrayal of Ginger is remarkable, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and one which could have easily seen her win. Her ability to convey Ginger’s charm, vulnerability, and self-destructive tendencies with such nuance makes this one of, if not the most outstanding performances of her career. Casino is not just a defining moment for Stone but also a cinematic masterpiece, with her performance standing out as one of the most iconic of the 1990s. The combination of Scorsese’s direction, Stone’s unforgettable portrayal of Ginger, and the performances from an ensemble cast earn Casino the top spot.
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Casino RBiographyCrimeDrama
Casino is a 1995 crime drama starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, and James Woods. The film is based on the book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas by Nicholas Pileggi and centers on Sam ‘Ace’ Rothstein (De Niro), who is asked to run the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas.
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*Availability in US Director Martin Scorsese Release Date November 22, 1995 Studio(s) Universal Pictures Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Writers Nicholas Pileggi , Martin Scorsese Cast Robert De Niro , Sharon Stone , Joe Pesci , James Woods , Frank Vincent , Pasquale Cajano Runtime 178 minutes Main Genre Crime Expand