The '90s were an interesting time for cinema. The most popular blockbusters of the decade largely revolved around three concepts: monsters, disasters, and outer space. Disney experienced its first major renaissance, and the romcom genre was essentially reformulated by When Harry Met Sally... (1989).
A number of era-defining movies created in the '90s went on to impress, influence, and inspire new generations of viewers, critics, and filmmakers. One of the main reasons the decade happens to be so memorable is the diverse range of iconic roles, particularly antagonists. It can be argued that these characters practically shaped the cinematic atmosphere of the '90s.
10 Kathryn Merteuil Is One Of The Most Fascinating Villains In Recent Memory — Cruel Intentions (1999)
A few reviewers criticized Cruel Intentions for its "uneven performances and uninspired script," but Roger Ebert praised the film for being "smart and merciless in the tradition of the original story." The highlight of the movie is none other than Kathryn Merteuil, played to venomous perfection by Sarah Michelle Gellar.
The actress subverts her characterization as the warm and heroic Buffy Summers by transforming into a manipulative individual, who is "ultimately humiliated for her destructive nastiness." Kathryn never reveals her true intentions until the very end of the film, making her one of the most fascinating villains in recent memory.
9 Alec Trevelyan Reconfigures The Framework Of James Bond Villainy — GoldenEye (1995)
James Bond antagonists have a tendency to be iconic — Silva from Skyfall (2012) and Max Zorin from A View to Kill (1985) have earned a permanent place in pop culture. When it comes to the '90s, however, no Bond villain shines brighter than Alec Trevelyan.
GoldenEye obtained kudos for Pierce Brosnan's performance, which was described as "more sensitive, more vulnerable, and more psychologically complete" than his predecessors. Similarly, Sean Bean's Trevelyan reconfigures the very framework of movie villainy. In fact, Bean was in the running to play James Bond before his role was altered.
8 Dr. Evil's Outrageous Persona Clashes With His Genius Intellect — Austin Powers
The Austin Powers franchise is the brainchild of Mike Myers, who plays both the titular protagonist and his nemesis, Dr. Evil. This comically overconfident villain is a parodic representation of Ernst Stavro Blofeld, known for appearing in nine James Bond movies.
Dr. Evil's outrageous personality clashes with his supposed genius intellect, making for a truly unforgettable character. He spews downright ludicrous claims, like calling his mother "a 15-year-old French [woman] named Chloé with webbed feet," or publicly announcing that he's the "Princess of Canada." Dr. Evil is particularly noted for his air-quotes and for holding his pinky finger next to his lips.
7 John Hammond's Villainous Nature Is Far More Evident In The Novel — Jurassic Park (1993)
Jurassic Park is "a true movie milestone, presenting awe- and fear-inspiring sights never before seen on the screen." There are multiple heroic characters in the film, including Ellie Sattler, Ian Grant, and Ian Malcolm, but viewers often forget that Dr. John Hammond was the man who built the entire place without considering every possible contingency.
While Dennis Nedry's mindless greed is clearly painted on his face, Hammond's is practically imperceptible. Interestingly, Hammond's novel version is far more self-centered and profit-oriented than in Spielberg's adaptation. He even states that he "would never help mankind."
6 The Sheriff Of Nottingham Is The Highlight Of An Otherwise Forgettable Movie — Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves (1991)
Alan Rickman has played several iconic villains over the course of his career, including Hans Gruber in Die Hard (1988) and Severus Snape in the Harry Potter franchise. Although Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was largely panned by critics, many agreed that Rickman's Sheriff of Nottingham was the highlight of the film.
In fact, reviewers wrote that the actor was "robbed by big-budget bombast and a muddled screenplay." Rickman went on to win the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is also memorable for Bryan Adam's classic song, "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You."
5 Aaron Stampler's Masterful Deception Sends Shivers Down The Spine — Primal Fear (1995)
Primal Fear may rely "on an overload of tangential subplots," but "the movie is really better than its plot because of the three-dimensional characters." Edward Norton's portrayal as a helpless altar boy trapped in a criminal mess is so convincing that audiences root for his eventual triumph.
At the end of Primal Fear, the mild-mannered Aaron Stampler is shown to be the alter ego, making the violent Roy his real personality. The revelation that "there never was an Aaron" in the first place sends shivers down the audience's spine.
4 Catherine Trammel Remakes The Femme Fatale Trope In Her Own Image — Basic Instinct (1992)
Basic Instinct has been called "a neo-film noir masterpiece that plays with, and transgresses, the narrative rules" of its genre. Paul Verhoeven's action-based aesthetic effectively translates "to the realm of Hitchcockian intrigue," resulting in a narrative that snaps and sizzles from start to finish.
Sharon Stone's Catherine Trammel remakes the femme fatale trope in her own image, using not only her appearance but also her diabolical cunning to win her battles. Trammel "is as hot and sexy as she is ice-pick cold." Unfortunately, Basic Instinct's arguably problematic approach toward queer representation leaves a lot to be desired.
3 Max Cady Is Easily One Of De Niro's Most Chilling Performances — Cape Fear (1991)
Martin Scorsese's Cape Fear is based on The Executioners (1957), a psychological thriller written by John D. MacDonald. The movie made more than five times its production budget at the box office. Ebert applauded Scorsese for embedding the narrative "with his own themes and obsessions," a radical departure from his traditional filmmaking style.
The brazenly barbaric Max Cady is easily one of De Niro's most chilling performances. Cape Fear earned Robert De Niro his fifth nomination for Best Actor at both the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes.
2 Agent Smith's Character Is Simultaneously Sleazy And Deeply Troubled — The Matrix (1999)
The Matrix's revolutionary vision has resculpted the landscape of cinema, ushering in a new age of "spectacular action and groundbreaking special effects." The film teeters on the knife-edge between philosophy and technology without losing its grip on either, a balancing act that requires focus, precision, and sheer moxie.
The Matrix is held together by the mysterious bond between its protagonist and antagonist, Neo and Agent Smith, who eventually cancel each other out. Weaving's villain is simultaneously sleazy and deeply troubled, explaining why Agent Smith's character remains as unsettling today as he did in the '90s.
1 Hannibal Lecter's Enigmatic Sneer And Glib Persona Are Overpowering — The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)
The Silence of the Lambs won five out of seven Oscar nominations, including Best Actor for Anthony Hopkins. The story is centered around Clarice Starling's childhood trauma, but Hannibal Lecter's enigmatic sneer and glib persona effectively dominate the movie.
Hopkins achieved worldwide fame for his portrayal, with the American Film Institute ranking him at the top of their greatest movie villains list. The '90s would have never been the same without Hannibal Lecter's unnerving yet refined approach to cannibalism — such as eating a human being's "liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti."