There was once a time when the science fiction genre was considered to be the “red-headed stepchild” of Hollywood. A set of movies reserved for the less talented filmmakers and actors and not at all taken as seriously as an art form as it is today. Things began to change in the late ’60s with 2001: A Space Odyssey and continued into the ’70s with hits like Star Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Alien.
However, it wasn’t until the ’80s and ’90s that we began seeing A-list actors consistently signing on to science fiction films, with the peak of this beginning in the 1990s. Some of these roles are forever iconic, while others you may have forgotten. Here are ten A-list actors who appeared in 1990s’ sci-fi movies.
Kevin Costner – Waterworld (1995)
Waterworld marked Kevin Costner‘s first appearance in the science fiction drama, and his performance stood out as one of the most praised elements of the movie, despite being a project that almost killed the actor’s career. The film takes place in the ambiguous “distant future” following the melting of the polar icecaps and finds the world nearly completely covered in water. At the time of its production, Waterworld was the most expensive film ever made, something that undoubtedly shook studio executives when the film itself was released to just mixed reviews. It would not become a profitable project until released on VHS.
Robin Williams – Bicentennial Man (1999)
Suffering from a highly criticized script, Bicentennial Man will not be remembered as Robin Williams‘ finest outing in the science fiction genre, but surely it may be one you forgot about. Based on the novel written by Isaac Asimov and Robert Silverberg. Williams was arguably at the height of his career in the late ’90s, and his talents were unfortunately all but wasted in this particular movie.
Sylvester Stallone – Demolition Man (1993)
Primarily known for his larger-than-life, yet grounded in reality, characters such as Rocky Balboa and John Rambo, Sylvester Stallone took on a few different science fiction parts in the ’90s but none better than his role as Sergeant John Spartan in Demolition Man. Starring opposite Wesley Snipes, the movie is quintessential ’90s sci-fi action, with Stallone and Snipes going all in on the outlandish premise and even previewing some of the technological breakthroughs we would see in the 21st century.
Liam Neeson – Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
Just six years removed from his Oscar-nominated role in Schindler’s List, Liam Neeson found himself as one of the stars in the most anticipated science fiction movie at the time, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. So eager to feature in a Star Wars film, Neeson signed on to the project before even reading a script. While The Phantom Menace will forever be one of the most divisive entries into the Star Wars saga, Neeson forever etched his mark in its lore as Qui-Gon Jinn.
Arnold Schwarzenegger – Total Recall (1990)
While Total Recall certainly wasn’t Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s first science fiction project, it is certainly one that does not get the recognition that earlier projects such as Terminator and Predator. The film based on Phillip K. Dick’s short story, We Can Remember It for You Wholesale (a much cooler name, by the way), Schwarzenegger stars in the futuristic epic about implanted memories. Despite going through development hell, the film would receive mixed to positive reviews, with Schwarzenegger’s role being particularly well received.
Bruce Willis – The Fifth Element (1997)
Despite the controversy surrounding its director, Luc Besson, The Fifth Element is one of the most widely received and popular science fiction pieces of the 1990s. Along with 12 Monkeys, the movie would be one of Bruce Willis‘ first outings in the science fiction genre, and his role as Korben Dallas would go down as one of the best in the actor’s career.
Contact would mark the first science fiction role of the Academy Award-winning actor’s career. The movie itself incorporates deeper thoughts and ideas, even being described by one critic as a “brainy blockbuster that engages with its ideas”. It remains one of the standout science fiction movies of the 1990s.
Tommy Lee Jones – Men in Black (1997)
Known for his dramatic and serious roles, Tommy Lee Jones was able to flex his comedic acting muscles in the 1999 hit science fiction action film Men in Black. Starring alongside up and comer Will Smith, Jones is featured as Agent K. A film that combines comedy with spectacular action set pieces, Men in Black is one of the best and most fun sci-fi action movies of all time.
Jack Nicholson – Mars Attacks!
One of director Tim Burton’s most overlooked and underrated films remains to this day to be the 1996 science fiction comedy Mars Attacks!. Your typical alien invasion is spiced up by hilarious comedy and visually stunning (for the mid-’90s) action. Pulling double duty in the movie is acclaimed actor Jack Nicholson, who plays both U.S. President James Dale and Galaxy Casino owner Art Land. Flexing his often underutilized comedy skills, Nicholson is a standout among the A-list ensemble cast that makes up this movie.
Jeff Goldblum – Jurassic Park (1993)
Having made his name in Hollywood by starring in such sci-fi movies as Invasion of the Body Snatchers and The Fly, Jeff Goldblum is perhaps best known mostly for his role as Dr. Ian Malcolm in the decade-defining science fiction film Jurassic Park. Steven Spielberg, the director who created the summer blockbuster, would also be responsible for reinventing it with Jurassic Park. Praised for its groundbreaking special effects, this dinosaur epic is one of the most recognizable and popular movies of all time.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
