Top Ten Performances of the 1990's

In the aftermath of the decade of blockbusters that was the 1980's, the arthouse struck back with a string of powerful dramatic showcases. It also introduced the world to the modern masters of cinema, with many legends of today showing their potential in this decade.
==10: Robin Williams as Dr. Sean Maguire (Good Will Hunting, 1997) - dir. by Gus Van Sant==
It's Robin Williams, delivering one of the finest performances of his career in a film that gets better with age. Equal parts emotional and logical, fused with a subtler version of Williams' trademark humor, Sean Maguire's relationship with Will Hunting elevates the film far beyond what it could've been thanks entirely to Williams' co-lead role. 
Best Scene: Don't act surprised- the Park Bench scene is an iconic moment of cinema, with Williams giving one of the greatest monologues ever written. He manages to tell his character's entire life, every smile and tear, with three simple words.
thumb|center|335 px|Your Move, Chief
==9: Kate Winslet as Rose Bukater (Titanic, 1997) - dir. by James Cameron==
Kate Winslet may've had a strong career before Cameron's seminal film, but the best part of the film is Winslet herself. She takes Rose on an amazing arc, developing her from a dependent, miserable socialite to the elegant and sophisticated Rose we all love. While Jack Dawson is a memorable character in his own right, Winslet defined a career with this performance.
Best Scene: The chemistry shared between Winslet and DiCaprio is electric, and that's best exemplified with the Third Class Dance. With almost no dialogue, Winslet shows Rose falling head over heels for Jack, and him the same. 
thumb|center|335 px|Third Class Dance