Richard Gere has had a long and successful career. His work spans across several genres, but he is particularly known for his dramatic performances. He has acted opposite several big names, including Julia Roberts and Edward Norton. Even in supporting roles, Gere is able to steal the show. He completely transforms into every character that he takes on, and he has an on-screen charisma that is unmatchable. Gere has a shear dramatic range, and he has proved his capabilities as an actor for decades.

Gere was born in Philadelphia and began his career in theater. One of his major breakthroughs was being cast in London's 1973 production of Grease. Gere worked on Broadway and eventually began a film career. He appeared in films in 70s, such as Looking for Mr. Goodbar and Days of Heaven. After starring in the romantic film An Officer and a Gentleman, Gere earned international recognition. The 90s were a particularly good decade for Gere, and he gave several great performances. He starred in memorable romantic comedies and dramatic films. Let's look at his best movies from the 90s, ranked.

6 Runaway Bride

Gary Marshall directed the classic romantic comedy Runaway Bride starring Roberts and Gere. Gere plays a reporter who finds a story in a woman (Roberts) who has left several men at the altar. Gere gives a charming performance, and his chemistry with Roberts was fantastic. Audiences were thrilled to see Roberts and Gere reunited on screen, for good reason. Gere proved, once again, that he is a top-notch choice when it comes to casting romantic comedies. He creates sensitive, intelligent characters that fans have been falling in love with for years.

Related: Best Richard Gere Movies, Ranked

5 First Knight

Gere plays Lancelot in the romantic medieval film First Knight. He acts opposite Sean Connery and Julia Ormond. The film allows Gere to show his dramatic range. He creates a character with depth and many layers. Gere is romantic, dramatic, and full of intensity from beginning to end. At the same time, Gere proves his physicality with the action scenes throughout the film. It is not an easy task to portray medieval characters, but Gere does it with ease. He has fantastic chemistry with his co-stars and completely leads the film. He proved that he can hold his own next to Hollywood legends like Connery.

4 Sommersby

Sommersby takes place in the United States after the Civil War, and Gere plays a soldier who returns home, named Jack Sommersby. His character is accused of being an imposter and Gere gives a very honest performance. He creates a character with several layers, and we can completely feel his turmoil throughout the film. At the same time, Gere had fantastic chemistry with his co-star Jodie Foster.

3 And The Band Played On

Although Gere only had a minor performance in And The Band Played On, he is an absolute scene stealer. He plays a New York City theater director who discovers that he has HIV. In the few scenes that Gere has, he totally transforms into his character. Through his performance, you can see the artistic passions in his character. You can also see the fear in him after learning about his diagnosis. Gere was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for his performance. Gere proved that he can steal the show with a supporting role. He creates a deep and layered character with minutes of screen time.

Related: The Best Julia Roberts Rom-Com Movies, Ranked

2 Primal Fear

Primal Fear is a legendary film that is still talked about to this day. Gere plays Martin Vail, a lawyer who defends a young man (Edward Norton) who is accused of murder. Gere and Norton are a wonder to watch on screen. They create tension, conflict, and drama from beginning to end. Gere has several great dramatic moments throughout the film. Encapsulating the persona of an attorney is no easy task, but Gere does it with ease. The film, as a whole, is absolutely riveting.

1 Pretty Woman

It should be no surprise that Pretty Woman lands the number one spot on this list. Per The Guardian, it's a film that is still talked about to this day. Gere was a perfect casting choice, and he totally encapsulates the persona of a wealthy man seeking companionship. He and Roberts proved that they had amazing chemistry, and they both gave great performances. Gere is charming and charismatic from beginning to end. It is not an easy task for an actor to portray the persona of an extremely wealthy person. Gere creates a character filled with class and confidence. At the same time, he is searching for something more.