Robert De Niro as Max Cady in “Cape Fear” (1991) – De Niro’s chilling transformation into the vengeful ex-con Max Cady showcased his immense range and dedication, ensuring a spot as one of the decade’s most memorable performances in a Scorsese film.

Ray Liotta as Henry Hill in “Goodfellas” (1990) – Liotta’s portrayal of Hill’s rise and fall in the mob world was both charismatic and harrowing, earning its place at the forefront of Scorsese’s illustrious gallery of characters.

Joe Pesci as Tommy DeVito in “Goodfellas” (1990) – Packed with terrifying volatility, Pesci’s Oscar-winning role was a masterclass in intensity and unpredictability, solidifying Tommy DeVito as an iconic figure in film history.

Daniel Day-Lewis as Bill ‘The Butcher’ Cutting in “Gangs of New York” (2002) – While not technically from the ’90s, Day-Lewis’s meticulous performance is often retroactively praised alongside Scorsese’s ’90s works for its commanding presence and formidable character creation.

Sharon Stone as Ginger McKenna in “Casino” (1995) – Stone’s portrayal of the ambitious, yet tragically flawed Ginger earned her an Academy Award nomination and remains one of her career’s standout roles.

Robert De Niro as Sam ‘Ace’ Rothstein in “Casino” (1995) – De Niro captured the essence of a casino mogul with exacting precision, delivering a measured and potent depiction of ambition and its downfalls.

Leonardo DiCaprio as Amsterdam Vallon in “Gangs of New York” (2002) – DiCaprio’s performance might fall outside the ‘90s, but his role marked the beginning of a significant collaboration with Scorsese and showcased his capacity to hold his own opposite Day-Lewis.

Lorraine Bracco as Karen Hill in “Goodfellas” (1990) – Bracco’s turn as Henry Hill’s wife conveyed both strength and vulnerability, offering a nuanced perspective on life married to the Mafia.

Paul Sorvino as Paulie Cicero in “Goodfellas” (1990) – Sorvino’s embodiment of quiet power and calculation added layers to the underbelly world Scorsese created, often with just a glance or gesture commanding respect.

Harvey Keitel as Dad Longworth from “Bad Lieutenant” (1992) – Although not directed by Scorsese, Keitel’s tour-de-force performance might be conflated with Scorsese’s gritty crime dramas due to its thematic similarities and Keitel’s longtime association with the director.