93. Meg Ryan (Sleepless in Seattle)

93. Remember back before Russell Crowe, before all the terrible career moves? Hanging Up? Against the Ropes? I mean, I can forgive In the Cut (Jane Champion did wonders for Holly Hunter, after all), but come on Meg, you haven't made a watchable movie since your last teaming with Hanks.

That said, Ryan, well, she was once America's unsung everywoman, and there was no more quintessential romantic than Sleepless in Seattle. The role of Annie, the lady stuck in love, but longing for something more, is achingly beautiful. It's a testament to Ryan that you never think that she's a crazy person (pining after a guy from a radio program), but you can't help but root for the make believe. It's a charming, lovely film and there's no one better in it than Ryan (not even the beloved Hanks). The best scenes are when she's hiding in a closet, after listening to Hanks on the radio. An actor hasn't that good of chemistry with a machine since 2001: A Space Odyssey. The reason she's on this list, as opposed to the dozens of other comedic actresses of the 1990's (though there are at least a couple coming up, so those worried about an America's Sweetheart battle, there's still a few more rounds), is the vulnerability that she exudes. You can never quite tell where she's headed, whether she'll take the safe route, or she'll head to the top of that glowing New York skyscraper.

There's no better film festival than When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and You've Got Mail (no Joe v. the Volcano, no dramatic Courage Under Fire) when it comes to this bubbly blonde. Ryan is best when she's pining and in love and adorable-remember what a fine actress she was, and how desperately you wish she'd mount a comeback.