Sharon Stone is a well known American actress who has been on the Hollywood scene for decades. She rose to fame and changed her career in the 1990s with her iconic role in the thriller film Basic Instinct, where she captivated audiences with her mesmerizing performance. Since then, Stone has continued to showcase her versatility as an actress, taking on a wide range of roles in both film and television. Her talent and charisma have made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, and she has garnered numerous accolades throughout her career.
Sharon Stone’s career was heavily impacted for some time after having a stroke in 2001, but she made a triumphant return to the screen in the mid-2000s. Despite facing physical and emotional challenges, Stone's determination and resilience have been evident in her subsequent performances. Her portrayal of a ruthless casino owner in Martin Scorsese's Casino earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination. Even Stone herself thinks Casino was the best performance of her career and it further strengthened her status as a powerhouse in Hollywood. Throughout her career, a handful of Sharon Stone's movies have earned over $100 million at the box office worldwide, according to The Numbers.
6 Sharon Stone - Basic Instinct - $353 Million - Lead Role
Basic Instinct is a very well known movie starring Sharon Stone about a seductive and manipulative crime novelist named Catherine Tramell. Released in 1992, this erotic thriller garnered immense attention for its provocative storyline and explicit scenes, which pushed the boundaries of mainstream cinema at the time.
Sharon Stone's portrayal of Tramell was both mesmerizing and controversial, solidifying her status as a sex symbol and propelling her into international stardom.
Paul Verhoeven's Basic Instinct is still a fascinating and divisive movie that enthralls viewers with its intricate plot twists and unforgettable performances. The most controversial issue with Basic Instinct was its portrayal of bisexuality and the negative stereotypes associated with it. The character of Catherine Tramell was not only depicted as a sexually liberated and seductive woman, but also as someone who used her bisexuality as a tool for manipulation and deceit.
This portrayal sparked heated debates about the representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in mainstream media and the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes. Critics argued that the film reinforced the idea that bisexuality was a form of deviance or a means to manipulate others, rather than a valid sexual orientation. Sharon Stone actually slapped the director after watching it for the first time, and wanted to have it canceled. In the end, the movie was not canceled, Sharon Stone was paid $500,000, and was able to keep the wardrobe from the film.
5 Sharon Stone - Total Recall - $261 Million - Lead Role
In the movie Total Recall, Sharon Stone plays the role of Lori Quaid, the wife of Arnold Schwarzenegger's Douglas Quaid, the main character. Lori is a complex and multifaceted character who adds depth and intrigue to the storyline.
She initially appears to be a loving and supportive wife, but as the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that there is more to her than meets the eye. Stone's portrayal of Lori is both captivating and chilling, as she seamlessly transitions between different facets of her character's personality.
4 Sharon Stone - The Specialist - $170 Million - Lead Role
In the movie The Specialist, Sharon Stone plays the character of May Munro, a woman seeking revenge for the deaths of her parents. She hires a bomb expert, played by Sylvester Stallone, to help her carry out her plan. As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed, and the two characters find themselves entangled in a dangerous game of deception and betrayal.
As May Munro and the bomb expert delve deeper into their mission, they discover that there is more to their connection than meets the eye. Their paths had crossed years ago, unbeknownst to them, and now they must confront their shared past in order to achieve their ultimate goal. With each twist and turn, the stakes become higher and the danger intensifies, testing their trust in one another and pushing them to their limits.
3 Sharon Stone - Antz - $152 Million - Lead Role
In the animated movie Antz, Sharon Stone lends her voice to the character of Princess Bala, the beautiful and rebellious ant princess. Bala's character plays a crucial role in the plot, as she becomes the love interest of the main character, Z, voiced by Woody Allen. Their unlikely romance blossoms amidst the backdrop of a totalitarian ant society where conformity and obedience are valued above all else.
Bala, however, is not content with her predetermined fate as a mere pawn in the colony's hierarchy. With her fiery spirit and determination, she challenges the status quo, questioning the oppressive system and longing for a life of freedom and individuality. As the story unfolds, Bala's influence on Z proves pivotal in his own journey of self-discovery and rebellion against the oppressive regime.
2 Sharon Stone - Sliver - $116 Million - Lead Role
The movie Sliver stars Sharon Stone as Carly Norris, a successful book editor who moves into a luxurious apartment building in New York City. The film is a gripping thriller that delves into the dark secrets and hidden desires lurking within the building's walls. As Carly settles into her new home, she quickly becomes entangled in a web of obsession, deceit, and voyeurism that pushes the boundaries of her sanity and safety.
1 Sharon Stone - Casino - $110 Million - Lead Role
In the movie Casino, Sharon Stone portrays a character named Ginger McKenna, who is a glamorous and seductive woman with a troubled past. Ginger is introduced as the love interest of Sam "Ace" Rothstein, played by Robert De Niro, and quickly becomes an integral part of the story. As the film progresses, it becomes clear that Ginger's problematic history continues to haunt her, impacting her relationship with Ace and leading her down a destructive path. Despite her glamorous exterior, Ginger struggles with addiction and a need for validation, which ultimately drives a wedge between her and Ace.
