John Grisham's novel "The Firm" was a massive hit in 1991, and its movie adaptation was not only the best Grisham adaptation, but the best lawyer movie of the entire decade; featuring a stellar cast led by a young Tom Cruise.
'A Life Less Ordinary' was Danny Boyle and Ewan McGregor's follow-up to 'Trainspotting,' and while it wasn't nearly the hit that was, it led to a lot of subsequent success for everyone involved.