Matt Dillon and 'The Outsiders' Cast Members 36 Years after the Movie Premiered

"The Outsiders" started as a book in the late '60s that related to teenagers until it was turned into a Francis Ford Coppola-directed movie 16 years after.

Just like the well-loved novel that revolved around the triumphs and failures of two high school groups who wanted to chase their dream was released, the film stayed true to the storyline of the book.

The message of "The Outsiders" related to teenagers across the globe and had a set of cast members that made it big in Hollywood. Here's a look at their lives after the film premiered.

MATT DILLON

Matt Dillon portrayed one of the movie's main characters, Dallas Winston, who played a bad boy with a good heart.

After "The Outsiders," Dillon continued his career in the industry and went on to become a star in Hollywood with films including "Tex," "Rumble Fish," and "Head Full of Honey."

In 2004, the "Little Darlings" star bagged an Academy Award and a Golden Globe nomination for his film "Crash."

The actor also appeared on both Broadway and television, where he was able to showcase his talent in acting.

THOMAS HOWELL

Prior to the film, Thomas Howell grew to fame for his role in the movie "E.T." The Extra-Terrestrial," which became a hit among kids and adults alike.

Since his portrayal of Ponyboy Curtis, he appeared in the television shoes "SEAL TEAM," "The Terror," "Southland," "Grimm," and "Criminal Minds," where he plays a serial killer.

He also appeared in the films "The Amazing Spider-Man," "Justice League: Gods and Monsters," "Red Dawn," and many others.

RALPH MACCHIO

Ralph Macchio was a hero in the film named Johnny Cade, who saved a bunch of kids from a fire. Sadly, he died doing so.

The actor was most known for the "Karate Kid" franchise but also appeared in the film "My Cousin Vinny," alongside Jim Carrey.

His other popular films include "Crossroads," and she shows "Ugly Betty," "Eight is Enough," and "Dancing With The Stars," where he finished eighth place.

PATRICK SWAYZE

Patrick Swayze was the oldest among the actors in "The Outsider," who played a boy who gave up his dreams to take care of his younger siblings.

However, it was his role after the movie that had people falling for the actor. He starred in "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost."

In 2009, the dancer-actor died after suffering from pancreatic cancer, leaving a legacy in Hollywood with three Golden Globe nominations.

ROB LOWE

Acting in "The Outsiders" was just the beginning of Rob Lowe's career as he reached greater heights soon after in both film and television.

He has since acted in different genres like "Austin Powers," "Parks and Recreations," "The West Wing," "Code Black," "Californication," "St. Elmo's Fire," and "The Grinder."

EMILIO ESTEVEZ

Emilio Estevez had acting running through his veins with his father Martin Sheen and brother Charlie Sheen being in the same industry.

He also starred in "The Breakfast Club," "St. Elmo's Fire," and "The Mighty Ducks," among many other films.

Estevez proved his multi-talentedness in 2006 when he wrote, directed, and acted in the film "Bobby," focusing on the assassination of former senator Robert F. Kennedy.

TOM CRUISE

Everyone probably already knows Tom Cruise made it big in Hollywood, but before his box office films, he played Steve Randle in "The Outsiders."

Although he was not one of the main characters, his career was enough to compensate. Cruise went on to star in "Risky Business," "A Few Good Men," "Top Gun," "Rain Man," and the "Mission Impossible" franchise.

He will hit the big screen again in the coming year for his role as Maverick in the upcoming film "Top Gun: Maverick" film.

DIANE LANE

Diane Lane was the only female with a significant role in "The Outsiders," who plays the girlfriend of Bob. Unlike her other co-stars, Lane's career did not sore as fast.

She appeared in the "Rumble Fish" before becoming more famous in "Unfaithful," "A Perfect Storm," "Cinema Verite," "Under the Tuscan Sun," and recently in the television series "House of Cards."