- Movie: The Big Lebowski
- Director: Joel Coen
- Year Released: 1998
There's no way a viewer could imagine anyone other than Jeff Bridges playing the role of "The Dude" in The Big Lebowski. Bridges brought a personal touch to the role by wearing many of his own clothes, including the now-famous jelly sandals. This choice added an authentic, laid-back vibe to the character. Interestingly, the Dude is not purely a work of fiction; he is based on a real person. Bridges would also reportedly ask the Coen brothers if the dude was high in each specific scene that he did. If they responded with a "yes," he would rub his knuckles across his eyes giving them a slightly bloodshot look just before filming.
- 1st Movie Appearance: Raiders of the Lost Ark
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Year Released: 1981
Harrison Ford, who famously portrays the adventurous archaeologist Indiana Jones, wasn't the original choice for the role. Initially, Tom Selleck was cast to don the fedora and whip, but he had to step down due to his commitment to the TV series Magnum, P.I. This unexpected change led to Ford's iconic performance. One of the most memorable moments in the film, where Indiana Jones nonchalantly shoots a flamboyant swordsman, was actually improvised. This spontaneous decision added a unique touch to the character and has since become one of the most talked-about scenes in movie history.
- Movie: Misery
- Director: Rob Reiner
- Year Released: 1990
Kathy Bates delivered a memorable performance as Annie Wilkes in the film Misery. The performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1991. This achievement was particularly notable as it marked the first time a woman had won an Oscar for a performance in a horror film. The movie, based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, captivated audiences with its intense storyline and Bates' chilling portrayal of the obsessive fan.
- Movie: Goodfellas
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Year Released: 1990
Ray Liotta played Henry Hill in the seminal gangster film Goodfellas. Liotta initially had reservations about accepting the role. At the time, Liotta was relatively unknown and concerned that he might be overshadowed by the film's more established stars, including Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. Goodfellas is based on the true story of Henry Hill and his life in the mob, offering a gritty and compelling look into the world of organized crime. Despite his initial hesitations, Liotta's performance became a defining moment in his career and is one of his most famous roles to this day.
- Movie: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
- Director: Mel Stuart
- Year Released: 1971
Gene Wilder's performance as Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is legendary, in part due to his insistence on performing the famous somersault scene during his character's introduction. Wilder believed that this unexpected move would set the perfect tone for Willy Wonka, leaving the audience unsure whether the character was trustworthy or not. It is also reported that Wilder improvised a more intense yelling scene accusing Charlie of cheating in order to get a genuine reaction out of Peter Ostrum, who played young Charlie.
- 1st Movie Appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
- Director: George Lucas
- Year Released: 1977
Carrie Fisher is widely recognized for her iconic role as Princess Leia in Star Wars. She was a multifaceted talent in the film industry. Beyond her on-screen presence, she was an accomplished script doctor, lending her uncredited expertise to enhance the scripts of several notable movies, including Hook, Sister Act, and The Wedding Singer. Star Wars itself was a monumental success, becoming the highest-grossing film of its time and launching a media franchise empire. Leia became an archetype for independent (and fiesty) female lead characters on screen.
- 1st Movie Appearance: Die Hard
- Director: John McTiernan
- Year Released: 1988
Bruce Willis, known for his iconic role as John McClane in the Die Hard series, was actually the second choice for the part. The role was initially offered to Frank Sinatra because of a contractual obligation stemming from a previous film. However, Sinatra declined the offer, paving the way for Willis to step into the role that would become a defining moment in his career. The movie itself is based on the novel Nothing Lasts Forever by Roderick Thorp, which provided the gripping storyline that captivated audiences and set the stage for one of the most memorable action franchises in film history.
- 1st Movie Appearance: The Godfather
- Director: Francis Ford Coppola
- Year Released: 1972
Michael Corleone is not only one of Al Pacino's most famous roles, he is also one of the most famous characters in American cinema. Pacino wasn't the studio's first choice for the role in The Godfather series. Director Francis Ford Coppola had to fight to cast him, as the studio initially preferred more established actors such as Robert Redford or Warren Beatty. Despite the initial hesitation, Pacino's performance became truly synonymous with the role and helped to provide a basis for a long and award-winning acting career.
- 1st Movie Appearance: Rocky
- Director: John G. Avildsen
- Year Released: 1976
Sylvester Stallone stars as Rocky Balboa and wrote the screenplay for the original Rocky movie in an impressive three and a half days. This rapid burst of creativity led to the creation of one of cinema's most popular characters and a film that features a famous image of Rocky running up the steps of the Philadelphia Musuem of Art. The scene has become so memorable that a statue of Rocky was commissioned to be placed at the bottom of the "Rocky Steps" and sneaker imprints in the concrete at the top of the steps.
- 1st Movie Appearance: Basic Instinct
- Director: Paul Verhoeven
- Year Released: 1992
Sharon Stone delivered a memorable performance as Catherine Tramell in the film Basic Instinct. The role earned her a nomination for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. One of the most talked-about moments from the movie is Stone's leg-crossing scene, which has since become iconic in popular culture. Her portrayal of the enigmatic and seductive character left a lasting impression on audiences and solidified as one of Hollywood's most engaging on-screen villains.
- Movie: Gone with the Wind
- Director: Victor Fleming
- Year Released: 1939
Clark Gable brought Rhett Butler to life in Gone with the Wind's screen adaptation. He initially had reservations about taking on the role. He felt that he might not be the right fit and was particularly worried about meeting the high expectations of the novel's devoted fans. Despite his initial reluctance, Gable's performance became legendary, contributing to the film's monumental success. Gone with the Wind remains the highest-grossing film of all time when adjusted for inflation, a testament to its enduring popularity and cultural impact.
- 1st Movie Appearance: The Terminator
- Director: James Cameron
- Year Released: 1984
Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator is one of the most quoted characters from film. He was initially considered for a different part in the iconic film. The producers originally saw him as a potential fit for the character of Kyle Reese. However, after reading the script, Schwarzenegger found himself more drawn to the role of the Terminator. His interest in the titular role ultimately led to his casting as the relentless cyborg, a decision that would become a defining moment in his acting career.
- 1st Movie Appearance: The Terminator
- Director: James Cameron
- Year Released: 1984
Linda Hamilton is perhaps most well-known for her iconic role as Sarah Connor in The Terminator and its sequel films. She dedicated herself to an intense physical regimen to authentically portray the battle-hardened character. She underwent rigorous weightlifting sessions and weapons training, coupled with a strict diet, to achieve her muscular physique. Following her performances, the character of Sarah Connor has become one of the leading examples of strong female roles on film.
- 1st Movie Appearance: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
- Director: Gore Verbinski
- Year Released: 2003
Johnny Depp's portrayal of the iconic character Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl drew significant inspiration from rock legend Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones. Depp based much of Sparrow's mannerisms and behavior on Richards, infusing the character with a unique blend of swagger and eccentricity that has become synonymous with the swashbuckling pirate. This creative choice added a distinctive flair to the role, making Jack Sparrow one of the most memorable characters in modern cinema. In fact, Depp was nominated for Best Actor at that year's Academy Awards, a rare acting nomination for a summer blockbuster film.
- Movie: Tombstone
- Director: George P. Cosmatos
- Year Released: 1993
Val Kilmer, who took on the role of Doc Holliday in the movie Tombstone, went to great lengths to bring authenticity to his character. He practiced with famed dialect coach Tim Monich to perfect Holliday's distinctive Southern drawl. Once he had the voice, Kilmer says the mannerisms evolved out of that. How slowing and precisely he spoke. How condescending the speach was. This meticulous preparation paid off, as Kilmer's portrayal of the infamous gunslinger is often cited as the standout performance in the film.
- 1st Movie Appearance: The Silence of Lambs
- Director: Jonathan Demme
- Year Released: 1991
Anthony Hopkins delivered a chilling performance as Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs, earning him the Academy Award for Best Actor. Remarkably, Hopkins achieved this accolade with just around 16 minutes of screen time, a testament to the impact of his portrayal. The film itself is notable for its sweeping success at the Oscars, securing the 'Big Five' awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay. This accomplishment is even more rare as The Silence of the Lambs is the only horror film to ever win Best Picture.
- Movie: Goodfellas
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Year Released: 1990
Joe Pesci's portrayal of Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas was inspired by the real-life mobster Thomas DeSimone. He was notorious for his violent and unpredictable behavior. Pesci's intense and memorable performance in the film earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The movie itself is based on the life of Henry Hill, a former mobster who eventually entered the Witness Protection Program to escape the dangerous world he once thrived in.
- 1st Movie Appearance: The Matrix
- Directors: The Wachowskis
- Year Released: 1999
Keanu Reeves, known for his role as Neo in The Matrix, made a remarkable gesture by donating a significant portion of his earnings from the film to the special effects and costume design teams. He recognized the crucial contributions these teams made to the movie's success. One of the most iconic scenes in the film, the 'bullet-dodging' sequence, required an impressive setup of 120 cameras to capture the groundbreaking visual effects. This dedication to both the craft and the people behind the scenes highlights the collaborative effort that went into creating such a memorable film.
- Movie: Forrest Gump
- Director: Robert Zemeckis
- Year Released: 1994
Tom Hanks made the character Forrest Gump famous, but he was not the original choice for the role. The part was initially offered to John Travolta, who ultimately turned it down. Interestingly, Hanks made a unique financial decision regarding his compensation for the film. Rather than taking a traditional salary, he opted for a percentage of the movie's profits. This choice turned out to be quite lucrative, given the film's massive success.
- 1st Movie Appearance: Back to the Future
- Director: Robert Zemeckis
- Year Released: 1985
Did you know that Michael J. Fox, who famously portrayed Marty McFly in Back to the Future, wasn't the original actor cast for the role? Initially, Eric Stoltz was chosen and even filmed several scenes as Marty. However, due to creative differences, the filmmakers decided to replace Stoltz with Fox, a decision that ultimately shaped the iconic character we know today. Interestingly, the journey to bring Back to the Future to the big screen wasn't smooth sailing either. The movie's script faced numerous rejections, being turned down over 40 times before finally being accepted. Despite these early challenges, the film went on to become a beloved classic.
- 1st Movie Appearance: Crocodile Dundee
- Director: Peter Faiman
- Year Released: 1986
Paul Hogan is best known for his iconic role as Michael "Crocodile" Dundee. He not only starred in the film but also co-wrote the screenplay for Crocodile Dundee, the first film in the franchise. His work on the screenplay earned him a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. The sleeper hit remains the highest grossing Australian production to this day, even when not adjusting for inflation.
- 1st Movie Appearance: Ironman
- Director: Jon Favreau
- Year Released: 2008
Robert Downey Jr. ortrays Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. An unscripted moment at the end of the first Iron Man movie has now become emblematic of the series. The line "I am Iron Man" was improvised by Downey Jr. and was not part of the original script. The first Iron Man movie effectively kickstarted the expansive interconnected film franchise.
- 1st Movie Appearance: Escape From New York
- Director: John Carpenter
- Year Released: 1981
Snake Plissken is th protagonist from the movies Escape from New York and Escape from L.A. The eyepatch that became Snake's signature look wasn't in the original script. It was actually Kurt Russell's idea. For those who are big gamers, the character of Solid Snake from Metal Gear Solid is based on Snake Plissken from the Escape from...movies.
- 1st Movie Appearance: First Blood
- Director: Ted Kotcheff
- Year Released: 1982
Sylvester Stallone shows up twice on this list. The actor famously portrays the iconic John Rambo and also wrote the screenplay for the first film of in the franchise, First Blood. Stallone's involvement didn't stop there; he played a significant role in shaping the character of Rambo throughout the entire series. Interestingly, the character of John Rambo was inspired by a real-life soldier.
- 1st Movie Appearance: Home Alone
- Director: Chris Columbus
- Year Released: 1990
Macaulay Culkin is perhaps best known for his iconic role as Kevin McCallister in Home Alone. He made history as the first child actor to earn $1 million for a film. This milestone came with his role in My Girl, which followed the massive success of Home Alone. Culkin's talent was evident not just in his performances but also in his ability to improvise lines, adding a unique touch to his characters and contributing to the memorable nature of his roles.
- Movie: Shawshank Redemption
- Director: Frank Darabont
- Year Released: 1994
Tim Robbins portrayed Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption. He took his role to heart by learning how to carve chess pieces for the scenes where his character is shown whittling them. The film itself is an adaptation of a Stephen King novella. The realist, crime fiction genre of the novella and film is one that is unusual for King, who is best known for his works of horror fiction. The novella is considered by critics to be one of King's best works. Additionally, the film adaptation has gone on to be cited as one of the best films of all time.
- 1st Movie Appearance: John Wick
- Director: Chad Stahelski
- Year Released: 2014
Keanu Reeves stars as the titular character in the John Wick series. In the films, Reeves performed approximately 90% of his own stunts. This includes many of the intense fight scenes and complex driving sequences that have become a hallmark of the franchise. Reeves also powered through the nightclub fight scene in John Wick despite battling a 103-degree fever. Those on set were amazed by his dedication and professionalism to continue shooting take after take and not to delay production for everyone.
- Movie: The Dark Knight
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Year Released: 2008
Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight earned him widespread acclaim and is often cited as one of the most memorable performances in film history. His chilling and transformative take on the iconic villain captivated audiences and critics alike. Tragically, Ledger passed away before the film's release, but his extraordinary work did not go unrecognized. He was posthumously awarded the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, making him one of only two actors to receive an Oscar after his death.
- 1st Movie Appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
- Director: George Lucas
- Year Released: 1977
James Earl Jones wasn't originally credited for voicing Darth Vader in the first two Star Wars films. This wasn't due to producer or director decisions. Jones himself actually declined to have his name appear in the credits because he didn't think he had done enough to deserve credit (simply providing a voice). David Prowse, a bodybuilder and weightlifter, was the physical role of the imposing figure of Darth Vader. In Return of the Jedi (the 3rd film of the original trilogy), Vader's face is shown when his mask is removed. That actor, however is Sebastian Shaw. So three different actors contributed to bringing Vader to the big screen in the original 1970s trilogy films.
- 1st Movie Appearance: Back to the Future
- Director: Robert Zemeckis
- Year Released: 1985
Christopher Lloyd portrayed Doc Brown in Back to the Future. He drew inspiration for his character's eccentric mannerisms and wild hair from two iconic figures: Albert Einstein and conductor Leopold Stokowski. Lloyd was initially hesitant to take on the role, as he was considering more "serious" acting opportunities, including a chance to take a stage acting role off-Broadway. Director Robert Zemeckis convinced him to take on the more comedic role of Doc, and the rest is history.
- Movie: Napolean Dynamite
- Director: Jared Hess
- Year Released: 2004
Jon Heder, the actor who brought the quirky character Napoleon Dynamite to life, was initially paid just $1,000 for his role in the film. Despite the modest compensation, the movie went on to become a cult classic, gaining significant popularity and success. Recognizing the film's impact and his pivotal role in it, Heder later renegotiated his compensation to better reflect the movie's achievements and his contribution to its success.
- 1st Movie Appearance: Blade
- Director: Stephen Norrington
- Year Released: 1998
Wesley Snipes famously portrayed the vampire hunter Blade in the Blade trilogy. Snipes is not just an accomplished actor but also a highly skilled martial artist. He holds black belts in multiple disciplines, including Shotokan Karate and Hapkido. To bring authenticity to his role as Blade, Snipes underwent extensive martial arts training, leveraging his existing expertise to deliver compelling and realistic fight scenes. These dynamic martial arts-based action sequences are what the Blade movies are known for.
- 1st Movie Appearance: X-Men
- Director: Bryan Singer
- Year Released: 2000
Hugh Jackman portrays Wolverine in the X-Men series. He holds the Guinness World Record for the longest career as a live-action Marvel superhero. His tenure spans an impressive 24 years, beginning with his first appearance in X-Men in 2000 and continuing through his performance in Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024. The success of these films not only cemented Jackman's legacy but also contributed significantly to the long-running X-Men film series and the broader expansion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- Movie: Dirty Dancing
- Director: Emile Ardolino
- Year Released: 1987
Jennifer Grey is perhaps best known for her role as Frances "Baby" Houseman in the beloved film Dirty Dancing. Grey comes from a family with a rich acting heritage. She is the daughter of Joel Grey, an acclaimed actor who has won an Academy Award. Dirty Dancing itself is celebrated not just for its memorable performances and dance sequences, but also for its music. The film's signature song, "(I've Had) The Time of My Life," won an Academy Award for Best Original Song, further cementing the movie's place in cinematic history.
- Movie: Rocky Horror Picture Show
- Director: Jim Sharman
- Year Released: 1975
Tim Curry is an actor with incredible range and a large body of work. However, one of his most renowned roles was that of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. He originally brought the character to life on stage in the West End musical that the film is based on. He captivated audiences in both the London and New York Broadway productions before the story was adapted into the now-cult classic film. The movie has extremely dedicated fans who celebrate the film with enthusiastic midnight screenings that are interactive and raucous.
- 1st Movie Appearance: Smokey and the Bandit
- Director: Hal Needham
- Year Released: 1977
Burt Reynolds took on the role of Bo "the Bandit" Darville in Smokey and the Bandit in 1977. Reynolds brought an extra layer of authenticity to the film by performing many of his own stunts. His real-life skills as a stuntman and his passion for high-speed car chases were on full display throughout the film's thrilling action sequences. The celebrated car chase scenes and impressive stunts are due to director Hal Needham, who was Burt Reynold's stunt double in several films before he decided to take his hand at directing.
- 1st Movie Appearance: A Fistful of Dollars
- Director: Sergio Leone
- Year Released: 1966
While the character portrayed by Clint Eastwood in the "Dollars Trilogy" is most famously known as "The Man With No Name," the character actually did have a name. In fact, he had three different names across all three films. The three films in order are A Fistful of Dollars; For a Few Dollars More; and The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Eastwood's character is referred to as Joe, Manco, and Blondie in each film, respectively. It was United Artists, the distributor of the films, who came up with the concept of marketing the character as "The Man With No Name." This was done after the films were made, so prints had to be literally trimmed where they mentioned Eastwood's character name. In each film of the trilogy, he wore the same poncho to maintain continuity and authenticity in his character's appearance. Remarkably, he never washed the poncho, ensuring that the gritty, rugged look remained consistent.
- 1st Movie Appearance: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
- Director: Peter Jackson
- Year Released: 2001
Like many of the actors on this list, Ian McKellen has a long and storied filmography filled with many memorable characters. Yet his most recognizable role worldwide is from the successful Lord of the Rings film series. McKellen drew heavily from his extensive experience as a stage actor to bring the character to life. His work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, in particular, influenced his depiction of Gandalf's wisdom and demeanor. The trilogy itself is an adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy novels, which have captivated readers for generations with their rich storytelling and intricate world-building. With all the success the series of films has received, it's uniquely impressive that the only acting Oscar nomination the films ever received was for McKellen's performance.
- 1st Movie Appearance: Dr. No
- Director: Terence Young
- Year Released: 1962
Sean Connery's most famous onscreen performance is his origination of the James Bond character. He first played Bond in Dr. No. Connery was initially hesitant to take on the role. Despite his reluctance, his performance became synonymous with the character and still sets the bar for future actors who take on the Bond role as the series continues into the future. The James Bond franchise itself is one of the longest-running film series in history, continuing well beyond half a century.
- 1st Movie Appearance: Alien
- Director: Ridley Scott
- Year Released: 1979
Sigourney Weaver has made a name for herself in the Sci-Fi genre, especially for playing independent female roles. The one that put her on the Hollywood map was her portrayal of Ellen Ripley in the Alien series. In 1986, she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress, making her one of the first actors to receive an Oscar nomination for a role in a science fiction film (Aliens). This recognition highlighted the impact of her performance and the genre's potential for critical acclaim. Adding to the film's distinctiveness, H.R. Giger's designs for the alien have become one of the most recognizable monsters in cinema history.
- 1st Movie Appearance: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
- Director: Chris Columbus
- Year Released: 2001
Daniel Radcliffe received a life-defining role when he was only 11 years old. He was chosen to play Harry Potter in the film adaptation of the immensely popular book series by J.K. Rowling. He was discovered by the film's producer, David Heyman. Heyman first noticed Radcliffe's talent when he saw him in a BBC adaptation of David Copperfield and was impressed by his performance. The movies went on to become one of the highest-grossing film series of all time, with box office receipts totaling over $7 billion.
