35 Unforgettable Movie Roles Every Movie Buff Should Be Able To Match To The Actor
- by Jessica Rae
- – on
- in Movies and TV
Hollywood is a tough place to make it big so actors who are serious about working their way up the ranks need to be careful when it comes to accepting new roles. In the beginning, they might not be able to be fussy but if the movies that they appear in flop at the box office it usually means bad things for their careers. When it comes to acting it's all about picking the right roles, the ones that will bring them the recognition they need to rise up to stardom.
However, sometimes even when an actor or actress manages to land an iconic role in a hit movie their career still stagnates. In some cases, they might become typecast in a certain type of role and in other cases, they get work but never achieve the same kind of recognition again. Macaulay Culkin is a prime example; after the Home Alone movies in 1990's he was one of the most recognizable faces in the world, but his career never reached such a high point again.
Landing an iconic role can be a double-edged sword but that's a risk most actors are willing to take in order to achieve the immortality that comes with portraying such characters.
Which actress played the role of Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family?
Her role as the morbid-but loveable Wednesday Addams proved to be a breakout role for this actress and helped to launch her career. In the 90's she was considered to be a teen idol and continued to land roles in movies like Now and Then and Casper before moving to more adult roles such as Sleepy Hollow and Monster. She also won an Emmy Award for her role as a medic in the hit TV drama Grey's Anatomy. Who is she?
Which actor played the role of Forrest in Forrest Gump?
When it comes to choosing roles this actor knows how to make smart decisions. He's well known for taking on many memorable characters but this is probably his most famous one to date. Fans might also remember him from his roles in romcoms like Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail or as an astronaut in Apollo 13. He also played the character marooned on a deserted island in Castaway and voiced Sheriff Woody in the Toy Story film series. Who is he?
Which actress played the role of Vivian in Pretty Woman?
In this movie, a prostitute (Vivian) meets a wealthy businessman who falls head over heels in love with her despite the fact that they are worlds apart. The film was wildly successful and went on to become the third highest-grossing film of 1990. The character Vivian was played by an actress who is well known for her roles in romantic comedies. She's also an Academy Award-winning actress, she picked up the award for Best Actress for her performance in the drama film Erin Brockovich. What is her name?
Which actor played the role of Patrick Bateman in American Psycho?
Although it seems impossible to think of any other actor playing the role of Patrick Bateman it came close to happening. Yes, that's right, the role of Patrick was originally meant to be played by Leonardo DiCaprio but he pulled out of the project to film The Beach instead. Perhaps it's just as well because although he's a great actor no-one could have pulled off Patrick the way that this guy did! Which actor played the role of Patrick Bateman in American Psycho?
Which actor played the role of Norman Bates in Psycho?
In the classic Alfred Hitchcock slasher film Psycho, a secretary, on the run from her boyfriend and the law, makes the fateful decision to stop for the night at the Bates Motel. That's where she meets this guy, the proprietor Norman Bates. Norman is polite towards her but little does she know that she is dealing with a dangerous and twisted man. And we all know what happens when she goes to take that shower...Which actor played the role of Norman Bates in Psycho?
Which actor played the role of Maximus in Gladiator?
In the epic drama, Gladiator, Maximus is a general who ends up being sold into slavery after the emperor's son becomes enraged when he is passed over for his father's right-hand man. He then trains as a gladiator, determined to win his freedom once again. The actor who played the role of Maximus is also known for his roles in films like A Beautiful Mind and Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. Name the actor who plays Maximus.
Which actor plays the role of Ethan Hunt in the Mission Impossible franchise?
Is there anything that Ethan Hunt can't do? Break out of prison? Done it. Save the world? Piece of cake. Scale the side of one of the tallest buildings in the world with magnetic gloves? All in a day's work. The actor who plays the role of IMF agent Ethan Hunt is one the world's highest paid actors and is also well known for his starring roles in movies like Top Gun, Jerry Maguire, and Vanilla Sky. Who is he?
Which actor played the role of Vito Corleone in The Godfather?
The Godfather is considered one of the greatest movies of all times. It received a whopping 10 Academy Award nominations winning for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay. The actor who played the role of the Don in The Godfather was also well known for his roles in films like A Streetcar Named Desire, On the Waterfront, Last Tango in Paris, and Apocalypse Now, and was considered one of the most talented actors of his generation. Which actor played the role of Vito Corleone in The Godfather?
Which actress played the role of Regan in The Exorcist?
This actress beat out 600 other hopefuls to play the role of Regan in the cult classic horror flick The Exorcist. For her role as the possessed girl she was nominated for an Academy Award, just one of ten nominations the film picked up. It went on to win for Best Sound Mixing and Best Adapted Screenplay and was the first horror movie to ever be nominated for Best Picture. Sadly for this actress, her career fizzled out after this performance. Who is she?
Which actor played the role of V in V for Vendetta?
This question is for the real film gurus because this character wears a mask to hide his true identity! But here are a few clues: the actor who played the role of V is also well-known for his portrayal of Agent Smith in the Matrix franchise and Elrond in The Lord of the Rings franchise. In this movie, he plays the part of an anarchist freedom fighter who tries to overthrow an oppressive government regime by committing terrorist acts. Who is the actor that plays V?
Which actor played the role of Edward in Edward Scissorhands?
This actor is well-known for playing off-the-wall characters and has appeared in more than 60 movies. His film credits include Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Carribean franchise, The Mad Hatter in Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, and Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He is one of Hollywood's most famous faces and has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor three times. Which actor played the role of Edward in Edward Scissorhands? Who is he?
Which actress played the role of Nina in Black Swan?
In the 2010 psychological horror film Black Swan, this actress plays the role of a ballerina struggling with mental health issues. When she lands the leading role in a production of Black Swan she pushes herself harder than before because in order to play the Black Swan she needs to get in touch with the darker side of herself. For her role in this movie, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. Which actress played the role of Nina in Black Swan?
Which actress played the role of Maggie in Million Dollar Baby?
The actress who played the role of Maggie in Million Dollar Baby won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as a waitress-turned boxing champ-turned quadriplegic. But this wasn't her first Academy Award, just five years before she also picked up Best Actress for her role in Boys Don't Cry. Movie lovers may also recognize her from films like The Gift, The Core, Insomnia, and The Homesman. Which actress played the role of Maggie in Million Dollar Baby?
Which actor played the role of Tony Montana in Scarface?
When Scarface was released in 1983 it was initially met with a wave of disapproval from movie-goers who were too shocked at the graphic violence, language and drug use portrayed in the film to enjoy the story. However, over time, the film has become a cult classic. In this movie, a young Cuban refugee arrives in Miami with nothing to call his own but through sheer grit and determination becomes one of the city's most powerful underworld kingpins. Who played the role of Tony Montana in Scarface?
Which actor played the role of Frank Drebin in the Naked Gun film series?
The actor who played the goofy Frank Drebin in the Naked Gun film series enjoyed a prolific acting career appearing in more than 100 movies during his lifetime. Although this was one of his most memorable roles he's also remembered for his work in movies like Airplane!, Dracula: Dead and Loving It, 2001: A Space Travesty, and Scary Movie 3 and 4. He was known for his deadpan comedic delivery and for playing absurd characters. Who was the actor who played the role of Frank Drebin in the Naked Gun film series?
Which actress played the role of Aileen Wuornos in Monster?
It's not always easy for an actor or actress to play the role of a complex fictional character but it's even more challenging to take on the persona of a real-life person. But that was exactly what this South African actress did when she played the role of Aileen Wuornos in the gritty 2003 film Monster. She's also known for her roles in films like Atomic Blonde, Snow White and the Huntsman, and Mad Max: Fury Road. Who is she?
Which actor played the role of Morpheus in The Matrix trilogy?
In the hit cyberpunk film franchise The Matrix, this actor played the role of Morpheus, the man who helps Neo to discover his true purpose by releasing him from the dream world in which he's been enslaved his entire life. Although he's best known for his role in these films movie-goers will also remember him from films like Boyz n the Hood, Apocaplyse Now, and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. He also played Dr. Raymond Langston in the TV show CSI from 2008 until 2011. Who is he?
Which actor played the role of John in John Wick?
John Wick was a retired hitman who wanted to be left alone to mourn the death of his wife and spend time with the puppy that she arranged to have delivered to him after she passed. That's not too much to ask for, is it? When he refuses to sell his vintage car to a trio of Russian gangsters they break into his home, steal the car, and kill his dog, forcing him to take revenge. Which actor played the role of John in John Wick?
Which actor played the role of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films?
Before rising to prominence as the insufferable Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series this actor had small roles in films like The Borrowers and Anna and the King. Following the release of the last HP film, he's appeared in movies like Rise of the Planet of the Apes, The Apparition, Belle, and Risen. Surely it's just a matter of time before he gets his own starring role! Which actor played the role of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films?
Which actress played the role of Mia Wallace in Pulp Fiction?
Mia Wallace was definitely the kind of girl we wanted to take out on a date. As long as we could keep her away from any illegal substances that is! Considering that she was the wife of a powerful gangster she wasn't the type of girl we wanted to get into trouble with, but let's face, she knew how to have a good time! The actress who played Mia in Pulp Fiction also starred as The Bride in Kill Bill Vol 1 and 2. Who is she?
Which actor played the role of Wade Wilson in Deadpool?
In the Deadpool movies, Wade Wilson is a man who develops superhero powers after a rogue experiment but it also leaves him disfigured and deformed. The actor who plays the role of Wade AKA Deadpool is known for his sense of humor and skill when it comes to playing comedic characters. Moviegoers will also remember him from films like National Lampoon's Van Wilder, Blade: Trinity, and Green Lantern. Which actor played the role of Wade Wilson in Deadpool? Who is he?
Which actor played the role of Arthur Dent in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy?
Imagine how confused Arthur Dent must have been when his best friend, Ford, revealed himself to be an alien? Although in this story it worked out quite well for him as Ford was able to help him escape Earth before the Vogons destroyed it. The actor who played the role of the bubbling yet sweet Arthur is also well known for his role as Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit film franchise and for playing Tim Canterbury in the UK version of The Office. Who is he?
Which actor played the role of Ace in Ace Ventura?
In this classic 90's comedy Ace Ventura is a pet detective, a wacky man who makes an income by finding and recovering lost pets. He hits the big time when a major football team discovers their dolphin mascot Snowflake has been stolen and hire Ace to track down those responsible. The film helped to launch this notable comedic actor's career and since then he's appeared in a number of films including The Mask, The Number 23, The Truman Show, and Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. Who is he?
Which actress played the role of Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs?
In The Silence of the Lambs, Clarice Starling is an FBI trainee who is assigned to interview notorious serial killer/cannibal Dr. Hannibal Lecter. She hopes to try and gain his insight into the mind of another killer who the FBI is trying to capture before he kills again. The film was a massive success and went on to win Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Adapted Screenplay. Which actress played the role of Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs?
Who played the role of Lester Burnham in American Beauty?
Many people found it easy to identify with the main character, Lester Burnham, in the 1999 drama American Beauty. He was a man who was deeply unhappy with his life, stuck in a dead-end job with a wife who was more obsessed with herself than anything else. And what we loved most about him was the fact that he actually did something about it. The actor who played the role of Lester also enjoyed roles in notable films such as Seven, The Usual Suspects, K-PAX, and Baby Driver.
Which actress played the role of Amy Dunne in Gone Girl?
In this 2014 erotic thriller, cheating husband Nick Dunne finds himself as the prime suspect in his wife's mysterious disappearance. Of course what he doesn't realize is that his wife Amy is framing him in an elaborate scheme that she's been working on for some time. The actress who played the role of Amy received high praise for her portrayal picking up nominations for the Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actress. Who is she?
Which actor played the role of Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood?
The actor who portrayed oil tycoon Daniel Plainview in this movie is considered one of the most acclaimed actors of all time. He is the only actor to ever win three Academy Awards for Best Actor; for his performances in My Left Foot, There Will Be Blood, and Lincoln. There Will Be Blood was a highly successful film and was nominated for eight Academy Awards of which it won in two categories. Which actor played the role of Daniel Plainview in this movie?
Which actor played the role of Doc Brown in the Back to the Future film series?
The actor who played the crazy-but-loveable Dr. Emment Brown AKA Doc Brown in the Back to the Future franchise made his screen debut in 1975 when he played a minor role in the drama film One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Movie fans will also remember him as the scary Judge Doom in Who Framed Roger Rabbit and as Uncle Fester in The Addams Family. Which actor played the role of Doc Brown in the Back to the Future film series?
Which actor played the role of Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men?
When Llewelyn Moss came across the aftermath of a drug deal gone wrong (and a cool $2 million dollars) he had no idea of the kind of man who went be sent to hunt him for the money. That would be this guy: Anton Chigurh. Chigurh was a cold sociopathic man determined to finish the job no matter the cost. No Country for Old Men won four Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay. Which actor played the role of Anton Chigurh in this movie?
Which actor played the role of Ron Burgundy in Anchorman?
Successful TV anchorman Ron Burgandy is living the good life; he's famous and well-respected and gets to do what he loves every day, which is to bring people the news. A new girl arrives on the scene and soon he is smitten with her but his feelings change drastically when she is assigned to be his co-anchor. Moviegoers will also remember the actor who played Ron from movies like Talladega Nights, Blades of Glory, and Zoolander. Which actor played the role of Ron Burgundy in Anchorman?
Which actor played the role of Jim Levenstein in American Pie?
Jim Levenstein became a memorable movie character for one reason: that thing he did with the apple pie! This character one was we could all identify with as he struggled with teen problems in the hit movie series American Pie. The actor who played Jim also starred in films like Loser and Saving Silverman and appeared in the TV show Orange is the New Black as Larry Bloom, Piper's writer boyfriend. Which actor played the role of Jim Levenstein in American Pie?
Which actor played the role of Ferris in Ferris Bueller's Day Off?
This actor began his career on stage before landing his first major film role in WarGames where he played the role of David Lightman, a Seattle teen hacker. His next big role was that of the wise-cracking Ferris Bueller in 1986 film Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The film was one of the highest grossing in that year and has gone on to become a cult classic. Which actor played the role of Ferris in Ferris Bueller's Day Off? What is his name?
Which actor played the role of Tyler Durden in Fight Club?
This actor has appeared in more than 65 movies, starting with his breakout role as a sexy hitchhiker/thief in the 1991 chick flick Thelma & Louise. Movie lovers will also remember his notable performances in movies like Meet Joe Black, Interview with the Vampire, Legends of the Fall, Ocean's Eleven, Troy and Inglourious Basterds. In the cult classic film Fight Club, he plays the role of Tyler Durden, a man who befriends the unnamed protagonist and helps him form an underground boxing club. Who is he?
Which actress played the role of Bridget in the Bridget Jones film series?
Movie lovers will also remember this actress from her role as Dorothy Boyd in Jerry Maguire, Beatrix Potter in Miss Potter, Roxie Hart in Chicago, and Ruby Thewes in Cold Mountain (a role which won her the Academy Award, the BAFTA Award, the Golden Globe Award, and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actress). In the Bridget Jones franchise, she plays the lead role of Bridget, a 30-something woman struggling to find the perfect man. Which actress played this memorable character?
Which actor played the role of Christian Grey in the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy?
Christian Grey was a little like an onion in the Fifty Shades of Grey movie trilogy; just when you thought you had seen all his layers, there was more. The storyline followed a young college graduate named Anastasia who enters into a sadomasochistic relationship with the sexy and super successful businessman; Christian. Before the actor who played Christian achieved worldwide fame for his role in these erotic movies, he had small roles in films like Marie Antoinette and Shadows in the Sun. Who is he?