Top 10 Actors Who Saved Their Careers With ONE SCENE

The Opening Phone Call, Scream (1996)
Believe it or not, Drew Barrymore was considered to have lost her touch by 1996. She was all grown up, her rebellious nature was getting her in trouble, and her movieswell, they were no E.T., lets just say that. But her life and career did a complete 180 in just ten minutes thanks to the iconic opening scene of Scream. Barrymore wowed viewers with her acting chops, and her terrified performance helped place the sequence among the pantheon of all-time horror greats. Barrymores career blossomed almost immediately, landing starring roles in popular rom coms and kicking butt in Charlies Angels. The star was reborn. Ironic, considering what happens to her in the movie

I Am Better Than You, Good Time (2017)
Try as he might to break the stigma, Robert Pattinson was still synonymous with Twilights Edward Cullen. Luckily, Pattinson got the break he was looking for in 2017, starring as Connie Nikas in Good Time. He is excellent throughout the entire film, but the better than you speech is what really solidified Pattinsons performance. Many critics took note of his performance and deemed it a career-best, and he used the movie as a launchpad back into the spotlight.

High Hitchhiker, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)
Harris was a child star in the early 90s, playing the titular doctor in Doogie Howser, M.D. And while he later found work on Broadway, he was no longer the household name he once was. Fast forward to 2004, when Harris climbed into Harolds car and displayed his comedy chops while appearing high as a kite. This scene shifted the publics perception of Harris, changing him from a former child star to a future comedian - indeed, he would star in How I Met Your Mother the very next year.

Maximum Effort, Deadpool (2016)
It seemed like Ryan Reynolds could not catch a break. While he was obviously successful before Deadpool, his career never really shifted into high gear. He also faced a number of significant flops throughout the 2010s, including R.I.P.D. and the infamous Green Lantern. Just when things were looking dour, he turned to the camera as Deadpool, introduced himself in a hilarious fashion, and finally shifted into that elusive high gear. The bridge sequence was a brilliant introduction to a brilliant character, and fans knew immediately that Reynolds was a pitch-perfect casting choice. He was suddenly a worldwide box office bonanza - and eventually a shining beacon in the fading MCU.

The Bus Jump, Speed (1994)
The Bill & Ted actor transitioned into a bona fide action star in 1994. And just in time, too, because his career was on shaky ground. Reeves tried doing some serious work in the early 90s, starring in Bram Stokers Dracula and Much Ado About Nothing, and while both movies were praised, Reevess performances werenot, resulting in a Razzie nom for Worst Supporting Actor. But the famous bus jump in Speed showed that Reeves had a talent, and that was playing strong, level-headed, and daring action heroes. He takes complete command of the deadly situation, and we buy every second of it. And with that, Reeves was a bonafide action man, a role he would later explore to greater depths in The Matrix.

HIV/AIDS Diagnosis, Dallas Buyers Club (2013)
The McConaissance officially began with Dallas Buyers Club and is still going strong to this day. Prior to 2013, Matthew McConaughey was mostly known as a leading man in romantic comedies. Were sure the paychecks were nice, but many people - including McConaughey himself - knew that he had a lot more to give. Well, he let that talent shine in 2013 playing AIDS activist Ron Woodroof. In one devastating sequence, Ron learns that he has the syndrome, and McConaughey unleashes his acting prowess. The scene, and the role at large, won him wide acclaim - not to mention the Oscar for Best Actor. Alright, alright, alright.

Dancing at Jack Rabbit Slims, Pulp Fiction (1994)
Of all the incredible acting that John Travolta has done throughout the decades, hes best known for dancing. He made his career on the disco floor in Saturday Night Fever, and he brought it back on the Jack Rabbit Slims floor in Pulp Fiction. The 80s were a rough time for Travolta, but that rocky decade was wiped away in one quick minute thanks to some groovy moves and one wickedly cool sense of style. Travoltas dance was one of those instantly-iconic scenes that audiences knew would be remembered forever.

The Don, The Godfather (1972)
This performer has one of those careers that every budding actor dreams of. In a filmography full of classics, The Godfather undoubtedly stands out as one of Brandos best. And what scene is more iconic than that opening meeting, with Vito granting wishes on the day of his daughters wedding. Its a staple of pop culture and has remained as such since 1972. And yes, it single handedly revived Brandos career. He had been struggling for over a decade, with his last Oscar nom and box office hit coming in 1958. Paramount executives didnt even want Brando in the movie owing to his long string of bombs. But Coppola insisted, andwell, we know who history has vindicated.

I Am Iron Man, Iron Man (2008)
With those four words, Robert Downey Jr. managed to both save his career and launch the biggest movie event of our time. You certainly couldnt have predicted that in 2000, when he was facing nearly five years in prison for drug-related offenses. Downeys personal issues are Hollywood legend at this point, and his career was truly in the pits. Luckily, he eventually sought help, got sober, and made a miraculous comeback that culminated in Iron Man. He was wonderful throughout the movie, but he really made an impression with that mesmerizing ending. The words speak for his character as well as himself - he is Iron Man, and there will never be another.

I Need to Know, The Whale (2022)
Brendan Fraser, Oscar-winner. It has a nice ring to it. And its one of those beautiful stories that might make a good movie one day. Despite dominating the 90s and early 2000s, Fraser left the spotlight for years. This career slump is largely attributed to his depression, as Fraser suffered a number of personal setbacks. But he came back in full force with The Whale, with his I need to know speech proving particularly famous. It was widely shared on social media and led to the actors first Academy Award. Welcome back, Brendan! We missed you.

Can you think of any other examples? Let us know in the comments below!