Top 10 Actors You Forgot Were in Horror Movies

"A Nightmare on Elm Street" (1984)
When it comes to Johnny Depp and horror, the first title that probably springs to mind for many is 1990’s “Edward Scissorhands”. But of course, he actually made his big feature debut in “Nightmare on Elm Street.” Johnny Depp's Glen met his end in gruesome fashion after sinking into a bed during a Freddy Krueger induced nightmare. His demise isn't just an iconic scene from the "Nightmare on Elm Street" franchise, but one of the most definitive images in the horror genre. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Depp delivered a solid performance. Unfortunately, his acting skills couldn’t save him from becoming just another victim of the dream demon.

"He Knows You're Alone" (1980)
In the 1980s, Tom Hanks wasn't the same superstar we know today. After appearing in a few TV shows, he made his feature film debut in a supporting role for "He Knows You're Alone”. The slasher film is centred on a woman who’s being stalked in the lead-up to her wedding day. Hanks' character, psychology student Elliot, only had a couple of scenes. He doesn't even receive an elaborate onscreen demise. Hanks just sort of disappears from the movie without any explanation. According to the Anniston Star newspaper, this was due to the creative team liking Hanks too much to film anything terrible happening to him. That choice helped make this role disappear from society’s collective memory.

"The Sixth Sense" (1999)
While some actors appear in horror movies early on in their career while looking for their big break, other times it's a case of future stars working as child performers. Mischa Barton, best known for “The O.C.”, was in that latter category. She delivers a small but memorable performance as a ghost in M. Night Shyamalan's smash hit "The Sixth Sense." The physicality required by Barton was striking. After she initially terrifies Cole with her sudden appearance, he makes the tragic connection to the poison that caused her demise. Barton's performance is bittersweet and genuinely affecting as Kyra Collins. But since her role is relatively small, audiences may not remember the actress underneath the tragedy.

"Prom Night" (2008)
As Idris Elba transitioned from a strong TV career to major film roles, he appeared in the 2007 movies “The Reaping” and “28 Weeks Later”. But the horror film we have to highlight was the 2008 remake “Prom Night.” Although this version dropped the great disco soundtrack of the 1980 original, it added Elba as a lead. The role of the grizzled or determined police veteran is often a thankless job. However, Elba gives Detective Winn some heft and gravitas with his screen presence and no-nonsense demeanor. Since “Prom Night” was not well received by critics, most Elba fans probably forget he carried the movie. And that’s a shame. His strong performance made the character so much more than just your average flatfoot.

"Eight Legged Freaks" (2002)
This horror comedy action movie was a fun and self aware parody of classic giant monster flicks. It featured Johnasson as Ashley Parker, the daughter of a sheriff. The ensemble of Johansson, Kari Wuhrer and David Arquette works well. Their bond holds the film together amidst all of the crazy giant spider carnage. It’s pretty ironic that the actress who would go on to play a heroine named after a spider would star in a movie about villainous arachnids. But Johnasson’s roles in the MCU and beyond make it easy to forget that this cult horror classic is on her resume.

"Revenge of the Creature" (1955)
Blink and you'll miss him, but there he is: silver screen icon himself Clint Eastwood. He goes un-credited in this sequel to "Creature from the Black Lagoon." Eastwood made his big screen debut as Lab Technician Jennings. Although he basically has nothing to do, it's clear even at this early stage that Clint has his signature stare down. Sure, "Revenge of the Creature" is far and away his least memorable role. And it doesn't showcase any of the skills or screen presence Eastwood honed over films like "A Fistful of Dollars" or "Dirty Harry." But everyone has to start somewhere, right?

"The Devil's Rain" (1975)
Although the majority of moviegoers might not remember, horror fans may recall seeing John Travolta in the smash adaptation of "Carrie" from 1976. But the first horror flick for the future "Saturday Night Fever" star was actually 1975’s “The Devil’s Rain”, where Travolta appears as a hooded figure. Admittedly, he's barely recognizable in the brief scenes he appears in and gets no speaking lines. Know what did become memorable though? The cast made of William Shatner’s face for this film, which was the basis for the mask famously worn by Michael Myers in “Halloween”.

"Return to Horror High" (1987)
Ok, so if George Clooney appears in a horror movie, he just has to be the heroic lead, right? Well yes...and no. "Return to Horror High" is a meta "movie-within-a-movie" sort of flick where Clooney plays a lead actor. Unfortunately, he's offed early on, so don't expect him to come face to face with the crazed villain during the climax. Not to worry, however, because Clooney would show up in another horror flick, "Return of the Killer Tomatoes," only a year later. Call us crazy, but we think now's just the perfect time for Clooney to mount a horror flick comeback!

"Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers" (1995)
The Ant-Man actor fully embraced his portrayal of Tommy Doyle in "Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers." It’s a role that’s removed from the comedic and sci-fi roles he’d go on to perfect later in his career. That just makes it even more entertaining to go back and watch now that he’s a household name. Rudd even manages to defeat the intimidating and almost otherworldly Myers by beating him with a pipe. With the franchise enjoying a resurgence lately, maybe Rudd can make a memorable cameo in a future “Halloween” film.

Before we name our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions!

Matthew McConaughey
"Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation" (1994)

Mila Kunis
"American Psycho 2: All American Girl" (2002)

Eva Mendes
"Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror" (1998)

Amy Adams
"Psycho Beach Party" (2000)

Jason Alexander
"The Burning" (1981)

"Critters 3" (1991)
More than a few Leo fans probably think that the acclaimed “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” was his first big-screen appearance. But it was actually “Critters 3”. The third entry in the franchise took the creatures into the big city. It's here where we meet a young Leonardo DiCaprio as Josh, who lives in a dilapidated tenement building with his awful stepfather. Their routine is severely interrupted when the critters enter his life. Since Josh isn’t the central protagonist, it’s easy to forget that DiCaprio appeared in this film at all. Fortunately, he rose far above his role in “Critters 3” to become one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood. And before you ask, no he wasn’t in “Critters 4.”