Top 10 Movie Cameos You Missed by Famous Musicians

#10: Tom Waits

The Outsiders (1983)

When Ponyboy and Johnny go looking for Dally, Buck Merrill answers the door and red lighting takes over the shot. Given the lighting, the fact that it's such a brief interaction, and Buck’s minor role, you may not realize who the actor is. And while it's someone famous, it’s not the biggest A-list celebrity or household name; it’s Tom Waits. “The Outsiders” film came out in 1983, after Waits had already risen to fame in the folk scene. It was also around this time when he began to tap into various other music genres as well. So, yeah, if this scene had you saying, “Wait a sec,” that’s because it is indeed a famous musician you were looking at.

#9: Elvis Costello

Spice World (1997)

It’d definitely be memorable if Elvis Costello served you a drink at the bar. That’s what he does in the musical comedy “Spice World.” However, in a film filled with big-name cameos, Costello’s could easily get lost in the shuffle. But don’t overlook it—Costello’s aim is true with that gin and tonic. The iconic singer, songwriter, and record producer also has an easy-to-miss cameo in the sports comedy “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.” But in that, at least his name is mentioned, which is why we’re giving the nod to Costello’s “Spice World” cameo as the one that’s more subtle.

#8: Michael Jackson

Men in Black II (2002)

You know Agent J, you know Agent K, but do you know Agent M? Well, that’s who Michael Jackson’s character in “Men in Black II” wants to be. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem as though the top-secret alien-monitoring organization is hiring at this time. The “King of Pop” appears on screen—quite literally on a screen for a video call—but only very briefly. You might miss it if you get up to grab some popcorn. Michael was a fan of the first “Men in Black” film and wanted in on the action—even if just for a few seconds.

#7: Phil Collins

Hook (1991)

The famous Genesis drummer and singer portraying a police inspector on screen may have seemed against the odds, but it happened. Phil Collins makes a cameo as Inspector Good in “Hook.” The film came out two years after the release of Collins’s fourth solo studio album—and the same year that he won a Grammy for “Another Day in Paradise.” Jimmy Buffett also makes a cameo in “Hook” as a pirate. But Collins’s cameo gets the spot here. In a crowded room with the likes of legendary actor Robin Williams, even with his dialogue, you could easily fail to realize it’s Collins—especially because you wouldn't expect it.

#6: Flea

Back to the Future Part II (1989) & Back to the Future Part III (1990)

Frank Beard, Billy Gibbons, and Dusty Hill of ZZ Top appear fittingly in “Back to the Future Part III” as a 19th century Old West band. That’s interestingly in their lane as far as any acting cameo could be; but Flea’s cameos in both “Back to the Future Part II” and “Back to the Future Part III” are way different and earn the spot here. The Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist appears as future Marty’s coworker, Douglas J. Needles, in the second film. In the third film, he challenges Marty to a race while they’re stopped at a traffic light. Flea also appears in “The Big Lebowski” as one of the Nihilists, but that’s a bit larger of a role.

#5: Iggy Pop

The Color of Money (1986)

In this sports drama, Iggy Pop appears as a pool player for only around 10 seconds—and he doesn’t even say anything. He’s one of the many men Tom Cruise’s pool-hustling character comes across on his travels. It’s a true look-away-and-you’ll-miss-it appearance from the “Godfather of Punk,” who is wearing a shirt in this scene—unlike many of his concerts. Iggy Pop made a brief appearance you may have missed in “Tank Girl” as well, playing the role of Rat Face. But it’s “The Color of Money” where it’s even harder to recognize him.

#4: The Clash

The King of Comedy (1982)

Blink and you’ll miss this street scene. The Clash is represented in numbers in “The King of Comedy,” with Mick Jones, Joe Strummer, Paul Simonon, plus band associates like singer Ellen Foley, filmmaker Don Letts, and manager Kosmo Vinyl all making cameos. The film came out in 1982, shortly after the release of the band’s hit single “Should I Stay or Should I Go.” The Clash was near the peak of their powers at the time, so it’s no wonder Martin Scorsese took an interest, knowing they were in the area during filming. Their roles are so minor, it’s clear he just wanted to squeeze them in somehow, some way—just because they were The Clash. And honestly, that’s totally understandable.

#3: George Harrison

Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979)

As a big fan of “Monty Python,” the former Beatles’ lead guitarist George Harrison wanted in on the action with “Monty Python’s Life of Brian.” Not only did he help fund the film, but he got some shine in front of the camera. Harrison’s cameo is super brief, though. With his not-so-typical outfit, and the lack of focus on him in this crowded, hectic scene, you might very well miss him. Given what he contributed to make the film happen, giving him even the shortest on-screen moment was the least the film crew could do.

#2: Jimmy Buffett

Jurassic World (2015)

How fitting is it that Jimmy Buffett would be holding two margaritas in this blink-and-you-miss-it scene? His hit single “Margaritaville” came out in 1977. His hospitality company, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, was founded in 1985. In “Jurassic World,” during a moment of dino chaos, the renowned singer-songwriter scurries away discreetly. Can’t forget those margaritas! Gotta keep them safe—even in dire circumstances! With so many people around in this scene, you’d be hard-pressed to notice Buffett, who’s visible for just a couple of seconds. But he’s there, wearing sunglasses, a hat, and an orange shirt.

#1: Paul McCartney

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)

The Beatles legend appears in a prison scene as Jack’s Sparrow’s uncle—also named Jack. And what a surprise—he’s singing! Still, with that pirate outfit, and just seconds of screen time, this cameo could’ve easily gone over your head. The Rolling Stones are also represented in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” film series, with Keith Richards making a brief appearance as Jack Sparrow’s father, Captain Teague, in “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.” But that one involved more camera shots and was more memorable than McCartney’s cameo in “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.”

Which musician would you like to see on the big screen more? Let us know in the comments!