Top 10 Celebrities Who Played Themselves in Movies

Unquestionably the most unique film on this list, “Coffee and Cigarettes” features a bevy of celebrities playing themselves and enjoying the titular social crutches. Populated by talented actors, musicians and personalities, the film did well to make us wonder how closely these celebs represented their own characters. However, the standout performances belonged to Cate Blanchett in a conversation with her cousin – also played by herself – and Bill Murray hamming it up with Wu Tang Clan members Rza & Gza.

After these two good friends starred in “Good Will Hunting,” Kevin Smith brought them together once again. But this time, Chuckie and Will are reduced to cartoonish action hero versions of themselves. In a meta sequence in which Jay and Silent Bob are watching the filming of “Good Will Hunting 2: Hunting Season” – an obviously insulting sequel to its predecessor – we get to watch as laughs and surprises are produced. Oh, and that Scooby Doo-esque dialogue makes it all the better.

A man with unquestionable charisma and such a unique voice that we could’ve listened to him read the phone book for hours, casting Peter Falk as himself in “Wings of Desire” was a stroke of genius. In this film, it turns out that the man is actually an angel who gave up his holy status to instead live life as a human being. We can’t think of a better juxtaposition than tossing the grizzled "Columbo" actor into a role like this.

It seems like Kevin Smith just wants people to be themselves. This time, world-renowned comic book writer and creator Stan “The Man” Lee appeared as himself to give love advice to the comic book obsessed Brodie. Relating a few of his many comic creations to his lost love, Stan comes off as sincere and touching, until it’s revealed that he’s been recycling lines. From sincerity to hilarity.

For a guy who has won a Razzie for terrible acting and has been nominated for another, one of his best ever roles was, well, playing himself! At one time, Van Damme’s own lawyer acknowledged his client’s acting chops – or lack thereof – by saying he only got gigs due to his physical appearance and capabilities. Highlighted by an unblinking monologue recited directly to the camera, the Muscles from Brussels made sure there was no room for Razzies with his performance in “JCVD.”

In a land lost to the dead, Bill Murray’s acting ability shines as he plays himself playing a zombie. Although his time on screen is short, Murray seems positively gleeful throughout, smoking from a hookah with Woody Harrelson’s character and recreating scenes from “Ghostbusters.” Bill playing himself is every bit as hilarious as any character he has brought to life. Now, if only he could bring himself back to life.

Giving off that favorite fun uncle vibe, Bob Barker has gained allegiance from anyone who’s spent a day lounging on the couch watching “The Price Is Right” re-runs. However, this self-portrayal transformed him into a competitive jerk, who we’d never bet against again in a fistfight – even with a much younger adversary. Surprisingly spry for a man his age, Barker’s left hook is as effective as it is hysterical…Bitch.

The bronze medal goes to a troop of actors that has produced comedy gold throughout their careers. Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill and the others who are trapped in the mansion grab most of the attention, but it’s the against-the-grain portrayal of actors like a coked up Michael Cera that stuck with us the most. No matter who your favorite was in this laugh-a-minute doomsday comedy, the sum is most definitely greater than its parts.

Before playing himself in the stoner comedy series, this successful child actor’s star had almost faded. Yeah, hard to believe that the “How I met Your Mother” standout was having a hard time finding the limelight. His uproarious turn as a drugged out, hooker loving, highly erratic version of himself in these films changed all that, and we’re all the happier for it.

Before we reveal our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
“Last Action Hero” (1993)
- Mike Tyson
“The Hangover” (2009)
- Cecil B. DeMille
“Sunset Boulevard” (1950)
- Chuck Norris
“DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story” (2004)
- Bruce Campbell
“My Name Is Bruce” (2007)
- Al Pacino
“Jack and Jill” (2011)

Known for being able to slip into roles in a variety of film genres, Malkovich played several different versions of himself fighting for control in this Spike Jonze film. To make it funny yet simultaneously tragic is a tall order, but thanks to his ever-adapting acting capabilities, Malkovich goes above and beyond. As different characters take control of his psyche, Malkovich shines in the role he was born to play.

Do you agree with our list? Which self-portrayal did you enjoy the most? For more film Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.