Top 10 FUNNIEST Movie Cameos
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VOICE OVER: Phoebe de Jeu
WRITTEN BY: Saim Cheeda
These appearances were short but hilarious! Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're looking at the movie cameos that had audiences howling with laughter. Our countdown includes Bob Barker in “Happy Gilmore”, Bill Murray in “Zombieland”, Keanu Reeves in “Always Be My Maybe”, Hugh Jackman in “X-Men: First Class”, Mike Tyson in “The Hangover”, and more!
Top 10 Funniest Movie Cameos
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at the movie cameos that had audiences howling with laughter.
Although best known as a rock star, the late Bowie also had well-received acting turns in films like “Labyrinth.” But when it comes to a scene-stealing role, his most humorous onscreen appearance was as himself. And what better way to make a “Zoolander” entrance than showing up randomly to judge a “walk-off”? As the rivalry between the titular character and his rival Hansel heats up, Bowie emerges out of nowhere to offer his services. The scene might be about the two leads’ bizarre face-off, but we’re mainly looking at Bowie’s hilariously serious reactions to their antics. In a film loaded with celebrity cameos, he seamlessly fits into “Zoolander”’s satirical premise. We wouldn’t want anyone other than this legend judging our “walk-offs.”
For many fans, Wolverine represents the entire “X-Men” film series. By the time of “First Class”’ release, the character had shown up in every installment. So, it just wouldn’t have been an “X-Men” movie if we didn’t catch a glimpse of good ol’ Logan. And show up he did – in one of the most unforgettable cameos ever. During Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr’s recruitment montage, we see some mutants. The duo makes the mistake of approaching one candidate who definitely isn’t a team player. The cameo ends almost as quickly as it happens, with Wolverine voicing his lack of interest in the simplest of ways: [SB “Go f**k yourself”]. It’s a perfect way to include the character since this is exactly how fans would expect him to react.
Speaking of wild cameos in the “X-Men” series, here’s one nobody could have predicted. Brad Pitt stops by for a blink-and-miss role. He plays Vanisher, one of the X-Force recruits. Unfortunately, things go awry quickly, as almost all members meet gruesome (albeit funny) deaths. We finally spot the invisible Vanisher’s face in his last moments. After about three decades as an A-list star, the last thing fans expected was seeing Pitt getting electrocuted. But that’s exactly what we have here, as his time as an X-Force member gets zapped out. Years later, Ryan Reynolds would return the favor to Pitt with an equally random cameo in the latter’s film, “Bullet Train.”
Most cameos lean into the film’s premise. However, Alice Cooper works in complete contrast. When lead pair Wayne and Garth meet Cooper, they look forward to some stereotypical rockstar shenanigans. Instead, the singer proceeds to give them a history lesson about Milwaukee. Just like Wayne and Garth, viewers are left stunned by his surprisingly verbose style. We expect Cooper to break character any moment to deliver the punchline. But the fact that it never happens and we’re kept waiting is what makes it so funny. Cooper pulls off a witty piece of awkward comedy that proves we’re not worthy. What else do you expect from a movie that got Robert Patrick to reprise his role as “Terminator 2”’s T-1000?
This action comedy is based on the TV series of the same name. Forgetting the connection is easy since the film is nothing like its predecessor. With over-the-top gags galore, it’s a big departure from the original police procedural. But nothing brings continuity together than an appearance from the source material’s leads. Johnny Depp, along with Peter DeLuise, reprise their roles for a bonkers cameo. With film protagonists Schmidt and Jenko in trouble, Depp and DeLuise’s characters come to the rescue. In contrast to his serious performance in the show, Depp gets to display his comedic chops. It’s clear he’s having a lot of fun. Too bad the duo get themselves gunned down shortly after. Don’t worry, though, a deleted scene reveals the two survived.
It goes without saying – but we’ll say it anyway – that fans think Keanu Reeves is breathtaking. But the actor went against type for an extended cameo in “Always Be My Maybe.” Poking fun at his nice-guy persona, this version of himself is a pompous, snooty celebrity who brags about his accomplishments. As female lead Sasha’s beau, Keanu keeps egging on her ex, Marcus, in a nonsensical display of one-upmanship. When the actor decides to engage Marcus in a fight, things truly spiral out of control. This take clearly parodies Reeves’ down-to-earth persona, making him out to be a thinly-veiled jerk. But, if anything, it makes us admire him more for refusing to take himself seriously.
Waking up from a bachelor party, Phil, Stu, and Alan have no recollection of the previous night. While retracing their steps, they come across things like a baby in a closet and a tiger in the bathroom. Still, nothing beats finding “Iron” Mike Tyson in your hotel suite jamming to Phil Collins’s “In the Air Tonight.” The boxer doesn’t spare time for chit-chat either, decking Alan with a ferocious right hand. Tyson might not be a professional comedian, but he sure does make us laugh. His one-liners and creative threats fit perfectly with the tone of the film. It helps that his chemistry with the actors is off the charts. The film certainly knows this, as Tyson returned for another cameo in the sequel.
The late “The Price Is Right” host remains among the most beloved figures in entertainment. But you never wanted to get on his bad side, as Adam Sandler’s character painfully learns. After messing up their chances at a golfing event, Happy Gilmore gets into a fistfight with the icon. It’s an all-around ridiculous match-up filled with wacky kicks and punches. To his credit, Barker looks game for anything. His wisecracks at Happy’s expense are just as savage as the beatdown he lays on him. The cameo was such a hit that “The Price Is Right”’s popularity surged after the film’s release. Sandler movies sure know how to pick their celebrity cameos, following up with another star appearance from Billy Idol in “The Wedding Singer.”
Audiences were pleasantly surprised by Matt Damon’s cameo in “Thor: Ragnarok.” However, his GOAT cameo will always be in “EuroTrip.” In this cult comedy, he shows up as a punk rocker with a very distinct tune. If watching Damon with a shaved head, tattoos, and piercings wasn’t funny enough, the song’s lyrics will have you in fits. As main character Scotty looks on, the singer recounts his affair with the former’s girlfriend in extreme detail. Damon goes all out with his hammy portrayal of Donny. You almost forget this is the same actor who delivered dramatic performances in films like “Good Will Hunting” and “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” Nowadays, people might not remember “EuroTrip,” but they certainly remember that “Scotty doesn’t know!”
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Gilbert Gottfried, “Beverly Hills Cop II” (1987)
The Late Comedy Legend Is Tricked Into Paying a Bribe
Dan Aykroyd, “Casper” (1995)
Never Go in Without Backup, Even as a Ghostbuster!
Tom Cruise, “Austin Powers in Goldmember” (2002)
Only Cruise Could Make This Dialogue as Cool as It Is Funny
You can always count on Bill Murray for dry, deadpan comedy. In “Zombieland,” his jokes are of the undead variety. The protagonists stumble upon a still-alive Murray, who’s survived the zombie apocalypse by pretending to be one. He provides the perfect break from the film’s story, as Murray entertains with a masterclass in comedy. It’s a shame he gets shot just when we're getting used to him. But, ever the comedian, he can’t help but make us laugh even in his dying breaths. More than a decade after “Zombieland”’s release, this appearance remains the measuring stick for cinematic cameos. The only rival might be Murray’s reprisal in “Zombieland: Double Tap,” where he shows he hasn’t missed a step.
Which cameo had you LOL-ing? Let us know in the comments.
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