Top 10 Legendary Movie Cameos

“Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End” (2007)


Asserting that rock stars are modern-day pirates, Johnny Depp based much of his now-famous persona for Jack Sparrow on Rolling Stones frontman Keith Richards. It made sense then that when Jack Sparrow’s father was dramatically revealed, he would be played by the iconic rocker. As Captain Teague, the keeper of the Pirate Code, he commands immediate respect, taking his rightful place at the head of the table where the Pirate Lords have gathered, before plucking out some notes on guitar. The small role, which he would reprise in the fourth film, was pivotal and a clever way to call out an inspiration for an iconic character.

“The Muppet Movie” (1979)


The Muppets have never had any shortage of celebrities that they have rubbed elbows with, and their first theatrical outing was no exception. However, the celebrity cameo that became the most iconic was at the very end of the film. Finally having made their way to Hollywood, the group readies to become rich and famous, meeting with fictional mega-producer Lew Lord. When his chair swivels around, he's revealed to be played by none other than the star and director of “Citizen Kane” himself, Orson Welles, chomping a cigar. With a dramatic flair only Welles could manage, he stoically asks his secretary to prepare them a standard rich and famous contract.

“Deadpool & Wolverine” (2024)


To many people's surprise, “Deadpool & Wolverine” was largely a love letter to a bygone era of superhero films that, while not always great, were pivotal to getting to the movies we have today. The film was chalked full of cameos with actors reprising their roles as discarded superheroes of decades past. The likes of Chris Evans’ Human Torch, Jennifer Garner’s Elektra, and Dafne Keen’s X23 all make appearances while Channing Tatum finally gets to play Gambit. However, more than anyone else, we were elated to see Wesley Snipes as Blade. The star of Marvel's first successful film, it was great to see Snipes back as the day-walking vampire-hybrid, reunited cheekily with “Blade Trinity” co-star Ryan Reynolds.

“The Hangover” (2009)


Waking up in Vegas with no memories of a wild night before, a bachelor party must piece together their evening, solving things like why there is a tiger in their hotel room. They eventually discover that the tiger belongs to none other than legendary boxer Mike Tyson, who appears as himself in the film. He mysteriously appears in their hotel room rocking out and singing to Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” before landing a punch on one of the group. Playing off his persona of an off-the-wall eccentric with a high voice and lighting-quick strikes, Tyson’s appearance was one of the funniest scenes in the movie, which is saying something.

“The Princess Bride” (1987)


When the heroes of this fantasy film need a miracle, who else do they turn to but Miracle Max? Knocking on his door, Max pops his head out, revealing Billy Crystal in old-age makeup doing an over-the-top voice. Soon after his wife, played by Carol Kane, also in heavy makeup, and hilariously over the top, joins the fray. The pair steals the scene as they bicker in Yiddish accents, shouting out phrases that are being debated to this day. Just as quickly and iconically as they arrived however, they bid our heroes farewell, signing off the cameo with an iconic line. “Have fun storming the castle!”

“Zoolander” (2001)


Surrounded by beautiful and fashionable people, the vapid yet really good-looking male models Derek Zoolander and Hansel need to decide once and for all who is superior with a walk-off. This begs the question as to who could officiate this clash of titans? Seemingly out of nowhere the only possible answer appears, David Bowie, introduced with a riff from his classic “Let’s Dance,” dramatically whipping off his sunglasses. After taking notes during a montage, Bowie disqualified Derek after he failed a final challenge. Few people could manage to make the small bit so ridiculous yet effortlessly cool at the same time, but Bowie always seemed more than just a mere mortal.

“Thor: Ragnarok” (2017)


Matt Damon is no stranger to appearing in iconic cameos, cropping up in a number of them over the years. One of the earliest and most memorable was as a punk rocker performing an earworm about Scotty’s cheating girlfriend in the teen sex comedy “EuroTrip.” Even more iconic than that was his appearance as an actor playing Loki in “Thor: Ragnarok.” The play within the film recaps the events of the prior film, with Damon hamming it up, performing the god of mischief. Joining him was Luke Hemsworth as the actor playing Thor, the role defined by his younger brother Chris. Rounding out the thespians was Shakespearean-trained actor Sam Neill, as the almighty Odin.

“Happy Gilmore” (1996)


Things start innocuously enough when pro golfer Happy Gilmore, played by Adam Sandler, is paired with game show host Bob Barker in a celebrity pro-am tournament. However, due to a rather unruly fan hired to harass Happy, things quickly begin to unravel. As Happy plays worse and worse, Bob becomes angrier and angrier, eventually leading to an all-out fistfight between the two. After throwing the first punch, things don’t go the way Happy intended with the older man beating him to a pulp. For a younger generation, the hilarious scene is perhaps what Barker is known best for. As Barker prepared to leave “The Price Is Right” years later, Sandler appeared to pay tribute and relive the moment.

“Zombieland” (2009)


Heading to the West Coast, a group of four survivors in the zombie apocalypse makes their way to the house of Bill Murray. However, they soon discover the house isn’t as empty as they anticipated. Murray, in full zombie makeup, stumbles out, quickly forming a bond with two of the group. They get up to various antics, including recreating a scene from “Ghostbusters” and playing a prank on their unsuspecting friend Columbus. Pretending to be a zombie, things don’t go as planned, and the lark leads to Murray’s death. However, the comedy legend proves that even in the throes of death his subtle comedic timing is impeccable.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

The Duo Run Into a Womanizing, Drug-Fuelled Madman

Reeves Plays a Pompous Yet Lovable Version of Himself

Hurt Runs Into a Chestburster… Again

Blink And You Might Miss Him

Double-Fisting Margaritas as Pterosaurs Attack

Marvel Movies (2000-19)


Unlike the others on this list, Stan Lee’s film career is comprised entirely of cameos. A legendary comic book artist who created many notable characters, Lee popped up as a hot dog vendor in “X-Men.” After that, seeing him in the background of Marvel films became a common occurrence, primarily as an in-joke for comic fans. Over the years, his parts became more noticeable and prominent with meta references, including a great scene talking to the Watchers in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.” Lee would appear in every film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe until “Endgame,” released not long after his death. A fitting send-off for the cameo king.


What iconic cameo lives rent-free in your head? Let us know in the comments below!