Top 10 Movies That Saved an Actor's Career

Mickey Rourke While features based on graphic novels aren’t new, every now and then, a film comes around that manages to stand out effortlessly. “Sin City” was one such film. The neo-noir revenge flick was unique in more ways than one, with its gritty aesthetic and distinctive use of color setting it apart from the Marvel and DC projects of that era. Not only did the movie become a critical and commercial success, it also served as a comeback vehicle for actor Mickey Rourke. Once a leading man in the ‘80s, Rourke abandoned acting for boxing, but struggled to regain his previous success upon returning to the industry. “Sin City” reignited Rourke’s career and earned him multiple awards for his performance.

Leslie Nielsen When a comedy is done right, it can create a cultural ripple effect that lasts for generations. The quips never get old, the bits always stay fresh, and it can be enjoyed by people of any age. The satirical classic, “Airplane!” pulled this off perfectly, easily becoming one of the most quoted pieces in the genre. The film’s success lay in its casting of actors known mostly for dramatic roles, who excelled in deadpan comedy. While it didn’t necessarily save the career of Canadian actor Leslie Nielsen, it completely reinvented it. Before then, Nielsen was known for serious roles, including in disaster films, which he later parodied in “Airplane!” The movie revealed his talent for deadpan comedy and completely changed the trajectory of his career.

Adam Sandler Typically, describing a film as stressful or panic-inducing would imply a negative review– but that isn’t always the case. Some utilize tension in a way that leaves spectators breathless, creating an entirely unique viewing experience. A prime example is “Uncut Gems”, which follows a jeweler’s desperate attempt to make the sale of his life. The jeweler was played by Adam Sandler. Yep, the guy who rose to fame on “Saturday Night Live” and became every critic’s least favorite comedic actor, with a string of Golden Razzies to his name. Sandler’s manic performance was praised as one of the best of the year and cast him in an entirely different light. This was the switch-up many of his fans had been hoping for.

Ryan Reynolds Up until this point, superhero movies rarely ventured outside the family-friendly box. Many followed a similar formula that guaranteed success, but toned down the mature humor and gratuitous violence. That is, until the release of “Deadpool.” The film introduced the world to a hilarious, yet vicious anti-hero who was surprisingly easy to root for. Much of this success was due to Ryan Reynolds’ brilliant portrayal of Deadpool. Prior to this, Reynolds had struggled in the superhero genre. He starred in “Blade: Trinity,” which was the worst-reviewed film in the trilogy, and his leading role in “Green Lantern” was heavily panned. However, with “Deadpool,” Reynolds finally proved he had enough charisma and talent to carry a superhero film all on his own.

Ke Huy Quan Actor Ke Huy Quan first rose to prominence as a child actor in the mid-1980s, with roles in films like “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and “The Goonies.” However, as he grew older, he discovered that there were very few roles for actors who looked like him in Hollywood. After about two decades working as a stunt choreographer and assistant director, Quan’s acting career was jolted back to life with 2022’s “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” The film’s genuinely distinctive concept took the movie industry by storm and helped revitalize people’s love for independent cinema. For his outstanding performance, Quan won an Academy Award, alongside his co-star Michelle Yeoh, whose career the film also breathed new life into.

Michael Keaton Starring in a blockbuster may seem like the ideal way for an entertainer to have a stable career. However, there are drawbacks to such success, as depicted in films like “Birdman.” The movie tells the story of an aging actor who’s determined to have one last taste of fame, no matter how small. Every facet was fully realized, from its seamless single-take appearance to the meta conversations about relevancy. Much like the part he portrayed, actor Michael Keaton experienced a career lull after his role in Tim Burton’s “Batman” franchise. While his character in “Birdman” may not have gotten the comeback he sought, Keaton ultimately did. The film earned him his first-ever Oscar nomination and paved the way for a highly successful late career.

Keanu Reeves Dialogue is usually a crucial element of a film– but some have proven they can get by with very little. “John Wick” was riding a fine line– it easily could’ve become a run-of-the-mill retribution tale. However, by focusing on choreography and style, it subverted expectations and became a very lucrative product. The unexpected depth found within its titular role gave the violence a purpose, and made audiences empathize with him. That was largely thanks to Keanu Reeves. The actor’s stoic demeanor, which previously earned him the ire of critics, was perfect for “John Wick” and garnered rave reviews. This acclaim contrasted sharply with the criticism he faced in the years prior and helped re-establish him as an action star.

Brendan Fraser While intense, action-packed thrillers are always fun, there’s something to be said for a simpler, yet gripping narrative. Sometimes, all you need to keep an audience enthralled are layered, complex characters. “The Whale” centered on an obese college professor who tries to repair his relationships with loved ones and himself amid failing health. Brendan Fraser was the perfect choice for such a role. The actor had experienced a string of personal problems, including the loss of his mother, a contentious divorce and an alleged sexual assault. These hardships led to a career slump in the late 2000s and 2010s. However, “The Whale” brought Fraser back into mainstream circles, earning him the Oscar for Best Actor.

John Travolta Actor John Travolta made his name in Hollywood with the late-70s musical films “Saturday Night Fever” and “Grease.” While he did have a few moderate box-office successes afterwards, he also appeared in one too many critical and commercial failures that negatively impacted his career. Then, Quentin Tarantino came calling. The director’s 1994 picture “Pulp Fiction” cast Travolta in the unusual role of a hitman. The film’s unconventional format and gripping narrative brought it immediate acclaim, transforming the lives of everyone involved, including Travolta. It earned him a second Oscar nomination for Best Actor and made him a highly sought-after leading man once again. As a result, Travolta remained booked and busy throughout the rest of the 1990s and the 2000s. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Good Time” (2017), Robert Pattinson The Thrilling Story & Cinematography Cast Pattinson in a Brand New Light “Halloween” (2018), Jamie Lee Curtis Breathed New Life into the Series & Reintroduced Curtis as a Scream Queen “Paddington 2” (2017), Hugh Grant The Wholesome Sequel Reminded Viewers of Grant’s Comedic Prowess “Scream” (1996), Drew Barrymore Its Referential Humor & Well-Executed Scares Helped Put Barrymore Back on the Map

Robert Downey Jr. It’s one thing for a film to revitalize an actor’s reputation. But doing so while launching one of the most profitable franchises in entertainment history is nothing short of remarkable. “Iron Man’s” sharp, well-written origin story paired with flashy, well-animated action scenes left millions entranced. The film found its star in Robert Downey Jr., who had a lot at stake with the role. Downey had previously dealt with substance use disorder, which led to multiple arrests and severely damaged his career. Studio executives were initially hesitant to cast him in “Iron Man,” but their decision ultimately paid off. The film catapulted Downey back to the top of the A-list, finishing what “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” had started just a few years earlier. Has a movie ever revived your favorite actor’s career? Let us know in the comments below.