Top 10 Movies With the Greatest Casts but We Didn't Know at the Time
#10: “Pretty in Pink” (1986)
Among John Hughes’ finest films is “Pretty in Pink,” starring Molly Ringwald after her success in “The Breakfast Club” and “Sixteen Candles.” Andrew McCarthy appears as the rich kid who falls for her and Jon Cryer is her hopelessly devoted friend. Cryer is among the standouts of the cast as the lovable Duckie, along with Ringwald delivering one of her best performances. Both the future “Two and a Half Men” star and McCarthy play off Ringwald well in career-making turns. There’s also the evil and charismatic energy of James Spader during his early days. You can argue which Hughes film is the greatest, but there’s no debating the power of this cast all these years later.
#9: “Clueless” (1995)
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Adapting Jane Austen for the 1990s, “Clueless” brings out the charm and humor of every cast member. Many of these actors received a major step-up in their burgeoning careers. Alicia Silverstone commands the screen as Cher Horowitz, becoming an icon before the movie is even over. She also stars alongside the bubbly work of Brittany Murphy and the underrated Donald Faison before “Scrubs.” Paul Rudd shows up in his first film role ever, proving that he had an instant ability to steal scenes. We haven’t finished naming the other highlights from the cast including Breckin Meyer, Stacey Dash, and Elisa Donovan. While there’ve been many high school movies since, this one still stands as a cultural phenomenon partly because of the elite cast.
#8: “The Magnificent Seven” (1960)
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After winning an Oscar, Yul Brynner took the lead in this Western as arguably the biggest star of the film. His character Chris Adams recruits a group of gunfighters to defend a Mexican village. These men are played by the likes of Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, and James Coburn. Between the three of them, they represented some of the coolest screen presences of the next two decades. Each of them showed off their action skills before they were all considered leading men. Eli Wallach was more established by this time playing the villain, but he was still years away from his immortal work in “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” Looking back, it’s amazing that any one of these guys was on the squad.
#7: “Trainspotting” (1996)
“Trainspotting” treads the line between comedy and drama with precision. It also has an all-star cast that juggles Irvine Welsh’s material with their own electric performances. Future “Star Wars” actor Ewan McGregor plays Renton in an iconic role, while his friends are played by talented performers such as Robert Carlyle and Jonny Lee Miller. With stellar supporting work from Ewen Bremner and Kelly Macdonald, the best of Scotland fills out the cast with their energetic and funny presence. Many of them have since found dynamic parts in everything from Oscar-winning films to animated features. Directed by Danny Boyle, this film retains all of its power because of the genius casting.
#6: “School Ties” (1992)
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If you haven’t seen this early 1990s drama, you’re missing out on a pointed drama about hatred and anti-semitism. The film features a cast of young actors that were destined for greatness. Brendan Fraser stars as David Greene, a Jewish teenager struggling against the narrow-minded views of his classmates. The other students include characters played by Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Chris O’Donnell, and Cole Hauser. With future Oscar winners among the cast, “School Ties” assembled leading men who would leave the decade as bonafide stars. Fraser and Damon in particular reveal their dramatic chops long before they were nominated for awards.
#5: “Dazed and Confused” (1993)
Richard Linklater’s third film is arguably one of the best of the 1990s, but it’s also remembered for its impressive cast. The filmmakers found newer actors that could pull off the 1970s setting and play natural performances. Matthew McConaughey is a standout, playing the poetic and laidback Wooderson. There’s also Parker Posey and Joey Lauren Adams as the popular girls willing to humiliate the underclassmen. Even “Resident Evil” star Milla Jovovich appears here next to other future stars. Linklater can weave through the characters with a delicate touch, letting the performers deliver in small scenes that prove they’ve been well chosen.
#4: “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (1982)
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In the 1980s, “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” emerged as one of the strongest teen comedies. The film also boasts an enviable cast full of all kinds of varied performers. Most famously, Sean Penn plays the stoner Jeff Spicoli long before his days as a brooding lead actor. There’s also Jennifer Jason Leigh in an early role as she learns the highs and lows of relationships. Forest Whitaker, Judge Reinhold, and Phoebe Cates also make memorable appearances here. We’d also be remiss not to point out the acting debut of cinematic heavyweight Nicolas Cage. All of these exciting performers converge for a high school movie full of hilarious hijinks and iconic set pieces.
#3: “Wet Hot American Summer” (2001)
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Assembling some newcomers and members of The State comedy troupe, “Wet Hot American Summer” parodies summer camp comedies. The critics and box office numbers failed to recognize the amount of talent on display. Among the many success stories to come out of this movie, Bradley Cooper started his film career in this cult classic. Amy Poehler, Elizabeth Banks, and others also starred in promising roles before joining the upper echelon of Hollywood. Over the next decade, the movie developed a following that eventually led to two Netflix series. Bringing together some great performers, this project managed to be a launch pad for comedy legends.
#2: “American Graffiti” (1973)
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Before he created “Star Wars,” George Lucas directed an acclaimed comedy about teenagers contemplating their future. This look into 1960s car culture also includes several actors on the cusp of greatness. Ron Howard was arguably the most well-known name in the cast, but he’d mainly worked on television up to that point. Richard Dreyfuss had only acted in smaller parts and absolutely shined here in his first major screen role. Other key actors such as Cindy Williams would go on to be a TV star, while Charles Martin Smith would work with Brian De Palma. The most famous of them all is a fresh-faced Harrison Ford as a mean driver. Altogether, these artists create a lived-in atmosphere that remains timeless.
#1: “The Outsiders” (1983)
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In order to film this adaptation of the classic novel, director Francis Ford Coppola needed a huge cast of young actors. Most of the primary speaking roles went on to become the biggest stars of their era. These include Ralph Macchio, Matt Dillon, Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, and Diane Lane. We didn’t even mention the likes of Patrick Swayze and the most successful of them all, Tom Cruise. Portraying S. E. Hinton’s characters with skill and natural talent, the group really comes together as an engaging ensemble. It’s incredible to know that most of them were only beginning their careers. Coppola’s vision not only did justice to the book, it allowed for the next great generation of artists to emerge. Did we forget another movie with an impeccable cast? Let us know in the comments below.
