Top 10 Supporting Actors in Movies

Although he’s found success later in his career as a lead, this actor made his name with unique standout roles in big prestige pictures. Often portraying a foil to the main character, Paul Giamatti has appeared in such Oscar contenders as “Saving Private Ryan,” “Cinderella Man,” “The Illusionist,” and “12 Years a Slave.” Known to prefer smaller roles, he has solidified himself as one of the best character actors of his era.

One of the most prolific actors of any period, this boisterous performer’s supporting track record goes back to countless bit parts, all of which he made memorable. But, it wasn’t until his role as Jules in 1994’s “Pulp Fiction”—and one particularly chilling Bible verse—that he was established as one of Hollywood’s premiere acting talents. He has since settled in nicely to the role of Nick Fury in the “Avengers” films—a role he was clearly born to play, despite having to tone back the F-bombs to reach the family audience!

He may sometimes seem like he’s only half awake, but don’t let him fool you— Tommy Lee Jones is one of the sharpest actors working. He is so well respected that he is often given license to write his own lines on set. Frequently cast as an establishment goon or an authority figure, he has appeared in films like “The Fugitive,” “Natural Born Killers” “No Country for Old Men,” and the “Men in Black” franchise. Regardless of the role, he always manages to convey complexity, wit, and heart.

Shooting to success in the late ‘80s with his breakthrough role in “Driving Miss Daisy,” this golden-voiced veteran has been the Hollywood go-to for the roles of mentors, father figures, the man with the conscience, and even God. Freeman has been a mainstay in some of the most critically acclaimed films of the last few decades, and just to name a few, this includes “The Shawshank Redemption,” to “Se7en,” “Million Dollar Baby,” and even the “The Dark Knight” trilogy.

Virtually unheard of in the U.S. before the 21st century, that all changed with Christoph Waltz’s masterful turn as the misleadingly friendly, but downright deadly and insidious Nazi Colonel Hans Landa in 2009’s “Inglourious Basterds.” The Austrian-German actor followed his Oscar-winning performance up with a string of critical and box office successes, showing how versatile he can be as both the villain and the complex hero. He’s accumulated two Oscars in a short period and is on his way to becoming one of the most memorable actors of his time thanks to his delivery and on-screen presence.

From characters that barely say a word to those that can’t shut up, no one can put their mark on a film quite like this actor. Not many performers can change speeds between a Tarantino bloodbath and an Adam Sandler slapstick, but Buscemi seems comfortable in seemingly any role. From “Reservoir Dogs” to “Fargo” to “The Big Lebowski,” he played a part in some of the most enduring movies of the ‘90s, and these propelled him to more starring roles later in his career.

The youngest entry on our list, this comic actor has already earned two Academy Award nominations for supporting roles. While he usually plays comedic parts, his stripped-down role as Oakland Athletics Assistant General Manager Peter Brand in 2011’s “Moneyball” showed his true range. Since then, memorable turns in hits “Django Unchained,” “This Is the End,” and “The Wolf of Wall Street” have followed, and the multi-faceted actor doesn't appear to be slowing down any time soon.

Of all the actors on our list, perhaps no one can take over a scene like this brilliant hothead. His performances in “Raging Bull” and “GoodFellas” were so comically brilliant that he has had an entire second career in comedies like the “Home Alone” movies—while still playing the occasional wise guy in films like “Casino.” His “what-do-you-mean-I’m-funny?” monologue in “GoodFellas” still stands as one of the most intensely brilliant in any film.

Similar to Tommy Lee Jones, this character actor has made a career out of exploring the complexities of seemingly straight-and-narrow characters. With his wholesome looks and perfectly groomed moustache, William H. Macy’s disarming presence is matched only by his desire to find a character’s darkest edges. After smaller film roles in the early ‘90s, Macy shot to success as a desperate car salesman who conspires to have his wife kidnapped in 1996’s “Fargo.” The performance, which earned him an Oscar nomination, was followed up by standout roles in “Boogie Nights,” “Pleasantville,” and “Magnolia,” making Macy a perennial contributor to some of the best films of his time.

Before we reveal our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- J.K. Simmons
- Harry Dean Stanton
- John Cazale
- John Turturro
- John Goodman
- Laurence Fishburne

Like Macy, Philip Seymour Hoffman rose to prominence by putting his stamp on Paul Thomas Anderson films such as “Boogie Nights” and “Magnolia.” In addition to continuing his relationship with Anderson—by appearing in nearly all of the director’s films—Hoffman contributed to an astounding amount of important films as a supporting player, even after he started to take on more lead roles. You can take your pick, but some of our favorite Hoffman parts are in “The Big Lebowski,” “Almost Famous,” “Punch-Drunk Love,” and “Moneyball.” Truly one of the all-time greats, Hoffman was effective both as a positive and negative on-screen force.

Do you agree with our list? Which supporting actors do you think are the best of all time? For more entertaining top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.