Top 10 Weirdest Movie Transformations

The polyjuice potion first appeared in “Chamber of Secrets,” but arguably its most remarkable appearance was in the seventh film. Shortly into the movie, multiple characters down the mystical brew to prepare for a risky mission. To throw off Voldemort and his cronies as Harry is transported to the Weasleys’ house, six allies magically take on his appearance. The image of multiple characters in different outfits all morphing into Daniel Radcliffe remains an iconic image. Polyjuice potion is weird enough on its own, but its use in this case is both ingenious and bizarre.

By the end of this high school rom-com, the protagonist’s fashion sense is contemporary yet authentic. However, she undergoes nothing short of a style evolution to get there. To pass for a teenage student, Josie trades in her frumpy office drone wardrobe for something seriously different. Besides her newly coiffed hair, she sports a look that’s more suited to the stage than to math class. With feathers galore and a loud, citrus-patterned bag, Josie doesn’t exactly fit in. It might not be fantastical in nature, but to the fashion-minded among us, this transformation is mind-boggling.

Director Tim Burton is known for his quirky artistic sensibility. It isn’t a surprise, then, that this film provides a unique spin on the classic makeover scene. Cosmetics saleswoman Peg Boggs adopts a nearly-completed automaton with metal hands. However, her idea to update his look with the help of some makeup doesn’t exactly go as planned. After turning his fair skin purple, she applies what looks like yogurt to his face to compensate. With Peg speaking soothingly to the camera, the scene is utterly relaxing. It almost makes us forget how truly bizarre this makeover, and its subject, are.

This cult black comedy takes a well-worn plot device and makes it spooky. After a teenage clique accidentally kills one of their members, they’re found out by social outcast Fern. Wicked popular girl Courtney buys the loner’s silence by offering her a place in the group. Of course, this deal wouldn’t be complete without a style revamp. The circumstances of this transformation scene are certainly grim. It makes sense, then, that the sequence has a macabre and otherworldly tone. Over footage from both the salon chair and the morgue, the narration sounds like something out of a witch’s spellbook. It’s a moment that perfectly captures “Jawbreaker”’s twisted spirit.

It’s not too often in movies that a teen boy gets treated to a makeover. When they are, they often go from stereotypical nerd to heartthrob. But the Southern California-set “Encino Man” takes a different route. After caveman Link defrosts in contemporary L.A., two best friends decide to bring his look into the present day. But he doesn’t exactly transform into a dashing debonair. Rather, he looks every part the SoCal slacker. The scene is weird enough for featuring a neanderthal as its subject. However, it gets bonus points for subverting expectations… and for its soundtrack.

Grooming is an integral part of many movie transformations. But has any film provided such an unflinching view of hair removal as this one? Steve Carrell plays Andy, an electronics store employee living a lonely life. Three coworkers take him under their wing, counseling him on how to land a date. This leads to perhaps the most iconic waxing scene in film history. Remarkably, Carell himself actually underwent the painful treatment during filming. It’s no wonder, then, that Andy’s explosive reactions are absolutely hilarious. With a seriously unusual premise, the sequence is both cringe-worthy and unforgettable.

Geena Davis takes top billing in this ultra-campy sci-fi romantic comedy. However, the film is also an early installment in the careers of three male mega-stars. Mac, Zeebo, & Wiploc are love-seeking extraterrestrials who make a pit stop in California. Once manicurist Valerie has her friend shear off their colorful fur, it’s safe to say they look different. A young Damon Wayans, Jeff Goldblum, and Jim Carrey play the visitors, but you almost wouldn’t know it until the big reveal. The fact that the trio emerges from glowing tanning booths only makes the scene feel more alien.

This parody film takes aim at popular rom-coms. Unsurprisingly, then, it also spoofs the makeover scenes that are prevalent in the genre. We know this lighthearted flick intends to be audacious, but that still didn’t prepare us for the sheer weirdness of Julia’s makeover. A loveless waitress, she’s brought by a dating coach to the strangest salon we’ve ever seen. Oddly enough, the transformation process references the TV show “Pimp My Ride.” With a problematic message about what makes women beautiful, this sequence has certainly aged poorly. However, there’s no denying that it’s utterly absurd.

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

Janey Briggs, “Not Another Teen Movie” (2001)
This “She’s All That” Spoof Sees a Barely-Transformed Janey Falling Through the Stairs

Madeline Ashton, “Death Becomes Her” (1992)
Who Needs Hair and Makeup When You Have a Magic Potion?

Shrek, “Shrek the Third” (2007)
This Makeover is a Far, Far Cry from Shrek’s Usual Get-Up

Abby Richter, “The Ugly Truth” (2009)
His Advice Might Not Be the Truth, But It Sure Is Ugly

This film features Robin Williams opposite Harvey Fierstein in a truly one-of-a-kind makeover scene. Newly separated father Daniel visits his makeup artist brother, hoping for a convincing nanny disguise. With a goal to secretly spend time with his children, he’s willing to try anything. Of course, that means adopting several unlikely personas in the salon chair. The scene parodies the likes of “Funny Girl” and “Fiddler on the Roof,” and features two musical performances. And that’s not even mentioning the costume they land on: a bodysuit, prosthetic face, and more. If ever a reminder of Williams’s zany brilliance was needed, look no further.