Top 20 SNL Hosts Who Parodied Their Famous Characters

#20: Andrew Garfield & Emma Stone as Peter Parker / Spider-Man & Gwen Stacy

Ever since that upside-down kiss in the first generation of these movies, those moments have become kind of a thing. So yeah, the chemistry has to be perfect. Were sure the actors would agree too if either of them knew how people actually kiss. The commitment both deliver to this absolutely ridiculous premise is downright brilliant and surprisingly showcases their very real chemistry. Still, when Chris Martin steps in, its hard to tell if Garfield cant believe his luck or is just internally replaying every life choice that led him here. Either way, move over, Gwen Stacy, theres a new couple in town, and wow, do they kiss like no one else.

#19: Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen

These days, it feels like franchises are racing to see who can rack up the most laps. While some always manage to keep it fun and fresh, others are clearly running out of gas, like this idea for Cars 4. Wilson comes in to record his lines only to realize that Lightning McQueens life has steered way off track, and its pretty bad. Sure, McQueens had his flaws in the past, but now hes just outright the villain. Wilson learns that perhaps he shouldve read the script before signing on. Although, it turns out that his moral compass can waver when those Kachows turn into a truckload of kaching!

#18: Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green

The anticipation for the Friends finale in 2004 was off the charts, so when Jennifer Aniston hosted SNL earlier that year, she had to address the elephant in the room. This sketch imagines a continuation of the RossRachelJoey triangle that had already split the fanbase. Unsurprisingly, Rachel chooses Ross, and Joey does not take it well. We know Friends could go to some dark places, but this... yeah... no, thank you. The other alternative ending she shares is no I got off the plane either. Honestly, were just relieved the SNL writers werent in charge of the real finale. Because could this BE any more of a downer?

#17: Jason Momoa as Khal Drogo, Kit Harington as Jon Snow & Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister

Given the success of Game of Thrones, its no surprise SNL threw in their two cents, sometimes with help from the shows own stars. Jason Momoa co-hosted an afterlife talk show as Khal Drogo. Its an interesting gig for someone not exactly born with the gift of gab. Kit Harington reprised Jon Snow twice: once in a spin-off promo, and again in a Leslie Jones fantasy sketch. We also got a behind-the-scenes peek with Tyrion Lannister himself, Peter Dinklage, who shows what its like to have a dragon as a scenemate. Not quite the dragons flames you see on screen, but you cant say the GoT cast isnt fired up behind the scenes.

#16: Patrick Stewart as Jean-Luc Picard

From William Shatner to Chris Pine, SNL has boldly gone where many Trekkies have gone before. While Captain Kirk has had his fair share of limelight, Jean-Luc Picard gets his turn, too. The Starships seen a lot over the years, but a Star Trek meets The Love Boat crossover didnt seem written in the stars, until this. It plays like both a parody and a love letter, poking fun at Picards seriousness by dropping him into over-the-top romantic shenanigans hed never tolerate on the Enterprise. And yes, that is Bernie Kopell from the actual The Love Boat too. Basically, this is what mightve happened had Picard crash-landed straight into The Hallmark Channel.

#15: Christopher Reeve as Superman

Were taken to the audition room, where thousands of hopeful Men of Steel have been whittled down to just three. But this isnt the kind of audition sketch weve become accustomed to; its way more high-stakes. These would-be Supermen need more than solid line readings. Their reflexes have to be razor sharp, too. Honestly, wed love to see the special skills section on their resumes. Unfortunately, Reeve just doesnt have the poise to pull it off. Given how hard he actually had to fight to be seen for the role, this sketch isnt too far off, well, aside from the whole bullet-between-the-teeth thing. Luckily for him, fate happens to be on his side.

#14: Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen

The Hunger Games is tense, gritty, and emotionally charged. Yet, while we were all cheering on the rebellion, there were far more pressing issues we apparently missed. Jennifer Lawrence reprises her role in a post-Games press conference where, lets just say, the reporters couldve fared with a little pre-conference briefing because theyre pretty clueless. Oh, and Peetas there too not that anyone cares. Lawrence turns her tough, guarded, fiercely loyal character into the perfect comedic foil, swatting away dumb questions like theyre just another tribute. She steals the spotlight both in-universe and out, while Peeta, well lets just say he doesnt exactly measure up. Literally.

#13: Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton

With the polarizing shifts in administration, it was only a matter of time before SNL delivered a pointed sketch about the Constitution. However, for this to succeed, there was someone else theyd need Lin Manuel Miranda. In a skit featuring the Founding Fathers, he reprises his role as Alexander Hamilton, launching into a rap, just as were sure the Founding Fathers did during the signing of the Declaration. Or he would have, if he werent interrupted by James Austin Johnsons eerily accurate Trump impression and clear determination to make him break. Still, Miranda mostly keeps it together. Who knows when hell get to play Hamilton again, so hes not throwing away his shot.

#12: Daniel Craig as James Bond

Despite the high risks of his job, James Bond often seems to have luck on his side. It seems that luck follows him to the craps table, too. He's on a roll, and nothing can throw him off his game. It's hardly the 'shaken not stirred' 007 we all know. But as Daniel Craig shows, a James Bond action-comedy could've actually worked. It's fun to see him loosen up, all smiles, and actually enjoying himself. It suits him even better than one of those perfectly tailored suits. And who knew a Bond-meets-Lion King crossover was what we'd been missing this whole time? Apparently, the world wasn't enough and neither is this sketch.

#11: Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates

Norman Bates might be one of the most complex and terrifying villains in movie history. Well, back in season one of SNL, he was offering tips on how to be a motel manager. He starts out as the seemingly mild-mannered, soft-spoken guy we remember. Polite and soft-spoken, almost fragile. But soon enough, mother gets involved, and its the same level of menace that made us shower with our eyes open and sleep with the lights on. Who would have thought Psycho would feel right at home on Studio 8H? Mother might not like a lot of things, but we think Mother would like that. Yep, well be sleeping with one eye open tonight!

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#10: Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter

You know that guy who peaked in high school and wont stop talking about it? Thats basically Harry Potter in this sketch. After defeating Voldemort, his lifes been...a little uneventful. He returns to Hogwarts to welcome new students, but he makes the whole thing about himself. While everyone else has grown upmarriages, careers, actual livesHarrys still stuck reliving his heroic past. Watching Daniel Radcliffe poke fun at his most iconic role is such a treat. Honestly, this feels like the epilogue we deserved. And if they ever make Harry Potter and the Midlife Crisis, well be first in line. Itd be a hitawkward, hilarious, and a little too real.

#9: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss & John Slattery as Don Draper, Roger Sterling & Peggy Olson

With Jon Hamm hosting, it felt like a Mad Men moment was bound to happenand this sketch delivers. Hes joined by co-stars and real-life scene stealers Jason Sudeikis and Kristen Wiig, reprising their gum-chewing A-Holes. Its a brilliant crossover. Everyones in top form, but Hamm especially shines with a dramatic monologue that gives serious Carousel pitch vibes. The sketch nails the look and feel of the original series while tossing in just enough absurdity to make it sing. The A-holes might not exactly fit the 1960s aesthetic, but that just makes it funnier. Also, wed 100% watch a retro drama starring these two ridiculous characters. The Mad Men guys certainly meet their match!

#8: Ben Stiller & Owen Wilson as Derek Zoolander & Hansel

Its New York Fashion Week! Who better to weigh in on style than Derek Zoolander and Hansel? Well, theyre there to talk politicsspecifically, fashion in politics. The sketch milks every bit of comedy from the pairs clueless worldview colliding with the fashion worlds over-the-top seriousness. With the 2016 election in full swing, they somehow manage to skip the major issues and focus on what really matters: outfits. From Hillary Clintons 90s throwback to Tom... Cruise, apparently? Honestly, where were these fashion pundits when we needed them? This wasnt Dereks only Weekend Update visit. Zoolander and Stefon teaming up? Thats the crossover movie we want to see!

#7: Zac Efron as Troy Bolton

Like Harry Potter earlier, Troy Bolton left high school only to find out, surprise! The real world kind of sucks. But unlike Harry, hes not stuck in the past. Hes back at East High to deliver some crushing news: real life isnt a musical. We know. Breathe. Apparently, in the real world, people dont randomly burst into song, stare into invisible cameras, or launch into full choreography in the cafeteria. Worsewhen you sing out loud, people can hear you. Still, while Harrys stuck reliving his glory days, Troy is warmly welcomed back to the all-singing, all-dancing East High. Sounds like High School Musical 4 just wrote itself!

#6: Aubrey Plaza & Amy Poehler as April Ludgate & Leslie Knope

In a segment about getting young people involved in local government, who better to weigh in than April Ludgate? Shes still as sardonic, deadpan, and fierce as ever, with that dark sense of humor barely covering the fact that she actually caresjust dont tell anyone. She even offers up some sage-ish advice before stopping herself short of showing shes, you know, invested. So who better to take over than Leslie Knope? Shes a huge SNL fan, by the way! Its so much fun seeing her sunshiney enthusiasm clash with Aprils gloomier outlook again. And it turns out Leslies got solid comedy chops. Its almost like shes done this before.

#5: Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson & Jeremy Renner as The Avengers

With various Avengers actors hosting the show, SNL hasnt missed a chance to poke fun at the MCU. Like this sketch, where Thors still buzzing from the high of defeating Ultron and refuses to turn the hero dial down. Given how serious the movies can get, its so fun seeing Hemsworth lean into Thors sillier side. Then theres the Black Widow trailer, with Scarlett Johansson playing her as a rom-com lead. Sure, the eventual movie went another way, but come onthe sequel potential is right there. And of course, Jeremy Renner calling out the obviousHawkeyes powers are... not exactly top-tier. Watching him roll with the punches is genuinely entertaining.

#4: Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins

Freeman doesnt just parody one of his most iconic characters in this sketch; he mashes up two of them: Middle-earth meets mundane office life. Bilbo Baggins steps into the world of a paper company, and it totally works. Turns out Bilbo has a lot in common with The Offices Tim Canterbury: dry wit, self-deprecating humor, and that low-key, quietly suffering energy that says, Im doing my best, please dont talk to me before second breakfast (one for your Lord of the Rings fans). Watching him navigate various coworkers and petty pranks is weirdly perfect. Honestly, wed watch an entire series of this. Bonus points for Taran Killam returning as Gollum, obviously.

#3:Paul Mescal as Lucius Verus Aurelius

After the Barbenheimer summer takeover, movie pundits were desperate to bottle that same double-feature magic (or triple in this case) with Wicked, Moana 2, and Gladiator 2. The obvious solution? Make Gladiator 2 a musical, of course. And honestly, after seeing Paul Mescal belt out battle ballads and nail choreography, we're asking why this isn't a musical? He's got the voice, the charisma, and enough stage presence to bring the Colosseum down. With Lin-Manuel Miranda on lyrics, it basically writes itself. All were saying is Broadway better brace itself. And don't even think about recasting Lucius; Mescal's got the voice, the charm, and the battle cry to bring the house down.

#2: Adam Driver as Kylo Ren

Given the ever-expanding galaxy that is Star Wars, its no surprise SNL has taken more than a few swings at it. But the standout is easily the Undercover Boss sketch where Adam Driver's Kylo Ren poses as Matt, a radar technician, to see what really goes on at Starkiller Base. Spoiler: almost no one is fooled by the disguise. What we get instead is a painfully relatable workplace scenario where the big boss tries to experience the daily grind and, surprise surprise, absolutely cannot handle it. Driver plays it completely straight-faced, which somehow makes it even funnier. No wonder they brought him back for a Where Are They Now.

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

Gerard Butler as King Leonidas

King Leonidas & His Army Clear Up a Few Things

Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman

Two Women Wash Up on Themyscira Only to Be Bitterly Disappointed by the Sisterhood

Sacha Baron Cohen as Borat

Very Nice!

#1: Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa

Darnell, what is one of the best Black Jeopardy segments of all time? Its the one where Chadwick Boseman plays TChalla, still in full Wakandan mode, trying to wrap his head around Black American culture. He brings that royal elegance and wide-eyed honesty, which makes every moment land perfectly. The sketch is smart, sharp, and surprisingly wholesome, with TChalla slowly catching on to the game until he draws the line at unseasoned potato salad. That moment instantly became a classic and, lets be real, a necessary public service announcement. Because, yes, seasoning your food matters. And no, salt is not the only one out there. TChalla said what he said!

Which iconic character would you love to see parodied by its actor on SNL? Let us know in the comments