Top 50 Actors Who Saved Their Career with One Performance
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VOICE OVER: Tom Aglio
WRITTEN BY: Jonathan Alexander
You can call it a comeback. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most notable stars that revived their acting prospects with a single role. Our countdown includes performances by Jennifer Coolidge, Adam Sandler, Robert Downey Jr., Eddie Murphy, Lauren Bacall, and more!
Top 50 Actors Who Saved Their Career with One Performance
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most notable stars that revived their acting prospects with a single role.
#50: Michael B. Jordan
“Creed” (2015)
Much like the Human Torch himself, Michael B. Jordan’s resume burned hot and fast. It’s a shame; landing a gig as one of the “Fantastic Four” should have been a career high. Unfortunately, reviews for the film were so abhorrent, many felt no one involved could ever recover. And yet, Jordan rose from the ashes. A mere few months after “Fantastic Four” set his bankability ablaze, he reaffirmed himself as a leading man with “Creed.” The glowing reviews and massive box office returns reignited Jordan’s career at just the moment it was about to go out. He’s been on a hot streak ever since.
#49: Natasha Lyonne
“Orange Is the New Black” (2013-19)
Turns out, a fictional stint behind bars is exactly what Natasha Lyonne needed. Following years of guest spots, independent films, and bit roles, her turn as Nicky Nichols put her back in the mainstream conversation. Both with critics and audiences. Seemingly overnight, Lyonne was an Emmy nominee, a fan-favorite on a hit show, and on everyone’s radar. Can you blame them? There aren’t many actors who could balance “Orange Is the New Black’s” blend of gravitas and comedy, but Lyonne made it look easy. Nowadays, she’s busier than ever before. It’s clear that when Lyonne boards a project, she isn’t a no-name. She’s the star.
#48: Amitabh Bachchan
“Zanjeer” (1973)
At a time when Bollywood was full of tall and handsome leading men, “Zanjeer” dared to cast a wider net. Enter: Amitabh Bachchan. The up-and-comer had a spotty track record at the box office, and even spottier career prospects. But, the film’s writer insisted he was the right man for the job, and boy was he on the money. “Zanjeer” became a blockbuster classic, catapulting the careers of everyone involved. Bachchan springboarded that success into another, and then another, and another. It’s to the point that, these days, he’s widely considered one of, if not the most influential Indian actor of all time. Now, just imagine if they’d cast anyone else.
#47: Natalie Portman
“V for Vendetta” (2005)
Despite raking in mountains of cash, the “Star Wars” prequels earned what you might call a “mixed reception.” Especially towards its central romance between Anakin and Padmé. Suffice it to say, Natalie Portman’s phone wasn’t exactly ringing off the hook afterward. But, all that changed when the right movie happened to come along. Its name? “V for Vendetta.” Portman’s tour-de-force performance reminded everyone that, with the right material, she could easily shoulder a film on her own. A few hits and some Oscar nominations later, Portman officially outgrew her franchise origins to become a stalwart on the Hollywood A-list.
#46: Neil Patrick Harris
“How I Met Your Mother” (2005-14)
In this day and age, it’s pretty much impossible to mention Neil Patrick Harris without also bringing up his career-defining turn as ladies’ man Barney Stinson. But, it wasn’t always that way. Back in the day, the “Doogie Howser, M.D.” star struggled transitioning his childhood success into a steady career. He seemed to be destined to fade into obscurity. At least, until he booked “How I Met Your Mother.” For nine years, Harris commanded the screen with wit, finesse, and impeccable comedic timing. He endeared an entire generation to his wacky brand of humor, and he has Barney Stinson to thank for it.
#45: Katharine Hepburn
“The Philadelphia Story” (1940)
Before Katharine Hepburn became, well, Katharine Hepburn, she had another name in the industry: box office poison. So, with Hollywood turning their backs on her, Hepburn funded and starred in a new play, “The Philadelphia Story.” Following a successful run, Hepburn sold off the film rights. But, they came with a massive caveat: she had final say on the film’s producer, director, screenwriter, and most importantly, the cast. And, of course, who better to headline the film adaptation than Hepburn herself? Clearly, she knew what she was doing.“The Philadelphia Story” shattered all expectations, and almost single handedly earned Hepburn her reputation back. Talk about taking matters into your own hands.
#44: Tom Cruise
“Tropic Thunder” (2008)
There is such a thing as bad publicity. Just ask Tom Cruise in the early 2000s. Once a true Hollywood moviestar, his connection to scientology and tumultuous love life slowly but surely eroded his image. Soon enough, Cruise’s continued bankability came into question. That’s when he donned the fat suit and stepped into “Tropic Thunder.” His hilarious work as Les Grossman had audiences in stitches. Given how little fuss there was when he received a Golden Globe nomination, it’s obvious the masses had welcomed him back with open arms. However, it’s still pretty funny that Tom Cruise is unrecognizable in the role that saved his career.
#43: Jennifer Coolidge
“The White Lotus” (2021-)
Not even comedic legends can escape the dreaded Hollywood dry spell. After all, Jennifer Coolidge is responsible for some of the best one-liners the 90s and early 2000s have to offer. But, eventually, audiences grew tired of her shtick, resigning her to small supporting parts here and there. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, though, and when Coolidge returned to the limelight for “The White Lotus,” she took the world by storm. Tanya McQuoid’s unhinged antics allowed Coolidge to do what she does best, and she has an Emmy to prove it. It’s safe to say we’ll be seeing a lot more of Coolidge, and that’s never a bad thing.
#42: Reese Witherspoon
“Wild” (2014)
There’s no dumb blonde jokes to make here. While rom-coms were her bread and butter for years, Witherspoon’s reliable audience thinned a lot in the early 2010s. So much so that, with her career on life support, she decided to found her own production company. That’s how “Wild” happened. Witherspoon both starred in and produced the film, and based on her Oscar nomination for Best Actress, we’d say it worked out pretty well for her. In the years since, Witherspoon has spent just as much time behind the camera as in front of it. But, if “Wild” is any indication, she can reinvent herself whenever she wants.
#41: Winona Ryder
“Stranger Things” (2016-)
It’s hard for any controversial actor to stage a full-on return to form. But, stranger things have happened. Long before she headlined Netflix’s sci-fi triumph, several personal struggles forced Winona Ryder into a self-imposed hiatus from acting. When she returned, it was with a big question mark: could she ever get back to the same popularity she had before? The answer is resoundingly yes. All it took was the Duffer Brothers, a great performance, and an industry-shaking television series. “Strangers Things” didn’t just bring Ryder back to her former glory, it re-introduced her to a whole new audience. The Demogorgon’s got nothing on that kind of power.
#40: Ke Huy Quan
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” (2022)
After “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” made him a child star at twelve, Ke Huy Quan struggled to keep up the momentum. Then, unable to cope with years of rejections, he even retired from acting altogether for a time. It wasn’t until the late 2010s that he officially gave performing another shot – and the results are undeniable. Quan’s acclaimed portrayal, or should we say portrayals, of Waymond Wang in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” immediately reignited his career prospects. Now with an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a SAG award to his name, it’s safe to say this resurgence won’t fade as quickly as his first one did.
#39: Shia LaBeouf
“Honey Boy” (2019)
From family comedies to big-budget blockbusters, Shia LaBeouf spent the 2000s as a staple on the A-list. Unfortunately, a series of personal struggles and poorly-received projects marked a major downturn in his bankability. While he still steadily worked throughout the mid-2010s, it wasn’t anything on the same level as his output the decade prior. So, to compensate, LaBeouf made his own material. He wrote and starred in “Honey Boy,” a film loosely based on LaBeouf’s relationship with his father. The reviews were strong enough to single-handedly turn him into a serious dramatic actor. Apparently, you do catch more flies with honey, after all.
#38: Melissa McCarthy
“Can You Ever Forgive Me?” (2018)
The success of 2011’s “Bridesmaids” cemented this actress as a bonafide comedic powerhouse. But, the years that followed were no laughing matter for Melissa McCarthy’s image. She headlined flop after flop after flop, to the point many began to wonder if she could still bring in an audience at all. Then, in 2018, she silenced all of those naysayers with a head-turning performance in “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” The movie’s sophisticated tone and thoughtful approach cemented the fact that McCarthy could do so much more than crack jokes. You don’t have to take our word for it, though. Her Oscar nomination speaks for itself.
#37: Ben Affleck
“The Town” (2010)
Ben Affleck’s time behind the camera may have rescued his career in front of it. While he does a good job acting in “The Town,” he was mainly singled out for praise as the movie’s writer and director. Just like that, Affleck reinvented himself as not just an actor, but an auteur storyteller in his own right. It couldn’t have come at a better time, either. Let’s just say no one was clamoring for a sequel to “Daredevil.” Or, any of his other projects, for that matter. But, thanks to his work on “The Town,” he’s spent the years since as a well-respected artist on both sides of the camera lens.
#36: Martin Lawrence
“Bad Boys for Life” (2020)
This movie did more than reboot “Bad Boys,” it effectively brought back Martin Lawrence’s acting prospects, too. Despite his lengthy career in some iconic comedies, his time on camera dwindled to near-nothing over the years. To put it into perspective, before “Bad Boys 3,” you could count on one hand how many films he’d been in during the 2010s. But, returning to Lieutenant Marcus Miles Burnett was the perfect way to remind everyone what Lawrence could do. Even better, audiences responded with their wallets. “Bad Boys For Life” made bank at the box office, reigniting Lawrence as a major draw. It’s no surprise he’s coming back for a fourth stint in blue.
#35: Michelle Yeoh
“Crazy Rich Asians” (2018)
With a title like that, it’s not too shocking to hear that this film put a spotlight on an ensemble of underrated Asian talent. Most notably, Michelle Yeoh herself. She was arguably the biggest name coming in, hailing from a lengthy background of acclaimed martial arts films. But, here, she traded her Gi for a dress, and was rewarded with a showering of critical praise. Suddenly, she went from having slim pickings of characters to being one of the most in-demand actresses in Hollywood. Since “Crazy Rich Asians,” Yeoh has landed a significant role in the MCU, signed on for more blockbusters, and even won an Academy Award. Yeah, you could say she’s staying busy.
#34: Colin Farrell
“In Bruges” (2008)
If this proves anything, it’s that the right role at the right time can do just about anything. See, early in his career, Colin Farrell made a name for himself doing smaller, independent work. But, his transition into bigger fare like “Alexander” was a costly mistake for just about everyone involved. Then, out of nowhere, he starred in a little movie called “In Bruges.” The small-scale feature played right into Farrell’s strengths and proved why he was worth keeping an eye on in the first place. With a new Golden Globe in hand, Farrell’s post-“In Bruges” career hasn't just stayed afloat, it’s positively thrived.
#33: Renée Zellweger
“Judy” (2019)
Nothing screams “comeback” quite like Oscar gold. Although, it speaks to the give-and-pull of Hollywood that Renée Zellweger needed a resurgence at all. At one point, she was the industry’s it-girl, and paid like, too. Even so, after a few flops and a six-year hiatus, she was in desperate need of a hit. So, she returned to the business with a victory lap of great films, capped off with a tour-de-force performance in “Judy.” The film’s strong reception put Zellweger back on top like she’d never left. There’s no knowing what’s next for her, but if “Judy” is any indication, it will be well worth the wait.
#32: Channing Tatum
“21 Jump Street” (2012)
Most actors would kill to be known as a tall, dark, and handsome leading man. The issue? That’s all Channing Tatum was. His success in the romance genre had typecast him out of other kinds of work. At least, until 2012. When “21 Jump Street” hit theaters, Tatum defied everyone’s expectations by showing he was more than a pretty face. He could be funny, too. Tatum’s role as the too-cool-for-school jock redefined him as a genuine movie star apart from any one genre. He hasn’t abandoned his roots in romance, and he still makes plenty of comedies, too. But, it’s clear they’re not holding him back the way they once were.
#31: Jennifer Jason Leigh
“The Hateful Eight” (2015)
Quentin Tarantino has a knack for impeccable casting, and this 2015 western is no different. Look no further than Jennifer Jason Leigh. Despite a few noteworthy roles here and there, she seemed to be much more comfortable flying under the radar in independent films. And yet, she still proved up to the task of playing "Crazy" Daisy Domergue. Her Oscar nomination implies so, at least. Leigh had always garnered positive marks in the underground circuit, but this quasi-breakthrough put her at the forefront of the conversation. In the ensuing years, the scale of her work hasn’t actually changed all that much. But, rest assured, there are a lot more eyes on it now.
#30: Sylvester Stallone
“Rocky Balboa” (2006)
Back in 1990, Rocky’s fifth round in the ring left a sour taste in everyone’s mouth. Worse, that became a running theme with all of Sylvester Stallone’s work. After years and years of waning audience interest, the actor had no choice but to pick up the boxing gloves for a career Hail Mary. As it turns out, that’s just what Stallone’s resume needed. The critical and commercial success of “Rocky Balboa” repositioned him as a true, modern-day action star. Later, Stallone spun this win into a slew of other, well-received projects. He was officially back in the game, and he didn’t even need a training montage to do it.
#29: Jamie Lee Curtis
“Halloween” (2018)
Forty years after Michael Myers first picked up a butcher knife, he returned and made an actual killing at the box office. Despite the bloodshed, this reboot only proved that Jamie Lee Curtis’ image was far from dead. Her career lull wasn’t because of any one flop, anyway, it was an intentional break to focus on her family. So, when she finally returned to Laurie Strode in 2018, the pent-up demand delivered the highest opening weekend gross for any film with a lead actress over 55 years old. Those unprecedented numbers slingshotted Curtis back into the forefront of the industry; a place she’s comfortably stayed ever since.
#28: Sandra Bullock
“The Blind Side” (2009)
Miss Congeniality herself almost fumbled this career-saving opportunity. Even though her more contemporary work was struggling to connect, Bullock turned down her role in the “Blind Side” three separate times. But, after meeting with the real-life Leigh Anne Tuohy, Bullock went as far as taking a pay cut to join the film. That turned out to be for the best since the movie was a bonafide smash-hit across the 2009 holiday season. The box office and awards shows didn’t hurt, but the real benefit of “The Blind Side” was reaffirming Bullock as an undisputed household name. After all, she isn’t considered one of the most influential people in the world for nothing.
#27: Brendan Fraser
“The Whale” (2022)
It’s always hard to pinpoint exactly why a career flounders. In Brendan Fraser’s case, you could blame it on his personal issues, his rumored blacklisting, or his habit of choosing poorly-received work. Either way, the fact of the matter is that Fraser’s struggled to get back in the limelight for a while now. And yet, that underdog story made his riveting turn in “The Whale” all the more empowering. Fraser’s authenticity as the overweight recluse, Charlie, became the must-see performance of 2022, earning him just about every industry award an actor could hope for. There’s no better way to announce that Brendan Fraser is back, and better than ever.
#26: Lauren Bacall
“Murder on the Orient Express” (1974)
As this Golden Age actress learned the hard way, charging full steam ahead is a dual-edged sword. Just as soon as her trademark, lustful voice made her a sensation, Lauren Bacall was branded difficult to work with and went through a major career drought. Then, after a forced eight-year sabbatical, Bacall made her grand return to the silver screen in “Murder on the Orient Express.” The rest is film history. Difficult or not, the Agatha Christie mystery made it clear that Bacall was a box office draw. Especially in the right role. Still, the results weren’t instantaneous. It took a few more years, but “Murder’s” enduring legacy eventually put her career back on track.
#25: Joaquin Phoenix
“The Master” (2012)
It’s no hyperbole to say Joaquin Phoenix has no one to blame for his hiatus other than himself. He made the head-scratching decision to star in “I’m Still Here,” a mockumentary about Phoenix allegedly retiring from acting. It was all a meta-commentary, but the point got lost amidst middling reviews, leaving many thinking he’d actually left the business. Thankfully, he didn’t stay down for long, and in 2012, the actor rose like, well, a phoenix. He delivered the performance of his career in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “The Master,” and has an Oscar nomination to prove it. It’s a good thing Phoenix didn’t retire since he’s quickly become one of the most respected actors of his generation.
#24: Brad Pitt
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (2019)
Another Quentin Tarantino film; another actor pulled from the brink of disaster. Before boarding this movie Brad Pitt’s highly-publicized divorce from Angelina Jolie threatened to torpedo his entire image. And, it very well might’ve if “Once Upon a Time” hadn’t come along. Pitt turned in a performance so riveting, it practically demanded he be taken seriously again. Suddenly, the headlines about Brangelina’s breakup were replaced with reviews for Pitt’s stellar work. It was just the kind of support he needed to leave the scandal in the past and re-establish himself as a worthy solo act. The fact he won his first acting Oscar, too, was just the cherry on top.
#23: Ellen Burstyn
“Requiem for a Dream” (2000)
From 1972 to 1981, Ellen Burstyn was nominated for a staggering five Academy Awards, and even took home one. Pair that with starring roles in genre fare like “The Exorcist,” and she seemed set for life. Unfortunately, that’s not how Hollywood works. She saw heavy diminishing returns in the 80s and 90s. But, soon enough, “Requiem for a Dream” brought her right back to the top. She earned her sixth career Oscar nomination, and with it came the support of the masses. Her fame was more or less restored. Burstyn’s legacy became even more unshakeable, and she’s taken advantage of that by being much more selective with her projects.
#22: Eddie Murphy
“Dolemite Is My Name” (2019)
After a performance like this, it’s hard to imagine how Eddie Murphy ever left the mainstream. But, boy, did he ever. His comedic reign of the 2000s plummeted off a cliff thanks to some notoriously awful projects – looking at you, “Norbit.” Audiences were so burned out on him that, prior to “Dolemite,” he hadn’t worked for three years. Before that, he’d already been out of a job for four. But somehow, someway, his lauded work in “Dolemite Is My Name” turned all that around. Nowadays, Murphy has more high-profile projects in development than he made in the entirety of the 2010s. If that’s not the sign of a renaissance, we don’t know what is.
#21: James Stewart
“It's a Wonderful Life” (1946)
The end of World War II left the movie industry in a weird place. Particularly for actors like James Stewart. Once hailed as the “Great American Bachelor,” he’d abandoned all that to enlist in the war effort. After five years away from the screen, “It’s a Wonderful Life” was a big test for Stewart’s post-war career. But, it just couldn’t meet those lofty expectations. Despite good marks for Stewart’s work, the movie flopped at the box office. Luckily, a few re-releases and television broadcasts turned it into the iconic holiday staple it is today. If anything, it made Stewart an even hotter commodity than he was before the war. Talk about a welcome home present.
#20: Adam Sandler / Howard Ratner
“Uncut Gems” (2019)
We’ve known for a long time that Adam Sandler could act, whether it be from his grounded performance in “Punch-Drunk Love” or the surprisingly serious “Funny People.” However, he’s developed a reputation for seeming much more comfortable screwing around on-screen through… let’s just say “eccentric” characters. Yet, in 2019 he blew everyone out of the water with his manic energy in “Uncut Gems.” It’s too soon to tell where his career will take him from here, though he did threaten to make a movie that is “so bad on purpose” if he wasn't nominated for an Oscar, which he wasn’t. Whelp, then bring on “Grown Ups 3.” We deserve it.
#19: Johnny Depp / Captain Jack Sparrow
“Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003)
No one ever really doubted Johnny Depp’s abilities as an actor prior to 2003, but aside from “Sleepy Hollow,” he hadn’t really starred in anything that had mass appeal, seeming to prefer off-kilter fare like “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” Though it’s easy to forget now, the prospect of Depp headlining an adaptation of Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride didn’t sound all too appealing. However, when the first installment in the franchise was released, it was a massive success, and legions of fans popped up overnight to support Depp, who would even earn an Oscar nomination for his work. From there, he went on to become one of the biggest stars in Hollywood for the better part of fifteen years.
#18: Jim Carrey / Dr. Robotnik
“Sonic the Hedgehog” (2020)
Back in the ‘90s, Jim Carrey rose to fame portraying wacky characters like Ace Ventura, the Mask, Lloyd Christmas, and the Riddler, just to name a few. However, his typical schtick became more and more seldom in the decades to come with his 2004 turn as Count Olaf in “A Series of Unfortunate Events” being arguably the last true Carrey performance. Throw in some personal troubles, and it seemed like the Carrey we knew and loved was gone. Enter “Sonic the Hedgehog,” where his zany portrayal of classic video game baddie Dr. Robotnik was praised for harkening back to his previous work. Though the film was plagued with post-production issues, Carrey is certainly one of the reasons a sequel was greenlit.
#17: Paul Bettany / Vision
“Avengers: Age of Ultron” (2015)
Though Paul Bettany was technically a member of the Marvel Cinematic Universe from the beginning, voicing J.A.R.V.I.S. in 2008’s “Iron Man,” he had to wait to get his real shot. In those intervening years, he starred in a slew of critical and commercial failures, be it movies he headlined like “Legion” and “Priest” or those where he acted as a supporting player like “The Tourist” and “Transcendence.” Just when it seemed he didn’t know how to pick ‘em, Bettany’s MCU investment paid off with the advent of Vision in “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” A bright spot in a decent enough sequel, Bettany was perfectly cast to play the android, a role he’s gone on to reprise in multiple MCU properties.
#16: Chris Evans / Captain America
“Captain America: The First Avenger” (2011)
From one MCU cast member to another, Chris Evans got his first chance to play a superhero in the first two “Fantastic Four” movies as Johnny Storm, a.k.a. Human Torch. However, that franchise fizzled out early, and his later attempts to participate in superhero / comic book adaptations like “Push” and “The Losers” also failed. Proving that the fourth time’s the charm, Evans finally landed the perfect role in that of Steve Rogers and the titular hero in “Captain America: The First Avenger.” His popularity as the character growing with each subsequent appearance, Evans rounded out his time in the MCU by making fans everywhere weep. Now let’s see what he does outside the comic sphere.
#15: Kristen Stewart / Valentine
“Clouds of Sils Maria” (2014)
Not the last actor to be marred by the “Twilight Saga” that we’ll talk about on this list, Kristen Stewart found herself one of the most disliked actors in Hollywood by the series’ end in 2012. Her affair with “Snow White and the Huntsman” director Rupert Sanders and subsequent breakup with “Twilight” co-star Robert Pattinson didn’t help matters. Moving somewhat out of the limelight, Stewart built her career back up with a string of indie movies, but the one that made doubters prove she could act came in 2014 with “Clouds of Sils Maria.” She more than held her own working against veteran actor Juliette Binoche, and has since returned to the blockbuster scene with 2019’s iteration of “Charlie’s Angels.”
#14: Jennifer Lopez / Ramona Vega
“Hustlers” (2019)
Much like another entry on this list, Jennifer Lopez couldn’t be mentioned without evoking the string of romantic comedies she made throughout the 2000s. Though some are popular among a certain demographic like “Maid in Manhattan” and “The Wedding Planner,” few were very positively received from a critical standpoint, with the worst of the bunch coming in the form of “Gigli.” Another surprise 2019 performance, her role in “Hustlers” as Ramona Vega reminded people why she was such a magnetic star to begin with, receiving a bulk of the praise for the film. Though she too wasn’t nominated for an Oscar like many had hoped, it did show that J.Lo’s still got it.
#13: Nicolas Cage / Red Miller
“Mandy” (2018)
Even during his critical heyday around the turn of the 21st century, Nicolas Cage could still be described as an unorthodox and mesmerizingly manic screen presence. Exacerbated by a slew of financial troubles, it started to seem as if Cage accepted every offer that came his way to make ends meet, gracing us with such “esteemed classics” such as “Knowing” and “Season of the Witch,” whereby his eccentricities turned into overacting. Just when the world began to get nostalgic for him, we were graced with the perfect combination of manic Cage with actual quality in “Mandy.” It remains to be seen what kind of career renaissance may be over the horizon, but if it’s anything like “Mandy,” we’re here for it.
#12: Chris Pratt / Star-Lord
“Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014)
Beginning in 2009, Chris Pratt showed the world just how funny he could be on the NBC sitcom “Parks and Recreation” as fan-favorite Andy Dwyer. However, his presence in film remained rather limited for several years, inhabiting only small roles in good movies like “Zero Dark Thirty” and roles that were memorable for the wrong reasons like his turn in “Movie 43.” Yet, Pratt shocked the world in 2014 when he ditched his schlubby, slacker persona and bulked up for Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” proving he could be funny and kick ass. This led to him being one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood, following up with more blockbusters like “Jurassic World.”
#11: Michael Keaton / Riggan Thomson
“Birdman” (2014)
Back in the day, people were skeptical of Keaton’s casting as the Caped Crusader in Tim Burton’s Batman movie, though many were silenced when they saw him don the cape and cowl on the big screen. After a single sequel, Keaton stepped away from the franchise, which got significantly worse while Keaton did... well... “Jack Frost.” Keaton stayed relatively quiet for much of the 2000s, but we’re sure the meta commentary on his career in 2014’s “Birdman” was too good to pass up. The film was a critical sensation, ultimately winning Best Picture and making Keaton an Oscar nominee. Since then Keaton has been in a slew of big movies, in addition to being another bird-themed character in a superhero movie as the MCU’s Vulture.
#10: Matthew McConaughey / Ron Woodroof
“Dallas Buyers Club” (2013)
For much of his career, Matthew McConaughey was ridiculed for making a throng of lazy romantic comedies, from “Failure to Launch'' to “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past.” Then a little thing called the McConaissance happened, which started slow with movies like “The Lincoln Lawyer” and “Mud,” allowing McConaughey to reveal his acting chops in a big way. It crested in 2013 when he gave an absolutely transformative performance in “Dallas Buyers Club,” which saw him pick up numerous critic accolades, culminating in an Oscar for Best Actor. Now we live in a world where McConaughey starring in serious projects like “Interstellar” and “True Detective” isn’t taken as jokes but as good marketing ploys, and to which we can only say…[insert “Alright, alright, alright…”]
#9: Mickey Rourke / Marv
“Sin City” (2005)
While you could argue that his Oscar-nominated turn in 2008’s “The Wrestler” put Mickey Rourke back in the winner’s circle, we maintain that came a little bit earlier in 2005 with Frank Miller’s “Sin City.” In the neo-noir thriller, he plays Marv, a hard-hitting brute out for revenge and to clear his name for the death of his lover. Though the ensemble film has plenty of memorable characters, his was especially so, as he adopted the tough-guy persona we’d know him for from then on. In typical career-resurgence fashion, he then joined a superhero movie in “Iron Man 2” and even reprised his role as Marv in 2014’s “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For.”
#8: Liam Neeson / Bryan Mills
“Taken” (2008)
Believe it or not, but there was a time when Liam Neeson was better known as a dramatic actor, with only limited action set-pieces in movies like “The Phantom Menace” and “Batman Begins.” Though he wasn’t exactly starved for work, his career took a turn for the badass in 2008 with a little movie called “Taken,” in which he single-handedly takes down a procession of scumbags as he rescues his daughter from a sex trafficking ring. Opening the floodgates for other middle-aged actors to become action stars, virtually everything Neeson made afterward was an action romp of sorts, from “The A-Team,” to “The Grey,” to “Non-Stop,” to “The Commuter,” seriously, the list goes on and on.
#7: Ryan Reynolds / Deadpool
“Deadpool” (2016)
Despite being one of the most likable movie stars in the business, Ryan Reynolds was hit with a barrage of box-office bombs in the early 2010s. As he’ll gladly tell you now, 2011’s “Green Lantern” was far from the crowd-pleaser DC had in mind for their iconic hero’s first feature. We knew he was right for the Merc with a Mouth, but the studio’s botching of the character in “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” hardly inspired confidence. Fortunately, he got the comics-accurate solo film we’d been dreaming of in 2016, and it did not disappoint. We just have to thank whoever released the test footage that got the ball rolling, whether or not that person’s name rhymes with Schmyan Schmeynolds.
#6: Keanu Reeves / John Wick
“John Wick” (2014)
We’ve known for a long time that Keanu Reeves can kick ass on film, as is evidenced by the first “Matrix” movie. However the poor reception to that film’s two sequels and later duds like “The Day the Earth Stood Still” and “47 Ronin” signaled that perhaps the action star’s best days were behind him, as expressed in the “Sad Keanu” memes. Though we never thought of him as a powerhouse actor, ardent fans of his hoped the perfect role for him would come around. Someone must have been listening, as the “John Wick” movies slowly evolved from sleeper hits to blockbuster sensations.
#5: Robert Pattinson / Connie Nikas
“Good Time” (2017)
For much of his early career, Robert Pattinson couldn’t be mentioned without someone groaning at his identification with “The Twilight Saga.” Though many defend his involvement citing poor source material, Pattinson spent the better part of five years trying to clear his name. Earning consistently decent marks for several lesser-known indies, it was inevitable one would put him over the top, and that one came in 2017 with “Good Time.” Pattinson gave a commandingly manic performance as a criminal evading capture all throughout New York City. Along with “The Lighthouse,” this gave Pattinson the freedom to do basically whatever he wanted, and apparently what he wants is to be Batman.
#4: Marlon Brando / Vito Corleone
“The Godfather” (1972)
Everyone knew Brando was a heavyweight actor from the get-go with his early work in movies like “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “On the Waterfront,” the latter of which he won an Oscar for in 1955. However, the ‘60s saw Brando grow increasingly cynical towards the craft, as an uncharacteristic multipicture studio signing led to a string of disappointing flops. Despite his infamy for being difficult to work with, Brando transcended all criticisms in 1972 with his embodiment of mafia don Vito Corleone in “The Godfather.” Brando commanded the screen yet again, winning his second Oscar and later proved that some of his best work was still ahead with “Apocalypse Now,” though the less said about “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” the better.
#3: Drew Barrymore / Casey Becker
“Scream” (1996)
Long referred to as America’s Sweetheart, then-child actress Drew Barrymore fell out of fashion in her adolescence due to issues attributed to a troubled upbringing. By the time “Scream” came out in 1996, people were intrigued to see what she would do in her twenties as the star of a meta, satirical slasher movie. They were in for a huge surprise as the movie’s biggest draw was killed off in the opening scene. Naturally, it was a small part, but boy was it the shocking, memorable one she was looking for. She springboarded off that into a career as a romantic comedy lead in films like “The Wedding Singer” and “Never Been Kissed.” Suffice it to say, Drew’s still got us screaming.
#2: John Travolta / Vincent Vega
“Pulp Fiction” (1994)
Back in the ‘70s, John Travolta could do no wrong with back-to-back hits in “Saturday Night Fever” and “Grease.” However, the ‘80s weren’t so kind, as his sequel to the former, “Staying Alive,” was panned by critics. Director Quentin Tarantino has made a career building back up the careers of former stars, but it all started with John Travolta as the alliteratively named Vincent Vega in 1994’s “Pulp Fiction.” Without this, we probably wouldn’t have gotten another fan-favorite performance of his in “Face/Off.” Of course, Travolta would soon re-tarnish his image in the year 2000 with “Battlefield Earth,” from which his career has never fully recovered, but that doesn’t take away from this entry’s impact.
#1: Robert Downey Jr. / Tony Stark
“Iron Man” (2008)
Could it really have been anyone else? As is now public knowledge, Robert Downey Jr. went through a severe dark period in the late ‘90s and early 2000s that saw him battle substance use disorder. This took a huge toll on his career, and people were genuinely shocked by his casting as Marvel’s Iron Man despite his recently sustained sobriety. All reservations evaporated when the film was released, as Downey rode a wave of critical acclaim as the star of one of the best superhero movies of all time. From this, the highest-grossing movie franchise was shaped in the form of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which employed Downey for an additional eleven years and made him one of the highest-paid stars on the planet.
What other actors rescued themselves from the brink of irrelevance? Sound off in the comments below!
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most notable stars that revived their acting prospects with a single role.
#50: Michael B. Jordan
“Creed” (2015)
Much like the Human Torch himself, Michael B. Jordan’s resume burned hot and fast. It’s a shame; landing a gig as one of the “Fantastic Four” should have been a career high. Unfortunately, reviews for the film were so abhorrent, many felt no one involved could ever recover. And yet, Jordan rose from the ashes. A mere few months after “Fantastic Four” set his bankability ablaze, he reaffirmed himself as a leading man with “Creed.” The glowing reviews and massive box office returns reignited Jordan’s career at just the moment it was about to go out. He’s been on a hot streak ever since.
#49: Natasha Lyonne
“Orange Is the New Black” (2013-19)
Turns out, a fictional stint behind bars is exactly what Natasha Lyonne needed. Following years of guest spots, independent films, and bit roles, her turn as Nicky Nichols put her back in the mainstream conversation. Both with critics and audiences. Seemingly overnight, Lyonne was an Emmy nominee, a fan-favorite on a hit show, and on everyone’s radar. Can you blame them? There aren’t many actors who could balance “Orange Is the New Black’s” blend of gravitas and comedy, but Lyonne made it look easy. Nowadays, she’s busier than ever before. It’s clear that when Lyonne boards a project, she isn’t a no-name. She’s the star.
#48: Amitabh Bachchan
“Zanjeer” (1973)
At a time when Bollywood was full of tall and handsome leading men, “Zanjeer” dared to cast a wider net. Enter: Amitabh Bachchan. The up-and-comer had a spotty track record at the box office, and even spottier career prospects. But, the film’s writer insisted he was the right man for the job, and boy was he on the money. “Zanjeer” became a blockbuster classic, catapulting the careers of everyone involved. Bachchan springboarded that success into another, and then another, and another. It’s to the point that, these days, he’s widely considered one of, if not the most influential Indian actor of all time. Now, just imagine if they’d cast anyone else.
#47: Natalie Portman
“V for Vendetta” (2005)
Despite raking in mountains of cash, the “Star Wars” prequels earned what you might call a “mixed reception.” Especially towards its central romance between Anakin and Padmé. Suffice it to say, Natalie Portman’s phone wasn’t exactly ringing off the hook afterward. But, all that changed when the right movie happened to come along. Its name? “V for Vendetta.” Portman’s tour-de-force performance reminded everyone that, with the right material, she could easily shoulder a film on her own. A few hits and some Oscar nominations later, Portman officially outgrew her franchise origins to become a stalwart on the Hollywood A-list.
#46: Neil Patrick Harris
“How I Met Your Mother” (2005-14)
In this day and age, it’s pretty much impossible to mention Neil Patrick Harris without also bringing up his career-defining turn as ladies’ man Barney Stinson. But, it wasn’t always that way. Back in the day, the “Doogie Howser, M.D.” star struggled transitioning his childhood success into a steady career. He seemed to be destined to fade into obscurity. At least, until he booked “How I Met Your Mother.” For nine years, Harris commanded the screen with wit, finesse, and impeccable comedic timing. He endeared an entire generation to his wacky brand of humor, and he has Barney Stinson to thank for it.
#45: Katharine Hepburn
“The Philadelphia Story” (1940)
Before Katharine Hepburn became, well, Katharine Hepburn, she had another name in the industry: box office poison. So, with Hollywood turning their backs on her, Hepburn funded and starred in a new play, “The Philadelphia Story.” Following a successful run, Hepburn sold off the film rights. But, they came with a massive caveat: she had final say on the film’s producer, director, screenwriter, and most importantly, the cast. And, of course, who better to headline the film adaptation than Hepburn herself? Clearly, she knew what she was doing.“The Philadelphia Story” shattered all expectations, and almost single handedly earned Hepburn her reputation back. Talk about taking matters into your own hands.
#44: Tom Cruise
“Tropic Thunder” (2008)
There is such a thing as bad publicity. Just ask Tom Cruise in the early 2000s. Once a true Hollywood moviestar, his connection to scientology and tumultuous love life slowly but surely eroded his image. Soon enough, Cruise’s continued bankability came into question. That’s when he donned the fat suit and stepped into “Tropic Thunder.” His hilarious work as Les Grossman had audiences in stitches. Given how little fuss there was when he received a Golden Globe nomination, it’s obvious the masses had welcomed him back with open arms. However, it’s still pretty funny that Tom Cruise is unrecognizable in the role that saved his career.
#43: Jennifer Coolidge
“The White Lotus” (2021-)
Not even comedic legends can escape the dreaded Hollywood dry spell. After all, Jennifer Coolidge is responsible for some of the best one-liners the 90s and early 2000s have to offer. But, eventually, audiences grew tired of her shtick, resigning her to small supporting parts here and there. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, though, and when Coolidge returned to the limelight for “The White Lotus,” she took the world by storm. Tanya McQuoid’s unhinged antics allowed Coolidge to do what she does best, and she has an Emmy to prove it. It’s safe to say we’ll be seeing a lot more of Coolidge, and that’s never a bad thing.
#42: Reese Witherspoon
“Wild” (2014)
There’s no dumb blonde jokes to make here. While rom-coms were her bread and butter for years, Witherspoon’s reliable audience thinned a lot in the early 2010s. So much so that, with her career on life support, she decided to found her own production company. That’s how “Wild” happened. Witherspoon both starred in and produced the film, and based on her Oscar nomination for Best Actress, we’d say it worked out pretty well for her. In the years since, Witherspoon has spent just as much time behind the camera as in front of it. But, if “Wild” is any indication, she can reinvent herself whenever she wants.
#41: Winona Ryder
“Stranger Things” (2016-)
It’s hard for any controversial actor to stage a full-on return to form. But, stranger things have happened. Long before she headlined Netflix’s sci-fi triumph, several personal struggles forced Winona Ryder into a self-imposed hiatus from acting. When she returned, it was with a big question mark: could she ever get back to the same popularity she had before? The answer is resoundingly yes. All it took was the Duffer Brothers, a great performance, and an industry-shaking television series. “Strangers Things” didn’t just bring Ryder back to her former glory, it re-introduced her to a whole new audience. The Demogorgon’s got nothing on that kind of power.
#40: Ke Huy Quan
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” (2022)
After “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” made him a child star at twelve, Ke Huy Quan struggled to keep up the momentum. Then, unable to cope with years of rejections, he even retired from acting altogether for a time. It wasn’t until the late 2010s that he officially gave performing another shot – and the results are undeniable. Quan’s acclaimed portrayal, or should we say portrayals, of Waymond Wang in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” immediately reignited his career prospects. Now with an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a SAG award to his name, it’s safe to say this resurgence won’t fade as quickly as his first one did.
#39: Shia LaBeouf
“Honey Boy” (2019)
From family comedies to big-budget blockbusters, Shia LaBeouf spent the 2000s as a staple on the A-list. Unfortunately, a series of personal struggles and poorly-received projects marked a major downturn in his bankability. While he still steadily worked throughout the mid-2010s, it wasn’t anything on the same level as his output the decade prior. So, to compensate, LaBeouf made his own material. He wrote and starred in “Honey Boy,” a film loosely based on LaBeouf’s relationship with his father. The reviews were strong enough to single-handedly turn him into a serious dramatic actor. Apparently, you do catch more flies with honey, after all.
#38: Melissa McCarthy
“Can You Ever Forgive Me?” (2018)
The success of 2011’s “Bridesmaids” cemented this actress as a bonafide comedic powerhouse. But, the years that followed were no laughing matter for Melissa McCarthy’s image. She headlined flop after flop after flop, to the point many began to wonder if she could still bring in an audience at all. Then, in 2018, she silenced all of those naysayers with a head-turning performance in “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” The movie’s sophisticated tone and thoughtful approach cemented the fact that McCarthy could do so much more than crack jokes. You don’t have to take our word for it, though. Her Oscar nomination speaks for itself.
#37: Ben Affleck
“The Town” (2010)
Ben Affleck’s time behind the camera may have rescued his career in front of it. While he does a good job acting in “The Town,” he was mainly singled out for praise as the movie’s writer and director. Just like that, Affleck reinvented himself as not just an actor, but an auteur storyteller in his own right. It couldn’t have come at a better time, either. Let’s just say no one was clamoring for a sequel to “Daredevil.” Or, any of his other projects, for that matter. But, thanks to his work on “The Town,” he’s spent the years since as a well-respected artist on both sides of the camera lens.
#36: Martin Lawrence
“Bad Boys for Life” (2020)
This movie did more than reboot “Bad Boys,” it effectively brought back Martin Lawrence’s acting prospects, too. Despite his lengthy career in some iconic comedies, his time on camera dwindled to near-nothing over the years. To put it into perspective, before “Bad Boys 3,” you could count on one hand how many films he’d been in during the 2010s. But, returning to Lieutenant Marcus Miles Burnett was the perfect way to remind everyone what Lawrence could do. Even better, audiences responded with their wallets. “Bad Boys For Life” made bank at the box office, reigniting Lawrence as a major draw. It’s no surprise he’s coming back for a fourth stint in blue.
#35: Michelle Yeoh
“Crazy Rich Asians” (2018)
With a title like that, it’s not too shocking to hear that this film put a spotlight on an ensemble of underrated Asian talent. Most notably, Michelle Yeoh herself. She was arguably the biggest name coming in, hailing from a lengthy background of acclaimed martial arts films. But, here, she traded her Gi for a dress, and was rewarded with a showering of critical praise. Suddenly, she went from having slim pickings of characters to being one of the most in-demand actresses in Hollywood. Since “Crazy Rich Asians,” Yeoh has landed a significant role in the MCU, signed on for more blockbusters, and even won an Academy Award. Yeah, you could say she’s staying busy.
#34: Colin Farrell
“In Bruges” (2008)
If this proves anything, it’s that the right role at the right time can do just about anything. See, early in his career, Colin Farrell made a name for himself doing smaller, independent work. But, his transition into bigger fare like “Alexander” was a costly mistake for just about everyone involved. Then, out of nowhere, he starred in a little movie called “In Bruges.” The small-scale feature played right into Farrell’s strengths and proved why he was worth keeping an eye on in the first place. With a new Golden Globe in hand, Farrell’s post-“In Bruges” career hasn't just stayed afloat, it’s positively thrived.
#33: Renée Zellweger
“Judy” (2019)
Nothing screams “comeback” quite like Oscar gold. Although, it speaks to the give-and-pull of Hollywood that Renée Zellweger needed a resurgence at all. At one point, she was the industry’s it-girl, and paid like, too. Even so, after a few flops and a six-year hiatus, she was in desperate need of a hit. So, she returned to the business with a victory lap of great films, capped off with a tour-de-force performance in “Judy.” The film’s strong reception put Zellweger back on top like she’d never left. There’s no knowing what’s next for her, but if “Judy” is any indication, it will be well worth the wait.
#32: Channing Tatum
“21 Jump Street” (2012)
Most actors would kill to be known as a tall, dark, and handsome leading man. The issue? That’s all Channing Tatum was. His success in the romance genre had typecast him out of other kinds of work. At least, until 2012. When “21 Jump Street” hit theaters, Tatum defied everyone’s expectations by showing he was more than a pretty face. He could be funny, too. Tatum’s role as the too-cool-for-school jock redefined him as a genuine movie star apart from any one genre. He hasn’t abandoned his roots in romance, and he still makes plenty of comedies, too. But, it’s clear they’re not holding him back the way they once were.
#31: Jennifer Jason Leigh
“The Hateful Eight” (2015)
Quentin Tarantino has a knack for impeccable casting, and this 2015 western is no different. Look no further than Jennifer Jason Leigh. Despite a few noteworthy roles here and there, she seemed to be much more comfortable flying under the radar in independent films. And yet, she still proved up to the task of playing "Crazy" Daisy Domergue. Her Oscar nomination implies so, at least. Leigh had always garnered positive marks in the underground circuit, but this quasi-breakthrough put her at the forefront of the conversation. In the ensuing years, the scale of her work hasn’t actually changed all that much. But, rest assured, there are a lot more eyes on it now.
#30: Sylvester Stallone
“Rocky Balboa” (2006)
Back in 1990, Rocky’s fifth round in the ring left a sour taste in everyone’s mouth. Worse, that became a running theme with all of Sylvester Stallone’s work. After years and years of waning audience interest, the actor had no choice but to pick up the boxing gloves for a career Hail Mary. As it turns out, that’s just what Stallone’s resume needed. The critical and commercial success of “Rocky Balboa” repositioned him as a true, modern-day action star. Later, Stallone spun this win into a slew of other, well-received projects. He was officially back in the game, and he didn’t even need a training montage to do it.
#29: Jamie Lee Curtis
“Halloween” (2018)
Forty years after Michael Myers first picked up a butcher knife, he returned and made an actual killing at the box office. Despite the bloodshed, this reboot only proved that Jamie Lee Curtis’ image was far from dead. Her career lull wasn’t because of any one flop, anyway, it was an intentional break to focus on her family. So, when she finally returned to Laurie Strode in 2018, the pent-up demand delivered the highest opening weekend gross for any film with a lead actress over 55 years old. Those unprecedented numbers slingshotted Curtis back into the forefront of the industry; a place she’s comfortably stayed ever since.
#28: Sandra Bullock
“The Blind Side” (2009)
Miss Congeniality herself almost fumbled this career-saving opportunity. Even though her more contemporary work was struggling to connect, Bullock turned down her role in the “Blind Side” three separate times. But, after meeting with the real-life Leigh Anne Tuohy, Bullock went as far as taking a pay cut to join the film. That turned out to be for the best since the movie was a bonafide smash-hit across the 2009 holiday season. The box office and awards shows didn’t hurt, but the real benefit of “The Blind Side” was reaffirming Bullock as an undisputed household name. After all, she isn’t considered one of the most influential people in the world for nothing.
#27: Brendan Fraser
“The Whale” (2022)
It’s always hard to pinpoint exactly why a career flounders. In Brendan Fraser’s case, you could blame it on his personal issues, his rumored blacklisting, or his habit of choosing poorly-received work. Either way, the fact of the matter is that Fraser’s struggled to get back in the limelight for a while now. And yet, that underdog story made his riveting turn in “The Whale” all the more empowering. Fraser’s authenticity as the overweight recluse, Charlie, became the must-see performance of 2022, earning him just about every industry award an actor could hope for. There’s no better way to announce that Brendan Fraser is back, and better than ever.
#26: Lauren Bacall
“Murder on the Orient Express” (1974)
As this Golden Age actress learned the hard way, charging full steam ahead is a dual-edged sword. Just as soon as her trademark, lustful voice made her a sensation, Lauren Bacall was branded difficult to work with and went through a major career drought. Then, after a forced eight-year sabbatical, Bacall made her grand return to the silver screen in “Murder on the Orient Express.” The rest is film history. Difficult or not, the Agatha Christie mystery made it clear that Bacall was a box office draw. Especially in the right role. Still, the results weren’t instantaneous. It took a few more years, but “Murder’s” enduring legacy eventually put her career back on track.
#25: Joaquin Phoenix
“The Master” (2012)
It’s no hyperbole to say Joaquin Phoenix has no one to blame for his hiatus other than himself. He made the head-scratching decision to star in “I’m Still Here,” a mockumentary about Phoenix allegedly retiring from acting. It was all a meta-commentary, but the point got lost amidst middling reviews, leaving many thinking he’d actually left the business. Thankfully, he didn’t stay down for long, and in 2012, the actor rose like, well, a phoenix. He delivered the performance of his career in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “The Master,” and has an Oscar nomination to prove it. It’s a good thing Phoenix didn’t retire since he’s quickly become one of the most respected actors of his generation.
#24: Brad Pitt
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (2019)
Another Quentin Tarantino film; another actor pulled from the brink of disaster. Before boarding this movie Brad Pitt’s highly-publicized divorce from Angelina Jolie threatened to torpedo his entire image. And, it very well might’ve if “Once Upon a Time” hadn’t come along. Pitt turned in a performance so riveting, it practically demanded he be taken seriously again. Suddenly, the headlines about Brangelina’s breakup were replaced with reviews for Pitt’s stellar work. It was just the kind of support he needed to leave the scandal in the past and re-establish himself as a worthy solo act. The fact he won his first acting Oscar, too, was just the cherry on top.
#23: Ellen Burstyn
“Requiem for a Dream” (2000)
From 1972 to 1981, Ellen Burstyn was nominated for a staggering five Academy Awards, and even took home one. Pair that with starring roles in genre fare like “The Exorcist,” and she seemed set for life. Unfortunately, that’s not how Hollywood works. She saw heavy diminishing returns in the 80s and 90s. But, soon enough, “Requiem for a Dream” brought her right back to the top. She earned her sixth career Oscar nomination, and with it came the support of the masses. Her fame was more or less restored. Burstyn’s legacy became even more unshakeable, and she’s taken advantage of that by being much more selective with her projects.
#22: Eddie Murphy
“Dolemite Is My Name” (2019)
After a performance like this, it’s hard to imagine how Eddie Murphy ever left the mainstream. But, boy, did he ever. His comedic reign of the 2000s plummeted off a cliff thanks to some notoriously awful projects – looking at you, “Norbit.” Audiences were so burned out on him that, prior to “Dolemite,” he hadn’t worked for three years. Before that, he’d already been out of a job for four. But somehow, someway, his lauded work in “Dolemite Is My Name” turned all that around. Nowadays, Murphy has more high-profile projects in development than he made in the entirety of the 2010s. If that’s not the sign of a renaissance, we don’t know what is.
#21: James Stewart
“It's a Wonderful Life” (1946)
The end of World War II left the movie industry in a weird place. Particularly for actors like James Stewart. Once hailed as the “Great American Bachelor,” he’d abandoned all that to enlist in the war effort. After five years away from the screen, “It’s a Wonderful Life” was a big test for Stewart’s post-war career. But, it just couldn’t meet those lofty expectations. Despite good marks for Stewart’s work, the movie flopped at the box office. Luckily, a few re-releases and television broadcasts turned it into the iconic holiday staple it is today. If anything, it made Stewart an even hotter commodity than he was before the war. Talk about a welcome home present.
#20: Adam Sandler / Howard Ratner
“Uncut Gems” (2019)
We’ve known for a long time that Adam Sandler could act, whether it be from his grounded performance in “Punch-Drunk Love” or the surprisingly serious “Funny People.” However, he’s developed a reputation for seeming much more comfortable screwing around on-screen through… let’s just say “eccentric” characters. Yet, in 2019 he blew everyone out of the water with his manic energy in “Uncut Gems.” It’s too soon to tell where his career will take him from here, though he did threaten to make a movie that is “so bad on purpose” if he wasn't nominated for an Oscar, which he wasn’t. Whelp, then bring on “Grown Ups 3.” We deserve it.
#19: Johnny Depp / Captain Jack Sparrow
“Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003)
No one ever really doubted Johnny Depp’s abilities as an actor prior to 2003, but aside from “Sleepy Hollow,” he hadn’t really starred in anything that had mass appeal, seeming to prefer off-kilter fare like “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” Though it’s easy to forget now, the prospect of Depp headlining an adaptation of Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride didn’t sound all too appealing. However, when the first installment in the franchise was released, it was a massive success, and legions of fans popped up overnight to support Depp, who would even earn an Oscar nomination for his work. From there, he went on to become one of the biggest stars in Hollywood for the better part of fifteen years.
#18: Jim Carrey / Dr. Robotnik
“Sonic the Hedgehog” (2020)
Back in the ‘90s, Jim Carrey rose to fame portraying wacky characters like Ace Ventura, the Mask, Lloyd Christmas, and the Riddler, just to name a few. However, his typical schtick became more and more seldom in the decades to come with his 2004 turn as Count Olaf in “A Series of Unfortunate Events” being arguably the last true Carrey performance. Throw in some personal troubles, and it seemed like the Carrey we knew and loved was gone. Enter “Sonic the Hedgehog,” where his zany portrayal of classic video game baddie Dr. Robotnik was praised for harkening back to his previous work. Though the film was plagued with post-production issues, Carrey is certainly one of the reasons a sequel was greenlit.
#17: Paul Bettany / Vision
“Avengers: Age of Ultron” (2015)
Though Paul Bettany was technically a member of the Marvel Cinematic Universe from the beginning, voicing J.A.R.V.I.S. in 2008’s “Iron Man,” he had to wait to get his real shot. In those intervening years, he starred in a slew of critical and commercial failures, be it movies he headlined like “Legion” and “Priest” or those where he acted as a supporting player like “The Tourist” and “Transcendence.” Just when it seemed he didn’t know how to pick ‘em, Bettany’s MCU investment paid off with the advent of Vision in “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” A bright spot in a decent enough sequel, Bettany was perfectly cast to play the android, a role he’s gone on to reprise in multiple MCU properties.
#16: Chris Evans / Captain America
“Captain America: The First Avenger” (2011)
From one MCU cast member to another, Chris Evans got his first chance to play a superhero in the first two “Fantastic Four” movies as Johnny Storm, a.k.a. Human Torch. However, that franchise fizzled out early, and his later attempts to participate in superhero / comic book adaptations like “Push” and “The Losers” also failed. Proving that the fourth time’s the charm, Evans finally landed the perfect role in that of Steve Rogers and the titular hero in “Captain America: The First Avenger.” His popularity as the character growing with each subsequent appearance, Evans rounded out his time in the MCU by making fans everywhere weep. Now let’s see what he does outside the comic sphere.
#15: Kristen Stewart / Valentine
“Clouds of Sils Maria” (2014)
Not the last actor to be marred by the “Twilight Saga” that we’ll talk about on this list, Kristen Stewart found herself one of the most disliked actors in Hollywood by the series’ end in 2012. Her affair with “Snow White and the Huntsman” director Rupert Sanders and subsequent breakup with “Twilight” co-star Robert Pattinson didn’t help matters. Moving somewhat out of the limelight, Stewart built her career back up with a string of indie movies, but the one that made doubters prove she could act came in 2014 with “Clouds of Sils Maria.” She more than held her own working against veteran actor Juliette Binoche, and has since returned to the blockbuster scene with 2019’s iteration of “Charlie’s Angels.”
#14: Jennifer Lopez / Ramona Vega
“Hustlers” (2019)
Much like another entry on this list, Jennifer Lopez couldn’t be mentioned without evoking the string of romantic comedies she made throughout the 2000s. Though some are popular among a certain demographic like “Maid in Manhattan” and “The Wedding Planner,” few were very positively received from a critical standpoint, with the worst of the bunch coming in the form of “Gigli.” Another surprise 2019 performance, her role in “Hustlers” as Ramona Vega reminded people why she was such a magnetic star to begin with, receiving a bulk of the praise for the film. Though she too wasn’t nominated for an Oscar like many had hoped, it did show that J.Lo’s still got it.
#13: Nicolas Cage / Red Miller
“Mandy” (2018)
Even during his critical heyday around the turn of the 21st century, Nicolas Cage could still be described as an unorthodox and mesmerizingly manic screen presence. Exacerbated by a slew of financial troubles, it started to seem as if Cage accepted every offer that came his way to make ends meet, gracing us with such “esteemed classics” such as “Knowing” and “Season of the Witch,” whereby his eccentricities turned into overacting. Just when the world began to get nostalgic for him, we were graced with the perfect combination of manic Cage with actual quality in “Mandy.” It remains to be seen what kind of career renaissance may be over the horizon, but if it’s anything like “Mandy,” we’re here for it.
#12: Chris Pratt / Star-Lord
“Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014)
Beginning in 2009, Chris Pratt showed the world just how funny he could be on the NBC sitcom “Parks and Recreation” as fan-favorite Andy Dwyer. However, his presence in film remained rather limited for several years, inhabiting only small roles in good movies like “Zero Dark Thirty” and roles that were memorable for the wrong reasons like his turn in “Movie 43.” Yet, Pratt shocked the world in 2014 when he ditched his schlubby, slacker persona and bulked up for Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” proving he could be funny and kick ass. This led to him being one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood, following up with more blockbusters like “Jurassic World.”
#11: Michael Keaton / Riggan Thomson
“Birdman” (2014)
Back in the day, people were skeptical of Keaton’s casting as the Caped Crusader in Tim Burton’s Batman movie, though many were silenced when they saw him don the cape and cowl on the big screen. After a single sequel, Keaton stepped away from the franchise, which got significantly worse while Keaton did... well... “Jack Frost.” Keaton stayed relatively quiet for much of the 2000s, but we’re sure the meta commentary on his career in 2014’s “Birdman” was too good to pass up. The film was a critical sensation, ultimately winning Best Picture and making Keaton an Oscar nominee. Since then Keaton has been in a slew of big movies, in addition to being another bird-themed character in a superhero movie as the MCU’s Vulture.
#10: Matthew McConaughey / Ron Woodroof
“Dallas Buyers Club” (2013)
For much of his career, Matthew McConaughey was ridiculed for making a throng of lazy romantic comedies, from “Failure to Launch'' to “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past.” Then a little thing called the McConaissance happened, which started slow with movies like “The Lincoln Lawyer” and “Mud,” allowing McConaughey to reveal his acting chops in a big way. It crested in 2013 when he gave an absolutely transformative performance in “Dallas Buyers Club,” which saw him pick up numerous critic accolades, culminating in an Oscar for Best Actor. Now we live in a world where McConaughey starring in serious projects like “Interstellar” and “True Detective” isn’t taken as jokes but as good marketing ploys, and to which we can only say…[insert “Alright, alright, alright…”]
#9: Mickey Rourke / Marv
“Sin City” (2005)
While you could argue that his Oscar-nominated turn in 2008’s “The Wrestler” put Mickey Rourke back in the winner’s circle, we maintain that came a little bit earlier in 2005 with Frank Miller’s “Sin City.” In the neo-noir thriller, he plays Marv, a hard-hitting brute out for revenge and to clear his name for the death of his lover. Though the ensemble film has plenty of memorable characters, his was especially so, as he adopted the tough-guy persona we’d know him for from then on. In typical career-resurgence fashion, he then joined a superhero movie in “Iron Man 2” and even reprised his role as Marv in 2014’s “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For.”
#8: Liam Neeson / Bryan Mills
“Taken” (2008)
Believe it or not, but there was a time when Liam Neeson was better known as a dramatic actor, with only limited action set-pieces in movies like “The Phantom Menace” and “Batman Begins.” Though he wasn’t exactly starved for work, his career took a turn for the badass in 2008 with a little movie called “Taken,” in which he single-handedly takes down a procession of scumbags as he rescues his daughter from a sex trafficking ring. Opening the floodgates for other middle-aged actors to become action stars, virtually everything Neeson made afterward was an action romp of sorts, from “The A-Team,” to “The Grey,” to “Non-Stop,” to “The Commuter,” seriously, the list goes on and on.
#7: Ryan Reynolds / Deadpool
“Deadpool” (2016)
Despite being one of the most likable movie stars in the business, Ryan Reynolds was hit with a barrage of box-office bombs in the early 2010s. As he’ll gladly tell you now, 2011’s “Green Lantern” was far from the crowd-pleaser DC had in mind for their iconic hero’s first feature. We knew he was right for the Merc with a Mouth, but the studio’s botching of the character in “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” hardly inspired confidence. Fortunately, he got the comics-accurate solo film we’d been dreaming of in 2016, and it did not disappoint. We just have to thank whoever released the test footage that got the ball rolling, whether or not that person’s name rhymes with Schmyan Schmeynolds.
#6: Keanu Reeves / John Wick
“John Wick” (2014)
We’ve known for a long time that Keanu Reeves can kick ass on film, as is evidenced by the first “Matrix” movie. However the poor reception to that film’s two sequels and later duds like “The Day the Earth Stood Still” and “47 Ronin” signaled that perhaps the action star’s best days were behind him, as expressed in the “Sad Keanu” memes. Though we never thought of him as a powerhouse actor, ardent fans of his hoped the perfect role for him would come around. Someone must have been listening, as the “John Wick” movies slowly evolved from sleeper hits to blockbuster sensations.
#5: Robert Pattinson / Connie Nikas
“Good Time” (2017)
For much of his early career, Robert Pattinson couldn’t be mentioned without someone groaning at his identification with “The Twilight Saga.” Though many defend his involvement citing poor source material, Pattinson spent the better part of five years trying to clear his name. Earning consistently decent marks for several lesser-known indies, it was inevitable one would put him over the top, and that one came in 2017 with “Good Time.” Pattinson gave a commandingly manic performance as a criminal evading capture all throughout New York City. Along with “The Lighthouse,” this gave Pattinson the freedom to do basically whatever he wanted, and apparently what he wants is to be Batman.
#4: Marlon Brando / Vito Corleone
“The Godfather” (1972)
Everyone knew Brando was a heavyweight actor from the get-go with his early work in movies like “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “On the Waterfront,” the latter of which he won an Oscar for in 1955. However, the ‘60s saw Brando grow increasingly cynical towards the craft, as an uncharacteristic multipicture studio signing led to a string of disappointing flops. Despite his infamy for being difficult to work with, Brando transcended all criticisms in 1972 with his embodiment of mafia don Vito Corleone in “The Godfather.” Brando commanded the screen yet again, winning his second Oscar and later proved that some of his best work was still ahead with “Apocalypse Now,” though the less said about “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” the better.
#3: Drew Barrymore / Casey Becker
“Scream” (1996)
Long referred to as America’s Sweetheart, then-child actress Drew Barrymore fell out of fashion in her adolescence due to issues attributed to a troubled upbringing. By the time “Scream” came out in 1996, people were intrigued to see what she would do in her twenties as the star of a meta, satirical slasher movie. They were in for a huge surprise as the movie’s biggest draw was killed off in the opening scene. Naturally, it was a small part, but boy was it the shocking, memorable one she was looking for. She springboarded off that into a career as a romantic comedy lead in films like “The Wedding Singer” and “Never Been Kissed.” Suffice it to say, Drew’s still got us screaming.
#2: John Travolta / Vincent Vega
“Pulp Fiction” (1994)
Back in the ‘70s, John Travolta could do no wrong with back-to-back hits in “Saturday Night Fever” and “Grease.” However, the ‘80s weren’t so kind, as his sequel to the former, “Staying Alive,” was panned by critics. Director Quentin Tarantino has made a career building back up the careers of former stars, but it all started with John Travolta as the alliteratively named Vincent Vega in 1994’s “Pulp Fiction.” Without this, we probably wouldn’t have gotten another fan-favorite performance of his in “Face/Off.” Of course, Travolta would soon re-tarnish his image in the year 2000 with “Battlefield Earth,” from which his career has never fully recovered, but that doesn’t take away from this entry’s impact.
#1: Robert Downey Jr. / Tony Stark
“Iron Man” (2008)
Could it really have been anyone else? As is now public knowledge, Robert Downey Jr. went through a severe dark period in the late ‘90s and early 2000s that saw him battle substance use disorder. This took a huge toll on his career, and people were genuinely shocked by his casting as Marvel’s Iron Man despite his recently sustained sobriety. All reservations evaporated when the film was released, as Downey rode a wave of critical acclaim as the star of one of the best superhero movies of all time. From this, the highest-grossing movie franchise was shaped in the form of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which employed Downey for an additional eleven years and made him one of the highest-paid stars on the planet.
What other actors rescued themselves from the brink of irrelevance? Sound off in the comments below!
