26 Incredible Stars That Make Us Watch Everything They're In

Hollywood is filled with quality actors. Just last week, the best from 2023 were recognized for their achievements at the 96th Academy Awards. Some actors, though, are able to always give it 110%, no matter what. They get so lost in the role that they become unrecognizable. We’re not seeing the actor anymore; we’re seeing the characters they play.

Tim Curry

There is no role Curry can’t play. While actors dream of having an iconic, career-defining performance, Curry has several.

Many view him as Pennywise the Clown in IT. Others see him as Rocky Horror Picture Show‘s Frank-N-Furter. No matter what character he plays, everyone sees Curry as a legend.

Steve Buscemi

While most of Steve’s Buscemi career shows him in supporting roles, he still gives it his all. He often even steals the show.

Buscemi’s performance in the HBO series Boardwalk Empire showed that he is more than capable of a leading role.

Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman’s ability to give it his all with each performance is only matched by his getting completely lost in whoever he’s playing.

Oldman finally won an Academy Award for his performance as Winston Churchill in 2017’s Darkest Hour.

Christoph Waltz

No matter the character, Christoph Waltz looks like he’s having the time of his life while giving it his all.

The Austrian-German actor broke out with his performance in the 2009 Quentin Tarantino film Inglourious Basterds.

Stanley Tucci

Often viewed as underrated, Stanley Tucci has a presence to highlight every movie he’s in. Given the fact that he rarely, if ever, has a leading role, it’s an impressive feat.

Tucci’s filmography has him working with some of the greatest talents in the industry. He’s always more than capable of stealing every scene he’s in.

Willem Dafoe

Dafoe’s most iconic role will always be the Green Goblin in Spider-Man. Most moviegoers view his ability to deliver over-the-top performances as an absolute delight.

Dafoe’s range is impressive thanks to his performances in films like The Lighthouse.

Daniel Day-Lewis

One of the most successful actors of all time, Daniel Day-Lewis is who many view as the industry’s gold standard.

Day-Lewis literally gets lost in the character he plays. There’s a reason why he’s won three Academy Awards for Best Actor.

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett can hold moviegoers in a trance whenever she’s on screen.

Whether she appears in big-budget blockbusters like Marvel movies or smaller-scale pictures, Blanchett is a stand-out.

Alan Rickman

Rickman has the talent to give anything his role requires. From menacing villains to lighthearted comedic rules, Rickman always gives it his all.

His performance in Galaxy Quest is a perfect example of this. It pains him to say his famous line, “By Grabthar’s Hammer,” and you see his reluctant pain every time he has to say it.

Phillip Seymour Hoffman

Like others on this list of actors who give it their all, Phillip Seymour Hoffman can transform into the character he plays.

The tragic death of Phillip Seymour Hoffman resulted in a huge loss for the industry.

Anthony Hopkins

The Silence of the Lambs — Photo Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

Anthony Hopkins has given one of the most bone-chilling performances as Hannibal Lecter.

While some of his work choices are questionable, Hopkins always does his best to deliver a memorable performance.

J.K. Simmons

While many younger viewers associate J.K. Simmons with Spider-Man‘s J. Jonah Jameson, his performance in 2014’sWhiplash is one for the ages.

Simmons has delivered memorable performances in movies, television shows, and video games.

Jim Carrey

Dumb and Dumber — Photo Credit: New Line Cinema.

When Jim Carrey first burst on the scene, he had a penchant for slapstick-style comedic roles. However, he proved that he could also deliver as a dramatic actor over time.

Carrey has won two Golden Globes for performances in The Truman Show and Man on the Moon.

Ralph Fiennes

No matter how good or bad a movie may be, you can always count on Ralph Fiennes to deliver a great performance.

Fiennes’ range allows him to play any character, whether it’s a menacing villain or someone you can relate to.

John Turturro

You can argue that John Turturro delivered the best performance on the hit television series Monk. Given the talent featured on the show, that’s an impressive feat.

No matter the role or style of the movie, Turturro gives it his all and delivers a moving performance.

Bryan Cranston

What’s there to say about Bryan Cranston that hasn’t been said? His performance as Walter White in Breaking Bad is one of the greatest ever.

While many recognize his role as Hal on Malcolm in the Middle, Cranston also stole scenes as dentist Tim Whatley on Seinfeld.

William H. Macy

While many were skeptical about William H. Macy’s casting as Frank inShameless, he quickly became one of the best characters in the entire series.

William H. Macy’s career is filled with television and movies that range between memorable and disappointing. It’s never Macy’s fault; he’s always one of the best parts of anything he’s in.

Cillian Murphy

Whether it’s 28 Days Later, Peaky Blinders, or Oppenheimer, we can count on Cillian Murphy to give it his all.

His role as The Scarecrow in Batman Begins helped deliver a grounded yet terrifying presence to help reboot the Batman franchise.

Joaquin Phoenix

While Joaquin Phoenix comes off as careful with his chosen roles, his patience is rewarded. Few actors are on his level with their ability to successfully suspend disbelief and elevate movies to another level.

Joaquin Phoenix is guaranteed to deliver, whether it’s a dark take on a popular comic book villain or a unique story from a filmmaker like Spike Jonze.

Olivia Colman

Olivia Colman’s career is finally getting the recognition it deserves, capped by her Academy Award for 2018’sThe Favourite.

Before she won awards, Colman broke out as Sophie on the popular British sitcom Peep Show.

Allison Janney

If there’s one actress you need, no matter the role, chances are you’ll call Allison Janney.

There’s no denying Allison Janey gives it her all, no matter what the role calls for. Anyone who watches the popular CBS sitcom Moms can see it from a mile away.

Mads Mikkelsen

Photo Credit: United Artists Corporation and Columbia Pictures.

For many, Casino Royale‘s Le Chiffre was the introduction to Mads Mikkelsen. His ability to be a menacing Bond villain during a game of Poker is truly memorable

His performance as Hannibal Lecter in the NBC drama proves that Mikkelsen always gives it his all.

Robin Williams

You can argue that the iconic comedian always gave 200% in his performances. This includes acting in comedies, dramas, and thrillers.

Williams won an Academy Award for his performance in Good Will Hunting. During his acceptance speech, he jokes that this was the one time he was genuinely speechless.

Toni Collete

The Australian actress has had a long career, beginning with successful films like The Sixth Sense and the television series United States of Tara.

Collette’s performance in Hereditary somehow failed to win her an Academy Award. The A24 film is one of the best horror movies ever made, and Collete’s performance is a big reason why.

Vincent D’onofrio

D’onofrio’s performance as Kingpin in the Netflix series Daredevil is one of the greatest on-screen Marvel villains. His return in the Disney Plus series Hawkeyehas fans hoping to see more from him.

While Vincent D’onofrio’s career is most noted for his run on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, fans look fondly at his performances in films such as Men In Black.

Ben Kingsley

Regarding Ben Kingsley, people often comment that you couldn’t find a better actor for his role.

Fans often question his choices in roles, but there’s no denying he’s always entertaining.