Top 20 Actors With Only One Good Movie
#20: Steven Seagal
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“Under Siege” (1992) If you haven’t seen any films released prior to 1993 then you’re probably wondering why Steven Seagal is even on the list, unless by “good movie” we’re referring to 1996’s “Executive Decision.” And yes, that film was decently well received at the time, but you might also remember that Seagal isn’t in it for very long. No, while Seagal’s filmography is replete with a cavalcade of laughably bad movies and under 50% Rotten Tomatoes scores, he did have one critical high point in 1992. The film was “Under Siege” and it was both financially and critically successful. Not only is it his best film, it’s really his only good one.
#19: Paris Hilton
“Repo! The Genetic Opera” (2008) No, the one good Paris Hilton movie we’re talking about isn’t the infamous “1 Night in Paris.” While primarily known for being in said sex tape, bad reality television, and even worse movies, Hilton actually has one bright spot on her filmography: “Repo! The Genetic Opera.” This 2008 horror rock opera made under $200,000 at the box office and received pretty mixed reviews. But in the years since, the film has gained a cult-like status, and ala “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” the film now draws costumed fans who act along with the movie.
#18: Paul Hogan
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“Crocodile Dundee” (1986) Look at most of the movies in Paul Hogan’s filmography and you’re likely to say, “That’s not a good movie. ‘Crocodile Dundee’ is a good movie.” Okay, putting aside our desperate attempt at a “that’s not a knife” joke, Hogan’s lone success in theaters came with that 1986’s mega-hit - which he not only starred in, but also co-wrote. And along with his Golden Globe win for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical, the film also earned him a Best Original Screenplay nomination from the Academy Awards. The film made a huge mark on film and the pop culture of the time - a mark he never came close to leaving again.
#17: Kevin James
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“Hitch” (2005) Kevin James is a good standup comedian and starred in one of the most beloved sitcoms of the 2000s. But when it comes to his movie roles, the quality hasn’t quite been there. He’s found box office success a number of times, but we probably don’t have to spend a lot of time here talking about why “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” isn’t a good movie, right? Instead, we can talk about the one good film he did star in, 2005’s “Hitch.” In fact, not only was it a box office winner, it’s his only live-action film that has over 60 score on Rotten Tomatoes from both the critics and the audience. And it’s probably not just because of his sweet dance moves.
#16: Roddy Piper
“They Live” (1988) Roddy Piper is one of the all-time wrestling greats and had many amazing matches throughout his career. However, when it comes to his movie career, it certainly wasn’t as hit-filled as other WWE alums like say The Rock and John Cena. But Piper did make one really good movie during his time in Hollywood - 1988’s “They Live.” Directed by John Carpenter, this sci-fi horror film has seen its place in film history change over the years. While not particularly well received upon its release, critics have reevaluated it in the intervening decades and the movie is now often discussed as one of Carpenter’s best films.
#15: Bo Derek
Top 10 Actors With Only One Good Movie
“10” (1979) No one would argue that Bo Derek herself isn’t a perfect 10. However, when it comes to her movies, most of them are closer to perfect 2s. In fact, she was in two movies, “The Master of Disguise” and “Bolero” that scored less than 2 on Rotten Tomatoes (1% and 0% respectively). Her film career looked promising when it began though. Her second-ever film role was in Blake Edwards’ “10.” A film that was one of the highest-grossing movies of 1979 and earned a 4-star review from Roger Ebert - as well as a place on his top 10 of the year list. And for all you “Baywatch” fans who thought they invented the slow-mo beach run… think again! Well, at least Derek predated Anderson.
#14: Ruby Rose
“John Wick: Chapter 2” (2017) No one can argue that Ruby Rose hasn’t had many beautiful photos taken of her, but finding a good movie she’s been in is a little harder. The model and ex-VJ at MTV Australia made her movie debut in 2013 and has been in a number of box office hits - including “The Meg” and “Pitch Perfect 3.” However the former wasn’t a very good movie and the latter was a critical disappointment - especially compared to the first two films in the series. But the comedy musical wasn’t Rose’s only sequel. She also appeared as a mute assassin in “John Wick: Chapter 2,” which made over $170 million dollars at the box office and in some respects exceeded its predecessor.
#13: Wil Wheaton
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“Stand by Me” (1986) Say Wil Wheaton and movies and what’s the first thing that comes to everyone's mind? “Stand by Me,” of course! The 1986 film is a beloved coming-of-age movie and there’s no arguing with how good it is. Unfortunately for Wheaton, there’s also not much arguing to be done regarding the poor quality of all the other movies he’s appeared in since then. He’s had other high points on the television side with “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and more recently a great recurring role as himself on “The Big Bang Theory.” But when it comes to the silver screen, it’s been all downhill since “Stand by Me.”
#12: Justin Chatwin
“War of the Worlds” (2005) Actor Justin Chatwin has had both minor and major roles in a number of good television shows, including several seasons on Showtime’s “Shameless.” But when it comes to the big screen, Chatwin has had less success scoring roles in high-quality films. With the exception of the role that put him on the Hollywood map when he starred as Tom Cruise’s son in Steven Spielberg’s 2005 sci-fi blockbuster, “War of the Worlds.” Not only was it the fourth highest-grossing movie of the year, but it also received solid reviews and the “Cahiers du Cinéma” named it the 8th best film of the 2000s.
#11: Jaye Davidson
“The Crying Game” (1992) Very few actors can say that 50% of the movies they’ve starred in have been truly great films. But Jaye Davidson can. Although, when you’ve only made two of them, that percentage is a little easier to hit. But regardless of how many movies he’s appeared in, the fact remains that his first film, “The Crying Game,” was well received when it was released. In addition to being nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, the film appeared on more than 50 ten-best lists in 1992, which is strikingly different from his second - and last - movie, “Stargate,” with its mixed reviews.
#10: Alicia Silverstone
“Clueless” (1995) If someone had told Alicia Silverstone in 1994 when filming on “Clueless” began that the film was going to be a genre classic, make her a star, and that she’ll never make a better movie again, she probably would’ve said, “As if!” But it’s true. The film is often cited as one of the best teen movies ever and it made Silverstone a huge star. And not only is it true that she hasn’t made a better movie since - she actually hasn’t really made a good movie since then either.
#9: Tom Arnold
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“True Lies” (1994) Prior the box office juggernaut that is “True Lies,” Tom Arnold was known for his relationship with Roseanne Barr and his character “Arnie” that appeared on her sitcom. Earning an MTV Movie Award nomination for his portrayal as government agent Albert Gibson in “True Lies,” Arnold’s stock in Hollywood skyrocketed. What groundbreaking roles did he take after this? How about the token white guy in “Soul Plane” or a guy who sang about being his own grandpa? The rest of his film library is just as varied, but there isn’t another good offering in the bunch.
#8: Dane Cook
“Dan in Real Life” (2007) Dane Cook has had many good stand-up bits over his long comedy career, but when it comes to movies, most of his work has been, shall we say, less than stellar. In fact, if Rotten Tomatoes is to be believed, Cook has only had a major role in one film without a rotten score. And that movie would be 2007's "Dan in Real Life.” The dramedy, in which the comedian played Steve Carell’s brother, isn’t an all-time classic, but it was generally well-received by both audiences and critics and it might be the best performance of Cook’s career as well.
#7: Katherine Heigl
“Knocked Up” (2007) 2007 was a great year for Katherine Heigl. She not only won a Best Supporting Actress Emmy for her role as Dr. Stevens in “Grey’s Anatomy,” but the Judd Apatow rom-com, “Knocked Up” was critically successful and a box office hit. Not long after, Heigl’s movie career took off, earning several more financial successes. We say financial, as critics slammed these films hard. Recently, audiences have been sheepish towards her recent offerings. You know things aren’t as good as they used to be when your most recent successful film is “The Nut Job.”
#6: James Corden
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“Into the Woods” (2014) Although best known in North America for hosting a late-night talk show for eight years and singing with celebrities in cars, James Corden is also an actor. He’s appeared in, or lent his voice, to over 30 films and has had smaller roles in multiple good ones, including “Starter for 10” and “Begin Again.” However, if we’re talking major roles, then there’s really only one movie that stands out in a positive way. And that’s the 2014 musical “Into the Woods.” The film is an adaptation of the Similarly-titled Broadway play and is filled with stars from Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt to Anna Kendrick and Chris Pine. It was also the recipient of three Golden Globe nods, including Best Picture (Musical or Comedy).
#5: Jessica Alba
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“Sin City” (2005) We don’t want to insult all the fans of “Into the Blue” and “Valentine's Day,” but we tend to agree with the critics on those ones. But, in that same vein, we also strongly concur with the stellar reviews that “Sin City” earned. And not only is it a good film, it’s pretty much the only good movie that Jessica Alba has made. The film made an impact with its groundbreaking visual style and violence. And unlike Alba’s performance in “Into the Blue” - which earned her a Worst Actress Golden Raspberry nomination, “Sin City” saw her take home an MTV Movie Award for Sexiest Performance.
#4: Stephen Baldwin
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“The Usual Suspects” (1995) When you’re a Baldwin in Hollywood and don’t have the first name of Alec, you tend to get overshadowed a bit. Still, every Baldwin gets their time to shine. Stephen, for example, is part of the stellar ensemble cast of the noir film, “The Usual Suspects.” His role as the foul-mouthed criminal, Michael McManus, is part of why this movie is loved by filmgoers, won Academy Awards, and quintupled its budget. But most of Baldwin’s other films pale in comparison, lacking the same quality storytelling and often flopping drastically.
#3: Tyler Perry
“Gone Girl” (2014) Tyler Perry is the man that made Madea a household name, whether we wanted it or not. A man that wears many hats, Perry’s role as an actor is the most tumultuous. Movies featuring Mabel “Madea” Simmons have yet to get the critics on their side. Even his transition to a more dramatic film like “Alex Cross” was universally panned. But as the lawyer, Tanner Bolt, in the thriller “Gone Girl,” Perry received critical praise that Madea never did, and it didn’t hurt that the film made over $360 million at the box office. While Perry and Medea still may make some money, Perry’s portrayal in “Gone Girl” was as good as gold.
#2: Linda Blair
“The Exorcist” (1973) Being a child actor in Hollywood is a very difficult road. For her role as the possessed Regan MacNeil in “The Exorcist,” Linda Blair became a Golden Globe-winning, and Academy Award-nominated, supporting actress. The terrifying role garnered her instant name recognition, but she was unable to duplicate that success in the rest of her film work. After the critical dumpster fire that was “The Exorcist II,” Blair was synonymous with lackluster horror movies and films that referenced her most acclaimed role; a role that overshadowed the rest of her career.
#1: George Lazenby
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“On Her Majesty's Secret Service” (1969) Not only has George Lazenby only been in one good movie, ask many moviegoers and they’d probably say that he’s only been in one movie total. Taking over for Sean Connery, Lazenby made his film debut as James Bond in 1969’s, “On Her Majesty's Secret Service.” And while reviews at the time were mixed, the film has aged very well and is now often cited as one of the top films in the franchise. The great director Steven Soderbergh has even said that “cinematically On Her Majesty's Secret Service is the best Bond film.” High praise indeed. Lazenby left the franchise after that film, and while he did appear in many more movies, nothing else made a critical dent.
