Top 10 Exact Scenes an Actor Became a Legend

Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)


The perennial award winner earned her first Oscar for this, one of her first film appearances. In Kramer vs. Kramer, she plays the deeply unhappy wife of Dustin Hoffmans character. Her very first scene is a masterclass in showing and not telling. Although she starts out her performance as Joanna Kramer with an icy, even dead-eyed glare, Streep quickly reveals the characters hidden depths. We watch in real time as her matter-of-fact explanations as to why shes leaving her husband turn into panic. Her desperation is haunting to watch. Its a perfect first scene that proves to be only the beginning for one of our greatest actors.

Dazed and Confused (1993)

20-something burnout Wooderson was supposed to play a much smaller role in the narrative of Richard Linklaters coming-of-age movie. Newcomer Matthew McConaugheys performance saw the character bumped to a more prominent position throughout Dazed and Confused. Wooderson first appears as the driver who picks up high schoolers Pink and Mitch for a night drive. He then asks them for a certain herb. Its simultaneously hilarious and a little sad that hes trying to bum some illicit substances from teenagers. Wooderson made McConaughey a star, and this one scene tells us everything we need to know about Wooderson himself.

Saturday Night Fever (1977)

The transition from TV to films is not always easy to make. John Travolta made it look easy when he first appeared as Saturday Night Fevers disco-dancing lothario, Tony Manero. When we first meet Tony, he is strutting across the city in his platform shoes to the infectious beat of the Bee Gees. With his leather jacket, dark red shirt, flared collar, and unrefined manners, he pretty much exemplifies late 70s masculinity. He may be a dancer, but it doesnt make him any less blunt, masculine, or even callous in his pursuit of women, nice shoes, and a New York slice.

Doubt (2008)

Movie audiences might have first encountered Viola Davis in this 2008 drama, but the Juilliard-trained actress was already a Broadway veteran and Tony Award winner by then. After Doubt, they would never forget her. She shares an explosive ten-minute section of the story with Meryl Streep, of all people, and almost runs away with the whole movie. As a mother who learns a devastating secret about the parish priest, Daviss performance is confusing, disturbing, and deeply moving. We see her not only match pace with Streep, but leave a gigantic impact on a movie that is already really, really complicated.

Funny Girl (1968)

Reprising the Broadway role that made her famous, the velvet-voiced star is first seen stalking the backstage of Manhattans New Amsterdam Theatre in a striking leopard print coat. The first time we see Barbra Streisands face on screen, its as Fanny Brice, looking into a mirror and saying the words that have now become immortal. But shes being sarcastic. This is the paradox of the movie made instantly clear. Throughout the movie, Fanny believes that her face is not traditionally beautiful enough to make her a star. She has to be funny. But anyone with eyes and half a brain can see shes both.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Hannibal Lecter was far from the respected and acclaimed actors first film role, but Anthony Hopkins became synonymous with screen villainy with The Silence of the Lambs. When we first meet the cannibalistic psychiatrist, he is staring right at us, and FBI trainee Clarice Starling, as we come upon his cell in a psychiatric hospital. He seems to know were coming. Its one of the most unsettling first scenes of any character in film history. Hopkins imbues Lecter with the comportment of a gentleman, even as we can feel him sizing up Jodie Fosters character and working his way into her mind.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Playing Han Solo may have made his career, but embodying Indiana Jones made him a star. Harrison Ford recreated the archetype of the classic swashbuckler in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Dr. Jones fuses action hero stunts, nonchalant humor, and surprising nerdiness, and all of these are on display in that first incredible scene in a booby-trapped Peruvian temple. The entire opening sequence volleys between dark intrigue and broad humor. Ford demonstrates his secret weapon as a lead. Its his humor. Hes not afraid to look a little ridiculous, even as the character appears to have almost a sixth sense for danger.

Breakfast at Tiffanys (1961)

As the flighty socialite unmoored from commitment, Audrey Hepburn turned away from her more introverted and virtuous roles and completely reinvented her star persona. When Holly Golightly first gets out of that cab in front of Tiffany & Co., wearing the most famous little black evening dress of all time, we realize two things. The first is that this must be the same dress she was wearing last night. The second is that she is somehow alone in one of the most exciting cities in the world. Its not only simple, chic, and romantic, but it also ends up reflecting Hollys deeper, existential dilemma. Hepburn and that dress have since become icons of cinematic elegance.

A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)

The Godfather alone proves no one can make an entrance like Brando, but his first appearance in the Hollywood adaptation of Tennessee Williamss play is unlike anything anyone had ever seen from a film actor. As the brutish but alluring Stanley Kowalski, Brando arrives on the scene with an alarming magnetism. Even as shes repulsed by his vulgarity and working class background, Blanche DuBois cant help but linger on her brother-in-laws physique. Brando is frequently cited as a groundbreaking actor in terms of realism on screen, and A Streetcar Named Desire is a big reason why.

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

Right Away, the Cruise Ship Monologue Lets Us Know Exactly Who Megan Is

This Opening Scene Cemented Bogarts Hard-Boiled Screen Persona

The Star Came Up With This Introduction To Demonstrate His Characters Untrustworthiness

The Handsome Drifter Proved Pitt Could Play the Hero & the Villain All At Once

Dr. No (1962)

The scene is a smoky London club. We first catch glimpses of Sean Connery in bits and pieces. From behind, then his hands as he opens his cigarette case, then his face in full. He introduces himself to a woman across the baccarat table. Its the scene that launched a franchise, a career, and an unforgettable catchphrase in one fell swoop. When Sean Connery first appeared as the cool, detached, and incredibly suave secret agent in 1962s Dr. No, he was a working actor with a few minor roles under his belt. Suddenly, James Bond was a worldwide phenomenon, and the actor became synonymous with his characters brutal methods and irresistible charm.



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