Top 10 Kevin Bacon Moments on Screen

“National Lampoon’s Animal House” (1978)

Audiences got their first taste of Bacon in this classic college comedy. Bacon played Chip Diller of the snobby Omega House, which the rebellious Delta House triumphs over in the chaotic climax. As all hell breaks loose during the Homecoming parade, Chip directs the panicking crowd to remain calm. It’s an image that really resonates in today’s world where a new crisis seems to break out every five minutes. Chip’s chipper attitude eventually depletes as he comes to terms with the fact that all is not well. He’s overwhelmed by the mob, who trample over Chip, resulting in one of the film’s funniest visual gags. We guess you could say that Chip got flatlined. You may cringe, but we’re quite proud of that pun.

“The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” (2022)

Nobody plays Kevin Bacon better than Kevin Bacon, as evidenced on “Will & Grace.” Being stalked by Jack is one thing. Getting kidnapped by aliens is another. To give Star-Lord the best Christmas ever, Mantis and Drax seek out his idol, Kevin Bacon. Things escalate quickly as the two Guardians commit a home invasion (among other crimes), culminating in Kevin’s kidnapping. To their horror, they realize Bacon isn’t the hero Peter described, but rather, an actor. They’ve nevertheless come too far, delivering Peter’s Christmas present in a scene that might be moving if it weren’t for the whole hostage thing. Bacon is a good sport throughout, reminding us that he’s not only a gifted comedic performer but also has some singing chops.

“Taking Chance” (2009)

Bacon won a Golden Globe and SAG Award for his understated turn in this HBO movie. Portraying the real-life Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl[a], Bacon gives a layered performance as a Marine who respects the uniform and loyally serves his country. Having seen little combat, though, Strobl experiences survivor’s guilt as others are called overseas during the Iraq War while he sits behind a desk. This looms over Strobl as he escorts the body of Marine Chance Phelps to his final resting place. Although Phelps is with him for much of the film, Strobl doesn’t see his body until the third act. Without any dialogue, Bacon’s face says everything as Strobl tearfully looks over a young life cut short, questioning if he could’ve done more.

“X-Men: First Class” (2011)

It’s funny to think that in one Marvel universe, Kevin Bacon is himself. In another, he’s one of the most sinister villains the X-Men have ever encountered. While Bacon looks like he’s having the time of his life as Sebastian Shaw, he also paints a believable portrait of supremacy. Shaw demonstrates his natural charisma and power of persuasion when he tries recruiting several young mutants to the Hellfire Club. Minutes ago, these mutants were all friends. The next, opposing sides are picked as Shaw convinces Angel to join him. Although Shaw would be a dangerous force even without mutant abilities, his superpowers definitely up the stakes. When the others stand against him, Shaw leaves them with a blunt message: either adapt with him or die.

“Mystic River” (2003)

This Clint Eastwood film centers on three childhood friends. Although now grown-up, their shared trauma endures like cement. Bacon’s Detective Sean Devine[b] seems like the most well-adjusted of the three. That’s because he keeps everything on the inside. One nightmare seemingly comes to an end when Sean tracks down two killers. Little does he realize that Sean Penn’s Jimmy has already exacted revenge against the wrong person, their mutual friend Dave. As Jimmy more or less confirms what he already suspects, Sean realizes this bad dream isn’t over. While Penn and co-star Tim Robbins won Oscars, Bacon deserved more credit for his nuanced work as a voice of reason stuck in the middle of two old friends who’ve experienced unspeakable heartache.

“The River Wild” (1994)

We’ve seen Bacon play heroes. We’ve seen him as villains. This makes him the ideal candidate to play Wade, who’s hiding something more devious behind his inviting grin. Bacon earned a Golden Globe nomination for his two-faced performance as a rafter/robber who befriends a family on the river. Catching on, the family tries ditching Wade and his partner-in-crime Terry only to get caught first. Although Wade is packing a gun, he takes more pleasure in beating young Roarke’s father Tom while Terry restrains matriarch Gail. Showing just how evil he is, Wade nearly shoots the family dog and proves that he isn’t above harming a child. Even after revealing his true colors, Wade still describes himself as a nice guy. Just a different kind.

“MaXXXine” (2024)

P.I. John Labat[c] is like a sleazier version of Jake Gittes from “Chinatown.” The titular Maxine even gives Labat a nose injury similar to Jack Nicholson’s. Labat thinks he has the upper hand upon confronting Maxine on the Universal Studios Lot. The chase takes them from an old Western town, to the Hill Valley set from “Back to the Future,” to the “Psycho” house with Maxine repeatedly slipping through Labat’s slimy fingers. Before an out-of-breath Labat can go Norman Bates on her, security escorts him off the lot. Despite his creepy appearance and cocky attitude, Labat is a bumbling fool outmatched by Maxine. As fun as Bacon is to watch, it’s highly satisfying seeing Labat’s crushing comeuppance later. That’s twice Bacon has been flattened!

“The Woodsman” (2004)

In possibly his most unsettling and heartbreaking performance, Bacon plays Walter, a convicted predator trying to turn his life around after serving time. Many are convinced somebody like him can’t be rehabilitated or redeemed, which Walter also begins to believe. When Walter sits on a bench with a girl he’s been following, we’re uneasy, to say the least. Even Walter is caught off guard when Robin reveals her father has been abusing her. It’s oddly therapeutic as Robin confides in Walter, who finally comprehends the pain he’s inflicted. When Robin gives Walter an embrace goodbye, we’re not sure whether to be disturbed, touched, or devastated for both of these individuals. What we know for sure is that this is some of Bacon’s most powerful work.

“Tremors” (1990)

Originally branded with an R rating, the “Tremors” team got it down to PG-13 by trimming some of the foul language. That might sound like a downgrade, but in this case, it arguably gave the movie more personality. The climax is a key example as our heroes try to finish off one of the underground menaces that’s been pursuing them. Struggling to blow the giant worm up, Bacon’s Val[d] improvises a solution. Luring it to a cliff, Val jumps out of the way just in time as the beast falls to its gruesome fate. Val sends the worm overboard with a one-liner that originally would’ve included a profanity. As much we appreciate a carefully placed F-bomb, we actually think “sucker” is funnier than… you know.

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

One of the Most Creative Ways a Character Has Turned Invisible

A Corrupt Guard Gets His Punishment

We’d React the Same Way About Going To the Moon

You Can’t Handle the Bacon

Breaking The First Rule of Scary Movies

“Footloose” (1984)

Whenever we think about dancing our troubles off, Kevin Bacon in a tank top immediately comes to mind. Bacon was catapulted to superstardom as Ren McCormack[e], a character who embodies why dance is a form of expression. Rocking out to “Never” by Moving Pictures, Ren unleashes all of his pent-up angst in a warehouse. He treats the setting as his own personal dance studio and playground - twisting, jumping, and swinging wherever the music takes him. Bacon didn’t pull off the scene alone, having multiple stunt doubles and gymnasts for the more complicated moves. Bacon is the centerpiece, however. It’s the exact moment that made Bacon a household name, capturing Ren at both his most rebellious and graceful. The scene defined Bacon’s career… and a generation.


What’s your favorite Kevin Bacon moment? Are you looking to “The Bondsman?” Let us know in the comments.

[b]https://www.yarn.co/yarn-clip/596a2bbf-ef33-437a-a662-a58950b88038
[c]https://youtu.be/34RJJLcykgc?si=fFxWOCOTMbd8UDFd&t=10
[d]https://www.yarn.co/yarn-clip/7906e002-550d-482f-97dd-29a9c0f2cbad
[e]mick https://www.yarn.co/yarn-clip/486d01d6-1a74-4823-8ac3-e03b944e5ce3