Top 10 Movies That Wouldn't Have Worked Without the Lead Actor

#10: Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent/Superman

Superman franchise (1978-87)

Convincing the world a man can fly is one thing. But the eternal appeal of Christopher Reeves Superman comes down to one enviable quality: modesty. An unknown when offered the part, Reeves newcomer status amplifies the unprecedented impact of the characters arrival in Metropolis. Even more impressive is how the actor delicately walks a line between the Man of Steels optimistic virtues and Clark Kents buffoonish humility. Reeve simultaneously makes these two performances feel distinct while also combining them into a superheroic whole. His earnestness and humanity leaves no room to believe that the Big Blue Boy Scout is all talk. Reeve backs up his characters conviction with charm and decency, giving us all reason to feel inspired by a world where Superman exists.

#9: Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods

Legally Blonde (2001)

This Oscar-winning actress was a star on the rise in the late 90s, but her name was at the top of everyones mind after this 2001 comedy. Its nearly impossible to bring up Reese Witherspoon without mentioning Elle Woods, as her effervescent personality turns this potentially alienating character into an endearing heroine. As the pink-clad sorority girl proves her worth at Harvard Law School, Witherspoon masterfully swerves between rambunctious outsider and dedicated attorney, sometimes in the same scene. She earns laughs and cheers in equal measure without even having to try, making Elle not only one of modern cinemas most rootable characters, but an iconic demonstration of why looks are deceiving. Whoever said she couldnt pull this off was seriously disturbed.

#8: Jack Black as Dewey Finn

School of Rock (2003)

If anyone else brought this aspiring rocker to life, wed be way more inclined to start questioning their ethics. But for 2000s kids everywhere, School of Rock remains Jack Blacks finest hour as a comedian, musician, and everything in between. Having conned his way into a substitute teaching job, Dewey Finn finds a new lease on life by teaching his students about the power of rock n roll. Turning them into one hell of a band, Blacks performance radiates heart and passion as Dewey champions self expression and sticking it to the man. He couldve easily sold himself on his humor and music skills alone. But Blacks chemistry with his co-stars and unconventional ability to inspire has us wishing we had a teacher like him.

#7: Mike Myers as Austin Powers & Dr. Evil

Austin Powers franchise (1997-2002)

You know youve succeeded when your parody has overshadowed the originals popularity. Thats precisely where Mike Myers found himself when this fish out of water spy and his over-the-top arch nemesis practically necessitated a new approach to the James Bond mythology. With incompetent behavior and witty catchphrases galore, Myers next level comedic timing is ever-present as both the free-wheeling hero and eccentric villain. Austin and Dr. Evil are hilariously distinct yet remarkably familiar to any fans of 60s culture, delightfully skewering the spy genre and its plethora of cliches. They have all the confidence of much brighter men and are about as threatening as youd expect someone frozen in time to be, which is what makes them stick out in all the most groovy ways.

#6: Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley

Alien franchise (1979-)

Bringing new dimensions to the lone survivor among other action tropes, Sigourney Weaver was another unknown whose breakout in Alien indelibly altered several genres at once. As Ellen Ripley, Weaver is resilience incarnate, deftly portraying fear and claustrophobia without letting panic affect her intelligence. Between the unbearable suspense of the first film and the gung-ho action of its 1986 sequel, Ripley stands tall in the face of intergalactic danger. But thanks to Weavers nuanced handling of her characters turmoil, shes also incredibly down-to-earth and relatable. Much like Ripley herself, no task is ever too great for Weaver to handle, and the strength of her commitment ultimately paid off in the form of an Oscar nomination for Aliens. A groundbreaking achievement for a groundbreaking performance.

#5: Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

If unpredictability were a purple topcoat, Gene Wilder wears it like a genius as Willy Wonka. Much like an Everlasting Gobstopper, the comedian injects magic and eternal flavor into the reclusive chocolatier the second he appears on screen. But hes also not content to rest his laurels on the characters theatricality, either. Wilders dry, sarcastic nonchalance ensures that Willy Wonka maintains more edge than your standard kids movie emcee. In fact, hes so skilled at mixing wholesome moments with sinister flair that were never quite sure how much we can trust Wonka as he leads his guests through the factory. Without distracting us from the delights of his creations, he almost single-handedly morphs this rags-to-riches story into an emotionally complex tale about morality.

#4: Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins (1964)

This British legend was born to play singing governesses, and even that seems like were underselling her incomparable talent. Simply put, Julie Andrews is practically perfect in every way as Mary Poppins. With her elegant accent, beautiful singing voice, and endless bag of tricks, Andrews descends from above like an angel assigned to make our lives a little bit better. Embodying glamor, empathy, and, above all, kindness, Mary Poppins is a spoonful of sugar that we can still learn from. And she may not have been so without a caring soul like Andrews to bring her to life. Our only hope is that the wind never has to change so that we can keep her timeless performance as close to our hearts as possible.

#3: Robin Williams as Daniel Hillard/Euphegenia Doubtfire

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

Its no secret that Robin Williams signature brand of manic humor could turn any movie from good to great. Just look at his show-stopping performance in Good Morning, Vietnam if you need further proof. But its this classic family comedy where his efforts arguably make the biggest difference. Playing a divorced dad attempting to reconnect with his kids, the physical challenge Williams accepts by turning himself into a Scottish housekeeper is impressive on its own. But his greatest contribution to Mrs. Doubtfire is his thematic variety. He manages to make his alter ego a feisty yet immediately infectious presence without sacrificing Daniels sincerity as a loving father. In other words, Williams ensures that Mrs. Doubtfire remains uproariously funny while staying close to its bittersweet set-up.

#2: Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

With its awe-inspring Technicolor and catchy musical numbers, The Wizard of Oz still evokes the same sense of wonder as it did nearly a century ago. Its unrivaled intrigue rests firmly in the hands of its quirky characters, with Judy Garland offering a warm and optimistic hand to guide us through Oz. With her ruby slippers and hopeful demeanor, Dorothy Gale continues to teach audiences worldwide about aspiring to greater things while also valuing what we already have. Garlands bubbly vulnerability and tender vocals render Dorothy into an identifiable whole, encouraging us to look for the intelligence, heart, and courage within ourselves. And if there really is no place like home, its because we have her to remind us what that means.

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

Will Ferrell as Buddy, Elf (2003)

Were In Love With This Role and We Dont Care Who Knows It

Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward, Pretty Woman (1990)

Recasting This Role Wouldve Been a Big Mistake. Big. Huge!

Michael Keaton as Riggan Thomson, Birdman (2014)

A Former Superhero Actor Plays a Former Superhero Actor in the Ultimate Comeback

Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly, Breakfast at Tiffanys (1961)

No One Could Make Us Swoon for Moon River Like Her

Uma Thurman as Beatrix Kiddo/The Bride, Kill Bill franchise (2003-04)

She Deserved Her Revenge and We Deserved a Performance Like This

#1: Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones

Indiana Jones franchise (1981-2023)

Some characters are made iconic simply by virtue of the actors playing them. Few characters exemplify that notion like Indiana Jones, which is why we should all be grateful for the majestic Harrison Ford. The role of the whip-wielding archaeologist nearly went to Tom Selleck, with Ford stepping in as a last minute alternative after Magnum, P.I. was greenlit. It remains a tantalizing what-if in movie history, but it does nothing to detract from Fords adventurous spirit and ultrasuave allure as Indiana Jones. Whether hes being chased by a builder, bringing a gun to a swordfight, or searching for the Holy Grail, Indys resourcefulness and Fords reliability are one and the same. Hes a cinematic treasure well gladly seek out any chance we get.

Is there an irreplaceable movie performance that youd never recast? Let us know down in the comments!