Top 10 Times Bad Actors Did a Great Job
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most notable movie roles in which actors with a notoriety for subpar performances showed unexpected flashes of brilliance. What is your favorite performance by a terrible actor? Sound off in the comments below.
#10: Adam Sandler
The Redemption of Adam Sandler
“Uncut Gems” (2019)
After breaking out on “SNL,” Adam Sandler starred in a string of comedy films that were commercially successful but torn apart by critics. His turn in flicks like “Mr. Deeds” and “Jack and Jill” earned him multiple Golden Raspberry nods and a reputation as a less-than-stellar actor. Although Sandler began to redeem himself with a more tender portrayal in “Punch-Drunk Love,” his evolution into a formidable actor became complete with 2019’s “Uncut Gems.” Departing from his usual comedic style, Sandler plays a desperate New York City jeweler burdened by massive debt. With no shticks and gimmicks to fall back to, the actor sinks his teeth into the role, delivering a magnetic performance that many consider the best of his entire career.
#9: Steven Seagal
Steven Seagal Vs. Jean-Claude Van Damme
“Under Siege” (1992)
A quick look at Steven Seagal’s filmography and you could argue he has essentially played the same character for decades: himself. Oddly enough, Seagal has failed to be convincing in most of those roles. But even a broken clock is right twice a day. In the 1992 action thriller “Under Siege,” Seagal’s martial arts training, experience and skills all lined up perfectly to produce a surprisingly compelling performance. The typically stoic actor is unexpectedly likable, playing a former Navy SEAL facing off against a group of mercenaries led by Tommy Lee Jones. In the sea of Seagal laughably bad movies, “Under Siege” is one of only a handful to achieve both financial and critical success, earning a fresh rating from Rotten Tomatoes.
#8: Vince Vaughn
“Brawl in Cell Block 99” (2017)
Vince Vaughn began his career with promise, but with the turn of the millennium came a series of forgettable comedies that failed to showcase his acting strengths. By the 2010s, hardly anyone took the actor seriously, that is until director S. Craig Zahler came along. Zahler cast Vaughn as the lead in his grindhouse prison thriller “Brawl in Cell Block 99.” Leveraging his imposing stature, the role depicts the actor as a menacing anti-hero who best communicates with his fists. Vaughn effortlessly pulls it off, delivering a performance that is both intimidating and nuanced, and adds some emotional depth to the otherwise savage movie. It’s a surprising direction for Vaughn, and one we can only hope he sticks with.
#7: Hayden Christensen
“Shattered Glass” (2003)
Best known for his turn as a young Darth Vader, Hayden Christensen is one actor that hasn’t quite earned the love of fans and critics. But beyond his widely criticized performances, Christensen has demonstrated that with the right material, he can actually deliver. This was most evident in his portrayal of disgraced journalist Stephen Glass in 2003’s “Shattered Glass.” Christensen portrays the smug reporter who came under fire after his stories were revealed to be mere fabrications. Ironically, the whiny, self-pitying attitude the actor was criticized for in the “Star Wars” films turned out to be a perfect fit for this role. The result was a well-rounded depiction that earned Christensen unexpected critical acclaim.
#6: Dane Cook
“Dan in Real Life” (2007)
The pool of comedians who have delivered surprisingly great dramatic performances includes big names like Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx and Robin Williams. While we won’t classify him in the same category as such renowned figures, Dane Cook still deserves some recognition for his role in 2007’s “Dan in Real Life.” Cook plays Mitch Burns, the younger brother of Steve Carell’s titular character, who’s a philanderer-turned-lover boy. Whether he’s leading an aerobics routine or sharing a duet with Carell, Cook manages to break away from his usual facetious image and embodies a genuinely charming persona. The film received mostly favorable reviews from critics and audiences alike, and it remains Cook’s most compelling performance to date.
#5: Jessica Alba
Top 10 Best Jessica Chastain Performances
“Sin City” (2005)
“Sin City” broke new ground with its innovative visual style and depiction of violence. It was also the vehicle through which Jessica Alba was introduced to a broader audience. In the film, Alba played exotic dancer Nancy Callahan, in one of her very first starring roles in a major motion picture. The fresh-faced actress fully immersed herself in the character, even visiting strip clubs beforehand to prepare. Consequently, she turned out a convincing portrayal that earned her the MTV Movie Award for Sexiest Performance. However, Alba failed to capitalize on this promising potential. Her subsequent roles have largely been derided by critics, and she has received multiple Razzie nominations since.
#4: Jennifer Lopez
Top 10 Jennifer Lopez Rom-Com Moments
“Hustlers” (2019)
Starring in what is regarded as one of the worst films ever made can leave a lasting stain on anyone’s career. For Jennifer Lopez, that stain persisted for over two decades. Following her performance in the critically reviled “Gigli,” Lopez stumbled through a couple of romantic comedies that failed to curry her much favor. However, with her career-defining turn as Ramona in 2019’s “Hustlers,” the singer, actress and dancer showed that she still had a lot to prove. Lopez brings her effortless charm to the portrayal, serving up a performance that is equal parts bold, ruthless and sensitive. She garnered overwhelming praise for her portrayal and was nominated for several trophies, including a Golden Globe and a SAG award.
#3: Shia LaBeouf
Top 10 Ridiculous Shia Labeouf Moments
“Honey Boy” (2019)
Creating art is a powerful way for artists to process trauma. That’s exactly what Shia LaBeouf did with 2019’s “Honey Boy.” The former child actor, who faced a slew of personal issues in his adulthood, wrote the film’s script as a therapy exercise in rehab. “Honey Boy” draws inspiration from LaBeouf’s childhood and his complicated relationship with his father. For such a sensitive subject, there was no one better suited for the paternal role than LaBeouf himself. This personal connection allowed him to infuse the character with authenticity, avoiding the risk of delivering a hammy portrayal. Instead, LaBeouf brings warmth, humor and emotional depth to the role, making “Honey Boy” a standout amid the numerous subpar entries in his filmography.
#2: Marlon Wayans
Top 10 Marlon Brando Performances
“Requiem for a Dream” (2000)
Traditionally known for his comedic roles, Marlon Wayans defied expectations with a remarkable dramatic turn in “Requiem for a Dream.” The actor was fresh off his sitcom “The Wayans Bros.” when he landed the role of Tyrone, a troubled character grappling with substance use disorder. Even director Darren Aronofsky was hesitant to cast Wayans, but the actor ultimately blew everyone away with his captivating portrayal. Wayans displays a level of authenticity and emotional range that is uncommon even among seasoned dramatic actors. Watching it now, it’s hard to not be completely immersed in the character’s desperate psyche. And it’s even harder to reconcile this performance with Wayans’ roles in films such as “Little Man” and the “Scary Movie” franchise.
#1: Tyler Perry
“Gone Girl” (2014)
The 2014 psychological thriller “Gone Girl” surprised audiences with many unexpected twists. But perhaps the twist nobody saw coming was a brilliant performance from Tyler Perry. Widely known for his portrayal of the tough yet nurturing grandma Madea, Perry has faced intense criticism for his projects and his choice of characters. Hence, many had their reservations when it was announced that he would play defense attorney Tanner Bolt in the David Fincher-directed film. But Perry turned out to be outstanding, portraying the character with as much prestige and brilliance as one would expect. It’s one of the rare instances where Perry allowed himself to be directed by someone else and, based on this performance, he should probably consider doing so more often.
