10 Movies That Changed How People See These Actors

Sometimes, an actor performs in a movie in a way that completely changes how people view them. Whether it’s an actor traditionally known for comedic roles putting in a star performance in a drama or a clean-cut star giving a gritty portrayal of an evil character, cinema history has countless examples. It might surprise people just how many there are.

Movie watchers can quickly judge actors and assume they’re one-trick ponies — especially if their roles have indeed been similar up to a point — but people should keep an open mind. Being typecast isn’t always an actor’s fault; filmmakers undoubtedly like to play to actors’ strengths. That’s why it’s so great when an actor gets an opportunity to play against type and smashes their doubters’ negative expectations of them.

10 Jim Carrey In The Truman Show (1998)

This Comedian Had Some Serious Dramatic Chops

Even following his potentially permanent hiatus from acting, Jim Carrey is best known for his zany performances in movies like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask, Dumb and Dumber, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. However, in 1998, he showed everyone he could perform seriously in the brilliant satirical sci-fi comedy-drama The Truman Show. He plays the eponymous Truman Burbank, a man unaware that his whole life is the subject of a reality television show. Yes, the film has funny elements, but Carrey gives a nuanced, thought-provoking, and tender performance that should’ve earned him an Oscar nomination. It’s one of Jim Carrey’s best movies.

9 Margot Robbie In I, Tonya (2017)

Robbie Proved Herself Far More Than A Soap Star

It’s unlikely anyone ever believed Margot Robbie was a terrible actress, but before 2017’s I, Tonya, few people knew how brilliant she was. Robbie came from the world of Australian soap operas and was utilized mainly as eye candy in Hollywood before her turn as figure skater Tonya Harding. However, she showed everyone her potential by stripping away the glamor and embracing the opportunity to act in a dramatic lead role. I, Tonya is an emotionally powerful film that deals with its more tragic aspects sensitively yet humorously. Robbie elevated herself into a new acting class and earned her first Oscar nomination for Best Actress.

8 Adam Sandler In Reign Over Me (2007)

From Silliness To Grief-Stricken Seriousness

For many people, 2019’s Uncut Gems was the first time they’d seen Adam Sandler in a dramatic role, and his performance prompted calls for an Oscar nomination that didn’t come. However, in 2007, over a decade earlier, he’d already emphatically displayed his acting chops in the buddy drama Reign Over Me. He plays Charlie Fineman, a man who lost everything important to him in the 9/11 attacks, including his wife and daughter. He assumes a broken, shabby, grief-stricken role as a man who constantly wears a headset so music drowns out any mention of his loss. It’s a brilliant, layered, heartfelt performance that deserves more recognition.

7 Bill Murray In Lost In Translation (2003)

A Subtle Performance From The Normally Loud Murray

Bill Murray always seemed to play himself in movies. Whether it was Caddyshack, Stripes, Ghostbusters, Scrooged, Groundhog Day, or Kingpin, he was always a sarcastic, larger-than-life know-it-all. Then came Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation. He plays a washed-up actor who heads to Japan to film whiskey commercials during a midlife crisis. The quiet subtlety of his performance, teeming with intricate nuance, took everyone by surprise. Murray’s unlikely yet beautiful chemistry with Scarlett Johansson makes the movie a masterpiece, but he is individually outstanding. He earned his first and, as yet, only Best Actor Academy Award nomination for this film.

6 Charlize Theron In Monster (2003)

Theron’s Transformation From Glamorous To Gritty Was Amazing

Charlize Theron is one of the world’s most beautiful stars, and while there was never any doubt about her ability as an actress, her transformation and performance in 2003’s Monster shocked the world. She had never been an Oscar contender before the film. However, her portrayal of Aileen Wuornos, a real-life serial killer who murdered seven of her clients while working as a prostitute, was exceptional and earned her the Best Actress gong. Perhaps the most surprising aspect of her performance was her appearance. Theron was completely unrecognizable under makeup, going from a glamor queen to looking like a worn-down criminal. It was remarkable she could convincingly portray her.

5 Eddie Murphy In Dreamgirls (2006)

The Legendary Comedian Stood Out In This Musical Drama

The musical drama Dreamgirls chronicles the history and evolution of the R&B scene in America throughout the 1960s and 1970s from the viewpoint of a Detroit girl group. Eddie Murphy plays Jimmy “Thunder” Early, an amalgamation of stars like James Brown and Marvin Gaye, and gives the performance of his life. Murphy is known for comedy as a stand-up comedian and actor, with his most famous roles in the likes of Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, and Shrek. However, Murphy’s dramatic and musical sides shine in Dreamgirls, with the “Jimmy’s Rap” scene becoming a career highlight. He surprised many people and definitely deserved a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination.

4 Robin Williams In One Hour Photo (2002)

From Hilariously Comical to Horrendously Creepy

The late Robin Williams was a terrific comedian and brilliant actor. Even in his more dramatic roles, such as 1989’s Dead Poet’s Society and 1997’s Good Will Hunting, there was usually an element of humor. However, in 2002’s One Hour Photo, he showed everyone he could do sinister as well as silly. He plays Seymour “Sy” Parrish, a photo technician whose troubled past leads to an unhealthy obsession with a family who’ve been his customers for years. In this movie, he’s terrifying and creepy, which nobody in their right mind would’ve thought possible about such a likable actor.

3 Anthony Perkins In Psycho (1960)

A Transformation From Clean Cut To Homicidal

Everyone who knew Anthony Perkins before he played Norman Bates in Psycho knew he was a good actor. He’d acted on Broadway and given great dramatic performances in the likes of Friendly Persuasion and The Tin Star, but his image was clean-cut, handsome, and sensitive in the mold of James Dean. Psycho changed all that, as Bates’ friendly demeanor was revealed to be hiding a murderous madman. Perkins went from being one of the foremost Hollywood heartthrobs of all time to one of the most influential figures in horror movie history. That one movie could so dramatically change a man’s image is a testament to his outstandingly dark performance.

2 Mo’Nique In Precious (2009)

From Lighthearted Comic To Darkly Abusive Mother

Mo’Nique is a brilliant stand-up comedian who was once best known for her role in the sitcom The Parkers. However, in the 2009 drama Precious, she plays completely against type and is incredible. Mo’Nique portrays Mary Lee Johnston, the titular character’s foul-mouthed, unemployed, and lazy mother, who contributes significantly to her daughter’s struggles. Her performance is anything but humorous, as she’s frighteningly convincing as the nasty piece of work Mary. Her outstanding performance saw her sweep up during the subsequent awards season, including a deserved Best Supporting Actress Oscar win. It categorically cemented her as a serious actress, throwing away the idea that she was only good at being funny.

1 Heath Ledger In The Dark Knight (2008)

The Teen Heartthrob Turned Into A Chaotic Madman

The late Heath Ledger passed away at the tender age of 28. For most of his career, he was considered a typical teen heartthrob, starting in Australian soap operas and moving on to teen movies like 10 Things I Hate About You. He established himself as a serious actor in 2005’s Brokeback Mountain, when his performance as Ennis Del Mar earned him a Best Actor Oscar nomination. However, 2008’s The Dark Knight blew his reputation up. His dark, complex, nuanced performance as the Joker shocked everyone, especially those who reacted negatively to his casting. He posthumously won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar, forever changing his legacy.