15. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Dwayne Johnsonis a pro-wrestling champion turned Hollywood celebrity who carried his wrestling alias—first “Rocky” and then “The Rock”—from the ring to the big screen.
Sadly, no matter how hard he tries, it appears that his origin as a pro-wrestler continues to cling to him, making him unable to shake off his iconic image as “The Rock.”
Johnson plays the ripped action hero in nearly every movie role, even when dipping his toes into comedy and family films.
His most notable roles includeThe Mummy Returns(2001),San Andreas(2015),Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle(2017), and, of course, theFast and Furiousfranchise.
Related:The Best Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Movies, Ranked
14. Jennifer Coolidge
Jennifer Coolidgedoesn’t just play the same bizarre character in every movie—she’s also like that in real life. Ditzy, offbeat, and able to make anyone laugh, it’s never entirely clear whether Coolidge is acting or being genuine, whether on- or off-screen.
The White Lotusco-star Haley Lu Richardson admitted that even she wasn’t sure whether Coolidge was always in-character or not.
Most people just assume it’s her personality—one that translates so well on screen that she just stays that way for her roles!
Underneath all her “dumb blonde” charm is perfect comedic timing and intelligence. You can find this in movies likeAmerican Pie(1999),Legally Blonde(2001), andA Cinderella Story(2004).
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13. Channing Tatum
Channing Tatumisn’tonly known for his exceedingly good looks (though that plays a big part in his persona). His impressive dance skills are what really help him stand out.
Catching his first wave of mainstream popularity with the hip-hopping musical dramaStep Up(2006), Tatum went on to swoon viewers with his strikingly handsome face and shirtless handstands, even leading as the sexy stripper inMagic Mike(2012).
Although Tatum has occasionally branched out into other genres, he’s mainly known for comedy and romance. But whether it’sDear John(2010) or21 Jump Street(2012), Tatum will always be the cool guy.
Related:The Best Child Actors in Hollywood
12. Jack Black
In 2016,Jack Blackmade the bold statement that he may be quitting acting forever. Why? Because he’s bored of all the repetitve roles—or, in other words, being the “lovable loser.”
We can’t blame him! It must get tiring bumbling around as the same nerdy guy with a big heart. But we also can’t blame the casting directors who select him for these parts. After all, he’s so good at it!
Jack Black’s biggest claim to fame was as the failing rock star Dewey Finn inSchool of Rock(2003), who poses as a substitute teacher for some cash and ends up entering his class in Battle of the Bands.
After that, Black reclaimed similar characters inNacho Libre(2006),Kung Fu Panda(2008), andGulliver’s Travels(2010). Luckily, Black did eventually decide to continue his career!
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11. Ryan Reynolds
Even beforeDeadpool(2016),Ryan Reynoldswas already fairly famous. He’s always been a conventionally attractive Hollywood actor, and he usually starred as the playboy in comedies.
He had his first stab at the superhero market in 2011 withGreen Lantern, a role he’s gone on to mock several times. He also starred inWaiting…(2005),The Proposal(2009),Buried(2010), andThe Change-Up(2011).
And whenDeadpoolhappened, he becamereallyfamous. In that film, Ryan Reynolds didn’t play Deadpool—Deadpool played Ryan Reynolds, the sarcastic actor who isn’t so different from the sarcastic characters he always plays.
Related:Great Examples of Breaking the Fourth Wall in Movies and TV
10. Jeff Goldblum
Jeff Goldblumis so iconic an actor, he parodied his own pose fromJurassic Park(1993) in a photo shoot 27 years later.
Leaning back with his shirt spread open, Goldblum did some fan service on Instagram by recreating one of his most famous roles from the Steven Spielberg classic.
Jurassic Parkwasn’t the only time Goldblum played an oddball scientist. ThinkThe Fly(1986) andIndependence Day(1996), in which he also infused his inventor characters with a strange sort of charisma.
Jeff Goldblum always brings an eccentric, manic energy that fans love. Combined with his distinctive voice, he gives us characters on the big screen that no other actor can embody.
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9. Michael Cera
Michael Cera’s awkward performances and eccentric style make him a one-of-a-kind gem of comedy.
Whether it’s as the lanky teen or the oddball sidekick, Cera perfectly embodies the essence of a geek. Despite his wispy voice and blank expressions, Cera has a distinctly matchless on-screen presence.
Michael Cera’s acting career really took off in 2007 when he starred in the highly successful indie flicksSuperbadandJuno.
He carried that same energy forward into Edgar Wright’sScott Pilgrim Vs. The World(2010), which infamously blended a comic book story with coming-of-age comedy.
Related:The Most Famous Nerd Characters in Movies, Ranked
8. Jackie Chan
Jackie Chanis the modern-day equivalent of Bruce Lee, with a hefty dose of masterful comedy mixed in.
A kung fu master with an aptitude for slapstick, Chan is a family-favorite movie star who kicks his way through comedic drama. Chinese culture and American humor are united by Chan’s iconic performances as the lovable action hero.
You can find his hilarious action-oriented antics in his famous collaborations with Chris Tucker inRush Hour(1998) and with Owen Wilson inShanghai Noon(2000) andShanghai Knights(2003).
He also brought a new dimension to the character of Mr. Miyagi (or Mr. Han) with his touching portrayal in 2010’sThe Karate Kid.
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7. Seth Rogen
Why doesSeth Rogenalways play a stoner in movies? Well, probably because he’s a stoner in real life! So much so that Rogen even launched his own marijuana company (Houseplant) in California.
Most don’t know that Rogen is also a writer, having started his writing career at the tender age of 13 with the first draft ofSuperbad(2007), which wouldn’t be turned into a movie until 15 years later.
But for the most part, Rogen can be found fogging up the lens with comedy flicks likeThe 40-Year-Old Virgin(2005),Knocked Up(2007),Pineapple Express(2008),The Interview(2014), and many more.
With James Franco often by his side, Seth Rogen has proven his talents for writing, acting, and furthering the stoner archetype.
Related:The Best Movies With Seth Rogen, Ranked
6. Paul Rudd
Nowadays, there aren’t many actors left who haven’t been in a superhero or supervillain role. Even esteemed names like Christian Bale and Jake Gyllenhaal have appeared in the MCU!
That said, most actors bend to the fantastical needs of their character, like Benedict Cumberbatch inDoctor Strange(2016) and Robert Pattinson inThe Batman(2022).
ButPaul Rudd’s superhero role is just himself in spandex. As Rudd once put it, Ant-Man is “just a regular guy” who also happens to be a superhero, and isn’t particularly keen on it.
So maybe it makes sense that Ant-Man is basically like all the other characters Paul Rudd has played: endearing, handsome, funny, and somewhat stupid yet well-intentioned.
You can see more of the same in movies likeWet Hot American Summer(2001),Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy(2004),The 40-Year-Old Virgin(2005),Role Models(2008), andI Love You, Man(2009).
Related:The Best Paul Rudd Movies of All Time, Ranked
5. Jim Carrey
The thing aboutJim Carreyis that he has a surprisingly wide acting range, thanks to his dedicated method acting.
In fact, did you know Jim Carrey was literally trained by the CIA to endure torture for his role in 2000’sThe Grinch?
But most moviegoers remember him best for his zany personality and hilarious slapstick. Few actors can control their facial muscles as well as Carrey, who can contort his face to a caricature-like degree.
Jim Carrey’s most extreme and cartoonish characters can be found inThe Mask(1994),Ace Ventura: Pet Detective(1994),Dumb and Dumber(1994),Liar Liar(1997),Bruce Almighty(2003), and evenSonic the Hedgehog(2020) as Dr. Robotnik.
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4. Bruce Willis
Bruce Willisis undoubtedly Hollywood’s number one action hero—or, at least, he used to be back in his heyday. Detective, superhero, or black ops agent? Bruce Willis has played them all.
A hard man with good morals, Willis always defeats the bad guys while things explode behind him or time bends backwards.
Bruce Willis’s reputation as a leading man started with the oft-debated “Christmas movie"Die Hard(1988), then carried on withArmageddon(1998),Unbreakable(2000),Lucky Number Slevin(2006),Looper(2012), and, of course, the rest of theDie Hardmovies.
Related:The Best Movies Like Die Hard (Including Clones and Ripoffs)
3. Will Ferrell
Will Ferrellis one of the most recognizable faces in American comedy, whether as the happy-go-lucky elf inElf(2003), the cocky anchorman inAnchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy(2004), or the man-child stepbrother inStep Brothers(2008).
Everyone’s seen at least one of these Will Ferrell personas, and they all share a sort of child-like quality—an ignorance to the world around him—that only Ferrell can pull off in a convincing manner.
Will Ferrell often takes an absurd approach to masculinity, with his characters manifesting as the loser, the child, the failing everyman. He’s perfect for any mismatched buddy movie, and often stars alongside John C. Reilly and Mark Wahlberg.
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2. Ricky Gervais
If there’s one trait that unites everyRicky Gervaisperformance, it’s sarcasm. King of dry British humor, Gervais rarely plays a character whodoesn’thave a bitterly pessimistic view of humanity.
The stand-up comedian launched his mainstream on-screen career as the awkwardly inappropriate David Brent in the UK version ofThe Office, then went on to write most of his own work since.
The uncomfortable silences and underdog humor inThe Officeshaped Gervais’s reputation, and he took that with him into films likeGhost Town(2008) andThe Invention of Lying(2009), as well as the critically acclaimedAfter Lifeseries on Netflix.
Related:The Office UK vs. The Office US: Which Series Was Better? Compared
1. Bill Murray
Bill Murrayis practically a character to himself. He has no particular genre or archetype—hero or villain, comedy or drama, character or cameo—yet it rarely feels like he’s assuming a character.
Bill Murray is always playing Bill Murray, regardless of the film’s time period, setting, or character. Even the animated ginger cat inGarfield(2004) was still just a disembodied Bill Murray.
Murray has had a long run of leading roles, includingGhostbusters(1984),Groundhog Day(1993), andLost in Translation(2003). But he also loves to make cameo appearances where viewers can have that “Hey look, it’s Bill Murray!” moment.
As a long-time collaborator of Wes Anderson, Billy Murray has popped up in films likeMoonrise Kingdom(2012) andThe Grand Budapest Hotel(2014). But he’s also appeared in films likeZombieland(2009), in which heliterallyplayed himself!
Read next:The Best Movies Where Actors Play Themselves
