Some actors are known for their versatility and change between roles, such as chameleons. Others leave such a lasting impact with just one role that they are forever linked. Here are the actors who did such a good job in that one part; it’s what we always remember.
Al Pacino as Michael Corleone
Influential actor Al Pacino has numerous significant awards, but none for his best-known role as Michael Corleone in The Godfather movies. Starting as an outsider, Michael steadily transforms into a ruthless mafia boss, portrayed with perfect intensity by Pacino.
Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates
Psycho is already gripping, but Anthony Perkins adds the perfect chilling nuance with his character, Norman Bates. The owner of the Bates Motel, Norman, has an unsettling demeanor and is very secretive about his true motives.
Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly
Although Audrey Hepburn has taken the lead in many other movies, none are as iconic as her role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Charming yet complex, Holly quickly became a fashion inspiration, with the little black dress worn for the opening going down as one of the most famous movie outfits of all time.
Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones
Indiana Jones is known for his bravery and love of adventure in all five movies. He is always wearing his trademark fedora. Harrison Ford plays him to perfection, ensuring that a picture of Indiana Jones instantly comes to mind when Ford is mentioned.
Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley
Alien is a perfect cocktail of horror and science fiction, starting with a transmission of unknown origin. Ellen Ripley is the first to work out that it is a warning, heralding the movie’s events. We can’t imagine anyone as perfect in this role as Sigourney Weaver.
Sean Connery as James Bond
Tying with Roger Moore for the highest number of movie portrayals of James Bond, Sean Connery defined the suave secret agent character and trope. Sophisticated and charismatic, Connery made the role his own and set the standard for the franchise.
Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa
Rocky tells the story of a small-time fighter who goes up against the reigning heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed. Sylvester Stallone embodies this character with a heartfelt performance as the underdog, teaching the importance of determination and getting straight back up.
Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling
Jodie Foster stars in The Silence of the Lambs as FBI trainee Clarice Starling, who is hunting serial killer Hannibal Lecter. Foster received an Academy Award for this role, and it’s easy to see why, given her compelling performance that defines her career.
Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger
Creepy and menacing, A Nightmare on Elm Street sees Freddy Krueger stalking his victims in their dreams. Robert Englund has played the role across eight movies and a TV series, bringing an iconic and unsettling presence to the role.
Christopher Reeve as Superman
Widely acknowledged as the best portrayal of Superman, Christopher Reeve donned the cape for four movies. His excellent performance added a human side to Clark Kent’s heroics, and he’ll always be remembered as Superman.
Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara
Enduringly popular, Gone with the Wind sees Scarlett O’Hara fall in love with Rhett Butler. Vivien Leigh’s Oscar-winning performance cemented her in history and our hearts as Southern Belle Scarlett.
Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter
Although he has gone on to other roles, we’ll always remember Daniel Radcliffe for his first role as Harry Potter in the magical franchise. His performance spanned ten years and eight movies to make him a household name.
Arnold Schwarzenegger as The Terminator
The Terminator stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as the titular cyborg assassin sent from the future to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton). Schwarzenegger’s movie career was launched with The Terminator, and for many, this is who he has always been.
Uma Thurman as The Bride
Classic revenge saga Kill Bill saw Uma Thurman play the iconic protagonist hunting down her betrayers. Her compelling acting and combat skills in these Tarantino masterpieces were well-received by critics and ensured she will be remembered for this stunning role.
Leonardo DiCaprio as Jack Dawson
James Cameron’s epic movie Titanic is a moving love story about Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet). DiCaprio achieved international stardom with this role, which is often the one for which he is most remembered.
Bruce Willis as John McClane
Die Hard is one of the best-known action franchises, with all five movies focused on police detective John McClane, played by Bruce Willis. The number of titles and the iconic nature of the role have led to Willis being known primarily for his work here.
Keanu Reeves as Neo
The Matrix will make viewers question the world around them and reality itself. Keanu Reeves stars as Neo in this sci-fi action movie. Reeve’s role as Neo showcases his transformation into a martial arts hero and makes him a cultural legend.
Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia
Bringing a strong female character to Star Wars, Carrie Fisher was always best known for her role as Princess Leia. Her fantastic performance left her mark on Hollywood and inspired fans worldwide to be brave and determined.
Elijah Wood as Frodo
Playing the role of Frodo Baggins in all three Lord of the Rings movies and a brief cameo in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Elijah Wood was the perfect casting choice. Despite having been a child actor before and going on to other roles after, we’ll never forget him as the courageous hobbit taking his first steps away from home.
Heath Ledger as The Joker
The Dark Knight stars Christian Bale as Batman opposite Heath Ledger’s Joker for one of the best on-screen portrayals of the Caped Crusader’s story. Due to Ledger’s tragic death, the movie was released posthumously, leading to multiple awards for his chaotic portrayal of the villain.
Tom Hiddleston as Loki
First appearing as Loki in Thor, Tom Hiddleston has since gone on to play him across five other Marvel Cinematic Universe titles. For many people, this role always comes to mind when Hiddleston is mentioned.
Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor
Appearing alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Terminator franchise, Linda Hamilton portrays tough, resilient Sarah Connor. Her transformation from waitress to warrior set a new standard for action movies with female roles and established Hamilton as a household name.
Hugh Jackman as Wolverine
Hugh Jackman’s part as Wolverine in the X-Men movies was a breakthrough role for him and made him known for playing the comic book character in the franchise. His intense performance left room for vulnerability and drama, making him a charismatic hero.
Matt Damon as Jason Bourne
The star of the Jason Bourne trilogy, Matt Damon, is universally recognized as the titular spy. The franchise is credited with reviving and redefining the action thriller genre by adding more complex characters and a sense of realism.
