We all have our favorite actors, but some movies rely on certain actors to make or break the box office. If you’re drawn to the theater when you know Tom Cruise or Sandra Bullock have a new movie out, it might be because you know the movie will be better for having them in it.
Tom Cruise
He’s Hollywood royalty, and few can deny the charisma that he brings to every role he appears in. If Tom Cruise is in a movie, there’s every chance it’ll be box office gold. Those who doubted his reprieval of Maverick in Top Gun sequel, Maverick were desperately disappointed. It was every bit as brilliant as the original.
Julia Roberts
She wowed us in Pretty Woman, then bowled us over with her intelligent, big-hearted performance in Erin Brockovich, and after that, we were hooked. Her charisma and toothy smile light up the screen, turning every movie into a crowd-pleaser.
Brad Pitt
Since his first major movie role as the pretty guy in Thelma and Louise, Brad Pitt has been gracing our screens in a wide range of gritty roles. When he showed us he meant business in Fight Club, he navigated past the All-American roles and firmly owned his place as a genuine actor. Pitt’s charisma and cool demeanor make him a standout in any ensemble cast.
Robert Downey Jr.
Whether playing the charismatic Tony Stark or the eccentric Sherlock Holmes, Downey Jr. brings wit and charisma to every role. He’s been in the game long enough and is an avid professional. His recent performance in Oppenheimer was a standout despite being a supporting actor.
Charlize Theron
She could easily have become another pretty face in the vast pool of Hollywood beauties, but she’s shown us time and time again that she’s not afraid of fearless performances. Her portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos won her an Oscar, largely based on her transformative abilities.
Will Smith
From action blockbusters like Men in Black and Independence Day to heartfelt dramas such as A Pursuit of Happyness, Smith’s undeniable talent shines through in every role. His ability to transform from a comedic action hero to a broken father is precisely why he makes any movie his own.
Tom Hanks
He’s the most versatile actor in the entertainment playing field and can make any movie better by simply being in it. From Forrest Gump to Cast Away, Hanks infuses each role with heart and authenticity, making every movie a must-watch.
Cate Blanchett
With her mesmerizing performances and chameleon-like ability to disappear into her characters, Blanchett elevates every film she’s in. She embodied the regal Elizabeth I, yet can easily play a girl-next-door role and bring it to life.
Meryl Streep
She might not always make movies that reach the masses with commercial popularity, but you can always guarantee that you’ll see an iconic performance. Her roles in The Devil Wears Prada and The Iron Lady cemented her position as Hollywood’s leading lady.
Leonardo DiCaprio
With memorable roles in Titanic and The Wolf of Wall Street, DiCaprio’s dedication to his craft brings depth and nuance to every character he portrays. Martin Scorsese has names him one of the greatest actors of all time for his ability to dig deep into the characters he portrays.
Samuel L. Jackson
He stole Pulp Fiction with his famous Ezekiel speech and won our hearts in A Time to Kill as a desperate father that was pushed to murder following the rape of his daughter. If his name’s on the credits, we know we’re in for a great movie.
Judi Dench
She’s Britain’s finest actress, and that’s because she can deliver anything that is expected of her and make her presence known. Her role as M gave Bond movies a new lease of life, and let’s not forget her role as Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love, which earned her an Academy Award for a mere six minutes on screen.
Denzel Washington
He might have been an 80s megastar, but he still can make his own movie. Whether playing a detective in Training Day or a pilot in Flight, Washington’s intensity and charisma enhance every scene he’s in. He’s often been referred to as the best actor of all time.
Helen Mirren
With her regal presence and impeccable talent, Mirren enhances the quality of films like The Queen and The Last Station, having a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. She brings elegance to each of her roles, which has made her an established leading lady in Hollywood.
Sandra Bullock
It is with good reason that Sandra Bullock is a box office star. She’s been churning out some of the greatest comedies for over twenty years, with audiences drawn to her on-screen hilarity. She’s earned her place as a top comedic actress and can draw audiences to her movies.
Johnny Depp
If you were to remove Johnny Depp’s transformative characters from his movies, would they have been a success? Think Captain Jack Sparrow, Edward Scissorhands, and Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory without him, and you’d have had an empty vessel without a heart.
Jennifer Lawrence
She started as the token heroine in The Hunger Games series. While we were impressed with her talents, we didn’t anticipate the raw talent and authenticity that now shines through in every character she embodies. Her Academy Award-winning performance in Silver Linings Playbook was a testament to her talent.
Melissa McCarthy
She might be relatively new to the movie game, but she’s rightfully earned her place as one of Hollywood’s finest comedy Queens. If she can make a movie as bad as Tammy bearable, the girl has talents.
