Unlike other artistic mediums, cinema is unique in its ability to create a powerful suspension of disbelief over the audience. When someone watches a movie, it isn’t perceived as a production with actors. Rather, the events on screen unfold as if they were taking place in a tangible reality. Series like the Harry Potter movies provide a prime example of this notion, given that studios have created model theme parks dedicated to their world.

The immersion of a film is a product of quite a few aspects, but it predominantly boils down to the actors. Since the early days of Hollywood, many talented individuals have masterfully demonstrated their ability to transform into entirely different people. There have been several 2024 movie performances that prove the industry’s talent hasn’t wavered. While some portrayals are impressive, certain actors embody their characters so well that it’s difficult to imagine anyone else playing them.

10

Wolverine

Hugh Jackman

Considering the progression of the X-Men movies, it’s clear that Hugh Jackman has been on a wild ride. If someone were to compare X-Men, Logan, and ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool & Wolverine side by side, they would look like completely standalone projects. Yet, regardless of his environment, Jackman always seems to be a spectacle. From the gritty persona to the iconic sideburns, he was born to play the hero.

Jackman effectively carried the franchise on his back for years, and it’s evident in the movies. He’s essentially the main character in every installment. Even if he isn’t at the center of the story, Jackman’s performance of Wolverine has an enthralling effect that shifts the attention towards himself. ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool & Wolverine grossed over a billion dollars worldwide, and it’s by and large a product of the actor reprising the role. Jackman was the first to put on the claws of Wolverine, and in all honestly, nobody else should.

9

J. Jonah Jameson

J.K. Simmons

There isn’t anybody in the world who could capture the bluntness of J. Jonah Jameson’s “You’re fired!” quite like J.K. Simmons does. Although a relatively minor character in the films, Simmons turned Jameson into one of the most beloved qualities of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy. It’s hard to believe that it’s considered to be the actor’s breakout role. Since then, Simmons has continued to prove why he deserves his spot on the big screen.

Regardless of any personal preferences concerning which Spider-Man film series is superior, there’s no denying that J.K. Simmons is J. Jonah Jameson. Everything from the character’s H๏τ-headed demeanor to his disdain for New York’s biggest menace is perfectly captured. More importantly, he simply looks spot-on to the original drawings of Jameson. The actor reprised his role in Spider-Man: No Way Home, and will hopefully be involved in the next Spider-Man release.

8

Hans Landa

Christoph Waltz

It’s impossible to be a fan of Quentin Tarantino’s films without being familiar with the renowned Christoph Waltz. Although most people are unaware of his origins, Waltz was no stranger to the silver screen when he was cast as Standartenführer Hans Landa in Inglourious Basterds. He had been appearing in small-time German television and films long before he achieved stardom. The actor’s eventual collaboration with Tarantino put him on the map, and for good reason.

Waltz was the perfect role for Landa from the get-go. Like the character, Waltz is fluent in English, French, Italian, and German, and his proficiency in the languages is reflected in the delivery. Waltz frequently uses micro facial expressions to add to his sinister unpredictability, making it unclear how much information he knows. It’s truly a masterclass in acting ability, and easily one of the best movie performances of all time.

7

Gandalf

Sir Ian McKellen

One does not simply play Gandalf. Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings movies had several qualities working in their favor, but Sir Ian McKellen’s embodiment of the wizard was the trilogy’s icing on the cake. In Ricky Gervais’s Extras sitcom, McKellen explained that to portray Gandalf, the actor “simply imagined what it would be like to be a wizard, and then pretended and acted in that way on the day.”

Although this was simply a skit, whatever process McKellen used worked wonders for him. No matter what stage of Middle Earth’s destruction is taking place, he is Gandalf from start to finish. The actor put the jersey back on years later for The Hobbit trilogy, and it was like he had never left. The Middle Earth universe has significantly expanded since the original films and will only continue to grow in size. However, nobody else will ever be Gandalf.

6

Katniss Everdeen

Jennifer Lawrence

When it comes to a blockbuster franchise like The Hunger Games, choosing the right leading role is everything. The plot is constructed entirely around a central character, so it’s essentially a permanent decision. Luckily enough, director Gary Ross hit the nail right on the head with Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen. Although the actress’ breakout role took place in Debra Granik’s 2010 thriller Winter’s Bone, her embodiment of the girl on fire quickly made global headlines.

Lawrence’s appearance doesn’t correlate with the source material’s description by any means. In the books, she’s described as a short 16-year-old with olive skin. Yet, Lawrence brought Katniss to life in a way that no one else could. Her acting is as strong as can be, especially in moments where Katniss’ rough persona clashes with the celebrity culture of the capital. She manages to perfectly walk the line between scared and resilient, and the results speak for themselves.

5

The Dude

Jeff Bridges

There isn’t a single film in existence that’s comparable to Ethan and Joel Coen’s The Big Lebowski​​​​​​. If someone who isn’t familiar with the movie reads a synopsis, they might think the whole production was some practical joke. Nevertheless, the absurdist crime comedy is undeniably iconic and deserves its тιтle as a certified cult classic. The film’s contributions to pop culture are second to none, and it’s all thanks to Jeff Bridges’ genius performance as The Dude.

Nobody else could play The Dude but Bridges, largely because the Coen brothers wrote the role just for him. According to an interview on the Smartless podcast, Bridges explained that he was approached by the directors about the project at a party, which was created with him in mind. The Big Lebowski almost feels like people simply followed Bridges around with a camera as he moved through life with a “That’s just your opinion, man” atтιтude. There’s no doubt it was the right choice.

4

Jack Sparrow

Johnny Depp

In contemplation of actors who perfectly encapsulate their roles, few individuals hold a candle to the fabled Johnny Depp. He’s a prime example of a movie star who purposefully takes on eccentric characters with challenging qualities, just to blow the expectations out of the water. Men like Edward Scissorhands and Willy Wonka are difficult to even describe with words, but Depp always seems to come through.

Despite his impressive resume of characters, Jack Sparrow will forever be the actor’s greatest triumph. The Pirates of the Caribbean movies wouldn’t have grown into the franchise they did without Depp at the helm of the ship. Sparrow’s witty humor, facial expressions, and charisma are the defining qualities of the installments. He acts with his entire body, to the point that even his run and hand movements are recognizable. Unsurprisingly, fans are outraged over the prospect of continuing the story in Pirates of the Caribbean 6 without Depp present.

3

Vito Corleone

Marlon Brando

For younger generations of moviegoers, it’s hard to describe what makes Marlon Brando’s performance as Vito Corleone so special. While it’s easy to delve into the intricacies behind his portrayal, two main factors put Brando’s work in a league of its own. For starters, the actor was 47 years old during the filming of The Godfather, while Corleone had a much older appearance. Although this transformation was a product of revolutionary practical effects, Brando made it completely convincing with his demeanor.

Additionally, Don Corleone wasn’t the ruthless, single-minded mob boss that most might’ve expected him to be. Brando managed to demonstrate humanity within the character that went beyond what was already established in the narrative. Expressing such emotional complexity is a difficult task on its own, but Brando executed it flawlessly while simultaneously disappearing into the character itself. The spectacle of Vito Corleone exemplifies method acting to its greatest extent, and it’s one of many reasons that The Godfather is often awarded the number-one spot among the best movies of all time.

2

Indiana Jones

Harrison Ford

It’s an incredibly rare occurrence for an actor to play beloved main characters in two of the most successful film franchises to ever exist. But if there’s anyone qualified for the job, it’s Harrison Ford. He’s proved himself time and again on the big stage, starring in many of the largest projects to ever come out of Hollywood. From Han Solo to Rick Deckard, the actor has done it all, but there’s something about his depiction of Indiana Jones that will forever stand the test of time.

Whoever plays Indiana Jones needs to have a certain “it” factor, and Ford undoubtedly has it. Although the plot is crafted to make Jones look cool, the actor managed to turn an archaeologist into the action hero that every child wishes they were. Better yet, his presence in the role just seems so natural. The hat, whip, and overall brown attire somehow fit Ford’s aesthetic perfectly. In a sequel that arrived over 40 years after Raiders of the Lost Ark, Ford finally said goodbye to the character in Indiana Jones & the Dial of Destiny.

1

Tony Stark

Robert Downey Jr.

In 2008, Jon Favreau started a chain reaction that would ultimately grow into the most profitable film franchise of all time. Iron Man was the first MCU movie ever made, and it had all the right components to inspire a cinematic universe. Although the film probably would’ve been popular regardless of its leading character, Robert Downey Jr. elevated Iron Man to heights that were never thought to be possible. Because nobody had ever portrayed Iron Man on screen, there was truthfully nothing to compare him to.

Nevertheless, within the first second of runtime, it’s abundantly clear that Downey is Tony Stark, and Tony Stark is Downey. His performance goes beyond any definable acting techniques. It’s simply a matter of fact that Downey’s real-life persona perfectly resembles everything that Tony Stark should be. The charisma, pacing, and sarcasm are never off balance for a split second. Stan Lee himself even said that Downey was born to play Tony Stark. Considering the character’s death in the Infinity saga, the announcement of his involvement in Avengers: Doomsday comes as a shock, but the results will be undeniably interesting.