Actors We Love to See or Try to Avoid
Hollywood is full of stars of every kind. There’s a massive selection of talents who can spice up a movie and take it in a unique direction. That’s the fun of seeing so much talent appear in different ways throughout the years! After a while, some people figured that there could very well be a pattern.
Some stars shine bright and make a movie incredible! Other times they become something audiences want to avoid. Sometimes the right casting determines whether or not we’re interested in a movie. Regardless of what happens, talented people will always deliver an interesting show.
Which ones do we love enough to watch in anything? Which ones make us avoid anything they’re in? Here’s what users from all over the web think…
LOVE: Philip Seymour Hoffman
Few great actors of both stage and screen were able to captivate the world like Philip Seymour Hoffman. The legendary actor that reintroduced the world to Truman Capote was a reserved and respected force in Hollywood. He seemed to always garner respect for his ability to embody a role and his deep passion for his craft.
While he always seemed to play a certain type of character, his mastery ensured that every Hoffman appearance was unique and striking. Unfortunately, he passed away before he turned 47 due to his issues surrounding substance abuse. His legacy will forever live on in films and productions such as Doubt, Twister, and Jack Goes Boating.
AVOID: James Corden
Jump into the passenger’s seat and grab a mic! It’s time to take a spin with James Corden! This powerhouse actor and television host are practically everywhere these days. His fans know him for tons of stuff such as Carpool Karaoke and Gavin & Stacey. Outside of his acting roles, he can be found hosting awards shows and generally trying his best to spread his brand of controversial humor to anyone who will listen.
Corden is one of those personalities that has his pulse on pop culture and will throw almost anything against a wall to see what will stick. While that works for many, sometimes it can ruffle people’s feathers. Corden is also not afraid of a sponsorship or two…or many. While that may not appeal to fans, nobody can deny that he knows how to attract attention and turn it into a career.
LOVE: Christoph Waltz
More great actors outside of the States deserve their time in the spotlight. Christoph Waltz is just one of many that the entertainment industry has grown to love. His ability to embody a villain and add a twist that is quintessentially him is impressive. Many know Waltz from Tarantino’s action-packed take on World War II, Inglorious Basterds.
While he was fantastic in that, other amazing roles show why this great actor is going to become a Hollywood staple sooner rather than later. Fans can see this guy’s command of the screen in films such as Big Eyes and Water For Elephants. Maybe they should just start printing his name on the Oscars in advance for a while to save time.
AVOID: Gwyneth Paltrow
Sometimes great actors decide to venture outside of their craft and help the world. Other times great actors venture outside of their craft and become savvy business people. Then there are completely separate times when great actors dive so deep into the world of pseudoscience and online shopping that they become a meme of themselves. Nobody can deny that Gwenyth Paltrow is a great actor.
Her roles are always compelling and the films are generally fairly well-loved. Many people nowadays though don’t just see her as an actor. After founding her company and claiming some things were mystical and healing (when science may have said they’re dangerous), some fans are starting to think that perhaps she should take a break. That, or just focus on acting again for a bit.
LOVE: Gary Oldman
If Hollywood were the animal kingdom then Gary Oldman would be the king of chameleons. This guy can fill any role and deliver such individually tailored and perfected performances. He could pull an Eddie Murphy and deliver a drama featuring ten different characters all played by him. It’d win ten Oscars and nobody would call foul.
Oldman’s range is so vast he’s become a part of a nearly endless list of iconic Hollywood films! The Fifth Element, Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, even Sid & Nancy were all heightened to a timeless level thanks to Oldman’s ability. Not many can completely transform their persona to create characters that sometimes feel more real than we are.
AVOID: Steven Seagal
Actors who have been around for a while seem to wane and crest in popularity. As their careers change and mature, the public’s perception of them does, too. That, or, the actor in question just keeps making decisions that don’t really work out in their favor. Acclaimed martial artist and early 90s action star Steven Segal is a pretty polarizing figure.
While he kicked, punched, and roundhoused his way to Hollywood fame, the actor’s personal life keeps making more headlines than his professional projects. He also seems to be unaware that sometimes it’s best to let your work do the talking. Also, maybe not airing out dirty laundry for the world to see (and paying taxes) could help, too.
LOVE: Joe Pesci
Once in a generation, an actor explodes onto the scene with such a bombastic personality that people can’t help but pay attention to them. Joe Pesci has a larger-than-life persona that’s won him not just an Oscar, but also a BAFTA! Pesci is known for delivering performances in some of Martin Scorsese’s most well-known pictures. The New Jersey native is known for being pretty partial to the roles he takes.
He even came out of retirement to star in the Irishman (resulting in a whole slew of new award nominations). While the allure of acting may never completely pass, Pesci is also a pretty awesome musician with three studio albums under his belt! He’s just one of those guys that can do anything he sets his mind to.
AVOID: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
What do you do once you’ve established yourself as one of the top wrestlers in the entire United States? You might as well take those acting chops and start making movies! The Rock’s rise to fame is pretty cool to track. This guy knows how to deliver comedy, action, drama, and all sorts of memeable moments. All of that is a ton of fun. What isn’t is the fact that everywhere people turn they’re stuck between a Rock and a hard place.
Johnson definitely works hard and takes pride in what he does. All of that is awesome. That’s how you hustle and make it. That doesn’t mean people can’t be exhausted from trying to keep up with him. Every other film feels like it’s starring The Rock running around yelling for some reason. That’s fun, but maybe a break would be nice?
LOVE: Emily Blunt
After reaching the top of the fierce world of fashion magazines, Emily Blunt decided she’d become an international superstar. Originally debuting on the theatrical stage, Blunt became a rising star after The Devil Wears Prada brought out the worst in her character in the best way possible. She’s gone on to showcase her remarkable acting prowess in the remake/sequel of Mary Poppins, as well as her survival skills in the A Quiet Place series.
There seems to be very little she can’t do. Along the way she even got her own BBC series to star in! It’s not hard being blunt when talking about people’s love and admiration for such an incredible and accomplished actor.
AVOID: Jennifer Lopez
You don’t need to be fooled by the rocks that she’s got. She’s still Jenny from the block. Jennifer Lopez has always known how to deliver a stellar performance along with some memorable lyrics and killer dance moves. This musical megastar dominated the charts for years and is continuing to deliver hit after hit. She’ll forever be a staple in the history of modern music.
This isn’t about her musical accolades. We gotta talk about how Maid in Manhattan, The Wedding Planner, and almost all of her other movies are the same thing. Do what you do best, that’s how people should operate. When you’re not really delivering anything new to cinema, but are still owning the charts in music, that might be a sign.
LOVE: Anya Taylor-Joy
Chess is all about looking ahead and making a path with multiple avenues for growth. The more you plan, and the quicker you act, the more you can achieve. Speaking of chess, The Queen’s Gambit star Anya Taylor-Joy is a smart player in the high-stakes world of television and film. Each role she takes ends up becoming some sort of hit that dominates the pop culture landscape as soon as it premieres.
She even swept up large amounts of praise from critics at the Sundance Film Festival! There’s no telling what Taylor-Joy’s process for choosing great roles is, but it’s working quite well for her. It won’t be long before an Oscar joins her awards shelf.
AVOID: Jared Leto
The difference between a dedicated actor and a frantically obscene one is a very thin line. While it’s always easier to pull someone back from doing too much, sometimes someone’s erratic nature can prove a bit much for people, even with some editing. That’s probably why Jared Leto is such a polarizing character. He knows how to deliver a weird and creepy character pretty well.
However, he’s also known for delving too far into certain characters (and even terrorizing coworkers on movie sets). It’s all fun and games until someone gets a dead rat in their mailbox. While he may be a great actor, you still have to act responsibly on a set even when not in front of the camera.
LOVE: Sandra Bullock
Don’t Speed past this one. If you do then you’ll miss one of Los Angeles’ most beloved actors! Since the 80s people have been treated to one of the most consistent and hard-working people to ever regularly drive past the Hollywood sign. Sandra Bullock’s commitment on every set has earned her the respect of millions both in and outside of the industry.
Bullock always knows exactly what to deliver when those cameras start rolling. Plus, with iconic films such as Miss Congeniality, The Blind Side, and Gravity under her belt, Bullock has proved that she has range and staying power. Even the occasional clunker hasn’t stopped her from becoming one of the most in-demand actors of the modern movie age!
AVOID: Cara Delevingne
Finding a career to exceed in can be tough. Once you eventually figure out what you’re great at, some people just stop right there. What else is there to do? You have a great job, people pay you a lot, and you don’t need to do anything else. That sounds like a win-win-win, right? Not for everyone. Sometimes, once you reach the peak of something, it’s best to jump over to a brand new mountain and try again.
After becoming a world-class model, some people think that’s exactly what Cara Delevingne decided to do. She appeared one day and started starring in some big-name films! While her acting skills leave people with a lot to talk about, it must at least be mentioned that she’s working hard and doing her best.
LOVE: Matthew McConaughey
All right, all right, alright, who’s ready for some rootin’-tootin’ good ol’ movie talent? There are tons of charismatic actors in the world. Tons of them are also known for playing very specific types of characters. Well, what happens when an actor is so well-known for their off-screen presence that their roles are ALMOST as iconic as the actor themself? That’s kind of how things work when we think of Matthew McConaughey.
This laidback guy seems to effortlessly take on whatever roles he wants without losing a hint of his casual and approachable self. Even when he’s playing some slick stock-trading hardass (The Wolf of Wall Street) he’s still McConaughey in spirit. That’s pretty impressive and a very rare trait to have!
AVOID: Kevin Hart
There are great actors. There are also great comedians. Sometimes a person can be both of those things. Other times they may try their hardest but can’t seem to wrangle both titles into something presentable (and enjoyable enough) for audiences. There’s no denying Kevin Hart is an excellent stand-up comedian. The guy’s just really funny. He has his entire on-stage persona locked, loaded, and ready to go.
Whenever he needs to deliver a great comedy show he knows exactly what to do. All of that skill doesn’t exactly transfer well to a movie or television set. While he’s made some fantastic stuff since he burst onto the entertainment scene, it’s hard for some people to separate the comic from the actor.
LOVE: Andrew Garfield
Set out the drip trays, because the world can’t stop drooling over Andrew Garfield. This classically trained actor is the name on everybody’s lips right now. Despite being known far and wide as the world’s most famous web-slinger, he’s done a lot more than just Spider-Man. Garfield’s acting chops have earned him a lot more than just the chance to wear Spidey’s tights.
He’s also earned a Tony Award as well as a BAFTA for his non-hero roles. On top of all of that, the guy just doesn’t end up in the press for a lot of negative reasons. A great actor and a good guy? Who does Garfield think he is? Oh, that’s right, a winner (in most people’s hearts).
AVOID: Mark Wahlberg
Being worth over $300 million sounds pretty cool. If you make it that far in your career then obviously you’re doing something right, right? Hopefully. That doesn’t mean you’re protected from the opinion of the general public. Mark Wahlberg is a very accomplished actor. It’s not hard to argue that fact. However, sometimes his off-camera rants and claims seem to get him in a lot of hot water.
Plus, that whole “Marky Mark” persona isn’t being embraced as much by Wahlberg nowadays. That’s pretty odd since he had a pretty sizable music career for a while. It brought a lot of press back in the day, but now? Well, sometimes people look back at former career choices with a different eye…
LOVE: Willem Dafoe
How is it that the Spider-Man series can have so many great actors? It’s almost mind-blowing! Forget the heroes for a moment, because some of the wildest and strongest star power comes from the villains. Willem Dafoe is fairly well-known for being the Green Goblin. His completely unhinged performance really drove home why he deserved (SPOILER) to come back for the latest installment of the series.
Dafoe is more than just the Green Goblin. He also always seems to deliver a powerful and domineering performance in nearly everything he’s cast in The Lighthouse, Antichrist, Cry-Baby! They’re all just so good and so right thanks to Dafoe. Plus, just to drive home how amazing he is: he almost played Batman!
AVOID: James Franco
By now, a lot of people have heard about James Franco. Despite knowing his way around a script and film set, the actor turned himself into someone Hollywood may quickly be trying to forget. Freaks and Geeks helped propel Franco to the public stage and become a household name. However, years down the line, many people can’t stop talking about him for what he’s done off-camera.
Over the years, people have come forward accusing Franco of some less-than-acceptable behavior. He even came out and admitted being in the wrong after the claims came out! After accepting the blame, it was only natural that his offers for some massive titles would up and vanish.
LOVE: Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio is an American treasure. Since his early work in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape all the way to The Revenant and beyond, people can’t get enough of the true hero of Titanic. The closest thing people have to a modern American sweetheart, Leo has been the apple of Hollywood’s eye for decades. His fascinating and determined climb from an unknown actor to one of the most in-demand names in cinema is both admirable and fascinating.
He also seems to be an all-around nice and well-grounded guy in interviews. It’s encouraging to see someone so down-to-earth deliver powerful performances and remain both humble, but still proud, of the excellent work they’ve achieved. While he deserved his first Oscar long ago, he’s definitely got more coming down the pipe.
AVOID: Jesse Eisenberg
Being someone full of culture, class, and exceptional talent is never easy. It’s also pretty difficult when you’re so good at a lot of things, but aren’t perfect at everything. While not everyone feels that way, perhaps that’s what Jesse Eisenberg goes through sometimes. This guy has written plays, won an Oscar, and even met with Mark Zuckerberg! He’s done it all and has a lot more coming to people down the way.
However, with all the projects Eisenberg has helped come to fruition, sometimes his delivery isn’t viewed as very committed. Despite knowing what he’s doing off-camera, fans have been quick to point out maybe that’s where he’s strongest. The actor delivers great lines, but his confidence and commitment to his roles have been called into question more than just once.
LOVE: Daniel Day-Lewis
Possessing the innate ability to just make any movie or show better by your presence is probably one of the most sought-after accolades and skills for an actor. Who wouldn’t want to be so confident and powerful in their ability to act that all they have to do is show up? Quite a few people picture Daniel Day-Lewis when they envision an actor with this level of talent.
Day-Lewis is just one of those cornerstones in Hollywood that seems to know exactly what he’s doing every time he steps foot on a set. The longer his acting CV gets, the more grounded and intuitive his style of acting seems. At this point, we’re pretty sure he only needs to find the Infinity Stones before he becomes omnipotent.
AVOID: Will Ferrell
Sometimes, too much of a good thing can make even the sweetest of guys sour. Will Ferrell is a powerhouse comedian and actor. Every time he appears on a screen things just seem brighter, funnier, and absolutely, 100% louder. He’s great. That doesn’t mean people are enthused every time a new Ferrell movie comes out. Why not?
Mostly because he plays the same person nearly every single time. While his darker comedies and more serious work showcase him beautifully, seeing Ferrell’s silly side is usually the norm. Silly is fun, but a screaming silly adult man can be a bit much for the tenth time or so.
LOVE: Sam Rockwell
Classic Hollywood has some classic stars with even more classic names. Even as Hollywood changes and grows, some of that nostalgia can be seen in the top stars of today! Sam Rockwell is one such star. From Cowboys & Aliens to Lawn Dogs, Rockwell is an impressive actor. He also has the innate ability to fly under the radar.
He’s never in the news! Sometimes that’s for the best given all the nonsense that goes down on the golden streets of LA. Rockwell also has a pretty recognizable voice! He’s done some voice work for a few hit animated shows like F is for Family and The One and Only Ivan!
AVOID: John Travolta
John Travolta and his glamorous chin have been major players on TV (and in the movies) since the 70s. This superstar singer, dancer, actor, and Pulp Fiction alum has done it all. He even got to dance with Princess Diana. To say that he hasn’t had a magnificent career would be a massive fib. There are plenty of stars with similar stories.
Unfortunately, sometimes an audience may feel that they’ve seen enough of a singing and dancing renaissance man. Why? No clue. However, it doesn’t help that sometimes celebrities forget why they’re famous. That, or, they just tend to start rubbing people the wrong way.
LOVE: Maggie Smith
This article comes from a place of reflection, research, and honesty. With that in mind, we have no problem in saying something very serious: Dame Maggie Smith does in fact make most things better. Just hearing her name can evoke so many memories for millions of people. Smith has been an iconic actor on stage and screen for longer than most of us have been alive.
Since 1952 she has been knocking every role out of the park. We’re super surprised she hasn’t received a grand slam trophy or something. While many know Smith as Professor McGonagall and Dowager Countess of Grantham, she goes by many names! Also, she’s a freaking knight (hence the Dame title).
AVOID: Seth Rogen
Seth Rogen is a great combination of “cool guy you hung out with at school” and “visionary filmmaker that found a niche and dominated in it”. His laidback lifestyle and non-stop work ethic somehow blend really nicely together. While he has tons of fans for his passion projects, his acting career started pretty early on. Way back in the “before times” of 2001, Rogen got his first movie role as a character in Donnie Darko!
Since then he’s really made a name for himself. That doesn’t mean his movies are everyone’s favorite ones in the joint. Sometimes that’s just not a blend that people want to settle down with after a long day.
LOVE: Michael Caine
Long before he was one of the best Alfreds ever, Sir Michael Caine (a knight like Dame Maggie Smith) was Peachy Carnehan in The Man Who Would Be King. You could pick any of his past works and put it there and people would know exactly who and what you’re talking about. Sir Michael Caine has one of those voices and faces that works for any and all situations and films.
He’s not only one of Hollywood’s favorites, but the world’s. How does someone like that maintain a level of modesty and professionalism the way Caine has? Maybe that’s part of the secret to his longevity in the business.
AVOID: Gal Gadot
Some singers make great actors. Some actors don’t make great singers. Gal Gadot is an incredible Wonder Woman. That doesn’t mean Wonder Woman is going to release a platinum album anytime soon. While it’s hard to criticize her acting talents, fans weren’t impressed when she released a homemade music video. As a sign of solidarity, she called upon some super-duper famous people to all sing the John Lennon masterpiece.
After it was posted some people got what the point was. Others thought it showed just how shallow Hollywood could be. While Gadot got a lot of blowback for it, she still had some massive successes in Tinsel Town. Maybe in the future she’ll just consider musicals a bit more carefully.
LOVE: Ralph Fiennes
Whether you’re young or old you’re definitely familiar with this actor’s name. You might’ve seen him play Amon Goeth in Schindler’s List, or perhaps you’re more familiar with his role as Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter franchise. But he can do more than just play the bad guy, and he’s been in more than one film that’s won the Academy Award for Best Picture!
He stars as a kindly sensitive man in The English Patient and is absolutely hilarious to watch in movies like The Grand Budapest Hotel and In Bruges. The man can do it all and he’s very good at what he does. If he’s not on your favorites list we’d be surprised!
AVOID: Chris Pratt
This actor went through a bit of an image shift over the course of his career. Most of us were introduced to him as Andy Dwyer on the hit series Parks and Recreation. People completely fell in love with the slow yet soft-hearted goofball who romanced the pessimistic and misanthropic April Ludgate.
But his roles in Jurassic World and Guardians of the Galaxy would turn him from goofy to hunky action star. It seems that some fans weren’t feeling the shift and felt his new film persona was too standard. While Pratt is still beloved for his current work, we can understand why people would miss his days as Dwyer.
LOVE: Samuel L. Jackson
We’d be surprised to find even one person who disliked this incredible actor. The guy absolutely kills every role he’s in, and he’s had many. From Mace Windu in Star Wars to Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction to Stephen Warren in Django Unchained, Samuel L. Jackson has been in over 100 films and we’re always happy to see him.
Whether he’s playing his own charismatic self or taking on a completely new persona than the one we’re used to, Jackson is always a treat to watch. Whenever he appears in a movie we know we’re in for an enjoyable performance. If we could insert him into some average-performing films we’re sure he’d make them better!
AVOID: Zooey Deschanel
Some actors jump around from role to role and portray a wide range of characters. Others tend to stick to a certain persona and make that their brand, something that definitely worked out for Zooey Deschanel. For better or worse, she filled that “quirky girl-next-door” role to a T. While some people like it, there are viewers who find it impossible to watch.
She’s one of those Hollywood personalities who’s been polarizing for a while now. Some people find her incredibly loveable and sweet, others think she’s artificial and stuck-up. The rumors that she’s hard to work with probably don’t help either. We’re guessing this user didn’t watch 500 Days of Summer.
LOVE: Christian Bale
If there’s one actor who has a ton of range and extreme dedication to every role it’s Christian Bale. The guy has taken on some of the most iconic movies of all time including American Psycho, The Machinist, and Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. If he’s starring, or even a supporting actor, in a movie you know it’s going to be excellent.
You can tell Bale is the type of actor who chooses his roles very carefully. After all, the guy’s willing to go through extreme body transformations for his work, he obviously cares a lot about what he’s in. It’s impossible not to find a movie you love him in, whether you’re a movie aficionado or just a casual viewer.
AVOID: Emma Watson
Some actors rise to stardom during their youth but fail to hold a career as adults. This isn’t exactly the case with Emma Watson, but audiences are beginning to notice that she lacks a certain level of acting prowess. The Harry Potter franchise wasn’t full of critically acclaimed films, but it was so beloved that people were willing to look past her flaws.
Now that she’s starred in movies like Beauty and the Beast and Little Women audiences can see where she needs some improvement. But once you’re at her level of fame, does it really matter? Well, if you want people to continue watching your movies it does.
LOVE: Lupita Nyong’o
This actress is as beautiful as she is talented. Though she hasn’t been in nearly enough film titles, she’s managed to make an incredible impact on Hollywood with some of her roles. Whether you saw her performance in 12 Years a Slave, Black Panther, or Us, you can admit that she’s absolutely captivating every time she’s on screen.
There’s really no question why she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and received numerous awards and critical acclaim for her lead role in Us. Her performance in that movie proved she could play the lead and we can’t wait to see her shine in more films in the future.
AVOID: Shia LaBeouf
An actor can be talented on-screen and manage to alienate audiences with their off-screen personality. Shia LaBeouf has been in the spotlight since the 00s when he starred in the Disney Channel series Even Stevens. He’d go on to play the lead in movies like Holes and Disturbia, raising his fame and eventually landing him the lead in Michael Bay’s Transformers franchise.
But his multiple controversies, legal issues, and rumors of being an overall unpleasant person have turned fans away. Now people are far less likely to switch on a movie that stars the actor. While it’s possible to enjoy art despite the personal life of the artist, sometimes certain actions can permanently put people off.
LOVE: Robert Downey Jr.
This actor has managed to bounce back from serious addiction issues and shock the world with his charisma and talent. He had a number of film titles before spiraling into legal troubles due to his substance abuse problems, eventually catapulting to insane fame through movies like Sherlock Holmes and Iron Man. And his personality onscreen is absolutely addicting to viewers.
Iron Man isn’t everyone’s favorite Marvel hero because of his suit, it’s Downey Jr.’s incredible acting chops and magnetic personality that draw people to the character. Whether you’re watching him in a comedy like Tropic Thunder or a thriller like Zodiac, he’s always grabbing your attention.
AVOID: Julia Roberts
This starlet has had an incredible rise to the top and is one of Hollywood’s biggest actresses. She wowed audiences with her performances in films like Mystic Pizza and Steel Magnolias, but really made it big when she starred in the Gary Marshall film Pretty Woman. From there she’d go on to be the leading lady in other romantic comedies like Notting Hill and My Best Friend’s Wedding.
But throughout her career there have been rumors that Julia Roberts is unpleasant and difficult to deal with. She was infamously nicknamed “Tinker Hell” on the set of Hook. While she’s acting today, we’re not surprised that there are movie-goers who avoid her films.
LOVE: Cillian Murphy
This Irish actor has quite an impressive resume, we’re not surprised audiences are willing to watch anything he’s in. You likely recognize him from the hit series Peaky Blinders, a hugely popular BBC period drama. One of his first major movie roles involved starring in the zombie horror classic 28 Days Later. He’s also played the iconic Batman villain Scarecrow in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy.
Fans of Murphy love being introduced to various movies and shows through this actor. He’s really touched a variety of genres, there’s really something for everyone! Plus he’s got the acting talent to back up his movie roles. It’s a win all-around when Cillian’s on screen.
AVOID: Keanu Reeves
It’s pure blasphemy to speak ill of this golden-hearted actor, but he’s simply not to everyone’s taste. While he might’ve starred in one of the greatest sci-fi franchises of all time, some people just can’t get into the action star. If you’re a fan of gunfights and explosions he might be what you’re looking for. But this film aficionado wasn’t feeling it.
We’re not sure we’d go so far as to call Reeves “terrible”, though we can agree that he’s not exactly Best Actor material. But not everyone cares about that, and that’s just fine! It just means they won’t be rushing to watch a John Wick movie anytime soon.
LOVE: Adam Driver
While you might’ve caught this actor on the HBO series Girls, he really rose to fame after playing Kylo Ren in Disney’s Star Wars reboot. Whether you loved him or hated him as the sci-fi villain, it’s hard to deny the guy is majorly talented. If you liked one of his works you should check out more of his movies, you won’t be disappointed.
From BlacKkKlansman to Marriage Story, Driver really does bring a certain presence to every movie he’s in. We have no doubt that his career will continue to flourish as he continues to take on interesting and exciting roles. He sold us in Star Wars and we’re coming along for the ride!
AVOID: Megan Fox
While this eye-catching starlet impressed audiences with her performance in Jennifer’s Body, most people don’t consider her a great actress. Perhaps people don’t take her seriously because of her looks, or maybe it’s because the roles she takes on are sub-par. Either way, most movie-goers won’t rush to watch a movie just because she’s in it.
People might even be put-off by the shenanigans coming out of her relationship with Machine Gun Kelly. While most people separate art from the artist, others are too distracted by their behavior to immerse themselves in a film. This Reddit user definitely isn’t feeling it when it comes to Fox.
LOVE: Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks isn’t just a beloved Hollywood actor, he’s got the talent and diversity to draw in an audience. Whether it’s a feel-good flick or a gritty war film, Hanks really knows how to pick a good role and deliver a memorable performance. The fact he’s likable is just a bonus on top of the incredible movies he’s starred in.
No matter what genre you’re into you’ll find a great Tom Hanks movie. Even if a certain film doesn’t sound entertaining, you might end up watching it for his presence alone. This Reddit user was spot-on when they said he knows how to pick a good movie. We’re struggling to think of a single stinker he’s starred in!
AVOID: Hugh Grant
Some people like movies that are feel-good and predictable. But those who prefer a film with a few more twists and turns might not be the biggest fan of Hugh Grant. The English actor has played the leading man in a few big-name films including Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, and Bridget Jones’s Diary.
If you’re not into the typical charming rom-com leading man, you won’t be a fan. There are actors who play a certain type so well that they never stray from it, and that’s cool. But it means they won’t be a hit with every movie-goer out there. You can’t win ’em all!
LOVE: Anthony Hopkins
This Welsh actor is an absolute legend with a long and illustrious career. He just gets better with age! You’ll recognize him from movies like The Silence of the Lambs, the Thor franchise, and Fracture. With a multitude of awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actor, it’s no wonder he’s a great name for filling theater seats.
If Anthony Hopkins is in it you know it’s going to be something good. Even if it’s not the best movie (*cough* Hannibal *cough*) you’re still in for an excellent and all-out performance from the actor. He’s a scene stealer who will never cease to grab our attention.
AVOID: Mel Gibson
If you want lessons on tanking your reputation, look no further. Mel Gibson’s name will forever be synonymous with bigotry, there’s just no coming back from it. While he’s definitely given us grand performances in great movies like Mad Max, Braveheart, and Lethal Weapon, it can be hard for audiences to forget what he’s like when the cameras aren’t rolling.
Some have been able to leave the past in the past and move on, but others aren’t able to get that bad taste out of their mouths. We can’t exactly blame them either. While he’s directed some critically acclaimed films since his arrest, he’s an actor that many prefer to avoid.
LOVE: Tilda Swinton
This actress knows how to pick movies that are both critically acclaimed and hugely popular with audiences. You might’ve seen her in movies like The Chronicles of Narnia, We Need to Talk About Kevin, or Snowpiercer. Whenever she takes on a role she gives it her all, and it shows. Audiences know they’re in for something special when she’s on screen.
She’s excellent at playing a being from another world, an 82-year-old man, or a mom having a mental breakdown. There’s really no questioning why she’s won so many awards. She might not be the favorite of a casual viewer, but hardcore movie fans absolutely adore her work.
BOTH: Nicholas Cage
Are there any other actors like Nicholas Cage? The jury’s still out on whether he’s a decent actor, but you can’t deny the guy gives a memorable performance. It might not be memorable for the right reasons, though. Unless you’re a super-serious movie buff, it’s hard to deny his movies aren’t entertaining at the very least. Titles like The Wickerman and Face/Off are too strange to completely avoid!
On the other hand, if Cage is starring in a film you know it’s not going to be excellent movie material. We watch his movies when we want something truly bizarre. Do we love him? Do we avoid him? We think the most popular answer is both!