Although many things make a movie into an iconic one, and it’s rather a symbiosis of many factors over just one, there’s still one thing that might be just a teeny bit more important than the others - the performance of the actors. Really, what’s a movie if an actor delivers a performance that’s not believable, relatable, or immersive in any way? Best to just read a book in that case. But, in the world of good performances, there are also plenty of excellent ones, just like the best one-scene performances that we’ve gathered on our list!
While most of these one-scene performances are attributed to Hollywood actors who played the role of the main character in the movies we’ve selected, plenty of supporting actors shined their brightest and won awards for their incredible performances. And you know what, every famous actor in a leading role needs a supporting actor to supplement their performance and give the plot a whole new depth and perspective. So, watching a movie with some of the best actors’ performances in supporting roles makes it much better. Wouldn’t you agree? Don't know about you, but we’re adding it to our list of things that make for an iconic movie.
So, ready to look at our picks of Hollywood's best one-scene performances? If so, scroll on down below and check them out! For now the submissions are in no particular order, so if you’d like to see one of these performances on the top of our list, give it your vote. Lastly, share this article with your cinema-crazy friends, too!
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Alan Rickman In Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Part 1 (2010)
Alan Rickman (as Professor Snape), who was on screen for just 1 minute, 15 seconds in the first Deathly Hallows film, had a total screen time of only 43 minutes in all eight Harry Potter movies.
Still miss him. I didn't realize his screen time was so low across the 8 movies. He sure left lasting memories.
Seems low, but he was one with the most screen time. Besides Harry, Ron and Hermione, the next three were Dumbledore, Hagrid and Snape.
Load More Replies...Alan Rickman knew how to hold an audience. He was a mesmeriser from the get go in theatres.
He nailed it in several movies... he nailed his role that well in Love Actually I couldn't see the actor him again the same for quite a while.
And I remember Snape better than ebveryone else. RIP, Mr. Rickman, you give us joy even now with your performances.
Bill Murray In Zombieland (2009)
Bill Murray played himself in Zombieland, and it was the best 'cameo' ever.
Wasn't played as comedy, but Tom Petty in the Postman had me dying. But OK... "Garfield" was a great line.
Zoey Deutch as Madison won it for us. Everything she said was hilarious!
Billy Crystal And Carol Kane In The Princess Bride (1987)
Billy Crystal and Carol Kane play the wonderfully unhappy married pair Miracle Max and Valerie, who dabble in the kind of magic that could perhaps give our fallen hero, Westley, new life. Despite Valerie's rants, Miracle Max manages to save the day and bids the rescue team farewell with the catchphrase, "Have fun stormin' da castle".
"Enjoy taking over the castle"? Really? I've never been more disappointed in BP.
"He's only ALMOST dead". What is this castle nonsense.
Load More Replies...But after what you just said I'm not sure I want to be that anymore!
Load More Replies..."What do you do if he's completely dead?" "Go through his pockets and look for loose change!"
Speaking of Carol Kane stealing movies with tiny parts, can we mention Scrooged? OK, it was mere slapstick, but her delivery made it.
Carol Kane is a national treasure- her parts in both Addams Family Values and the CW show Gotham are my favorites!
Load More Replies...Christopher Walken In Pulp Fiction (1994)
Christopher Walken's monologue in Quentin Tarantino's masterwork Pulp Fiction, released in 1994, is one of the movie's most enduring passages. In his role as Captain Koons, Walken relates the tale of his father's gold watch and the lengths he took to ensure that it would be passed down to his son as a family relic to young Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis). As only Walken can, he delves into the obscene and profane specifics of how his father was able to conceal the watch while a five-year prisoner of war in Vietnam.
He hid it in the one place he knew he could hide something.....his a$$
I love Christopher Walken, he's my favorite part of whatever he's in from More Cowbell to Suicide Kings to that Fatboy Slim music video, he can go from serious to funny in a heartbeat
He's just brilliant.... even in something as vacuous as wedding crashers he stole every scene he was in.
The part that got my attention is this is one of the rare times Walken's inflection isn't like Walken.
Kenneth Tigar In The Avengers (2012)
In this scene, Tigar plays an elderly man who refuses to bend down before Loki after the latter orders everyone to do so. The only person who challenges him is the elderly man with a German accent. This sentence has a murky double meaning that suggests the elderly man is a Holocaust survivor.
"There are always men like you" is such a chilling thing to say. It doesn't matter if you beat the current big bad because there will always be someone else ready to take their place.
As Sir Terry Pratchett memorably pointed out, you can't just "shoot the dictator and prevent the war" because said dictator is just part of a much bigger problem, and there'll be another one along in a minute to replace him.
Load More Replies...Great scene. The fact that they didn't care at all what Stuttgart (or Germany) looks like diminishes the intended effect a bit (at least for me as a German).
Loki does that in Stuttgart in the movie, somebody having a german accent wouldn't be that far off in terms of continuity. One of the best scenes in the movie non the less
Ironically, Kenneth ended up playing a nazi, named Heinz Richter, in a tv show called Hunters. 🥺
Mr. Tigar was in a troupe who performed at my jr high in the 80s. They did a very moving play about everyday Germans in WWII (that sounds like a Brecht play now that I think about it). I had seen him as a character actor on WKRP, Taxi, those shows, so I knew he was a TV actor. I have seen him in a LOT of stuff since then, but that show at Elm St. Jr. HS in Nashua, NH was my very favorite.
Drew Barrymore In Scream (1996)
She not only performed admirably in the 12-minute opening act, but she also received top billing, and the movie was promoted as being about her.
Evan Peters In X-Men: Days Of Future Past (2014)
Despite appearing on screen for only 5 minutes and 15 seconds in X-Men: Days of Future Past, Evan Peters (as Peter Maximoff/Quicksilver) is responsible for one of the finest movie scenes ever.
Like stealing candy from a baby. When the movie he stole was a shallow shell of a superficial idea. This entry doesn’t belong on here with Walken and Bill Murray.
Load More Replies...I think the appeal of this scene is the cinematography. The actor has little to do with it.
Bronson Pinchot In Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
Serge has an unclear regional accent. He famously offers Foley an espresso with "a lemon twist" after falling in love with him right away.
You need to add a little phlegm in that first name, though 🤣
Load More Replies...He totally stole that scene, which isn't easy to do from Eddie Murphy.
This was such a great character. Bronson Pinchot was not appreciated enough for the work he did in so many movies and tv shows.
Im sorry i love " cousin Balki and his Dingding Machmud " as much as everyone else, but here, the only funny thing is that it was " cousin Balki " in a movie.
Perfect Strangers was my favorite show as a kid; loved cousin Balki
Load More Replies...Anne Hathaway In Les Misérables (2012)
Just see how well she performed "I Dreamed a Dream"! Many people, anticipated the vocally impressive anthem version. Still, they actually got Anne delving into the subtleties and feelings that Fantine would genuinely experience at that precise moment. She's not singing it to hit every note exactly, but it's not a nice tune. She is a broken woman trying to sing while barely managing her emotions.
Not only did Anne Hathaway commit to having her hair cut during this scene - allowing for only ONE take - she refused to have her fiance on set while filming it. She didn't want him to see her in that space. She won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for this roll
she also ate only what fantine would have eaten prior to the role
I never really understood this song until Anne sang it in this movie. Such emotion!
Why do people not get that sometimes they are not wanting perfection because the average person isn’t a great singer and it’s meant to portray an average person. A fave movie is “Paint Your Wagon” where Lee Marvin sings, with or without other cast members. He can’t sing a lick and that’s so in-character. Perfect, with “Wandering Star” the best song.
I didn’t like this film. All of the actors are great but when you sing you can’t “feel” that much or you go out of tune. Hugh Jackman should have sung Javert not Valjean, it’s too high for him and made his voice sound shrilly. There’re only close-ups or panoramic. The costume designer, Paco Delgado, won an Oscar for his work and you can hardly see it.
Would have been a scandal if she didn't win, though a scandal that would not surpass the lack of Oscars that Ennio Morricone never got.
I'm not a fan of musicals and have never seen any version of Les Misérables, but I've listened to Hathaway sing I Dreamed a Dream on YouTube because it's so incredible.
How well she performed the song? It's an objectively terrible performance.
Donnie Wahlberg In The Sixth Sense (1999)
Despite spending only around three minutes on screen in The Sixth Sense, Donnie Wahlberg (as Vincent Grey) was so wonderfully menacing.
"Do you know why you're afraid when you're alone? I do... I do..." His delivery on that line still haunts me. Uh, no pun intended.
I was this many days old when I discovered he was in this…and I love Donnie Walberg!
Judi Dench In Shakespeare In Love (1999)
Shakespeare in Love only had Judi Dench's Queen Elizabeth on screen for around eight minutes. Nevertheless, she was so outstanding and powerful that she took home the Best Supporting Actress Oscar.
I think it was more to do with the Academy thinking they should have given her an Oscar for Mrs Brown.
Never seen “Shakespeare” but “Mrs. Brown” was superb.
Load More Replies...The two ladies behind her in the picture, playing her ladies-in-waiting, also played her ladies-in-waiting in Mrs Brown.
Gloria Foster In The Matrix (1999)
If there is one thing, we can be sure of, Lana and Lily Wachowski's sci-fi epic The Matrix posed many issues for us to consider. As Neo (Keanu Reeves) embarks on a journey of self-discovery to save humanity against an evil race of sentient robots, The Oracle (Gloria Foster) was thankfully able to fill in some of the gaps about the who, what, and why of it all.
"Don't worry; as soon as you step through that door, you'll start feeling better. You'll remember that you don't believe in any of that 'fate' c.rap. You're in control of your own life... remember? Here - take a cookie. I promise, by the time you're done eating it, you'll feel right as rain."
She passed before filming of the next two movies, and was eloquently recast.
Viola Davis In Doubt (2008)
Acting opposite Meryl Streep, Viola Davis just had one scene—a mere eight minutes—but it was enough for her first Oscar nomination. She is both devastating and flawless in the film. With each tear, you can sense the agony in her character's face as she struggles to persuade herself that she is doing morally, even though she is aware that either position is doomed to failure. This scene demonstrates why Viola is the best, which is for a reason.
YES! Now a EGOT great!!! And to think she was 33 when she started acting! Such a gem.
Load More Replies...I worked on all seasons of HTGAWM and Ms. Viola is one of the kindest, most down to earth and GRATEFUL actresses of our time. The whole crew adored her. This doesn't happen often while I'm at work, but her work would have me completely enraptured. What a huge talent.
She seems like she'd be a really nice person, but it's so nice to hear someone confirm it. She really is a freaking amazing actress!
Load More Replies...Matthew McConaughey In Wolf Of Wall Street (2013)
McConaughey is barely in two scenes of the movie, but when Leo DiCaprio stares at him and tries not to laugh while he pounds his chest, it's too hysterical. Truly unforgettable.
For the audience. Can you believe that man was a Koala bear in Sing? Ya have to believe that who you are acting is real. Or the audience won't. Versatility is the brilliance.
DeCaprio looks like a young child. I can't believe any role he plays. So wrong in Titanic.
Watch Blood Diamonds. He'a all grown up in that movie. Nailed it.
Load More Replies...Jonathan Groff In Hamilton (2020)
Despite spending a total of nine minutes on stage, he received nominations for both a Tony and an Emmy for the performance. But let's not play around. He's worth it because he's Jonathan Groff.
One of my all time favourite theatrical performances. I love how he pulls of King George’s madness by hardly ever blinking and maintaining a deadpan expression throughout.
The creepy thing is that he doesn't blink during his first performance.
He played that screen to perfection! It was amazing. I'm going to go watch it now
Bill Murray In Little Shop Of Horrors (1986)
Arthur Denton is that patient, and the more painful his dental procedure is, the giddier he becomes.
Before he made it big, Jack Nicholson had a cameo as the dental patient, in the original Little Shop of Horrors (1960) lsoh4-63e0...43f9eb.jpg
I haven't seen this movie in years, but as soon as I saw the picture, I giggled. This character was on another level.
The girl receiving dental "care" before him was one of Jim Henson's daughters. She's also a Muppeteer.
This is one of my favorites of all time. Oh yes, oh yes…yes! You are something special, you are something special!! They should have Steve Martin on this list for same movie
Gene Hackman In Young Frankenstein (1974)
The renowned Gene Hackman's one scene in the classic movie, which follows hard-boiled roles in movies like The French Connection (1971) and The Conversation (1974), was made even more unforgettable by the opportunity to witness him alter modes. His interaction with Peter Boyle's Frankenstein monster as Harold, the Blind Man, is undoubtedly the funniest moment of his over 60-year career.
Such a great film , Madeline khan was great in it as she was in all her movies
Even counting in “The Birdcage”? He was a spectacular fountain of hilarity numerous times in that one! Or so I’ve always thought.
I've met Gene twice, both times he was kind, calm and businesslike. He's from the Golden Age, and he looks great.
Denis Ménochet In Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Denis Ménochet's portrayal doesn't overstate the significance of the historical truth that the scenario depicts. He uncomfortably puts us up close to the bottomless pathos and sorrow of a historically or fictionally underappreciated figure: a nameless, real hero whose sincere goal resulted in disaster and death, not triumph.
Hands down the best opening scene I have ever seen, and it's up against some very stiff competition.
What makes it extra grim is knowing that after the murder of the family he was sheltering the poor bastard was no doubt arrested and killed as well, very probably along with his daughters. :(
When he has to finally admit that, yes, he was harboring the family is still so heartbreaking.
Gary Oldman In True Romance (1993)
As he personifies the type of human garbage that engages in the flesh-peddling business, Oldman's portrayal of Spivey as a deranged and demented pimp is compelling. Oldman surely made the most of his one scene in the movie with his hazy eye, scarred visage, and scarcely understandable language.
I have loved Gary Oldman forever. You can rarely ever tell its him in the movies he does
He's one of those supporting actors that is almost always better than the main actor. How he doesn't have an Oscar is a crime.
Load More Replies...Gary Oldman is up there with Ben Kingsley and aforementioned brilliant actors - they make it real to the character. Not them.
That film is packed with crazy, over the top and cool scenes; first Clarence's love to Hong Kong cinema (he's the alter ego of QT, clearly), a. m. Oldman's performance, Walken's incredible monologue followed by Hopper's demise, and then, one of my top 10 fight scenes ever put on film, Alabama vs. Virgil - f**k, not only the mayhem but especially the acting of both of them is still top notch!!! (product has written QT all over it!!!)
I sh*t you not; it took me half the damned film before realizing that I wasn’t actually looking at the real Sid Vicious when I watched Sid&Nancy - until my brain got tired of my fool self and sharply reminded me that the real Sid Vicious (or Simon Ritchie, by all means) would have been hard pressed to come, considering the fact that he *died* in 1979.
Edie Mcclurg In Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)
As she idly chats on the phone to a friend while oblivious to the angry customer, the "Car Rental Agent," as the character is credited, first comes out as overly upbeat. Nevertheless, she is ready to give it straight back to him following Neal's outburst.
YES ! Loved her in that. Especially when she’s explaining all the different high school cliques to the principal Mr Mooney.
Load More Replies...She's quite a good actress, but seldom got good parts because she didn't fit the Hollywood version of beauty. For her to succeed anyway is a testament both to her strength and her beauty.
In Steve’s Martin’s most recent book “Number 1 Is Walking” he reminisces on each of his movies, among other things. He described the enormous struggle he had with this scene to drop all of those raging F-bombs and try to make it seem authentic, because it was so very out of character for him. (He also offers a lovely encomium of John Candy.)
Dave Bautista In Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
That replicant, Sapper Morton, is played by Dave Bautista. He is both physically and intellectually strong, as evidenced by the many books in his library.
I loved him, in this movie, i never though to see Bautista doing a scene like that.
I don't believe the version I saw had this above scene it it. Plus I don't remember any talk of books.
You need to watch the Bladerunner 2049 prequel short film compilation on youtube to see this scene. It adds more context and emotion to Sapper's story.
Load More Replies...Kathleen Freeman In The Blues Brothers (1980)
In the comedic classic The Blues Brothers, Kathleen Freeman steps up to the plate and takes some well-deserved lumps (1980). The woman who plays Sister Mary Stigmata, a.k.a. "The Penguin," summons Jake (John Belushi) and Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) Blues to a meeting in her office to talk about the church. Jake attempts an ill-conceived attempt to obtain the money through illicit means as the tax authorities close in, which causes Sister Mary to exhibit "The Penguin."
"It pains me that the two young men I raised to believe in the Ten Commandments have returned to me as two thieves! With filthy mouths, and bad attitudes! Get out! And don't come back... until you've redeemed yourselves". That she mysteriously glides backwards into her office as if she's on wheels after saying the last part is the icing on the cupcake of hilarity.
Seemingly all the links on the bottom left of the pictures are affiliated links.
Load More Replies...Kathleen Freeman was an excellent actor. She was Lena Lamont’s voice coach in “Singin in the Rain” and she was in a great episode of The Alfred Hitchcock Hour where she just knocks it out of the park.
Gene Jones In No Country For Old Men (2007)
The writing in the film, but especially in this sequence, is so incisive and precise, and Javier Bardem's understated, eerie performance will give you shivers. But seriously, we don't talk about how fantastic the shopkeeper is enough. He deserves the praise since he is just as brilliant as Bardem (who won the Oscar for his performance).
You're right. He was so real in this role. I'm not a film critic but this was one of the highlights of a superb film and makes you want to know more about this ordinary character.
Load More Replies...There's a lovely Vanity Fair interview on YouTube where Javier Bardem breaks down his career. He talks about this scene and praises Gene Jones hugely. He says that it is Jones' acting that makes the scene work, because he portrays fear so well.
Every second of this movie made you uneasy and it was brilliant! Also, watch Kevin James' version on his Youtube channel, it was great.
I’ve watched this scene maybe 7 times and every time, I get incredibly scared.
Vanessa Redgrave In Atonement (2007)
Old Briony is portrayed by Vanessa Redgrave, who only makes a brief, five-minute appearance at the film's conclusion. She's the reason it all comes together — the keyboard clacking, the supercuts of certain important scenes, and everything being shown from different perspectives. It was astounding. It was executed flawlessly and was really subtle. Her acting is simply amazing.
Steve Park In Fargo (1996)
In the Coen Brothers' epic Fargo, the dinner scene between Mike (Steve Park) and Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand) is seen as both challenging to watch and humorous at the same time. Even though it would seem impossible, Park's awkwardness as the sexually frustrated engineer from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is dripping with what we like to refer to as "second-hand embarrassment.". Because Park's character experiences such intense emotional upheaval in this four-minute moment that seemingly lasts for four hours.
I’ve never understood the point of this scene or character being in the story. It’s not a showstopper but it sure slows it down a lot.
Supposedly it gives Marge a thought about what's going on with Jerry and the kidnapping.
Load More Replies...Chris Evans In Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)
Actor and skateboarder Lucas Lee has a beef with Scott that is required by the league. The man is more in love with himself than with his ardent followers.
Superman, Captain America, the Huntress and Captain Marvel in one movie.
Taika Waititi In Hunt For The Wilderpeople (2016)
In addition to writing his own screenplays and directing his own movies, Taika Waititi frequently appears in front of the camera, too. And each time he does, this witty Kiwi makes us laugh. In What We Do in the Shadows, he plays a sweet vampire, and in Thor: Ragnarok, he plays a silly rock monster, but in Hunt for the Wilderpeople, he portrays the most eccentric preacher in New Zealand.
This is an amazing movie! Great performances. So quotable. Highly recommend! "Ricky Baker, uh, Ricky Baker!!!"
This man is utterly bonkers and a fabulous performer, writer and director. Love what you do in the shadows...exceptionally nuts satire ...love it!
What We Do In The Shadows is in my top 5 favourite movies, it's brilliant!
Load More Replies...I'm a little bit in love with him especially as Blackbeard in Our Flag Means Death.
this man is gorgeous, incredibly funny and amazing black beard (sexy as)
David Thewlis In The Big Lebowski (1998)
Knox Harrington, played by David Thewlis, embodies the existential, sublime weirdness that the Coen Brothers aim for in their movies. He plays hardly more than a bystander in a conversation between The Dude (Jeff Bridges) and Maude Lebowski in The Big Lebowski (Julianne Moore). Thewlis' Harrington is "Maude's associate" and truly irritates The Dude.
Thewlis has been in a few Mike Leigh movies, and he is a brilliant actor.
Alfre Woodard In 12 Years A Slave (2013)
The minor role of Alfre Woodard is challenging, but she captures the essence of the character. Even though she hasn't been in that situation in a while, Mrs. Shaw recalls what it was like to be enslaved. We can tell from the actor's portrayal that Mrs. Shaw now sees herself as more in line with wealthy women.
What's even worse is that the movie didn't show this but Soloman went missing again 4 years after his return and no one knows if he killed himself, was taken into slavery again or killed by others etc
Load More Replies...She is such an amazing actress - always stealing the show. She plays an excellent villain in Luke Cage (Netflix).
Julia Butters In Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019)
Even though Butters only appeared in two sequences, she held her own well against Leo DiCaprio. Although the film's original version was 4.5 hours long, they allegedly shot a lot more of her. However, some of it was edited out.
Harry Belafonte In Blackkklansman (2018)
Harry Belafonte only appears in one scene in the entire movie, yet you'll never forget it. In it, his persona visits a local Black student union to talk about the lynching of Jesse Washington in real life. A KKK initiation and Belafonte's terrifying monologue about the destruction of Washington are edited together in the scenario, coupled with his explanation of how the 1915 motion picture The Birth of a Nation affected the US. Finally, it ends with chants for "Black power" and "white power" from both groups. This scene was filmed with Belafonte, who stepped out of retirement, and the entire event will give you chills.
Dean Stockwell In Blue Velvet (1986)
We have to give the perpetually oddball director David Lynch a lot of the credit for this entry. When he teamed together Dean Stockwell, and Dennis Hopper for one of Lynch's oddest takes in Blue Velvet, the master of the surreal, exquisite, and bizarre struck a nerve. Who is creepier in this scene—lipsync Stockwell's to Roy Orbison's "In Dreams" or Hopper's character's an almost orgasmic response to it?
Dean Stockwell was so underrated. His performance as the devious, malicious Cylon Cavill in Battlestar Galactica deserved an Emmy. And, the fact that he never won an Emmy for Quantum Leap (although he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor 4 years in a row) is a travesty.
He was and is one of my favorites. He was always, always good.
Load More Replies...One of my all time favorite cameos. I wonder what Roy Orbison thought of it
Mariah Carey In Precious (2009)
Mariah was on the screen for a little period of time, but she was really impressive. Now people can forget about the disaster that was Glitter, finally!
Alec Baldwin In Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Baldwin plays Blake, a man tasked by "Mitch and Murray" to motivate the underachieving salespeople. His seven-minute "Always Be Closing" monologue, which benefits from Mamet's masterful pacing and cinematography, is unquestionably the most memorable scene in a movie starring many famous actors.
This speech is like the epitome of the worst things about corporate sales and that 'push push push' drive that is killing people. So many CEO's refer to it as this 'goal' and completely missed the point which was that this guy, who isn't really doing the job, is hired to come and do this speech then leaves right after, leaving everyone to feel both motivated and somehow lacking, but to also do the work while others benefit from it. It's a fantastic scene but...ugh it's such a brainwashing that is done to people in the guise of 'motivation'.
That's the David Mamet way. He'll punch you in the face about what's happening, hoping you get mad enough to change something.
Load More Replies...This ought to be way higher! Whether you love him or dislike him as a person or just an actor, that scene is epic, again whether you like or dislike its message - that speech is the only reason anybody still remembers this movie!
Right? I'd been reading through this list wondering how they missed Glengarry Glen Ross. Because I _knew_ if it were listed, it would be in the top 10...
Load More Replies...Just watched this again. I really like a film without a bunch of dramatic effects that instead depends on veteran actors to show their chops. "Twelve Angry Men is another.
it wasn't in the play, but mamet added it especially for baldwin in the movie
I was forced to watch this by my rep husband. The line 'you drove a f*****g Hyundai'. Aah what a wanker.
Third place is your fired. I've always been curious about this. Like, the third place salesman gets fired? What about fourth place? Is there a penalty for almost getting to the top but not quite?
Load More Replies...Most of life is one big sell, so yeah, you'd better be on your game and closing.
Adrien Brody In Midnight In Paris (2011)
The 2011 film Midnight in Paris is a joy to watch. A few of Midnight's high spots include appearances by Ernest Hemingway (Corey Stoll), F. Scott Fitzgerald (Tom Hiddleston), and Pablo Picasso (Marcial Di Fonzo Bo). Still, few can match the curiosity of Adrien Brody's Salvador Dali. Although he was officially seen at a party earlier in the movie, Dal's silence nevertheless allows him to be added to the list through his interaction with contemporary Gil Pender (Owen Wilson).
Veronica Ngo In Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
The Star Wars series, which has spanned over 40 years, is a grand space opera of good vs. evil in which the forces of light and darkness clash. Unfortunately, the tiny guy frequently gets lost at the seams in this epic story. The Star Wars story mainly focuses on the main characters in this intergalactic conflict—Rey, Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and Kylo Ren—but one specific scene in The Last Jedi is a reminder that many other minor characters sacrifice their lives for the greater good.
The most useful character in the whole movie, what a waste that she wasn't around longer
Michelle Williams In Manchester By The Sea (2016)
Williams appears briefly in a few of the flashback scenes, but she is utterly devastating in the current-day moment. It would be a movie spoiler to explain the context of her dialogue with Casey Affleck's character, but suffice it to say that she brings tears to your eyes for the entire ten or so minutes that she is onscreen. For this sequence, she received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress that year, and she very certainly deserved it.
Williams was amazing in this film. I don't think I've ever seen her deliver a less than stellar performance.
She's one of those actors you can't take your eyes off. Always affecting.
Load More Replies...Alfred Molina In Boogie Nights (1997)
In Boogie Nights, Molina truly steals the show as a jittery, high-on-drugs smack dealer who has a thing for the glam metal band Night Ranger. As he negotiates a botched drug deal, the screen is filled with his vigor and senseless rantings. He ultimately uses a 12-gauge shotgun to chase Dirk Diggler (Mark Wahlberg) and Reed Rothchild (Thomas C. Reilly) from his home.
This character is supposed to be Eddie Nash, who was involved in the John Holmes murders. There is another film called Wonderland made about the murders, in which the Eddie Nash character is played by Eric Bogosian
Can't forget him in Raiders of the Lost Ark. He was in the credits but was just in the memorable beginning sequence.
Philip Seymour Hoffman In Hard Eight (1997)
The unidentified, lower-class heckler, played by Phillip Seymour Hoffman, seemed to enjoy deterring the older, more experienced gambler.
What a terrible, terrible loss. He put everything into every role, big or small. I was so sad when he passed.
It's strange to miss someone you never actually met, but I miss him.
He was one of my favorite actors, and has actually played in most of my favorite movies. I was really sad when he passed, in all of his scenes, he brought a life, and flavor that only he could bring.
He was a comedic genius, a dramatic savant, and an all around incredible human. I was devastated when he passed.
Molly Shannon In The Santa Clause 2 (2002)
Despite having only one scene in The Santa Clause 2, Tracy, played by Molly Shannon, should have won the EGOT for her three-minute performance.
Whenever I hear the real song I get Molly Shannon's Christmas version stuck in my head. Sadly, I actually know more of the words to hers lol
One of the most uncomfortable scenes ever filmed....I usually skip through it
Absolutely LOVE her... she was one of the funniest SNL cast...
Martin Scorsese In Taxi Driver (1976)
Martin Scorsese, the director, portrays "Passenger Watching Silhouette," the irate man who orders Travis to drive him to an apartment complex so he may see his adulterous wife from a distance. Before declaring his desire to intervene physically, the character embarks on a hysterical racial diatribe.
Only one scene but he exuded more quiet menace than Travis Bickle did at his most deranged
Rooney Mara In The Social Network (2010)
Although she technically has three appearances in the film, her second and third appearances are very brief, especially when compared to the opening sequence. Despite Mara's constant presence, Jesse Eisenberg's portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg commands the screen admirably (he received an Oscar nomination). I would contend that she prevails in what is essentially a verbal boxing battle in the introduction.
“Good luck with your … computer game.” I wish she could witness the jam he’s got himself into now.
Thelma Ritter In Miracle On 34th Street (1947)
Even though it was Thelma Ritter's debut part, and she appeared in Miracle on 34th Street for a mere two minutes, I often reflect on her uncredited work in the film. She portrays an angry Macy's customer who is upset that Santa just promised her son a hard-to-find present. She is shocked when Kris Kringle tells her she can obtain the toy at another store.
One of the greatest character actors of all time. She’s brilliant in Rear Window.
Ned Beatty In Network (1976)
The A-list cast of Network from 1976 had some of the biggest stars in Hollywood at the time, including William Holden, Peter Finch, Faye Dunaway, and Robert Duvall. Even though some people only recall this movie for Finch's on-air breakdown and slogan of, "I'm beyond enraged! And I won't take it any longer! ", it also contained one of the most unforgettable single scenes. One of the most terrific monologues in movie history is Ned Beatty's epic six-minute tirade in reaction to Finch's idealistic rants.
Um, the quote from the movie is "I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!" I'm not sure if your paraphrase was to get around censorship issues, but the quote is already commonly misquoted to "I'm not going to take it anymore," so it's odd to see it so wrong here.
doesn't he say 'I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it any longer?"
Chris Rock In I’m Gonna Git You Sucka (1988)
Chris Rock was a complete unknown when he first appeared in the 1988 film I'm Gonna Git You Sucka, but thanks to this hilarious sequence, he quickly lost his anonymity. The well-known performer enters the Jim Brown and Isaac Hayes-owned "Hammer and Slammer" cafe and immediately explains the price of a rib order. The anonymous customer chooses to order one rib after comparing it to his own pocket change.
Oh man another movie I loved as a kid. My parents really did just let me watch whatever I wanted 😂
William Hurt In A History Of Violence (2005)
Even though he appeared on screen for about nine minutes, he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. It would be a blatant omission if he weren't mentioned in this article.
His talk to his Brother was so deliciously menacing. This one stands out for me.
Samantha Morton In She Said (2022)
The most impactful scene in a movie about the downfall of a sexual predator may be when Samantha Morton's character, Zelda Perkins, tells Cantor in Morton's diner scene that her boss, Weinstein, was a hideous man who had a history of sexually assaulting both women who worked for him and women who wanted to do business with him.
Chris Tucker In Jackie Brown (1997)
Ordell Robbie, a dealer, and gunrunner (Samuel L. Jackson), is concerned that one of his couriers, who was recently robbed, would turn informant against him. He frees the man, gets him into the trunk of a car, and then kills him.
Christopher Walken In Pennies From Heaven (1981)
After her split, Eileen finds Tom (Christopher Walken), a pimp with a bad-boy persona, curiously intriguing. He approaches her in a somewhat sensual way after spotting her vulnerability and arranges for her to have her pregnancy terminated.
And he does a tap-dance striptease! One of the most amazing things I've ever seen. https://youtu.be/54iR0xFkEfQ
I agree -- this scene totally knocked me out. Turns out he was a song and dance man on Broadway before doing pictures.
Load More Replies...James Badge Dale In Flight (2010)
James Badge Dale was merely referred to as a "gaunt young man" in the Flight (2012) script. Although technically correct, this explanation vastly undersells the incredible effort he accomplishes in this single sequence. The character, who is coping with the consequences of cancer and chemotherapy, runs across a scarred pilot (Denzel Washington) and a fellow patient (Kelly Reilly) in the hospital stairwell.
Patrick Fischler In Mulholland Drive (2001)
Patrick Fischler has been in virtually every film and television production to date, including Lost, Mad Men, Speed, and Idiocracy. His portrayal of Dan, a man having breakfast at the restaurant from hell, in Mulholland Drive, however, is without a doubt his most enduring performance.
Javier Bardem In Collateral (2004)
Felix, a cunning thief, hired Vincent to kill a Los Angeles lawyer and a number of witnesses who were going to testify against him in court.
Or how about the gas station scene in No Country for Old Men? "What’s the most you ever lost on a coin toss?" I almost had to stop the movie because that scene gave me so much anxiety.
Brian Tyree Henry In If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
Daniel Carty served a few years in jail. Whatever occurred to him inside had a traumatic effect, no doubt about it.
My goodness. I'm a movie fan but this list was assembled by someone with an opposite liking for movies than I. I haven't seen 90% of the movies on this list.
Was this list sponsored by amazon!??! what's with all the BUY NOW buttons????
BP does this sometimes. And doesn't care to mention that
Load More Replies...Where is the love for Danny Trejo? He has been in a bunch of things as a cameo and is always fantastic.
Sausage king of chicago waiter from ferris bueller should be in here.
Wilford Brimley in the Absence of Malice with Paul Newman and Sally Field. Media gone wrong and other political dramas. She writes a series of stories that rips his life apart, and gets revenge by setting up everyone to incriminate themselves. Wilford Brimley shows up after everything spills out into the public. And it's like an adult catching a bunch of kids fighting in a playground. Epic disappointment. Sad that he has to ground them, take their toys away, arrest them, fire them. Shames them basically. It's a fun scene even if you haven't watched the rest of the movie.
I'm astonished that the one performance in motion picture history that perfectly embodies this category is missing from this list. I am referring, of course, to Beatrice Straight in Network (1976). With a scene she won her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. At just under six minutes, Straight still holds the record for the shortest screen time to win an Oscar!
My goodness. I'm a movie fan but this list was assembled by someone with an opposite liking for movies than I. I haven't seen 90% of the movies on this list.
Was this list sponsored by amazon!??! what's with all the BUY NOW buttons????
BP does this sometimes. And doesn't care to mention that
Load More Replies...Where is the love for Danny Trejo? He has been in a bunch of things as a cameo and is always fantastic.
Sausage king of chicago waiter from ferris bueller should be in here.
Wilford Brimley in the Absence of Malice with Paul Newman and Sally Field. Media gone wrong and other political dramas. She writes a series of stories that rips his life apart, and gets revenge by setting up everyone to incriminate themselves. Wilford Brimley shows up after everything spills out into the public. And it's like an adult catching a bunch of kids fighting in a playground. Epic disappointment. Sad that he has to ground them, take their toys away, arrest them, fire them. Shames them basically. It's a fun scene even if you haven't watched the rest of the movie.
I'm astonished that the one performance in motion picture history that perfectly embodies this category is missing from this list. I am referring, of course, to Beatrice Straight in Network (1976). With a scene she won her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. At just under six minutes, Straight still holds the record for the shortest screen time to win an Oscar!
