13 Actors Who Were Absolutely Perfect for the Roles They Played

Sometimes, the perfectly cast actor nailing their role makes a story so good. Do you have a favorite example of that? You’ve got company. After polling the internet, these thirteen actors were top-voted for being perfectly cast in their roles.

1. Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lechter

One user said, “Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lechter.” Other users agreed but noted, “You don’t really need to name a role, Anthony Hopkins has been perfectly cast in almost every role he’s had.” Another user echoed the sentiment, “Anthony Hopkins is a treasure in everything. Probably why I only liked the first season of Westworld. Which I think could have ended with the season one finale.”

2. Ian McKellen as Gandolf

“Gandalf. If anyone besides Ian McKellen played him, the Lord of the Rings series would not be the same. There’s something about Ian playing Gandalf that it’s like Gandalf exists,” one suggested. Another added, “He also played Magneto spot on.”

3. Christina Ricci as Wednesday Addams

“Christina Ricci as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family,” one stated. However, another argued, “And Anjelica Huston as Morticia, Raul Julia as Gomez, and Christopher Lloyd as Fester. That movie had outstanding casting.” Others gave shout-outs to Jenna Ortega’s portrayal of the character. 

4. Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump

Someone added, “Tom Hanks, Forrest Gump. He was absolutely incredible; no other actor could have nailed the role the way he did (in my opinion). I genuinely felt like I knew him and felt protective of him in a way – Forrest was just too pure, I loved him. I’ve never felt so strongly in a movie that the actor connected with the character so much – it was magic to watch.”

5. Antony Starr as Homelander

Another said, “Antony Starr as Homelander in The Boys. How he can pull off the role of a deeply troubled, deranged psychopath, especially the frankly terrifying little tells like a facial tic, is fantastic.”

A third agreed, “Oh, god, the facial tics. It’s like he’s thinking, ‘I should smile here. A human would smile. I activate these muscles and, wait, no- these muscles. That’s it. Wow. So natural.’ He has also mastered the dead-eyed smile.”

6. J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson

“J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson is so iconic that not hearing his voice in the animated spider man series throws me off,” replied one. Another added, “So iconic they cast him in a different universe and decade in Spider-Man No Way Home.”

7. Christoph Waltz as Hans Landa

Someone stated, “Christoph Waltz as Hans Landa in Inglourious Basterds.” “I think you can say, Christopher Waltz. The man kills every role he’s in,” another argued. “Waltz gave the best prepared Oscar acceptance speech ever: well written and delivered beautifully as an award winner should! He didn’t read it. He spoke it—none of the faffing around and time-wasting that usually occurs.”

8. Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark

Another user suggested Robert Downey, Jr. but then edited their comment to make a great point, “Tony Stark as Robert Downey Jr. The man was born for the role. Edit: The most awesome thing is that you could exchange Tony Stark for Robert Downey Jr., and no one would even notice.”

9. Hugh Laurie as Gregory House

Another shared, “Hugh Laurie as Gregory House on House.” Another added, “Yes, so much. Every time I see him on Veep, I feel like, “What are you doing, Dr. House?? Stop fooling around with Selina Meyers and go save some lives!!”

10. Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn

“Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn in Lord of the Rings,” another suggested. “Perfect casting. He played the role perfectly. There’s nothing about him in any of the three movies that I could criticize.”

Another informed, “And to top it all, he wasn’t originally cast in the role. That was Stuart Townsend, and he only got the role because Daniel Day-Lewis declined the role, as did Nicolas Cage. Townsend was let go, and Russell Crowe turned the role down before it was offered to Mortensen.”

11. Bryan Cranston as Walter White

“Bryan Cranston as Walter White on Breaking Bad. That was a performance of a lifetime,” one shared. A second said, “The fact that when Breaking Bad first came out, you couldn’t believe this guy was also Malcolm’s dad from Malcolm in the Middle.”

Finally, a third added, “Seeing the look on people’s faces when they have only seen him as Walter White. Then you show them Hal compilation clips are hilarious.”

12. Robin Williams as Professor John Keating

“Robin Williams as Professor John Keating in Dead Poets Society,” said one. Another argued, “Pretty much Robin Williams in everything he ever did.” Most agreed and tossed out Robin Williams movies where he was cats perfectly, including Mrs. Doubtfire, Patch Adams, Bicentennial Man, Jack, and Popeye. 

13. Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister

“Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones: the scene where Oberyn tells Tyrion the story of when Oberyn saw Tyrion as a baby expecting a monster, one of the best scenes in television ever. You can read every single emotion of Tyrion through Dinklage’s face,” a final user commented.

12 Films Guaranteed to Freeze Your Blood: Are You Brave Enough?

Looking for movies that redefine the word horror? Sometimes, it’s not just about the spooky movies you’ve heard of, sometimes it’s the ones that delve deep into horror that have a greater impact. Sit back, try to relax, and dive into these 12 films that are absolutely bone-chilling.

12 Films Guaranteed to Freeze Your Blood: Are You Brave Enough?

Beyond the Stars & Off the Radar: 25 Sci-Fi Series Begging for Your Binge

Like the kaleidoscopic worlds they’re frequently set in, the sci-fi genre is an almost bottomless ocean of books, comics, movies, and TV shows — many of which are worth seeing or reading for one reason or another.

Beyond the Stars & Off the Radar: 25 Sci-Fi Series Begging for Your Binge

80s Unearthed: The 24 Hidden Film Gems That Hollywood Forgot, But You Won’t

While some films from the 80s have become iconic, etching themselves into our collective memories, a treasure trove of lesser-known films has gradually faded into obscurity.

Not to worry, we’ve compiled a list of 25 gems, based on IMDb, that graced our screens with their offbeat charm, eccentric characters, and captivating narratives that defy convention.

80s Unearthed: The 24 Hidden Film Gems That Hollywood Forgot, But You Won’t

25 Movies You May Only Watch Once Because They’ll Destroy You

Some movies can leave such a profound impact on us that we can’t bear watching them again. Ever. These films stay with us long after the credits roll, haunting our thoughts and leaving us emotionally shattered.

Here, we’ve compiled a list of 25 movies deemed one-time experiences by viewers on an online forum who have been through the emotional wringer.

25 Movies You May Only Watch Once Because They’ll Destroy You

Inspired by this thread.