Top 20 Actors Who Saved Their Career with One Performance
- 25 days ago
## Top 10 Actor Comebacks with One Movie
We always knew they had it in them! For this list, we’ll be looking at actors who largely turned their careers around with one movie. Did YOUR favorite actor make the list? Let us know in the comments!
### 10. **Liam Neeson – "Taken" (2008)**
Liam Neeson's career took a thrilling turn with his role as Bryan Mills in "Taken." The film's unexpected success revitalized his career, turning him into an action star and leading to a series of successful action films.
### 9. **Robert Downey Jr. – "Iron Man" (2008)**
Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Tony Stark in "Iron Man" not only launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe but also marked a significant comeback for the actor. His performance reestablished him as one of Hollywood's leading actors.
### 8. **Chris Evans – "Captain America: The First Avenger" (2011)**
After several less successful roles, Chris Evans found his stride with "Captain America: The First Avenger." His portrayal of Steve Rogers/Captain America made him a household name and solidified his career in Hollywood.
### 7. **Johnny Depp – "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" (2003)**
Johnny Depp's career was rejuvenated with his iconic role as Captain Jack Sparrow. The film's success and his unique performance led to multiple sequels and a resurgence in his career.
### 6. **Jennifer Lopez – "Hustlers" (2019)**
Jennifer Lopez's performance in "Hustlers" earned her critical acclaim and numerous award nominations. The role reminded audiences and critics of her acting prowess, revitalizing her career in the film industry.
### 5. **Matthew McConaughey – "Dallas Buyers Club" (2013)**
Matthew McConaughey's role in "Dallas Buyers Club" marked a significant shift in his career, moving away from romantic comedies to more serious roles. His performance earned him an Academy Award and critical acclaim.
### 4. **John Travolta – "Pulp Fiction" (1994)**
John Travolta's career was in a slump before his role in Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction." His portrayal of Vincent Vega reignited his career and led to a series of successful films.
### 3. **Mickey Rourke – "The Wrestler" (2008)**
Mickey Rourke's powerful performance in "The Wrestler" earned him critical acclaim and several awards. The role marked a major comeback for Rourke, who had been away from the spotlight for years.
### 2. **Winona Ryder – "Stranger Things" (2016)**
Though not a movie, Winona Ryder's role in the hit TV series "Stranger Things" revived her career. Her performance as Joyce Byers brought her back into the public eye and reestablished her as a talented actress.
### 1. **Michael Keaton – "Birdman" (2014)**
Michael Keaton's performance in "Birdman" was both a critical and commercial success. The film's meta-narrative about an actor's comeback mirrored Keaton's own career resurgence, earning him numerous awards and nominations.
These actors turned their careers around with one standout performance, reminding us of th
We always knew they had it in them! For this list, we’ll be looking at actors who largely turned their careers around with one movie. Did YOUR favorite actor make the list? Let us know in the comments!
### 10. **Liam Neeson – "Taken" (2008)**
Liam Neeson's career took a thrilling turn with his role as Bryan Mills in "Taken." The film's unexpected success revitalized his career, turning him into an action star and leading to a series of successful action films.
### 9. **Robert Downey Jr. – "Iron Man" (2008)**
Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Tony Stark in "Iron Man" not only launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe but also marked a significant comeback for the actor. His performance reestablished him as one of Hollywood's leading actors.
### 8. **Chris Evans – "Captain America: The First Avenger" (2011)**
After several less successful roles, Chris Evans found his stride with "Captain America: The First Avenger." His portrayal of Steve Rogers/Captain America made him a household name and solidified his career in Hollywood.
### 7. **Johnny Depp – "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" (2003)**
Johnny Depp's career was rejuvenated with his iconic role as Captain Jack Sparrow. The film's success and his unique performance led to multiple sequels and a resurgence in his career.
### 6. **Jennifer Lopez – "Hustlers" (2019)**
Jennifer Lopez's performance in "Hustlers" earned her critical acclaim and numerous award nominations. The role reminded audiences and critics of her acting prowess, revitalizing her career in the film industry.
### 5. **Matthew McConaughey – "Dallas Buyers Club" (2013)**
Matthew McConaughey's role in "Dallas Buyers Club" marked a significant shift in his career, moving away from romantic comedies to more serious roles. His performance earned him an Academy Award and critical acclaim.
### 4. **John Travolta – "Pulp Fiction" (1994)**
John Travolta's career was in a slump before his role in Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction." His portrayal of Vincent Vega reignited his career and led to a series of successful films.
### 3. **Mickey Rourke – "The Wrestler" (2008)**
Mickey Rourke's powerful performance in "The Wrestler" earned him critical acclaim and several awards. The role marked a major comeback for Rourke, who had been away from the spotlight for years.
### 2. **Winona Ryder – "Stranger Things" (2016)**
Though not a movie, Winona Ryder's role in the hit TV series "Stranger Things" revived her career. Her performance as Joyce Byers brought her back into the public eye and reestablished her as a talented actress.
### 1. **Michael Keaton – "Birdman" (2014)**
Michael Keaton's performance in "Birdman" was both a critical and commercial success. The film's meta-narrative about an actor's comeback mirrored Keaton's own career resurgence, earning him numerous awards and nominations.
These actors turned their careers around with one standout performance, reminding us of th