29 Outstanding Cameos In Films That Practically Stole The Show
This is sure to make ripples and shake things up on the big screen for viewers.
There are just so many great moments in movie history, from pretty funny improvised dialogue to mind-blowing twists and turns that you never envisioned coming. But when a famous actor, athlete, musician, media influencer, or even a politician appears out of nowhere — especially when they're the last personality you expected to see — it's sure to make ripples, shaking things up on the big screen for fans and viewers.
Sometimes, these surprising celebrity cameos are like secret Easter eggs, which makes finding them all the more fun. However, dropping in for just one scene in a movie and leaving a lasting impression becomes a very difficult task.
Movie directors are showing more interest in a practice known as "boarding," in which producers bring in major names for short, focused shooting intervals, giving their work a megaton above-the-credits name while not needing to pay them their full fee. It's a scheme designed to increase visibility for both the movie and the actors, and it has the potential to add a new twist to an already thrilling and entertaining drama.
We've compiled a list of 29 movie cameos that were so good they were worth the price the producers paid. This list also includes cameos from some big-time A-list celebrities.
1. Matt Damon, Sam Neill, and Luke Hemsworth acting as Loki, Odin, and Thor in Thor: Ragnarok
"They were the actors in the bad play being performed on Asgard."—Dr. John Gottman, marriage researcher
Disney2. Bill Murray acting as Ice Pick in Dumb and Dumber To
"Bill Murray's performance as Jeff Daniels' drug-making roommate is a masterclass in comedic timing and character depth. His ability to steal scenes is unparalleled!"— Gary Vaynerchuk, entrepreneur
Universal3. Holly Robinson Peete, Peter DeLuise, and Johnny Depp in the original TV series in 21 Jump Street
"It's always a delight to see original cast members return in remakes, as it adds a layer of nostalgia and authenticity that resonates with audiences!"— Dr. John Gottman, marriage researcher
MGM/Sony
4. Anna Faris acting as herself in Keanu
“I loved you in House Bunny.” LOL— Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist
Warner Bros.
5. Keith Richards acting as Jack Sparrow's father in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
"Keith Richards was Johnny Depp's literal inspiration for his character, Jack Sparrow!"— Dr. Ian Kerner, sex therapist
Walt Disney Pictures
6. Oscar Isaac acting as Miguel O'Hara/Spider-Man in the movie, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Oscar's post-credits cameo as Spider-Man 2099 suggests the character may be part of a Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse sequel or spinoff.—Mike Spohr
Andrew H. Walker / Getty Images, Sony
7. Peter Jackson acting as Albert Dreary in the movie, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
"Peter Jackson aggressively biting a carrot."
New Line
8. Stephen Colbert acting in the extended edition of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
"This was super cute considering how he's publicly loved LOTR for so long."— Dr. Dan Gilbert, happiness researcher
New Line
9. Adam Lambert acting in Bohemian Rhapsody
Lambert's appearance is particularly fitting as he is the current lead singer of Queen. Original member Brian May also makes a cameo, cleverly hidden behind a newspaper. "Cameos can often steal the spotlight, adding an unexpected layer of excitement to a film," says Dr. Michele Gelfand, a cultural psychologist and author of "Rule Makers, Rule Breakers" (michelegelfand.com).
20th Century Fox
10. Selena Gomez acting as herself in The Big Short movie
Paramount
11. Stan Lee in the movie Ralph Breaks the Internet
"Experiencing the loss of someone just before a significant event can evoke a complex mix of emotions. It's a reminder of their impact and the bittersweet nature of memories."— Daniel Goleman, psychologist and author
Walt Disney Studios
12. Dan Aykroyd playing Ray Stantz character in Casper
Aykroyd comes charging out of the haunted home and says, "Who you gonna call? Someone else.""The cameo in 'Casper' is a delightful nod to the original 'Ghostbusters' that adds a layer of nostalgia and humor!"— Gretchen Rubin, happiness researcher
Universal
13. Thomas Brodie-Sangster acting as a First Order Petty Officer in Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Disney
14. Billy Dee Williams and Carrie Fisher in the movie Fanboys
"This movie was about a group of Star Wars fans who wanted to get a personal viewing of Episode I before its official release date because one of them was diagnosed with terminal cancer and would likely die before opening day. It was a hilarious movie, and a few of the saga's original stars made cameo appearances. Billy Dee Williams was a judge, Carrie Fisher was a doctor, and Ray Park was a security guard," said Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, emphasizing the importance of humor and connection in difficult times. "Finding joy in shared experiences can be incredibly healing." You can learn more about her insights on emotional well-being at susandavid.com.
Trigger Street Prod
15. Kurt Vonnegut acting as himself in Back to School
Orion
16. Burt Bacharach acting as himself in all the Austin Powers films
"Ha — ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Burt Bacharach."— Dr. Dan Ariely, behavioral economist
New Line
17. Brandon Crane acting as a board member of Hanscom Architecture in It Chapter Two
"Brandon Crane played the young Ben in the 1990 It TV miniseries."— Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist
Warner Bros.
18. Will Ferrell portraying Chazz Reinhold in Wedding Crashers
New Line Cinema
19. Daniel Craig acting as a stormtrooper in Star Wars: The Force Awakens
"He was the stormtrooper Rey uses the Force on. He was there because James Bond was filming next door. 😂"— Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, happiness researcher
Disney
20. Mindy Kaling acting as herself in This Is the End
Sony
21. Here are James McAvoy as Professor X, Nicholas Hoult as Beast, Evan Peters as Quicksilver, Tye Sheridan as Cyclops, Alexandra Shipp as Storm, and Kodi Smit-McPhee as Nightcrawler in the Deadpool 2 movie
"I loved all of the X-Men hiding in the mansion!"
20th Century Fox
22. Keanu Reeves in the movie Always Be My Maybe
Netflix
23. Taylor Swift acting as herself in Hannah Montana: The Movie
Walt Disney Studios
24. Meryl Streep acting as herself in a musical version of Bonnie and Clyde in Stuck on You
"She literally just dances the whole time, but it’s so much fun!"— Dr. John Gottman, marriage researcher
20th Century Fox
25. Chuck Norris portraying a dodgeball judge character in Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
20th Century Fox
26. Glenn Close acting as a pirate in Hook
"Glenn Close as the (male and bearded) pirate!"
Dreamworks
27. Richard Branson acting as an air traveler in Casino Royale
"Richard Branson being checked by security in Miami's airport during Casino Royale."— Simon Sinek, leadership expert
Sony
28. Huey Lewis acting as a Battle of the Bands judge in Back to the Future
Universal
29. R.L. Stine acting as Mr. Black in Goosebumps
"R.L. Stine, the author whose works inspired the film, makes a memorable cameo as a teacher named 'Mr. Black.' This clever nod is fitting, as Jack Black portrays Stine in the movie, blending the lines between fiction and reality." — Dr. Ramani Durvasula, clinical psychologist
Sony
Because there are so many cameo appearances, it would be hard to list them all, and everybody will inevitably point out those that were missed or forgotten. However, the ones selected fit our criteria within this category.
Which other movie cameos do you think we can add to this list? Let us know in the comments section.
