Within the horror genre, the power of a memorable cameo is unparalleled. Numerous actors have put forth extraordinary performances during a single scene, leaving a lasting impression. In horror films, where many characters are often seen as disposable, some actors seize the opportunity to make a marked impact in their brief moments on screen. Frequently, these characters serve as early casualties, providing insights into the mechanics of the film’s supernatural elements. Alternatively, filmmakers sometimes choose to delay the appearance of the primary antagonist until the climax, intensifying the audience’s anticipation.
Even if a sole scene doesn’t define their careers, many actors find their performances in horror films to be standout moments that allow them to step outside of their usual roles. These films create a space for exploration, where both audiences and actors can confront their fears, anxieties, and existential dilemmas safely. Actors involved in brief, impactful scenes often feel less pressure, creating room for creative expression and enjoyment in their roles, making them unforgettable.
10 Bill Murray – Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
As Arthur Denton
The 1986 remake of Little Shop of Horrors breathes new life into the beloved stage musical, merging elements from both its theatrical version and the original 1960 film. Hailed as one of the finest musical remakes and horror comedies of the 1980s, Little Shop of Horrors boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Rick Moranis and Steve Martin, alongside several notable cameos. Among these, Bill Murray’s cameo stands out for its comedic brilliance.
In a darkly humorous scene, Murray portrays Arthur Denton, a patient at a dentist’s office just before another character, Seymour (played by Moranis), contemplates murder. Murray showcases his comedic timing perfectly within the film’s campy tone. Following his success in films like Ghostbusters, Murray’s star power contributed significantly to the cult status that Little Shop of Horrors has achieved.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Little Shop of Horrors (1986) |
91% |
79% |
9 Christopher Walken – Sleepy Hollow (1999)
As the Headless Horseman
Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow showcases stunning visuals and a compelling aesthetic in its retelling of Washington Irving’s classic tale. The narrative follows Ichabod Crane’s investigation into a series of murders, leading him to encounter the terrifying Headless Horseman, portrayed by Christopher Walken. Walken brings significant depth to this ominous role through a flashback that reveals the character’s tragic and violent past.
This crucial backstory enhances the film’s atmosphere while also delivering necessary exposition, showcasing Walken’s ability to imbue such an iconic character with life.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Sleepy Hollow (1999) |
70% |
80% |
8 Drew Barrymore – Scream (1996)
As Casey Becker
The opening sequence of Scream is universally recognized as one of the most iconic moments in cinematic history. Drew Barrymore’s portrayal of Casey Becker sets the tone for the entire film through her suspenseful phone interaction with the masked killer. Although Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott ultimately embodies the role of the final girl, Barrymore’s unforgettable performance demonstrates Scream’s self-awareness of horror tropes, blending genuine tension with clever satire.
By taking on such a high-stakes role early on, Barrymore established herself as a talented actress capable of tackling more serious genres, especially given the shocking violence that concludes her scene.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Scream (1996) |
77% |
80% |
7 Jacob Tremblay – Doctor Sleep (2019)
As Bradley Trevor
In Doctor Sleep, Ewan McGregor portrays Dan Torrance, the adult version of the young boy from The Shining, who grapples with memories of his traumatic past. He encounters Abra, a powerful young girl with psychic abilities, as he investigates a cult that preys on those like them.
Jacob Tremblay’s role as Bradley is minimal yet profoundly tragic; through Abra’s visions, she witnesses his cruel death at the hands of the cult. Though short, this role adds significant depth to Tremblay’s career within such an iconic franchise, continuing the legacy established by Kubrick’s original film.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Doctor Sleep (2019) |
78% |
89% |
6 Tony Todd – Final Destination (2000)
As William Bludworth
The inaugural Final Destination film hit theaters in 2000, creating a gripping narrative centered around the inexorable concept of destiny. As the storyline unfolds, the audience learns that death will ultimately reclaim those who narrowly escape its grasp. Tony Todd portrays William Bludworth, a mortician who explains to the characters the dire reality of their situation following the film’s first fatal incident.
With his chilling presence, Bludworth lays down the rules of mortality within the franchise. His grave demeanor serves not only as exposition but becomes a symbolic representation of death itself, encouraging characters like Alex (Devon Sawa) to grapple with their fate.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Final Destination (2000) |
36% |
68% |
5 Greg Wood – The Sixth Sense (1999)
As Mr. Collins
The renowned ghost story, The Sixth Sense, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, features a compelling performance by Haley Joel Osment as Cole, alongside Bruce Willis as Malcolm. Within this haunting narrative, Cole reveals to Malcolm that he can see the dead. Mr. Collins emerges as a key character, the grief-stricken father of a young ghost who Cole must help.
Greg Wood brings profound emotional weight to Mr. Collins, managing to convey the complexity of loss and sorrow in a brief but powerful performance that is integral to Cole’s arc of acceptance and purpose.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Sixth Sense (1999) |
86% |
90% |
4 Oliver Smith – Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988)
As Mr. Browning
Body horror enthusiasts will appreciate Oliver Smith’s fleeting yet impactful performance in Hellbound: Hellraiser II, the sequel to the original cult classic. While the first film captivated audiences with its groundbreaking themes, the sequel continued the exploration of the eerie world of the Cenobites.
Smith’s character, Mr. Browning, is drawn into the dark realm of the Cenobites by a doctor obsessed with them. In a harrowing scene, he is compelled to inflict self-harm to summon these grotesque figures, highlighting the lengths to which individuals might go to satisfy their obsessions. Smith’s fearless portrayal makes a lasting impression, revealing the disturbing world of desire and consequences.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988) |
52% |
59% |
3 Bjork – The Northman (2022)
As The Seeress
In the darkly engrossing film The Northman by Robert Eggers, Alexander Skarsgård stars as Amleth, who embarks on a riveting quest for vengeance against his uncle. Importantly, when Amleth encounters an ancient Seeress played by Bjork, the narrative pivots towards destiny and prophecy, crucial elements of the film.
Bjork’s unconventional casting as the Seeress reinforces her status as a boundary-breaking artist, adept at infusing her role with ethereal energy that draws upon the film’s roots in Norse mythology.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Northman (2022) |
90% |
64% |
2 Peter Stormare – Constantine (2005)
As Lucifer
In Constantine, Keanu Reeves delivers a captivating performance as John Constantine, a character endowed with the ability to perceive the line between angels and demons. Throughout the film, the specter of his soul being condemned to hell looms large, particularly with the anticipated arrival of Lucifer, played by Peter Stormare.
Stormare’s grand entrance, clad in a stark white suit, showcases his imposing presence as he confronts Constantine in a high-stakes showdown. Their dynamic is underlined by a tense chemistry that drives the climactic conclusion of the film. With rumors of Constantine 2 in the pipeline, fans are eager to see Stormare reprise his role.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Constantine (2005) |
46% |
72% |
1 Caitlin Stasey – Smile (2022)
As Laura Weaver
The release of Smile in 2022 marked a significant moment in the realm of psychological horror films. Caitlin Stasey reprises her role from the director’s earlier short film, Laura Hasn’t Slept, launching the plot that intertwines with the protagonist Rose (Sosie Bacon).
While Stasey’s role is brief, her character’s chilling interaction with Rose serves as a vital plot point that influences the story’s trajectory. Upon rewatching, audiences will appreciate the foreshadowing embedded in Stasey’s performance, underscoring her character’s crucial explanation of the film’s curse.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Smile (2022) |
79% |
78% |
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