Acting can make or break a film or TV show. Some performances stay with us for their brilliance, while others are remembered for their awkwardness or even unintentional comedy. Here’s a look at 15 unforgettable performances, both stellar and cringeworthy, that have left a lasting mark on audiences.
15. Tommy Wiseau – The Room (Bad Acting)
Tommy Wiseau’s portrayal in The Room is infamous for its awkwardness. His line delivery feels unnatural, and emotional moments come across as hollow. That iconic “Oh hi, Mark” line has become a cultural touchstone, illustrating how disconnected acting can still achieve cult status. Despite its flaws, the film endures as a case study in what not to do on screen.
14. Hayden Christensen – Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (Bad Acting)
As Anakin Skywalker, Hayden Christensen struggles to convey genuine emotion. His monotone delivery and limited facial expressions make pivotal moments feel flat, leaving audiences detached from the character’s journey. The performance remains a cautionary example for actors attempting intense, emotional roles.
13. Ryan O’Neal – Tough Guys Don’t Dance (Bad Acting)
O’Neal’s repetitive “Oh God, oh man” scene highlights how monotony can turn drama into comedy. The lack of emotional variation makes the scene unintentionally hilarious, showing how an actor’s tone can make or break a moment.
12. Connie Riet – Troll 2 (Bad Acting)
Connie Riet’s performance in Troll 2 is flat and over-rehearsed, lacking emotional connection. Her lifeless delivery contributes to the film’s so-bad-it’s-good appeal, often used as an example in acting classes of what happens when a performer doesn’t engage with the scene.
11. Sylvester Stallone – Judge Dredd (Bad Acting)
Stallone’s stoic, self-referential performance in Judge Dredd prioritizes persona over character immersion. The disconnect between his lines and actions makes the role feel more like a parody than drama, highlighting the importance of authenticity in acting.
10. Sofia Coppola – The Godfather Part III (Bad Acting)
Coppola’s melodramatic performance struggles to connect with the audience. Moments like her infamous “No!” feel abrupt and unconvincing, demonstrating how miscasting and lack of experience can derail even a major production.
9. Mark Wahlberg & Zooey Deschanel – The Happening (Bad Acting)
In The Happening, Wahlberg and Deschanel’s stiff body language and muted reactions undermine the suspense. The awkward delivery, combined with unclear stakes, has made the film unintentionally funny, cementing its reputation as a performance misstep.
8. Emma Stone – Poor Things (Good Acting)
Emma Stone’s portrayal of Bella Baxter is a masterclass in naturalism. She brings vulnerability and spontaneity to the role, allowing the character to feel fully alive. Her performance earned widespread acclaim and demonstrates the power of authentic, immersive acting.
7. Sandra Hüller – Anatomy of a Fall (Good Acting)
Hüller’s intense, layered performance brings depth to her character’s emotional struggle. Every argument and moment of tension feels grounded and real, showcasing how thorough preparation and empathy can elevate a role.
6. Javier Bardem & Gene Jones – No Country for Old Men (Good Acting)
The coin toss scene between Bardem and Jones is a lesson in tension and subtlety. Their chemistry and timing make an understated scene unforgettable, proving that powerful acting doesn’t always require shouting or dramatic gestures.
5. Mark Rylance – Bridge of Spies (Good Acting)
Rylance’s understated performance creates a relatable, believable character amid high-stakes circumstances. His ability to convey innocence and moral clarity makes the film’s suspense feel organic, illustrating the strength of subtlety in acting.
4. Jennifer Coolidge – The White Lotus (Good Acting)
Coolidge uses her entire body to convey her character’s personality, making even absurd situations feel grounded. Her physicality and commitment to the role turn comedy into authenticity, highlighting the importance of full engagement on screen.
3. Daniel Day-Lewis – Lincoln (Good Acting)
Day-Lewis’s portrayal of Abraham Lincoln is meticulous and transformative. Every gesture, line, and inflection reflects deep research, resulting in a performance that balances leadership, vulnerability, and humanity. It remains one of the most celebrated biographical performances ever.
2. Meryl Streep – Doubt (Good Acting)
Streep’s nuanced portrayal of Sister Aloysius blends authority and vulnerability. Her control of tone, expression, and timing creates tension in every scene, showing how subtle gestures can convey complex emotions.
1. Tommy Wiseau – The Room (Bad Acting, Revisited)
Wiseau’s performance is a timeless example of acting gone wrong. The emotional disconnect, awkward delivery, and bizarre choices make it an enduring cultural phenomenon, proving that even the worst performances can leave a lasting impression.
Whether exemplary or disastrous, these performances remind us that acting is both an art and a craft. The best actors draw audiences into their world with authenticity and nuance, while even the most notorious flops can teach lessons about what to avoid. Studying these moments, good or bad, offers insights for anyone passionate about storytelling on screen.