Let’s face it: Hollywood is woefully weak for British and Irish actors. Either the charm, the classical training, or that irresistibly smooth accent that somehow makes even insults sound stylish—whatever it is, these actors have been taking over our screens—and our hearts—for years now. But when they have to adopt an accent for a role, things can get. Interesting.
Some actors can convincingly pull off stunning transformations, sounding as if they were born and bred halfway around the world. Others? Their work with accents becomes unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. In a bit of fun inspired by the current Irish culture boom and the Brit Boy takeover occurring in pop culture, let’s take a peek at the top 10 best and worst fake accents in film and TV. Because there’s nothing that challenges an actor’s range quite like faking being from a place they are not.
10. Jared Leto’s “Italian” in House of Gucci
Jared Leto became full-method in House of Gucci, but his accent was somewhere between caricature and madness. We got instead of smooth Milanese, something more akin to “cartoon Italian uncle.” It was so exaggerated that the internet couldn’t help but turn it into a meme.
9. Kristen Stewart’s Princess Diana in Spencer
Kristen Stewart was given a tall order to play Princess Diana, and yet she pulled it off as if it were nothing. Her British accent was tasteful, refined, and amazingly authentic—earning plaudits for not even trying too hard. A quiet victory.
8. Cameron Diaz’s Irish accent in Gangs of New York
Cameron Diaz tried her best, but her Irish brogue edged more toward a cereal sponsor than a 19th-century immigrant. It’s a prime example of how finicky the Irish accent can be, even for the most experienced actors.
7. Leonardo DiCaprio’s Rhodesian accent in Blood Diamond
Leo never shies away from challenging roles, and in Blood Diamond, he gave a complex, consistent Rhodesian accent that wowed fans and critics alike. A performance that speaks volumes about just how much preparation he does before taking on his roles.
6. Dick Van Dyke’s Cockney in Mary Poppins
It’s the stuff of legend—and not the good kind. Dick Van Dyke’s Cockney accent is the subject of universal ridicule, even being ridiculed by Van Dyke himself. It’s endearing in its own right, but “authentic” is certainly not the description that comes to mind.
5. Daniel Kaluuya’s Chicago accent in Judas and the Black Messiah
Daniel Kaluuya may be London-born, but you’d never guess it from his performance as Fred Hampton. His Chicago accent was so seamless that many viewers were stunned to learn he wasn’t American. Now that’s acting.
4. Don Cheadle’s Cockney in Ocean’s Eleven
Don Cheadle is a force to be reckoned with on screen, but even he has bad days—like his Cockney accent in Ocean’s Eleven. It was so off that Cheadle himself has made jokes about it. A great performance, but the voice? Not so great.
3. Margot Robbie’s New York grit in Birds of Prey
Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn is a pop culture legend, and accent delivery is a big part of it. Gritty, playful, and 100% authentic, her voice acting brings the character to life.
2. Emma Watson’s Valley Girl in The Bling Ring
Emma Watson’s try at an LA teenager in The Bling Ring came across as more of a British star’s effort to try hard to sound “like, totally American.” It came across as stiff and slightly cringeworthy. Not her finest moment.
1. Renée Zellweger’s British brilliance in Bridget Jones’s Diary
Renée Zellweger raised the bar with her pitch-perfect performance as Bridget Jones. Her British accent was so convincing that many British viewers were surprised to learn she’s American. An all-time great accent performance.
Let’s face it: accents are not a party gimmick—accents are a key part of character development. For Irish and British actors, doing an accent is a matter of pride in Hollywood. And whether it’s a great performance for which the critics sing, or a flop that becomes a cult on the web, we can’t help but be a little fixated. Because when accents are on point, they’re cinematic magic—and when they’re not, well, at least we have something to gossip (and giggle) about.