A-list actors and actresses do not always get their breakout role in their first project. While some do, others are hidden in projects that may not have made an impression but were something the viewer could have seen as a child before that person became someone to look out for later on. There are many times when people’s current favorite actors were hidden in movies that may have aired on television but did not resonate with the audience, only for the viewers to look back and find their current favorite actor had actually had a supporting or leading role in an old movie they had not watched in years.
Brie Larson had been a hidden gemas a child and teenager, appearing in films such asRight On TrackandHoot, before ultimately becoming a massive success as an adult. Meanwhile, actresses such as America Ferrara and Anne Hathaway had their breakout roles in their earliest projects.
While Chris Evans may be considered a big deal with projects likeCaptain AmericaorKnives Out, only people who truly loved parody films may remember him fromNot Another Teen Movie. While Dylan O’Brien may have risen to fame because ofTeen WolfandThe Maze Runner, it wasThe First Timethat allowed him to show his kind and vulnerable sides early on in a coming-of-age story. Although Anna Kendrick is one of the biggest names in Hollywood today, that was not the case when she was just another one of Kristen Stewart’s classmates in the firstTwilightmovie before she broke out withPitch Perfect.
20Hoot (2006)
Hootportrayed a small group of hopeful teenagers trying to save an owl’s habitat from destruction. The story follows the growing friendship between the main trio, Roy, Beatrice, and Napoleon, as they bond by coming to love nature and fighting against the adults who want to tear down the trees.Hootreceived mostly negative ratings and tended to disappear among the many films that would be released.
Following the film, two of its stars, Brie Larson and Logan Lerman, would go on to star in various films. Larson would go on to make a name for herself in the thrillerRoom, and then take on the role of Carol Danvers inCaptain Marveland other MCU projects. Brie Larson also showed her strengths in Apple TV+‘sLessons in Chemistry, where she played a genuine chemist, Elizabeth Zott, who wanted to make scientific breakthroughs in the 1950s.
Meanwhile, not long after starring inHoot, Logan Lerman would take on the title role inPercy Jackson and the Lightning Thiefand the critically acclaimed film,The Perks of Being a Wallflower. For other eagle-eyed fans, viewers will spot Luke Wilson, who portrays a police officer, and Cody Linley, who would go on to play Jake Ryan in Disney Channel’sHannah Montanasoon after filming this project.
Rent on Apple TV+
19Scott Pilgrim vs The World (2010)
scott pilgrim vs. the world
Scott Pilgrim vs The Worldwas, for a while, a rare example of acomic book movie adaptation done well. Scott Pilgrim is a socially awkward teenager who falls head over heels in love with Ramona. But, things get out of hand for Scott after he realizes he must defeat Ramona’s evil exes in order to date her. The film has become beloved by fans for its comic relief and cooky embracing of its comic book nature.
Scott Pilgrim Is a Host of Fun Cameos
For the most part, Michael Cera is the big draw in this movie. While he may have had his breakout role inSuperbad, Scott Pilgrim tends to be one of the roles he is most remembered for. Otherwise, this film is a stomping ground for future A-list actors in the making, including Anna Kendrick, who plays Scott’s sister, Stacey, Chris Evans, who is briefly in the film as one of Ramona’s exes, Lucas Lee, Brie Larson as “Envy,” Scott’s ex-girlfriend, and Aubrey Plaza, who plays Julie, one of Scott’s friends who hate him. The actors in this movie have gone on to massive success, starring and appearing in projects such asBarbie,Alice, Darling,Ghosted,The Marvels,andParks and Recreation.
Stream on Netflix
18Not Another Teen Movie (2001)
Not Another Teen Movie
Playing off of the success ofShe’s All That,Not Another Teen Movieembraced the overused tropes in many teen movies, making fun of all of them in a film that parodies the characters and storylines that are constantly present and repeated. In this version, Jake tries to take Janey, the least popular girl in school, out to the school dance and make her popular. The film embraced other plots from movies such as10 Things I Hate About You, Cruel Intentions,The Breakfast Club,andPretty In Pink.
Chris Evans and Chyler Leigh Shine in This Comedy Film
Before Chris Evansmade his big stand as Captain Americaor Chyler Leigh became associated with television hits likeGrey’s AnatomyandSupergirl, these two co-starred as love interests in the parody film. For the most part, their careers took different paths, with Chris Evans dominating the box office with his superhero movies while Chyler Leigh attached herself more to television.
Chris Evans has begun taking steps away from his superhero background, starring in movies such asGhosted, where he is the damsel-in-distress rather than the hero. While the performances inNot Another Teen Moviewere praised, the film itself was given negative reviews from critics.
Rent on Apple TV
17She’s The Man (2006)
She’s the Man
Upset by her school cutting the ladies’ soccer team and seeing an opportunity to humiliate her previous coach and ex-boyfriend Justin, Viola jumps at the chance to take on her brother Sebastian’s identity at a new school when he ditches to go travel with his band. But, Viola’s soccer dreams and love life collide when she finds herself falling for Duke, the soccer team captain.
Channing Tatum Played Soccer Before He Danced
She’s The Manalready had an established star in leading actress Amanda Bynes. But, the film’s leading love interest was Channing Tatum, only a few months before his career took off from the release ofStep Up. FromStep UptoMagic Mike,Channing Tatum’s career blew up after 2006.She’s The Mangave a hint at what he would go on to become. Channing Tatum would go from a traditional teen movie love interest into a more comedy-fueled performer, as he would go on to show his range in projects such as21 Jump StreetandThe Lost City.
16The Impossible (2012)
The Impossible
Based on a terrifying true story, a family is ripped apart when a natural disaster creates a massive wave that separates everyone. The film’s main family consists of the parents, Maria and Henry, and their three sons, Lucas, Simon, and Thomas. The film’s main journey finds the family split in two, desperate to reunite, with Maria and Lucas on one adventure, while Henry leads Simon and Thomas on another.
Tom Holland’s Film Debut Is a Massive Success
Tom Holland would grow up to become known for his role as Peter Parker in the MCU’sSpider-Manfilms and the MCU as a whole. But, before he was swinging his way into action, Tom Holland was Lucas,a terrified twelve-year-old boy who had to help take care of his motheruntil he could reunite with his father and younger brothers. Tom Holland’s performance was captivating, showing his star power even at a young age.
Tom Holland’s success has since ranged beyondSpider-ManwithUncharted,Cherry,andThe Crowded Room. He even branched out into voice acting with films such asOnwardandSpies in Disguise.The Impossiblewas given positive reviews from critics and is a beautiful, thrilling, and emotional disaster movie.
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1542 (2013)
The story of Jackie Robinson was always going to be an important one. When telling the story of the first black athlete to play in the major leagues,42worked to show the importance of equality. The film received positive reviews from critics and audiences and featured an extensive cast.
It Was the Breakout Role of a Beloved Avenger
Although Chadwick Boseman’s popularity skyrocketed with his inclusion inCaptain America: Civil Warwhen he was cast as T’Challa, otherwise known as the Black Panther, it was42that put him on the map. Chadwick Boseman gave a beautiful performance as one of the most beloved and remembered baseball players of all time. But, Chadwick Boseman is not the only familiar face in the film.42also featuresGrey’s Anatomystars James Pickens Jr. and T.R. Knight, along with Ryan Merriman and one of Hollywood’s biggest names, Harrison Ford.
Stream on Max
14Remember The Titans (2000)
Remember The Titans
This sports film tackled football, racial equality, and overcoming adversity.Remember The Titansforced a group of high school players to work together and learn to be a team and even friends after they are merged together to create one united front.
Ryan Gosling Was a Team Player
Only a few years before Ryan Gosling would win the hearts of people all around the world with his romantic leading role inThe Notebook,he would be one of the many team members inRemember The Titans. While he was not necessarily the leading man of the film, his role portrayed him as not exactly being the best football player, but to still be one of the beating hearts of the team. While he may be easily skipped over in this role, it was hard to ignore him in the success that followed in anything fromDrivetoLa La LandtoBarbie.
Stream on Disney+
13Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
Bridge to Terabithia
Jess is an outsider at home and at school. But, when Leslie moves to town, maybe he is not so alone anymore. The duo sparks a friendship due to their mutual bullying and finds a sense of home and camaraderie within their relationship. As neither has a home life they truly love, they become each other’s family, and quickly declare their home to be the mythical, enchanting world of Terabithia that they create in a random spot in the woods.
Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, and Bailee Madison Are Breakout Performers
Bridge To Terabithiais beautifully written and cast. But, this movie would not be what it was without the heart-wrenching performances of Josh Hutcherson as Jess, AnnaSophia Robb as Leslie, and Bailee Madison as May Belle. While this movie may have gotten their names out there, it wasThe Hunger Gamesthat boosted Josh Hutcherson into further stardom due to his role as Peeta Mellark. His leading role inFive Nights At Freddy’scontinued to push him forward into success.
Meanwhile, followingBridge To Terabithia’ssuccess, AnnaSophia Robb gave a thrilling performance as Bethany Hamilton inSoul Surfer, a film based on a true story, and took on the part of Carrie Bradshaw inThe Carrie Diaries, a prequel spinoff toSex and the City. Bailee Madison would find more success inJust Go With It, a leading role inThe Good Witch, and a leading role inPretty Little Liars: Original Sin.
12Twilight (2008)
TheTwilightfranchise followed a subdued Bella Swan, having just moved to Forks. She has an estranged relationship with her father but lives in a town where everyone remembers her as a child. But, once she realizes that her new crush, Edward, is a vampire and her old childhood friend, Jacob, is a werewolf, Bella’s life gets taken for a wild ride.
This Film Hides a Future Box Office Sensation
Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattison, and Taylor Lautner were the faces of this franchise, and as the three main leads, they should have been. But, if you look closer, you will find Anna Kendrick is in this movie as well as Jessica, one of the first friends that Bella makes at school. Anna Kendrick’s role is fairly small in comparison to the length of the saga’s five films. Anna Kendrick appeared in nearly everyTwilightfilm. She would go on to get a popularity boost from playingPitch Perfect’sleading role, Beca Mitchell. Her success in Hollywood only grew from there in projects such asInto The Woods, Up In The Air, Alice, Darling,andTrolls.
11Speak (2004)
14-year-old Melinda is just starting out her freshman year of high school, and things have already fallen apart. Her friends have all separated into their own groups, leaving their initial friendship in the dust. Besides, seeing as Melinda had already made a bad impression on her friends and classmates by calling in a party to the police, she was already feeling as lonely as ever. It certainly does not help that Melinda had not found a way to reveal that she had been raped at the party by an upper-class student.
Kristen Stewart Proves She Is More Than Bella Swan
Due to Bella Swan being known for her particularly dull personality, it did not matter how well Kristen Stewart played the character, she was given a rough reputation by fans in the midst of a war on questioningTwilight’squality. Ultimately, though, Kristen Stewart’s variety of other roles she portrayed afterward proved her charisma and personality very much existed, such as her roles inCharlie’s AngelsandSnow White and the Huntsman. Even her role inZathura: A Space Adventuregave hints to her comical range. However, inSpeak, Kristen Stewart offers a sense of young vulnerability that allows the audience to fully grasp the frustration and scary changes that come with growing up, as well as the devastation that comes with traumatic experiences.
