10 Movie Scenes That Defined An Actor’s Entire Career

Several incredible actors are so well-known because one scene defined their entire careers. These scenes are iconic and often groundbreaking, with excellent writing and comedy found in both the scripts and the actors’ performances. This has also led to these moments being important parts of some of the best movies of all time, a tribute to and summarization of the talents of everyone involved.

Previously, horror films were often recognized for their dynamic single-scene performances, with actors creating some of the greatest single-scene horror scenes of all time. However, there are certain scenes that created lightning in a bottle for a variety of different genres, including comedy. Some of the best comedy movies know when to hold their jokes, only making the payoff of these scenes much more impactful for viewers and actors alike.

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10

Terry Crews – “A Thousand Miles”

White Chicks (2004)

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Nowadays, Terry Crews is beloved by countless viewers for his lovable personality, often portraying men who have a softer side despite being so large. However, before his appearance in the comedy film White Chicks, Crews was relatively unknown by wider audiences. It was only after playing the character of Latrell Spencer that he exploded in popularity as an actor.

White Chicks was generally not considered a good movie by critics, with 15% on Rotten Tomatoes, and even winning a Razzie for Worst Picture.

Throughout the film, Crews as Latrell is consistently vying for the attention of Tiffany, who Latrell does not know is actually the main character Marcus in disguise. This all culminates in a scene where Crews sings the entirety of the song “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton. His enthusiastic rendition of the song went down in movie history, making it one of the most iconic comedy scenes of all time and launching Crews’ career.

9

Judy Garland – “We’re Not In Kansas Anymore”

The Wizard Of Oz (1939)

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The Wizard of Oz is an iconic part of American media history, and the same can be said for its lead actress, Judy Garland. Playing the role of Dorothy, she would eventually go on to become one of the most well-known actresses and singers of all time. This all kicked off with the role of Dorothy, a character who sees countless iconic moments that have been referenced and retread time and time again across all sorts of movies and shows.

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One of the most famous moments for her occurs right at the start of the movie when Dorothy lands in Oz. Here, speaking to her dog Toto, she says the famous line: “I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” This moment became so famous that not only has the scene followed Garland’s career, but the phrase also integrated its way into the American lexicon as a commonly used saying.

8

Mandy Patinkin – “My Name Is Inigo Montoya”

The Princess Bride (1987)

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One of the greatest comedy and adventure films of all time, The Princess Bride follows one man’s quest to save his true love Princess Buttercup from being married off to the evil Prince Humperdinck. The Princess Bride is equal parts soft romance, electric comedy, and engaging action film. Much of the sword-fighting action comes from a character named Inigo Montoya, played to perfection by Mandy Patinkin.

There are several times throughout the film where Inigo Montoya hypothetically introduces himself to the man who killed his father, but none hit as hard as the real thing. When he finally finds the murderer, a six-fingered man named Tyrone Rugen, he repeats the phrase over and over. It is a powerful scene, one that has integrated itself into pop culture so deeply that one likely even knows the phrase without seeing the movie.

7

Jeff Goldblum – “Life Finds A Way”

Jurassic Park (1993)

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When it comes to iconic movie moments, Jurassic Park is absolutely full of them. It seems as though there are recognizable scenes around every corner, each punctuated by a soundtrack that has become instantly recognizable through the love of the original and the series’ various sequels. However, there is no Jurassic Park scene more iconic than Jeff Goldblum’s scene where he says the notorious line: “Life finds a way.“

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Jurassic Park

PG-13

Adventure

Sci-Fi

10/10

29

9.3/10

Release Date

June 11, 1993

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Sometime after this scene, the scientists realize that, despite all the dinosaurs being created to be female, they have found a way to continue propagating life, and this prediction rings true. Dr. Ian Malcolm, played by Goldblum, comments on this while critiquing the fact that this project has even begun at all. It is one of the most famous moments in Goldblum’s impressive career, one with such amazing performances as can be seen in films including The Fly and Independence Day.

6

Christian Bale – “Hip To Be Square”

American Psycho (2000)

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Based on the novel of the same name, American Psycho follows the story of serial killer Patrick Bateman as he struggles to navigate his life as an investment banker alongside his life as a killer. The movie is satirical in nature, denouncing things including consumerism and “yuppie” culture through the character of Bateman. The novel itself is a great exploration of these themes, which were only brought into deeper conversation by the massive popularity of the film.

Christian Bale’s performance as Bateman in American Psycho is the performance that launched his career, as he is downright chilling in the role. This is in no small part due to some of the more ridiculous scenes in the film, the most famous of which involves the band Huey Lewis and the News and a fellow investment banker. Bateman prepares to kill him while ranting about the band, leading to one of the most fundamental scenes in Bale’s career.

5

Julia Roberts – “Big Mistake”

Pretty Woman (1990)

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Julia Roberts has long been known for her roles in romantic comedies, and the best of these films is quite possibly still Pretty Woman. Here, Roberts plays an escort named Vivian who falls in love with one of her wealthy customers. While Roberts was a popular actress before the movie was released, it was this film that really propelled her career into the realm of super-stardom that she is so well-known for today.

The name of the movie Pretty Woman is based on the song “Oh, Pretty Woman,” written by Roy Orbison.

There is a scene in the film where Vivian walks into a high-end store to purchase an outfit and is turned away simply based on her appearance and how she is seen by the people working there. Later, when she has done all her shopping and changed into an expensive outfit, she returns to tell the women working there just how big of a mistake they made. It is a bombshell of a scene, and while simple, it is one of the best in Roberts’ career.

4

Harrison Ford – “I Know”

Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

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Star Wars is possibly the most recognizable series of all time, full of moments that are enshrined in cultural consciousness. From the reveal that Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker’s father to the execution of Order 66, so many people know the ins and outs of Star Wars without ever needing to watch the films. Several of these scenes occur in Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, including a moment where, instead of telling Leia Organa that he loves her back, Han Solo simply says that he knows.

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This moment has followed Harrison Ford throughout his entire career, with the role of Han Solo overshadowing many of his other performances, for better or worse. Even though Ford has played other notable roles, specifically in the Indiana Jones and Blade Runner movies, Han has stuck with him. While Ford notoriously dislikes his role as Han Solo, there is no doubt that his performance has affected many and that this moment in the original trilogy stands out among the rest.

3

Rutger Hauer – “Lost Like Tears In Rain”

Blade Runner (1982)

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While Harrison Ford’s character in Blade Runner is not as inextricably linked to him as Han Solo, there is one Blade Runner actor who brought a historical performance to the table with one simple scene. The late Rutger Hauer played a replicant named Roy Batty in this sci-fi detective film, the very same replicant that Ford’s Rick Deckard follows throughout the movie. While there are incredible performances throughout, the scene before Roy’s death at the end of the film has an emotional impact that cannot be rivaled.

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Blade Runner

R

Drama

Sci-Fi

Thriller

9/10

20

9/10

Release Date

June 25, 1982

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Punctuated by the falling rain around them, Roy gives a passionate speech about the experiences he’s had and the life he’s lived. In a few short sentences, he challenges what it means to be human while saying it will all still be lost “like tears in the rain.” It is a beautiful bit of poetry in a film that challenges viewers’ expectations, making it one of the most well-known moments in Rutger Hauer’s career.

2

Arnold Schwarzenegger – “I’ll Be Back”

The Terminator (1984)

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When it comes to futuristic action movies, The Terminator is one of the first that comes to mind. When an elite force of the machines goes back in time to kill Sarah Connor before her future son can take down Skynet, Sarah and a soldier from the future must survive and fight back against what would otherwise be certain death. Arnold Schwarzenegger plays the titular cybernetic assassin in a recognizable role that he has reprised several times.

At one point in the film, the Terminator is not permitted to enter a police station to kill Sarah. It is then that he utters what would become one of Schwarzenegger’s most iconic lines: “I’ll be back.” This phrase is now so cemented in Schwarzenegger’s career that it has not only appeared in the many films in The Terminator series, but he has also said it in other films, including Twins, Last Action Hero, and Expendables 2.

1

Jack Nicholson – “Here’s Johnny”

The Shining (1980)

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Based on the novel by famed horror author Stephen King, The Shining is a foundational film in the horror movie genre. It follows the story of Jack Torrence, a recovering alcoholic who takes a position at the Overlook Hotel, taking care of the venue over the winter while its doors are closed. Over time, the isolation he and his family face as well as the ghostly presence in the hotel cause Jack to slowly lose his mind.

This all culminates in a tense scene that shows Jack hunting down his wife, taking an axe and chasing her through the hallways of the hotel. When she locks herself away from him, he breaks open the door and sticks his face in the hole left behind, shouting the iconic line “Here’s Johnny!” with a horrifying grin on his face. Not only is this scene compelling for the tension it cultivates, but it went on to be a foundational part of Jack Nicholson’s career, standing out as one of his most groundbreaking deliveries.

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