20+ Actors In Iconic Roles That We Believe No One Can Do Better

Some Hollywood stars did their jobs so well that they imprinted their roles forever. A handful of movie and television roles so iconic only be played by those actors. They made us feel as if they were the characters stepping into real life. They crushed these roles so hard that nobody else would be able to live up to them.
Those actors sacrificed plenty to achieve that and even risked their lives. Their portraits of iconic characters became legendary and unforgettable. Moreover, some scenes are even cut out and turned into internet memes that make the roles more specific for the actors.
Which performances are so perfect that no one will ever be to top them? Check out this compilation right away!

#1. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley in Harry Potter

Source: Warner Bros

These three actors were literally born to bring Harry, Hermione, and Ron to life. Not only did they embody their characters individually, but as a group they were unmatched.

#2. Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia in Star Wars

Source: Lucasfilm

Carrie as Leia was one of those who could have inspired an entire generation of girls to be strong independent women.

#3. Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada

Source: 20th Century Fox

Seriously, who could've done this role better? The cold and calm delivery of her one-liners was absolutely iconic. She was so elegant and yet so savage. Meryl really gave the character depth and a lot more personality.

#4. Robin Williams as the Genie in Aladdin

Source: Disney

Will Smith is a great actor, but Robin's performance as the Genie was legendary.

#5. Heath Ledger as the Joker in The Dark Knight

Source: Warner Bros

Heath did such an outstanding job that everyone that portrayed the Joker before and after him doesn't even compare. It's a legendary performance.

#6. Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool in Deadpool

Source: 20th Century Fox

The casting was just way too perfect for it. We can't imagine anyone else in that iconic red suit saying some of the dirtiest jokes ever.

#7. Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man

Source: MCU, Disney

Robert really gave the character of Tony a heart and a compelling story. Fans honestly fell in love with his portrayal and could never imagine someone replacing him.

#8. Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean

Source: Disney

Nobody else could have played the role the way he did. From his mannerisms to the way he talked, he was the perfect Jack Sparrow.

#9. Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games

Source: Lionsgate

Jennifer just did such a wonderful job playing her. Similar to Harry Potter, the casting for this movie was just amazing when it came to bringing the book characters to life.

#10. Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa/Black Panther

Source: MCU, Disney

Chadwick as T'Challa was the perfect fit. It is a pleasure that an entire generation of young black men get to watch him be Black Panther. He's the best role model.

#11. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as Jack Dawson and Rose Dewitt Bukater in Titanic

Source: Paramount Pictures

No one could play Jack and Rose better than Leo and Kate. The way they portrayed the love story was magical and only the two of them could've done it.

#12. Ian McKellan as Gandalf in Lord of the Rings

Source: New Line Cinema

Ian did an amazing job with the role. This role could have quickly gone sour if not for Ian's ability to play the concerned parent, sage counselor, and strict teacher all at once. He did a perfect job balancing the harsh realities Gandalf faced with the humor inside every situation.

#13. Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump in Forrest Gump

Source: Paramount Pictures

No one else could have possibly brought that role to life in the way that Tom did. Tom has given us some monumental performances.

#14. Keira Knightly as Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice

Source: Universal Pictures

She was exactly how Elizabeth Bennet could be pictured. The entire movie adaptation was iconic, but Keira's portrayal was next level.

#15. Tom Hiddleston as Loki/MCU

Source: MCU, Disney

Just the way he portrayed the cunning god of mischief was insanely accurate to the comic books. Tom will always be Loki and no one else could've done it better. A bonus was that Tom had the best chemistry with Chris Hemsworth in every single film.

#16. Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones

Source: Lucasfilm

He’s so deeply connected to that character that it would be impossible for anyone else to fill the fedora.

#17. Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs

Source: Orion Pictures

Foster nailed the emotional vulnerability, ambition, and courage of the character in profound ways. No one will ever be able to compare.

#18. Rowan Atkinson acting as Mr. Bean

Source: ITV

This role was made for him and only for him. It is unimaginable to see other actors being Mr. Bean.

#19. The entire cast of Stranger Things

Source: Netflix

They were young, but they did so well that we just can not think of another version of Stranger Things without their appearances.

#20. The entire cast of the Addams Family Values

Source: Paramount Pictures

What makes that movie great is that every actor absolutely swung for the fences in their roles and nailed it.

#21. Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as Doc Brown/Back to the Future (1985)

Source: Universal Pictures

The cult classic teems with great characters, and to see them portrayed by other actors would feel strange. In particular, Michael J. Fox as Marty and Lloyd as Brown were perfect.

#22. Keanu Reeves as John Wick.

Source: Summit Entertainment

Keanu Reeves' performance as John Wick is by far mesmerizing. His personality, expressions, and dialogues are all brilliant. What sets this apart from his other roles is that this has a unique style to it, the style that only Keanu Reeves can bring.

#23. Bruno Ganz as Adolf Hitler/Downfall 2004

Source: Constantin Film

He is the most convincing screen Hitler yet: an old, bent, sick dictator with the shaking hands of someone with Parkinson's, alternating between rage and despair in his last days in the bunker. The role is as iconic as its memes.
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