Grayson West
Ah, the glamorous world of Hollywood! We often forget that even the biggest stars had to start somewhere, often in roles that make us cringe harder than a bad dad joke. Before they graced our screens with their Oscar-winning performances, many popular actors took on roles that were, let’s say, less than stellar. Here are 15 cringeworthy roles played by movie stars before they hit the big time!
Jennifer Aniston in “Leprechaun” (1993)
Prior to her iconic role as Rachel Green in Friends, Jennifer Aniston starred in the horror-comedy Leprechaun as Tory Redding, where she battled a murderous little green guy. Aniston’s acting was filled with the kind of campy charm that only a 90s horror flick could muster. Imagine her convincing audiences that running from a leprechaun was a serious matter.
Johnny Depp in “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984)
In his first film role, Johnny Depp found himself in A Nightmare on Elm Street, where he played Glen, a teenager who meets a rather unfortunate fate at the hands of Freddy Krueger. His performance was a mix of teenage angst and sheer terror.
Kristen Stewart in “The Safety of Objects” (2001)
Long before she was a vampire’s love interest, Kristen Stewart played Sam Jennings, the tomboyish daughter of Glenn Close’s character, Esther. Her character navigates the complexities of adolescence while dealing with the emotional turmoil within her family. This role, while not the central focus, was a stepping stone to her career.
Nicole Kidman in “BMX Bandits” (1983)
This Australian teen adventure film features a young Nicole Kidman sporting a curly red mop of hair and racing BMX bikes. While it’s a fun, family-friendly movie, it’s hard to watch without cringing at the dialogue and special effects. Kidman’s star power was evident even then, but it’s safe to say she’s come a long way.
Tom Hanks in “Mazes and Monsters” (1982)
In this made-for-TV movie, a young Tom Hanks plays a college student who gets way too involved in a Dungeons & Dragons-like game. The film tries to be a cautionary tale about the dangers of fantasy role-playing games, but it ends up being more laughable than anything else. It’s hard to imagine this role led to his multiple Oscar wins.
Leonardo DiCaprio in “Critters 3” (1991)
At the beginning of his career, Leo found himself fending off alien furballs in “Critters 3.” Cast as Josh, the beleaguered stepson of an evil landlord, Leo delivered a performance that, while earnest, couldn’t quite elevate the low-budget horror sequel’s campy premise. Watching a young DiCaprio combat these pint-sized extraterrestrial pests in a rundown apartment building is both endearing and amusing.
Mila Kunis in “That ’70s Show” (1998)
Kunis’s portrayal of Jackie was filled with the kind of over-the-top antics that made audiences laugh. From her relentless obsession with popularity to her tumultuous relationships with the other characters, Jackie was a whirlwind of drama and comedy. Fun fact: At 14, she lied about her age and told the producers she was 18 to get the role.
Matthew McConaughey in “Dazed and Confused” (1993)
In Dazed and Confused, McConaughey’s character was a laid-back stoner who famously said, “Alright, alright, alright.” While this line became iconic, some viewers have said that the rest of his performance was a cringe-fest of awkward teenage antics. After this film, he starred in a series of romantic comedies and dramas, ultimately earning an Academy Award for one of his performances.
Brad Pitt in “Cutting Class” (1989)
This campy high school slasher film stars Brad Pitt as Dwight Ingalls—a rebellious student who becomes involved in gruesome murders. Sporting a mop of ’80s hair and a smug attitude, Pitt’s acting is a mix of over-the-top bravado and earnest charm. Despite the film’s shortcomings, Pitt’s screen presence is undeniable, hinting at the star potential that would eventually lead him to Hollywood royalty.
Ryan Reynolds in “Van Wilder” (2002)
Ryan Reynolds starred as the main lead in Van Wilder, a raunchy comedy about a college student who refuses to graduate. His performance was filled with immature antics that would make you weird out and laugh simultaneously. While it launched his career, it’s a role that might leave you questioning how far he has actually come to be the stardom he is today.
Jennifer Lawrence in “Monk” (2006)
Featured in an episode titled “Mr. Monk and the Game Show,” Lawrence plays a teenage girl named Lara, who is a contestant on a game show. In this episode, Lara’s character becomes involved in the investigation when a game show host is murdered. Although Lawrence’s role was relatively minor, it showed her early acting skills and ability to handle a range of characters.
Renée Zellweger in “Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation” (1994)
In this horror reboot, she played Jenny, a high school senior who encounters the infamous Leatherface and his psychotic family. The film, directed by Kim Henkel, who co-wrote the original “Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” was intended to reinvigorate the franchise. However, it was met with poor reviews and performed poorly at the box office. Zellweger’s performance was a massive disparity from her later critically acclaimed roles.
Chris Hemsworth in “A Perfect Getaway” (2009)
Hemsworth plays Kale, a brooding hitchhiker with a mysterious aura and a penchant for intense staring. His character is part of a couple that the main characters, played by Milla Jovovich and Steve Zahn, suspect might be behind a series of brutal murders in Hawaii. It’s a far cry from his later, more heroic roles, but seeing a pre-Marvel Hemsworth bring a touch of menace to this suspenseful flick is fun.
Ben Affleck in “Dazed and Confused” (1993)
In another entry from Dazed and Confused, Ben Affleck played the quintessential high school bully. His performance was so cringe-worthy that it made you root for the nerds instead! Watching him throw around insults while sporting a questionable hairstyle is a reminder that even the biggest stars had to start somewhere. Thankfully, Affleck has since redeemed himself with more serious roles.
Christina Applegate in “Married… with Children” (1987-1997)
Throughout this sitcom’s run, Christina Applegate played the character of the ditzy Kelly Bundy. While the show was a hit, Applegate’s character often found herself in ridiculous situations that made audiences laugh and cringe at the same time. But hey, it paved the way for her to become a comedy queen.
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