Top 30 Underrated Actors
November 3rd 2009 00:47
Katie, don't look at this until we share!
Top 30 Underrated Actors
30. Billy Crudup
Seen him in: Sleepers, Everyone Says I Love You, Inventing the Abbots, Without Limits, Almost Famous, Big Fish, Stage Beauty, Mission Impossible III, The Good Shepherd, Watchmen
Why he's underrated: Has turned out some pretty great performances, yet doesn't seem to get the recognition he should. Should have been nominated for Oscars for Almost Famous and Stage Beauty.
29. Matt Dillon
Seen him in: Over the Edge, My Bodyguard, The Outsiders, The Big Town, The Flamingo Kid, Drugstore Cowboy, Singles, Mr. Woderful, To Die For, Beautiful Girls, Grace of My Heart, In & Out, Wild Things, There's Something About Mary, Crash
Why he's underrated: Doesn't seem to be taken as seriously as he should. Amazing in Drugstore Cowboy and In & Out.
28. Edward Furlong
Seen him in: Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Brainscan, Little Odessa, The Grass Harp, Before and After, Pecker, American History X
Why he's underrated: Was rather big back in the 90's and turned out some pretty good performances. Wasn't really heard of much for a while but will soon be in quite a few things. Of course, he's also going through serious personal issues so..
27. Jared Leto
Seen him in: "My So-Called Life", How to Make an American Quilt, Prefontaine, Urban Legend, Fight Club, Girl Interrupted, American Psycho, Requiem for a Dream, Panic Room, Alexander, Chapter 27
Why he's underrated: Seems to be considered more of a pretty face than a talented actor. And he is talented
26. Vincent Karthesier
Seen him in: Untamed Heart, Little Big League, The Indian in the Cupboard, Alaska, Another Day in Paradise, "Angel", Dandelion, Alpha Dog, Slag Heap (off-off-broadway play)
Why he's underrated: Great performances in Dandelion and "Angel". Never really became a big star like he could have. However, he's currently in Mad Men and I imagine is getting some acclaim.
25. Carlos Bernard
Seen him in: "24"
Why he's underrated: Never really got the acclaim he should have for his portrayal on 24. It would be wonderful to see him get some lead roles in some films, if not on a different TV show. Sadly is in danger of unable to shed the whole 'famous for playing one character' stigma.
24. Jensen Ackles
Seen him in: "Dawson's Creek", My Bloody Valentine, "Supernatural"
Why he's underrated: Like Carlos Bernard, is not getting the recognition for an incredible tv performance. Also in danger of being typecast as one character. Hopefully, when Supernatural ends, he can transend into mainstream series films or get another lead series role. It will be a shame if he can't make the transition.
23. Matthew Fox
Seen him in: "Party of Five", "Lost"
Why he's underrated: Has given great performances on TV yet doesn't get the recognition he should. Has recently attempted to make the transition to film.
22. Ethan Hawke
Seen him in: Explorers, Dead Poets Society, Dad, White Fang, Mystery Date, A Midnight clear, Waterland, Alive, Rich in Love, Floundering, Reality Bites, Quiz Show, Before Sunrise, Search and Destroy, Gattaca, Great Expectations, The Velocity of Gary, Waking Life, Tape, Training Day, Before Sunset, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
Why he's underrated: Another great actor that doesn't get the serious attention or credibility he deserves. Should have a few oscar nominations already.
21. Eric Stoltz
Seen him in: The Grass is Always Greener over the Septic Tank, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Wild Life, Mask, Some Kind of Wonderful, Say Anything..., Memphis Belle, The Waterdance, Singles, Bodies Rest and Motion, Naked in New York, Pulp Fiction, Killing Zoe, Sleep with Me, Little Women, Rob Roy, The Prophecy, Kicking and Screaming, Don't Look Back, Grace of My Heart, 2 Days in the Valley, Jerry Maguire, Keys to Tulsa, Anaconda, Mr. Jealousy, "Mad About You", Hi-Life, Highball, The Rules of Attraction
Why he's underrated: Popular more in the indie film community. Certainly can carry a film, should be getting more serious leading man roles nowadays as he certainly has the acting chops.
20. Matt Keeslar
Seen him in: Renaissance Man, Quiz Show, Safe Passage, The Run of the Country, Waiting for Guffman, The Last Days of Disco, Splendor, Psycho Beach Party, Urbania, one episode of "Dollhouse"
Why he's underrated: Very good actor that has mostly been in indie films. Was nice to see him recently in"Dollhouse". Should be getting more film roles
19. Balthazar Getty
Seen him in: Lord of the Flies, Young Guns II, December, Where the Day Takes You, Don't Do It, Natural Born Killers, White Squall, Lost Highway
Why he's underrated: Has a lot of talent, never really got the mainstream success though
18. Mackenzie Astin
Seen him in: "The Facts of Life", Iron Will, Wyatt Earp, Dream for an Insomniac, The Evening Star, In Love and War, The Last Days of Disco, Stranger than Fiction, one episode of "Lost"
Why he's underrated: Never realy got leading roles like he could have. Was great in Dream for an Insomniac in the lead.. should have at least gotten some meaty roles in indie films that were talked about.
17. Reed Diamond
Seen him in: Memphis Belle, Clear and Present Danger, "Homicide: Life on the Street", Homicide: The Movie, Spider-man 2, Good Night and Good Luck, "Dollhouse"
Why he's underrated: Great actor, known mostly for his great work as Mike Kellerman on Homicide. Was wonderful to see him in Dollhouse recently. Hopefully he can get cast in another depth filled role on tv
16. Kyle Secor
Seen him in: City Slickers, Untamed Heart, Homicide: Life on the Street, "Party of Five", Homicide: The Movie
Why he's underrated: Like Reed Diamond, never really became more successful than their Homicide character. Kyle's a great actor and could easily be starring in a TV show rather than doing some arcs or guest spots here and there.
15. Josh Charles
Seen him in: Dead Poets Society, Don't Tell Mom the Babysitters Dead, Crossing the Bridge, Threesome, Things to Do in Denver While You're Dead, Pie in the Sky, Norma Jean & Marilyn, Muppets in Space, "Sports Night"
Why he's underrated: Incredbile in "Sports Night", never seemed to find the next steady project, unlike Peter Krause. Apparently now on "The Good Wife", let's hope he can a leading role on a really good TV show, or at least some supporting, if not leading, film roles.
14. Bradley Whitford
Seen him in: Young Guns II, Awakenings, Scent of a Woman, My Life, A Perfect World, The Client, one episode of "The X-files", Billy Madison, two episodes of "ER", "The West Wing", "Studio 60 on Sunset Strip"
Why he's underrated: Another actor mostly known for TV that should be getting more work. Also gave us one of the greatest TV performances of all time on The West Wing and never got enough credit for that. Will be in Cabin in the Woods which is rather exciting. Here's hoping he can get on another hit show.
13. Josh Hamilton
Seen him in: Alive, With Honors, Kicking and Screaming, Don't Look Back, The House of Yes, The 60's, Urbania, one episode of "Sex and the City", The Bourne Idenity, Proof (broadway play)
Why he's underrated: Should be getting good roles in indie films, like a Snow Angels type of thing. He's incredible.
12. Sam Rockwell
Seen him in: Last Exit to Brooklyn, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, In the Soup, Glory Daze, Drunks, Basquiat, Box of Moon Light, Lawn Dogs, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Galaxy Quest, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Snow Angels, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Frost/Nixon, Moon
Why he's underrated: Although considered one of the most talented actors working today and widely recognized by his peers and critics, he still isn't a household name nor does he have an oscar nomination/win on his resume. How is that possible?
11. 9. Brendan Sexton III
Seen him in: Welcome to the Dollhouse, Empire Records, Pecker, Boys Don't Cry, Black Hawk Down
Why he's underrated: good actor, not classically good looking, which is probably why he didn't get any roles in mainstream hollywood back in the 90s. Still working in small films, will soon be in Everybody's Fine in the role of 'young man'...
10. Rupert Graves
Seen him in: A Room with a View, Maurice, Where Angels Fear to Tread, Damage, Different for Girls, Bent, Mrs. Dalloway, V for Vendetta
Why he's underrated: What a perfect period actor. Should be used more nowadays, should have gotten more critical acclaim at the height of his career too.
9. James Duval
Seen him in: Totally Fucked Up, The Doom Generation, Independence Day, Nowhere, Go, Donnie Darko
Why he's underrated: Could have become more of an indie sensation. Known in small circles but never got wide public or critical success.
8. Christopher Eigeman
Seen him in: Metropolitan, Barcelona, Kicking and Screaming, Mr. Jealousy, Last Days of Disco, "It's Like You Know", Highball, one episode of "Fringe"
Why he's underrated: Known in the indie circles but even in those, should have been more popular. He's hilarious and so good. Wish he could get more steady work.
7. James Le Gros
Seen him in: *batteries not included, drugstore cowboy, born on the forth of july, point break, the rapture, where the day takes you, nervous ticks, gun crazy, my new gun, singles, floundering, bad girls, don't do it, Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle, living in oblivion, destiny turns on the radio, panther, Boys, the low life, infinity, wishful thinking, 1 episode of "Friends", psycho, "Ally McBeal", Zodiac, the myth of the fingerprints
Why he's underrated: One of the staples of indie cinema. Wish he'd either get more recognition for what he does do or some mainstream work.
6. Jeremy Davies
Seen him in: Guncrazy, Spanking the Monkey, Nell, Twister, Going all the Way, The Locusts, Saving Private Ryan,
Why he's underrated: Again, one of the most talented actors working today. Deserves more credit
5. James Franco
Seen him in: Freaks and Geeks", Spider-man, City by the Sea, Spider-man 2, Spider-man 3, Pineapple Express, Milk
Why he's underrated: Finally proving himself to be a seriously great actor but it seems like it's still an uphill battle. Should have been nominated for an Academy Award for Milk or even pineapple express.
4. Nick Stahl
Seen him in: Man without a Face, Safe Passage, Disturbing Behavior, In the Bedroom, Bully, Twist, "Carnivale", Sin City
Why he's underrated: Great actor who never got the hollywood heartthrob treatment, which is basically good as it allowed him to plan unconventional roles. Has proven he can be the lead in a TV series as well as deliver on the big screen. Has quite a number of films coming up which is rather exciting.
3. Michael Rosenbaum
Seen him in: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Urban Legend, Sorority Boys, Poolhall Junkies, Bringing Down the House, "Smallville"
Why he's underrated: Incredible performances on Smallville should have garnered him a couple of Emmy nominations. Hopefully he can transition smoothly to film after such a popular role.
2. Ben Foster
Seen him in: two episodes of "Freaks and Geeks", Big Trouble, "Six Feet Under", Alpha Dog, X-men: The Last Stand, 3:10 to Yuma, 30 Days of Night
Why he's underrated: Should have at least two Oscar nominations by now. One of the most talented actors working right now. I have no doubt he'll flourish in films big and small. Hope he starts getting all the success and notices he deserves soon.
1. Josh Hartnett
Seen him in: The Faculty, The Virgin Suicides, Blow Dry, Pearl Harbor, O, Black Hawk Down, 40 Days and 40 Nights, Hollywood Homicide, Wicker Park, Sin City, Lucky Number Slevin, The Black Dahlia, 30 Days of Night, August
Why he's underrated: This guy has turned in so many strong performances. Unfortunately, most of them have been in mediocre films. Therefore, he's usually overshadowed by a bad film. One of these days he'll be cast in a lead role in a film that will garner critical acclaim for both. I wish he was taken more seriously.
Top 30 Underrated Actors
30. Billy Crudup
Seen him in: Sleepers, Everyone Says I Love You, Inventing the Abbots, Without Limits, Almost Famous, Big Fish, Stage Beauty, Mission Impossible III, The Good Shepherd, Watchmen
Why he's underrated: Has turned out some pretty great performances, yet doesn't seem to get the recognition he should. Should have been nominated for Oscars for Almost Famous and Stage Beauty.
29. Matt Dillon
Seen him in: Over the Edge, My Bodyguard, The Outsiders, The Big Town, The Flamingo Kid, Drugstore Cowboy, Singles, Mr. Woderful, To Die For, Beautiful Girls, Grace of My Heart, In & Out, Wild Things, There's Something About Mary, Crash
Why he's underrated: Doesn't seem to be taken as seriously as he should. Amazing in Drugstore Cowboy and In & Out.
28. Edward Furlong
Seen him in: Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Brainscan, Little Odessa, The Grass Harp, Before and After, Pecker, American History X
Why he's underrated: Was rather big back in the 90's and turned out some pretty good performances. Wasn't really heard of much for a while but will soon be in quite a few things. Of course, he's also going through serious personal issues so..
27. Jared Leto
Seen him in: "My So-Called Life", How to Make an American Quilt, Prefontaine, Urban Legend, Fight Club, Girl Interrupted, American Psycho, Requiem for a Dream, Panic Room, Alexander, Chapter 27
Why he's underrated: Seems to be considered more of a pretty face than a talented actor. And he is talented
26. Vincent Karthesier
Seen him in: Untamed Heart, Little Big League, The Indian in the Cupboard, Alaska, Another Day in Paradise, "Angel", Dandelion, Alpha Dog, Slag Heap (off-off-broadway play)
Why he's underrated: Great performances in Dandelion and "Angel". Never really became a big star like he could have. However, he's currently in Mad Men and I imagine is getting some acclaim.
25. Carlos Bernard
Seen him in: "24"
Why he's underrated: Never really got the acclaim he should have for his portrayal on 24. It would be wonderful to see him get some lead roles in some films, if not on a different TV show. Sadly is in danger of unable to shed the whole 'famous for playing one character' stigma.
24. Jensen Ackles
Seen him in: "Dawson's Creek", My Bloody Valentine, "Supernatural"
Why he's underrated: Like Carlos Bernard, is not getting the recognition for an incredible tv performance. Also in danger of being typecast as one character. Hopefully, when Supernatural ends, he can transend into mainstream series films or get another lead series role. It will be a shame if he can't make the transition.
23. Matthew Fox
Seen him in: "Party of Five", "Lost"
Why he's underrated: Has given great performances on TV yet doesn't get the recognition he should. Has recently attempted to make the transition to film.
22. Ethan Hawke
Seen him in: Explorers, Dead Poets Society, Dad, White Fang, Mystery Date, A Midnight clear, Waterland, Alive, Rich in Love, Floundering, Reality Bites, Quiz Show, Before Sunrise, Search and Destroy, Gattaca, Great Expectations, The Velocity of Gary, Waking Life, Tape, Training Day, Before Sunset, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
Why he's underrated: Another great actor that doesn't get the serious attention or credibility he deserves. Should have a few oscar nominations already.
21. Eric Stoltz
Seen him in: The Grass is Always Greener over the Septic Tank, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Wild Life, Mask, Some Kind of Wonderful, Say Anything..., Memphis Belle, The Waterdance, Singles, Bodies Rest and Motion, Naked in New York, Pulp Fiction, Killing Zoe, Sleep with Me, Little Women, Rob Roy, The Prophecy, Kicking and Screaming, Don't Look Back, Grace of My Heart, 2 Days in the Valley, Jerry Maguire, Keys to Tulsa, Anaconda, Mr. Jealousy, "Mad About You", Hi-Life, Highball, The Rules of Attraction
Why he's underrated: Popular more in the indie film community. Certainly can carry a film, should be getting more serious leading man roles nowadays as he certainly has the acting chops.
20. Matt Keeslar
Seen him in: Renaissance Man, Quiz Show, Safe Passage, The Run of the Country, Waiting for Guffman, The Last Days of Disco, Splendor, Psycho Beach Party, Urbania, one episode of "Dollhouse"
Why he's underrated: Very good actor that has mostly been in indie films. Was nice to see him recently in"Dollhouse". Should be getting more film roles
19. Balthazar Getty
Seen him in: Lord of the Flies, Young Guns II, December, Where the Day Takes You, Don't Do It, Natural Born Killers, White Squall, Lost Highway
Why he's underrated: Has a lot of talent, never really got the mainstream success though
18. Mackenzie Astin
Seen him in: "The Facts of Life", Iron Will, Wyatt Earp, Dream for an Insomniac, The Evening Star, In Love and War, The Last Days of Disco, Stranger than Fiction, one episode of "Lost"
Why he's underrated: Never realy got leading roles like he could have. Was great in Dream for an Insomniac in the lead.. should have at least gotten some meaty roles in indie films that were talked about.
17. Reed Diamond
Seen him in: Memphis Belle, Clear and Present Danger, "Homicide: Life on the Street", Homicide: The Movie, Spider-man 2, Good Night and Good Luck, "Dollhouse"
Why he's underrated: Great actor, known mostly for his great work as Mike Kellerman on Homicide. Was wonderful to see him in Dollhouse recently. Hopefully he can get cast in another depth filled role on tv
16. Kyle Secor
Seen him in: City Slickers, Untamed Heart, Homicide: Life on the Street, "Party of Five", Homicide: The Movie
Why he's underrated: Like Reed Diamond, never really became more successful than their Homicide character. Kyle's a great actor and could easily be starring in a TV show rather than doing some arcs or guest spots here and there.
15. Josh Charles
Seen him in: Dead Poets Society, Don't Tell Mom the Babysitters Dead, Crossing the Bridge, Threesome, Things to Do in Denver While You're Dead, Pie in the Sky, Norma Jean & Marilyn, Muppets in Space, "Sports Night"
Why he's underrated: Incredbile in "Sports Night", never seemed to find the next steady project, unlike Peter Krause. Apparently now on "The Good Wife", let's hope he can a leading role on a really good TV show, or at least some supporting, if not leading, film roles.
14. Bradley Whitford
Seen him in: Young Guns II, Awakenings, Scent of a Woman, My Life, A Perfect World, The Client, one episode of "The X-files", Billy Madison, two episodes of "ER", "The West Wing", "Studio 60 on Sunset Strip"
Why he's underrated: Another actor mostly known for TV that should be getting more work. Also gave us one of the greatest TV performances of all time on The West Wing and never got enough credit for that. Will be in Cabin in the Woods which is rather exciting. Here's hoping he can get on another hit show.
13. Josh Hamilton
Seen him in: Alive, With Honors, Kicking and Screaming, Don't Look Back, The House of Yes, The 60's, Urbania, one episode of "Sex and the City", The Bourne Idenity, Proof (broadway play)
Why he's underrated: Should be getting good roles in indie films, like a Snow Angels type of thing. He's incredible.
12. Sam Rockwell
Seen him in: Last Exit to Brooklyn, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, In the Soup, Glory Daze, Drunks, Basquiat, Box of Moon Light, Lawn Dogs, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Galaxy Quest, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Snow Angels, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Frost/Nixon, Moon
Why he's underrated: Although considered one of the most talented actors working today and widely recognized by his peers and critics, he still isn't a household name nor does he have an oscar nomination/win on his resume. How is that possible?
11. 9. Brendan Sexton III
Seen him in: Welcome to the Dollhouse, Empire Records, Pecker, Boys Don't Cry, Black Hawk Down
Why he's underrated: good actor, not classically good looking, which is probably why he didn't get any roles in mainstream hollywood back in the 90s. Still working in small films, will soon be in Everybody's Fine in the role of 'young man'...
10. Rupert Graves
Seen him in: A Room with a View, Maurice, Where Angels Fear to Tread, Damage, Different for Girls, Bent, Mrs. Dalloway, V for Vendetta
Why he's underrated: What a perfect period actor. Should be used more nowadays, should have gotten more critical acclaim at the height of his career too.
9. James Duval
Seen him in: Totally Fucked Up, The Doom Generation, Independence Day, Nowhere, Go, Donnie Darko
Why he's underrated: Could have become more of an indie sensation. Known in small circles but never got wide public or critical success.
8. Christopher Eigeman
Seen him in: Metropolitan, Barcelona, Kicking and Screaming, Mr. Jealousy, Last Days of Disco, "It's Like You Know", Highball, one episode of "Fringe"
Why he's underrated: Known in the indie circles but even in those, should have been more popular. He's hilarious and so good. Wish he could get more steady work.
7. James Le Gros
Seen him in: *batteries not included, drugstore cowboy, born on the forth of july, point break, the rapture, where the day takes you, nervous ticks, gun crazy, my new gun, singles, floundering, bad girls, don't do it, Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle, living in oblivion, destiny turns on the radio, panther, Boys, the low life, infinity, wishful thinking, 1 episode of "Friends", psycho, "Ally McBeal", Zodiac, the myth of the fingerprints
Why he's underrated: One of the staples of indie cinema. Wish he'd either get more recognition for what he does do or some mainstream work.
6. Jeremy Davies
Seen him in: Guncrazy, Spanking the Monkey, Nell, Twister, Going all the Way, The Locusts, Saving Private Ryan,
Why he's underrated: Again, one of the most talented actors working today. Deserves more credit
5. James Franco
Seen him in: Freaks and Geeks", Spider-man, City by the Sea, Spider-man 2, Spider-man 3, Pineapple Express, Milk
Why he's underrated: Finally proving himself to be a seriously great actor but it seems like it's still an uphill battle. Should have been nominated for an Academy Award for Milk or even pineapple express.
4. Nick Stahl
Seen him in: Man without a Face, Safe Passage, Disturbing Behavior, In the Bedroom, Bully, Twist, "Carnivale", Sin City
Why he's underrated: Great actor who never got the hollywood heartthrob treatment, which is basically good as it allowed him to plan unconventional roles. Has proven he can be the lead in a TV series as well as deliver on the big screen. Has quite a number of films coming up which is rather exciting.
3. Michael Rosenbaum
Seen him in: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Urban Legend, Sorority Boys, Poolhall Junkies, Bringing Down the House, "Smallville"
Why he's underrated: Incredible performances on Smallville should have garnered him a couple of Emmy nominations. Hopefully he can transition smoothly to film after such a popular role.
2. Ben Foster
Seen him in: two episodes of "Freaks and Geeks", Big Trouble, "Six Feet Under", Alpha Dog, X-men: The Last Stand, 3:10 to Yuma, 30 Days of Night
Why he's underrated: Should have at least two Oscar nominations by now. One of the most talented actors working right now. I have no doubt he'll flourish in films big and small. Hope he starts getting all the success and notices he deserves soon.
1. Josh Hartnett
Seen him in: The Faculty, The Virgin Suicides, Blow Dry, Pearl Harbor, O, Black Hawk Down, 40 Days and 40 Nights, Hollywood Homicide, Wicker Park, Sin City, Lucky Number Slevin, The Black Dahlia, 30 Days of Night, August
Why he's underrated: This guy has turned in so many strong performances. Unfortunately, most of them have been in mediocre films. Therefore, he's usually overshadowed by a bad film. One of these days he'll be cast in a lead role in a film that will garner critical acclaim for both. I wish he was taken more seriously.
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Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
I'm unfamiliar with quite a few of the ones you've mentioned. I have a small list of favourite actors. I keep coming back to them; their choice of movies, the way when they're on screen, regardless of how important their character is, you just can't help but watch them.
1. Sean Penn
2. Sam Rockwell
3. Christian Bale
4. Jeff Goldblum
5. Christopher Walken
6. Jared Leto
7. Gael Garcia Bernal
8. Javier Bardem
9. Guy Pearce
10. Michael Shannon
Comment by cinema is truth
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Comment by Morgan Bell
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did you see him more recently in Death At A Funeral? great film, and hes great in it
Comment by Cinema is truth
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Comment by Neil M