I don’t know about you but I LOVE CAMEOS. Mainly for a couple of reasons.
For one, a cameo in a film can provide a powerful moment, a meaning that extends beyond the film it resides in or, more often than not, a memorable instant of comic relief. Second, and more importantly, when you see someone big enough to be recognized show up in a film, chances are you’re watching a pretty good flick. Good enough that a notable celebrity would lend their time to be in that film even if just for a moment.
Here are, in my opinion, the Top 10 GREATEST Movie Cameos (in order):
10. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER in THE RUNDOWN.
This cameo lasts a few seconds at best as Arnie walks by The Rock in a club and the two share a knowing look. This happened right before Arnie began his run for Gubernator and retired briefly from film. It was considered by many to be a passing of the torch from one generation of action star to the next and any boy who grew up in the 80′s watching films like T2, Predator and Commando got chills down his spine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7sJ-SsVUf0
9. MATT DAMON & BEN AFFLECK in JAY & SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK.
This cameo makes the list for being funny and because I’m a huge fan of Kevin Smith’s View Askew films. Ben Affleck comes back to help support the man that helped launch his career and brings his buddy Matt Damon with him. It gets bonus points though for: Good Will Hunting 2… HUNTING SEASON!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnZdSqrC1bU
8. BOB SAGET in HALF BAKED.
This cameo just cracks my ass up. I mean, it’s the Dad from Full House for chrissakes. It could easily make my list for Top 10 Movie Quotes Most Often Used in My Everyday Life. If you haven’t seen it, PLEASE, check it out:
7. MARSHALL McLUHAN in ANNIE HALL.
Admittedly, I’m not a big Woody Allen fan… Sorry! And while Annie Hall is a really good film, I think it often gets a bit too much praise. Still, things like this cameo are what gives this film it’s charm. Watch the clip to see Woody Allen not only break down the fourth wall but prove how great life could be if it worked like this:
6. NEAL PATRICK HARRIS in HAROLD & KUMAR GO TO WHITE CASTLE.
The precursor to Barney Stinson! When Neal Patrick Harris pops up in H&KGTWC, it was just plain funny to see Doogie Howser play a partying ladies man. Since the film was released, NPH has come out of the closet which I think makes his scenes in this film all the more enjoyable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7bK3w9Mw6w (embedding disabled)
5. SAMUEL L. JACKSON in IRON MAN.
NERD ALERT! NERD ALERT! I would easily put this at #1 on my list of cameos that got my nipples hard. So, at the end of the credits in Iron Man, Samuel L. Jackson pops up and teaches us 2 things. The first is that Nick Fury is now, apparently, black. The second is that there is an all star Super Hero movie in our future. That’s right! The Avengers is coming and Fanboys across the universe rejoice!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_Ma84aTCVk
4. STEVEN SPEILBERG, JOHN TRAVOLTA, TOM CRUISE, GWYNETH PALTROW, KEVIN SPACEY & DANNY DeVITO in GOLDMEMBER.
I feel for films, like Napolean Dynamite and Austin Powers, that become so popular and quotable that it actually becomes a detriment to the film itself. The Austin Powers films were not only great but they were a BIG deal. Naturally, they had to do cameos at some point and this might be the biggest group of A-list celebrities ever assembled for such a task!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-AZgBXCsLY (embedding disabled)
3. CHRISTOPHER WALKEN in PULP FICTION.
This and #1 on my list are the rare situation where a cameo is not injected for cameos sake. It’s a situation where a known actor takes a bit role and manages to take their small bit of dialogue and elevate a movie as a whole. I’ve actually read the Pulp Fiction script and Walken’s scene is 1 page of solid dialogue (which typically translates to a minute of screen time).
In a film full of memorable scenes, this one is almost always forgotten but it’s important. It acts as the catalyst for everything that transpires between Butch and Marcellus Wallace. It also reminds us that a war veteran sticking a cheap watch up his rectum can be both poignant and hilarious.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kngBtoylIVM (embedding disabled)
2. STAN LEE in EVERY MARVEL MOVIE.
NERD ALERT #2! NERD ALERT #2! There’s a reason they call him Stan “the Man”. Mainly, because he is. I should know… not only did I found “the Man” club, I’m also a member.
Look, alot of people prefer Stan’s cameo in Mallrats and that one is great. Personally though, I was really bummed when the comic business took a dip in the 90′s and Stan lost control of Marvel Comics (aka: the house that Stan built). Still, give credit where credit’s due. Most directors, though not all, who have directed a Marvel film have done their darndest to work Stan into a cameo. As a Fanboy, my heart warms every friggin’ time!
1. ALEC BALDWIN in GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS.
David Mamet is a master of dialogue and this talky picture (an adaptation of his play of the same name) is, hands down, his greatest work. It also features a juggernaut line-up of awesome actors like Ed Harris, Kevin Spacey, Alan Arkin, Jack Lemmon and Al Pacino. However, it’s Baldwin who steals the show in this film with a scene that lasts merely a few minutes. In those brief moments, he swoops in and gives one of my favorite cinematic performances. He’s there just long enough to set the events of the film in motion… and then he’s gone. If you haven’t seen it, sit back, buckle up and thank me later:
So, what are some of your favorite movie cameos?
Wayne (6)
Mette (4)
Nic Cage (4)
Sebastian (4)
steve (4)
John (3)
Nick (3)
Chip Lary (2)
Dan (2)
I did a cameos list a few years ago (though I’d change mine up now). However, this list is incomplete without one of the greats: Matt Damon in EuroTrip!
Twitter: kaiderman
May 23, 2011 3:53 pm
That one’s funny but he mainly just lip synchs. It was cool that he did it but the J&S Bob one is funnier in my opinion.
I agree with Nick. Damon in Eurotrip s #1.
Bill Murray in Zombieland is my number 1 favorite all time cameo. I love the image of him playing golf as a zombie.
I like that cameo. But at the same time I think a lot of people are leaving him off their lists because unlike all the others that’s a kind of spoiler at this point. Maybe in a few years when everyone knows that he’ll start coming up.
Twitter: kaiderman
May 23, 2011 3:54 pm
Just missed my list. Dug that scene but I actually would’ve included it if they got the person they originally wanted: P. Swayze. Dalton rules!!!
Matt Damon in Eurotrip is hillarious!
what about matt damon in chasing amy or jersey girl?
Twitter: kaiderman
May 24, 2011 8:47 pm
The Jersey Girl one was good but Will Smith would’ve been bigger. Not sure I’d put either up here though.
So I want to nominate two that I’m not sure if you’re aware of. Cate Blanchett and Peter Jackson in Hot Fuzz.
Where are these people you ask? You remember the gf that dumped Pegg? That’s Blanchett. You remember the story about Pegg getting stabbed in the hand? That’s Peter Jackson in a Santa Suit.
I just think that is amazing and funny in itself.9
Twitter: manilovefilms
May 23, 2011 10:33 pm
The Blanchett one is fantastic. I’ve still never really noticed Jackson; will have to keep an eye open for Santa next time I Fuzz.
Twitter: kaiderman
May 24, 2011 3:50 pm
I do know about them. I forget where Jackson is but I remember seing him. Blanchett is the CSI.
I just talked about this film on the Matineecast and am just not a big fan. Guess that’s part of it. That and I didn’t think they were used as great as the ones I chose.Sorry.
Wow, I didn’t notice either one of them. Time to watch it again.
Ethel Merman for the win. That is all.
Christian Slater in ‘Star Trek VI’ was always one of my favorite cameos.
Twitter: kaiderman
May 23, 2011 3:56 pm
Not a Trekkie unfortunately. For all the nerdy stuff I love, Star Trek has always managed to evade me. Sorry, man!
Did you see JJ Abrams’ ‘Trek’ at least?
Twitter: kaiderman
May 23, 2011 6:24 pm
Oh, yeah! It was my favorite film of that year and is probably my favorite Blu-Ray!
I would hardly call it a cameo isin’t he quite prominent in that one?
I wouldn’t say prominent. It was one brief scene and then we never saw him again.
No Hitchcock? He’s the man who made the cameo popular. North by Northwest has to be his best appearance.
Also, no M. Night? Okay, okay, I kid about him.
Twitter: kaiderman
May 23, 2011 3:51 pm
Can’t put Night without Hitchcock since he’s basically taking that from him.
And, no, Hitchcock did not make the list. I do these things just to mess with you, James!
Wow I must have watched The Rundown 3 or 4 times and never noticed Arnie’s cameo!
Alec Baldwin and Glengarry Glen Ross at #1. AWESOME!
Twitter: kaiderman
May 23, 2011 3:56 pm
It’s why I’m here, Castor!
Twitter: kaiderman
May 23, 2011 3:57 pm
FYI: I really wanted to include Sara Silverman at the beginning of The Way of the Gun but I wasn’t sure she was a big enough star (at the time) to where “cameo” would be the appropriate term.
Marshall McLuhan! Man, I Love Kai!
So I’m watching Spaceballs tonight for the first time in a year or two… and I totally notice Stephen Tobolowski has like, a 1 minute appearance.
Twitter: kaiderman
May 23, 2011 8:58 pm
THESE ARE THEIR STUNT DOUBLES!
Hey Kai. Remember that Stan lee only has cameos in those movies in which he created the character. Hense, he did not create blade so no cameo. But I will say that his cameos are awesome. And you are forgetting one big one. Sean Connery in prince of thieves??
Twitter: kaiderman
May 23, 2011 9:00 pm
I was aware of Connery. Not on my Top 10.
Did I insinuate that Stan Lee was in Blade? I think I said “most” directors who make Marvel films include him. Not that he’s in all Marvel films.
Twitter: manilovefilms
May 23, 2011 10:31 pm
You sure about that, Kai?
“2. STAN LEE in EVERY MARVEL MOVIE.”
Twitter: kaiderman
May 24, 2011 3:52 pm
I should’ve expected more nit picking from you.
I, of all people, know that Stan the Man was not in EVERY Marvel film. Blade, X2, etc. He is in “ALMOST” every one. Not everything I say should be taken literal. You can go about your day now!
Twitter: manilovefilms
May 24, 2011 3:57 pm
Hey, Justin nitpicked and you got snippy. Had to put you in your place. Think before you type!
Twitter: kaiderman
May 24, 2011 4:12 pm
I’m good. I sound mad when you read it but I’m not. Justin is cool!
well, okay now that i’ve started an intergalatic war here. Kai, i had to watch x2 in certain places to see if stan was in there. he was not. so minus x2, all blades, the horrible wolverine and electra, stan the man is in nearly all. i think i read your title and went off that. so, yes his cameos in MOST marvel movies are awesome.
no, buscemi wasn’t in gilmore. that i recall. didn’t mean to nitpick, just a geek to a fellow geek.
and where is the review on THOR???? kai, have you seen it yet?
Twitter: kaiderman
May 24, 2011 8:45 pm
Nitpick away, my friend. I am a wall!
I did see Thor. It came out before the site launched so we did not cover it. I thought it was good if not just a bit anti-climactic. Kept waiting for the big WOW-ME scene and it never came.
Kind of true, but marvel has once again taken a B character and turned him into gold.
oh, i was talking up the site for you and dylan with a guy at work. i don’t know if you’ve done a list like this before, but what about B rated “cult” movies??? example, rocky horror picture show. ever done or interest in one?
Twitter: kaiderman
May 25, 2011 5:11 pm
I fear doing those because of the backlash. While I don’t mind putting up stuff people will disagree with, cult films are personal and people sometimes get all uppity!
Oh come on Kai. I promise that at LEAST I won’t nitpick the list. Unless there’s one on there I might really disagree with. Okay, that bit was my dry British humor.
Oh Okay my bad. I read it wrong. Retract Retract. Sorry Kai.
Twitter: kaiderman
May 25, 2011 5:50 pm
haha… retracted!
Also… no Bruce Campbell in Spider-Man? Just remembered those. Did those barely miss the list, as well?
Twitter: kaiderman
May 24, 2011 8:45 pm
No… those totally missed the list… but I like them!
Twitter: manilovefilms
May 23, 2011 10:39 pm
I hate to be just another person to nitpick this or that, but we take our lists seriously around here, right?
NPH in H & K is not a cameo. No way in hell; what does he have, 15 minutes of screen time? That’s called stunt casting, my friend.
Saget’s would be gold if anyone still gave a shit about him; even then, it’s pretty awesome. Arnold’s is almost too short to be a cameo, but would rank highly on my list for the importance of it. Walken is probably the gold standard. Four minutes is a bit long for a cameo, but it was just so perfect and unexpected, and became such a memorable scene in a film filled with them. Speaking of which, Buscemi as Buddy Holly was a pretty solid cameo (not arguing for Top 10, just saying). Buscemi in Billy Madison, on the other hand…now we’re talking. And while we’re at it, Barker in Gilmore. Sandler flicks are loaded w/ fun cameos…
You forgot Christian Slater.
I was gonna say something about NPH in H&K, but decided not to.
Twitter: kaiderman
May 24, 2011 3:44 pm
You nitpicked my lists long before we founded a site together so I fully expected this!
First off, this was hard to define in the first place. People get Oscar nominations for cameos these days (Ruby Dee, anyone?).
That said, Arnold’s is brief but it almost the definition of what a true cameo is. Though, Expendables would’ve counted as well, I suppose.
I count NPH, and I don’t think he’s in it that long. It’s like a scene in the middle and pops back up at the end. I win!
Saget’s is gold regardless!
I thought about Buscemi in all Sandler films but just missed. As far as him in Pulp, that goes along with my Sara Silverman theory. He wasn’t that well known at the time so was it really a big cameo?
Twitter: manilovefilms
May 24, 2011 3:50 pm
I should change my bio to say “Master nitpicker of Kai’s haphazardly thrown-together lists!” But then that would make you look bad, which would make all of us look bad, and it’s all downhill from there.
I’m not gonna go back and watch Harold and Kumar just to count NPH’s screentime, but I’ll bet someone who’s seen it a ton can help us out. Alls I know is it’s a hell of a lot more than a cameo. Stan Lee is a cameo; NPH, not.
Pulp was after Reservoir Dogs and was released after his co-leading role in Airheads (amongst others, just citing it since it’s a big role), so I say Buddy Holly counts as a cameo. At least to indie nerds at the time. But I see what you’re saying. It’s borderline. Then again, Billy Madison only came out a year later, so would that one count, either?
Twitter: kaiderman
May 24, 2011 3:57 pm
I’m blanking. Was he in Madison? I thought he started popping up after Wedding Singer. Was he in Gilmore? My brain hurts.
Definition of cameo by dictionary: a literary sketch, small dramatic scene, or the like, that effectively presents or depicts its subject.
Is kind of vague as far as length.
PS. Don’t bag on my lists, Fields. It hurts my tender feelings!
Twitter: manilovefilms
May 24, 2011 3:59 pm
Of course he’s in Madison: lipstick-wearing dude that had Billy on his “People to Kill” list until Billy called and apologized. Um, saved the day in the end.
I think that definition should be more vague.
Twitter: kaiderman
May 24, 2011 4:08 pm
D’oh! That’s right. What about Happy Gilmore? That’s the other one I’m blanking on.
This raises another question… if he does it in every movie, is it still a cameo?
To which you’ll respond, Yes because you have to take it on a movie by movie basis. So, nevermind, Buzzkill!
Twitter: manilovefilms
May 24, 2011 4:11 pm
Guess I don’t need to respond then, if you’re just gonna do it for me. Saves me typing. Kai hates comments, everyone!
Zoolander?
Twitter: kaiderman
May 24, 2011 6:52 pm
My good friend Billy Zane here just missed the list!
Jack Black in Anchorman!
Twitter: kaiderman
May 28, 2011 7:42 am
Not sure about JB but I almost included Tim Robbins and everybody from the Anchor brawl.
Twitter: twscritic
May 31, 2011 11:01 am
Fun list. I never noticed Arnold’s cameo in The Rundown… very subtle.