There’s a special kind of delight that washes over a moviegoer when a familiar face pops up on screen, completely unannounced, for just a fleeting moment. These aren’t just bit parts; they’re cinematic Easter eggs, winks from the filmmakers, or sometimes, audacious comedic genius packed into mere seconds. Cameos, at their best, don’t just surprise us; they deepen the film’s world, offer a moment of meta-commentary, or simply provide an unexpected burst of joy. They prove that sometimes, the smallest appearances can leave the biggest impressions, etching themselves into our memories long after the credits roll.
Here’s a look at some of the most memorable and impactful cameo appearances that have graced our screens:
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Bill Murray in Zombieland
Imagine settling into a zombie apocalypse comedy, already having a blast, and then suddenly… Bill Murray. Not just a quick nod, but a full-blown, self-referential, hilarious sequence where he’s just being Bill Murray amidst the chaos. His deadpan delivery as he tries to navigate the undead world, complete with a Ghostbusters gag, was a moment of pure cinematic magic. It’s the kind of audacious surprise that makes you elbow your friend and exclaim, “No way!” before erupting in laughter. It was a highlight in a film already full of them, elevating it to legendary status. -
Stan Lee in Avengers: Endgame
For decades, Stan Lee’s playful appearances in Marvel films were an eagerly anticipated treat, a wink and a nod to the legendary creator. His final theatrical cameo in Avengers: Endgame saw him cruising past Camp Lehigh in a souped-up car from 1970, shouting ‘Hey, man! Make love, not war!’ with a knowing grin. Coming after his passing, this moment was imbued with both his signature humor and deep affection, serving as a poignant, bittersweet farewell. It reminded us of the joyful, imaginative spirit he brought to the superhero universe and to cinema itself. -
Brad Pitt in Deadpool 2
Sometimes, the best cameos are the ones you almost miss. In Deadpool 2, the Merc with a Mouth assembles X-Force, and one member, Vanisher, remains invisible throughout. That is, until he hits power lines and is briefly revealed just before death: it’s none other than Brad Pitt, looking utterly bewildered for a fraction of a second. The sheer absurdity of landing an A-list star for a literal blink-and-you-miss-it gag, complete with a wry nod to his payment (a five-dollar bill), was a stroke of comedic genius that perfectly encapsulated Deadpool‘s irreverent spirit. -
Mike Tyson in The Hangover
Who expects to find Mike Tyson living large in a Las Vegas penthouse, singing “In the Air Tonight” and demanding his tiger back? Absolutely no one. The Hangover threw audiences for a loop with this utterly bizarre and brilliant cameo. Tyson’s surprisingly charming and comedic turn, playing a slightly unhinged version of himself, was an inspired piece of casting. It added another layer of surreal humor to an already outlandish plot, becoming one of the most talked-about moments in a film full of quotable scenes. -
Matt Damon in Thor: Ragnarok
Just when you think you’ve got Thor: Ragnarok‘s irreverent tone down, Taika Waititi throws another curveball. While Thor searches for Odin, he stumbles upon a stage play on Asgard depicting the events of Thor: The Dark World, complete with an actor playing Loki. And that actor? None other than Matt Damon. His committed, over-the-top performance as the faux God of Mischief was completely unexpected and hilariously self-aware, a brilliant piece of meta-humor that perfectly fit the film’s playful, chaotic energy. -
Johnny Depp in 21 Jump Street
For fans of the original 21 Jump Street TV series, the cameo by its most famous star, Johnny Depp, was a moment of pure, unadulterated fan service. Reprising his role as Tom Hanson, albeit with a dark twist, Depp’s appearance was more than just a nostalgic nod; it played a pivotal, surprising role in the film’s climax. The revelation that he and Peter DeLuise’s characters were undercover all along, still fighting the good fight, brought a genuine thrill and a heartfelt connection to the source material, making an already funny film even richer. -
Alfred Hitchcock in Psycho
Before cameos became a common cinematic trope, there was Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense, who pioneered the art of the brief, often cheeky, appearance in his own films. In Psycho, he can be seen wearing a cowboy hat, standing outside the office of Marion Crane’s boss. These blink-and-you-miss-it moments were his personal signature, a playful way to acknowledge his presence and challenge viewers to spot him, solidifying his status as both a meticulous filmmaker and a charming showman. -
Hugh Jackman in X-Men: First Class
Sometimes, all it takes is a single, perfectly delivered line to create an iconic cameo. When a young Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr enter a bar in search of mutants, they try to recruit a gruff patron. The response? “Go f*** yourselves.” It’s Wolverine, played by Hugh Jackman, in his signature leather jacket, delivering a perfectly uncouth rejection. This brief, blunt, and utterly hilarious moment cemented Wolverine’s enduring persona and served as a delightful, unexpected bridge between the new cast and the beloved original films. -
Glenn Close in Hook
In Steven Spielberg’s imaginative take on Peter Pan, Hook, there’s a memorable scene where Captain Hook punishes a particularly incompetent pirate by placing him in the “Boo Box” full of scorpions. What most people don’t realize on first watch is that the terrified, heavily bearded male pirate who emerges, shrieking and covered in creepy crawlies, is actually Glenn Close in a completely unrecognizable, committed performance. It’s a testament to her acting prowess and a fantastic, subtle piece of comedic brilliance that rewards eagle-eyed viewers with a knowing chuckle. -
David Bowie in Zoolander
Who better to officiate a “walk-off” between two ridiculously vain male models than the epitome of cool and unique style, David Bowie? In Zoolander, Bowie appears out of nowhere to dramatically judge the runway battle between Derek Zoolander and Hansel. His mere presence brings an undeniable, surreal gravitas to the scene, as if the universe itself agreed that only a true legend could arbitrate such an important fashion showdown. It was an unexpected, perfect piece of casting that cemented the film’s quirky, star-studded charm.
