Unforgettable Movie Debuts by Top Actors

Debuts That Stole the Show

Some actors make a lasting impression with their debut roles, making unforgettable entrances that launch their careers. Their acting steals the entire show, and their performances become memorable.

Take Jennifer Lawrence in Winter’s Bone , where she portrayed a teenage girl fighting to keep her family together, a role that earned her a first Academy Award nomination thanks to her emotional depth.

Let’s take a look at icons who made their mark from the start by proving they are born to shine.

Zendaya

As she had already become known for her Disney Channel roles in Shake It U p and K.C. Undercover , Zendaya made an amazing transition to the big screen with her role as Michelle Jone, also known as MJ, in the movie Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) .

Her ability to balance blockbuster films with serious projects, ike her Emmy-winning role in HBO’s Euphoria , showcases her immense talent and versatility in the mainstream.

Daniel Kaluuya

It will be hard for Daniel Kaluuya to beat the horror picture Get Out , which made him famous, but he should have a long and prosperous cinematic career ahead of him.

Before Get Out , Kaluuya appeared primarily in supporting roles, most notably in a Black Mirror episode, which also shared a dystopian tone.

Tom Holland

Before Tom became known as Spider-Man, he wowed audiences with his part in The Impossible (2012) . Being 16, he delivered an emotionally charged as a young boy caught in a devastating tsunami.

Allowing him to dominate the industry and receive great roles through his natural talent, hinting at his future as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars.

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe made his feature film debut in John Boorman’s 2001 political thriller The Tailor of Panama , playing the youthful son of Harry Pendel, a role that showcased his early talent and paved his way into the industry.

Even though it was a small role, it was Radcliffe’s first big-screen appearance before he became well-known worldwide as Harry Potter later that year.

Amanda Seyfried

In Mean Girls, Amanda Seyfried’s iconic breakout role as the hilariously oblivious Karen Smith stole every scene she was in. Seyfried portrayed the hilarious absent-mindedness of her character with perfect comedy timing and line delivery.

Seyfried showed her extraordinary talent early on by effectively committing to such a ridiculous character, solidifying her capacity as a flexible actor who could succeed in a range of genres and parts.

Hailee Steinfeld

Hailee Steinfeld’s debut in True Grit (2010) earned her an Oscar nomination at just 14. Playing the determined and courageous Mattie Ross, Steinfeld held her own alongside veteran actors like Jeff Bridges.

This remarkable debut announced her as a major talent and led to roles in Hawkeye and Dickinson.

Jamie Lee Curtis

In Halloween (1978) , Jamie Lee Curtis made her foray into the horror genre with an outstanding performance as Laurie Strode, earning her status as a legendary “final girl.” The masked assassin Michael Myers targets Laurie, a competent and kind babysitter.

Curtis’s portrayal of her attempts to survive the night combines determination and sensitivity as well. In addition to becoming a classic and starting a successful series, her part set the standard for strong female protagonists in horror films and started her famous acting career.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o delivered a heart-wrenching performance in her debut role as Patsey in 12 Years a Slave (2013) . Her raw and powerful portrayal won her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her one of Hollywood’s most respected and admired performers.

She went on to star in Queen of Katwe , Black Panther , and Us , further cementing her status as a powerful performer and industry inspiration

Jenna Ortega

The Wednesday star made her film debut as the U.S. vice president’s daughter in Iron Man 3 , which got her recognized for her skills, as she also acted in films like Scream or The Fallout and many more.

She distinguished herself as a rising star with her heartbreaking and complex performance, which hit an intimate connection with spectators and proved her ability to undertake challenging emotional parts.

Millie Bobby Brown

The 2019 film Godzilla: King of the Monsters marks the big-screen debut of Millie Bobby Brown, who played Eleven in the television series, Stranger Things . She portrayed a courageous girl named Madison Russell, who became a fighter in combat with the Titans.

She received recognition for her ability to play powerful, emotional roles and for holding her own against an ensemble cast. This marked an important turning point in her career and proved that she could captivate audiences outside of television.

Rachel Zegler

In Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021) , Rachel Zegler made her cinematic debut and received critical acclaim for her performance as Maria.

She was recognized as one of Hollywood’s most promising new talents and won a Golden Globe for her remarkable voice and emotional depth, which gave fresh life to the iconic part.

Natalie Portman

For the role she played as Mathilda in Léon: The Professional (1994) , Natalie Portman remains recognized. At the early age of twelve, she portrayed a damaged girl who has a unique bond with Jean Reno’s character, Leon, a hitman.

A highlight of the 1990s film, Mathilda’s character explores themes of innocence, revenge, and unusual relationships.

Anya Taylor-Joy

When Anya Taylor-Joy played little Thomasin in The Witch (2015) , she made a chilling debut by adding character to a young girl who was surrounded by fear and horror.

This gave her the opportunity to play a variety of characters, including in the Netflix blockbuster series The Queen’s Gambit (2020) , the period drama Emma (2020) , and the psychological thriller Split (2016).

Austin Butler

Austin Butler made his film debut in 2009’s Aliens in the Attic , but it was his standout portrayal of Elvis Presley in Elvis (2022) that earned him critical acclaim, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award nomination.

This portrayal was his defining moment, and he got love, earning him critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination, and he even won a Golden Globe award for it.

Check out 21 Models Who Ruled the Runway and the Screen for more stars who shine on and off the screen.

Jonathan Majors

Jonathan Majors made his debut in the 2017 revisionist Western Hostiles . He gained further recognition in The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019), where his empathetic and layered performance showcased his immense talent.

The role paved his way to standout performances in Lovecraft Country and the MCU’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania making him a talented icon.

For more iconic performances that have left a mark on movie history, check out 15 Actors Who Shaped Movie History .

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