There has been a surge in superhero productions lately. While many have been successful and well-received by fans, others have faced significant criticism. For fans, it could be refreshing to see the legendary and beloved actors of superhero movies step into different genres and showcase their versatility.
Here are seven films showcasing their talent:
7. Michelle Pfeiffer – Age Of Innocence (1993) IMDb: 7.2/10
Photo Credit: MUBI
A historical romantic drama directed by Martin Scorsese, this film is based on Edith Wharton’s 1920 novel. It tells the story of Newland Archer (Daniel Day-Lewis), a wealthy New York lawyer torn between two women: the conformist May Welland (Winona Ryder) and the unconventional Countess Ellen Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer).
6. Robert Downey Jr. – Chaplin (1992) IMDb: 7.5/10
Photo Credit: MUBI
This biographical comedy-drama about the life of Charlie Chaplin was directed by Richard Attenborough. The film stars Robert Downey Jr. as Chaplin, delivering a masterful portrayal of the legendary actor and filmmaker. It also features Charlie Chaplin’s own daughter, Geraldine Chaplin, in the role of his mother, Hannah Chaplin.
5. Scarlett Johansson – Lost In Translation (2003) IMDb: 7.7/10
Photo Credit: HS Insider
Sofia Coppola’s romantic comedy-drama stars Bill Murray as Bob Harris, a fading movie star who befriends Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), a young college graduate, during a trip to Tokyo. The film explores themes of alienation and cultural displacement.
4. Heath Ledger – Brokeback Mountain (2005) IMDb: 7.7/10
Photo Credit: IMDb
Directed by Ang Lee, this neo-Western romantic drama follows the complex relationship between two cowboys, Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, over two decades. The film stars Heath Ledger as Ennis opposite Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, and Michelle Williams.
3. Christian Bale – The Fighter (2010) IMDb: 7.8/10
Photo Credit: IMDb
This biographical sports drama, directed by David O. Russell, follows the lives of boxer Micky Ward and his half-brother Dicky Eklund. Christian Bale’s transformative performance as the troubled yet charismatic Dicky earned him an Academy Award.
2. Michael Keaton – Spotlight (2015) IMDb: 8.1/10
Photo Credit: IMDb
This biographical drama, directed by Tom McCarthy, follows The Boston Globe’s investigative team as they uncover a massive child abuse scandal within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston. Michael Keaton stars as Walter ‘Robby’ Robinson.
1. Hugh Jackman – The Prestige (2006) IMDb: 8.5
Photo Credit: IMDb
Directed by Christopher Nolan, this psychological thriller tells the story of two rival magicians, Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale), who go to extreme lengths to outdo each other in Victorian London.
