A great actor or actress can seamlessly fit into many roles, making people see them not as themselves, but as an entirely different person. When they do this successfully, they can evoke the kinds of reactions that they want from the audience. But, sometimes, even the best performers can't shake off their iconic roles.
When they play a role for too long, or a film becomes extremely popular, they will usually be forever associated with the character they played. This is a sign that they did a fantastic job, and have earned admiration from audiences that can last for decades.
10 Carrie Fisher: Portrays A Confident Princess Leia
Star Wars is undeniably one of the world's most well-known franchises. Regardless of how successful or unsuccessful recent installments have been, the first trilogy will always be highly regarded for its world-building and likable characters. The perfect actors were chosen to make the characters come to life, which is why they made another appearance in later films.
Carrie Fisher, as Princess Leia, is no exception. She holds herself with the regal confidence of a princess, even when her character is in distress. Her quick jabs also fit her right in with the other two protagonists.
9 Sigourney Weaver: Ellen Ripley Is A Prominent Figure In Sci-Fi
Ellen Ripley remains the best character in the Alien franchise. Sigourney Weaver portrays a powerful woman who, despite the odds, survives multiple encounters with the Xenomorphs. Many fans often return to the original movies because of her. When people think of strong female leads done right, Ripley is one of the first characters to come to mind.
Her battle with the queen is one of her most iconic moments. She delivers an emotionally-packed line as she emerges in the Power Loader before she manages to stand toe-to-toe with the giant monster. Weaver also gives some powerhouse emotional performances, particularly when she considers facing the Xenomorphs a second time, and when she loses Newt.
8 Judy Garland: Dorothy Gale's Song Still Holds Up To This Day
Judy Garland portrayed Dorothy Gale as a sweet and earnest young girl in The Wizard of Oz. It was easy to like her, as even when she is whisked into a magical world, she still feels relatable. While her acting may seem a bit over-the-top, she always puts her all into her role.
What made her performance so memorable was her song Over The Rainbow. Ironically, it was nearly cut for time. However, the song won an Oscar, and Judy won an Academy Award for her performance.
7 Emma Watson: She Grew Up Playing Hermione Granger
Like the other two main characters in Harry Potter, Emma Watson will always be associated with her role. She played Hermione Granger for a decade, which is why it is so difficult for fans to stop seeing her as the character.
Although fans have pointed out that she doesn't have the exact same appearance as the character described in the book, she still does an excellent, iconic portrayal. Since she spent years growing up with the other cast members, the bond between the main heroes feels real.
6 Linda Hamilton: Perfectly Portrays The Drastic Change In Sarah Connor
Linda Hamilton plays a perfect Sarah Connor in the Terminator franchise. In the first movie, she acts as an ordinary civilian, rightfully confused and terrified that a killing machine is chasing her. The character becomes hardened and tough in the sequel, which is entirely believable after her experiences.
At the same time, she still feels human, especially around her son. Even in Terminator: Dark Fate, Hamilton is the film's best part. She portrays the character perfectly as someone who hunts Terminators with a vengeful purpose.
5 Adriana Caselotti: Her Unique Voice Made Her A Perfect Snow White
Adriana Caselotti is best known for her portrayal of Snow White. Although it is an animated film that doesn't show the actress' face, her voice is so iconic. Her voice is difficult, if not impossible, to duplicate. Throughout the film, Caselotti speaks with an innocent sweetness that makes her perfect for someone as gentle as Snow White.
Her singing was also lovely to listen to. With her voice preserved in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Caselotti continues to capture the hearts of young audiences.
4 Jennifer Lawrence: She Makes Katniss Everdeen Someone Easy To Admire
The Hunger Games was hugely popular when it first appeared on the silver screen. Katniss felt human yet immediately became admirable when she volunteered to take her sister's place in the Hunger Games. Nothing is served to her on a silver platter, as each installment is a struggle to survive.
Katniss comes across as serious, straightforward, and honest, a character that Lawrence would continue to play in later films. Although she has starred in big hits afterward, The Hunger Games is what made her so popular.
3 Elizabeth Olsen: She Makes Scarlet Witch Sympathetic And Intimidating
Fans Of Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness praised the film primarily because of Elizabeth Olsen's performance as Scarlet Witch. Although the writing and the character's motivations had a handful of problems, Olsen gave an outstanding performance as a horror movie villain.
At the same time, she portrayed a desperate, grieving mother who the Darkhold corrupted. Olsen made Wanda look like a woman who would do anything to get what she wanted, and performed exceptionally well in her dogged pursuit of the heroes. As a result, this movie transformed many people into Scarlet Witch fans, hoping she'll make another appearance in the MCU.
2 Gal Gadot: She Made Wonder Woman Into One Of The Most Likable Superheroes
Although Gal Gadot has been a part of other big franchises, such as multiple Fast and the Furious films, she is well-respected for her performance in the first Wonder Woman movie. The film is still regarded by many as the best female-led superhero movie.
Gadot portrays a character who is unfamiliar with the world, but is genuine and earnest in her attempts to help the people who live in it. Although her performance couldn't save the sequel, Gadot is the reason why the first movie was so great.
1 Jennifer Tilly: Her Tiffany Valentine Revitalized The Chucky Franchise
After the first three movies repeated the same story beats, which tormented Andy Barclay, people got bored with the franchise. So the fourth movie, Bride of Chucky, drastically changed the tone to a comedic slasher, and introduced Tiffany Valentine as Chucky's love interest.
Her jokes would always land, and she was even willing to poke fun of herself when Tilly became a canon character in the series. She remains completely iconic even in recent entries, and despite her sugary sweet voice, manages to portray someone who is legitimately terrifying.