14 Big Stars Who Started Out in Horror Movies

Many famous actors kicked off their careers in the world of horror, taking on early roles in terrifying movies that helped them land bigger opportunities. These actors often started in low-budget thrillers or slasher flicks, showcasing their talent and versatility in the genre. As their careers progressed, they transitioned into major roles in blockbusters and critically acclaimed films. Discover how these stars began their journey in the unsettling world of scary movies before becoming household names.

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Leonardo DiCaprio – Critters 3 (1991)

Leonardo DiCaprio’s breakthrough into Hollywood came in 1991, when he starred in Critters 3, a film about small, alien creatures that terrorize a suburban neighborhood. At the time, DiCaprio was still an unknown actor, and the film itself was a low-budget, straight-to-video horror sequel. Despite the film’s cheesy premise and limited success, DiCaprio’s natural acting ability stood out, even in such a campy genre. His performance in Critters 3 helped him catch the attention of casting directors, eventually leading to larger roles in more prestigious films.

This early experience in a horror film proved valuable for DiCaprio, who went on to become one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. While Critters 3 is not regarded as a classic, it marks the beginning of a successful career that would include iconic roles in films like Titanic, The Wolf of Wall Street, and The Revenant. DiCaprio’s work in horror demonstrated his commitment to taking risks and exploring different genres, which would serve him well as his career evolved.

Jennifer Aniston – Leprechaun (1993)

Jennifer Aniston’s debut in the film industry came with Leprechaun, a low-budget horror film about a vengeful leprechaun who terrorizes a group of people. Aniston played the role of Tory, a young woman who unwittingly becomes entangled with the murderous leprechaun. While Leprechaun was far from a critical hit, the film has become a cult classic over time, partly due to Aniston’s performance. It was a far cry from the glamorous roles she would later be known for, but it showcased her versatility as an actress.

Despite the film’s cheesy premise, Aniston’s ability to blend humor with horror was apparent. This early experience helped her develop skills that would later contribute to her success in comedy. Just a few years later, she would land the iconic role of Rachel Green in Friends, a part that catapulted her into superstardom. Leprechaun remains a quirky part of her acting history, and it is remembered fondly by fans of both Aniston and the horror genre.

Tom Hanks – He Knows You’re Alone (1980)

Tom Hanks’ first major film role came in He Knows You’re Alone, a low-budget slasher film about a woman being stalked by a serial killer. Hanks played a small but pivotal role as the sympathetic boyfriend, which allowed him to show his acting skills even in a thriller. While the film itself did not achieve widespread recognition, Hanks’ performance was a clear indication of his potential. The way he portrayed his character with genuine warmth and sensitivity was a precursor to the kind of roles that would define his career.

This horror film, though not as iconic as some of his later work, provided Hanks with the exposure he needed early on. His ability to shine in even the smallest of roles allowed him to secure more significant parts in subsequent years. A few years after He Knows You’re Alone, Hanks would go on to star in films like Big and Philadelphia, establishing himself as one of the most respected actors of his generation. His time in horror films helped lay the foundation for his diverse career.

Johnny Depp – A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Johnny Depp’s first film role came in Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street, where he portrayed Glen Lantz, the boyfriend of the film’s protagonist, Nancy. In the film, Depp’s character becomes one of Freddy Krueger’s victims in one of the movie’s most memorable and gruesome death scenes. Despite being a first-time actor, Depp stood out with his raw charisma and natural screen presence, even in a film full of nightmares. The film’s success and Depp’s ability to make an impact in a horror movie helped propel him into the Hollywood spotlight.

Although Depp was not yet the well-known star he is today, his role in A Nightmare on Elm Street allowed him to show the industry that he had the potential for far more than just horror roles. Depp’s performance in the film was well-received, and it led to his next big break in the TV series 21 Jump Street. From there, Depp would go on to become one of the most versatile and celebrated actors of his generation, with iconic roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and Edward Scissorhands.

Reese Witherspoon – Freeway (1996)

Before she became a household name with films like Legally Blonde and Walk the Line, Reese Witherspoon took a significant early role in the dark, twisted film Freeway. The movie is a gritty, modern reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood, with Witherspoon playing the rebellious, street-smart Vanessa Lutz. The film has elements of both horror and dark comedy, and Witherspoon’s fearless performance in such an offbeat film helped her stand out in a crowded Hollywood market.

Witherspoon’s work in Freeway showed audiences that she was more than just the typical leading lady. The film offered her an opportunity to showcase her acting range in a role far removed from the traditional romantic comedies she would later star in. This early performance gave Witherspoon the foundation to go on to a hugely successful career that would blend both comedic and dramatic roles, making her one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses.

Bruce Willis – The First Deadly Sin (1980)

Bruce Willis’s career began with several TV appearances and small roles before he was cast in the thriller The First Deadly Sin. Although it was not strictly a horror film, the movie had significant elements of suspense and psychological tension, allowing Willis to showcase his talent in a darker genre. His performance in The First Deadly Sin was one of his early standout moments, and it allowed him to demonstrate his ability to play complex characters. This was the beginning of his eventual rise to fame in films like Die Hard and The Sixth Sense.

The role helped establish Willis as an actor with both the range and gravitas to take on lead roles in high-profile projects. His transition from thrillers and suspense films to action-packed blockbusters and dramatic performances was seamless, with his horror and suspense film experience allowing him to deliver strong, emotionally charged performances. Willis would go on to become one of Hollywood’s most enduring action stars.

Sandra Bullock – Demolition Man (1993)

Sandra Bullock’s early career included roles in several action films, but her role in Demolition Man was one of her first that bridged the gap between action and sci-fi horror. In the movie, Bullock plays a street-smart cop who helps a cop from the past, played by Sylvester Stallone, navigate a futuristic world. Though Demolition Man is primarily a sci-fi film, it includes elements of horror as it explores themes of violence and societal control.

While Bullock was relatively unknown at the time, Demolition Man helped her get noticed by casting agents and filmmakers in the action and thriller genres. This role helped launch her career, which would later feature her in major blockbusters like Speed and Gravity. Her experience in this genre helped her land leading roles in both action-packed thrillers and dramas, making her one of Hollywood’s most versatile stars.

Mark Ruffalo – The Dentist (1996)

Mark Ruffalo’s journey to stardom began in the 1996 horror film The Dentist, where he played a supporting role as a friend to the main character, a dentist who begins to unravel mentally and becomes a murderer. While the film itself did not garner much critical acclaim, Ruffalo’s performance stood out. His portrayal of a seemingly mild-mannered character allowed him to showcase his range early in his career. The film may not have been a massive hit, but it opened doors for Ruffalo, eventually leading him to prominent roles in films like The Avengers and Spotlight.

Ruffalo’s role in a horror film provided him with early exposure to a genre that often leads to bigger opportunities for actors willing to take risks. His work in The Dentist was just one step in his career, but it helped pave the way for more complex, high-profile roles. Ruffalo’s success would not be limited to thrillers and horror but extend to dramas, comedies, and superhero films, where he is now one of the most well-known actors of his generation.

Halle Berry – The Last Boy Scout (1991)

Halle Berry’s big break into Hollywood came with The Last Boy Scout, a thriller that blends action, suspense, and dark humor. While not purely a horror film, the movie’s violent and intense atmosphere exposed Berry to audiences who were drawn to these types of films. Berry played the role of a troubled woman trying to navigate through a series of dangerous situations, and her performance showed early signs of the depth and range she would later bring to major films.

Berry’s role in The Last Boy Scout demonstrated her ability to bring strength and nuance to complex characters. This early exposure to darker, suspense-filled films helped her eventually land roles in blockbuster movies like Die Another Day and X-Men. Berry’s early work in thrillers laid the groundwork for a career that would span multiple genres, making her one of the most respected actresses in Hollywood.

Brad Pitt – Cutting Class (1989)

Brad Pitt’s early role in the slasher film Cutting Class was far from the glamorous Hollywood persona he would later adopt. In this film, Pitt played a high school student who becomes entangled in a series of murders. The movie itself was not a major hit, but it gave Pitt a chance to showcase his charm and natural screen presence in a genre that was rapidly gaining popularity in the late 1980s. While Cutting Class did not make waves at the box office, it marked the beginning of Pitt’s path toward fame.

Though he was far from a household name, Pitt’s performance in this horror film gave casting agents a glimpse of his potential. His role helped land him more prominent parts in films like Thelma & Louise and A River Runs Through It, which cemented his status as a rising star. His early appearance in Cutting Class may be a footnote in his career, but it demonstrated that Pitt could stand out in even the most modest of roles.

Jessica Biel – Hellbent (2004)

Jessica Biel’s first significant horror film role was in Hellbent, a slasher flick about a group of friends who become the target of a masked killer. Biel played one of the lead characters, displaying a mix of fear, resilience, and vulnerability as she navigated the horror-filled plot. This role marked the beginning of Biel’s ascent in Hollywood, as it allowed her to show that she could hold her own in a genre where young actors often struggle to gain credibility.

While Hellbent did not have widespread commercial success, it served as a launching pad for Biel, who would go on to star in films like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) and the critically acclaimed TV series The Sinner. Biel’s performance in Hellbent allowed her to gain exposure to horror fans and established her as an actress capable of both emotional depth and physical strength. This early role in a slasher film was instrumental in helping her transition to a versatile career in both television and film.

Samuel L. Jackson – The Glass House (2001)

While Samuel L. Jackson is best known for his action-packed roles in films like Pulp Fiction and The Avengers, his early days in the horror genre were significant in shaping his career. One such film was The Glass House, where he played a supporting role in a psychological thriller about a teenager who faces dangers in her new home. Jackson’s ability to bring intensity to even small roles helped him stand out in the thriller and horror genres, which set the stage for his explosive career.

Although not strictly a horror film, The Glass House helped Jackson showcase his skill at building tension in intense situations. The film was another step for Jackson, who would later go on to become one of Hollywood’s most versatile and powerful actors. His experience in the thriller-horror genre helped him build the persona of an intense, commanding actor who could play a wide range of roles.

Matthew McConaughey – Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1994)

Matthew McConaughey’s early career took an unusual turn when he appeared in Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation, the fourth film in the infamous franchise. McConaughey played Vilmer, a twisted, homicidal character who showcased his ability to fully embrace darker, more disturbing roles. This part was a far cry from the romantic comedies he would later be known for, but it was an essential stepping stone that helped demonstrate McConaughey’s range.

Although the film itself did not gain much attention upon release, McConaughey’s performance left a lasting impression. His ability to deliver a chilling and eccentric portrayal in a slasher film helped set him on the path to a successful career. McConaughey would later evolve into a versatile actor, with iconic roles in films such as Dallas Buyers Club, The Lincoln Lawyer, and the popular series True Detective.

Eva Mendes – Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror (1998)

Eva Mendes’ horror film debut came with Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror, where she played one of the main characters in the latest installment of the long-running series. The film, a mix of supernatural horror and slasher elements, was not a massive commercial success but allowed Mendes to showcase her acting range in a genre that was beginning to appeal to a younger, horror-hungry audience. Her role in the film was an important early step in her career, allowing her to gain exposure in a competitive industry.

While Children of the Corn V was far from a major hit, it gave Mendes the chance to prove her acting chops and begin her transition to more mainstream roles. Over the next several years, Mendes would find success in films like Training Day and Hitch, solidifying her place in Hollywood. Her early experience in the horror genre proved to be a launching pad for a successful career in both film and television.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.