The scary movie genre has always been a major starting point for the film industry. Many huge actors got their very first break in small creepy projects before moving on to blockbusters. Let us look at fifteen familiar faces who started out escaping monsters.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation
Renée Zellweger and Matthew McConaughey took on lead roles in this low budget scary movie before they were famous. Zellweger joked later about how dangerous and crazy the whole kamikaze filming experience felt.
A Nightmare on Elm Street
Johnny Depp was trying to become a musician when Nicolas Cage told him to audition for this slasher movie. He won the part anyway and became an iconic early victim on the big screen.
Once Bitten
Jim Carrey was mostly doing stand up comedy before he took a leading role in this teen horror comedy in 1985. The movie flopped at the box office but it became a fun cult classic later on.
The Witch
Anya Taylor-Joy played the eldest daughter Thomasin in this spooky movie about a family living near a coven. Critics gave her massive praise because her performance was just incredibly good and super believable.
Halloween
Jamie Lee Curtis played high schooler Laurie Strode in what became a defining work of the entire slasher genre. She would go on to play this exact same character eight different times throughout her amazing career.
Leprechaun
Before Jennifer Aniston became the face of Friends she chased a magical creature in this tiny scary movie. She admitted later that she cringed a lot trying to watch the film again as an adult.
Alien
Sigourney Weaver was a Broadway star when she took on the iconic role of Officer Ellen Ripley. She returned for three more films and easily became a legendary female action hero for a whole new generation.
Friday the 13th
The makers cast unknown actors in supporting roles to save money which is exactly how Kevin Bacon got hired. He plays Jack who meets a very unfortunate end involving a sharp arrow in a memorable scene.
Midsommar
Florence Pugh stars as Dani in this bright and twisted scary movie about a weird summer festival. This specific role completely put her on the Hollywood map as a massive talent to watch out for.
He Knows You Are Alone
Tom Hanks is known for playing the nicest guys in the world but he actually made his movie debut here. It is pretty funny to think about America’s nicest guy starting out in such a creepy scary setting.
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3
Patricia Arquette was the first of her siblings to get her big screen start in this popular sequel. The director really stood up for her against others so she could keep the final girl role.
Cutting Class
Brad Pitt took on the role of a stereotypical dumb jock in this lesser known movie that went straight to video. He still brought a lot of charm to the screen showing real hints of his future megastar status.
Hellraiser: Hellworld
Long before he put on the Superman cape Henry Cavill was a struggling actor playing a happy guy named Mike. It was a goofy start for sure but it absolutely helped build his incredible acting career.
Lovers Lane
Anna Faris got practice running and screaming in this tiny slasher movie before landing her famous comedy spoof roles. It was not a huge blockbuster but it gave her the perfect training for her future funny movies.
Halloween 6
Paul Rudd starred in this scary sequel the exact same year he became famous for his hit teen comedy Clueless. Fans still love this entry and some really wanted him back for the modern sequels.
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