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The Top 20 Most Underrated Actors And Actresses

To those whose trophy cases are half empty.

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The Top 20 Most Underrated Actors And Actresses

It’s always tough to see one of your favorite actors/actresses get shafted at the movie awards, especially when you can tell how good they are. It hurts even more when you see someone who isn’t as good win an award (Kristen Stewart in "Twilight"). Here’s an appreciation list for all of those outstanding names that don’t always get the gratitude they deserve or always seem to make the movie even though they’re just a supporting actor/actress.

1. Leonardo DiCaprio

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that Leonardo DiCaprio, the heartthrob of the century, should’ve won an Oscar by now, or should have at least won several more Golden Globes. He’s a terrific actor that can play so many different roles from a deranged mental patient in "Shutter Island," to a young man who finds love on the seas in "Titanic."


2. Alan Rickman

If you’re unfamiliar with this name, Alan Rickman played the very dreary role of your favorite Potions professor, Severus Snape. Although a very dry and somewhat dark actor, he is terribly talented and should be recognized for his captivating performances in the latter Harry Potter films (specifically films six and seven part II).


3. Jeff Goldblum

Most well-known for his role in "Jurassic Park" and most recently in "The Grand Budapest Hotel," Jeff Goldblum doesn’t typically get noticed for his great job as a supporting actor in films. He has great talent that just isn’t quite recognized.


4. Djimon Hounsou

For being in so many well-rated films, ranging from "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Gladiator," he always tends to play the supporting actor. He’s amazing in all of his supporting actor roles and seldom receives or wins a nomination. Djimon Hounsou definitely should have received more acknowledgment for his role in the film, "Blood Diamond."


5. Sean Bean

Most notable as the late king of Gondor, Sean Bean in "Lord of the Rings" was killed off much too soon in "The Fellowship of the Rings." Of course, the cast of the movie is simply amazing, but being one of England’s most versatile actors, you would expect a more serious role rather than the bad guy in "National Treasure."


6. Hugo Weaving

Known for his roles as Elrond in "Lord of the Rings" and Agent Smith in "The Matrix," Hugo Weaving doesn’t typically get cast in other movies, nor is he recognized as being one of the best movie villains in the 2000s. You don’t see many actors that can be a good guy in one movie and a bad guy in another movie, which makes Weaving very versatile and more deserving of recognition.


7. Stanley Tucci

From his comical acting in "The Devil Wears Prada" as Miranda Priestly’s sidekick to his role in the "Hunger Games" series, Stanley Tucci just can’t seem to get recognized for anything other than being a supporting actor, or his roles in short films/mini-series. For all of his great work, he should get that main role on the big screen at some point


8. Ben Kingsley

Ben Kingsley was the talk of the town back when he starred as "Ghandi" in the 1980s, but since then he just can’t quite get any recognition as a fantastic actor. He’s in pretty much every film, from the newest "Night at the Museum," to "Shutter Island," to "Prince of Persia," and one film I saw recently on Netflix that I would recommend for everyone to see, "The Physician." He’s a simply brilliant actor that doesn’t get the respect, nor the roles that he deserves.


9. Joaquin Phoenix

Unfortunately, Joaquin Phoenix is yet another stellar actor that only got props for his role in "Walk the Line." He was the best portrayal of Caesar in any films that I have seen with his performance in "Gladiator," and did a very good job in both "Her" and "The Master." Joaquin’s name should very much be more spoken because he is quite a talented actor.


10. Domhnall Gleeson

Although Domhnall Gleeson may be most widely recognized as Bill Weasley, the eldest of the Weasley brothers, this young man has quite a bit of talent shown through his roles in "Anna Karenina," "Unbroken," "About Time," and most recently, "Ex Machina." Hopefully after the release of the new "Star Wars: Episode VII," Gleeson will receive more recognition.


11. Rose Byrne

Most notable as Seth Rogan’s wife in "Neighbors," Rose Byrne is a very comical and talented actress that just can’t quite get noticed. She was hilarious as her parental character in "Neighbors," "Get Him to the Greek," and "Bridesmaids." Not to mention, her performances in the Insidious movies and "X-Men: First Class" were both outstanding.


12. Jessica Lange

Back in the day (about 20 years ago), Jessica Lange was hitting the landing the big time roles with her films, "Tootsie" and "Blue Sky." Now, she can’t quite seem to get that lead role, even on the television series "American Horror Story." Her role as Sandra Bloom in "Big Fish" was absolutely great, and I hope to see her in theaters rather than my television screen.


13. Blake Lively

Unfortunately, Blake is most commonly known as the pretty face you see on the TV screen in "Gossip Girl," but she should get more recognition that that. Ranging from her role in "The Town" as an underprivileged South-Boston gal to a spunky teen in "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants," Blake just can’t quite snag that big time role she so desperately needs. Hopefully, after her most recent role in the "The Age of Adeline" will help her break away from her character on the Upper East side, Serena van der Woodsen.


14. Ellen Page

As the pregnant teenager we all know and love, Juno, we only see Ellen Page as nominated for a best lead actress. Page is a very good actress, as can be seen in "Inception," where she plays a very good supporting role, yet she failed to receive recognition.


15. Carrie-Anne Moss

Known as Trinity for her roles in "The Matrix," Carrie-Anne Moss is a fantastic actress that can’t get a good role in any other movies. She was recently cast in "Pompeii," but still can’t quite get the recognition she deserves, nor can she get the lead role she needs. If you have any doubts of this, go back and watch "The Matrix" movies and tell me she wasn’t amazing in all three.


16. Olivia Wilde

She was a breakout actress in the "Tron" movies, but other than that she hasn’t been able to grab any outstanding roles in any recent films. She’s terribly funny in "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone," but didn’t get any recognition for it, and unfortunately can’t seem to grab a lead role either.


17. Amy Adams

The fact that Amy Adams hasn’t won an Oscar and won only two Golden Globes is a crime. She’s such a versatile actress who nails roles ranging from a fairytale princess in "Enchanted" to a hustling female accomplice in "American Hustle." She doesn’t get the respect she deserves and it makes me sick to my stomach (not really but you get what I mean).


18. Cate Blanchett

She has been described as the next Meryl Streep, but can’t get the same roles as the incredible Streep. She is such a great actress that has gotten some appreciation for her roles in movies, but still doesn’t get what she deserves.


19. Rachel Weisz

Rachel Weisz won only one Oscar, and she should have won many more. She should’ve won more awards for her role in "The Mummy" series and most definitely deserves better roles in her other films. She’s the epitome of underrated and I hope she lands the role she deserves soon.


20. Judi Dench

It really is tragic that Judi Dench isn’t known for being one of the best actresses to live. She’s been acting for so long and the only movies that she’s really known for nowadays are the James Bond films with Daniel Craig, and she doesn’t even get a main role. She’s been an actress since 1959, and to this day it’s truly unfortunate that she isn’t given the role she deserves.


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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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