Hello Fellow Movie Buffs,

As we all know too well, films typically have their ups and downs, plot twists, side stories, and surprise endings. We’ve been through it all numerous times, haven’t we? Sometimes we see things coming from a mile away. Other times, however, we don’t.

Occasionally, our love/hate relationship with the film industry pays off – big time! I’ve constructed a list to help us relive six of those exceptionally good moments. Many of us have certainly seen these films; others will need to.

While not all of these movies have seen the same level of commercial success or critical acclaim, they all have one significant thing in common: they feature surprisingly good lead roles that NOBODY could have predicted beforehand. Somehow, someway, though, they made it work. Just watch – you’ll see.

While this entire list may not be for everyone, chances are you’ll still be tempted to check out the ones you haven’t yet seen. Glad I could pique your interest.

Now then, let’s get to it. Lights, camera, action!

No. 1 Jon Heder as Napoleon Dynamite in Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

“Whatever I feel like I wanna do, gosh!”

Seriously, if you haven’t seen this yet, do it… like now. Literally, stop reading this list and go watch it. What are you waiting for? You’ve missed out on a TON of laughs over the years – trust me.

An unknown prior to this film’s release, Heder struck gold with his first major role as the goofy, lovable high-school outcast. This film remains Heder’s biggest, and really only, splash in the film business. Napoleon is absolutely unforgettable… and funny!

*Spoiler alert: You’ll never see anyone hate someone’s guts as much as Napoleon hates his Uncle Rico’s. And you’ll LOVE every minute of it.

No. 2 Heath Ledger as The Joker in The Dark Knight (2008)

“Why so serious?”

Everyone’s most likely seen this one, but I had to revisit it. The Batman movie franchise was taken to a whole other level when The Joker entered the picture. Ledger was outstanding in this role. His Oscar-winning performance is still something to rave about 10 years later.

Yeah, I know – a decade. It’s already been that long, but Ledger’s Joker character is still so fresh in our minds. Wow! Talk about a career-defining moment.

No. 3 Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Hesher in Hesher (2010)

Yes, I purposefully chose the above photo of Gordon-Levitt for this particular post. I chose it because this is how he usually looks: innocent, friendly, and sophisticated. Those words describe the roles he typically plays, too.

Hesher – the title character Gordon-Levitt portrays in this film – is none of those things, though. Watch it and you’ll see for yourselves.

Hesher is a bona fide bad ass – plain and simple. Gangsta-rap douchebags and wannabe thugs (such as actor Daniel Zovatto’s douchey character in the 2016 thriller Don’t Breathe) WISH they could fuck with Hesher. Who knew that the friendly little foster kid from Walt Disney’s Angels in the Outfield would grow up and morph into Mr. Steal Yo Girl? Not me. I didn’t see it coming.

I’ll put it like this: if it’s Money versus Hesher, I’ve got my money on Hesher.

No. 4 Michael B. Jordan as Oscar Grant in Fruitvale Station (2013)

I mean it’s not like Oscar Grant was a celebrity when he died. It’s not like he had a high-profile before he was tragically shot and killed several years ago. But that’s exactly what makes Michael B. Jordan’s portrayal of him so special – he and director Ryan Coogler had to start from scratch to get a sense of who the man was before the tragedy. That’s no easy task.

Jordan, however, pulled it off beautifully. He really killed it. Audiences left the theater feeling like they got a better sense of who this man was while he was alive. Believe it or not, Grant did have a life prior to his untimely death.

The film went on to be critically acclaimed and garnered numerous nominations, many of which it won. Well deserved, I must say.

*Note: The photo of Jordan above is actually from his 2015 film Creed. It is NOT a photo of his portrayal in Fruitvale Station.

No. 5 Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs in Jobs (2013)

Who expected this one? I’m not raising my hand. I mean come on. Ashton Kutcher of ALL people – playing THE Steve Jobs. This dude went from starring in Dude, Where’s My Car? and That ‘70s Show to portraying a billionaire technology guru. What?!?!?

But I actually found myself liking him in this movie, though. Surprise, surprise. *Laughs*

Kutcher brilliantly sticks to what he can do, opting to be himself as Jobs, rather than trying to actually become Jobs, if that makes sense. The fact that Kutcher doesn’t try to overdo it while portraying one of the most influential and successful tech minds of our time really helps to make this film a good one, at least to me.

Although not as critically acclaimed as some of the other movies on this list, Jobs is still worth watching at least once. Go check it out. You know you want to.

No. 6 O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Ice Cube in Straight Outta Compton (2015)

Oh, yeah! The moment you’ve all been waiting for. This young man dared to play his iconic father in a movie. Who in their right mind would accept a challenge like that? I mean even Denzel Washington’s son, who is also an actor, has said that he would NEVER attempt to play his father in a role. That’s Big D.W. right there, man! The legend. Not Ice Cube’s son, though. Son came, son saw, son conquered. In a VERY BIG way, too, I might add.

Straight Outta Compton is terrific. If you’re a fan of hip-hop, you HAVE to see this movie – period. No ifs, ands, or buts.

While watching it, just remember that the storyline is based on actual events in real people’s lives. It’s a story that keeps you hooked all the way through. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Ice Cube Jr. nails it! He looks and sounds JUST LIKE his pops. For real. The only downfall? He might have already outdone himself with this first major role in his blossoming acting career. Seriously, how’s he gonna top this one? I have NO idea.

(*Note: This list is in chronological order.)