The 10 Greatest Movie Cameos of All Time: When Stars Stole the Scene in Seconds

In the grand tapestry of cinema, some of the most unforgettable moments arrive not in sweeping monologues or climactic battles, but in blink-and-you’ll-miss-it appearances. The cameo—brief, surprising, and often hilarious—has long been Hollywood’s secret weapon, a chance for legends to wink at audiences, or for films to break their own fourth walls in service of a greater punchline.

While some cameos feel like inside jokes between director and actor, others have become iconic, altering the DNA of their films and leaving audiences buzzing long after the credits roll. From unexpected ghosts to rock stars playing themselves, here are the 10 greatest cameos in cinema history, ranked not just by surprise value, but by cultural impact, entertainment factor, and sheer audacity.

10. Mike Tyson – The Hangover (2009)

Just when you thought The Hangover couldn’t spiral further into chaos, in walks Iron Mike, air-drumming to Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” before knocking out Zach Galifianakis with one punch. Tyson’s cameo was bizarre, brilliant, and self-aware—a fallen sports icon reveling in parody. It helped reintroduce Tyson to pop culture with humor and humility, and made the comedy’s outrageousness feel even more surreal.

9. David Bowie – Zoolander (2001)

In the midst of a ludicrous “walk-off” between male models Derek Zoolander and Hansel, the runway comes to a halt when none other than David Bowie emerges from the crowd to serve as the judge. His entrance, to the sound of his own song, was so stylishly meta that it elevated the entire gag. Bowie’s poise and perfect comedic timing made the absurd moment feel almost mythic. Who better than the Thin White Duke to referee a battle of vanity?

8. Tom Cruise – Tropic Thunder (2008)

Credit where it's due: no one saw this coming. As the grotesquely profane studio executive Les Grossman, Cruise is nearly unrecognizable under prosthetics and a bald cap, cursing like a sailor and dancing to Ludacris. His role was so over-the-top, so unlike anything in his leading-man canon, that it reignited conversations about his range. Audiences loved it. Critics loved it. Even Cruise’s career, briefly battered by off-screen controversies, got a PR boost. That’s the power of a good cameo.

7. Alfred Hitchcock – Literally All His Movies (1927–1976)

While not a singular cameo, Hitchcock’s appearances in his own films are the origin of the tradition itself. Whether boarding a bus, walking a dog, or missing a train, the “Master of Suspense” made his own presence a cinematic Easter egg. His cameos weren’t just fun—they became a game for audiences, one that turned viewers into sleuths, as if Hitch were inviting us to look a little closer. It's an auteur’s signature, and a cultural phenomenon.

6. Bill Murray – Zombieland (2009)

In a film already brimming with irreverent charm, Zombieland reaches god-tier absurdity when the survivors discover a still-living Bill Murray in zombie makeup... just because he enjoys golfing in peace. Murray plays a version of himself that’s equal parts zen and zany, and his lines (“Do you have any regrets?” “Garfield, maybe.”) are legendary. It’s a cameo so unexpected and perfectly executed, it nearly derails the movie—in the best way possible.

5. Sean Connery – Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)

The film is a swashbuckling adventure through and through, but its final scene packs an emotional wallop with the unannounced arrival of King Richard, played by none other than James Bond himself. Connery’s regal surprise gives the tale a sudden gravitas, his brief presence suggesting that this was a tale worth a king’s blessing. Paid a reported $250,000 for just a few seconds of screen time (which he donated to charity), Connery’s cameo is a royal flourish no one forgets.

4. Martin Sheen – Hot Shots! Part Deux (1993)

In one of the most delightfully self-aware cameos in spoof cinema, Martin Sheen appears in a boat alongside his real-life son Charlie Sheen. As they pass each other on the river, both men shout, “I loved you in Wall Street!”—a nod to their roles in the 1987 Oliver Stone classic. It’s a joke within a joke, laced with family legacy and comedic precision. That kind of layered gag is rare, and it lands perfectly.

3. Stan Lee – Marvel Cinematic Universe (2000s–2019)

Stan Lee wasn’t just a cameo king—he was the cameo king. Appearing in nearly every Marvel film until his death, Lee’s surprise moments—ranging from bartender to astronaut to FedEx driver (“Tony Stank?”)—became a rite of passage. Fans waited for him the way others wait for plot twists. His appearances served as living tributes to the man who created so many beloved characters. In a universe full of gods and super soldiers, Lee was the common thread—the cosmic narrator in sunglasses.

2. Matt Damon – EuroTrip (2004)

He’s bald. He’s tattooed. He’s screaming “Scotty doesn’t know” into a microphone while grinding on someone else’s girlfriend. In the ultimate anti-Damon moment, the Oscar-winning actor turns up in a raunchy teen comedy and absolutely commits to chaos. Nobody expected Matt freaking Damon to be the surprise punk rock antagonist. It’s unhinged, inexplicable, and genius—so unforgettable that some people remember EuroTrip only because of this scene.

1. Hugh Jackman (as Wolverine) – X-Men: First Class (2011)

Sometimes, a perfect cameo doesn’t need to be long, just deadly accurate. In the middle of First Class, Professor X and Magneto attempt to recruit Wolverine to the new team. His response? “Go f*** yourself.” That’s it. Ten seconds. One line. Instant legend. The joke lands not just because of its bluntness, but because of its universe-colliding payoff. Wolverine, the face of the earlier X-Men era, crosses into a prequel—and completely dominates the moment. It’s the rare cameo that sends shockwaves through an entire franchise.

Honorable Mentions

• Cate Blanchett and Daniel Craig (unrecognizably playing Stormtroopers in The Force Awakens)

• Johnny Depp in 21 Jump Street (a meta farewell to his TV origins)

• Keanu Reeves in Always Be My Maybe (playing a heightened version of himself to surreal perfection)

Why We Love Cameos

What makes a cameo legendary isn’t just the star power—it’s the timing, the twist, and the ability to flip the tone on a dime. In many ways, cameos are cinematic magic tricks: unexpected, whimsical, and impossible to forget.

In an era where audiences are more media-savvy than ever, the surprise of a perfectly executed cameo still holds the power to drop jaws, erupt laughter, or bring the house down. Whether it’s a musical legend in a comedy, a director hiding in plain sight, or a superhero breaking continuity just to curse you out, one thing is certain: sometimes, the best moments in movies aren’t in the script. They’re in the surprise.

Got a favorite cameo that didn’t make the list? Let us know. And remember: always stay for the credits—you never know who might show up.