The 15 Most Delightfully Enjoyable Instances of an Actor Playing Him or Herself in a Movie

By Dustin Rowles | Lists | June 12, 2013 |

By Dustin Rowles | Lists | June 12, 2013 |

Seth Rogen and Jay Baruchel’s This is the End opens today, and TK’s review of the movie is absolutely spot on: Immensely enjoyable, but with everyone playing themselves, also a little self-indulgent. In fact, what I thought worked best were the smaller cameos, like Michael Cera, Emma Watson, and several others that I wouldn’t want to spoil for you. It used to feel a lot more novel to see an actor playing himself in a movie, but if This is the End is successful (and it most likely will be), it could lead to an unfortunate, self-congratulating new trend. Actors playing themselves almost always work best when its a surprise, and when that role is limited, although exceptions can be made when full length movies revolve around versions of the real-life actors in question.

These are the 12 best instances in which an actor plays him or herself in a movie.

1. Bill Murray, Zombieland

2. Neil Patrick Harris, Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle

3. John Malcovich, Being John Malkovich

4. Bob Barr, Borat

5. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back

6. Michael Cera and Emma WatsonThis is the End

7. Chuck Norris, Dodgeball

8. Topher Grace, Ocean’s 12

9. Billy Idol, The Wedding Singer

10. Bruce Campbell, My Name Is Bruce

11. Jean Claude Van Damme, JCVD

12. Dustin Diamond, Made

13. Will Smith, Jersey Girl

14. Steve Carell, Knocked Up

15. Megan Fox, The Dictator