Indie movies differfrom mainstream blockbusters that populate our local theaters in that they often rely on far smaller budgets secured through small production companies and private investors. While many may argue as to which art form is better,both mainstream blockbusters and smaller indies have their merits. Indie movies may lack the spectacular special effects ofMarvelor theFast and Furiousfranchise. Still, there is potentially greater scope in independent movies to focus on appealing to a more niche audience through more left-field subjects and creative storytelling.
Many of today’s stars started their careers in indie movies, and while many have transitioned to mainstream cinema and never looked back, others still get the itch from time to time to revisit their roots, try something different, and showcase their versatility as actors. Here are 10 actors who have found success in both blockbusters and indie movies.
10Kirsten Dunst
Kirsten Dunstwas thrust into the limelight at a very young age, appearing as a child in the epic vampire dramaInterview with the Vampirealongside the likes of Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt,and Antonio Banderas. She then went on to appear prominently in a slew of mainstream hits, includingJumanjiandSmall Soldiers. It wasn’t until 2002’sSpider-Manthat she really shot to superstardom, though. Playing Peter Parker’s love interest Mary Jane, the film went on to gross over $800 million.
Dunst’s Roles Show Her Love of Indie Cinema
Since then (and between returning to the two highly successfulSpider-Mansequels), Dunst has mainly been focused on indie roles, receiving praise, in particular, for her roles in the non-linear comedy-dramaEternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, alongside Jim Carrey and Elijah Wood, and Lars Von Tier’s apocalyptic drama art filmMelancholia.
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9Elijah Wood
Like Dunst,Elijah Wood’s career started as a child, with notable appearances inThe Adventures of Huck Finn,Flipper, and the dark thrillerThe Good Sonalongside fellow child star Macaulay Culkin. After appearing in the cult horror movieThe Faculty,directed by Robert Rodriguez, Wood became a household name after appearing in the hugely successfulLord of the Ringstrilogy in which he plays the lead character Frodo Baggins, a role he would later reprise inThe Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
From Spider-Man to Gritty Horror Movies
While still occasionally popping up in major blockbuster movies, like voicing the animated penguin Mumble inHappy Feet 1&2, he’s made a concerted effort to avoid being typecast since finding success in Hollywood. Wood is a keen fan of horror B-movies, and his recent appearances in a string of low-budget gritty horror flicks, including 2012’sManiac, the horror comedyCooties, and theToxic Avengerreboot, show his love of the genre.
8Nicolas Cage
Nicolas Cagehas appeared in over 100 movies that vary so much in style, budget, and success that it’s sometimes quite difficult to make sense of the man’s career. It is certainly safe to say that he has found success in both blockbusters and indie movies. When it comes to mainstream blockbuster success, it’s best to look back at the ’90s and early ’00s when Cage was appearing in huge action movies likeThe Rock, Face Off, andNational Treasure.On the flip side, many of Cage’s earlier roles leaned more towards the indie side, like David Lynch’sWild at Heartand the Coen Brother’sRaising Arizona.After his ’90s prime, Cage began appearing in more and more straight-to-DVD and VOD films, a move he later admitted,via LAD Bible, was motivated by financial reasons.
A Wonderful Career Resurgence Thanks to a Cult Following
While many of these movies were critically panned and went relatively unnoticed by mainstream audiences, certain performances did begin to garner the attention of critics and fans alike, gradually helping build Cage a cult-like following and establishing him as somewhat of a maverick in the world of acting. Completely unique and unpredictable, indie projects likethe underrated LovecraftianColor Out of Space, the psychedelic revenge horrorMandy, and his nuanced and understated performance in the compelling dramaPighave helped solidify Cage as one of the most electrifying actors of a generation.
7Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewartis probably best known for her appearances in the teen fantasymega-blockbustersThe Twilight Sagain which she takes a leading role alongside Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. While she has seen subsequent success in blockbuster roles, including Snow White inSnow White and the Huntsman, she has also proven herself a critical darling of the indie scene.
From YA Romance to Indie Standout
Flexing her acting chops and garnering universal acclaim in dramatic roles in movies like Olivier Assayas' drama filmClouds of Sils Mariaand the Princess Diana biographic movie,Spencer Stewarthas proved herself a diverse talent. Stewart has also embraced darker, abstract content in her most recent roles, including the body horror film by David Cronenberg,Crimes of the Future,and the A24 erotic crime masterpieceLove Lies Bleeding.
6Bill Murray
In the ’80s and early-’90s,Bill Murraywas one of the biggest comedic actors of the time, starring in a string of successful comedy blockbusters, includingGhostbusters 1 & 2, Caddyshack, Stripes, andGroundhog Day.Since then, Murray has become known to be notoriously choosey when selecting his roles. While he has appeared in several larger-budget films, including voice roles inGarfieldand Disney’sThe Jungle Book, he has spent much of his time focusing on more indie projects.
From King of Comedy to Thoughtful Dramas
He has a strong working relationship with writer, director, andall-round auteur Wes Anderson, with whom he has worked on numerous movies, includingIsle of Dogs,The French Despatch,The Royal Tenenbaums,Rushmore, andThe Grand Budapest Hotel, among others. His work in independent cinema has allowed him to showcase a more dramatic side to his acting, for which he has won and been nominated for multiple awards.
5Robert Pattinson
Thanks toThe Twilight Sagaand, more recently, his portrayal of iconic superhero Batman in DC’sThe Batman,Robert Pattinsonis one of the biggest stars of his generation. What many people might not know, however, is that Pattinson has also found hugesuccess in independent cinema.
Has Worked with the Best in Mainstream and Indie Cinema
He received universal acclaim with Willem Dafoe for his performance in Robert Eggers' claustrophobic horrorThe Lighthouse.The black-and-white movie was made for just $11 million and focuses almost entirely on Dafoe and Pattinson inside the titular lighthouse. He also wowed critics in David Cronenberg’s satirical dramaMaps to The Starsand the Safdie Brothers’ gritty crime thrillerGood Time.It doesn’t stop there, though, as Pattinson’s repertoire is full of indie favorites that demonstrate the versatility of his acting abilities.
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4Willem Dafoe
Willem Dafoe’sbreakout into the mainstream arguably came with his role as Sergeant Elias Grodin in the critically acclaimedPlatoon(1986). Since then, Dafoe has appeared in numerous mainstream films, including, like many others on this list, entering the Marvel universe for his iconic and meme-making role as Norman Osborn in theSpider-Manmovies. Dafoe has even dabbled in voice acting roles, appearing in two critically acclaimed films,Finding NemoandThe Boy and the Heron.
Few Actors Have the Same Range as Willem Dafoe
However, for many, Dafoe is at his most beloved when he is given complete freedom in an indie film to be as unhinged as he wants. Whether it be Bobby Peru inWild at Heart(1990) or Thomas Wake inThe Lighthouse(2019), Dafoe is at his best when he is at his most eccentric. Dafoe is also not one to shy away from controversial material, with his role in Lars Von Trier’sAntichrist(2009) putting him in compromising physical and mental positions.
3Tilda Swinton
There is a case to be made forTilda Swintonbeing the best actor of our times, with her long and diverse career in both mainstream and indie films. A defining performance from Swinton is enough to draw in an audience. The British actor has made her mark in mainstream movies likeDoctor Strange(2016) andSnowpiercer(2013), which are drastically different roles.
Action, Drama, Comedy, Tilda Swinton Does it all with Ease
While a big marquee name, Tilda Swinton’s indie films often examine the actor’s ability to pick powerful, unforgettable roles. Whether it is Jim Jarmusch’s dark vampire flickOnly Lovers Left Alive(2013) or the unforgettable psychological thrillerWe Need to Talk About Kevin(2011), Swinton shines in the lead. There are also plenty of hidden gems for those who want to dive into thebest Tilda Swinton performances, such as the underappreciated exploration of trauma that she masterfully conveys inThe Secret Life of Words(2005).
2Nicole Kidman
Australian-born actressNicole Kidmanhas had a remarkable career from a young age. First appearing in the b-movieBMX Bandits(1983), within a few years, she came to see significant acclaim, with her breakthrough role in the 1989 thriller Dead Calm launching her career forward and making her one of the most recognizable actors of the ’90s. Of course, her success in the mainstream would continue thanks to performances in movies likeMoulin Rouge!(2001),The Hours(2002), and an appearance in the MCU as Atlanna inAquaman(2018).
An Icon of the Screen Willing to Take Chances with Indie Films
Despite mainstream success, Nicole Kidman’s roles in Indie films have offered some of her most thought-provoking performances. This includes stand-out performances in films like the minimalist dramaDogville(2003) by auteur Lars von Trier and her supporting role in the criminally underrated thrillerStoker(2013). Kidman is also unafraid to star in controversial material, with 2004’sBirthremaining a highly debated film for its taboo and provocative nature.
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1Mads Mikkelsen
Danish actorMads Mikkelsenis not quite a household name like the other actors listed. Still, his success in mainstream Hollywood films is unparalleled by any actor out of Demark. While most know him as Dr. Hannibal Lecter in the TV seriesHannibal(2013-15), he has also appeared in popular franchises in supporting roles, including the MCU,James Bond,Indiana Jones,Star Wars, andFantastic Beasts.
International Star of Indie and Mainstream Movies
However, much of Mads Mikkelsen’s success is owed to films in his home country and the critical acclaim and fanfare that he garnered. This includes his gritty portrayal of the troubled and violent Tonny in the first twoPusherfilms byunderrated director Nicolas Winding Refn. Mads Mikkelsen would also work closely with Refn in the largely silent, brooding Viking fantasy movieValhalla Rising(2009). It is not all doom and gloom, though, as Mikkelsen has shown he can handle comedic and lighter projects, as highlighted in films likeAfter the Wedding(2006)andAdam’s Apples(2005).
