30 movie stars who changed the world: From Marilyn Monroe to Tom Cruise

Since the beginning of cinema, stars like Jimmy Stewart and Tom Hanks, and icons like Marilyn Monroe and Julia Roberts, have had a profound impact on our lives. Their memorable performances on the big screen often bring us joy and move us deeply.

Others take things even further, using their platform to speak out on important issues and challenge existing social or racial boundaries. Some are even changing the film industry and redefining what it means to be an actor.

Here, then, is our list of 30 movie stars who changed the world.

30 movie stars who changed the world

1. Olivia de Havilland

Key films: The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), Gone with the Wind (1939)

Olivia de Havilland had a huge impact on Hollywood, according to her sister and fellow actress Joan Fontaine. Her 1943 legal fight with Warner Bros. resulted in a groundbreaking decision known as the ‘De Havilland Law.’ This law limited actors’ contracts to a maximum of seven years, giving performers more freedom and significantly weakening the control studios had over them.

2. Charlie Chaplin

Key films: City Lights (1931), Modern Times (1936)

Charlie Chaplin, famous for his lovable “Little Tramp” character, wasn’t just a star on screen – he was a pioneer behind it as well. He wanted more control over his films, so in 1919, he co-founded United Artists with Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and D.W. Griffith. This new studio allowed these actors and filmmakers to have creative freedom, a move one studio executive famously described as “the inmates taking over the asylum.” It was a groundbreaking step for the industry.

3. Shirley Temple

Key films: Bright Eyes (1934), Heidi (1937)

Shirley Temple was a huge child star in Hollywood during the 1930s, and her films were so popular they helped save 20th Century Fox from financial ruin. Along with other young actors like Jackie Coogan, her experiences led to the creation of the California Child Actor’s Bill in 1939, which required 15% of a child actor’s earnings to be saved in a trust. Later in life, she became a politician and represented the U.S. at the United Nations, continuing to fight for improved and safer working conditions for children in the entertainment industry.

4. Bruce Lee

Key films: Fist of Fury (1972), Enter The Dragon (1973)

As a huge fan, I’ve always been amazed by Bruce Lee. He truly was the first martial arts star to break through internationally, becoming a global icon from both Hong Kong and Hollywood. Before acting, he was a teacher, and he developed his own incredible fighting style, Jeet Kune Do, which was really rooted in Buddhist and Taoist ideas. When he started making films like ‘Enter the Dragon,’ it wasn’t just about the action – he brought Kung-Fu to a whole new audience! He paved the way for so many other Asian actors in Hollywood. And honestly, the fact that he died so young, at just 32, just adds to his legendary status. He’ll always be an inspiration.

5. Tom Cruise

Key films: Mission: Impossible (1996), Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Tom Cruise is considered the last true movie star, and his films have earned an incredible $13.3 billion worldwide. However, his most impactful film was arguably Top Gun: Maverick. This sequel to his 1986 hit not only earned $1.5 billion, but it also revitalized the movie theater industry, which had been struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Steven Spielberg famously said Cruise “saved Hollywood” and possibly the future of movie theaters, a feeling shared by many in the industry. Cruise truly came to the rescue when cinema needed it most.

6. Jane Fonda

Key films: Klute (1971), Coming Home (1978)

Jane Fonda, a celebrated actress from a famous acting family, won two Academy Awards and helped launch the home fitness movement with her popular workout videos. However, she’s particularly known for her activism. During the Vietnam War, she courageously spoke out against the conflict, even though it made her a controversial figure – earning her the nickname ‘Hanoi Jane’ after a photograph surfaced of her near an anti-aircraft gun. Beyond that, Fonda has consistently championed civil rights, environmental protection, and women’s rights, and she also protested the Iraq War.

7. Sidney Poitier

Key films: The Defiant Ones (1958), In the Heat of the Night (1967)

Sidney Poitier, the first Black actor to win an Academy Award (for 1963’s Lilies of the Field), played characters that reflected his own strength and determination. He became a leading voice for social justice during his time. Just as powerfully as his iconic on-screen moment in In the Heat of the Night – where he confronts a racist – Poitier challenged racial stereotypes in film and actively fought for Black civil rights in real life.

8. Marilyn Monroe

Key films: Gentleman Prefer Blondes (1953), Some Like It Hot (1959)

Marilyn Monroe was a remarkably talented comedian and a savvy businesswoman who skillfully managed her career in Hollywood, something few actresses of her time were able to do. Her life was tragically cut short in 1962 at the age of 36. She had a huge impact on culture, with her glamorous image contributing to changing attitudes about sexuality in popular media. Her confident and curvy figure became a celebration of the body, and she left a lasting legacy on beauty standards, art – like Andy Warhol’s iconic prints – and even modern feminist ideas.

9. Robert Redford

Key films: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), The Sting (1973)

Robert Redford was a major movie star in his time, and later proved himself as a talented director, even winning an Academy Award for his first film, Ordinary People. However, he’s best known for founding the Sundance Film Festival soon after. By supporting independent films and helping launch the careers of filmmakers like the Coen brothers, Steven Soderbergh, and Quentin Tarantino, Redford’s Sundance – named after a famous role he played in a western – became the center of the American independent film movement in the 1990s.

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10. Ashley Judd

Key films: Heat (1995), Kiss the Girls (1997)

Ashley Judd is widely recognized as the first actress to publicly accuse Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment. Her willingness to speak on the record was crucial to Ronan Farrow’s reporting in The New Yorker, which played a significant role in Weinstein’s eventual downfall. Judd’s courage helped spark a wave of other survivors coming forward, ultimately contributing to the rise of the MeToo movement – a hugely influential force for social change in recent years.

11. Andy Serkis

Key films: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002), Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

Most actors follow established styles, but Andy Serkis, a British actor, truly revolutionized performance capture. He brought this technology to the forefront with his iconic role as Gollum in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films, using sensors to record even the smallest movements and facial expressions. He further developed these techniques in movies like King Kong and Planet of the Apes, and even co-founded The Imaginarium, a company dedicated to performance capture production.

12. Elizabeth Taylor

Key films: National Velvet (1944), Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966)

Elizabeth Taylor redefined actor salaries in 1963 when she landed the starring role in the film Cleopatra. After winning her first Oscar for BUtterfield 8, she negotiated a groundbreaking deal with 20th Century Fox: a $1 million fee plus 10% of the film’s total earnings. This made her the first actor to command a $1 million payment for a movie. When accounting for delays during filming, her total earnings ultimately reached nearly $7 million.

13. Marlon Brando

Key films: A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), The Godfather (1972)

Marlon Brando, a pioneer of the Method acting technique, revolutionized performance by emphasizing realism and genuine emotion. Before him, acting often felt artificial and overly dramatic. Brando brought the Method from the stage to the screen, inspiring actors like De Niro and Pacino to draw on their own experiences and feelings to create authentic characters.

14. Rock Hudson

Key films: All That Heaven Allows (1955), Seconds (1966)

As a classic movie fan, I always loved Rock Hudson. He was one of those actors who could do it all – he effortlessly moved from those incredibly emotional dramas with Douglas Sirk and Doris Day to the campy fun of Dynasty. But beyond his talent, there’s something else I remember him for. In 1984, he was diagnosed with AIDS. The following year, he bravely went public with his illness, just before he passed away at 59. It was a huge deal at the time; so many people didn’t understand AIDS, and his openness really helped to shed light on how serious it was.

15. Reese Witherspoon

Key films: Legally Blonde (2001), Walk the Line (2005)

It’s common for actors to start their own production companies, but Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine has achieved remarkable success. Launched in 2016, the company quickly became known for producing shows and movies centered around female characters and stories, with popular hits like Big Little Lies and The Morning Show. In 2021, Witherspoon sold a major part of the company to Candle Media for a valuation of $900 million. Most recently, Forbes ranked her as the 82nd richest self-made woman in America.

16. Audrey Hepburn

Key films: Roman Holiday (1953), Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

Audrey Hepburn wasn’t just a fashion icon and symbol of grace – she was an incredibly accomplished performer, achieving the rare ‘EGOT’ status by winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. Beyond her career, she dedicated herself to humanitarian work, becoming a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1989. She used her fame to bring attention to urgent issues in South America, Asia, and Africa, and went beyond simply being a spokesperson – she actively traveled to crisis areas like Ethiopia, Somalia, and Ecuador, changing the way celebrities engage with important causes.

17. Ian McKellen

Key films: Gods and Monsters (1998), X-Men (2000)

Sir Ian McKellen has had an incredible career, from successful work with the Royal Shakespeare Company to his famous role as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings films. However, many believe his most important contribution is his activism for LGBTQ+ rights. In the late 1980s, he helped establish the charity Stonewall to oppose Section 28, a law that prohibited schools and public institutions from discussing or ‘promoting’ homosexuality.

18. Irrfan Khan

Key films: Slumdog Millionaire (2008), Jurassic World (2015)

Irrfan Khan was one of India’s most respected and talented actors, achieving international fame over his 30-year career. As described by The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw, he powerfully connected South Asian and Hollywood films, moving from critically acclaimed roles in movies like The Lunchbox to mainstream success in blockbusters like Slumdog Millionaire and Jurassic World. His death in 2020 at the age of 53 was a significant loss for the world of cinema.

19. Robin Williams

Key films: Aladdin (1992), Good Will Hunting (1997)

Before Robin Williams became the voice of Disney’s Genie in Aladdin, animated movies typically featured voice actors who specialized in the craft. Williams revolutionized that approach. He improvised around 16 hours of dialogue, bringing the same high-energy performance style he was known for in stand-up and films like Good Morning Vietnam. This meant the animation process had to adapt to his performance, rather than the other way around, and it ultimately raised the bar for voice work in animation.

20. Daniel Day-Lewis

Key films: My Left Foot (1989), There Will Be Blood (2007)

Daniel Day-Lewis is famous for completely dedicating himself to his characters. He famously stayed in character as Christy Brown, a man with cerebral palsy, during the filming of My Left Foot, and this intense commitment has defined his career. No other actor today goes to the same lengths to become their roles. This dedication led to his first Best Actor Oscar for My Left Foot, and he would later win two more for There Will Be Blood and Lincoln, cementing his reputation for consistently delivering outstanding performances.

21. Buster Keaton

Key films: Sherlock Jr. (1924), The General (1926)

Salvador Dalí famously described the work of Buster Keaton, a pioneering actor and director of silent films, as “pure poetry.” Keaton, often called “the great stone face” because of his famously impassive expression, truly revolutionized film. He was a gifted physical comedian who performed his own daring stunts, pushing the boundaries of silent cinema and creating a visual style that still influences filmmakers today.

22. Leonardo DiCaprio

Key films: Titanic (1997), The Revenant (2015)

Leonardo DiCaprio rose to fame as a popular young actor and became one of Hollywood’s leading stars. Notably, he started supporting environmental issues early on, well before they became widely popular. In 1998, he created the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, which now funds more than 35 conservation projects worldwide. Through his work, he’s consistently highlighted the dangers of climate change and the importance of protecting our forests and oceans, a commitment reinforced by the eco-documentaries The 11th Hour and Before The Flood, which he produced.

23. Ronald Reagan

Key films: Kings Row (1942), The Killers (1964)

I always knew Reagan was more than just a movie star, even though he appeared in 53 films and shared the screen with some really big names. It was when he got into politics that he truly became iconic. After being governor of California, he became the 40th President, serving from 1981 to 1989. He completely changed things with his economic policies – they called it Reaganomics – all while we were locked in a tense standoff with the Soviet Union. Looking back, I think he really set the stage for politicians like Donald Trump too.

24. Katharine Hepburn

Key films: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967), On Golden Pond (1981)

Katharine Hepburn was named the greatest female star of classic Hollywood by the American Film Institute in 1999, a fitting tribute to a remarkable career. Over six decades, she set a record, winning four Academy Awards. Beyond accolades, Hepburn changed how women were depicted in movies. She avoided stereotypical roles, like villains or troubled mothers, and instead became known for portraying strong, smart, and independent characters, famously exemplified in films like The African Queen. Her impact on Hollywood has been lasting.

25. Dorothy Dandridge

Key films: Carmen Jones (1954), Porgy and Bess (1959)

Dorothy Dandridge was a trailblazer for Black actresses. She achieved several historic firsts, including becoming the first Black woman nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award (for her role in the 1954 film Carmen Jones), the first to grace the cover of Life magazine, and the first to perform at the Empire Room at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria. These accomplishments paved the way for future generations. Later in life, she actively worked with the National Urban League and the NAACP, becoming a powerful advocate against prejudice in Hollywood.

26. Eddie Murphy

Key films: Trading Places (1983), Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

Eddie Murphy transformed how the world saw Black actors, moving from comedy stages and Saturday Night Live to become a major movie star. His success with films like Beverly Hills Cop – the top-earning movie of 1984 – proved a Black actor could lead a film to massive box office success. He shattered long-standing racial barriers and then used his influence to help other Black artists, notably casting a predominantly African-American cast in his 1988 film, Coming to America.

27. Fred Astaire

Key films: Top Hat (135), Swing Time (1936)

I remember reading about Fred Astaire’s rough start in Hollywood – can you believe they initially said he couldn’t sing or act, and was even losing his hair? Thankfully, RKO paired him with Ginger Rogers, and together they made nine incredible films. They totally changed movie dance! Astaire insisted on showing full-body shots of the dances with a fixed camera, which was unusual at the time. But more importantly, he made sure the dances weren’t just flashy numbers – they actually meant something and moved the story forward. It wasn’t just about spectacle; it was storytelling through dance, and it was brilliant.

28. Jackie Chan

Key films: Police Story (1985), Rush Hour (1998)

Director Edgar Wright put it perfectly: while many have tried to copy Jackie Chan’s films, they can’t replicate the unique talent of Jackie Chan himself. Now 72, Chan is a true original. The celebrated actor, martial artist, and stunt performer became famous for blending action with comedy, captivating audiences both in Hong Kong and around the globe. He paved the way for other Asian actors to succeed in Hollywood, and his incredible physical skills have inspired countless films, including Kill Bill and John Wick.

29. Toshiro Mifune

Key films: Rashomon (1950), Seven Samurai (1954)

Toshiro Mifune was a hugely influential actor from Asia and one of the first Japanese stars to gain international recognition. He challenged existing ideas about samurai characters, particularly in his collaborations with director Akira Kurosawa on films like Seven Samurai and Yojimbo. His work went on to inspire filmmakers like Sergio Leone and Clint Eastwood, influencing their famous Spaghetti Westerns. Furthermore, his performance in Hidden Fortress provided a blueprint for George Lucas when writing the screenplay for Star Wars.

30. Lucille Ball

Key films: The Long, Long Trailer (1954), Yours, Mine and Ours (1968)

Lucille Ball, a celebrated actress known for her work in television and film, co-created Desilu Productions with her husband, Desi Arnaz. This studio was a leader in television, producing hit shows like I Love Lucy, Star Trek, and Mission: Impossible. In 1962, Ball bought out Arnaz and became the first woman to head a major television studio. She sold Desilu to Gulf+Western in 1967, which later became part of Paramount. In 2020, Time magazine recognized her accomplishments by naming her one of the most influential women of the 20th century.

Authors

James Mottram

James Mottram is a London-based film critic, journalist, and author.

2026-05-14 10:09