Top Big Screen Debuts
AMC Movie List

Top Big Screen Debuts

These actors skyrocketed to the top right out of the gates. Which legendary debut performance rules.

rank title points votes your vote
1 Julie Andrews
Playing the title role in Mary Poppins got Andrews an Oscar and made her a household name. 26 64
2 Jamie Lee Curtis
John Carpenter's Halloween made her a scream queen on par with her mother Janet Leigh from Hitchcock's Psycho. 23 61
3 Robert Duvall
To Kill a Mockingbird isn't Duvall at his showiest but as Boo Radley, he makes a striking first impression. 22 64
4 Natalie Portman
At 12, her role in The Professional solidified her position in Hollywood. Closer and Black Swan earned her two Golden Globes. 21 61
5 Kate Winslet
Winslet's unconventional part in Heavenly Creatures skyrocketed her career and earned her a part in the major blockbuster, Titanic. 11 53
6 Anna Paquin
Young Paquin's career hit a high note in The Piano when she became the 2nd youngest Oscar winner at age 11. 9 49
7 Shirley MacLaine
Her breakout performance in Alfred Hitchcock's The Trouble With Harry got MacLaine attention that's never waned. 7 55
8 Jessica Lange
Who knew that her turn as the great ape's love interest would be followed by Frances, Tootsie and other star-worthy turns? 4 54
9 Sean Penn
Penn's actorial debut in Taps isn't a typical role for the actor in part because he's always refused to be typed. 3 61
10 Barbra Streisand
Hello, gorgeous! Streisand's first gig in Funny Girl took her from Broadway to big screen. -4 54