These 20 Movies All Have Incredible Star-Studded Casts

When you read a book, or watch a drama, can you picture the characters in your head? Do you think about certain actors that could play the roles in a potential book-to-film adaptation? Screenwriters and casting directors may do this on their own time, but they also have to do it professionally. When it comes to casting a film, some actors have to line up and go through the audition process, and some desperately wait by the phone to hear back from their agency. Then there are those big name A-listers who don't have to audition because either a part was written specifically for them, or the director wants their particular acting skills and name attached to the movie.

These big names are people like Adam Sandler, Emma Stone, Will Smith, Meryl Streep, and dozens of others. They are people everyone immediately recognizes, so there is no IMDb search happening while the movie is rolling. When a film is made with all of these great actors, more people are likely to watch it due to their love for certain individuals. Plus, knowing that some of the biggest names in Hollywood banded together for a film is pretty amazing. With that said, check out these 20 movies with the most star-studded casts.

Updated October 12, 2024: This collection of star-studded films has been updated with additional information, including where to stream each movie featured.

20 Valentine's Day (2010)

Release Date: February 10, 2010
Tagline: A love story more or less.

Valentine's Day shows this day can be hectic for many different reasons, and this star-studded cast makes the romantic holiday feel like a roller coaster of emotions. An ensemble cast stitches a series of interconnected stories together in just a little over two hours, featuring everything between dramatic connections and sappy romantic gestures. With so many incredible people on set, it's unfortunate that the reviews for this film were significantly lower than expected, even though it was certainly a smash hit at the box office.

Who's In Valentine's Day?

Ashton Kutcher plays a florist that proposes and gets rejected by Jessica Alba's character. Jennifer Garner plays a woman who falls in love with a dreamy doctor played by Patrick Dempsey. Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner portray high school sweeties who are just figuring out their relationship. Other notable actors include Julia Roberts, Bradley Cooper, Jessica Biel, George Lopez, and Anne Hathaway. Stream Valentine's Day on Hoopla.

19 The Ridiculous 6 (2015)

Release Date: December 11, 2015
Studio: Netflix

Adam Sandler is known for working with his friends on several successful Happy Madison films, and while The Ridiculous 6 is populated with big names, the reviews of the film were less than stellar. Sandler plays the son of a bank robber (Nick Nolte) who also discovers he has five half-brothers. The brothers band together to steal $50,000 to save their father from a group of bandits, but absolutely nothing goes according to plan. The film debuted to a swath of negative reviews, but was popular with general audiences.

Who's In The Ridiculous 6?

The plot is ridiculous, but seeing so many great actors together in one film acting like a bunch of goofballs is amusing. The brothers are played by Terry Crews, Jorge Garcia, Taylor Lautner, Rob Schneider, and Luke Wilson. Jon Lovitz, Nick Swardson, Steve Zahn, Harvey Keitel, Vanilla Ice, David Spade, Danny Trejo, Chris Parnell, Norm Macdonald, and even Steve Buscemi all make brief appearances in supporting roles as well. Stream The Ridiculous 6 on Netflix.

18 The Lost City (2022)

Sandra Bullock stars as a romance-adventure novelist named Loretta in the comedy-adventure film, The Lost City. While on tour with her cover model, Alan, Loretta gets kidnapped by a crazed billionaire named Abigail Fairfax, who believes Loretta can lead him to a hidden treasure. This is because she wrote about its location in one of her novels. Alan enlists the help of a CIA operative to aid in rescuing Loretta.

Who's In The Lost City?

The storyline is outlandish yet fun, and seeing these world-renowned actors play such exaggerated parts is nothing short of great. Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe, Brad Pitt, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Oscar Nunez, and Bowen Yang all make up both main and supporting roles alike, forming the crux of a movie that impressed both critics and audiences alike. Stream The Lost City on Paramount+.

17 Tropic Thunder (2008)

Release Date: August 9, 2008
Tagline: Get some.

In a debatably controversial way, Ben Stiller created Tropic Thunder, a satirical action film that brought attention to a number of ridiculous things that happen within the entertainment industry. Stiller and a large cast each play high maintenance actors who are dropped off in the jungle, believing they are filming for a war movie until very real catastrophes begin to happen. Between explosions and coming toe-to-toe with a deadly gang, the guys certainly gain some perspective.

Who's In Tropic Thunder?

Stiller stars alongside Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, Jay Baruchel, and Brandon T. Jackson in a hilarious ensemble that still entertains to this day. What's arguably more impressive, however, are the many names attached to the supporting cast. Nick Nolte, Danny McBride, Bill Hader, Tobey Maguire, Martin Lawrence, and even both Matthew McConaughey and Tom Cruise all lend their talents to this satirical masterpiece. Stream Tropic Thunder on Paramount+.

16 Fast X (2023)

Release Date: May 19, 2023
Tagline: The Last Ride

With 12 movies making up the Fast & Furious franchise thus far, it seems like everyone wants in on a piece of the action. Fast X follows what happens when Dominic Toretto comes face to face with an old rival, as the son of the late Hernan Reyes, Dante Reyes, sets his sights on Dominic's team in a desperate bid for revenge. However, the battle will be more than just a temporary annoyance, as Dante has plenty of money to throw around to make Dominic's life a living Hell.

Who's In Fast X?

Fast X gathered its original cast of Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang, Jordana Brewster, and Ludacris, but stars such as John Cena, Helen Mirren, and Brie Larson also have significant roles within the film. Jason Statham reprises his role as the older Shaw brother, but instead of being the villain, that spot went to Jason Momoa. During the final scene, Gal Gadot and Dwayne Johnson also appeared as their characters, making everyone wonder if anyone can actually stay away from these action films. Stream Fast X on Prime Video.

15 Gangster Squad (2013)

Release Date: January 10, 2013

Inspired by the real-life LAPD Gangster Squad that was created in the 1940s to take down the American gangster Mickey Cohen (played by Sean Penn), Gangster Squad brought in some big names with even bigger storylines. Though it received mixed reviews, it effectively doubled its budget at the box office in addition to filling out the prolific filmography of Ruben Fleischer, who had climbed to fame for his work on 2009's Zombieland.

Who's In Gangster Squad?

Nick Nolte portrays Chief Bill Parker, who helped bring down Cohen. Josh Brolin stars as the leader of the undercover group as he recruits characters portrayed by Ryan Gosling, Anthony Mackie, Giovanni Ribisi, Robert Patrick, and Michael Peña. Emma Stone's character is the love interest of Gosling. While the real identities of those who were a part of this elite force back in the day have been kept a secret, it is fascinating to watch many great actors come together to recreate a bit of history. Buy or Rent Gangster Squad on Prime Video.

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14 The Expendadables 3 (2014)

The Expendables 3

Release Date: August 4, 2014
Tagline: New team. New attitude. New mission.

The first two films of The Expendables franchise were packed to the brim with leading action stars such as Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Terry Crews, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. When Expendables 3 came out, to bring in even more incredible actors, Stallone's character was made to break away from his original group to recruit younger mercenaries to carry out a job.

Who's In The Expendables 3?

Twilight star Kellan Lutz and the world-famous UFC fighter Ronda Rousey were among the new recruits. Antonio Banderas also gets accepted by Stallone after an initial rejection to be a part of the new team. In addition to this, Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson, Kelsey Grammer, and Glen Powell even play minor roles throughout. Stream The Expendables 3 on Max.

13 Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Avengers: Endgame

Release Date: April 24, 2019
Tagline: Part of the journey is the end.

After watching a couple dozen Marvel movies, fans eagerly anticipated the day nearly every character came together for the grand war. It only makes sense, then, that Avengers: Endgame served as the ultimate culmination of over 20 movies' worth of build-up. Following directly after the events of Avengers: Infinity War, the remaining members of the Avengers attempt to finally defeat Thanos after half of all life in the universe was wiped out in an instant.

Who's In Avengers: Endgame?

Avengers: Infinity War brought together the expected heroes portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johanson, Chadwick Boseman, and Tom Holland. Then, there was Josh Brolin and Tom Hiddleston among the opposing forces. It was not until Avengers: Endgame, however, that Paul Rudd and Jeremy Renner would come in as their superhero roles. Everyone can say that both films were chock-full of incredible actors, but true fans know that Avengers: Endgame did its best to overload the cast list just a bit more. Stream Avengers: Endgame on Disney+.

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12 Movie 43 (2013)

Release Date: January 1, 2013
Tagline: Comedy. Exposed.

Though Movie 43 received horrible ratings and reviews, it still managed to draw in more than a dozen A-list actors (per The Guardian). Dennis Quaid plays a delusional screenwriter who is determined to get his script turned into a film. Greg Kinnear's character is absolutely against his ideas until a gun is drawn on him. He then listens to all the interconnected storylines, playing out in the form of an anthology of comedy skits that span all sorts of topics.

Who's In Movie 43?

Hugh Jackman and Kate Winslet's characters go on a date, but it becomes awkward when Jackman is revealed to have testicles growing from his neck. Justin Long plays Robin, while Jason Sudeikis is Batman. Other notable actors include Halle Berry, Gerard Butler, Kristen Bell, and Emma Stone. Richard Gere, Terrence Howard, Jeremy Allen White, Seann William Scott, Uma Thurman, Naomi Watts, Bob Odenkirk, Anton Yelchin, and more appear in additional skits, making the film's baffling box office performance and scathing critical reviews all the more questionable. Stream Movie 43 on Prime Video.

11 Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012)

Release Date: June 27, 2012
Director: Steve Martino , Mike Thurmeier
Tagline: Holy Crab!

Another installment in Blue Sky Studios' prolific Ice Age franchise, Ice Age: Continental Drift sets sail for the high seas in a sprawling adventure. Set after the events of the third film, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Continental Drift follows what happens when the titular continental breakup splits our favorite group of prehistoric animals up in the vast ocean. Pirates, hurricanes, and more stand in the way of reuniting our heroes with their loved ones. Meanwhile, the adorable Scrat continues his fruitless journey to find a delicious acorn.

Who's In Ice Age: Continental Drift?

Many well-known actors voiced popular animated characters, but there is no cast list as big as the one for the fourth film in the Ice Age franchise. Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, and Denis Leary reprise their roles from the first three films as Manny, Sid, and Diego. Queen Latifah's character is still Manny's love interest, and her two possum brothers (voiced by Seann William Scott and Josh Peck) are still causing chaos. The film also brings in Peter Dinklage as a ruthless ape, Jennifer Lopez as Diego's love interest, and Keke Palmer as Manny and Ellie's daughter. Drake and Nicki Minaj also have small roles as mammoths in this film. Stream Ice Age: Continental Drift on Disney+.

10 Dolittle (2020)

Release Date: January 1, 2020
Tagline: He's just not a people person

Though everyone knows the story of the veterinarian who can speak to animals, this iteration is not like the others. Dolittle, specifically 2020's Dolittle, loosely adapts the original story by Hugh Lofting, borrowing heavily from the character's second adventure in Voyages of Doctor Dolittle. In it, Dolittle journeys out to sea in order to aid the sick Queen Victoria, bringing with him a flock of animal friends and a swath of old friends and foes alike.

Who's In Dolittle?

Robert Downey Jr. stars as the titular character, Dr. Dolittle, Antonio Banderas plays Dolittle's skeptical father-in-law, and then there are a number of voices all audiences will recognize. The Nanny McPhee actress, Emma Thompson, voices a very wise macaw, Rami Malek (the star of Mr. Robot) portrays a timid gorilla, John Cena is a positive polar bear, Tom Holland voices Dolittle's very loyal dog, and Selena Gomez is a very friendly giraffe. Ralph Fiennes, Octavia Spencer, Michael Sheen, and Kumail Nanjiani are among many others that have a role in this fantasy film. Stream Dolittle on Freevee.

9 Ocean's Eleven (2001)

Release Date: December 7, 2001
Tagline: Are you in or out?

To find an elite group of A-list actors who can bring the drama as well as the comedy and make their connections believable is not an easy task. However, Steven Soderbergh was able to pull off this reboot of the 1960s Rat Pack film Ocean's 11. Arguably one of the most iconic heist movies ever made, Ocean's 11 tells the classic story of Danny Ocean and Rusty Ryan, a pair of thieves who plan a high-profile heist on a casino with a total of 11 different crew members.

Who's In Ocean's 11?

The ensemble cast for this heist film includes George Clooney as the newly released ex-convict Danny Ocean, Brad Pitt as his partner in crime Rusty Ryan, and Julia Roberts as Ocean's ex-wife. Danny recruits some corrupt individuals who are played by Matt Damon, Casey Affleck, Bernie Mac, and several others. Buy or Rent Ocean's 11 on Apple TV.

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8 Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

Release Date: December 9, 2017
Tagline: The game has evolved.

While the 1995 Jumanji film will always hold a place in fans' hearts, the more comedic sequel, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, hits just the right spot for fantasy adventure lovers. In 1996, a curious teenage boy finds that the infamously deadly board game has been turned into a video game, only to get sucked into it after deciding to play it. 21 years later, four more teens find themselves trapped within the jungle as well.

Who's In Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle?

Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Nick Jonas play the avatars of the five teens who managed to get sucked into the game. Watching the big-name actors take on the personas of some rather dramatic and annoying teenagers is absolutely the funniest aspect of the film. You can also find William Tokarsky, Tim Matheson, Marc Evan Jackson, Missi Pyle, and Maribeth Monroe in minor roles here as well. Stream Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle on Hulu.

7 Armageddon (1998)

Release Date: July 1, 1998
Tagline: It's closer then you think.

The '90s were a big time for science fiction films, and it seems like people are always drawn to storylines dealing with the end of the world. In Armageddon, Bruce Willis stars as Harry Stamper, an oil driller who gets recruited by the head of NASA to get sent up into space to drill through and demolish an asteroid that is headed towards Earth. Stamper accepts the job on the condition that he can pick the best men he knows to accompany him. Armageddon would go on to become the single highest-grossing film of 1998, in addition to being the most financially successful film produced by Touchstone Pictures prior to their dissolution in 2016.

Who's In Armageddon?

In addition to Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton also plays the head of NASA. This impressive sci-fi film also includes characters played by Ben Affleck, Will Patton, Owen Wilson, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Steve Buscemi. Other notable actors include William Fichtner as an astronaut pilot and Liv Tyler as Affleck's love interest and Willis' daughter. Though the film isn't wholly accurate, its cast certainly makes for a thrilling ride. Buy or Rent Armageddon on Prime Video.

6 Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013)

Release Date: December 18, 2013
Tagline: It's Kind of a Big Deal

It is no secret that director Adam McKay is a fan of dark humor in his movies, and Anchorman 2 finds the perfect balance to accommodate everyone's level of tolerance towards it. In this film, Veronica and Ron — former husband-and-wife co-anchors — call it quits with their marriage, sending the latter into a spiraling depression. When Ron decides to come back into the spotlight on television, he meets an array of new crew members and television personalities alike at the first-ever 24-hour news network, GNN.

Who's In Anchorman 2?

Will Ferrell reprises his role as the overly confident news anchor Ron Burgundy, along with Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, David Koechner, and Christina Applegate. James Marsden joins the cast as Burgundy's biggest rival, and Kristen Wiig plays an office worker who catches the eye of Carell's character. Fred Willard, Jim Carrey, Tina Fey, Harrison Ford, Kristen Wiig, Josh Lawson, Will Smith, Kirsten Dunst, Liam Neeson, and even Kanye West all make minor appearances in various roles as well. Stream Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues on Paramount+.

5 New Year's Eve (2011)

Release Date: December 8, 2011
Tagline: The one night anything is possible.

December 31st is a hectic day for most people because they are still recovering (in a few different ways) from the holidays, and the pressure of going to parties and starting the new year fresh, excited, and surrounded by the people they love is simply overwhelming. To create the chaotic yet potentially romantic night we see in New Year's Eve, an ensemble cast was thrown together to depict a variety of emotions on the last holiday of the year. The film is thematically similar to director Garry Marshall's other holiday-centric films, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.

Who's In New Year's Eve?

Halle Berry, Robert De Niro, Jessica Biel, Jon Bon Jovi, Ludacris, Zac Efron, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Katherine Heigl are among the dozens of stars that had the pleasure of reminding us just how fun one night can be for everyone. Just to name a few more: Yeardley Smith, Michelle Pfeiffer, John Lithgow, Ludacris, Jake T. Austin, James Belushi, Cary Elwes, Seth Meyers, Common, and even Alyssa Milano all make appearances throughout. Though critical reviews were generally negative, general audiences nearly tripled the film's budget of $52 million at the box office. Buy or Rent New Year's Eve on Prime Video.

4 Aloha (2015)

Release Date: May 29, 2015
Tagline: Sometimes you have to say good-bye before you can say hello.

A romantic comedy with a bit of a dark storyline ended up not being one of the best ideas, or so it proved at the box office. However, Aloha still managed to gather an incredible star-studded cast. The film follows Brian Gilcrest, a former U.S. Air Force officer, who gets hired by Carson, a billionaire who wishes to launch a privately funded satellite from the Hawaii islands. Little does Gilcrest know, however, that Carson does not have the best intentions with his plans. It was directed by Cameron Crowe, though it wasn't too popular with audiences and critics alike.

Who's In Aloha?

Bradley Cooper plays Brian Gilcrest, whereas Bill Murray plays the enigmatic Carson. Rachel McAdams portrays Cooper's ex-girlfriend who also shares a child with him, and Emma Stone is his newest love interest. John Krasinski, Danny McBride, Bill Camp, Danielle Rose Russell, and Alec Baldwin also have supporting roles. Stream Aloha on Netflix.

3 Suicide Squad (2016)

Release Date: August 3, 2016
Tagline: Worst Heroes Ever

There is something about people who are willing to risk it all in the worst way possible that really gets an audience's attention. Instead of DC coming out with yet another hero movie, they did the exact opposite with Suicide Squad. This film sees a group of supervillains banding together under the threat of death, allowing them to reduce their jail sentences by going after metahuman threats. However, the villainous force they face may be too much to bear.

Who's In Suicide Squad?

Will Smith, Margot Robbie, and Jai Courtney are among the villains that go on the mission to take down Enchantress (Cara Delevingne). Viola Davis plays the woman who puts together the antihero team, and Jared Leto turns the iconic and sadistic Joker into a maniacal villain with a more modern look. Joel Kinnaman, Karen Fukuhara, Scott Eastwood, Ben Affleck, Ezra Miller, and David Harbour are also attached to the cast. Stream Suicide Squad on Max.

2 Don't Look Up (2021)

Release Date: December 24, 2021
Runtime: 2hr 18min
Tagline: Based on truly possible events.

After everything the world has been through in the last few years, a political satire is just what was needed to put things into perspective in a hilarious as well as devastatingly surreal way. Don't Look Up follows an ensemble cast as a terrifying revelation is made: a meteor is about to strike Earth. While a pair of astronomers try to warn everyone about the impending destruction of the world, the U.S. president cannot be bothered by it. In an attempt to get the media involved, the astronomers realize that no one is willing to take the situation seriously.

Who's In Don't Look Up?

This dark comedy features Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Jonah Hill, Meryl Steep, Rob Morgan, Ariana Grande, Rob Morgan, Tyler Perry, Timothée Chalamet, Ron Perlman, Kid Cudi, Jon Glaser, and a ton of other impressive actors in a sprawling story that mirrors real-life events. The late Matthew Perry was even slated to be in the film, though his role was cut during the film's production. Stream Don't Look Up on Netflix.

1 Into the Woods (2014)

Release Date: December 24, 2014
Tagline: Be careful what you wish for.

Not all fairy tales end with the traditional "they all lived happily ever after," and the star-studded cast of Into the Woods perfectly portrayed the dark side of some of the most beloved stories. In this musical, Meryl Streep stars as a wicked witch who makes a baker and his wife do her bidding, so she can lift a horrible curse on herself. In the end, those left standing are forced to make the best of their situation. It was critically beloved even if it was a bit disturbing, earning three Academy Award nominations in addition to making back more than four times its budget at the box office.

Who's In Into the Woods?

James Corden and Emily Blunt play the hapless baker and baker's wife, respectively. Anna Kendrick and Chris Pine portray Cinderella and her prince. Johnny Depp is the Big Bad Wolf while Lilla Crawford plays Little Red Riding Hood. Christine Baranski, Daniel Huttlestone, Tracey Ullman, and several others also take on fantastic characters. Stream Into the Woods on Disney+.