LGBTQ+ Actors Who Carried Movies That Didn’t Deserve Them

Many talented performers have found themselves cast in films that failed to match their level of skill and charisma. This often happens when a script lacks depth or the production suffers from poor direction, yet a singular actor manages to shine through the mediocrity. Several LGBTQ+ actors have delivered memorable performances that elevated otherwise forgettable or critically panned movies. These men committed fully to their roles and provided the only redeemable moments in these productions. Here are the male LGBTQ+ actors who carried movies that didn’t deserve them.

Ian McKellen

The screen legend Ian McKellen took on the role of Gus the Theatre Cat in the musical adaptation ‘Cats’ (2019). Critics universally panned the film for its unsettling visual effects and chaotic narrative structure. McKellen managed to bring genuine emotion and gravity to his brief screen time despite the absurdity surrounding him. His rendition of the character stood out as a moment of classic theatrical acting in a confused production. He proved that a great actor can maintain their dignity even when playing a CGI feline.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans shouldered the burden of launching a cinematic universe in ‘Dracula Untold’ (2014). The movie attempted to transform the classic horror icon into an action superhero but suffered from a weak script and generic action sequences. Evans delivered a committed and intense performance that gave the character more depth than the writing provided. His charisma kept the film watchable even as the plot became increasingly nonsensical. Audiences appreciated his effort to ground the fantastical elements in human emotion.

Neil Patrick Harris

‘The Smurfs’ (2011) placed Neil Patrick Harris in the difficult position of acting alongside animated blue creatures for the entire runtime. The film relied heavily on slapstick humor and simplistic storytelling that failed to impress most critics. Harris used his natural charm and comedic timing to make the human segments of the movie entertaining. He committed to the physical comedy and interactions with empty space where the CGI characters would be added later. His professional dedication prevented the film from becoming completely unwatchable for adult audiences.

Matt Bomer

In ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning’ (2006), Matt Bomer played one of the unfortunate victims in a prequel that offered little innovation to the franchise. The movie was criticized for its excessive gore and lack of suspense compared to the original. Bomer brought a sense of urgency and likeability to his character that made the audience care about his fate. His performance grounded the horror in reality before the film descended into gratuitous violence. He stood out among the cast for his ability to convey genuine fear.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto took on the villainous role in the action film ‘Hitman: Agent 47’ (2015). The movie was largely dismissed as a generic video game adaptation with a confusing plot and over-edited action scenes. Quinto elevated the material by infusing his character with a menacing intelligence and intensity. He refused to phone in his performance and created a memorable antagonist despite the lackluster surroundings. His acting provided the film with a much-needed center of gravity.

Andrew Scott

‘Victor Frankenstein’ (2015) attempted to retell the classic story with a focus on the relationship between the doctor and his assistant. The film suffered from uneven pacing and a tone that shifted wildly between camp and serious drama. Andrew Scott played a religious inspector pursuing the protagonists and injected the film with a focused intensity. He chewed the scenery in the best way possible and brought a dynamic energy to every scene he appeared in. His performance remains one of the few highlights of the disjointed production.

Ben Whishaw

The historical drama ‘In the Heart of the Sea’ (2015) struggled to connect with audiences despite its grand visual scale. Ben Whishaw played the author Herman Melville and served as the framing device for the narrative. His quiet intensity and soulful delivery provided the emotional anchor that the action-heavy sequences lacked. Whishaw managed to convey the weight of the story through dialogue scenes that could have easily been dull. He brought a sense of literary importance to a movie that often felt like a standard blockbuster.

Alan Cumming

‘Son of the Mask’ (2005) is frequently cited as one of the worst sequels ever made due to its bizarre humor and poor visual effects. Alan Cumming played the god of mischief Loki and was the only cast member who seemed to understand the chaotic tone required. He fully embraced the cartoonish nature of the role and delivered a performance full of high energy and camp. His commitment to the absurdity made his scenes the only entertaining parts of a disastrous film. Cumming managed to survive the critical failure with his reputation for versatility intact.

Rupert Everett

The dramedy ‘The Next Best Thing’ (2000) paired Rupert Everett with Madonna in a story that critics found contrived and tonally confused. Everett used his wit and charm to make his character sympathetic and three-dimensional. The script often failed to earn its emotional beats, but Everett sold the drama through his nuanced acting. He shared genuine chemistry with his co-star even when the plot forced them into illogical situations. His performance was widely considered the saving grace of the production.

John Glover

‘Batman & Robin’ (1997) is infamous for its toy-selling aesthetic and campy dialogue that alienated many fans. John Glover played the mad scientist Dr. Jason Woodrue with a manic energy that fit perfectly within the heightened reality of the film. He embraced the comic book origins of his character and delivered his lines with memorable flair. While the movie around him collapsed under its own weight, Glover seemed to be having the time of his life. His brief appearance remains a cult favorite moment in a widely disliked film.

Marlon Brando

The production of ‘The Island of Dr. Moreau’ (1996) was legendary for its behind-the-scenes chaos and script issues. Marlon Brando delivered a bizarre and eccentric performance that fascinated audiences simply because of its strangeness. He made choices that defied conventional acting logic and turned the film into a spectacle of the unexpected. While the movie failed as a cohesive narrative, Brando ensured it would never be forgotten. His presence dominated the screen and overshadowed the narrative mess.

Nathan Lane

‘The Nutcracker in 3D’ (2010) was a critical and commercial failure that attempted to mix fantasy with historical allegory. Nathan Lane voiced the character of Uncle Albert and provided the only sparks of life in a dull and dreary film. He brought his signature vocal energy and comedic timing to a script that was devoid of joy. Lane tried his best to inject warmth into a movie that critics described as visually ugly and tonally dark. His effort stood in stark contrast to the lifeless nature of the rest of the project.

George Takei

The direct-to-video sequel ‘Mulan II’ (2004) failed to capture the heart and quality of the original animated classic. George Takei voiced the First Ancestor and brought his distinctive baritone and gravitas to the role. He treated the material with respect and provided a link to the cultural themes that the sequel largely mishandled. His vocal performance commanded attention whenever he spoke. Takei added a layer of dignity to a production that felt like a cash grab.

Kal Penn

‘Epic Movie’ (2007) was a parody film that relied on dated pop culture references and crude humor. Kal Penn starred as one of the leads and committed fully to the physical comedy and embarrassing situations. He managed to remain likable despite a script that gave him very little to work with. Penn brought a professional energy to the project that elevated it slightly above other spoofs of the era. His ability to keep a straight face during ridiculous scenes was commendable.

Justice Smith

‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’ (2018) received mixed reviews for its screenplay and character logic. Justice Smith played Franklin Webb and was tasked with providing comic relief through high-pitched screaming and panic. He managed to find human moments within the caricature and made the audience root for his survival. Smith used his expressive face to sell the terror of the dinosaur encounters effectively. He did his best to make a thin character feel like a real person.

Richard Chamberlain

The disaster movie ‘The Swarm’ (1978) featured a killer bee attack and is often listed among the best of the worst films. Richard Chamberlain played Dr. Hubbard and approached the ridiculous premise with absolute seriousness. He delivered expository dialogue about bees with a conviction that almost convinced the audience of the threat. Chamberlain refused to wink at the camera and played the drama straight. His professionalism helped anchor the film as it spiraled into unintentional comedy.

Lee Pace

‘Marmaduke’ (2010) was a live-action adaptation of the comic strip that featured talking dogs and slapstick humor. Lee Pace played the human owner and brought a surprising amount of charm and warmth to a thankless role. He treated his interactions with the CGI animals with sincerity and grounded the movie in family dynamics. Pace is a dramatic actor of high caliber who elevated the material simply by being in it. He made the human subplot watchable for parents stuck in the theater.

Jonathan Groff

‘The Matrix Resurrections’ (2021) divided audiences with its meta-commentary and departure from the style of the original trilogy. Jonathan Groff took over the role of Agent Smith and delivered a performance that was both a tribute and a reinvention. He captured the unique cadence of the character while adding a new layer of corporate menace. Groff seemed to be the actor having the most fun with the updated tone of the franchise. His scenes provided a kinetic energy that some felt the rest of the film lacked.

Billy Porter

The 2021 musical adaptation of ‘Cinderella’ was criticized for its modernized dialogue and jukebox musical format. Billy Porter played the Fabulous Godmother and injected the film with a burst of style and vocal power. He commanded every frame he was in and delivered a rendition of a classic pop song that was a highlight of the soundtrack. Porter brought a specific fashion-forward energy that the marketing campaign leaned on heavily. He was the standout element in a movie that struggled to find its identity.

Dan Levy

‘Haunted Mansion’ (2023) struggled to balance horror and comedy effectively for family audiences. Dan Levy had a smaller role as a quirky tour guide but made a lasting impression with his unique delivery. He brought an eccentric flair to his scenes that fit the spooky atmosphere perfectly. Levy managed to be funny without undermining the stakes of the scene. His brief appearance left audiences wishing he had a larger part in the story.

Wentworth Miller

‘Resident Evil: Afterlife’ (2010) was another entry in the action-horror franchise that prioritized style over substance. Wentworth Miller played Chris Redfield and brought a stoic intensity that matched the video game origins of the character. He handled the action choreography well and provided a cool counterpoint to the chaotic monsters. Miller gave the character a sense of history and capability despite the limited character development in the script. He was a solid addition to a series that often felt repetitive.

Cheyenne Jackson

The television movie ‘Descendants 3’ (2019) was aimed at a younger demographic but featured a standout turn by Cheyenne Jackson. He played the villain Hades and brought a rock-star swagger and vocal prowess to the role. Jackson elevated the material with a performance that was both menacing and entertaining for adults watching with their kids. His musical number was one of the strongest in the franchise. He proved that a great villain can make a simple story much more engaging.

Stephen Fry

‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ (2016) was a visual spectacle that critics found hollow and emotionally lacking compared to its predecessor. Stephen Fry voiced the Cheshire Cat and provided a comforting and enigmatic presence. His distinctive voice work captured the whimsy and mystery of the character perfectly. Fry added a layer of intellectual wit to the film that was otherwise missing from the script. He was a reliable bright spot in a movie cluttered with excessive CGI.

John Barrowman

‘Shark Attack 3: Megalodon’ (2002) is a low-budget creature feature famous for its bad effects and hilarious dialogue. John Barrowman played the lead and delivered his lines with a straight-faced charm that has become legendary on the internet. He carried the film by fully committing to the absurdity of hunting a prehistoric shark on a jet ski. Barrowman improvised some of the most memorable lines in the movie. His charisma turned a forgettable B-movie into a cult classic.

Udo Kier

Uwe Boll’s ‘BloodRayne’ (2005) is widely considered one of the worst video game adaptations ever made. Udo Kier is a veteran character actor who appeared in the film and brought his usual intense presence. He managed to be watchable simply because he is a fascinating performer regardless of the material. Kier treated the nonsensical fantasy plot with the same gravity he brings to art-house cinema. He was a professional island in a sea of amateurish filmmaking.

Anthony Perkins

‘Psycho IV: The Beginning’ (1990) was a made-for-TV sequel that attempted to explain the origin of Norman Bates. Anthony Perkins returned to his iconic role and elevated the teleplay with his nuanced understanding of the character. He managed to evoke sympathy for a serial killer by showing the tragedy of his past. Perkins refused to let the character become a parody of himself. His performance gave the unnecessary sequel a reason to exist.

Sal Mineo

‘Krakatoa, East of Java’ (1969) was a disaster film noted for getting its geography wrong in the title itself. Sal Mineo played the character Leoncavallo and brought a level of emotional intensity that the special effects-heavy film barely deserved. He worked hard to create a human connection amidst the volcanic destruction. Mineo was a two-time Oscar nominee who always delivered quality work. He added dramatic weight to a spectacle that was otherwise superficial.

Rock Hudson

‘The Hornet’s Nest’ (1970) was a war film that received mediocre reviews for its execution and pacing. Rock Hudson starred as an American captain and used his leading man stature to carry the film. He performed the action sequences with conviction and tried to sell the dramatic stakes of the mission. Hudson remained a charismatic screen presence even when the script let him down. He did the heavy lifting to keep the audience engaged in the story.

Tab Hunter

‘Grease 2’ (1982) was a critical and commercial flop upon release that failed to capture the magic of the original. Tab Hunter played the substitute teacher Mr. Stuart and leaned into the campy tone of the movie perfectly. He seemed to understand that the film was a lighter and sillier affair than its predecessor. Hunter sang the song regarding reproduction with a comedic sincerity that has become a fan favorite moment. He was one of the few actors who seemed to be in on the joke.

Lance Bass

The romantic comedy ‘On the Line’ (2001) was a vehicle for pop stars that was criticized for its cliché script and poor acting. Lance Bass played the romantic lead and brought a genuine sweetness to the role that made him likable. He tried his best to sell the implausible romance and standard rom-com tropes. Bass had an earnest quality that made the audience want him to succeed despite the bad movie around him. He proved he could hold the screen even without his bandmates.

Jonathan Bennett

‘Van Wilder: Freshman Year’ (2009) was a direct-to-DVD prequel that lacked the star power of Ryan Reynolds. Jonathan Bennett stepped into the lead role and did an admirable job of imitating the charm of the original character. He brought high energy and enthusiasm to a script filled with gross-out humor. Bennett managed to be charismatic on his own terms while navigating a derivative plot. He carried the film for fans of the franchise who wanted more of the same.

BD Wong

‘Jurassic World Dominion’ (2022) was criticized for a bloated runtime and a plot that focused too much on locusts. BD Wong returned as Dr. Henry Wu and finally gave the character a redemptive arc that was well-acted. He conveyed the regret and desperation of a scientist who realized his mistakes. Wong brought emotional resonance to his scenes that was lacking in the action-heavy sequences. He turned a functional plot device character into a human being.

Denis O’Hare

The horror film ‘The Pyramid’ (2014) was a found-footage movie that suffered from predictable scares and a silly monster design. Denis O’Hare played an archaeologist and brought a sense of authority and desperation to the role. He elevated the tension in the first half of the film through his convincing performance of a man obsessed with discovery. O’Hare is a skilled character actor who made the questionable decision-making of the characters seem slightly more plausible. He was the most believable element of the production.

Derek Jacobi

‘Ironclad’ (2011) was a violent medieval action movie that received mixed reviews for its shaky cam and thin characterization. Derek Jacobi played the corrupt Cornhill and brought a touch of Shakespearean class to the gritty proceedings. He delivered his lines with a disgust and fear that made his character memorable. Jacobi stood out among the shouting warriors by using his voice and facial expressions to convey power dynamics. He added prestige to a film that was largely about hacking and slashing.

Victor Garber

The comedy ‘You Again’ (2010) featured a stellar cast but was panned for its mean-spirited humor and formulaic script. Victor Garber played the father figure and provided a warm and grounding presence amidst the screeching conflict. He managed to be charming and sensible in a movie where everyone else was behaving irrationally. Garber has a natural ease on screen that made his scenes a relief to watch. He did his best to balance the tone of the movie.

Harvey Fierstein

‘Duplex’ (2003) was a dark comedy about a couple trying to kill their elderly tenant that critics found unpleasant. Harvey Fierstein had a supporting role as a real estate agent and brought his trademark rasp and comedic timing. He injected energy into the scenes he appeared in and delivered the best jokes in the film. Fierstein knew exactly what kind of movie he was in and played it broad and loud. He was a splash of color in a drab comedy.

Chris Colfer

‘Struck by Lightning’ (2012) was a dark teen comedy written by and starring Chris Colfer that received mixed reviews. Colfer carried the film with his sharp delivery and willingness to play an unlikable protagonist. He wrote dialogue that played to his strengths and kept the pace of the movie moving quickly. His performance anchored the story and gave it a distinct voice that separated it from generic high school movies. He proved he could lead a film with a cynical edge.

David Hyde Pierce

The psychological thriller ‘The Perfect Host’ (2010) had a twisty plot that some critics found preposterous. David Hyde Pierce played the eccentric dinner party host and delivered a tour-de-force performance of shifting personalities. He moved between charming and terrifying with ease, keeping the audience guessing. Pierce carried the entire narrative on his shoulders as the film relied almost exclusively on his acting range. He made a bizarre script work through sheer commitment.

Michael Urie

‘Beverly Hills Chihuahua’ (2008) was a live-action talking dog movie that was strictly for young children. Michael Urie voiced the character of Sebastian and brought a fun and distinct personality to the role. He managed to make his animated character stand out among a crowded cast of celebrity voices. Urie used his comedic timing to land jokes that could have easily fallen flat. He added a layer of sass and energy that helped the movie’s entertainment value.

Joel Grey

‘The Fantasticks’ (2000) was a film adaptation of the long-running musical that was shelved for years before a quiet release. Joel Grey played the mysterious Amos and brought his vaudevillian expertise to the role. He tried to capture the theatrical magic of the stage show within the confines of a film set. Grey is a master of the genre and his performance was the most authentic part of the adaptation. He kept the spirit of the original material alive.

Montgomery Clift

John Huston’s ‘Freud: The Secret Passion’ (1962) was a dense and talky biopic that some found tedious. Montgomery Clift played Sigmund Freud and delivered a brooding and intense performance despite his declining health at the time. He conveyed the internal intellectual struggle of the psychoanalyst with subtle facial expressions. Clift brought a modern acting style to a period piece that could have been stiff. His work gave the film a psychological depth that matched its subject matter.

Noah Schnapp

‘Hubie Halloween’ (2020) was an Adam Sandler comedy that received the usual mixed-to-negative reception from critics. Noah Schnapp played a rare dramatic role within the slapstick world as the son of the love interest. He played the straight man effectively against the chaotic comedy happening around him. Schnapp brought a grounding sweetness to the film that balanced the gross-out humor. He showed he could hold his own in a comedy ensemble.

Maulik Pancholy

The romantic comedy ’27 Dresses’ (2008) was a box office hit but was considered by critics to be a formulaic genre entry. Maulik Pancholy played the assistant to the lead character and maximized his limited screen time. He delivered his lines with a dry wit that stole the scenes from the main stars. Pancholy turned a standard sidekick role into a memorable character. He added a necessary spark to the office scenes.

Guillermo Díaz

Kevin Smith’s ‘Cop Out’ (2010) was an action comedy that was panned for being unfunny and derivative. Guillermo Díaz played a gang leader named Poh Boy and made a strong impression as a villain. He balanced menace with a strange comedic energy that fit the tone the movie was trying to achieve. Díaz committed to the over-the-top nature of the character. He was one of the few elements of the film that felt unpredictable.

Russell Tovey

‘The Good Liar’ (2019) was a thriller that featured two acting legends but suffered from a plot that became increasingly silly. Russell Tovey played the grandson of the protagonist and had to navigate the twists of the third act. He held his own against veteran actors and provided the audience with a sympathetic viewpoint. Tovey grounded the melodramatic finale with a realistic emotional reaction. He helped sell the narrative turns that otherwise strain credibility.

Share your favorite performance from this list or mention an actor we missed in the comments.