Sometimes actors don’t get the credit they deserve for their work. Reasons for a lackluster performance can range from problems on set, bad writing, worse directing, or just the role being the wrong fit. It demonstrates that having the skills and a positive attitude at work doesn’t guarantee success. As fans of movies and television, we should want to honor the actors and actresses who do great in their roles, even if the mainstream awards ceremonies don’t.

When an actor receives attention from the film awards, they usually take over the entertainment market in that genre for a short period until another actor accomplishes something else deserving of notice. There is really little place for new blood, as this trend keeps repeating itself. Then, when these well-known performers became widespread in the press, our attention is drawn to them. They very nearly become legendary. Here are eight performers who are said to be underappreciated, yet deserve praise for their performances in movies and TV.

8 Robert Pattinson — The Lighthouse

     A24

Robert Pattinson is probably most well known for his love-hate relationship with his role as Edward Cullen in the Twilight film franchise. But what many people don’t realize is that he is a talented actor who can wow an audience just as well as the big award-winners. His performance in The Lighthouse, directed by Robert Eggers, is something completely unique, as he takes on the role of lighthouse keeper Ephraim Winslow. According to Slash Film, “filming the claustrophobic historical horror pushed Pattinson to his limit physically and mentally, leading the actor to nearly punch Eggers on one particularly tough day.”

7 Shailene Woodley — Big Little Lies

     HBO

Shailene Woodley has throughout the years dedicated her talent to many different personalities. Her roles in The Secret Life of the American Teenager, The Fault in Our Stars, and Adrift are proof enough that she can act. But probably Woodley’s finest performance was as Jane Chapman in the popular HBO miniseries Big Little Lies. Jane is a young mother who, despite some of the ugly things that life has dealt her before, has a gentle and caring personality. Woodley digs deep for this character in a way many of her other roles do not, and perseveres as a fantastic, talented actress bringing a difficult character to life.

6 James Marsters — Dragonball Evolution

     20th Century Fox

James Marsters is not really a household name to most people. His fans know him from his role as Spike on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. Marsters has since gone on to appear in shows like Supernatural, Hawaii Five-O, and Warehouse 13. More recently, he appeared in Marvel’s Runaways. In 2009’s Dragonball Evolution, Marsters portrays Lord Piccolo, the evil villain opposing Goku (Justin Chatwin) throughout the film. If you thought the 90s were wild, you haven’t seen anything yet. Don’t expect anything too serious from this film. It is the cheesiest, most ridiculous thing ever, but Marsters excels at being comedic and over the top, and that is what makes his performance so great.

5 Logan Lerman — The Perks of Being a Wallflower

     Mr. Mudd Productions

Talented actor Logan Lerman accepts difficult parts and brings vibrant characters to life. His fame stems from his portrayal of Percy Jackson, the lead character in the eponymous fantasy adventure film series. Lerman, as Charlie in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, is excellent at capturing the awkward unknowns of growing up as an unpopular teenager. He lets the character maintain his grounded-ness while expressing his feelings in a genuine and honest way. The movie probably wouldn’t have been as popular as it was without Lerman. Because it keeps as close to the original book as possible, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is among the most relevant and expertly made book-to-cinema adaptations.

4 Olivia Wilde — The OC

     Warner Bros.

The majority of people only know actress Olivia Wilde from her time on the television show House. On The OC, she played Marisa Cooper’s first and only girlfriend, which is one of her most underappreciated performances. E! News claims that when the episode first aired, Wilde was unaware of the importance of her contribution. She didn’t really understand who her character, Alex, was until after the discussion of sexuality and identity had intensified, saying, “I was just surprised by the enormity of the response. I still have women coming up to tell me they started discovering their own sexuality because of The OC.”

3 Jake Gyllenhaal — Nightcrawler

     Open Road Films

Jake Gyllenhaal has starred in countless films such as October Sky, Donnie Darko, Brokeback Mountain, Source Code, and End of Watch. But his most underrated performance is as Louis Bloom in the 2014 crime thriller Nightcrawler. Gyllenhaal’s character, Louis finds out he can make money by selling videos of accidents and crimes to local news networks, so he starts a new job as a freelance cameraman. He develops an obsession with getting the winning shot and will do whatever it takes to acquire it. What sets Gyllenhaal apart from other actors who’ve done similar roles is his creepy yet sincere smile as he’s discussing what he’s done.

2 Dakota Johnson — Black Mass

Although Dakota Johnson is most known for playing Anastasia Steele in the 50 Shades of Grey movie adaptations, her work in the 2015 historical murder thriller Black Mass is one of her greatest performances and hasn’t received enough praise. The movie is based on Dick Lehr and Gerard O’Neill’s book Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob. In the film, Johnson plays Lindsey Cyr, James Bulger’s girlfriend and the mother of his child. Bulger, who is portrayed by Johnny Depp, is the head of the Winter Hill Gang. Johnson gives a powerful, authentic representation of what it’s like to be a mafia boss’ girl and the toll those relationships can take on a person.

1 Dylan O’Brien — Teen Wolf

     MGM Domestic Television Distribution

Dylan O’Brien has made a name for himself starring in films such as The Maze Runner franchise, The Internship, and The First Time. O’Brien’s most underrated performance is as Stiles in Teen Wolf. Particularly in the second half of Season 3, where his character is possessed by an evil entity. He does a fantastic job of being able to switch personalities in a moment. O’Brien had the perfect combination of being a chaotic psychopath and looking exhausted at the same time. Sadly, O’Brien elected not to return for Teen Wolf: The Movie, the continuation of the series, which is set to premiere on Paramount+ on January 26, 2023.