While some films may only have one or two big stars in their lineups, others feature star-studded lineups that take the content from good to great. These packed lineups are often found in crime dramas, comedies, and epic sagas or series. While there are too many to name, here are six of the best ensemble casts in movie history, featuring the best of the best when it comes to actors and content.
6. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Starting our list of the best ensemble casts is Avengers: Endgame. While many of the Avengers movies boast a stacked lineup, Endgame is the culmination, with so many key heroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe taking part in the final battle. Some cast members include Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, Zoe Saldaña, Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, etc.
5. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)
Fifth on our list of the best ensemble casts is Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. A sequel to the beloved original, the film brings together the star-studded original cast with new prominent actors playing younger versions. Some of the cast members include Lily James, Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Cher, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, and Andy Garcia.
4. 12 Years a Slave (2013)
Next on our list of the best ensemble casts is 12 Years a Slave. While many period films draw more star-studded actors, this film is particularly stocked with heavy-hitting actors. Some of the cast members include Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong’o, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Sarah Paulson, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti, Brad Pitt, and Alfre Woodard.
3. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Rounding out the top three best ensemble casts on our list is Ocean’s Eleven. The film centers around a gangster who creates a team to stage a casino heist during a boxing event. The cast features new and seasoned actors of the time, including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Andy Garcia, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac, Elliott Gould, and Carl Reiner.
2. Knives Out (2019)
Second on our list of the best ensemble casts is Knives Out. While all the subsequent films have featured star-studded casts, this is where it all began. A murder mystery with lots of suspects, and Detective Benoit Blanc to solve it. The cast includes Daniel Craig, Ana de Armas, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, Lakeith Stanfield, and Christopher Plummer.
1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Last but not least on our list of the best ensemble casts is Pulp Fiction. The crime film weaves together four tales of violence from two mob hitmen, a boxer, a gangster and his wife, and a pair of diner bandits. The cast includes John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, Ving Rhames, Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, and Amanda Plummer.