It takes a special type of person to pursue a career in acting. When it comes to being successful as an actor, you have to be entertaining, vibrant, and able to dive deep into your emotions. Throughout the years, there have been countless actors who have lit up the silver screen with their memorable performances. Method actors like Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro completely embody characters by doing in depth studies into their personas and emotions. Legendary theater actors like Idina Menzel use their singing talents and big emotions to give epic live performances. A script is only as good as the actors who bring the characters to life. It is up to the actors to put in the hard work so they can give honest performances.

Every once in a while, we will get a performer who decides to play another famous actor in a film. Capturing the personas of famous actors is a feat that not everyone can achieve. The actor has to have the talent and the willingness do their homework so they know exactly who they will be playing. Watching actors play other actors is a satisfying way to see the lives of these famous people that we have seen in the movies. Actors are usually very interesting people, so seeing them showcased on the big screen is, in most cases, very entertaining. Most recently, we watched Quentin Tarantino bring acclaimed actress Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) back to life in his masterpiece, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. Let's dive into five memorable films where actors portrayed famous actors on the big screen.

Related: Here Are 10 of the Best Actor Transformations of All Time

5 Mommie Dearest

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Paramount Pictures

The 1981 film, directed by Frank Perry, tells the true accounts of the abusive and manipulative actress, Joan Crawford (Faye Dunaway). The movie is based on the memoirs of Crawford's adopted daughter Christina Crawford, and depicts the years of abuse she went through living under her mother's roof. Dunaway gives a terrifying performance as Joan Crawford and we are given an in-depth look into the disturbing relationship between her and her children. Although the movie was a commercial success, it received negative reviews from critics and won five Razzies, including Worst Picture. Since its release, Mommie Dearest has become a cult classic and viewed by many as a comedic film despite its subject matter. The over-the-top performance of Dunaway may not be for everyone, but it is unquestionably entertaining.

4 Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

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Sony Pictures Releasing

Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood rewrote history and changed the fate of Sharon Tate, who was tragically murdered my the Manson Family in 1969. Margot Robbie brings Tate to life and is a joy to watch on screen as she dances through parties and watches her movies on the big screen. Robbie looks a lot like Tate physically, but she also embodies Tate by portraying her care-free and loving persona. Although Robbie's dialogue is minimal throughout the film, she accomplishes so much through her emotions and physicality. The film is definitely a movie for cinema buffs and it should be noted that other famous actors such as Bruce Lee (Mike Moh) and Steve McQueen (Damian Lewis) are depicted throughout the movie. The film gives us an exciting and satisfying look into the 1960s Hollywood scene.

3 My Week With Marilyn

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The Weinstein Company

My Week With Marilyn follows the relationship between an aspiring filmmaker (Eddie Redmayne) and the one and only, Marilyn Monroe (Michelle Williams). Monroe is one of the most iconic actors of all time and an inspiration to many performers. With that said, it is depicted in the film that Monroe had many deep struggles when it came to fame and her life in the spotlight. Williams completely embodies Monroe and gives one of her greatest performances to date, highlighting the struggles that Monroe faced throughout her career. Williams’ physicality and emotions make it seem as if you are watching the real Monroe on screen. Williams is a sheer talent and was unquestionably the perfect choice to take on the role of the iconic Monroe. Indeed, she went on to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

2 Man On The Moon

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Universal Pictures

Andy Kaufman was one of the most prolific comedians of all time. His style was nothing that has ever seen before, and he is considered a Hollywood legend. Jim Carrey takes the role of Kaufman while carrying out one of the most epic forms of method acting in history. Carrey stayed in character the entire film shoot, and reportedly was difficult to work with due to him competly embodiing Kaufman. In the end, Carrey's methods paid off, because we were given an in-depth look in the the persona of Kaufman and the ups and downs of his career. Kaufman was one of the most unique comedians in history, and capturing his identiy was no easy feat. Milos Forman's direction adds to the brilliance of the film and we are given an epic tribute to the career of Kaufman. Carrey went on to win a Golden Globe for Best Actor.

Related: Sonic 2 Director Teases a Bigger and Better Performance from Jim Carrey

1 Chaplin

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TriStar Pictures

Although Charlie Chaplin is a controversial figure, he was unquestionably one of the most talented performers to ever hit the screen. Richard Attenborugh's biographical film Chaplin tells the entire story of Chaplin's career starting with his humble beginnings to his rise to fame. Robert Downey Jr. plays Chaplin and unquestionably gives one of his greatest performances to date. Embodying Chaplin was no easy feat. Chaplin had a physicality and on-screen persona that was completely unique to him. Luckily, Downey Jr. was up to the challenge and completely transformed into Chaplin physically and mentally. Although the film received mixed reviews, Downey Jr.'s performance was praised and earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role.