Twilight may not be the best movie franchise in history, but its cultural impact is undeniable. Most of the actors from the franchise have gone on to much bigger and better things despite their beginnings in the young adult vampire romance adaptations. For example, Robert Pattinson said he wants everyone to just move on in a recent interview.
For some actors, Twilight was a stepping stone, and for others, it was a career highlight. The list below will take a look at some of the first film’s most iconic actors and their career-best performances. These picks range from the critically acclaimed to the ones that are Oscar-worthy in my heart.
Kristen Stewart in Spencer
Kristen Stewart’s role as Bella in Twilight propelled her to international fame, but it is far from her best role. Over the years, Stewart has really shown her range as an actor with roles like Melinda Sordino in Speak and Tracy in Into the Wild. However, where she really shines is in the Princess Diana biopic, Spencer. Biopic is a strong word for this film. Stewart even clinched an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her performance.
The film itself suffers in the portrayal of Diana as it’s a psychological fanfiction first before being a biopic. Nevertheless, Stewart gave an incredible performance that uplifted the entire film, transforming her character into a highly distressed yet resilient force. I hope Stewart takes on more roles like this that showcase her range beyond teenage girls caught up with the wrong people.
Robert Pattinson in Good Time
Robert Pattinson has been trying to shed his Twilight image for years, and after his upcoming role as the lead in Parasite director Bong Joon-Ho’s Mickey-17, this is a strong possibility. Pattinson is well-known for not having the best opinion of the Twilight series, but he has also made the strongest effort of the cast to distance himself from the franchise and show off his series acting chops.
Now, I know what you may be thinking: How did you NOT pick his role as Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter!? Just kidding, I know the bigger shocker is why his best role is not as Batman or in Robert Eggers’ The Lighthouse. For full transparency on the latter, I haven’t seen it. I know, I know–I need to. However, I believe Pattinson’s performance in the Safdie brothers’ Good Time is mind-bogglingly different from his other roles. He breaks free from his broody typecast and is a desperate and loyal brother.
Taylor Lautner in The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3D
Yes, I am completely serious about this take. I am a Sharkboy and Lavagirl defender till I die. This cinematic masterpiece has been too hated on for far too long. The film seems corny, but it’s actually camp when you think about it. The highly exaggerated Planet Drool, along with the Dream Graveyard, hold important real-life messages about never giving up. Taylor Lautner as Sharkboy transcends just our childhoods and remains one of the best Halloween duo costumes ever.
It’s funny because I would also consider Twilight camp in today’s age, but I guess that’s Lautner’s style. Today, Lautner is working on a show that feels like it was taken from the Dream Graveyard. Taylor Lautner: Werewolf Hunter is a real series currently in development at Amazon, with Lautner playing the lead. It takes place in an alternate timeline where, after playing Jacob Black, Lautner is recruited by werewolf hunters because of his knowledge of playing one.
Nikki Reed in Thirteen
Nikki Reed played Rosalie Hale in Twilight, which is probably the role she is most known for. However, her role as Evie in Thirteen is so underrated. Thirteen is one of those movies that is only recognizable when you see the poster. This is one of those movies that you watched with your friends at a sleepover and didn’t know it was going to be as deep as it was.
Most people, including myself, are surprised to find out that Reed wrote the screenplay for Thirteen along with its director, Catherine Hardwicke. (Hardwicke, of course, went on to direct the first Twilight.) The 14-year-old Reed co-wrote Thirteen partially based on her own experiences as a teen. In many ways, this felt like a precursor to Euphoria.
Anna Kendrick in Pitch Perfect
A year after finishing up The Twilight Saga as Jessica Stanley, Kendrick went on to lead the Pitch Perfect films. Pitch Perfect genuinely changed pop culture as we know it, from the cup song that ruled my elementary school to Hailee Steinfeld singing “Flashlight” when no one asked her to and still paying the price for it today.
Every time I watch this movie, it just gets better and better. Also, Kendrick’s style in this film is making a comeback. Aca-scuse me?! Don’t pretend we all didn’t want to have her clothes growing up. Now that I am grown up, I am back in the same situation. Kendrick made acapella cool, and I can’t lie and say I’m not excited for the upcoming fourth installment of the series.
Ashley Greene in…Well, Honestly, Twilight
To be honest, Ashley Greene’s best role is Twilight, and that’s not a bad thing playing fan-favorite Alice Cullen.
Twilight is really a universe of its own, but seeing how so many of the actors made it past their roles in what is, according to Robert Pattinson, a “weird” series and story goes to show that even in a film panned by critics, acting ability can shine. It’s still hard to believe actors like Stewart and Pattinson got their start as Bella and Edward. Fingers crossed for a Pattinson acting nomination soon.