Hairdos in the movies can make--or break--a character, set a trend, or give writers fodder for articles like this for years to come. Let's reminisce...
We begin with the best hair in movies, like Theron's pointy,pitch-black 'do that was as badass as her cyberpunk assassin character. Few actresses could pull this fierce look off as well.
James Dean, Rebel Without a Cause
The bad-boy rockabilly pompadour Dean made classic perfectly served his rebel persona. Even though the look takes some careful styling, Dean had that just-so tousled curl on top that seemed effortless.
Daryl Hannah, Blade Runner
Hannah's known best for her long blonde locks, probably most for her crimped 'do that did double duty as both hair and convenient cover-up in Splash. But we most like this punked-out, brilliantly early-'80s-excess mop top she wore as violent, murderous replicant Pris.
Veronica Lake, in anything circa 1940
A pinup bombshell with an all-too-brief career, Lake made her mark with a Marcel wave and peek-a-boo style that took the world by storm. You may recognize this iconic old-Hollywood look in modern times worn by the animated Jessica Rabbit and Kim Basinger's character in L.A. Confidential.
Uma Thurman, Pulp Fiction
OK, so it was technically a wig, not her real hair, but this slick, vintage bob Thurman sported as Mia Wallace marked the return of bangs and was all the rage for Halloween 1994.
The Worst: Nic Cage, Bangkok Dangerous
Nic Cage is an easy target; his bad movie hair started back in the '90s with Con Air, and some would say this 'do isn't his worst. Still, what is going on there?
Javier Bardem, No Country for Old Men
He's one of the most frightening, menacing villains we've ever seen onscreen, and the long, nerdy bob Anton Chigurh wore on top of his head belied the truly evil mind inside it.
Angelina Jolie, Gone in 60 Seconds
It doesn't matter how hot you are, or how it's supposed to "inform" the character, dreadlocks belong at a reggae show or Venice Beach, not on a blonde Angelina Jolie.
Natalie Portman, V for Vendetta
She earned praise and compliments back in 2005 for shaving her head to make this political-dissident role more authentic. We'd argue though that bald isn't a good move for any female actress, even if you look like Natalie Portman.
Bruce Willis, Surrogates
If there was any doubt Willis makes a better baldy, this movie quickly dispelled it. The special effects they came up with to create this look blew away anything else in the sci-fi actioner about a future where people live their lives through android avatars.
Honorable Mention: Tom Hanks, The Da Vinci Code
It certainly wasn't Hanks' best style, but did it deserve the pounding he took back in 2006, to the point that he was defending his hair in press junkets for the movie? Fact is Hanks' hair has always had a life of its own, and has had as many ups and downs as the man's career.
What are your best and worsts? Tell us below! And take on your own Hair Challenge on our sister NBCU site iVillage!
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