Sometimes, all it takes is a brief but unforgettable appearance from a star to turn a great TV show or movie into something truly iconic. Celebrity cameos are like surprise presents wrapped in pop culture moments. Whether it’s to shock, make us laugh, or add a dose of star power, these appearances often steal the spotlight and linger in our memories long after the credits roll.

Here’s a rundown of the best celebrity cameos that deserve permanent spots in the pop culture hall of fame. From hilariously unexpected drop-ins to perfectly cast moments, these stars proved that less can absolutely be more.

1. Tom Cruise in Tropic Thunder

When you think of Tom Cruise, your mind probably goes straight to Mission Impossible or Top Gun. But in 2008, Cruise stepped into completely uncharted territory with his surprise cameo as Les Grossman, the profane, dance-loving studio executive in Tropic Thunder.

Sporting a bald cap, glasses, and a body suit that gave him, well, a distinct body shape, Cruise’s turn as Grossman was unexpected, hysterically funny, and downright bizarre (in the best possible way). His aggressive, high-energy tirades and memorable dance moves to Ludacris’s "Get Back" turned what could have been a forgettable cameo into a scene-stealing performance.

Why it stood out: No one expected to see A-list action hero Tom Cruise as an unhinged, hairy-chested Hollywood exec.

2. Michael Jackson in Men in Black II

When Men in Black II hit theaters in 2002, fans were delighted by its humor and action-packed plot. But what really surprised audiences was an extraordinarily unexpected cameo from none other than the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

Appearing as Agent M, Jackson pleads with Rip Torn’s character to officially join the Men in Black. Though brief, the cameo was absurd and self-aware, with MJ playfully poking fun at his larger-than-life persona.

Why it stood out: Seeing music royalty like Michael Jackson in such a quirky, comedic role was a delightful slice of surreal fun.

3. Matt Damon in EuroTrip

EuroTrip (2004) is a silly, raunchy teen comedy that delivered exactly what you’d expect. Then, out of nowhere came a completely bonkers cameo by Matt Damon. Yes, Good Will Hunting and Jason Bourne Matt Damon.

Playing a tattooed, shaved-headed lead singer of a punk band, Damon performs the film’s hilarious anthem “Scotty Doesn’t Know.” While the song mocks the main character, Scotty, for being clueless about his girlfriend’s infidelity, Damon gleefully delivers the ridiculous lyrics with such commitment it’s impossible not to laugh.

Why it stood out: Damon shed his serious-actor image to become a hilarious punk-rock frontman in one of the most memorable moments in early 2000s teen comedies.

4. Elon Musk in Iron Man 2

Tech mogul Elon Musk made a surprising and fitting cameo in Iron Man 2 (2010), rubbing shoulders with Tony Stark himself at a swanky event. Musk, playing none other than himself, has a brief but memorable exchange with Robert Downey Jr.’s Stark, even pitching an idea for an electric jet.

While Musk’s appearance was short, it felt right at home given Stark’s billionaire-genius persona. The subtle nod to a real-life innovator added a layer of fun for fans who bridged the gap between the MCU and reality.

Why it stood out: Having an entrepreneurial giant appear in a world of tech-savvy superheroes was a perfectly on-brand surprise.

5. Bill Murray in Zombieland

Perhaps one of the most talked-about cameos in recent years, Bill Murray’s surprise appearance in Zombieland (2009) was a stroke of genius. Playing a fictionalized version of himself, Murray is seen living in a Hollywood mansion, pretending to be a zombie to avoid the apocalypse.

His cameo is only about 10 minutes long but packs in everything we love about Murray as a performer. From a hilarious fake zombie impression to iconic self-deprecating humor (e.g., his regret over Garfield), this cameo was a standout highlight in the zombie-comedy hit.

Why it stood out: It was Bill Murray playing Bill Murray, complete with meta-jokes and unexpected hilarity.

6. Brad Pitt in Deadpool 2

When Deadpool 2 hit theaters in 2018, it delivered its signature brand of irreverent humor and jaw-dropping surprises—including one of the quickest yet most hilarious cameos in recent memory. Enter Brad Pitt as Vanisher, one of the members of Deadpool’s unconventional superhero team, X-Force.

For most of the film, Vanisher is invisible, leaving fans questioning if he’s real until a split-second scene where he’s electrocuted mid-skydive, revealing none other than Brad Pitt himself. It’s absurd, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it brilliance that fits perfectly with the chaotic energy of the film.

Why it stood out: The sheer shock factor of seeing a megastar like Pitt appear for mere seconds made this cameo unforgettable and ridiculously funny.

7. David Bowie in Zoolander

Zoolander (2001), a comedy about male modeling, managed an impressive feat with its incredible lineup of cameos, but David Bowie undoubtedly stands above the rest. The legendary musician made a surprise appearance as the judge for the film’s infamous “walk-off” scene between Ben Stiller’s Derek Zoolander and Owen Wilson’s Hansel.

Bowie’s calm, confident presence added an extra layer of coolness to an already hilarious sequence. His cameo perfectly captured the offbeat, absurdist tone of the film.

Why it stood out: It’s David Bowie presiding over a ridiculous battle of catwalk poses. Enough said.

8. Stephen Colbert in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

The Hobbit trilogy was packed with action, adventure, and stunning visuals, but eagle-eyed fans got an extra treat during The Desolation of Smaug. Stephen Colbert, well-known for his sharp political satire and Tolkien geekdom, appeared as a one-eyed Lake-town spy for a brief but memorable moment.

Though his time on screen was short, the cameo was a fun Easter egg for fans, especially since Colbert has often shared his love for J.R.R. Tolkien’s work. Seeing him immersed in the world of Middle-earth was both amusing and impressive.

Why it stood out: Colbert’s deep admiration for Tolkien made this cameo extra special for fans and a clever nod to a superfan living out his dream.

9. Keanu Reeves in Always Be My Maybe

The Netflix rom-com Always Be My Maybe gave us possibly one of the greatest celebrity wild-card cameos of all time. Keanu Reeves played an exaggerated, completely bonkers version of himself, dining with the film’s protagonists and delivering riotously funny moments.

From his pretentious comments to his slow-motion entrance in glasses set to heart-thumping music, Reeves leaned fully into the comedy and made an already great movie even better.

Why it stood out: Seeing the ultra-relatable Keanu poke fun at his image added an extra layer of humor to the role.

10. Prince in New Girl

Few guest appearances will reach the iconic status of Prince’s cameo in New Girl. The music legend didn’t just randomly pop up; he played himself and delivered one of the show’s most endearing and surreal storylines.

Helping Jess and Nick (Zooey Deschanel and Jake Johnson) figure out their relationship woes, Prince was charming, wise, and, well, exactly what you’d imagine Prince to be.

Why it stood out: It was the perfect mix of humor and heart wrapped in purple royalty magic.