They fly the flag for the U.S., and for Britain.
Welcome to WatchMojo UK and today we’ll be counting down our top picks for the top
10 American Icons Played by Brits.
For this list, we’re looking at real or fictitious icons, who have been instrumental
in shaping American history and culture - but have been portrayed by a British or Irish
actor in film.
Brits are no strangers to the MCU.
We’ve seen Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange and, to the delight of fans everywhere,
Tom Holland as the comic book favourite, Spider-Man.
As a kid, pretty much everyone wanted to be Spidey at some point, and Tom Holland’s
portrayal of the wall-crawler embodied the ‘average joe with greatness thrust upon
them’ brilliantly.
And it was finally a true-to-the-comics depiction.
He’s likeable, his accent is convincing and, well he’s your friendly neighborhood
Spider-Man.
Playing a musician for a film can be difficult.
As well as sounding like them, your mannerisms and stage presence has got to be on the money.
Thankfully, Tom Hiddleston brought his A-game when he played country and blues legend Hank
Williams.
From his convincing southern tones and singing voice, to his subtle foot-tapping, hip-jiving
nuisances, it’s clear that Hiddleston did his homework.
Okay, so the film as a whole wasn't great, but Tom nailed it.
Considering how influential, controversial and experimental Andy Warhol’s work is,
he was a surprisingly placid guy - which makes accurately playing him in a film rather difficult.
But Jared Harris was up to the challenge.
Sporting a platinum wig and coolly flitting in and out of scenes, Harris captures the
coy attitude of Warhol perfectly.
The famed pop artist was known for his reserved, but enigmatic, personality, with followers
hanging on his every word.
And that certainly comes across in Harris’ performance.
Take your pick of memorable moments and iconic images from this film.
The fashion, the hair, the dress, the cigarette, “Moon River” sang out of a window.
“Breakfast at Tiffany's” is crammed full of standout scenes, and it’s all tied together
by Audrey Hepburn’s unforgettable stint as Holly Golightly, who was described by writer
Truman Capote as an “American Geisha”.
For many, the role will forever serve as a reference point for style and culture.
Certainly one of the more complex personalities to ever ever be US President, Nixon was known
for being cynical and secretive.
Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal lies somewhere in between the real Nixon - and the exaggerated
character in the media, giving us an insight into who he was, and who people perceived
him to be.
From his hunched body language to his unforgettable speeches, it’s an honest take on the man
- and one well-deserving of Hopkins’ Academy Award nomination.
No, we haven't forgot Henry Cavill as Superman, but for the DC universe, our vote goes to
Christian Bale as Batman.
Christopher Nolan’s realistic take on the comic book character demanded a versatile
performance, and Bale had the acting chops for the job.
Whether he was having an emotional heart-to-heart with Alfred as Bruce Wayne or interrogating
The Joker as the caped crusader, Bale’s Batman explored every facet of the character
- giving us a hero that kids and adults alike can look up to.
Undeniably Chaplin’s best known persona, The Tramp was the little guy always thriving
to succeed and fit in - and in many ways, he represented the quintessential struggle
for The American Dream.
Chaplin intended for the character to be American, be relatable, and to provide social commentary
on U.S. culture - so much so that he refused to create a talkie film featuring the character,
as he was afraid his strong British accent would ruin the illusion.
Since his first appearance in 1914, The Tramp has set the benchmark for slapstick and improvisational
comedy.
Nothing says ‘American icon’ like an entrepreneur setting up shop in a garage and laying the
foundations for one of the biggest tech companies of the last 50 years.
Steve Jobs has been portrayed in film before, but arguably the most entertaining - albeit
over-dramatised version - is Danny Boyle’s 2015 effort, featuring Ireland’s finest
Michael Fassbender as the eponymous tech mogul.
A hunger for greatness, determination, frustration, it’s all there.
The characteristics that got Jobs to the top.
Watch any speech by Luther King and it’s hard not to be enthused and inspired - and
thankfully British actor David Oyelowo was able to bring that kind of powerful delivery
to the table.
King helped change American Civil Rights forever, and with each of this film’s passionate
outbursts, it’s clear that Oyelowo understands that.
Along with a brilliant supporting cast, Oyelowo does an excellent job of accurately conveying
the hardship of the era - which at times, is difficult to watch, yet captivating all
the same.
To another political hero, with the 16th President of the United States Abraham Lincoln claiming
our top spot, as portrayed by the superb Daniel Day-Lewis.
Telling of Lincoln’s struggle with the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, the 2012
film showcases one of Day-Lewis’ most fascinating performances, conveying the calm and collected,
yet courageously determined, personality of the former President.
As is usually the case, Day-Lewis went all out with this one, playing the character on
and off set, and even inventing a unique accent for
the role.