Last week we discussed the worst freakout scenes in media – mostly for being shallow pretentious or so bad it’s hilarious. Now is we get to freakout scenes done right – These are the films (not shows) that got their actors screaming for an excellent reason, and with even better delivery.
#7: There Will Be Blood – I Drink Your Milkshake
No one does cooky insanity quite as scary as Daniel Day-Lewis. It’s hard to count this as an anger scene because it is so bizarre, but watching the full film it really was the culmination of an eccentric millionaire who finally puts a fake pasture in his place. But let’s face it – you only know of this film for one line only.
#6: Pulp Fiction – Ezekiel 25:17
Easily Pulp Fiction’s most famous scene is Jules and his bible verse. Frankly, it’s every Samuel L. Jackson dialogue trope wrapped into one domineering declaration of power and a lesson in “you have f***ed up now.”
“Do they speak English in ‘What?'”
#5: Brothers – A Kitchen Remodeling
Remember that lame love triangle in Micheal Bay’s Pearl Harbor? This 2009 film had the same story but with a returning Afghan vet. This is on this list purely to meme because Toby Maguire‘s performance is both terrifying and kind of funny at the same time. What’s more is his raw vocal performance (especially those voice cracks) combined with the sheer physicality of the scene make for a grounded domestic disturbance.
#4: Ironclad – John the Worst
Another film that doesn’t get much attention, this movie is worth it just for Paul Giamatti hamming it up to 11.
Imagine his John Adams performance as King John the Worst.
#3: Django Unchained – Trouble in Candyland
Leonardo DiCaprio was so in character that when he accidentally slices his hand on his glass that he even improvised smearing the blood on Kerry Washington’s face. It is a crime against humanity that Leo never got an Oscar for this scene alone.
#2: Marriage Story – We’re Done Here
“Hey kids! Wanna see a movie where Kylo Ren and Black Widow are your parents – but they love each other about as much as your real parents?”
Jokes aside This is very a realistic depiction of a divorcing couple falling apart and seeing Adam Driver‘s breakdown is a testament to how much of a fantastic actor he can be.
#1: Downfall – Hitler Unhinged
This scene is so powerful that it gave berth to mistranslated video memes. that very clip has become more famous than the movie itself. If you wanted to know what they were really saying here it is.
Bonus Round: Malcolm in the Middle (Season Finale)
This isn’t a film, but it’s worth the honorable mention. Those who stuck through the whole show appreciate that this scene personifies the entire purpose of Malcolm’s arc in the whole show: That no matter how intelligent you are, you have to work hard to achieve great things otherwise you won’t be humble.
