Ian McKellen as Richard III

Set in a fictional fascist 1930s Britain, the 1995 film Richard III took a completely different approach to William Shakespeare's classic play of the same name. And so did its star Ian McKellen, who reclaimed his Olivier Award-winning National Theater performance in 1990 and intensified it (times 10) for the big screen. The Oscar nominee transforms himself into the murderous Richard III and plays him almost as if he's a reptile -- slinking, smoking, and snarling his way through endless evil deeds. Exuding utter menace, Ian gave an unforgettable performance that solidified him as one of the foremost actors of both the stage and screen.