7. Brian Cox/Anthony Hopkins - Dr. Hannibal Lecter
I know, right? Despite the fact that Dr. Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter probably remains Anthony Hopkins' most iconic role to date, he wasn't even the first guy to play the part (based on the character from a series of novels) on the big screen. That title falls to one Brian Cox, an actor you'll recognise for his always scowly face and tendency to shout a lot in whatever he's in (including
Rushmore and one of the
Bourne movies). Cox played Lecter in the little-seen Michael Mann movie
Manhunter, though due to some weird copyright laws that nobody understands, the character's surname was spelt "Lekter" instead. Cox's performance is a seriously good one, more realistic than you might imagine, though comparing his take with Anthony Hopkins' own, there's no doubt about whose incarnation of the famous psychopathic human-eater wins out. Hopkins took home a well-deserved Oscar for his turn in
Silence of the Lambs, despite only being on-screen for 15 minutes. It must be kind of awkward when these two meet at parties. "Oh, you played Hannibal Lecter at one point, too? I must be sure to check that out sometime, Brian." Hopkins, you old dog, you.