Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
30 Before And After Shots That Show How Much Effort Is Put Into Hollywood SFX Makeup
The amount of time and effort, sweat, and tears that go into making movies is impressive. Just take a look at the intricacies required in applying special effects makeup on Hollywood actors. Even characters who we think don’t need any professional makeup can take hours and hours to get ready for the set. Not to mention how much effort goes into making fantasy and sci-fi characters look believable.
To show you just how much work it takes to do Hollywood-tier makeup, we’ve collected some of the best before and after, as well as step-by-step pictures. For example, who knew that making Thorin Oakenshield look like, well, Thorin Oakenshield was a very involved process? And here we thought that putting on a wig was all it took!
Keep on scrolling, upvote your fave face transformation pics, and share them with your movie-loving friends. When you’re done, have a look at Bored Panda’s previous post about incredible pics of actors before and after applying special effects makeup.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Naomi Grossman, American Horror Story Series
RELATED:
#2
Robin Williams, Mrs Doubtfire
#3
Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
The life of a Hollywood movie makeup artist is difficult and involved, even if it’s exciting and purposeful. But makeup artists aren’t one homogenous group of professionals.
You have 4 main movie makeup artist roles. Starting with key makeup artists who design the makeup looks worn by the lead actors. In other words, they take care of the famous actors.
They also come up with the more complicated and intricate makeup designs and oversee other employees to make sure that there’s visual continuity and consistency in how the makeup looks throughout shooting the entire movie.
#4
Richard Brake, Game Of Thrones
#5
Charlize Theron, Monster
#6
Doug Jones, Crimson Peak
Then there are your run-of-the-mill makeup artists who are responsible for making non-lead and supporting actors look good. They’re under orders to turn the key makeup artists’ visions into reality.
Of course, not much would be done without makeup assistants who help organize makeup kits, do other small but necessary tasks, and lend a hand to the artists with whatever they might need. They’re the unsung heroes of every movie.
Lastly, there are special effects makeup artists who probably have some of the coolest jobs in the movie industry. They create special makeup effects, such as prosthetics and the like.
#7
Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour
#8
Richard Armitage, The Hobbit
#9
Danny DeVito, Batman Returns
#10
Karen Gillan, Avengers
#11
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Terminator
#12
Ryan Reynolds, Deadpool 2
#13
Chris Hemsworth, Avengers Endgame
#14
Gary Oldman, Hannibal
Chyppa Homer 5 years ago
This dude can turn into anybody and he never ages. I call vampire ! In 1994, when he 'played' Dracula, I bet he wasn't even acting. They just filmed what he did on, like, a Wednesday, and that was the movie awesome !
#15
John Rhys-Davies, Lord Of The Rings
#16
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
#17
Ron Perlman, Hellboy
#18
Ian Mckellen, Lord Of The Rings
#19
Tim Curry, Legend
#20
Bill Skarsgård, It
Panda Kicki 5 years ago
But the rolling eye thing was hos own preformance! I loved that BP post 😂
#21
Michael Keaton, Beetlejuice
#22
Emma Thompson, Nanny Mcphee
#23
Jacob Tremblay, Wonder
#24
Roddy Mcdowall, Planet Of The Apes
#25
Jim Carrey, How The Grinch Stole Christmas
#26
Tilda Swinton, Grand Budapest Hotel
#27
Eddie Redmayne, The Theory Of Everything
#28
Josh Brolin, Deadpool 2
#29
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Demi Zwaan 5 years ago
I'm most amazed at the ones where you didn't even notice they had any prosthetics on. They look so natural, with very subtle changes that really drive the character home.
Dave P 5 years ago
This shows how talented the men and women of the make-up, wardrobe and physical effects teams on films are. They should get much more recognition than just one little oscar for their whole job. I am amazed and impressed by their talent
Drive Bee 5 years ago
I wonder how hot and uncomfortable it is under all of that? It must feel so good to get it all removed at the end of the day.
M.J. 5 years ago
For sure, but must be real fun to wear it and also weird to see yourself like that in the mirror.
Load More Replies...
Demi Zwaan 5 years ago
I'm most amazed at the ones where you didn't even notice they had any prosthetics on. They look so natural, with very subtle changes that really drive the character home.
Dave P 5 years ago
This shows how talented the men and women of the make-up, wardrobe and physical effects teams on films are. They should get much more recognition than just one little oscar for their whole job. I am amazed and impressed by their talent
Drive Bee 5 years ago
I wonder how hot and uncomfortable it is under all of that? It must feel so good to get it all removed at the end of the day.
M.J. 5 years ago
For sure, but must be real fun to wear it and also weird to see yourself like that in the mirror.
Load More Replies...
Related on Bored Panda
![“[Am I Overreacting], About To Go Nuclear Over A Text My Kid's Coach Sent Her?](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/creepy-kids-coach-jokes-coverimage.jpg)
