The 25 Best 'SNL' Stars Turned Movie Stars

Best SNL' Alums on the Big Screen

Many 'Saturday Night Live' alums have gone on to acclaimed and lucrative film careers (Bill Murray); others have gone on to lucrative and not-so-acclaimed careers (ahem, Rob Schneider).

We rank the 25 most successful, based on a complicated algorithm that takes into account quality of work, popularity and box office haul.

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25. Andy Samberg
Career Highs: He stole a couple scenes as Paul Rudd's gay brother in the lovable 'I Love You, Man.'
Career Low: His first starring role, 'Hot Rod, ' was ice cold.
Verdict:It's his hilarious 'SNL' Digital Shorts that have made Samberg a player, but full-length success can't be far behind.

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24. 'Dana Carvey'
Career Highs: 'Wayne's World' is one of the best 'SNL' skits-turned-movies (not like that's saying that much). 'Opportunity Knocks' rocks.
Career Low: 'The Master of Disguise' was so not masterful.
Verdict: The opportunities stopped knocking after that slice of career suicide called 'Master' (plus, sadly, Carvey semi-retired with heart-health issues).

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23. Bill Hader
Career Highs: He's worked best in tandem, first with Seth Rogen in 'Superbad,' then with Kristen Wiig in 'Adventureland.'
Career Low: He lent his voice to animated dud 'Doogal,' but hey, so did Jon Stewart and Dame Judi Dench.
Verdict: A staple in the Apatow gang, his film roles have all been small-to-supporting. Ask us again after his first lead.

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22. Tim Meadows
Career Highs: We don't care what the critics said: 'Ladies Man' Leon Phelps is one hilarious sex machine. Plus, he was perfect in 'Mean Girls.'
Career Low: Pretty much every other film, including 'It's Pat' and 'The Cookout.'
Verdict: Meadows should be fine so long as he works with people like Tina Fey more, Rob Schneider less.

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21. Maya Rudolph
Career Highs: Her funniest role yet, Mike Judge's 'Idiocracy,' was buried by its distributor and has settled for cult status.
Career Low: She appeared in the Ben Stiller-Drew Barrymore bomb 'Duplex.'
Verdict: The range she shows in her latest, the romantic dramedy 'Away We Go,' proves she'll go far.

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20. Kristen Wiig
Career Highs: She proved a revelation as a snotty TV exec in 2007's 'Knocked Up,' and helped make 'Ghost Town' and 'Adventureland' fun places to visit.
Career Low: She was fourth billed in the awful 'Brothers Solomon.'
Verdict: Few can do you dry humor like this funnywoman. But will her routine get old?

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19. Martin Short
Career Highs: '80s flicks like 'Innerspace,' 'Three Amigos' and even 'Three Fugitives' hold a special place in our hearts. His 'Father of the Bride' bits are sublime.
Career Lows: Is it true they use 'Clifford' on prisoners in Guantanamo?
Verdict: How could you possibly dislike Martin Short?

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18. Molly Shannon
Career Highs: Shannon got raves for a supporting gig in 'Marie Antoinette' and a starring turn in 'Year of the Dog.'
Career Low: Mary Katherine Gallagher joined a long list of 'SNL' characters who tanked in feature form with 'Superstar.'
Verdict:She hasn't done much since 2007's 'Evan Almighty' (ouch), aside from TV's 'Kath & Kim' (double ouch).

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17. Jon Lovitz
Career Highs: He was comedic gold in 'A League of Their Own' and 'Rat Race.' He also beat up Andy Dick.
Career Low: His choices haven't been so hot in recent years, with 'Southland Tales,' 'The Benchwarmers' and 'The Producers.'
Verdict: Still, we'd watch this scene-stealer in anything (except 'Little Nicky').

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