John Goodman’s Greatest Movies Ranked

Not many actors have earned appreciation of John Goodman. Since the 1980’s, Goodman has become a legendary icon. Whether it’s film producers, dangerous drug dealers or animated monsters, Goodman has portrayed many strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies that he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.

1. The Big Lebowski

Slackers that are lazy have shaped my identity. Several years ago, I formed strong friendships with a close classmate in school whose aimless life lacked a clear purpose. An aimless youth, he always loved engaging in recreational drug activities that didn’t require any energy. Addicted towards grim drugs, he would often show up to class in dazed and confused states that school teachers resented. Few films I’ve seen have demonstrated the big challenges faced by lazy slackers that lack clear purpose in life as powerfully as “The Big Lebowski”. Released in 1998, John Goodman’s best movie captured the grim life of a lazy slacker participating in criminal activities. In the greatest role of his career, Goodman portrayed a bold bowler developing a strong friendship with a slacker facing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: funny, charismatic and emotional in his most iconic role. Goodman has spent most of his career playing serious characters in solemn art dramas. With “The Big Lebowski”, however, the actor showcased flair for comedy that he hadn’t shown in his career before. Working alongside Jeff Bridges who is also amazing, Goodman created a comedy about slackers that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Walter smashes a car that he is unaware belongs to a stranger causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Big Lebowski” a comedic classic is its bold appeal. Unlike most comedies about slackers, it tackles bold themes that everyone will relate to. It delivers a bold message about the value of finding one’s life purpose which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years after the release of a classic comedy about slackers that engage in crime causing lives to deteriorate, it’s a bold reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost ability to captivate making films that viewers appreciate.

2. Argo

The Middle East is a country that shaped my identity. I recall with nostalgia joyous memories of growing up in Saudi Arabia. As someone that grew up in the Middle East several years ago, I adored “Argo”. Released in 2012, John Goodman’s Oscar-winning movie depicted the real-life Iranian hostage crisis. In the most historical role of his career, Goodman portrayed a real-life film producer producing a fake movie to resolve hostage crises causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor chances to step out of his comfort zone playing a real-life film producer that’s well-known. Working alongside Ben Affleck who is also excellent, Goodman honoured a historical hostage crisis. For instance, the scene in which John Chambers first meets Tony Mendez to discuss ideas for a fake production to prepare is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Argo” one of John Goodman’s greatest movies is commemorated depiction of the Middle East. Unlike most misunderstood movies depicting the Middle East as a land of terrorism, the film paints an authentic portrait of Iran. Nearly 40 years after a frightening crisis in which a commemorated CIA agent rescued innocent civilians in Iran held hostage, it’s a strong reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to engage making memorable movies with a meaningful message.

3. The Artist

Silent film actors are figures that always fascinated my father. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of a father that loved silent Cinema. He would always speak fondly about silent movies in which actors didn’t speak that shaped his identity. In 2011, John Goodman honoured the era of the silent artist in his movie “The Artist”. In the most silent role of his career, Goodman portrayed a commemorated film director seeking to produce a film that’s a burden to bear. It’s a challenging role that required the talkative actor to be silent, but he succeeded. Goodman used strong expressions rather than words to create a compelling portrait of the silent film industry. For instance, the scene in which Al Zimmerman is first introduced seeking to prepare production of a silent movie is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Artist” an artistic masterpiece is universal appeal. Unlike most movies about the silent era, it tackles commemorated themes that would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with silent film history to appreciate it. A captivating tribute towards the silent era, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor with charisma making great movies that attract audiences to the Cinema.

4. Flight

Alcohol addiction is a painful process causing stress. Several years ago, I witnessed a companion endure alcohol addiction. An alcoholic, he loved drinking without concern for effects that could be tragic. Our friendship ended when I decided I couldn’t bear seeing him get wasted. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured barriers alcohol addicts fight as powerfully as “Flight”. Released in 2012, John Goodman’s movie did an extraordinary job of depicting harsh realities of alcohol addiction. In the most comical role of his career, Goodman portrayed a reckless drug dealer facing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role. Despite appearing in the film for a brief five-minute scene, Goodman left a strong impression. Working alongside Denzel Washington who is also riveting, Goodman created a powerful portrait of addiction. For instance, the scene in which Harling visits Whip in the hospital selling him drugs to cope with despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Flight” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about addiction which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic portrait of the barriers that alcoholic pilots fight, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a bright actor whose unforgettable movies have achieved spotlight.

5. Inside Llewyn Davis

Singing is an activity that my father always enjoyed doing. Several years ago, I bonded with a father that sought to become a musical maestro. Drawn to sound of music, he found enjoyment composing melodies that were profound. As someone treasuring a father that sought to become a musician, I adored “Inside Llewyn Davis”. Released in 2013, John Goodman’s movie depicted a depressed folk musician. In the most unlikeable role of his career, Goodman portrayed a mean music producer facing despair. With “Inside Llewyn Davis”, the actor showcased a mean side to himself that audiences hadn’t seen before. Working alongside Oscar Isaac who is also captivating, Goodman created a portrait of folk musicians that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Roland offers Llewyn valuable advice about being a musician that people love to hear is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Inside Llewyn Davis” a masterpiece is universal appeal. Unlike most movies about folk musicians targeted towards a limited audience, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. As strong as Llewyn Davis’ love for folk music, it’s a fantastic reminder of an actor that has produced iconic movies captivating the public.

6. 10 Cloverfield Lane

John Goodman has thrived at playing conflicted characters facing tension. Goodman has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing characters facing damage. Goodman’s strength for playing characters facing pain is evident in his movie “10 Cloverfield Lane”. Released in 2016, Dan Trachtenberg’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most conflicted role of his career, Goodman portrayed a villainous abductor in an underground bunker facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his aptitude for playing emotionally disturbed characters. Working alongside Mary Elizabeth Winstead who is also riveting, Goodman created a portrait of isolation that’s compelling. As precious as the bunker, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made memorable movies which audiences treasure.

7. Barton Fink

Few filmmakers have made movies that are as beloved as the Coen Brothers. With their sharp humour, compelling storytelling and strong acting, the Coen Brothers’ movies have earned a huge following. Goodman has appeared in several movies made by the Coen Brothers, but his best film is arguably “Barton Fink”. Released in 1991, the Coen Brothers’ movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most witty role of his career, Goodman portrayed an insurance salesman experiencing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his sharp sense of humour. Working alongside John Turturro who is also amazing, Goodman created a character that’s compelling. As strong as Barton Fink’s desire to become successful on Broadway, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has made movies which deserve to be celebrated today.

8. Monsters, Inc.

When it comes to the greatest animated movies ever made about monsters that stink, it’s worth discussing “Monsters, Inc.”. Since its release in 2001, Pixar’s movie has become an animated classic. One of the reasons why the film is regarded a classic today is because of John Goodman. In the most animated role of his career, Goodman portrayed a monster born with the abilities to scare. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his strength for creating animated characters through his commanding voice. Through his compelling voice, Goodman created an animated monster that’s fascinating. Working alongside Billy Crystal who is amazing, Goodman created an animated classic. As powerful as monsters that scare, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor building a career making movies about which audiences care.

9. Patriots Day

Few terrorist attacks in American history were as terrifying as the Boston Marathon bombing, In 2013, Islamic terrorists detonated a bomb at the Boston Marathon. A devastating terrorism tragedy, it left the world grieving. In 2016, John Goodman honoured the bombing day in his movie “Patriot’s Day”. In the most patriotic role of his career, the actor portrayed an army general facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase strong emotional range he hadn’t shown in his career before. Working alongside Mark Wahlberg who is also outstanding, Goodman honoured a real-life bombing. Nearly 15 years after the Boston Marathon bombing left the world mourning, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has made captivating movies about historical events which are worth celebrating.

10. The Flinstones

John Goodman hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most movies the actor has made have been appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “The Flintstones” falls into the latter category. Released in 1994, Brian Levant’s movie was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Goodman portrayed a father struggling to care for a family facing despair. Goodman brought his good nature to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “The Flintstones” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Goodman’s enduring legacy. As strong as Fred Flintstone, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor in a league of his own that has manufactured well-known movies I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking that makes me feel less alone.