My Favourite John Lithgow Movies of All-Time

Not many actors that achieved fame years ago are as beloved as John Lithgow. Since the 1980’s, Lithgow has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s frustrated fathers, religious preachers or CIA officers, Lithgow has portrayed several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies 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. Footloose

Dancing is a passion that my friend always enjoyed pursuing. Several years ago, I formed a strong friendship with a kid in my high school that loved to dance with bravado. I remember that he was a rebellious teenager that once had big dreams of being a strong ballet dancer. He was the most popular kid in my school that loved to break every rule. My friend always believed that movies were art that couldn’t honour an activity holding a precious place in his heart. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured my friend’s passion for dancing breaking loose as powerfully as “Footloose”. Released in 1984, John Lithgow’s best movie captured the life of a rebellious teenage dancer. In the greatest role of his career, Lithgow portrayed a strict religious reverend that forbids dancing in a town facing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role, Lithgow has often excelled at playing strong characters in positions of power, and “Footloose” showcased his strengths asn actor. Working alongside Kevin Bacon who is also amazing, Lithgow created a dancing drama that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Reverend Shaw becomes aware that his daughter has been breaking town rules engaging in dancing causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Footloose” John Lithgow’s best movie is its universal appeal.  Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which tend to be outdated today, it has aged beautifully. It delivers a meaningful message about adolescence which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about rebellious teenagers with a passion for dancing, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great actor that has produced movies throughout his career which are worth celebrating.

2. The Accountant

Autism is a deadly disorder that shaped my identity. At an early age, I was diagnosed with Autism causing damage. I developed a habit of following a strict routine with consequences that were seen. Fond of accounting, I loved engaging in repetitive behaviours which were taxing. As someone that witnessed Autism causing resentment, I adored “The Accountant”. Released in 2016, John Lithgow’s movie captured the lives of assassin accountants with Autism. In the most intellectual role of his career, Lithgow portrayed the CEO of a company seeking to care for an Autistic employee causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing strong men in positions of power. Working alongside Ben Affleck who is also outstanding, Lithgow created a portrait of Autism that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Lamar becomes aware that Christian suffers from severe Autism causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Accountant” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about intellectual disability which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Christian’s desire to become a successful accountant, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor with strong commitment that has manufactured unforgettable entertainment.

3. Conclave

Religion is a sensitive subject that always earned by grandmother’s appreciation. I fondly recall with nostalgia a grandma that was fascinated with popes facing a dilemma. She would always speak fondly about the pope as an inspiring figure that gave her hope. As someone treasuring a grandmother that was fascinated with the way popes behave, I appreciated “Conclave”. Released in 2024, John Lithgow’s Oscar-winning movie captured religious popes facing tragedy. In the most religious role of his career, Lithgow portrayed a pope seeking to prepare for a tense election causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase emotional range he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Ralph Fiennes who is also amazing, Lithgow created a religious drama that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Cardinal Joseph becomes aware that the pope has died causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Conclave” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be followers of Christianity to appreciate it. A powerful portrait of popes facing a disturbance, it’s a bold reminder of an actor with presence making great movies which always attract an audience.

4. Interstellar

Fathers are inspirational figures that shape children’s futures. As far back as I can remember, I’ve always admired my father. An inspiring role model, he has motivated me to achieve dreams. However, career has affected our relationship forever. Focused his career, my father hasn’t always been available when I need him the most. As someone treasuring fond memories of my father, I adored “Interstellar”. Released in 2014, John Lithgow’s science-fiction blockbuster captured estranged fathers. In the most conflicted role of his career, Lithgow portrayed an aging father struggling to care for a family on a doomed planet facing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Casey Affleck who is also amazing, Lithgow created a sci-fi blockbuster that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Donald becomes aware that his crop farm is dying causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Interstellar” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about fatherhood which would resonate with everyone. An incredible depiction of hardships experienced by fathers leaving children lonely on a planet, its a breathtaking reminder of an actor whose timeless movies are hard to forget.

5. Rise of the Planet of the Apes

The Planet of the Apes is a powerful franchise that my grandfather always loved dearly. At an early age, my grandfather admired an iconic franchise about apes with courage. He would always speak fondly about a franchise capturing apes with bravery. Fond of Caesar, he would always love watching movies about apes facing danger in the theatre. In 2011, John Lithgow honoured the iconic franchise about apes in his movie “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”. In the most tragic role of his career, Lithgow portrayed an aging senior that suffers from severe Dementia causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing men under pressure. Working alongside James Franco who is also amazing, Lithgow honoured an iconic franchise about apes which are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Charles is rescued by Caesar from a neighbour causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” a great movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the apes franchise, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about animal cruelty which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Caesar’s desire to be an ape, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor manufacturing great movies at which audiences gape.

6. The World According to Garp

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about writers, it’s worth discussing The World According to Garp. Since its publication in 1978, John Irving’s book has become a literary classic. In 1982, John Lithgow honoured the iconic book about writers in his movie “The World According to Garp”. In the most provocative role of his career, Lithgow portrayed a transgender writer facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a character that’s queer. Working alongside Robin Williams who is also amazing, Lithgow created a commemorated movie about writers that’s captivating. As precious as stories Garp seeks to publish, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout his career which audiences cherish.

7. Terms of Endearment

John Lithgow has always excelled at playing emotional heroes facing sorrow. Lithgow has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing conflicted heroes under pressure. Lithgow’s strength for playing characters facing resentment is clearly evident in his movie “Terms of Endearment”. Released in 1983, James L. Brooks’ movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most conflicted role of his career, Lithgow portrayed a father seeking to care for a dysfunctional family facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes under pressure. Working alongside Jack Nicholson who is also amazing, Lithgow created a family drama that’s engaging. A powerful portrayal of broken families that crumble, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor making movies audiences consider special.

8. Killers of the Flower Moon

Indigenous communities are rarely depicted with respect in movies. Hollywood has often ignored the stories of Aboriginal tribes whose lives are misunderstood. In an industry where Aboriginal people are often cast under the moon, it’s worth praising “Killers of the Flower Moon”. Released in 2023, John Lithgow’s movie honoured the Osage community. In the most authoritative role of his career, Lithgow portrayed a legal judge facing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role. Working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio who is also amazing, Lithgow created a portrait of Aboriginal tribes that’s compelling. s precious as the Osage community’s oil, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor that excels playing villains enduring turmoil in films that make movie-goers’ blood boil.

9. Kinsey

Few professors in American history have built a legacy as powerful as Alfred Charles Kinsey. A renowned American professor, Kinsey discovered sexual behaviour. Kinsey’s groundbreaking discovery of sexuality forever changed history. In 2004, John Lithgow honoured the iconic professor’s legacy in his movie “Kinsey”. In the most intellectual role of his career, Lithgow embodied a professor facing a burden to bear. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a historical figure that’s well-known. Working alongside Laura Linney who is also amazing, Lithgow celebrated Kinsey’s legacy. Nearly 40 years after Charles Kinsey made groundbreaking discoveries of sexuality, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured memorable movies which audiences love dearly.

10. Shrek Forever After

John Lithgow hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Shrek Forever After” falls into the latter category. Released in 2010, Mike Mitchell’s animated blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Lithgow portrayed a lord experiencing emotions of despair. Lithgow brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Shrek Forever After” is a bad movie, it honoured Lithgow’s commemorated legacy. As strong as Shrek’s love for Princess Fiona, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor with charisma that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout his career which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema.