The 30+ Best Ben Foster Movies
1Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Logan LermanIn this thrilling Western remake, 3:10 to Yuma showcases Ben Foster's incredible acting abilities as he takes on the role of Charlie Prince, a loyal and ruthless henchman. Directed by James Mangold, the film follows an impoverished rancher (Christian Bale) who accepts the dangerous task of escorting an infamous outlaw (Russell Crowe) to justice. Throughout the journey, Foster's cold-hearted character expertly conveys his unwavering devotion to his villainous leader while also revealing glimpses of vulnerability. With breathtaking cinematography and an engaging storyline that keeps viewers enthralled from start to finish, 3:10 to Yuma undeniably ranks among Ben Foster's best cinematic performances.
More 3:10 to Yuma
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2Bruce Willis, Emile Hirsch, Justin TimberlakeLoosely based on true events surrounding drug dealers and gangs in Southern California during the late '90s, Alpha Dog sees Ben Foster as Jake Mazursky—an out-of-control addict entangled within dangerous criminal circles. Directed by Nick Cassavetes, this gritty drama delves into themes such as family loyalty and youth gone astray through its ensemble cast featuring Emile Hirsch, Justin Timberlake, Anton Yelchin among others. With his intense performance that teeters on the brink of chaos throughout the film's runtime, Foster showcases his incredible versatility as an actor, making Alpha Dog a must-watch for fans of his work.
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3Ben Foster, Woody Harrelson, Samantha MortonA captivating drama set within the realm of military life, The Messenger stars Ben Foster as Staff Sergeant Will Montgomery, a soldier tasked with delivering heartbreaking news to families about their loved ones' deaths in combat. Directed by Oren Moverman, this emotionally intense film offers insightful commentary on grief, loss, loyalty, and healing through its compelling narrative and nuanced performances from both Foster and co-star Woody Harrelson. Furthermore, it highlights Foster's remarkable range as an actor; from moments of stoic professionalism to raw vulnerability, his portrayal of a man bearing the burden of delivering devastating news is truly unforgettable.
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4Ben Foster, Thomasin McKenzie, Jeff KoberAn intimate and profound portrayal of human resilience, Leave No Trace features Ben Foster in a poignant performance as Will, a war veteran suffering from PTSD who lives with his teenage daughter off-the-grid in an Oregon forest. Directed by Debra Granik, this emotionally charged drama delves into themes of family dynamics and mental health while showcasing Foster's ability to convey a complex range of emotions as his character grapples with conflicting desires for isolation and community reintegration. The powerful storytelling and memorable cast contribute immensely to this being one of Foster's most lauded films.
5Josh Hartnett, Melissa George, Danny HustonIn this chilling horror thriller, 30 Days of Night, Ben Foster delivers a standout performance as The Stranger, an enigmatic figure whose arrival in an isolated Alaskan town coincides with the onset of a month-long darkness and a terrifying vampire onslaught. Directed by David Slade, this suspenseful film features gripping action sequences and impressive special effects that enhance its frightening atmosphere. As The Stranger, Foster's sinister presence contributes significantly to the film's overall tension, making it a must-see for fans of his work.
More 30 Days of Night- #49 of 399 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
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6Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Donald SutherlandAction-packed and adrenaline-fueled, The Mechanic stars Ben Foster as Steve McKenna, an eager young apprentice to master assassin Arthur Bishop (Jason Statham). Directed by Simon West, this high-octane thrill ride follows the duo as they navigate treacherous underworlds filled with danger and deceit while seeking vengeance for personal betrayals. Foster's skillful portrayal of McKenna showcases not only his physical prowess but also his ability to embody the complexities of an ambitious yet morally conflicted character. Alongside fantastic onscreen chemistry between Foster and Statham, exceptional fight choreography elevates The Mechanic to be one of Ben Foster's most exhilarating movie experiences.
More The Mechanic- #37 of 111 onThe Greatest Movie Remakes Of All Time
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7Dennis Quaid, Ben Foster, Cam GigandetIn the sci-fi horror film Pandorum, Ben Foster stars as Corporal Bower, a spaceship crew member who awakens from hypersleep with no memory of his mission or identity. Directed by Christian Alvart, this terrifying tale unfolds as Bower and his fellow amnesiac colleague (Dennis Quaid) navigate their labyrinthine surroundings while facing monstrous creatures and psychological disintegration. Foster's captivating performance keeps viewers invested in the suspenseful narrative, making Pandorum a thrilling entry into his diverse filmography.
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8Bruce Willis, Kevin Pollak, Ben FosterBen Foster delves into the dark side once again with a stellar performance in Hostage as Mars Krupcheck—the unhinged leader of a group of young criminals who take an innocent family hostage during a failed burglary attempt. Directed by Florent Emilio Siri, this suspenseful thriller stars Bruce Willis as a troubled police negotiator drawn into the dangerous situation. Foster's chilling portrayal of Krupcheck heightens the intensity throughout the film, ensuring Hostage remains an essential viewing for his fans.
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9Mark Wahlberg, Kate Beckinsale, Ben FosterMark Wahlberg may be the lead in this high-stakes crime thriller, but Ben Foster's exemplary portrayal of Sebastian Abney—a trusted friend turned double-crosser—adds depth and complexity to the story of Contraband. Directed by Baltasar Kormákur, this fast-paced film follows smuggling expert Chris Farraday (Wahlberg) as he comes out of retirement for one last job to protect his family. Foster's nuanced performance enhances the tension in this gripping tale, securing its place among his most noteworthy films.
10Kirsten Dunst, Ben Foster, Melissa SagemillerA playful departure from Ben Foster's more serious roles, Get Over It showcases his comedic chops as lovestruck high school student Berke Landers. This lighthearted teen comedy directed by Tommy O'Haver revolves around Berke's attempts to win back his ex-girlfriend through participating in a school play. With an entertaining plot and charming cast—including Kirsten Dunst and Sisqó—Get Over It offers fans an amusing look at Foster's lighter side.
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- 11Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen
In the third installment of the popular Marvel franchise, Ben Foster dons wings as Warren Worthington III, otherwise known as Angel—one of many mutants fighting for survival in X-Men: The Last Stand. Directed by Brett Ratner, this blockbuster boasts an impressive ensemble cast and thrilling action sequences. Though Foster's screen time may be limited compared to other films on this list, his graceful performance leaves a lasting impression on viewers and secures its place in his exceptional body of work.
- #433 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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12Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear, Elizabeth BanksBased on the true story of Vince Papale—a 30-year-old bartender who became an NFL player—Ben Foster co-stars alongside Mark Wahlberg in Invincible, directed by Ericson Core. As Papale's best friend Tommy, Foster expertly supports Wahlberg's triumphant tale with genuine chemistry and camaraderie between their characters. With its inspirational storyline and engaging performances, Invincible is a must-see for sports enthusiasts and fans of Foster alike.
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13Thomas Jane, John Travolta, Will PattonIn this comic book adaptation, Ben Foster plays Dave Lieberman—an unlikely ally to vigilante Frank Castle (Thomas Jane) in his quest for vengeance against those responsible for his family's brutal murder. Directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, The Punisher delivers intense action scenes and powerful performances from its cast members. As Lieberman, Foster brings both humor and vulnerability to his character—a combination that makes him a standout among the other memorable roles in this action-packed film.
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- #74 of 186 onThe Greatest Comic Book Movies Of All Time
14Adrien Brody, Ben Foster, Orlando JonesSet during the late 1950s amid racial tensions in Baltimore, director Barry Levinson's coming-of-age drama Liberty Heights features a young Ben Foster as Ben Kurtzman—one of four Jewish friends grappling with societal prejudices and personal dilemmas. Through his endearing portrayal of Kurtzman, Foster captures the essence of adolescence in a turbulent time, making Liberty Heights a nostalgic and vital addition to his filmography.
15Ben Foster, Janel Moloney, Randy HarrisonTaking on the challenging role of Trevor Adams—a troubled high school student battling bullying and alienation—Ben Foster delivers an intense and raw performance in this drama directed by Guy Ferland. Based on the stage play by William Mastrosimone, Bang Bang You're Dead tackles important issues such as violence, mental health, and redemption through its compelling narrative and exceptional acting from both Foster and Tom Cavanagh as an empathetic teacher.
16Dylan Baker, Tom Bower, Clancy BrownA powerful examination of prejudice, intolerance, and hate crime aftermath, The Laramie Project—directed by Moisés Kaufman—is based on actual interviews conducted following the tragic murder of gay college student Matthew Shepard. Ben Foster plays two different characters in this ensemble drama: Aaron McKinney—one of Shepard's murderers—and Jedadiah Schultz—a conflicted theatre student grappling with his sexuality. With remarkable range displayed through these contrasting roles, Foster demonstrates his incredible versatility as an actor in this poignant film that leaves a lasting impact.
17Woody Harrelson, Ben Foster, Anne HecheIn Oren Moverman's crime thriller Rampart, Ben Foster appears alongside Woody Harrelson as General Terry—an elusive homeless man who provides crucial information to Harrelson's corrupt LAPD officer character during a scandal investigation. Though not central to the plotline, the brief scenes between Foster and Harrelson offer enough intrigue to make it worth mentioning among other noteworthy films starring Ben Foster.
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18James Woods, Nick Nolte, Claire ForlaniIn Michael Polish's ethereal drama Northfork, Ben Foster portrays Cod—a young man traveling through a flood-threatened town in search of his parents. Featuring surreal imagery and an atmospheric tone, this film tells a melancholic story about the displacement of families and communities. Foster's understated performance adds depth to this dream-like narrative, making Northfork a fascinating addition to his oeuvre.
- 19Ben Foster, Peter Sarsgaard, John Leguizamo
Based on Martin Sherman's Tony Award-winning play, The Survivor features Ben Foster as Max Glickman—a Jewish comic book artist grappling with personal demons while uncovering a haunting past that connects him to a Holocaust survivor named Solomon (Rade Šerbedžija). Directed by Atom Egoyan, this intense drama boasts captivating performances from both Foster and Šerbedžija—remaining one of Ben Foster's most thought-provoking films.
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20Tim Allen, Rene Russo, Stanley TucciThis screwball comedy directed by Barry Sonnenfeld features an ensemble cast—including Tim Allen, Rene Russo, Omar Epps, Janeane Garofalo—and Ben Foster as Matt Arnold—a perpetually hormone-driven teenager navigating life among bizarre characters involved in interconnected misadventures throughout Miami. While not one of his most significant roles, Big Trouble showcases Foster's comedic talent and highlights his ability to adapt to various genres.
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21Henry Thomas, Blake Heron, Barbara HersheyIn this darkly humorous crime thriller, Ben Foster stars as Eddie—a young man whose actions at the fateful time of 11:14 p.m. set off a chain reaction of tragic consequences for himself and others within a small-town community. Directed by Greg Marcks, 11:14 weaves together multiple interconnected storylines through an impressive ensemble cast—highlighting Foster's ability to hold his own in a complex narrative structure.
22Sarah Chalke, Markie Post, Ben FosterIn Christopher Leitch's supernatural thriller, Ben Foster appears as Brad—a teenager who becomes entangled with Sarah (Sarah Chalke)—a new girl in town with a mysterious connection to an ancient witchcraft legend. Although it may not be considered one of his most memorable films, I've Been Waiting for You provides fans with another opportunity to watch Ben Foster navigate diverse plotlines and display his exceptional acting talents.
23Ben Foster, Peter Coyote, Lubna AzabalIn Braden King's road movie Here, Ben Foster plays Will Shepard—an American cartographer tasked with creating a detailed map of Armenia who embarks on an unexpected journey alongside Gadarine (Lubna Azabal), an Armenian photographer returning home after years abroad. Through stunning visuals and heartfelt performances from both Foster and Azabal, Here explores themes of self-discovery and human connection against the breathtaking backdrop of the Armenian landscape.
24Ben Foster, Heather Acs, Gabrielle HamiltonTaking on the role of abusive boyfriend Sam in this short film directed by Rick Rosenthal, Ben Foster delivers a chilling performance that showcases his ability to inhabit dark characters convincingly. With its gritty subject matter and unsettling atmosphere, Blink is certainly not for the faint-hearted but remains an essential watch for dedicated fans of Foster's work.
25Anthony Hopkins, Ben Foster, Dinara DrukarovaA tale about how chance encounters can alter lives, 360 features Ben Foster as Tyler—a recently released sex offender attempting to reintegrate into society. Directed by Fernando Meirelles, this film intertwines various storylines and characters from around the globe in a thought-provoking exploration of human relationships. With his empathetic portrayal of Tyler, Foster adds depth and complexity to this engrossing drama.
26Asia Argento, Jimmy Bennett, Dylan SprouseAdapted from JT LeRoy's controversial novel, The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things—directed by Asia Argento—follows the harrowing journey of Jeremiah (Jimmy Bennett) through an unstable upbringing with his chaotic mother Sarah (Argento). Ben Foster makes a brief yet impactful appearance as Fleshy Boy—an enigmatic figure who offers momentary solace to young Jeremiah amidst his tumultuous life.
27Matthew Perry, Lauren Graham, Ben FosterIn this heartfelt indie dramedy directed by Craig Lucas, Ben Foster stars as Jay—a young man whose attempts to maintain control over his dysfunctional family take an unexpected turn when his long-absent father reappears. With its poignant exploration of familial bonds and mental health struggles, Birds of America offers a showcase for Foster's talents in both comedy and drama.
28Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell, Michael B. JordanA lesser-known entry in Ben Foster's filmography, Chronicle—directed by Josh Trank—sees the actor in an uncredited cameo as the mysterious Steve Montgomery. The sci-fi thriller revolves around three high school friends who acquire telekinetic powers after discovering an alien artifact. Although brief, Foster's presence in this critically acclaimed movie hints at his versatility and talent for tackling diverse projects.
29James Franco, Gabrielle Union, Ben FosterIn James Bridges' period drama 1973, Ben Foster stars as Frank—a college student caught up in Vietnam War protests during the titular year on an American campus. With its powerful exploration of political activism and generational conflict, 1973 showcases Foster's ability to portray compelling characters across various historical settings.
- 30Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Gillian Jacobs
This action-packed thriller directed by Josef Rusnak sees Ben Foster star alongside Wesley Snipes as Detective Sgt. Andrew Harrigan—the rookie partner of skilled assassin James Dial (Snipes) on a mission to apprehend a notorious terrorist. With its engaging plot and adrenaline-fueled action sequences, The Contractor is sure to entertain fans of Ben Foster looking for high-stakes excitement.
31Jackpot
Ben FosterIn Lawrence Côte-Collins' crime caper Jackpot, Ben Foster plays Tom—a small-time crook who hatches an elaborate heist plan that quickly spirals out of control due to unforeseen complications. With its quirky characters and unpredictable twists, Jackpot offers a thrilling ride for viewers who enjoy offbeat crime comedies.
- 32Ben Foster, Toby Wallace, Jenna Ortega
In Brian Helgeland's upcoming crime thriller Finestkind, Ben Foster stars alongside Tommy Lee Jones, Mark Wahlberg, and Zoë Kravitz in a tale of two brothers (Foster and Wahlberg) who become entangled with a dangerous criminal underworld. As anticipation builds for this gripping film, audiences eagerly await another captivating performance from the talented Ben Foster.
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