The 70+ Best William Hurt Movies
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1William Hurt, Albert Brooks, Holly HunterBroadcast News, a romantic comedy-drama, explores the chaotic world of television news production. Jane Craig (Holly Hunter), an ambitious producer, finds herself caught in a professional and personal tug-of-war between Aaron Altman (Albert Brooks), her brilliant yet self-deprecating reporter friend, and Tom Grunick (William Hurt), a charismatic but less competent new anchor. Set against the high-pressure backdrop of broadcast journalism, this film deftly navigates the tricky balance between integrity and ratings. Released in 1987, it received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, highlighting its notable contribution to cinema. Crafted by acclaimed director James L. Brooks, Broadcast News presents a compelling narrative that continues to resonate today.More Broadcast News
- #322 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #606 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #215 of 232 onThe Best '80s Comedy Movies, Ranked
2William Hurt, Glenn Close, Kevin KlineA once close-knit gang of friends -- including an actor (JoBeth Williams), a doctor (Glenn Close) and her husband (Kevin Kline), a Vietnam veteran (William Hurt), and a journalist (Tom Berenger) -- meets for a weekend after the funeral of their much-envied friend Alex, who committed suicide. The friends spend the weekend confronting the personal truths, sacrifices and betrayals that have left them disenchanted. Each must contend with unresolved issues they have with Alex, and with one another.More The Big Chill- #280 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #167 of 232 onThe Best '80s Comedy Movies, Ranked
- #32 of 72 onThe 70+ Best Movies From 1983, Ranked
3William Hurt, Marlee Matlin, Piper LaurieStarting his new job as an instructor at a New England school for the deaf, James Leeds (William Hurt) meets Sarah Norman (Marlee Matlin), a young deaf woman who works at the school as a member of the custodial staff. A romance slowly develops between the pair in spite of Sarah's withdrawn emotional state due in part to her difficult relationship with her mother (Piper Laurie). Matlin, who is deaf in real life, won the Academy Award for Best Actress for this, her first film role.- #167 of 168 onThe 165 Best Tearjerker Movies of All Time, Ranked
- #50 of 87 onThe Best Movies of 1986
- #37 of 50 onThe Best Oscar-Nominated Movies of the '80s
4William Hurt, Raul Julia, Sonia BragaIn a prison cell somewhere in Latin America, two very different men warily confront each other. Molina (William Hurt) is first seen wrapping his head in a towel, in the shape of a turban, while Valentin (Raul Julia), bearded and classically macho in appearance, watches with a mixture of fascination and revulsion. During the time spent together, the two men come to understand and respect each other.- #68 of 96 onThe 90+ Best Movies Of 1985, Ranked
- #50 of 50 onThe Best Oscar-Nominated Movies of the '80s
- #9 of 15 onVHS Covers That Sold A Totally Different Movie
5William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Geena DavisAfter the murder of their young son, the marriage between Macon (William Hurt) and his wife Sarah (Kathleen Turner) disintegrates, and she moves out. After a freak accident puts him on crutches, Macon goes to stay with his quirky siblings at the family home, where he meets the spirited Muriel (Geena Davis), a dog trainer with a young son of her own, with whom he begins a friendship. When Sarah learns about this, she attempts a reconciliation and Macon is forced to make a decision.
6William Hurt, Blair Brown, Bob BalabanEdward Jessup (William Hurt) is a research scientist, consumed by the enigmatic question of human consciousness in Altered States. Plunging into uncharted territory, he employs hallucinatory substances and sensory deprivation tanks to explore the depths of the human mind. His experiments spiral into physical manifestations, transforming his body in bizarre and alarming ways. This unique blend of science fiction and horror, directed by Ken Russell, pushes the boundaries of reality and perception. A relentless quest for truth morphs into a thrilling journey through altered states of existence, with profound consequences.More Altered States- #278 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #36 of 64 onThe Best Movies Of 1980
- #75 of 97 onThe 90+ Best Drug Movies of All Time
7Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, William HurtIn the film A History of Violence, Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen) is an unassuming diner owner whose peaceful small-town life in Millbrook, Indiana spins out of control following a brutal act of self-defense. His violent past, as mob hitman Joey Cusack from Philadelphia, surfaces and haunts him. Intrigue ensues with the arrival of Carl Fogarty (Ed Harris), a scarred gangster who recognizes Stall's true identity. This 2005 crime thriller, directed by David Cronenberg, weaves a complex tale of identity crisis and the aftermath of violence, earning two Academy Award nominations for its compelling narrative and performances.- #101 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #109 of 186 onThe Greatest Comic Book Movies Of All Time
- #17 of 143 onThe Best Movies of 2005
8William Hurt, Lee Marvin, Brian DennehySoviet detective Arkady Renko (William Hurt) uncovers a vast network of deceit and intrigue when he investigates a triple murder that took place in Gorky Park, a Moscow amusement park. As Renko tries to make progress on the case, it becomes dangerously apparent that the KGB doesn't want this homicide to be solved. He eventually meets American Jack Osborne (Lee Marvin), who offers some clues, but Renko soon realizes that Osborne may be just as dangerous as the trailing KGB operatives.
9William Hurt, Christine Lahti, Elizabeth PerkinsAce surgeon Jack McKee (William Hurt) is emotionally disconnected from his wife (Christine Lahti), his son (Charlie Korsmo) and the people he operates on. After Jack develops a life-threatening tumor, he sees life from a patient's perspective. He then meets a courageous, fatally ill woman named June (Elizabeth Perkins) and begins to realize the necessity of showing kindness in the medical profession. Jack vows to treat his family and patients with more compassion if he survives.More The Doctor- Dig Deeper...Which Doctor From 'Doctor Who' Are You, According To Your Zodiac
- #24 of 54 onThe Best Movies About Cancer
- #9 of 74 onThe Best Doctor Movies
- 10Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer ConnellyIn the enigmatic film Dark City, John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell) grapples with memory loss in a shadowy, ever-changing metropolis. Waking up accused of brutal murders, he's pursued by Inspector Bumstead (William Hurt), and an ominous group known as the Strangers. As Murdoch seeks answers, he crosses paths with his estranged wife Emma (Jennifer Connelly), and Dr. Schreber (Kiefer Sutherland), a neurotic scientist who holds the key to his past. The movie, a mix of science fiction and noir, won the prestigious Bram Stoker Award for Best Screenplay. It explores themes of identity and reality manipulation while keeping viewers on edge with its fast-paced plot twists.More Dark City
- #124 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #45 of 166 onThe 150+ Best Futuristic Dystopian Movies
- #88 of 178 onThe 150+ Best Movies With Aliens
11William Hurt, Harvey Keitel, Harold PerrineauWriter Paul Benjamin (William Hurt) is nearly hit by a bus when he leaves Auggie Wren's (Harvey Keitel) smoke shop. Stranger Rashid Cole (Harold Perrineau Jr.) saves his life, and soon middle-aged Paul tells homeless Rashid that he wouldn't mind a short-term housemate. Still grieving over his wife's murder, Paul is moved by both Rashid's quest to reconnect with his father (Forest Whitaker) and Auggie's discovery that a woman who might be his daughter is about to give birth.
12John Travolta, Andie MacDowell, William HurtWhen jaded journalists Frank (William Hurt) and Huey (Robert Pastorelli), along with "angel expert" Dorothy (Andie MacDowell), travel to a small town in Iowa to investigate a story, they find Michael (John Travolta), a disheveled man claiming to be an angel. But Michael is less than angelic: he drinks, smokes and basks in the attention of women. As the group travels to Chicago, Michael teaches them about relationships, faith and miracles, suggesting that he may be exactly whom he says he is.More Michael- #52 of 117 onThe Best Movies Of 1996
- #13 of 20 onDepictions Of Angels That Deserve Our Praise
- #4 of 32 onThe Best Movies About Angels
13Tom Waits, William Hurt, Sam NeillUntil the End of the World is a 1991 drama science fiction film by the German film director Wim Wenders; the screenplay was written by Wenders and Peter Carey, from a story by Wenders and Solveig Dommartin. An initial draft of the screenplay was written by American filmmaker Michael Almereyda. Wenders, whose career had been distinguished by his mastery of the road movie, had intended this as the Ultimate Road Movie.
14William Hurt, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Joan PlowrightAn orphaned young girl, Jane Eyre (Anna Paquin), suffers humiliation and abuse at the hands of her aunt (Fiona Shaw) and is subsequently banished to a strict boarding school for several years. Upon her release, the adult Jane (Charlotte Gainsbourg) becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall, caring for the child of Mr. Rochester (William Hurt) and his ailing wife (Maria Schneider). Jane and the enigmatic Rochester begin an intense relationship overshadowed by doubt and madness.More Jane Eyre- #20 of 80 onThe Best Period Romance Movies
- #417 of 473 onThe 400+ Best Chick Flicks Ever
- #16 of 79 onGreat Period Movies Set in the 19th Century
15Kevin Costner, Demi Moore, Dane CookWell-respected businessman Earl Brooks (Kevin Costner) has a secret: Beneath his family-man facade lurks a murderous alter-ego named Marshall (William Hurt). Brooks struggles with his addiction to killing, but Marshall enjoys his grisly hobby too much to let go. Finally, Brooks resolves to commit one final murder, but a voyeur (Dane Cook) witnesses it and blackmails him to continue. With a detective (Demi Moore) hot on his trail, Brooks/Marshall must spin an increasingly elaborate web.More Mr. Brooks- #102 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #85 of 168 onThe 160+ Scariest Psychological Thrillers
- #38 of 139 onThe Best Movies Of 2007
16Haley Joel Osment, Jude Law, Frances O'ConnorIn A.I. Artificial Intelligence, a unique blend of science fiction and drama, David (Haley Joel Osment), a highly advanced robotic boy, yearns to become real so he can regain the love of his human mother. He embarks on a journey filled with adventure and discovery. Alongside David is Gigolo Joe (Jude Law), a robot designed for pleasure, who helps navigate this complex future world. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, elegantly explores themes of humanity and artificiality, posing profound questions about technology's role in society. It was nominated for two Academy Awards including Best Visual Effects.- #90 of 166 onThe 150+ Best Futuristic Dystopian Movies
- #57 of 125 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
- #24 of 113 onThe Best Movies Of 2001
17Kevin Kline, Tracey Ullman, Joan PlowrightJoey (Kevin Kline) and his wife, Rosalie (Tracey Ullman), run a pizza joint with the help of Devo (River Phoenix), a spaced-out teenager with the hots for Rosalie. When Rosalie discovers that Joey is having a number of flings, she consults her mother (Joan Plowright). With divorce out of the question due to the couple's Roman Catholicism, murder is the only recourse. Devo helps by recruiting local thugs Harlan (William Hurt) and Marlon (Keanu Reeves), but luck is on the side of oblivious Joey.
18Meryl Streep, Renée Zellweger, William HurtKate (Meryl Streep), the undervalued matriarch of the Gulden family, is diagnosed with cancer. Daughter and journalist Ellen (Renée Zellweger) returns from New York City to care for her mother at the request of her father (William Hurt). During the time Kate spends with her parents, she discovers secrets that she was never privy to in her childhood. Though Ellen has always idolized her father, she learns that her mother has had a much more difficult life than she knew.More One True Thing- #86 of 98 onThe Best Movies Of 1998, Ranked
- #14 of 225 on220+ Movies And Shows With True In The Title
- #31 of 54 onThe Best Movies About Cancer
19George Clooney, Matt Damon, Jeffrey WrightSyriana is a geopolitical thriller that unravels the complex, interconnected world of petroleum politics. The narrative weaves together multiple storylines, each characterized by power plays and moral quandaries. The central figures include CIA operative Robert Barnes (George Clooney), energy analyst Bryan Woodman (Matt Damon), and corporate lawyer Bennett Holiday (Jeffrey Wright). Their lives intersect in a web of corruption, manipulation, and ambition stretching from Washington D.C. to the Middle East. Directed by Stephen Gaghan, Syriana won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (Clooney) and offers a stark examination of the global oil industry's far-reaching influence.More Syriana- #465 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #49 of 143 onThe Best Movies of 2005
- #196 of 241 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
20Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, William HurtInto the Wild is a riveting biographical drama that chronicles the life of Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), a young man who abandons societal norms to embark on an odyssey into nature. Directed by Sean Penn, this cinematic masterpiece scooped up numerous awards for its poignant depiction of human longing for freedom and truth. The film's narrative unfolds in the wild expanses of Alaska, where McCandless seeks solace and self-discovery. Along his journey, he encounters a series of characters that shape his understanding of life and survival. His quest is not merely physical; it's a deep spiritual journey into the unknown. Into the Wild, while being a tale of adventure, also explores themes of solitude, identity, and the human relationship with nature.More Into the Wild- Dig Deeper...The Sad Tale Of Christopher McCandless, The Man From 'Into The Wild'
- #239 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #50 of 133 onThe Most Utterly Depressing Movies Ever Made
21William Hurt, Andy Jones, Molly ParkerDave (William Hurt) is ready to call it quits on his marriage and his restaurant. His wife has left him and the restaurant, The Auk, has never really taken off. Desperate, Dave tries to consume the rare delights of his restaurant before they are repossessed. All seems lost until Dave's neighbor, Phonse (Andy Jones), proposes a mad scheme to save The Auk. They will announce the presence, in the vicinity of the restaurant, of an extremely rare duck, attracting bird watchers the world over.
22Bryce Dallas Howard, Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien BrodyIn the suspense-filled film The Village, a secluded 19th-century Pennsylvania hamlet, led by Edward Walker (William Hurt), lives in fear of nameless creatures in the surrounding woods. Lucius Hunt (Joaquin Phoenix), a quiet and bold young man, seeks to discover what lies beyond the forest. Ivy Walker (Bryce Dallas Howard), a blind girl with heightened senses, emerges as an unlikely heroine when their world is threatened. M. Night Shyamalan's atmospheric thriller explores themes of faith, fear, and love within a tight-knit community whose survival hinges on secrecy and collective bravery.More The Village- #87 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #224 of 397 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #43 of 99 onThe Best Movies Of 2004, Ranked
23William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, Christopher PlummerNew York City custodian Daryll Deever (William Hurt) is a big fan of local news reporter Tony Sokolow (Sigourney Weaver), so he is intrigued when she shows up to cover a story at his workplace. There's been a murder in the office building, and Tony suspects that Daryll may have insight into the crime, a notion that he furthers to stay close to her. However, when those behind the killing begin to think that Daryll really knows something, they target both him and Tony to keep their secrets hidden.
24Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, Alec BaldwinIn the sophisticated drama The Good Shepherd, Edward Wilson (Matt Damon), a quiet but astute Yale graduate, is swept into the clandestine world of post-World War II CIA. As he navigates this murky realm - brimming with betrayal and shifting loyalties - his personal life takes a backseat. Angelina Jolie portrays Clover, Edward's wife, who grapples with her husband's opaque lifestyle. Directed by Robert De Niro, the film offers an intricate exploration of the early CIA days. Its nuanced storytelling earned it an Oscar nomination for Best Art Direction.More The Good Shepherd- #45 of 101 onThe Best Movies Of 2006
- #44 of 106 onGreat Movies That Take Place In The '60s
- #29 of 73 onThe Greatest Movies About CIA Agents & Operatives
25William Hurt, Maria Bello, Kristen StewartFormer con man Brett Hanson (William Hurt) is imprisoned for six years before finally being released on parole. Now he needs to get back home to Louisiana and the ex-wife (Maria Bello) he left there, so when he meets Gordy (Eddie Redmayne) and Martine (Kristen Stewart) on a road trip south, he accepts their offer to give him a ride. While Brett wonders whether his ex-wife will want to see him again, Gordy harbors a crush on Martine, who is trying to recover from her painful past.
26Alexis Bledel, William Hurt, Sissy SpacekIn the captivating film Tuck Everlasting, Winnie Foster (Alexis Bledel) stumbles upon a hidden spring that bestows immortality on those who drink from it. The Tuck family, led by Angus Tuck (William Hurt), and his sons Jesse (Jonathan Jackson) and Miles (Scott Bairstow), have been living in timeless seclusion after discovering the spring's power. As she becomes entwined in their world, Winnie must decide whether to keep their secret or let it be exploited. A compelling tale of love and eternal life, this movie offers a unique exploration of the human condition.More Tuck Everlasting- #112 of 152 onThe Best Movies of 2002
- #70 of 82 onThe 75+ Best Fairytale Movies
- #100 of 169 onThe 150+ Best Teen Romance Movies, Ranked
- 27Ed Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim RothDr. Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) is a brilliant scientist, albeit cursed with an unfortunate condition. When his heart rate spikes, he morphs into the mighty green beast known as The Hulk‚ a transformation that wreaks havoc on his life and those around him. This 2008 action-packed Marvel film, The Incredible Hulk, follows Banner's quest for a cure to his monstrous problem while evading General Thaddeus Ross (William Hurt), who dreams of exploiting this power for military use. Meanwhile, the emergence of a new foe, the Abomination (Tim Roth), threatens to unleash destruction unparalleled by any force on Earth.More The Incredible Hulk
- Dig Deeper...Behind-The-Scenes Facts From 'The Incredible Hulk' That Demand A Rewatch
- #66 of 186 onThe Greatest Comic Book Movies Of All Time
- #37 of 113 on50+ Movies That Need Sequels
28Changing Lanes
Ben Affleck, Samuel L. Jackson, Toni ColletteA rush-hour fender-bender on New York City's crowded FDR Drive, under most circumstances, wouldn't set off a chain reaction that could decimate two people's lives. But on this day, at this time, a minor collision will turn two complete strangers into vicious adversaries. Their means of destroying each other might be different, but their goals, ultimately, will be the same: Each will systematically try to dismantle the other's life in a reckless effort to reclaim something he has lost.More Changing Lanes- #200 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #473 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #85 of 152 onThe Best Movies of 2002
29Sunshine
Rachel Weisz, Ralph Fiennes, Mark StrongSunshine is a 1999 historical film written by Israel Horovitz and István Szabó, directed and produced by István Szabó. It follows three generations of a Jewish family during the changes in Hungary from the beginning of the 20th century to the period after the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. The central male protagonist of all three generations is portrayed by Ralph Fiennes. The film also stars the real-life mother and daughter team of Rosemary Harris and Jennifer Ehle as well as Rachel Weisz and John Neville. Although fictional, the film weaves events drawn from several real sources into the story. The Sunshine family's liquor business was based on the Zwack family's liquor brand Unicum. One of Fiennes's three roles is based at least partly on Hungarian Olympian Attila Petschauer, but also includes allusions to the early life of Miksa Fenyő and other famous Hungarians of Jewish origin who suffered from anti-Semitism and the persecution of Jews in World War II Hungary. Another role in the film which is similar to that of a historic person is the character Andor Knorr played by William Hurt which closely resembles the latter part of the life of László Rajk.
30William Hurt, Chris Cleary Miles, Keith AllenGraham Holt (William Hurt) is a reclusive Welsh postal worker who lives with his terminally ill father. Aware that he'll soon be alone, Graham decides to adopt a son, but, because he's a single man, he's told he'll be offered only the most troubled children available. He soon begins a visitation period with a volatile young boy named James (Chris Cleary Miles) whose mother committed suicide and whose father (Keith Allen) is serving time in jail.
