The 70+ Best Ed Harris Movies

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Updated March 7, 2024 33.9K views 71 items
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Over 400 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 70+ Best Ed Harris Movies

List of the best Ed Harris movies, ranked best to worst with movie trailers when available. Ed Harris's highest grossing movies have received a lot of accolades over the years, earning millions upon millions around the world. The order of these top Ed Harris movies is decided by how many votes they receive, so only highly rated Ed Harris movies will be at the top of the list. Ed Harris has been in a lot of films, so people often debate each other over what the greatest Ed Harris movie of all time is. If you and a friend are arguing about this then use this list of the most entertaining Ed Harris films to end the squabble once and for all.

If you think the best Ed Harris role isn't at the top, then upvote it so it has the chance to become number one. The greatest Ed Harris performances didn't necessarily come from the best movies, but in most cases they go hand in hand.

List is made up of many different films from Ed Harris' filmography, including Apollo 13, The Truman Show, and Pollock.

"This list answers the questions, "What are the best Ed Harris movies?" and "What are the greatest Ed Harris roles of all time?"

Ed Harris is no stranger to working with popular directors, including Ron Howard, Michael Bay and James Cameron. Movie fans who love Ed Harris have also been known to enjoy films starring Willem Dafoe and John Malkovich.

  • Apollo 13
    1
    Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon
    198 votes
    Apollo 13, a gripping space docudrama, chronicles the real-life, perilous lunar mission of 1970. The film features astronaut Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks), command module pilot Ken Mattingly (Gary Sinise), and flight director Gene Kranz (Ed Harris). When an oxygen tank explodes, the spacecraft's crew must abort their moon landing, transforming their mission into a struggle to return home safely. Directed by Ron Howard, Apollo 13 masterfully blends historical accuracy with cinematic suspense. It was nominated for nine Academy Awards in 1996, underscoring its significant impact on the genre of true-story films.
  • The Abyss
    2
    Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Michael Biehn
    170 votes
    In The Abyss, a deep-sea oil drilling team, led by foreman Virgil Bud Brigman (Ed Harris), confronts an otherworldly phenomenon after a U.S. nuclear submarine sinks mysteriously. Lindsey Brigman (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), Bud's estranged wife and the project engineer, joins the rescue mission. Together they dive into the ocean depths, where strange and unexpected events unfold. The film, directed by James Cameron, is a blend of science fiction and adventure that earned an Academy Award for its groundbreaking visual effects. The narrative weaves tension with marvel, as it explores humanity's relationship with the unknown beneath the waves.
  • Enemy at the Gates
    3
    Joseph Fiennes, Jude Law, Rachel Weisz
    182 votes
    Enemy at the Gates, a war drama, is set amidst the ruins of Stalingrad during World War II. It follows the harrowing exploits of Russian sniper, Vassili Zaitsev (Jude Law), and his relentless duel with German sharpshooter Major König (Ed Harris). The narrative orbits around their lethal game of cat and mouse under the ruthless command of Commissar Danilov (Joseph Fiennes). A chilling portrayal of wartime strategies, it's a tale where every bullet counts. Notably, Rachel Weisz adds depth as Tania, a female soldier entangled in both love and war. This movie offers an intense glimpse into one of history's bloodiest battles without sugarcoating its grim reality.
  • The Truman Show
    4
    Jim Carrey, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich
    134 votes
    In The Truman Show, Jim Carrey stars as Truman Burbank, an insurance salesman unknowingly living his life on a TV set. Seemingly ordinary, his existence is in reality a meticulously crafted reality show, broadcasted worldwide. Truman's idyllic suburban life takes a turn when he starts noticing inconsistencies in his daily routine. Co-stars Laura Linney and Noah Emmerich play key roles as Truman's wife and best friend respectively, both part of the elaborate illusion. Directed by Peter Weir, this film offers a thought-provoking take on media manipulation and personal freedom. This satirical drama won several awards for its unique concept and strong performances.
  • The Rock
    5
    Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris
    172 votes
    In the thrilling action-adventure The Rock, hardened FBI chemical weapons expert Stanley Goodspeed (Nicolas Cage) is paired with the only man to have ever escaped Alcatraz, former British spy John Patrick Mason (Sean Connery). Their mission? To thwart a rogue group of US Marines, led by disillusioned General Francis Hummel (Ed Harris), who've seized control of Alcatraz Island and threatened San Francisco with deadly nerve gas. Directed by Michael Bay, this high-stakes thriller combines an intriguing plot with intense action sequences, making it a notable entry in the 90s action cinema.
  • The Right Stuff
    6
    Sam Shepard, Scott Glenn, Ed Harris
    125 votes
    In the gripping epic, The Right Stuff, viewers are thrust into the thrilling world of the U.S. space program. The story chronicles the lives of seven brave pilots turned astronauts (Scott Glenn, Ed Harris, Dennis Quaid, and others) who become the Mercury Seven, America's first space travelers. Based on Tom Wolfe's best-selling book, this saga reveals their grueling training and their daring exploits. A captivating blend of historical drama and adventure, it won four Academy Awards, including Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing. This film is a testament to human determination and ingenuity in the face of the unknown.
  • A History of Violence
    7
    Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, William Hurt
    123 votes
    In 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.
  • A Beautiful Mind
    8
    Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly
    132 votes
    A Beautiful Mind is a biographical drama, chronicling the life of John Nash (Russell Crowe), an extraordinary mathematician grappling with schizophrenia. The plot unfolds in the mid-twentieth century, tracing his rise to acclaim and descent into mental chaos. His wife, Alicia (Jennifer Connelly), stands as a pillar of support through his tumultuous journey. Directed by Ron Howard, the film scooped up four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. An engrossing narrative of genius and resilience, it's a profound exploration of human intellect and its frailties.
  • Glengarry Glen Ross
    9
    Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin
    109 votes
    Glengarry Glen Ross, a drama film based on David Mamet's Pulitzer-winning play, revolves around a group of desperate Chicago real estate salesmen. Shelley Levene (Jack Lemmon), an aging salesman struggling to close deals, Ricky Roma (Al Pacino), a suave top seller, George Aaronow (Alan Arkin), the timid and anxious one, and Dave Moss (Ed Harris), the aggressive instigator, all find themselves in a high-stakes competition set up by their boss. When office theft turns the heat up further, the men resort to unscrupulous tactics. Pacino's performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
  • Pollock
    10
    Ed Harris, Marcia Gay Harden, Amy Madigan
    93 votes
    In August of 1949, Life Magazine ran a banner headline that begged the question: "Jackson Pollock: Is he the greatest living painter in the United States?" The film is a look back into the life of an extraordinary man, a man who has fittingly been called "an artist dedicated to concealment, a celebrity who nobody knew." As he struggled with self-doubt, engaging in a lonely tug-of-war between needing to express himself and wanting to shut the world out, Pollock began a downward spiral.
  • Sweet Dreams
    11

    Sweet Dreams

    Jessica Lange, Ed Harris, Ann Wedgeworth
    78 votes
    Aspiring country singer Patsy Cline (Jessica Lange) is resigned to both her thankless gigs and her unhappy marriage, until she meets the charismatic Charlie Dick (Ed Harris). Eventually leaving her husband to marry Charlie, Patsy temporarily shelves her performing career to be a mother. Later she returns to singing and finds success under manager Randy Hughes (David Clennon). Patsy hits a remarkable stride with a string of hit singles, and has become a full-fledged star when tragedy strikes.
  • Appaloosa
    12
    Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen, Renée Zellweger
    87 votes
    Virgil Cole (Ed Harris) and his longtime friend and partner Everett Hitch (Viggo Mortensen) travel the 1880s Southwest, bringing justice to lawless towns desperate enough to hire them. In the mining town of Appaloosa, malevolent rancher Randall Bragg and his cronies ride roughshod over the frightened citizens. As Cole and Hitch work to end Bragg's reign of terror, an unconventional widow (Renee Zellweger) arrives, complicating the job and threatening their bond.
  • State of Grace
    13
    Sean Penn, Ed Harris, Gary Oldman
    69 votes
    Gone for a decade, Terry Noonan (Sean Penn) is welcomed back into the fold in his Irish-American neighborhood in New York City. A one-time street tough, Terry is now an undercover officer targeting crime boss Frankie Flannery (Ed Harris). In the name of duty, Terry rekindles his dormant friendship with Frankie's younger brother, Jackie (Gary Oldman). But as Terry gets closer to his goal, his feelings for the youngest Flannery, his old flame Kathleen (Robin Wright), complicate his mission.
  • The Firm
    14
    Tom Cruise, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Gene Hackman
    98 votes
    In The Firm, Mitch McDeere (Tom Cruise), a bright law graduate, is lured into the prosperous world of Bendini, Lambert, & Locke, a secretive Memphis law firm. As he ascends in his career, he learns that the firm's wealth is built upon dark secrets and illegal activities. His life takes a perilous turn when he gets entangled with the FBI. A suspenseful thriller based on John Grisham's novel, this film masterfully explores corporate corruption and moral dilemmas. The movie earned two Oscar nominations, underscoring its cinematic prowess.
  • Places in the Heart
    15
    Sally Field, Lindsay Crouse, John Malkovich
    70 votes
    In 1935 rural Texas, recently widowed Edna Spaulding (Sally Field) struggles to survive with two small children, a farm to run and very little money in the bank -- not to mention a deadly tornado and the unwelcome presence of the Ku Klux Klan. Edna is aided by her beautician sister, Margaret (Lindsay Crouse) ; a blind boarder, Mr. Will (John Malkovich) ; and a would-be thief, Moze (Danny Glover), who decides to stick around to teach Edna how to plant and harvest cotton.
  • Radio
    16
    Cuba Gooding, Ed Harris, Alfre Woodard
    78 votes
    In a racially divided town, coach Jones (Ed Harris) spots a mentally disabled African-American student named Radio (Cuba Gooding Jr.) near his practice field and is inspired to befriend him. Soon, Radio is Jones' loyal assistant, and principal Daniels (Alfre Woodard) happily notes that Radio's self-confidence is skyrocketing. But things start to sour when Jones begins taking guff from fans who feel that his devotion to Radio is getting in the way of the team's quest for a championship.
  • Absolute Power
    17
    Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Ed Harris
    76 votes
    While robbing the home of aging billionaire Walter Sullivan (E.G. Marshall), Luther Whitney (Clint Eastwood) is interrupted by an amorous couple entering the building. As Whitney hides, he sees Sullivan's young wife, Christy (Melora Hardin), and the U.S. President, Alan Richmond (Gene Hackman). When their affection turns violent, Christy is killed by the Secret Service. Although Whitney flees, he is framed for the murder. Now, he seeks justice with the help of detective Seth Frank (Ed Harris).
  • The Hours
    18
    Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, Nicole Kidman
    89 votes
    In The Hours, three women from different eras grapple with the complexities of life, linked by the novel Mrs. Dalloway. In 1923, Virginia Woolf (Nicole Kidman) battles mental illness while writing her novel. In 1951, Laura Brown (Julianne Moore), a pregnant housewife, finds solace in Woolf's work. In 2001, Clarissa Vaughan (Meryl Streep), a modern version of Woolf's protagonist, prepares a party for her AIDS-stricken friend. This drama, rich in depth and introspection, won an Academy Award for Best Actress (Kidman). Each timeline unfolds simultaneously, creating a poignant tapestry of human struggle and connection.
  • Gone Baby Gone
    19
    Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman
    85 votes
    In the heart of Boston's gritty underbelly, private detectives Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck) and Angie Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan) are thrown into a morally complex world. They're hired to find a missing four-year-old girl, Amanda McCready. Directed by Ben Affleck, Gone Baby Gone is a gripping drama that explores the line between right and wrong. As the pair dig deeper into the case, they uncover a web of corruption and deceit within their own neighborhood. The film has earned accolades for its thought-provoking narrative and stellar performances. It's a tale of lost innocence, tough choices, and unexpected consequences.
  • Jacknife
    20
    Robert De Niro, Ed Harris, Charles S. Dutton
    55 votes
    Jacknife is a 1989 American film directed by David Jones and starring Robert De Niro, Ed Harris and Kathy Baker. The film focuses on a small, serious story, with emphasis on characterization and the complex tension between people in a close relationship. Stephen Metcalfe, upon whose play, Strange Snow, the film was based, wrote the screenplay.
  • Knightriders
    21
    Ed Harris, Gary Lahti, Tom Savini
    40 votes
    Billy (Ed Harris) is the undisputed leader of a roving band of hardened bikers who support themselves by jousting at medieval fairs and selling their intricately designed wares. As their fearsome reputation and popularity grow, commercial pressures begin tearing the tightly knit group apart. Despite Billy's attempts to maintain his noble and chivalrous vision, his star performer (Gary Lahti) entertains outside offers, while his arch-rival, Morgan (Tom Savini), prepares for a final battle.
  • Milk Money
    22

    Milk Money

    Melanie Griffith, Ed Harris, Michael Patrick Carter
    75 votes
    Three young boys pool their money and pay V (Melanie Griffith), a kindhearted prostitute, to strip for them. Afterward, she drives them home to the suburbs -- but then her car breaks down. It's just as well, though, because a mobster named Waltzer (Malcolm McDowell) is after her, and V realizes the suburbs are the perfect place to hide. But things get a lot more complicated when V falls in love with Tom (Ed Harris), a single father who is unaware of her real profession.
  • Needful Things
    23
    Max von Sydow, Ed Harris, Bonnie Bedelia
    72 votes
    When a creepy older man named Leland Gaunt (Max von Sydow) moves to a small town in Maine and sets up an antique shop, bad things soon follow. Gaunt has the remarkable ability of selling people exactly what they want most, but his ideal purchases come at a price that involves more than just money. Through Gaunt's manipulation, the citizens of the town gradually turn on one another, resulting in violence that Sheriff Alan Pangborn (Ed Harris) struggles to contain.
  • National Treasure: Book of Secrets
    24
    Nicolas Cage, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel
    104 votes
    In the thrilling sequel National Treasure: Book of Secrets, history buff Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) returns. This time, his quest revolves around a mysterious tome - the President's secret book. It holds untold secrets about U.S. history that could clear his family name from scandal. Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger), his estranged girlfriend, and his loyal sidekick, Riley Poole (Justin Bartha), join him on this daring adventure. The trio traverses Paris, London, and Washington D.C., unraveling clues against a ticking clock. With high-stakes mystery and fast-paced action, it's an engaging journey for all adventure-lovers.
  • Just Cause
    25
    Sean Connery, Laurence Fishburne, Kate Capshaw
    66 votes
    Paul Armstrong (Sean Connery), a law professor who staunchly fights the death penalty, is lured into defending a death row inmate, Bobby Earl Ferguson (Blair Underwood), convicted of rape and murder. Ferguson is there due to a coerced confession at the hands of a snarling local sheriff (Laurence Fishburne). Armstrong starts to suspect that a psychotic serial killer (Ed Harris) may be the real culprit. But the deeper Armstrong gets, the more he realizes he doesn't know who's innocent at all.
  • Snowpiercer
    26
    Chris Evans, Song Kang-ho, Tilda Swinton
    40 votes
    In Snowpiercer, a dystopian thriller, the remnants of humanity (post-apocalyptic ice age) reside aboard a perpetually moving train. Curtis Everett (Chris Evans), a passenger from the impoverished tail section, leads a rebellion against the oppressive front car passengers. Namgoong Minsoo (Song Kang-ho), a security specialist, aids in their tumultuous journey. Tilda Swinton shines as Minister Mason, the train's cruel authority figure. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, this film won multiple awards for its vivid storytelling and stark social commentary. Its unique premise and memorable characters make it an engaging watch.
  • Stepmom
    27
    Julia Roberts, Susan Sarandon, Ed Harris
    71 votes
    Three years after divorcing Jackie (Susan Sarandon), the mother of his children, Luke Harrison (Ed Harris) decides to take the next step with his significantly younger girlfriend, fashion photographer Isabel Kelly (Julia Roberts). But, when the flaky Kelly meets Harrison's children for the first time, their fierce allegiance to their mother is obvious. Try as she might, Kelly fails to endear herself to her young charges -- and to Jackie -- until a looming family crisis changes everything.
  • Copying Beethoven
    28
    Ed Harris, Diane Kruger, Joe Anderson
    49 votes
    Anna Holtz (Diane Kruger), a student at the Vienna Music Conservatory, eagerly accepts an assignment to work as a copyist for composer Ludwig van Beethoven (Ed Harris). The temperamental maestro develops a growing affection for his new companion, but she has plans to marry her longtime beau.
  • Creepshow
    29
    Hal Holbrook, Adrienne Barbeau, E.G. Marshall
    68 votes
    Creepshow, a horror anthology film directed by George A. Romero, weaves together five chilling tales penned by Stephen King. The movie features an ensemble cast, including Hal Holbrook as Henry Northrup and Adrienne Barbeau as Wilma Northrup, in the memorable story The Crate. Other notable characters include Jordy Verrill (Stephen King himself) in a self-titled segment where he plays a hapless farmer who discovers a meteorite. Juxtaposing humor with horror, Creepshow takes you through a roller coaster of macabre narratives, each one more eerie than the last. The film won the Saturn Award for Best Horror Film in 1983, cementing its place in the annals of classic horror cinema.
  • Swing Shift
    30
    Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Christine Lahti
    45 votes
    During World War II, a navy wife helps the war effort by taking a job in the local aircraft factory, where she meets a man declared unfit for military service who sweeps her off her feet. When her husband returns on a furlough, things begin to get very complicated. The film includes cameos from singer Belinda Carlisle and cult director Roger Corman.