The Best Michael Shannon Movies, Ranked By Fans
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- 1Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain, Shea WhighamCurtis LaForche (Michael Shannon) lives in a small Ohio town with his loving wife (Jessica Chastain) and hearing-impaired daughter (Tova Stewart). Though money is tight, he and his family are very happy. But then, Curtis begins having terrifying dreams about an apocalypse that threatens them all. Rather than confiding in Samantha, he begins building a storm shelter in the backyard, and his strange behavior causes tension in their marriage and the surrounding community.More Take Shelter
- #479 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #150 of 168 onThe 160+ Scariest Psychological Thrillers
- #4 of 16 onMovies That Make You Say 'What?' When They Suddenly Cut To End Credits
- 2Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder, James FrancoHit man Richard Kuklinski (Michael Shannon) earns a well-deserved reputation as a cold-blooded killer but manages to keep his violent profession a secret from his wife (Winona Ryder) and children for years.More The Iceman
- #47 of 59 onThe Best Movies Based on Non-Fiction Books
- #29 of 94 onThe 90+ Best Mafia Movies Of All Time
- #73 of 99 onThe Best Period Movies Set in the '80s
- 3Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton, Kirsten DunstThe government and a group of religious extremists pursue a man (Michael Shannon) and his son (Jaeden Lieberher), a young boy who possesses special powers.
- 4Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard JenkinsIn the mesmerizing film, The Shape of Water, Elisa (Sally Hawkins), a mute janitor, forms an extraordinary bond with a creature held captive in the high-security lab where she works. The creature, played by Doug Jones, is an aquatic entity discovered in South America. As government agents and scientists, like Strickland (Michael Shannon) and Hoffstetler (Michael Stuhlbarg), seek to exploit the creature for their own interests, Elisa devises a daring plan to help him escape. This 2017 fantasy drama, directed by Guillermo del Toro, won four Academy Awards including Best Picture.More The Shape of Water
- #66 of 96 onThe Very Best Oscar-Winning Movies For Best Picture
- #24 of 46 on50+ Quirky Romance Movies With Unique Love Stories
- #39 of 58 onThe Best Valentine's Day Movies
- 5Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael ShannonA successful Los Angeles art-gallery owner's idyllic life is marred by the constant traveling of her handsome second husband. While he is away, she is shaken by the arrival of a manuscript written by her first husband, who she has not seen in years. The manuscript tells the story of a teacher who finds a trip with his family turning into a nightmare. As Susan reads the book, it forces her to examine her past and confront some dark truths.More Nocturnal Animals
- #147 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #103 of 168 onThe 160+ Scariest Psychological Thrillers
- #58 of 63 onThe Very Best New Noir Movies
- 6Matthew McConaughey, Tye Sheridan, Jacob LoflandWhile exploring a Mississippi River island, Arkansas boys Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland) encounter Mud (Matthew McConaughey),a fugitive who needs their help. Though Mud killed a man in Texas and has bounty hunters on his trail, he is most concerned about reuniting with Juniper (Reese Witherspoon), the love of his life. Ellis, who is suffering the pangs of his first crush, agrees to help Mud. He and Neckbone do all they can to protect Mud and help him reunite with Juniper.More Mud
- #31 of 61 onThe Best Coming of Age Movies About Boys
- #6 of 15 onThe Most Underrated Teen Movies Of The Decade
- #12 of 18 on18 Southern Gothic Movies That Make You Say 'Oh Lawd!'
- 7Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Michael PeñaIn the wake of Sept. 11, Capt. Mitch Nelson leads a U.S. Special Forces team into Afghanistan for an extremely dangerous mission. Once there, the soldiers develop an uneasy partnership with the Northern Alliance to take down the Taliban and its al-Qaida allies. Outgunned and outnumbered, Nelson and his forces face overwhelming odds in a fight against a ruthless enemy that takes no prisoners.More 12 Strong
- #104 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #40 of 76 onThe Best Movies About Historical Battles
- #5 of 16 on16 Underrated Modern Action Movies That Pack A Punch
- 8
Bug
Ashley Judd, Michael Shannon, Lynn CollinsAt a rundown desert motel, Agnes (Ashley Judd) begins a tentative relationship with a newcomer named Peter (Michael Shannon). He has a strange charisma, one that offers fearful and unstable Agnes a flicker of hope. When Peter reveals that the military deliberately infected him with a bug and that he has tiny insects crawling under his skin, paranoia begins to envelop the desperate pair.More Bug - 9Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Kathy BatesIn the gripping drama Revolutionary Road, Frank Wheeler (Leonardo DiCaprio) and April Wheeler (Kate Winslet), a seemingly perfect couple, grapple with their suburban existence in 1950s America. The film is a stark exploration of marital discontent and unrealized dreams. Directed by Sam Mendes, it's an adaptation of Richard Yates's acclaimed novel. Strikingly, it reunites DiCaprio and Winslet for the first time since Titanic. The movie garnered three Academy Award nominations, testament to its compelling narrative and stellar performances. A tragic tale of illusion versus reality, it delves into the human desire for fulfillment beyond societal norms.More Revolutionary Road
- #70 of 133 onThe Most Utterly Depressing Movies Ever Made
- #338 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #36 of 55 onThe Saddest Romance Movies That Will Make You Cry
- 10Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael ShannonIn Man of Steel, Clark Kent (Henry Cavill) is a young journalist grappling with his alien origins. Raised on Earth by adoptive parents Martha (Diane Lane) and Jonathan Kent (Kevin Costner), Clark's extraordinary abilities set him apart. Meanwhile, General Zod (Michael Shannon), a militant from Clark's home planet Krypton, threatens humanity. Lois Lane (Amy Adams), an intrepid reporter, uncovers Clark's secret identity. The film is a reimagining of the classic Superman tale, presenting a darker take on the iconic superhero's story. Directed by Zack Snyder, this action-packed origin story dives into themes of identity and responsibility in a world teetering on the brink of destruction.More Man of Steel
- #47 of 186 onThe Greatest Comic Book Movies Of All Time
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- #133 of 228 onThe 200+ Best Film Scores Of All Time
- 11Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anthony MackieFor the last 10 years, lifelong buddies Ethan (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Isaac (Seth Rogen) and Chris (Anthony Mackie) have gathered on Christmas Eve to celebrate the holidays with a bang. As Isaac prepares to become a first-time father, the friends realize that their annual tradition is coming to a sad end. To make it as memorable as possible, they plan a night of debauchery and hilarity by searching for the Nutcracka Ball, the Holy Grail of Christmas parties in New York.More The Night Before
- #84 of 126 onThe Best Christmas Movies Of All Time
- #38 of 70 onThe Funniest Christmas Comedy Movies
- #52 of 93 onThe 85+ Best Stoner Comedies Ever
- 12Michael Shannon, Douglas Ligon, Barlow JacobsBacked by siblings Kid (Barlow Jacobs) and Boy (Douglas Ligon), Son Hayes (Michael Shannon) tells the attendees at his father's funeral that he and his brothers hated the dead man, then spits on his grave. This triggers a battle with the siblings' half brothers, which soon leaves Kid dead and Son seriously hurt. As the half brothers stockpile weapons for what they assume will be a deadly encounter, Boy visits them and suggests an end to the fighting.
- 13Eminem, Kim Basinger, Brittany Murphy8 Mile, a gritty drama, spotlights the life of Jimmy Smith Jr. (Eminem), an aspiring rapper from Detroit's harsh inner city. Trapped in his struggles with an unstable mother (Kim Basinger) and a dead-end job, Jimmy seeks solace and expression through hip-hop. Encircled by friends like Future (Mekhi Phifer), he battles his way into the local rap scene, combating adversity and stereotypes. The film, directed by Curtis Hanson, received an Oscar for Best Original Song - Lose Yourself. Eminem's stellar performance and evocative music underscore this story of ambition against all odds.
- 14Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris ElliottIn the iconic comedy Groundhog Day, Phil Connors (Bill Murray), a cynical weatherman, finds himself in a time loop, living the same day over and over. Trapped in Punxsutawney for Groundhog Day festivities, Phil's initial disdain turns to desperation as he tries to break free from this endless cycle. Directed by Harold Ramis, the film cleverly explores themes of self-improvement and redemption. Co-starring Andie MacDowell as Rita Hanson, Phil's producer and eventual love interest, Groundhog Day deftly blends humor with a thought-provoking narrative. This film is a staple of American cinema and a testament to Bill Murray's comedic prowess.More Groundhog Day
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15Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jamie Chung, Dania RamirezPremium Rush is a 2012 American action-thriller film directed by David Koepp and written by Koepp and John Kamps. The film stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Shannon, Dania Ramirez and Jamie Chung. It follows a bicycle messenger chased around New York City by a corrupt police officer who wants an envelope the messenger has. It was released on August 24, 2012 by Columbia Pictures.More Premium Rush- #11 of 19 onUnderrated Action Movies Of The 2010s, Ranked
- #15 of 23 onThe Best Sports Thriller Movies, Ranked
- #56 of 91 onThe 90+ Top Crime Thriller Movies Rated PG-13
- 16Joel Edgerton, Ruth Negga, Nick KrollLoving is a 2016 historical drama film written and directed by Jeff Nichols. It features Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga as Richard and Mildred Loving, the plaintiffs in the 1967 U.S. Supreme Court decision Loving v. Virginia, which invalidated state laws prohibiting interracial marriage. It was selected to compete for the Palme d'Or at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. The film was released in the United States on November 4, 2016, by Focus Features.More Loving
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- #34 of 85 onGreat Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories
- #64 of 84 onThe 75 Best Black Romance Movies
17Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes, Val KilmerTerence McDonagh (Nicolas Cage) isn't doing so well. He has a nasty painkiller addiction, courtesy of an injury he sustained while rescuing a prisoner during Hurricane Katrina. Plus, there's his alcoholic father (Tom Bower), boozy wife (Jennifer Coolidge) and prostitute girlfriend (Eva Mendes). And, he's just been saddled with a rookie partner (Shawn Hatosy). Now Terence must pull himself back from the edge of insanity to investigate a series of murders that has the city on edge.
18Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Marisa TomeiAndy (Philip Seymour Hoffman), a debt-ridden broker, needs some quick cash. He ropes his younger brother, Hank (Ethan Hawke), into a scheme to commit the perfect crime: to rob their parents' (Albert Finney, Rosemary Harris) jewelry store. The scheme goes horribly awry, and the family patriarch takes justice into his own hands, unaware that the criminals he is hunting are his own sons.- #119 of 133 onThe Most Utterly Depressing Movies Ever Made
- #293 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
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19Nicolas Cage, Michael Peña, Maggie GyllenhaalTwo Port Authority officers, Sgt. John McLoughlin (Nicolas Cage) and Officer Will Jimeno (Michael Peña), become trapped in the rubble of the World Trade Center after going in to help people escape from the buildings during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.More World Trade Center- Dig Deeper...Facts About The First Attack On The World Trade Center
- #2 of 26 onThe 25+ Best Movies About 9/11
- #43 of 65 onThe Most Patriotic Movies Of All Time
- 20Hilary Swank, Michael Shannon, Robert ForsterWhat They Had is a 2018 American drama film directed by Elizabeth Chomko. When her Alzheimer's-suffering mother wanders into a blizzard on Christmas Eve, Bridget Ertz (Hilary Swank) travels back to her hometown to help her brother (Michael Shannon) convince their father to put their mother in a nursing home and face the end of their life-long love affair.
- 21Willem Dafoe, Dave Bautista, Chloë SevignyMy Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done? is a 2009 film directed by Werner Herzog and produced by David Lynch, inspired by the story of murderer Mark Yavorsky. Herzog describes the film as "a horror film without the blood, chainsaws and gore, but with a strange, anonymous fear creeping up in you." The film is an international co-production between the United States and Germany. The film was conceived and written in 1995, but Herzog and co-writer Herbert Golder were unable to find anyone to produce it. Lynch eventually became interested, and production was planned to begin in the Summer of 2008, but was postponed in favor of Herzog's Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans. Filming began around San Diego, California in March 2009. Both films were nominated for the Golden Lion at the 66th Venice International Film Festival, the first time that two films in one year by the same director were nominated.
22Ashley Judd, Morgan Freeman, Jim CaviezelA happily married, successful lawyer (Ashley Judd) is shocked to learn that her husband (Jim Caviezel) has a hidden past as a classified military operative, and is accused of committing a heinous war crime. As she prepares to defend her husband in a top-secret military court, where none of the rules she knows so well apply, she gets help from a wild card (Morgan Freeman) -- a former military attorney who doesn't play by anyone's rules.More High Crimes- #84 of 152 onThe Best Movies of 2002
- #50 of 59 onThe 55+ Best PG-13 Murder Mystery Movies
- #32 of 39 onThe Best Thriller PG-13 Movies And Psycho Horrors
- 23Michael Shannon, Kevin Spacey, Alex PettyferIn December 1970, rock 'n' roll icon Elvis Presley (Michael Shannon) travels to the White House to request a meeting with President Richard Nixon (Kevin Spacey).
- 24Gerard Butler, Michelle Monaghan, Michael ShannonSam Childers (Gerard Butler), a former biker, decides to go to East Africa to help repair homes destroyed by civil war. Transformed by the horrors he sees, Sam ignores the warnings of more experienced aide workers and breaks ground for an orphanage in the heart of territory controlled by a brutal renegade militia. But establishing a shelter is not enough; determined to save as many lives as possible, Sam leads armed missions into enemy territory to rescue kidnapped children.
25Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate BeckinsalePearl Harbor (2001) is an epic war film that masterfully blends romance and action. Rafe McCawley (Ben Affleck) and Danny Walker (Josh Hartnett), are childhood friends turned Army Air Corps pilots, who find themselves in a love triangle with the beautiful nurse Evelyn Johnson (Kate Beckinsale). As their personal drama unfolds, the harrowing events of December 7, 1941 - the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor - catapult our protagonists into the throes of World War II. Directed by Michael Bay, this film won an Academy Award for Best Sound Editing.More Pearl Harbor- Dig Deeper...All The Historical Inaccuracies In Michael Bay's 'Pearl Harbor'
- #172 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #49 of 113 onThe Best Movies Of 2001
- 26
Frank & Lola
Michael Shannon, Imogen Poots, Michael NyqvistFrank is a brooding Las Vegas chef who has always focused his energy into his culinary talents, until he meets Lola, a young and beautiful enigma. Together, Frank and Lola build an intense relationship that saves them from their mutual despair. Cracks begin to show after Lola suddenly cheats on Frank, which leads to Frank's evolving mistrust of Lola and a growing obsession with an imposing man from her past. 
27Herbert White
Michael Shannon"In this film based on the poem by the same name, a man struggles with his inner demons while trying to live a normal family life." Quoting the description from the 2010 Sundance Film Festival site.
28Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, Alia ShawkatJoan Jett (Kristen Stewart) and Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning), two rebellious teenagers from Southern California, become the frontwomen for the Runaways -- the now-legendary group that paved the way for future generations of female rockers. Under the Svengalilike influence of impresario Kim Fowley, the band becomes a huge success, with Joan as the band's hard-rocking heart, and Cherie as the sex kitten. However, the teens' stormy relationship threatens the band's future.More The Runaways- #50 of 59 onThe Best Movies Based on Non-Fiction Books
- #193 of 242 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #10 of 14 onThe Most Wildly Inaccurate Biopics Of Famous Musicians And Bands
- 29Michael Shannon, Judy Greer, Thomas LennonPottersville is a 2017 American Christmas comedy film directed by Seth Henrikson. At Christmas, a beloved local businessman goes on inebriated romp through town in a makeshift gorilla costume and gets mistaken for the legendary Bigfoot, which sets off an international media spectacle.
- 30Josh Brolin, John Malkovich, Megan FoxHaving cheated death, gunslinger and bounty hunter Jonah Hex (Josh Brolin) has one foot in the natural world and one in the supernatural. His unusual nature gives him the ability to track down anyone or anything, so the Army makes him an irresistible offer: It will erase the warrants on his head if he will find Quentin Turnbull (John Malkovich). Turnbull, his oldest enemy, is preparing to unleash hell on Earth and will stop at nothing to kill him.
