The Best TriStar Pictures Movies List

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Updated April 25, 2024 157 items
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List of TriStar Pictures movies, ranked best to worst, including trailers, genres, and release dates. TriStar Pictures produced and/or distributed these films, which are listed in alphabetical order and sortable by any column. This is a list of all notable and most famous TriStar Pictures films, including movie posters when available. It answers the questions, "What movies did TriStar Pictures produce?" and "What films did TriStar Pictures distribute?" List includes Rad, The Hitcher, more. This best TriStar Pictures movies list displays shorts as well as feature films made by TriStar Pictures, including theatrical releases, limited releases, and made-for-TV TriStar Pictures movies. You can also manipulate this list of movies by this production company. (150 Movies)
Most divisive: Labyrinth
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  • Terminator 2: Judgment Day
    1

    Terminator 2: Judgment Day

    Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong
    21 votes
    In this sequel set eleven years after "The Terminator," young John Connor (Edward Furlong), the key to civilization's victory over a future robot uprising, is the target of the shape-shifting T-1000 (Robert Patrick), a Terminator sent from the future to kill him. Another Terminator, the revamped T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger), has been sent back to protect the boy. As John and his mother (Linda Hamilton) go on the run with the T-800, the boy forms an unexpected bond with the robot.
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  • Matilda
    2

    Matilda

    Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman
    22 votes
    Matilda (Mara Wilson) is a precocious child, born into an uncaring family. Her crass car-dealer father (Danny DeVito) and neglectful mother (Rhea Perlman) fail to recognize her genius intellect, leaving Matilda starved for knowledge and affection. At school, she faces the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull (Pam Ferris), whose reign of terror is challenged by Matilda's burgeoning telekinetic powers. This 1996 film, directed by Danny DeVito, is a blend of comedy, drama, and fantasy that won acclaim for its engaging storytelling and strong performances. It explores themes of resilience, self-empowerment, and the power of kindness in an unjust world.
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  • Short Circuit
    3

    Short Circuit

    Ally Sheedy, Steve Guttenberg, Fisher Stevens
    19 votes
    After a lightning bolt gives it human emotions and intelligence, a military robot escapes and finds refuge at the home of an animal-loving pacifist (Ally Sheedy).
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  • Chaplin
    4

    Chaplin

    Robert Downey, Dan Aykroyd, Geraldine Chaplin
    18 votes
    Re-creation of the life of comic genius Charlie Chaplin, from his humble beginnings in south London through his early days in British vaudeville, his silent movie career in America and his late masterpieces. His turbulent personal life saw four marriages and an enforced exile from the US - though he returned to receive an honorary Oscar in 1972.
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  • The Muppets Take Manhattan
    5

    The Muppets Take Manhattan

    Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Dave Goelz
    22 votes
    In The Muppets Take Manhattan, Kermit (Jim Henson), Miss Piggy (Frank Oz), and the rest of the Muppet gang embark on a quest to take Broadway by storm. Armed with their college musical, Manhattan Melodies, they hit the big city with dreams of stardom. However, when their plans fall apart, it's up to Kermit to bring back his friends and put on the show of a lifetime. A delightful mix of comedy and musical, this film won an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score, adding another feather in the cap of this lovable troupe.
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  • Oliver Twist
    6

    Oliver Twist

    Ben Kingsley, Mark Strong, Ophelia Lovibond
    13 votes
    Oliver Twist is a 2005 Drama film written by Ronald Harwood and directed by Roman Polanski.
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  • Total Recall
    7

    Total Recall

    Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rachel Ticotin, Sharon Stone
    22 votes
    Total Recall is a riveting blend of science fiction and action. The film showcases Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger) as an ordinary construction worker, plagued by a recurring dream about Mars. Determined to uncover the truth behind his dreams, he opts for memory implants of a Martian holiday from Rekall Inc., only to have things go awry. Suddenly, Quaid finds himself embroiled in espionage, with blurred lines between reality and implanted memories. Aided by Melina (Rachel Ticotin), he must unravel the mystery of his past on a treacherous Martian terrain. This Paul Verhoeven directed spectacle won an Academy Award for its groundbreaking visual effects, setting new industry standards.
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  • Rudy
    8

    Rudy

    Sean Astin, Ned Beatty, Charles S. Dutton
    17 votes
    Rudy is an inspiring sports drama that centers around the life of Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin), a young man from a blue-collar family who dreams of playing football at the University of Notre Dame. Despite his small size and lack of athletic prowess, Rudy's relentless determination leads him to overcome numerous obstacles. Charles S. Dutton plays Fortune, a custodian at Notre Dame who becomes Rudy's mentor, while Jon Favreau stars as D-Bob, Rudy's humorous and supportive friend. The film, directed by David Anspaugh, was nominated for multiple awards and is recognized as one of the top football movies of all time.
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  • Donnie Brasco
    9

    Donnie Brasco

    Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen
    17 votes
    In the gritty underworld of Donnie Brasco, Joseph D. Pistone (Johnny Depp) is an FBI agent who goes undercover, adopting the persona of a gangster named Donnie Brasco. He befriends aging hitman Benjamin Lefty Ruggiero (Al Pacino), immersing himself in the Mafia's dangerous web. As he navigates this treacherous world of crime and loyalty, the line between his two identities blurs. This thrilling crime drama, laced with tension and suspense, earned an Academy Award nomination for its tight-knit screenplay. Amidst shifting alliances and unexpected betrayals, Pistone must choose where his true loyalties lie.
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  • Rambo: First Blood Part II
    10

    Rambo: First Blood Part II

    Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, Julia Nickson
    14 votes
    In Rambo: First Blood Part II, Vietnam War veteran John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) is coaxed out of prison by his former commander, Colonel Trautman (Richard Crenna) to document the existence of POWs still held captive in Vietnam. Armed with only a handful of weapons and his survival instincts, Rambo plunges into the dangerous jungles. It's not long before the rescue mission turns personal. As he battles against both Vietnamese soldiers and treacherous American officials, Rambo becomes a one-man army. This action-packed thriller, directed by George P. Cosmatos and written by James Cameron and Sylvester Stallone, won no awards but remains a classic piece of 80s cinema.
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  • As Good as It Gets
    11

    As Good as It Gets

    Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear
    16 votes
    In the heart of New York City, As Good as It Gets unravels a story of unlikely friendships and personal growth. Melvin Udall (Jack Nicholson), an irascible novelist with obsessive-compulsive disorder, finds his life intertwined with that of Carol Connelly (Helen Hunt), a hardworking waitress, and Simon Bishop (Greg Kinnear), his gay artist neighbor. Directed by James L. Brooks, this comedy-drama explores their evolving relationships amidst trials and tribulations. Nicholson and Hunt's performances earned them Academy Awards for Best Actor and Actress respectively, while the film itself was nominated for Best Picture.
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  • Basic Instinct
    12

    Basic Instinct

    Michael Douglas, Sharon Stone, George Dzundza
    20 votes
    In the thrilling world of Basic Instinct, a seductive crime noir, we find Detective Nick Curran (Michael Douglas) ensnared in a web of danger and deception. The prime suspect in his latest murder case is Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone), an enticing and enigmatic novelist who seems to have an eerie knack for predicting real-life crimes through her fiction. As Curran delves deeper into Tramell's mysterious life, he finds himself caught between duty and desire, truth and deception. This film, layered with suspense and eroticism, is one of director Paul Verhoeven's most notable works, earning several award nominations.
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  • Steel Magnolias
    13

    Steel Magnolias

    Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine
    15 votes
    In Steel Magnolias, a delicate interplay of humor and heartache unfolds. This dramedy, set in a small Louisiana town, centers around a close-knit circle of friends. M'Lynn Eatenton (Sally Field), her vivacious daughter Shelby (Julia Roberts), beauty salon owner Truvy Jones (Dolly Parton), elegant widow Clairee Belcher (Olympia Dukakis), irritable Ouiser Boudreaux (Shirley MacLaine), and timid newcomer Annelle Dupuy Desoto (Daryl Hannah) form the core cast. Their lives intertwine in the comforting confines of Truvy's beauty salon, where they navigate life's ups and downs together. The film earned Julia Roberts an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
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  • Real Genius
    14

    Real Genius

    Val Kilmer, Gabriel Jarret, William Atherton
    17 votes
    In Real Genius, the spotlight shines on two brilliant students, Mitch Taylor (Gabriel Jarret) and Chris Knight (Val Kilmer). They are enrolled at Pacific Tech, a university renowned for its technology programs. The young prodigy Mitch is paired with the eccentric genius Chris under the mentorship of the manipulative Professor Hathaway (William Atherton). Unbeknownst to them, their project has covert military applications. As they uncover this truth, they must outwit both their professor and the U.S. government to prevent potential catastrophe. This 1985 comedy-drama delivers a blend of humor, intelligence, and youthful rebellion against authority.
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  • Toy Soldiers
    15

    Toy Soldiers

    Sean Astin, Wil Wheaton, Keith Coogan
    17 votes
    Colombian terrorist Luis Cali (Andrew Divoff) takes an American prep school hostage as a means of gaining his drug lord father's freedom. Privileged yet rebellious students Joey (Wil Wheaton), Billy (Sean Astin), Snuffy (Keith Coogan) and Hank (T.E. Russell) find that they are better equipped to deal with the threat than the mostly ineffectual government agencies sent to rescue them. With resourceful Billy as their leader, the students struggle to defeat the terrorists and save the school.
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  • The Natural
    16

    The Natural

    Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close
    17 votes
    In the cinematic sports drama, The Natural, Robert Redford delivers a captivating performance as Roy Hobbs, an aging baseball rookie with extraordinary talent. The film chronicles his late-blooming career, fraught with challenges and personal setbacks. Glenn Close stands out as Iris Gaines, Roy's long-lost love who re-enters his life at a crucial juncture. Directed by Barry Levinson, this 1984 classic earned four Academy Award nominations, including Best Supporting Actress for Close. Hobbs's quest for redemption and glory in America's favorite pastime forms the heart of this engaging narrative.
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  • Pound Puppies and the Legend of Big Paw
    17

    Pound Puppies and the Legend of Big Paw

    Greg Berg, Ruth Buzzi, Nancy Cartwright
    10 votes
    In this animated film, the legendary King Arthur draws Excalibur from the Bone of Scone, which allows mankind and canines to communicate with each other. Centuries later, few remember the artifact or its power, but Marvin McNasty (George Rose), an evil inventor, knows the Bone's secret and plans to use it to conquer the world. Only the Pound Puppies -- heroic dogs led by brave Cooler (Brennan Howard) and mysterious Big Paw (Tony Longo) -- and their loyal human friends can stop McNasty.
  • Philadelphia
    18

    Philadelphia

    Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Jason Robards
    21 votes
    In the groundbreaking film Philadelphia, Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks), a talented lawyer, battles an unjust firing after his law firm discovers he's HIV-positive. Aiding him in this fierce legal fight is Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), a small-time attorney who initially harbors prejudice against those with AIDS. This drama, directed by Jonathan Demme, tackles societal discrimination head-on and scored Hanks an Oscar for Best Actor in 1994. As the narrative unfolds, it unflinchingly showcases the struggles of individuals living with AIDS during a less informed time.
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  • Jacob's Ladder
    19

    Jacob's Ladder

    Tim Robbins, Elizabeth Peña, Danny Aiello
    16 votes
    In Jacob's Ladder, Jacob Singer (Tim Robbins), a Vietnam War veteran, struggles to maintain his sanity. Plagued by flashbacks and hallucinations, he teeters on the brink of reality and illusion. His girlfriend Jezzie (Elizabeth Peña) and his chiropractor Louis (Danny Aiello) provide support as he navigates his confusing existence. As Jacob delves deeper into his own mind, the line between life and death blurs. This psychological horror film, directed by Adrian Lyne, is an unnerving journey into the human psyche, laced with war-induced trauma and spiritual exploration.
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  • Glory
    20

    Glory

    Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman
    12 votes
    Glory is a historical war drama that delves into the story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the Union Army's first African-American regiment in the American Civil War. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick), who leads this group of soldiers in their fight against prejudice and for freedom. Private Trip (Denzel Washington) and Sergeant Major John Rawlins (Morgan Freeman) play pivotal roles in this struggle. The movie, known for its stark portrayal of war and racial tensions, won three Academy Awards including Best Supporting Actor for Denzel Washington.
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  • Short Circuit 2
    21

    Short Circuit 2

    Fisher Stevens, Michael McKean, Cynthia Gibb
    12 votes
    Having rescued robot Johnny Five (Tim Blaney) from being destroyed by the military in "Short Circuit," Indian scientist Ben Jahrvi (Fisher Stevens) moves to New York City to become an American citizen. After struggling to sell a few toy replicas of Johnny, Ben must scramble to make more when Sandy Banatoni (Cynthia Gibb) orders 1,000 for her department store. With Johnny's help, Ben begins making the gadgets, but his plans are endangered when thief Oscar Baldwin (Jack Weston) steals Johnny.
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  • Jerry Maguire
    22

    Jerry Maguire

    Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding, Renée Zellweger
    21 votes
    Jerry Maguire is a film steeped in the frenetic world of sports management. The eponymous character, Jerry (Tom Cruise), is an established sports agent suddenly struck by a moral crisis. This leads to a dramatic career shift, casting him down a path less travelled in his industry. His singular client, Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.), is an aspiring football star with big dreams and bigger personality. Their intertwined journeys form the crux of the narrative, exploring themes of ambition, loyalty, and redemption. Directed by Cameron Crowe, this dramedy won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (Gooding Jr.).
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  • Madeline
    23

    Madeline

    Frances McDormand, Nigel Hawthorne, Hatty Jones
    11 votes
    Parisian schoolgirl and orphan Madeline (Hatty Jones) schemes to save her boarding school and home from being closed and sold by its owner, the severe Lord Covington (Nigel Hawthorne), whose benevolent wife (Stéphane Audran) has recently passed away. Madeline's sweet antics are often a burden to her goodhearted but stern headmistress, Miss Clavel (Frances McDormand), whose true appreciation of Madeline is revealed when Madeline and a schoolboy named Pepito (Kristian de la Osa) are kidnapped.
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  • It Could Happen to You
    24

    It Could Happen to You

    Nicolas Cage, Bridget Fonda, Rosie Perez
    11 votes
    Charlie Lang (Nicolas Cage) is a simple, kindhearted New York City cop. When he realizes he has no money to tip waitress Yvonne Biasi (Bridget Fonda), Lang offers her half the winnings of his lottery ticket. Amazingly, the ticket happens to be a winner, in the sum of $4 million. True to his word, Lang proceeds to share the prize money with Biasi, which infuriates his greedy wife, Muriel (Rosie Perez). Not content with the arrangement, Muriel begins scheming to take all the money.
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  • Starship Troopers
    25

    Starship Troopers

    Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer, Denise Richards
    20 votes
    The film Starship Troopers is an intriguing blend of science fiction and military action, directed by Paul Verhoeven. The plot revolves around Johnny Rico (Casper Van Dien), a young soldier in the Mobile Infantry, a futuristic military unit tasked with fighting against giant alien bugs on distant planets. Dina Meyer plays Dizzy Flores, a fellow infantry member and love interest to Rico. Their lives intertwine with Carmen Ibanez (Denise Richards), a starship pilot whose path diverges from Rico's yet remains connected. This movie won the Saturn Award for Best Costumes and was nominated for Best Special Effects. The mix of thrilling combat scenes, unique extraterrestrial creatures, and complex relationships makes Starship Troopers a notable entry in the genre of science-fiction war films.
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  • Like Father Like Son
    26

    Like Father Like Son

    Sean Astin, Dudley Moore, Kirk Cameron
    13 votes
    Like Father Like Son is a 1987 comedy film starring Kirk Cameron and Dudley Moore. This film has a similar premise to but is not a direct remake of the 1976 classic Disney film Freaky Friday. The film is one of four body swap comedies to appear in the space of a year; the others were the Italian film Da grande, 18 Again! and Vice Versa. The blockbuster Big had a similar premise as well. Shortly thereafter, Dream a Little Dream also had a body swap theme involving teenagers.
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  • Sleepless in Seattle
    27

    Sleepless in Seattle

    Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Bill Pullman
    13 votes
    In Sleepless in Seattle, Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks), a widower, sparks nationwide interest when his son Jonah (Ross Malinger) calls into a radio talk show. Across the country, Annie Reed (Meg Ryan), a journalist, hears Sam's poignant story and becomes intrigued by him. As fate would have it, their paths cross in a climactic meeting atop the Empire State Building. This romantic drama, directed by Nora Ephron, garnered two Oscar nominations and is hailed for its charming blend of comedy and pathos. It's a testament to love transcending boundaries.
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  • Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
    28

    Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

    Robert De Niro, Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hulce
    8 votes
    As Viktor Frankenstein (Kenneth Branagh) is dying he shares a tale of gruesome terror with a sea captain. Viktor, using previous experiments by a brilliant scientist, was able to bring a creature (Robert De Niro) assembled from body parts back to life. Once he realized how destructive his experiments had become, he abandoned the creature and tried to live a normal life with his fiance (Helena Bonham Carter). The lonely creature seeks out Viktor and demands one of two things: a bride or revenge.
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  • Rambo III
    29

    Rambo III

    Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, Marc de Jonge
    10 votes
    Col. Sam Trautman (Richard Crenna) travels to Thailand, hoping to convince veteran John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) to accompany him on a training mission in Afghanistan. When Rambo refuses, Trautman decides to go alone -- but, while trying to help the mujahideen, Trautman is captured by a ruthless Russian colonel (Marc de Jonge) who submits him to torture. Hearing the news, Rambo volunteers for a top secret undercover mission to rescue his longtime friend.
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  • Candyman
    30

    Candyman

    Virginia Madsen, Tony Todd, Xander Berkeley
    10 votes
    Set in Chicago, Candyman is a horror film where graduate student Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) becomes obsessed with the local legend of the Candyman (Tony Todd). However, her research inadvertently summons the deadly supernatural entity. This chilling tale is both a ghost story and a commentary on societal issues.
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