The Best Alan Arkin Movies
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1Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Toni ColletteIn the indie comedy-drama Little Miss Sunshine, the dysfunctional Hoover family embarks on an unpredictable road trip. Richard (Greg Kinnear), a motivational speaker, his wife, Sheryl (Toni Collette), their rebellious teenage son Dwayne (Paul Dano), and quirky 7-year-old Olive (Abigail Breslin) are joined by Edwin (Alan Arkin), a drug-addicted grandfather, and Frank (Steve Carell), Sheryl's suicidal brother. The ragtag group journey in their VW bus to California for Olive's chance to compete in the Little Miss Sunshine Pageant. This Academy Award-winning film is a poignant exploration of family dynamics and personal ambitions, each character grappling with their own dreams and disappointments.More Little Miss Sunshine
- #675 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #380 of 704 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #15 of 63 onThe Greatest Directorial Debuts Of All Time
2Alan Arkin, Martin Balsam, Richard BenjaminThis scathing war satire follows Capt. John Yossarian (Alan Arkin), a pilot stationed in the Mediterranean who flies bombing missions during World War II. Attempting to cope with the madness of armed conflict, Yossarian struggles to find a way out of his wartime reality. Surrounded by eccentric military officers, such as the opportunistic 1st Lt. Milo Minderbinder (Jon Voight), Yossarian must resort to extreme measures to escape his dire and increasingly absurd situation.More Catch-22- #149 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #210 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #160 of 199 onThe Best Movies Of The '70s, Ranked
3Carl Reiner, Alan Arkin, Eva Marie SaintThe Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming is a 1966 American comedy film directed by Norman Jewison. It is based on the Nathaniel Benchley novel The Off-Islanders, and was adapted for the screen by William Rose. The film depicts the chaos following the grounding of the Soviet submarine Спрут off a small New England island during the Cold War. The film stars Carl Reiner, Eva Marie Saint, Alan Arkin in his first major film role, Brian Keith, Theodore Bikel, Jonathan Winters, and Paul Ford.- #219 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #194 of 704 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #13 of 61 onThe Funniest Movies About Politics
4Ben Affleck, John Goodman, Bryan CranstonIn the gripping thriller Argo, Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) is a CIA operative tasked with a near-impossible mission. Set against the backdrop of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, Mendez must extract six Americans hiding in the Canadian ambassador's residence before they're discovered by Iranian revolutionaries. Posing as a Hollywood producer scouting locations for a sci-fi film, Mendez navigates high-stakes espionage and international tension. This intense drama, based on true events, won three Academy Awards including Best Picture, showcasing an ensemble cast that includes Bryan Cranston and John Goodman. Argo skillfully blends historical fact with cinematic fiction, resulting in a suspenseful narrative that keeps viewers on edge throughout its running time.More Argo- Dig Deeper...The True Story Behind The Movie 'Argo'
- And Deeper...Movies That Won Best Picture at the Oscars and Golden Globes
- #165 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
5Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec BaldwinGlengarry 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.More Glengarry Glen Ross- #223 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- #14 of 120 onThe Best Movies Based On Plays
- #23 of 66 onThe Greatest Movies About Making Money
6Peter Falk, Alan Arkin, Richard LibertiniMild-mannered dentist Sheldon Kornpett (Alan Arkin) is uncomfortable with his daughter's marriage after meeting her future father-in-law, Vincent Ricardo (Peter Falk). Over dinner, Vince tells Sheldon about several of his intercontinental exploits, and Sheldon is concerned that Vince is not altogether what he seems. His suspicions are confirmed when Vince reveals that he's actually a CIA agent investigating an international counterfeiting plot, and that he will need Sheldon's help.
7Audrey Hepburn, Alan Arkin, Richard CrennaAfter a flight back home, Sam Hendrix (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) returns with a doll he innocently acquired along the way. As it turns out, the doll is actually stuffed with heroin, and a group of criminals led by the ruthless Roat (Alan Arkin) has followed Hendrix back to his place to retrieve it. When Hendrix leaves for business, the crooks make their move -- and find his blind wife, Susy (Audrey Hepburn), alone in the apartment. Soon, a life-threatening game begins between Susy and the thugs.More Wait Until Dark- #161 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #65 of 168 onThe 160+ Scariest Psychological Thrillers
- #43 of 81 onThe 75+ Best Whodunit Murder Mystery Movies
8Alan Arkin, Sondra Locke, Stacy KeachIn this adaptation of the Carson McCullers novel, John Singer (Alan Arkin), who is deaf and mute, tries to help the people around him. He rents a bedroom in a small Southern town to be closer to his friend, Spiros (Chuck McCann), who is also deaf. John attempts to strike up a friendship with Mick (Sondra Locke), the teenage daughter of his disabled landlord (Biff McGuire), and meets the town drunk (Stacy Keach Jr.). Later, he helps Dr. Copeland confront his failing health.
9James Caan, Alan Arkin, Valerie HarperFreebie and the Bean is a 1974 action-comedy film about two San Francisco police detectives who attempt to bring down a local hijacking boss. The picture, a precursor to the buddy cop film genre popularized a decade later, stars James Caan, Alan Arkin, Loretta Swit and Valerie Harper. Harper was nominated for the Golden Globe for New Star of the Year. The film was directed by Richard Rush. An article in Rolling Stone magazine alleged that Stanley Kubrick called Freebie and the Bean the best film of 1974. Arkin and Caan would not appear in another movie together again until the 2008 film adaptation of Get Smart.
10Alan Arkin, Rita Moreno, Reuben FigueroaGenial Puerto Rican widower Abraham Rodriguez (Alan Arkin), known as "Popi" to his preteen sons, grapples with poverty and hardship in their Spanish Harlem neighborhood. Desperate to provide his sons every opportunity to succeed, and noting the reverence with which Americans treat Cuban immigrants, Popi lights upon a wild scheme. He sets his boys afloat in a boat off the coast of Florida, confident that they will be "rescued" as Cuban refugees and adopted by wealthy patrons.- 11Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne WiestIn the peculiar and captivating film Edward Scissorhands, Edward (Johnny Depp), a gentle creation with scissors for hands, navigates life in suburbia after being taken in by Peg (Dianne Wiest). His unusual appearance and talent for topiary artistry stir both fascination and fear among the townsfolk. The eccentric inventor (Vincent Price) who created him passes away before he could complete Edward's hands, leaving Edward to grapple with his incomplete nature. Directed by Tim Burton, this blend of fantasy and romance won a BAFTA for Best Production Design.More Edward Scissorhands
- Dig Deeper...The 14 Most Disturbing Moments From 'Edward Scissorhands'
- And Deeper...Crazy Facts About Edward Scissorhands You've Never Heard
- #125 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- 12John Cusack, Minnie Driver, Dan AykroydGrosse Pointe Blank, a unique blend of comedy and action, unravels the story of Martin Q. Blank (John Cusack), a professional hitman grappling with a mid-life crisis. As he is invited back to his high school reunion in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, he becomes torn between his past and present. Debi Newberry (Minnie Driver), his high school sweetheart, reenters his life while rival hitman Grocer (Dan Aykroyd) seeks to eliminate him. Amidst this chaos, he must confront his career choice and navigate through a maze of old acquaintances, assassins, and emotions.More Grosse Pointe Blank
- #560 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #289 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- #199 of 278 on'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime
13Bill Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, Timothy DaltonThe Rocketeer, a 1991 American period superhero film, introduces us to Cliff Secord (Billy Campbell), an audacious stunt pilot who stumbles upon a jetpack that grants him the ability to soar through the skies. Jennifer Connelly plays his love interest, Jenny Blake, while Timothy Dalton embodies Neville Sinclair, a sinister actor with Nazi connections. The film is a thrilling blend of adventure and romance, set against the nostalgic backdrop of pre-World War II Los Angeles. As Cliff dons the mantle of 'The Rocketeer', he must thwart Sinclair's plans and protect those he holds dear, all while navigating the challenges of newfound flight.More The Rocketeer- #79 of 186 onThe Greatest Comic Book Movies Of All Time
- #27 of 86 onThe Best Movies Of 1991, Ranked
- #305 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
14Alan Arkin, Richard Jordan, Donald PleasenceIn 1970, Russian radio operator Simas Kudirka (Alan Arkin) jumps aboard the deck of a U.S. Coast Guard ship in Martha's Vineyard and announces his intention to defect. But, because of a quirk in American law, the sympathetic Coast Guard officers are unable to offer him political asylum, and watch as Kudirka's fellow crew members forcibly return him to his ship. After being sentenced to ten years' hard labor in Russia, Kudirka makes a startling discovery that could change everything.
15Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude LawIn the not-so-distant future, Gattaca unfolds a tale of genetic discrimination. Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke), naturally born, aspires to travel into space despite his society's preference for genetically engineered humans. He strikes an unlawful pact with Jerome Morrow (Jude Law), a genetically superior individual, crippled by an accident. As Freeman impersonates Morrow to secure a place in the Gattaca Aerospace Corporation's mission to Saturn's moon, Titan, he finds love in Irene Cassini (Uma Thurman). However, a murder investigation threatens to expose his identity. This 1997 science fiction film directed by Andrew Niccol explores themes of destiny and free will.
16Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, Alan ArkinThough they once seemed to have a bright future, life seems to be passing by the Norkowski sisters. Rose (Amy Adams), once the most popular girl in high school, is a single mom and works as a maid. Norah (Emily Blunt) still lives at home with their father (Alan Arkin) and parties all the time. When Rose's married lover tells her about the lucrative field of crime-scene cleanup, she pours all her remaining resources into her new business, and recruits the squeamish Norah to help.More Sunshine Cleaning- #83 of 158 onThe Best Movies of 2008
- #238 of 449 onThe 400+ Best Chick Flicks Ever
- #15 of 32 onThe Best Dramas About Relationships Between Sisters
17Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Eric DaneIn the heartwarming comedy-drama film Marley & Me, John Grogan (Owen Wilson) and his wife, Jennifer (Jennifer Aniston), navigate the challenges of marriage and journalism. In an attempt to test their readiness for parenthood, they adopt a Labrador Retriever puppy, Marley. The mischievous yet lovable Marley brings chaos and unexpected life lessons into their lives. This family-oriented movie is filled with humor and heartfelt moments, showing the profound impact one dog can have on a family unit. Directed by David Frankel, this film beautifully illustrates that even in the messiest situations, love prevails.More Marley & Me- #24 of 59 onThe Best Movies Based on Non-Fiction Books
- #3 of 168 onThe 165 Best Tearjerker Movies of All Time, Ranked
- #8 of 123 onThe Biggest Tearjerker Movies Of All Time
18Alan Arkin, Rutger Hauer, Joanna PaculaDuring the height of World War II, members of a resistance movement within the Sobibor concentration camp attempt a daring uprising and escape. As the underground group, including Alexander Pechersky (Rutger Hauer) and Leon Feldhendler (Alan Arkin), devise a plan, they must contend with Nazi officers, Ukranian guards and the realization that anyone apprehended will likely be killed. Initially plotting for a few people to escape, they eventually decide that all 600 prisoners must break out.More Escape from Sobibor- #181 of 241 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #4 of 72 onPowerful Movies About The Holocaust
- #12 of 47 onThe Best Movies About Making An Escape
19Natasha Lyonne, Alan Arkin, Marisa TomeiThe niece (Marisa Tomei) of a divorced man (Alan Arkin) helps raise his adolescent daughter (Natasha Lyonne) and two sons on the outskirts of Beverly Hills.More Slums of Beverly Hills- #496 of 704 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #26 of 70 onGreat Quirky Movies for Grown-Ups
- #162 of 168 onThe Best '90s Comedy Movies, Ranked
20Mike Myers, Nancy Travis, Anthony LaPagliaIn the quirky comedy, So I Married an Axe Murderer, Charlie Mackenzie (Mike Myers) is a commitment-phobic poet who falls for the enchanting butcher, Harriet Michaels (Nancy Travis). As their romance blossoms, Charlie's fear of commitment takes a backseat. But his old anxieties return with a vengeance when he starts suspecting Harriet could be an axe-wielding widow who eliminates her husbands. A mix of humor and suspense, this film cleverly explores love, fear, and paranoia in the most unexpected ways.- #632 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #403 of 704 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #95 of 168 onThe Best '90s Comedy Movies, Ranked
21Alan Arkin, Matt Craven, Diane LaneUnca Lou (Alan Arkin), the longtime director of an Ontario summer camp, brings a group of former campers back for a 20-year reunion. But now, they're all facing very adult problems. Beth (Diane Lane) is still recovering from her husband's passing. Jennifer (Elizabeth Perkins) longs for her lost love, Matthew (Vincent Spano), who is less than happy with his wife, Kelly (Julie Warner). But Unca Lou hopes to guide them all through their pain, just as he helped them with their childhood trials.More Indian Summer- #11 of 53 onThe 50+ Best Summer Camp Movies
- #25 of 75 onThe Best Movies With Summer in the Title
- #56 of 198 onThe Best Touchstone Pictures Movies List
22Ryan Reynolds, Jason Bateman, Leslie MannOnce inseparable pals, Dave (Jason Bateman) and Mitch (Ryan Reynolds) have drifted apart over the years. Dave is an overworked lawyer and family man, while Mitch has thus far avoided most of the normal responsibilities of adulthood. Each is envious of the other's life, and following a drunken binge, the men awake to find they have somehow switched bodies. Dave and Mitch soon discover that things are not as rosy as they seemed and try to find a way to return their lives to normal.More The Change-Up- #69 of 89 onThe Most Rewatchable Comedy Movies
- #609 of 633 onThe 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
- #14 of 29 on20+ Great Movies Where Characters Swap Ages or Bodies
23Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne JohnsonIn Get Smart, we follow the unpredictable yet humorous journey of Maxwell Smart (Steve Carell), an analyst turned field agent for CONTROL - a secret American government counter-intelligence agency. Assisting him is Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway), a seasoned operative with a mysterious past. Together, they grapple with KAOS, an international criminal syndicate bent on world domination. As Smart's ineptitude results in comedic chaos, he must rely on his wit and unlikely skills to save the day. This action-comedy romp, directed by Peter Segal, delivers laughs and thrills in equal measure while maintaining the spirit of the original 1960s television series.More Get Smart- #62 of 113 on50+ Movies That Need Sequels
- #600 of 704 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #57 of 98 onThe Best Movies Based On TV Shows
24Elliott Gould, Marcia Rodd, Vincent GardeniaPatsy (Marcia Rodd) and Alfred (Elliott Gould) meet when she rescues him from a beating on the crime-ridden streets of New York City. Patsy is immediately taken aback by Alfred's apathetic approach to life, which is in stark contrast to her ardent optimism. She pursues and ultimately marries him in the hopes of changing him. However, after a devastating and random act of violence, Alfred and his in-laws descend further into the insanity and violence surrounding them.
25Julia Roberts, Billy Crystal, Catherine Zeta-JonesFor an awkward, self-conscious girl like Kiki (Julia Roberts), being the personal assistant to a beautiful megastar like Gwen (Catherine Zeta-Jones) isn't easy. But when she dutifully accepts the task of helping Gwen and her estranged husband Eddie (John Cusack) make it through one last public appearance masterminded by legendary press agent Lee Phillips (Billy Crystal), forever devoted Kiki finds that her job is about to get even harder when her and Eddie's relationship takes a romantic turn.
26Alan Arkin, Paula Prentiss, Sally KellermanNeil Simon's Last of the Red Hot Lovers is a 1972 comedy film based on Neil Simon's play of the same name. Alan Arkin, Sally Kellerman, Paula Prentiss and Renée Taylor star in it.
27Nicol Williamson, Alan Arkin, Robert DuvallIn this bizarre twist on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic detective tales, Sherlock Holmes (Nicol Williamson) finds himself experiencing vivid hallucinations resulting from his cocaine addiction. Concerned about his friend's personal and professional welfare, the loyal Dr. Watson (Robert Duvall) contracts Sigmund Freud (Alan Arkin) to analyze Holmes' drug-addled mind, while the legendary sleuth also investigates the mysterious kidnapping of Lola Devereaux (Vanessa Redgrave).
28Jeff Bridges, Andy Griffith, Donald PleasenceDuring the 1930s, endearingly naïve Lewis Tater (Jeff Bridges) aspires to be the next great American Western writer. But when he travels to California, he's recruited by Bert Kessler (Alan Arkin), a Hollywood unit manager, to star in a series of low-rent Westerns. While on set, Lewis learns about the less glamorous aspects of the movie business while befriending an old stuntman, Howard Pike (Andy Griffith), and falling in love with a spirited young secretary, Miss Trout (Blythe Danner).
29Alan Arkin, Delia Boccardo, Frank FinlayWhen an elusive group of thieves commits a string of robberies across Europe, the British prime minister enlists the expertise of bumbling sleuth Inspector Clouseau (Alan Arkin). To complicate matters, the crimes are suspected to be connected to a Scotland Yard dirty cop, so Clouseau must save the day all on his own. However, he finds himself in a tricky situation when he is kidnapped and the robbers use a mask of his own face to conceal their identity while they continue to rob banks.
30Patrick Dempsey, Arye Gross, Daniel SternThree brothers -- Marvin (Daniel Stern), Bobby (Patrick Dempsey) and Buddy (Arye Gross) -- are asked by their father, Fred (Alan Arkin), to drive a 1954 Cadillac from Michigan to Florida in time for their mother's 50th birthday. The brothers haven't seen each other for years, and being cooped up in an old car for hours prompts endless squabbling. The topics range from choosing a radio station to serious grudges as the brothers try to survive the drive and maybe even bond in the process.
