The 70+ Best James Russo Movies
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1Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge ReinholdIn the iconic 80s coming-of-age film, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, teenage life is under the microscope. Amidst Southern California's sun-soaked malls and high schools, we follow a group of students as they navigate adolescent adventures. Our key characters include Stacy Hamilton (Jennifer Jason Leigh), a young girl grappling with her burgeoning sexuality, her best friend Linda Barrett (Phoebe Cates), Mark Ratner (Brian Backer) the shy novice in love, and Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn), the perennial surfer dude. Directed by Amy Heckerling, this movie weaves together tales of love, loss, and teen angst against a backdrop of carefree adolescence and rock 'n' roll.- #9 of 112 onThe 100+ Best Movies About High School
- #359 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #8 of 67 onThe Best Movies Of 1982
2Robert Duvall, Kevin Costner, Annette BeningIn the movie Open Range, Charley Waite (Kevin Costner) and Boss Spearman (Robert Duvall) are free-grazing cattlemen, wandering the wild terrains of the American West. Their peaceful existence is disrupted by Denton Baxter (Michael Gambon), a land baron who despises their free-ranging lifestyle. A brutal confrontation ensues, forcing Charley and Boss to stand their ground, defending not only their herd but also their way of life. Brimming with intense performances and stunning cinematography, this film, directed by Kevin Costner himself, is a gripping tale of justice and camaraderie set against the backdrop of a volatile frontier.More Open Range
- #8 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #3 of 48 onThe 45+ Best Modern Day Westerns
- #24 of 152 onThe Best Movies Of 2003, Ranked
3Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael MadsenIn 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.More Donnie Brasco- #660 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #211 of 279 on'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime
- #55 of 190 onThe Best Movies For Men
4Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, John AshtonIn the action-comedy film Beverly Hills Cop, street-smart Detroit cop Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) lands in the swanky streets of Beverly Hills. His mission? To solve his best friend's murder. Not your average law enforcer, Foley's unorthodox methods and brash approach ruffle feathers within the local police department, notably with by-the-book detective Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold). As Foley navigates this foreign territory, he uncovers a network of criminality that runs deeper than expected. Winning a People's Choice Award for Favorite Motion Picture, Beverly Hills Cop combines suspense with humor in a unique blend that keeps viewers on their toes.More Beverly Hills Cop- Dig Deeper...The 25 Funniest 'Beverly Hills Cop' Quotes
- #149 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #19 of 702 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
5Robert Duvall, Thomas Haden Church, Greta ScacchiBroken Trail is a 2006 Western miniseries directed by Walter Hill and starring Robert Duvall and Thomas Haden Church. Written by Alan Geoffrion, who also wrote the novel, the story is about an aging cowboy and his nephew who transport 500 horses from Oregon to Wyoming to sell them to the British Army. Along the way, their simple horse drive is complicated when they rescue five Chinese girls from a slave trader, saving them from a life of prostitution and indentured servitude. Compelled to do the right thing, they take the girls with them as they continue their perilous trek across the frontier, followed by a vicious gang of killers sent by the whorehouse madam who originally paid for the girls. Broken Trail weaves together two historical events: the British buying horses in the American West in the late 19th century and Chinese women being transported from the West Coast to the interior to serve as prostitutes. Filmed on location in Calgary, Alberta, the miniseries originally aired on American Movie Classics as its first original film.More Broken Trail- #75 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #23 of 48 onThe 45+ Best Modern Day Westerns
- #30 of 60 onThe 55+ Best AMC Originals, Ranked
6Matt Dillon, Sean Young, Max von SydowInfatuated with the idea of becoming rich, college student Jonathan Corliss (Matt Dillon) secretly dates Dorothy Carlsson (Sean Young) to gain the approval of her wealthy father (Max von Sydow). When Dorothy tells Jonathan that she is pregnant and that her father will deny her inheritance if he finds out, Jonathan murders her, but he stages her death as a suicide. As Jonathan works his way onto Mr. Carlsson's payroll, Dorothy's twin sister, Ellen, investigates the apparent suicide.
7Robert De Niro, Sean Penn, Demi MooreNed (Robert De Niro) and Jim (Sean Penn) are convicts who get their shot at freedom when they unexpectedly escape from prison along with a killer. The two fugitives head north towards the Canadian border, but before they can cross over, they get mistaken for priests and decide to go along with the ruse. Taking up residency at the area monastery, the two men awkwardly try not to blow their cover, even as Ned falls for a beautiful local girl, Molly (Demi Moore).More We're No Angels- #69 of 83 onThe Best Movies Of 1989, Ranked
- #227 of 233 onThe Best '80s Comedy Movies, Ranked
- #20 of 26 onThe Best Brat Pack Movies
8A. J. Cook, Sean Young, Theresa Russell
9River Phoenix, Keanu Reeves, James RussoMy Own Private Idaho is an American independent adventure drama film, a unique fusion of road movie and classic Shakespearean tragedy. The narrative follows Mike Waters (River Phoenix), a narcoleptic street hustler, and Scott Favor (Keanu Reeves), the rebellious scion of a wealthy family, as they journey through the Pacific Northwest seeking Mike's estranged mother. Directed by Gus Van Sant, this critically acclaimed film weaves a poignant tale of friendship and self-discovery amidst the gritty underbelly of society. Despite its indie status, My Own Private Idaho has garnered major awards including Best Actor for Phoenix at the Venice Film Festival.More My Own Private Idaho- #236 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- #52 of 86 onThe Best Movies Of 1991, Ranked
- #16 of 20 onGreat Movies About Drifters Who Are Lost in Life
10Farrah Fawcett, James Russo, Alfre WoodardMarjorie (Farrah Fawcett) manages to fight off a rapist and flee to safety. Because her attacker got away and Marjorie has no proof of the crime, police officers tell her there is little they can do. Because Marjorie's attacker also stole her purse, she fears that he will use its contents to track her down. When Joe (James Russo) does show up at Marjorie's house to finish what he started, he discovers that Marjorie is not the fragile victim he imagined.More Extremities- #41 of 47 onGreat Movies About Furious Women Out for Revenge
- #4 of 11 onThe Best Lifetime Movies of the '80s
- #49 of 77 onThe Best '80s Thrillers, Ranked
11Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovernSweeping across decades, Once Upon a Time in America is a crime drama that explores the lives of Jewish ghetto youths who rise to prominence in New York's world of organized crime. The narrative oscillates between the 1920s, 1930s, and 1960s, focusing on David 'Noodles' Aaronson (Robert De Niro) and his lifelong friend-cum-rival, Maximilian 'Max' Bercovicz (James Woods). Directed by Sergio Leone, this film weaves a complex tapestry of friendship, betrayal, and regret. It is an epic saga of time's inexorable march, set against the backdrop of violent criminal underworld. This movie was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards.- #649 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #299 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #166 of 190 onThe Best Movies For Men
12Madeleine Stowe, Mary Stuart Masterson, Andie MacDowellProstitutes Cody (Madeleine Stowe), Anita (Mary Stuart Masterson), Eileen (Andie MacDowell) and Lily (Drew Barrymore), work a saloon in the Old West. They decide to flee the bordello for a better life elsewhere, but trouble follows close behind. They're tailed by Pinkerton detectives, Cody's savings are stolen by a bandit (James Russo), and Eileen is wrongfully jailed for bank robbery. Now the remaining three girls must decide whether to liberate their friend or their funds first.More Bad Girls- #251 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #30 of 58 onThe Best '90s Westerns, Ranked
- #64 of 153 onThe Best Movies Named After Songs
13Clint Howard, Richard Belzer, James RussoFreeway is a 1988 thriller film.
14Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion CotillardPublic Enemies is a drama-infused crime story, directed by Michael Mann. The film brings the infamous Great Depression-era gangster John Dillinger (Johnny Depp) to life. Dillinger, famed for his audacious bank robberies and prison breakouts, becomes the prime target of the unyielding FBI agent Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale). As Dillinger's notorious escapades escalate, so does Purvis's relentless pursuit. The movie also features Billie Frechette (Marion Cotillard), Dillinger's love interest, whose loyalty is tested amidst the chaos. Public Enemies weaves a thrilling tale of cat-and-mouse in an era marked by lawlessness and desperation.More Public Enemies- #33 of 58 onThe Best Movies Based on Non-Fiction Books
- #22 of 94 onThe 90+ Best Mafia Movies Of All Time
- #110 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
15Kevin Costner, Will Patton, Larenz TateIn The Postman, Kevin Costner dons the role of a drifter in post-apocalyptic America. In an effort to survive, he masquerades as a mail carrier. This seemingly trivial role evolves into an emblem of hope and restoration, as the character unwittingly inspires fragmented communities to unite against a tyrannical warlord, General Bethlehem (Will Patton). The film showcases the power of communication and unity in rebuilding society, casting it under a lens of action and drama. Despite its mixed reviews, The Postman bagged a nomination for Best Original Score at the 55th Golden Globe Awards.More The Postman- #238 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #105 of 115 on50+ Movies That Need Sequels
- #95 of 162 onThe 150+ Best Futuristic Dystopian Movies
16Theresa Russell, Michael Paré, James Russo
17Kadeem Hardison, Bokeem Woodbine, Joe Don BakerIn this semi-fictionalized account of the origins of the Black Panthers, Vietnam vet Judge (Kadeem Hardison) returns to his hometown of Oakland to find it beset by violence and police discrimination against African-Americans. Judge's friend Cy tells him about a vigilante group that's organizing against the police and introduces him to its leaders, Bobby (Courtney B. Vance) and Huey (Marcus Chong). Judge joins the movement but is soon beset by police pressure to inform against Huey.
18Johnny Depp, Frank Langella, Lena OlinDean Corso (Johnny Depp) specializes in tracking down rare and exotic volumes for collectors. Boris Balkan (Frank Langella) has recently acquired a seventeenth-century satanic text called The Nine Gates- a legendary book written by Satan himself. With The Nine Gates in his possession, Corso soon finds himself at the center of strange and violent goings-on. Not only is his apartment ransacked, it appears that he is being shadowed ferociously by others determined to regain the book.More The Ninth Gate- #474 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #7 of 55 onThe Best Horror Movies About Cults and Conspiracies
- #4 of 20 on20 Obscure Horror Movies from the '90s You Need to See Right Now
19Jeffrey Combs, James Russo, Angus ScrimmSatanic is a 2006 American horror film directed by Dan Golden starring Annie Sorell, Jeffrey Combs, Angus Scrimm and James Russo.
20Madonna, Harvey Keitel, Richard BelzerDangerous Game is a 1993 film directed by Abel Ferrara starring Madonna, Harvey Keitel and James Russo.
21Michael Madsen, Michelle Lombardo, Neal McDonoughMachine is a 2007 action movie starring James Russo and Neal McDonough.
22Emily Procter, Tony Danza, Michael Madsen
23Dylan McDermott, Flea, Dean StockwellThe Blue Iguana is a 1988 crime film about a bounty hunter who is blackmailed into stopping the transfer of twenty million dollars from a Mexican tax paradise into the United States. The film was directed by John Lafia and stars Dylan McDermott, Jessica Harper, Pamela Gidley and James Russo. It was screened out of competition at the 1988 Cannes Film Festival.
24Clint Howard, James Russo, Jack ScaliaUnder Oath is a 1997 film directed by Dave Payne.
25The Hit
Blair Underwood, DeRay Davis, James RussoThe Hit is a 2007 drama thriller film directed by Ryan Combs.
26Gary Stretch, James Russo, Lance HenriksenA formerly decommissioned World War II battleship is sent to the Persian Gulf to serve as a secret interrogation headquarters for the military. When it goes out of radio contact, a team of Marine specialists investigates, headed by Col. John Willets (Lance Henriksen). They are horrified to discover that many of the crew members have been brutally killed. The prime suspect is a terrorist named Fadawi (Lee Majodoub), but the real villain may be a much more elusive force.
27Butter
Ernie Hudson, Nia Long, Shemar MooreFreddy (Shemar Moore) is a big-shot music industry executive, whose cousin, Blusette (Salli Richardson), is a successful and well-known singer managed by 8-Ball Harris (Ernie Hudson). Blusette soon realizes, however, that 8-Ball is a small-time crook, hoping to use her and her renown to benefit his various schemes. Blusette tells him to take a hike, and she turns up dead a short while later. Freddy then tries to uncover the truth about Blusette, while 8-Ball works to frame him.
28Flavor Flav, Quinton Jackson, Robert MianoConfessions of a Pit Fighter is a 2005 American martial arts action film directed by Art Camacho and starring Hector Echavarria, Armand Assante, Flavor Flav, James Russo and John Savage. It was filmed in Los Angeles, California and produced by Alliance Group Entertainment. It was distributed in by Lions Gate Entertainment.
29Yellow Rock
Michael Biehn, James Russo, Jennifer BlancYellow Rock is a 2011 western film written by Lenore Andriel, Steve Doucette and directed by Nick Vallelonga.
30Asia Argento, Piper Laurie, Brad DourifTrauma is a 1993 Italian giallo film directed by Dario Argento.
