The 50+ Best Movies With Bill Paxton

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Updated April 30, 2024 40.7K views 57 items
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The late Bill Paxton was a beloved figure in Hollywood, known for his rugged good looks and charismatic acting chops. Having graced audiences with his unforgettable performances in some of the most iconic movies ever made, it's no wonder that thousands of movie fans have come together to vote on this list of the best Bill Paxton films.

From Paxton's breakout role as Chet Donnelly in Weird Science, to his heart-wrenching turn as Private Hudson in Aliens, he brought something special to every character he portrayed - an energy and spirit that captivated viewers around the world. Whether it was an astronaut or storm chaser, Paxton showcased not only his undeniable talent but also his infectious enthusiasm. Some popular Bill Paxton movies include Tombstone, Twister, and Edge of Tomorrow.

So why did these particular movies become fan favorites? Let's take a trip down memory lane and explore the top ten Bill Paxton films. From comedies like True Lies to dramas like Apollo 13, you'll get a chance to relive some of your favorite Bill Paxton moments - so don't forget to vote up your favorites on the list.

Most divisive: Haywire
Over 1.3K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 50+ Best Movies With Bill Paxton
  • True Lies
    1
    Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Arnold
    445 votes
    In True Lies, a high-octane blend of action-comedy and spy-thriller, Harry Tasker (Arnold Schwarzenegger) leads a double life. By day, he's a dull computer salesman married to Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis), but by night, he's a top-secret government agent combating international terrorism. When his two worlds collide following an investigation into illegal arms sales, chaos ensues. Director James Cameron expertly orchestrates this rollercoaster ride of suspense, humor, and explosive stunts. The film scooped up an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, testament to its groundbreaking spectacle.
  • Aliens
    2
    Sigourney Weaver, Carrie Henn, Michael Biehn
    603 votes
    In the science fiction thriller Aliens, Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), survivor of the spaceship Nostromo, returns to confront her nightmares. Waking up 57 years later, she discovers a human colony has been established on the alien-infested planet she once escaped from. Accompanied by a squad of marines, Ripley must face her fears and the extraterrestrial menace once again. Directed by James Cameron, this sequel boasts an Oscar-winning visual effects team that brings the terrifying creatures to life. With suspenseful twists and thrilling action sequences, Aliens is a cinematic masterpiece in its genre.
  • Twister
    3
    Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton, Cary Elwes
    660 votes
    Twister is a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled ride through the world of storm chasing. Bill Harding (Bill Paxton), a seasoned meteorologist, teams up with his estranged wife Jo (Helen Hunt), an equally passionate and fearless tornado researcher. Their mission? To deploy their revolutionary weather research device right in the heart of dangerously unpredictable cyclones. The movie, directed by Jan de Bont, delivers a gripping tale of science, nature's fury, and human resilience. Aided by an ensemble cast that includes Philip Seymour Hoffman and Alan Ruck, Twister is an action-packed thriller where the weather is the ultimate antagonist.
  • Apollo 13
    4
    Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon
    511 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.
  • Tombstone
    5
    Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Michael Biehn
    545 votes
    Tombstone, a captivating Western drama, unravels the story of an infamous lawman, Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell), who retires to Tombstone, Arizona. He's accompanied by his brothers and Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer), a volatile gambler. As they strive for a peaceful life, their tranquility is shattered by the ruthless Cowboy gang. The ensuing conflict leads to the legendary Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The movie brims with high-stakes confrontations and historic characters, offering an intense exploration of brotherhood and justice in the dangerous Wild West.
  • Weird Science
    6
    Kelly LeBrock, Anthony Michael Hall, Ilan Mitchell-Smith
    461 votes
    In the comedic science fiction film Weird Science, high school geeks Gary Wallace (Anthony Michael Hall) and Wyatt Donnelly (Ilan Mitchell-Smith) decide to take their fate into their own hands. Using a home computer and some old-fashioned teenage ingenuity, they create Lisa (Kelly LeBrock), a stunningly beautiful woman with a mind of her own. However, the boys soon learn that their creation is more than they bargained for, leading to a series of hilarious and unexpected events. This John Hughes-directed movie artfully combines humor and fantasy, providing an entertaining exploration of adolescent dreams gone awry.
  • The Terminator
    7
    Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn
    362 votes
    In the heart of the sci-fi action thriller The Terminator, a cyborg assassin known as The Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is sent back in time from 2029 to 1984. His mission? To execute Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), whose unborn son is destined to lead humanity in a war against machines. Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), a soldier from the same post-apocalyptic future, is also hurled back in time with an assignment to protect Sarah. It's a race against time, technology, and destiny itself. This James Cameron-directed film won several awards for its groundbreaking special effects and gripping narrative.
  • Edge of Tomorrow
    8
    Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Brendan Gleeson
    221 votes
    In the gripping sci-fi action flick, Edge of Tomorrow, Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) finds himself caught in a time loop during an alien invasion. Unprepared for combat, his repeated deaths become a learning curve. With each revival, he grows stronger, smarter, more adept. Alongside him is Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt), a seasoned warrior known as the Full Metal Bitch. Together, they strategize to defeat the hostile extraterrestrials. Directed by Doug Liman and based on Hiroshi Sakurazaka's novel All You Need Is Kill, this movie presents an enthralling blend of high-stakes battles and mind-bending temporal twists.
  • Titanic
    9
    Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane
    350 votes
    In the 1997 epic romance-disaster film Titanic, Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio), a penniless artist, and Rose Dewitt-Bukater (Kate Winslet), a young upper-class woman, meet aboard the ill-fated R.M.S. Titanic. Their unexpected companionship unfolds into a poignant love story that transcends their starkly different social standings. Directed by James Cameron, the film intertwines their narrative with the historical events of the ship's doomed maiden voyage. The movie won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, underlining its monumental cinematic achievement. Titanic remains an enduring testament to the human spirit amidst catastrophe.
  • Stripes
    10
    Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Warren Oates
    281 votes
    In the 1981 comedy film Stripes, John Winger (Bill Murray) is a man who loses everything - his car, apartment, and girlfriend. To escape his misfortune, he convinces his best friend Russell Ziskey (Harold Ramis) to join the Army with him. Their unconventional attitudes often collide with their superiors, particularly hard-nosed Sergeant Hulka (Warren Oates). The pair's hijinks lead them from basic training to an unexpected mission in Europe. Directed by Ivan Reitman, the movie weaves humor and adventure into a memorable tale of friendship and resilience.
  • Frailty
    11
    Bill Paxton, Matthew McConaughey, Powers Boothe
    348 votes
    In Frailty, a chilling tale of suspense and intrigue unfolds. The movie centers around the Meiks family, headed by the father (Bill Paxton) who believes he has been chosen by God to destroy demons disguised as people. His sons, Fenton (Matthew McConaughey) and Adam (Jeremy Sumpter), are drawn into this terrifying crusade. The story takes a darker turn when the line between divine mission and insanity blurs. This gripping thriller delves deep into the human psyche, exploring faith, morality and the gray area in between. With its unique storyline and compelling performances, Frailty is an unforgettable cinematic experience.
  • Predator 2
    12
    Danny Glover, Gary Busey, Rubén Blades
    221 votes
    In the heart of Los Angeles, a new kind of terror lurks. Predator 2, a pulse-pounding sequel to the original Predator movie, introduces Lieutenant Mike Harrigan (Danny Glover) as a tough-as-nails cop battling an invisible and deadly enemy. The city's ruthless gangs are falling prey to an unseen predator, leaving behind mutilated bodies and utter chaos. As Harrigan delves deeper into these gruesome murders, he stumbles upon a horrifying truth - an extraterrestrial hunter (Kevin Peter Hall), more formidable and lethal than any foe he has ever faced. This atmospheric sci-fi thriller, brimming with suspense and intense action sequences, offers a riveting exploration of urban warfare against an alien menace.
  • A Simple Plan
    13
    Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thornton, Brent Briscoe
    295 votes
    A Simple Plan is a chilling drama-thriller that unwinds in the heart of rural America. Hank Mitchell (Bill Paxton), his brother Jacob (Billy Bob Thornton), and friend Lou (Brent Briscoe) stumble upon $4 million in a crashed plane. As they conspire to keep their find a secret, their plan begins to unravel, leading to unexpected consequences. This 1998 film, directed by Sam Raimi, showcases the destructive power of greed and the lengths people will go for money. It earned Thornton an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, while Scott B. Smith's screenplay also bagged a nomination.
  • Commando
    14
    Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rae Dawn Chong, Dan Hedaya
    193 votes
    Elevating the action genre to new heights, Commando is a thrilling ride from start to finish. The film introduces us to John Matrix (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a retired Special Forces operative. When his daughter Jenny (Alyssa Milano) is kidnapped by rogue mercenaries, Matrix finds himself dragged back into the deadly world he'd left behind. As he embarks on a relentless pursuit against time and his enemies, Matrix showcases Schwarzenegger's signature blend of brutal strength and dry humor. Commando is an engaging action-fest that combines high-octane stunts with compelling characters, making it a must-watch for any fan of the genre.
  • U-571
    15
    Matthew McConaughey, Bill Paxton, Harvey Keitel
    233 votes
    When a German U-571 submarine with a sophisticated encryption machine onboard is sunk during a World War II battle at sea, the Allies send an American Navy force led by Lieutenant Andrew Tyler (Matthew McConaughey) to retrieve it for study. Boarding the German ship, the Americans' cover as a rescue force is quickly blown. Forced to take the crew hostage, the Americans lay their explosives and prepare to destroy the German vessel before the Nazis can send naval backup.
  • Navy SEALs
    16
    Charlie Sheen, Michael Biehn, Joanne Whalley
    181 votes
    Navy special operations forces go to the Middle East to free a helicopter crew taken captive by terrorist Ben Shaheed (Nicholas Kadi). After learning that Shaheed has killed a hostage and acquired missiles on the black market, Lt. James Curran (Michael Biehn) and Lt. Dale Hawkins (Charlie Sheen) consult with a reporter who is an expert on Shaheed and his motives. As Shaheed embarks on his plan to violently derail regional treaty talks, the special operations forces make their move.
  • Mighty Joe Young
    17
    Charlize Theron, Bill Paxton, Rade Serbedzija
    216 votes
    As a child living in Africa, Jill Young (Charlize Theron) saw her mother killed while protecting wild gorillas from poachers led by Andrei Strasser (Rade Serbedzija). Now an adult, Jill cares for an orphaned gorilla named Joe -- who, due to a genetic anomaly, is 15 feet tall. When Gregg O'Hara (Bill Paxton) arrives from California and sees the animal, he convinces Jill that Joe would be safest at his wildlife refuge. But Strasser follows them to the U.S., intent on capturing Joe for himself.
  • Next of Kin
    18
    Patrick Swayze, Liam Neeson, Adam Baldwin
    157 votes
    When their brother Gerald (Bill Paxton) is murdered by a Chicago mobster (Adam Baldwin), Truman (Patrick Swayze) and Briar Gates (Liam Neeson) differ on how to respond. Briar, who believes in an-eye-for-an-eye justice, wants to retaliate, but Chicago policeman Truman thinks it's a matter for the authorities. But when Briar comes to Chicago and is killed by the same gangsters, Truman turns in his badge, assembles his remaining family and sets out to even the score.
  • Vertical Limit
    19
    Chris O'Donnell, Bill Paxton, Robin Tunney
    161 votes
    Feeling responsible for his father's death, which occurred during a climbing expedition, Peter Garrett (Chris O'Donnell) has quit the pursuit in favor of photography, while his sister, Annie (Robin Tunney), has become a top climber. After Annie is hired by wealthy businessman Elliot Vaughn (Bill Paxton) to lead a trek, inclement weather causes the crew to become trapped. Facing his fears, Peter assembles a rescue team, including experienced climber Montgomery Wick (Scott Glenn), to save them.
  • Near Dark
    20
    Adrian Pasdar, Jenny Wright, Lance Henriksen
    189 votes
    In the murky depths of the 1987 cult classic Near Dark, a young cowboy Caleb Colton (Adrian Pasdar) finds himself ensnared in a nocturnal world after an encounter with the mysterious Mae (Jenny Wright). Unbeknownst to him, Mae is part of a roving gang of vampires led by the ruthless Jesse Hooker (Lance Henriksen). With his transformation into a vampire underway, Caleb is torn between his new bloodthirsty existence and his longing for his former life. As he navigates this treacherous path, he must make a choice that could seal his fate forever. This film melds horror and western genres, creating an unusual but captivating cinematic experience.
  • One False Move
    21
    Bill Paxton, Cynda Williams, Billy Bob Thornton
    160 votes
    Following a series of drug deals and murders, three criminals -- Fantasia (Cynda Williams), Ray Malcolm (Billy Bob Thornton) and Pluto (Michael Beach) -- travel from Los Angeles to Houston, finally arriving in a small Arkansas town to go into hiding. Two detectives from the LAPD, who are already on the case, contact the town's sheriff, Dale Dixon (Bill Paxton), to alert him of the fugitives' presence in the area. Underestimating Dixon, the criminals have no idea what they are about to face.
  • Nightcrawler
    22
    Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Bill Paxton
    95 votes
    Nightcrawler is a gripping exploration into the underbelly of Los Angeles after dark. The film's protagonist, Lou Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal), is a driven yet desperate man craving success. He stumbles upon the high-speed world of L.A. crime journalism and finds his calling. Armed with a camcorder and police scanner, he prowls the city's twilight hours for news-worthy crimes. As he delves deeper, the lines between observer and participant blur alarmingly. His relationship with Nina Romina (Rene Russo), a seasoned news director who takes a chance on him, adds another layer to the narrative. Nightcrawler was lauded for its unflinching portrayal of media sensationalism and moral ambiguity. The film doesn't shy away from shining a light on society's darkest corners, resulting in an intense cinematic experience that leaves viewers questioning the nature of success at any cost.
  • 2 Guns
    23
    Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Paula Patton
    107 votes
    For the past year, DEA agent Bobby Trench (Denzel Washington) and U.S. Navy intelligence officer Marcus Stigman (Mark Wahlberg) have been working under cover as members of a narcotics syndicate. The twist: Neither man knows that the other is an undercover agent. When their attempt to infiltrate a Mexican drug cartel and recover millions goes haywire, the men are disavowed by their superiors. Trench and Stigman must go on the run lest they wind up in jail or in a grave.
  • Trespass
    24
    Bill Paxton, Ice-T, William Sadler
    151 votes
    Firefighters Vince (Bill Paxton) and Don (William Sadler) venture into gang-infested territory to find gold that's been hidden inside an abandoned building. But when they witness a murder, they become the targets of crime lord King James (Ice-T) and his underling Savon (Ice Cube). Fortunately, the treasure hunters have kidnapped a bargaining chip: King James' half-brother, Lucky (Devoreaux White). But this might not be enough to get them -- and their gold -- out of the building intact.
  • Club Dread
    25

    Club Dread

    Bill Paxton, Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan
    151 votes
    Years ago Coconut Pete (Bill Paxton) had a hit record, but now he runs a tropical island resort where he spends his days basking in hedonism with the rest of the resort's offbeat staff. The paradise Coconut Pete presides over, however, becomes a living hell when an unknown killer begins slaughtering the staff. As the body count increases, so too does suspicion among the survivors. Now it's up to Coconut Pete and what's left of his staff to solve the mystery and stop the bloodshed.
  • Streets of Fire
    26
    Michael Paré, Diane Lane, Rick Moranis
    123 votes
    Raven Shaddock (Willem Dafoe), along with his gang of merciless biker friends, kidnaps rock singer Ellen Aim (Diane Lane). Ellen's former lover, soldier-for-hire Tom Cody (Michael Paré), happens to be passing through town on a visit. In an attempt to save his star act, Ellen's manager, Billy Fish (Rick Moranis), hires Tom to rescue Ellen. Billy and Tom, along with former soldier McCoy (Amy Madigan), battle through dangerous cityscapes, determined to get Ellen back.
  • Thunderbirds
    27
    Bill Paxton, Anthony Edwards, Sophia Myles
    88 votes
    Former astronaut Jeff Tracy (Bill Paxton) runs International Rescue, a top-secret heroic organization, from his headquarters on Tracy Island. The island also houses the futuristic vehicles created by Ray "Brains" Hackenbacker (Anthony Edwards). But while Jeff is on a mission in space, his nemesis, The Hood (Ben Kingsley), invades Tracy Island. The Hood plots to use the island's technology for evil, and only Jeff's son, Alan (Brady Corbet), can stop him.
  • The Colony
    28
    Laurence Fishburne, Bill Paxton, Kevin Zegers
    74 votes
    The Colony is a 2013 Canadian science fiction horror film directed by Jeff Renfroe. It had a limited release on 26 April 2013 in Canada, and was released on 20 September 2013 in the United States.
  • Brain Dead
    29
    Bill Paxton, George Kennedy, Bill Pullman
    82 votes
    Brain Dead is a 1990 horror/psychological thriller starring Bill Pullman, Bill Paxton and George Kennedy and written by Charles Beaumont.
  • Frank and Jesse
    30
    Rob Lowe, Bill Paxton, Randy Travis
    99 votes
    A Pinkerton agent pursues the James (Rob Lowe, Bill Paxton) and Younger brothers as they rob banks, stagecoaches and trains.