Summary
- McQueen's early role in "The Blob" set him on a path toward stardom with a surprising hit that showcased his leading man chops.
- "Le Mans" highlights McQueen's passion for racing and dedication to stunt work, capturing the dangers and thrills of the sport.
- In "The Great Escape," McQueen's iconic motorcycle scene solidified his status as a leading man known for doing his own stunts.
Steve McQueen was a legendary figure both on and off the screen, and his best movies demonstrate how action and thrill rides were as much a part of his professional life as they were his personal. McQueen's story is one marred by tragedy, as he passed away at only 50 years old, but in that time, he made an unforgettable mark on the world. His films were adventurous, exciting, and imbued with true human empathy, as McQueen was himself. It’s unlikely that McQueen and his contributions to cinema will ever go overlooked.
He was an in-demand star, did his own stunts, produced and elevated many action movies, and was known for being particular about his roles and the people he worked with.
Today, McQueen's filmography and fame could be compared with Tom Cruise's best movies, excepting the fact that McQueen was rarely involved in any franchise work. He was an in-demand star, did his own stunts, produced and elevated many action movies, and was known for being particular about his roles and the people he worked with. McQueen was aware that he was a box office draw, and this led to him demanding high salaries and having his pick of projects. Known for putting himself in high-risk situations, McQueen raced motorcycles and cars in his free time, expanding his "bad boy" persona.
|
Movie |
IMDb Rating |
|
The Blob (1958) |
6.3 / 10 |
|
Le Mans (1971) |
6.7 / 10 |
|
The Cincinnati Kid (1965) |
7.2 / 10 |
|
The Thomas Crown Affair (1968) |
6.9 / 10 |
|
Papillon (1973) |
8 / 10 |
|
The Towering Inferno (1974) |
7 / 10 |
|
The Sand Pebbles (1966) |
7.5 / 10 |
|
Bullitt (1968) |
7.4 / 10 |
|
The Magnificent Seven (1960) |
7.7 / 10 |
|
The Great Escape (1963) |
8.2 / 10 |
Every Steve McQueen Movie Ranked From Worst To Best
Steve McQueen, nicknamed "The King of Cool," was one of Hollywood's most beloved and recognizable stars. Here's a ranking of his movies.
10 The Blob (1958)
As Steven Andrews
The Blob (1958)
*Availability in US
- stream
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Not available
- Director
- Irvine S. Yeaworth Jr. , Russell S. Doughten Jr.
- Release Date
- September 10, 1958
- Cast
- Steve McQueen , Aneta Corsaut , Earl Rowe , Olin Howland , Stephen Chase , John Benson , George Karas , Lee Payton
- Runtime
- 86 Minutes
A hallmark of the classic Hollywood monster movie genre, The Blob combines science fiction, horror, and thriller elements that come together to make a film that holds up surprisingly well. It was McQueen's first starring role as Steve Andrews, a teenager who witnesses the power of the Blob and tries to mobilize his small town to fight against it. It's Steven who realizes how to stop the Blob, and the beginnings of McQueen's chops as a leading man are apparent throughout the film. It's an early example of how strong a performer he is.
Though The Blob was a B movie, it was an unexpected hit and set McQueen on his trajectory toward fame. While elements of the film are campy, and the effects aren't amazing by today's standards, it has a strong internal logic, and it was popular enough that a 1988 remake was greenlit. Its larger themes of mass hysteria, misinformation, and small-town politics aren't too overt but provide enough depth that the film doesn't feel unjustified in its happy ending.
9 Le Mans (1971)
As Michael Delaney
One of the best movies about auto racing, Le Mans capitalized on McQueen's love for car racing and his dedication to stunt work. Directed by Lee H. Katzin, the film follows McQueen's character, Michael Delaney, a racer for Porsche at the titular Le Mans race the film is based on. Delaney is haunted by the death of a competitor from the previous year, and the film doesn't attempt to conceal how dangerous a sport racing is. Much of the conflict has to do with the frequent accidents and how life-threatening they can be.
It's clear how close the story is to McQueen's heart, and how in line it is with his personal interests throughout the story.
Le Mans is best known for its dedication to realistically portraying racing and the experience of being a driver during the Le Mans race. The film even incorporated footage from the real-life race throughout the narrative. It's clear how close the story is to McQueen's heart and how in line it is with his personal interests throughout the story. Le Mans is a notorious race because it's a grueling endurance test that lasts 24 hours. Though the film was not a particular success, it's a standout of McQueen's career because of how well it showcases his talents and tastes.
Le Mans is available to rent on Apple TV and Prime Video.