The 70+ Best William H. Macy Movies

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Updated May 9, 2024 29.2K views 78 items
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Over 300 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 70+ Best William H. Macy Movies

 

List of the best William H. Macy movies and TV shows, ranked best to worst with movie trailers when available. William H. Macy's highest-grossing movies and shows have received a lot of accolades over the years, earning millions upon millions around the world. The order of these top William H. Macy movies and shows will be decided by how many votes they receive, so only highly rated William H. Macy movies & shows will be at the top of the list. William H. Macy has been in a lot of films & shows, so people often debate each other over what the greatest William H. Macy movie and shows of all time is. If you and a friend are arguing about this then use this list of the most entertaining William H. Macy films and shows to end the squabble once and for all.

If you think the best William H. Macy role isn't at the top, then upvote it so it has the chance to become number one. The greatest William H. Macy performances didn't necessarily come from the best movies or shows, but in most cases they go hand in hand.

This list is made up of many different films, including Fargo and Boogie Nights.

"This list answers the questions, "What are the best William H. Macy movies or shows?" and "What are the greatest William H. Macy roles of all time?"

 

Notable directors that have worked with William H. Macy include names like Joel Schumacher, Woody Allen and Paul Thomas Anderson. If you're a fan of William H. Macy, then check out our lists of the best Craig T. Nelson and Timothy Olyphant movies as well.

  • Fargo
    1
    185 votes
    Fargo, a dark comedy-crime film, is an unforgettable journey into the frozen heart of Minnesota. Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy), a car salesman in Minneapolis, hatches a desperate scheme involving his wife and two bumbling criminals, Carl Showalter (Steve Buscemi) and Gaear Grimsrud (Peter Stormare). The plan backfires when it attracts the attention of Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand), the pregnant police chief of Brainerd. McDormand won an Oscar for her portrayal of Gunderson, whose tenacious investigation unravels the plot amidst the snow-swept landscapes. The film's unique blend of horror and humor has earned it a cult following and multiple awards, including two Academy Awards.
  • The Cooler
    2
    103 votes
    Truly down on his luck, lonely single guy Bernie Lootz (William H. Macy) works at a Las Vegas casino, where he uses his innate ability to bring about misfortune in those around him to jinx gamblers into losing. His imposing boss, Shelly Kaplow (Alec Baldwin), is happy with the arrangement. But Bernie finds unexpected happiness when he begins dating attractive waitress Natalie Belisario (Maria Bello) -- and when his contentment starts to affect his job, Shelly seeks to end the relationship.
  • Mr. Holland's Opus is an inspiring drama centered on the life of Glenn Holland (Richard Dreyfuss), a dedicated music teacher at an American high school. The narrative, spanning three decades, traces Mr. Holland's journey from a reluctant educator to a beloved figure shaping young minds through music. In his personal life, he grapples with his relationship with his deaf son, Cole (Joseph Anderson). Directed by Stephen Herek, this film earned Dreyfuss an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. It beautifully blends elements of family drama and educational inspiration into a compelling cinematic opus.
  • Pleasantville
    4
    In Pleasantville, siblings David (Tobey Maguire) and Jennifer (Reese Witherspoon) find themselves transported into the black-and-white world of a 1950s TV show. The duo, initially perceived as anomalies in this retrograde reality, gradually bring color and modern sensibilities to Pleasantville's inhabitants. As they challenge the town's traditional values, upheaval ensues. Directed by Gary Ross, the film artfully employs a blend of drama, comedy, and fantasy elements. It won three Satellite Awards and was nominated for three Academy Awards. This witty social commentary brilliantly juxtaposes mid-century nostalgia with contemporary attitudes.
  • Boogie Nights
    5
    131 votes
    In the vivid, pulsating world of 1970s California pornography, Boogie Nights tells the tale of Eddie Adams (Mark Wahlberg). A young man with big dreams and an even bigger talent, Eddie is discovered by industry veteran Jack Horner (Burt Reynolds), who christens him 'Dirk Diggler'. As Dirk, Eddie ascends stardom's dizzying heights but soon learns that fame comes at a steep price. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, this drama delves into the dark underbelly of the golden age of adult entertainment. The film earned three Oscar nominations, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Reynolds.
  • Mystery Men
    6
    103 votes
    In the offbeat superhero film Mystery Men, seven underdogs (William H. Macy, Hank Azaria, Ben Stiller and more) with unusual abilities band together to save their city. They, however, lack the conventional powers of typical comic book heroes. Instead, they boast peculiar skills like silverware hurling and flatulence control. When Champion City's real protector, Captain Amazing (Greg Kinnear), is kidnapped by villain Casanova Frankenstein (Geoffrey Rush), these misfit vigilantes must step in to fill his shoes. This quirky comedy combines both action and humor to create an entertaining parody of superhero tropes.
  • Magnolia
    7
    97 votes
    Magnolia, a dramatic film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, is an intricate tapestry of interconnected stories. It features characters like Jimmy Gator (Philip Baker Hall), a beloved game show host with a dark secret, and Claudia Wilson Gator (Melora Walters), his estranged daughter struggling with addiction. As their stories intertwine with others, such as Frank T.J. Mackey (Tom Cruise), a motivational speaker with his own hidden past, the narrative explores themes of redemption and forgiveness. The movie was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Tom Cruise's standout performance. This complex and emotionally charged drama is renowned for its unique storytelling style and compelling performances.
  • Door to Door
    8
    71 votes
    Bill Porter (William H. Macy), a man afflicted with cerebral palsy, is desperate to find a job despite his condition. He uses his sense of humor, determination and winning spirit to convince a manager to hire him as a door-to-door salesman for Watkins, a supplier of household items and baking products. Porter walks several miles every day on his sales route, eventually working his way into the hearts of his customers. This film is based on a true story.
  • In the third installment of the Jurassic Park series, audiences find themselves back in the land of prehistoric terror. Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) is lured to Isla Sorna under false pretenses by a wealthy couple (William H. Macy and Téa Leoni). The group becomes stranded on the dinosaur-infested island, turning their adventure into a fight for survival. Director Joe Johnston brings fresh thrills to this action-packed sequel, where humans are not at the top of the food chain. With new, fearsome dinosaurs introduced, Jurassic Park III stands as a notable chapter in this iconic franchise.
  • Wild Hogs
    10
    135 votes
    Tired of their humdrum lives, some middle-aged friends (Tim Allen, John Travolta, Martin Lawrence) decide to temporarily ditch their responsibilities and take a motorcycle trip. The freedom of the open road holds many surprises for the group, including an encounter with the Del Fuegos, a hardcore gang, who take a dim view of the novice bikers.
  • Benny & Joon
    11
    71 votes
    Benny (Aidan Quinn), who cares for his mentally disturbed sister, Joon (Mary Stuart Masterson), also welcomes the eccentric Sam (Johnny Depp) into his home at Joon's request. Sam entertains Joon while he dreams of a job at the video store. Once Benny realizes Joon and Sam have started a relationship, he kicks Sam out of the house. This leads to an altercation between brother and sister. Joon runs away with Sam, who soon realizes that she may need more support than he alone can provide.
  • Air Force One
    12
    103 votes
    Air Force One, a thrilling action-drama film, centers on President James Marshall (Harrison Ford), a leader committed to the war against terrorism. Onboard the presidential aircraft, Air Force One, after an international peacekeeping event, things take a dark turn. Russian extremists, led by Ivan Korshunov (Gary Oldman), hijack the flight, holding the president and his family hostage. The stakes are high as this isn't just any passenger - it's the President of the United States. Trapped aboard his own aircraft, President Marshall must rely on his courage and wits to reclaim control, protect his family, and save everyone onboard. The movie is noted for its intense action sequences and compelling performances from its lead actors.
  • After he beats his dad (Joe Mantegna) in a chess match, Josh Waitzkin (Max Pomeranc), a 7-year-old, gets noticed for his talent. He becomes interested in speed chess at the park and learns the game from a hustler named Vinnie (Laurence Fishburne). However, Josh's parents invest in the services of Bruce (Ben Kingsley), a famous coach who has very different practices. Between Bruce's methods and the stress of the competitions, Josh learns that even a chess prodigy cannot make all the right moves.
  • Sahara
    14
    90 votes
    Seasoned adventurer Dirk Pitt (Matthew McConaughey) sets out for the African desert with his sarcastic companion (Steve Zahn) in search of a ship rumored to have vanished long ago, the main draw being the treasure supposedly hidden within the lost vessel. When the daring duo come across a beautiful scientist (Penélope Cruz) who is juggling an escape from a warlord and a mission to stop the spread of a powerful plague, their desert expedition begins to heat up.
  • Mick Haller (Matthew McConaughey) is a charismatic defense attorney who does business out of his Lincoln Continental sedan. Mick spends most of his time defending petty crooks and other bottom-feeders, so it comes as quite a surprise when he lands the case of a lifetime: defending a Beverly Hills playboy (Ryan Phillippe) who is accused of attempted murder. However, what Mick initially thinks is an open-and-shut case with a big monetary reward develops into something more sinister.
  • Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart), a lobbyist for big tobacco, finds it difficult to balance his duties defending the dangerous substance with those of being a good role model for his young son. Nick's life gets even more complicated when a liberal senator mounts an anti-smoking campaign that he must counter. Based on the novel by Christopher Buckley.
  • Seabiscuit
    17
    80 votes
    In the midst of the Great Depression, a businessman (Jeff Bridges) coping with the tragic death of his son, a jockey with a history of brutal injuries (Tobey Maguire) and a down-and-out horse trainer (Chris Cooper) team up to help Seabiscuit, a temperamental, undersized racehorse. At first the horse struggles to win, but eventually Seabiscuit becomes one of the most successful thoroughbreds of all time, and inspires a nation at a time when it needs it most.
  • Down Periscope
    18
    Cmdr. Tom Dodge (Kelsey Grammer) is not thought of very highly among his fellow Navy officers. So when he's offered the captain's seat on a decrepit boat that is part of a simulated challenge on the water, no one expects much from him. Set on getting his underdog crew in line in order to win the event, Dodge must face off against his nemesis, Adm. Yancy Graham (Bruce Dern) -- who will do anything to see Dodge disgraced and finally kicked out of the Navy.
  • Happy, Texas
    19
    38 votes
    When bank robbers Harry (Jeremy Northam) and Wayne (Steve Zahn) escape from prison and stumble into the tiny Texas Panhandle town of Happy, they're mistaken for the gay couple who were scheduled to help plan the town's child beauty pageant. As the criminals take advantage of the misapprehension to lie low while planning their next heist, complications include the local sheriff (William H. Macy) and his attraction to Harry, and Wayne's feelings for schoolteacher Ms. Schaefer (Illeana Douglas).
  • In this film based on actual events, black activist Medgar Evers (James Pickens Jr.) is murdered in 1963, and much of the evidence points toward white supremacist Byron De La Beckwith (James Woods). However, after two trials, De La Beckwith is acquitted twice by a jury of whites. Now, decades later in 1989, Evers' widow, Myrlie (Whoopi Goldberg), thinks she has evidence to finally convict him. But no lawyer will touch the case except the young and brash Bobby DeLaughter (Alec Baldwin).
  • Murder in the First
    21

    Murder in the First

    54 votes
    Henry, a small-time criminal sent to Alcatraz, is caught attempting to escape and as punishment, he's put in solitary confinement. Instead of staying the maximum nineteen days, he is kept alone, in the cold and complete darkness for years, only to emerge a madman and a murderer. It's a rookie lawyer who proves Alcatraz is to blame, and that Henry should not be executed.
  • A Civil Action
    22
    In this legal thriller based on a true story, John Travolta stars as Jan Schlichtmann, a tenacious personal-injury attorney whose fierce determination entangles him in a case that threatens to destroy him. The case -- which appears straight forward -- instead evolves into a labyrinthine lawsuit of vast dimensions, in the intelligent, fast-paced drama, "A Civil Action."
  • Somewhere in Time is a romantic drama that sees Richard Collier (Christopher Reeve), a play writer, become smitten by a photo of Elise McKenna (Jane Seymour), an actress from the early 1900s. In his quest for love, Richard employs self-hypnosis to time travel back to 1912. Intriguingly, he succeeds and meets Elise, leading to a passionate romance. This film, directed by Jeannot Szwarc and based on the novel Bid Time Return by Richard Matheson, captivates with its blend of love across time, mystery, and the power of one's mind.
  • Cellular
    24
    48 votes
    Schoolteacher Jessica Martin (Kim Basinger) is abducted by ruthless crook Ethan (Jason Statham) and brought to a remote hideout, where she finds a broken cell phone. Unfortunately, when she tries to use the malfunctioning phone to contact the authorities, she accidentally reaches college student Ryan (Chris Evans) instead. The young man wants to help Jessica, but she has no idea where her captors have taken her, and Ryan must scramble to figure out where she is before his cell phone goes dead.
  • The Client
    25
    44 votes
    In The Client, an 11-year-old Mark Sway (Brad Renfro) becomes the sole witness to a mob lawyer's suicide - a death that reveals the whereabouts of a murdered senator's body. Mark finds himself under the protection of Reggie Love (Susan Sarandon), a dedicated attorney with a soft spot for lost causes. As they navigate through treacherous legal waters, the duo must outwit both Barry Muldano (Anthony LaPaglia), a dangerous mafia hitman, and Roy Foltrigg (Tommy Lee Jones), an ambitious federal prosecutor. This riveting legal thriller, based on John Grisham's best-selling novel, won Susan Sarandon an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. The film weaves together elements of crime, drama, and suspense in a tightly knit narrative that keeps viewers on edge from start to finish.
  • House of Games
    26
    After one of her patients threatens suicide, psychiatrist Margaret Ford (Lindsay Crouse) confronts the source of his anxieties, a downtown bookie named Mike (Joe Mantegna). Once she decides that Mike is not a serious threat, however, she herself becomes interested in his world of high-stakes gambling, and makes use of her skills at reading "tells," becoming entrenched in his dealings. Things get dangerous, though, when Mike turns out not to be a bookie at all, but a con man.
  • Wag the Dog
    27
    74 votes
    Two weeks prior to reelection, the United States president lands in the middle of a sex scandal. In need of outside help to quell the situation, presidential adviser Winifred Ames (Anne Heche) enlists the expertise of spin doctor Conrad Brean (Robert De Niro), who decides a distraction is the best course of action. Brean approaches Hollywood producer Stanley Motss (Dustin Hoffman) to help him fabricate a war in Albania -- and once underway, the duo has the media entirely focused on the war.
  • Once a thriving place of sunshine and delicious soup, the faraway kingdom of Dor has fallen into sadness. An accident leaves the king brokenhearted; the sunshine fades, and the soup disappears Into this world is born Despereaux (Matthew Broderick), a book-loving mouse and friend to Princess Pea (Emma Watson). When Pea is kidnapped, Despereaux must find a knight's brave heart within his tiny body and rescue his friend.
  • Panic
    29
    45 votes
    Alex (William H. Macy) is going through a midlife crisis and it has become a very difficult time for him. His marriage is struggling, he's worried about his son, and his job of killing people for his family has become the most stressful part of his life. He seeks the help of a therapist and meets a woman in the waiting room that he connects with.
  • Bobby
    30
    42 votes
    In 1968 the lives of a retired doorman (Anthony Hopkins), hotel manager (William H. Macy), lounge singer (Demi Moore), busboy (Freddy Rodriguez), beautician (Sharon Stone) and others intersect in the wake of Robert F. Kennedy's assassination at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles.