John Goodman is an actor who perfectly embodies the idea of a character actor. Though he might not play the leading man often, he fits into any type of genre and any type of role perfectly while being a very welcome presence whenever he appears in a film.

Goodman first found fame as Dan in the classic sitcom Roseanne, but since then he has built an amazing film career as well. He can be funny, intimidating, lovable and scary whenever required. His versatility has allowed him to appear in many fan-favorite films over the years, but which are his most popular? Here are John Goodman’s best movies, according to IMDb.

10 Flight (7.3)

Even when sharing the screen with iconic actors, Goodman has the rare talent of stealing the show. Flight stars Denzel Washington as an alcoholic pilot who, after saving a flight from disaster much confront his addiction during an investigation into the crash.

Goodman plays a drug dealer friend of Washington’s who adds a shot of life to the film whenever he appears. Washington gives one of his most powerful performances and the crash sequence is an amazing and gripping scene created by director Robert Zemeckis.

9 Patriot’s Day (7.4)

Goodman also has the gravitas to add to amazing real-life stories like playing Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis in Patriot’s Day. The thriller depicts the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the massive manhunt that ensued to find those responsible.

The film is a dark and unsettling account of the real terror act, but the heart of the film is in the aftermath. The efficiency and effectiveness of the manhunt make for a gripping drama that honors the heroes of that horrible event.

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8 Trumbo (7.5)

Trumbo is a unique film that told an incredible and little-known Hollywood story. Bryan Cranston starred as Dalton Trumbo, an acclaimed screenwriter who was blacklisted among many fellow writers for his political beliefs in the 1940s. Goodman plays a B-movie producer who helps Trumbo get back in the movie business.

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Cranston is incredibly entertaining in the lead role as a charming yet complicated man. The movie is an interesting look at a dark period of Hollywood and recontextualizes stars like John Wayne as villains of the era.

7 Inside Llewyn Davis (7.5)

As we’ll see throughout this list, Goodman has had an amazing collaborative relationship with the Coen Brothers. Inside Llewyn Davis is Goodman’s latest film with the brothers and stars Oscar Isaac as a bitter aspiring folk singer in 1960s New York City. Goodman has a small role as an unfriendly jazz musician.

The movie is one of the Coens’ best with their dry sense of humor providing big laughs throughout. Isaac is great as the unlikable, yet talented lead and the soundtrack filled with songs of the era is stunning.

6 Barton Fink (7.7)

Goodman teamed with the Coens for another 1940s-set film about a screenwriter, though this time it is a fictitious story. Barton Fink stars John Turturro as the titular character, a celebrated screenwriter who goes to Los Angeles to write a movie. Goodman plays a friendly traveling salesman living next door to Barton at a run-down hotel.

The movie is another funny and strange offering from the Coens. Turturro is great as the kind but pompous writer and Goodman gives one of his best performances. He is a cheerful and lovable neighbor-type which takes an unexpected turn later in the film.

5 O Brother, Where Art Thou? (7.7)

Goodman once again teamed with the Coens, this time is a fun villainous role. O Brother, Where Art Thou? stars George Clooney, John Turturro, and Tim Blake Nelson as a trio of escaped cons in the 1930s who go in search of a hidden fortune. Goodman plays a bible salesman who is secretly a ruthless Ku Klux Klan member.

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The movie infuses the strange odyssey story with screwball comedy and some of the most entertaining character the Coens have ever created. It is a hilarious adventure with some surprisingly catchy music as well.

4 Argo (7.7)

Argo is an incredible true story that seems made for Hollywood, even if this film did take some artistic licenses with the story. Set during the Iranian hostage crisis in the 1980s, the film follows a CIA operative who hatches a plan to stage a fake movie shoot in Iran as a ploy for rescuing several stranded Americans.

The movie takes the larger-than-life story and makes it into a hugely entertaining thriller. Ben Affleck once again proves his talent behind the camera as he blends the light comedic aspect of the Hollywood side of the story with the tension of the hostage crisis.

3 The Artist (7.9)

Goodman seems drawn to films that explore the older days of Hollywood. The Artist is a throwback to a bygone era of movie-making in the story of a silent film star struggling with his own identity as those types of movies gradually grow old fashion.

The black-and-white film is shot like a classic silent film which makes it an interesting standout in the modern film world. Though it could have easily come off as a cheap gimmick, the movie manages to tell an entertaining and moving story.

2 Monsters Inc. (8.0)

Goodman’s booming voice has been used to great effect in a number of animated films. Goodman lent that famous voice to the brilliant minds at Pixar for Monsters Inc. Goodman voice Sulley, a monster who has made a career of scaring children. However, his life is soon thrown upside down when a child makes her way into the monsters’ world.

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Goodman is perfect as the lovable beast and he is wonderfully paired with Billy Crystal as his best friend Mike. The film is filled with Pixar’s usual humor and heart which makes it a perfect family-friendly gem.

1 The Big Lebowski (8.1)

The Big Lebowski is often regarded as one of the funniest movies of all time and Goodman’s performance has a lot to do with that. The film stars Jeff Bridges as a Los Angeles stoner who finds himself caught up in a case of mistaken identity. Goodman plays his rage-filled best friend.

The Coen Brothers embraced their craziest side for this outrageous and wildly entertaining trip. Bridges is iconic as The Dude and Goodman is uproariously funny as the Vietnam-obsessed madman. It’s an endless rewatchable and quotable masterpiece.

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About The Author


Colin McCormick
(2027 Articles Published)

Colin McCormick is a Senior Writer with Screen Rant and has been a proud member of the team since 2019. In addition to his work as Screen Rant, Colin is also a writer of News, Feature and Review pieces at Game Rant. Colin has had a long passion and obsession with movies going back to the first time he saw The Lion King in theaters. Along with movies, Colin stays up-to-date on the latest must-see TV shows. While he loves to find interesting projects in any kind of genre, he has a special movie of crime stories that are infused with a little dark humor much like the work of his favorite author, Elmore Leonard.

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