Not every movie starring John Goodman has gotten the recognition it deserves, with many of the actor’s best roles being hidden in more obscure titles. John Goodman is a beloved name in Hollywood, boasting a wide range of acting skill and a dizzying number of credits in film and TV. While John Goodman’s best movies, like The Big Lebowski, O Brother Where Art Thou?, and Monsters Inc. are highly-celebrated, some of his lesser known appearance deserve more credit, as well.
John Goodman sits at an interesting intersection between Blockbuster star and character actor. His distinctive voice and silhouette are well-known, but he has a knack for blending in to a given film’s cast due to his ability to inhabit a wide variety of roles and settings naturally. From voice work in animated pictures like The Emperor’s New Groove to Oscar-worthy performances in realistic dramas like Flight, Goodman has an impressive resume, and even his most criminally underseen films promise a great performance from him.
10 Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
John Goodman plays Roland Turner
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The filmography of the Coen Brothers is one of the most impressive runs from any filmmaker team still working in Hollywood, and Goodman has managed to make himself indispensable to the duo in many films. The most recent of these collaborations is 2013’s Inside Llewyn Davis, a tragically overlooked story by the Coen Brothers. The episodic narrative centers around Oscar Isaac’s titular Llewyn, a folk musician in the 60s struggling to make a name for himself in New York City.
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10/10 8/10 Inside Llewyn Davis R
Set in 1961, this black comedy film follows a week in the life of Llewyn Davis, a struggling folk musician trying to balance his pursuit of musical success with his attempts to keep his life together.
Director Joel Coen Release Date December 6, 2013 Cast Oscar Isaac , Carey Mulligan , John Goodman , Garrett Hedlund , Justin Timberlake , Adam Driver , F. Murray Abraham Runtime 105 minutes
Goodman plays Roland Turner, a jazz musician and travel companion of Llewyn Davis with a dangerous affliction for heroin. Goodman’s character isn’t in the film for long, being largely discarded after his alarming overdose, but his trademark grumpiness is firing on all cylinders in the role. It’s a shame Inside Llewyn Davis isn’t more talked about in the Coen Brothers’ lineup due to just how effectively it’s able to utilize Goodman’s acting chops in so short a time.
9 Matinée (1993)
John Goodman Plays Lawrence Woolsey
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One of the few actors to be able to effortlessly flit between comedy and drama, John Goodman is no stranger to making audiences laugh. Enter Matinée, an overlooked comedy that bombed at the box office, but has received no end of critical praise, thanks in no small part to Goodman’s leading role.
The film begins in Florida in the shadow of the Cuban missile crisis, with a teen military brat excited to attend the premiere of a cheesy horror B-movie alongside producer Lawrence Woolsey, played by Goodman. Matinée cleverly parallels the threat of nuclear annihilation with the radioactive pictures like Mant it clearly inspired in pop culture.
Without Goodman, there’s no telling if the film would’ve worked as well as it does.
Goodman holds down the fort as the eccentric and good-natured Woolsey, who is hard not to love even as he pulls an Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds-style trick on a terrified audience. Without Goodman, there’s no telling if the film would’ve worked as well as it does.
8 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)
John Goodman Plays Howard Stambler
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The Cloverfield franchise is quite a troubled series, presenting three very different movies varying wildly in quality, with only the loosest of concepts connecting them together. The best of them is easily 10 Cloverfield Lane, which succeeds largely due to Goodman’s antagonistic performance centering the entire premise.
Related Every John Goodman Horror Movie Ranked Worst to Best
Although John Goodman is better known as a sitcom funnyman thanks to The Conners, cult classics like Arachnophobia prove he can nail horror roles too.
Even if the film had no connective tissue placing it on the Cloverfield timeline, it would’ve worked just as well as a stand-alone psychological thriller. The film stars Goodman as Howard Stambler, a doomsday prepper who either kidnaps or rescues Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s Michelle, supposedly protecting her from an alien invasion in his bunker.
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8/10 10 Cloverfield Lane PG-13
From Dan Trachtenberg, 10 Cloverfield Lane follows Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a young woman who awakens after a car crash in a bunker alongside two strangers. Howard (John Goodman) tells her that it’s not safe to leave, and that he saved her life, but Michelle becomes increasingly suspicious of Howard’s motives and his past and begins to plan a daring escape to see what exactly has happened to the outside world.
Director Dan Trachtenberg Release Date March 10, 2016 Cast John Goodman , Mary Elizabeth Winstead , John Gallagher Jr. , Douglas M. Griffin , Suzanne Cryer , Bradley Cooper Runtime 103 Minutes
Goodman displays just how intimidating he can be as a horror villain as his true intentions and the truth behind his far-fetched claims remains uncertain for the majority of the film. Michelle walks on eggshells as Howard constantly seems to be inches away from violently exploding, all thanks to Goodman’s impressive presence.
7 Red State (2011)
John Goodman Plays Special Agent Joe Keenan
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Another horror-thriller starring John Goodman, Red State is a film that largely skipped a theater run in favor of a direct-to-video release, helmed by none other than Kevin Smith of Clerks fame. The movie revolves around a group of teenagers who are captured by a dangerously fanatical conservative church congregation, who are willing to kill to protect their own secrets.
It isn’t long before the church finds itself in a standoff with law enforcement, including ATF Special Agent Joe Keenan, as portrayed by John Goodman. Smith’s trademark voice shines through in the politically-charged thriller, which was widely disparaged for its controversial subject matter.
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Red State R
Red State is a horror-thriller film directed by Kevin Smith. The movie follows a group of teenagers who encounter a fundamentalist Christian cult led by Pastor Abin Cooper, portrayed by Michael Parks. As the situation escalates, they find themselves entangled in a violent standoff with the cult, drawing the attention of federal agents. The film explores themes of extremism and law enforcement crises.
Director Kevin Smith Release Date October 19, 2011 Cast Michael Parks , John Goodman , Melissa Leo Runtime 88 Minutes
Regardless, Goodman is as authoritative and assuring as ever, with his character having his own personal grievances with how the dangerous case is handled by his own agency. It’s a shame Red State was somewhat lost in the shuffle due to its unpalatable themes considering how strong Goodman is as an almost action hero.
6 Speed Racer (2008)
John Goodman Plays Pops Racer
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A singularly unique film from the Wachowski sisters, Speed Racer is an exhilarating racing movie loosely based on the classic anime of the same name. The film follows the titular motorist Speed Racer, who works with his family to ensure their motorsports legacy after suffering through the death of his older brother Rex in a controversial crash. John Goodman stars as Pops Racer, the Racer family patriarch that oversees their efforts with a kind, but firm grasp.
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Speed Racer (2008) PG
Speed Racer (2008) is a live-action adaptation of the classic anime series Speed Racer. Directed by the Wachowskis, the film stars Emile Hirsch as Speed, a young race car driver aiming to win races with the help of his family and his high-tech car, the Mach 5. The movie features a vibrant visual style and intense racing sequences, with supporting roles from Christina Ricci, John Goodman, and Susan Sarandon.
Director Lana Wachowski , Lilly Wachowski Release Date May 7, 2008 Cast Emile Hirsch , Christina Ricci , John Goodman , Susan Sarandon , Matthew Fox Runtime 135 Minutes
Seeing Goodman in a properly warm role as a loving father is as heart-wrenching as ever, even within the fake-looking but incredibly edited CGI cluster that is Speed Racer. It’s also worth mentioning that the movie’s inherent silliness provides Goodman with some of his best unbridled silliness, doing wrestling moves on ninjas while quipping “More like a non-ja. Terrible what passes for a ninja these days.” Even if it was reviled upon release, Speed Racer has gone on to become something of a cult classic in recent years, with modern audiences better able to appreciate its good fun.
5 Barton Fink (1991)
John Goodman Plays Charlie Meadows
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Combining John Goodman’s aptitudes for both horror and humor is the wonderful black comedy Barton Fink, another team-up between Goodman and the Coen brothers. Taking place in the 1940s, the movie follows the journey of the titular character, a playwright who makes the transition to writing for Hollywood movies, as he lives in a crummy hotel during his first days in Los Angeles. Goodman stars as Charlie Meadows, Fink’s noisy neighbor who he soon begins a quiet friendship with.
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Barton Fink R
Barton Fink is a 1991 film by the Coen Brothers, starring John Turturro as a New York playwright who relocates to Hollywood to write for the movies. Set in the 1940s, the story follows Barton’s struggle with writer’s block as he checks into a mysterious, decaying hotel. John Goodman co-stars as a friendly insurance salesman who tangles with Barton’s descent into madness. The film explores themes of isolation and artistic integrity.
Director Joel Coen , Ethan Coen Release Date August 1, 1991 Cast John Turturro , John Goodman , Judy Davis , Michael Lerner , John Mahoney , Tony Shalhoub Runtime 116 minutes
Before long, however, it’s revealed that “Charlie Meadows” is not who he seems, and Barton Fink finds himself in more danger than he’d ever believed possible. Goodman shows off the layers of his acting skills here, playing a character that is, in turn, playing a character. The small inklings of doubt he allows to rise to the surface pays off tremendously with his later ferocity.
4 Arachnophobia (1990)
John Goodman Plays Delbert McClintock
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As far as John Goodman’s horror movie appearances go, Arachnophobia is a stealthily good scary movie revolving around an animal incursion. The premise revolves around a previously-undiscovered aggressive species of eusocial spider being discovered in the jungles of Venezuela, only to accidentally become an invasive species in a small California town.
This results in a reign of eight-legged terror as the town’s citizens fall one-by-one to the venom of the spider horde, much to the dismay of Jeff Daniels’ arachnophobic Dr. Ross Jennings. Goodman enters the picture as Delbert McClintock, an exterminator who joins a Jaws-style task force formed with the goal of eliminating the spiders.
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Arachnophobia PG-13ComedyHorrorSci-FiThriller
Arachnophobia (1990) is a horror-comedy directed by Frank Marshall. The film follows a small-town doctor, played by Jeff Daniels, who discovers a deadly new species of spider that unleashes terror on the community. John Goodman co-stars as an eccentric exterminator brought in to combat the arachnid menace. The film combines elements of suspense and humor to depict the struggle against an unexpected and lethal infestation.
Director Frank Marshall Release Date July 20, 1990 Cast Jeff Daniels , Harley Jane Kozak , John Goodman , Julian Sands , Stuart Pankin , Brian McNamara
Though he’s introduced later in the film, Goodman gets to be something of a hero, making it to the end credits while being instrumental in overcoming the creatures. An overlooked gem of horror buried in Goodman’s filmography, Arachnophobia deserves more credit as one of the best horror films to center around spiders.
3 Fallen (1998)
John Goodman Plays Detective “Jonsey” Jones
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John Goodman is eerily good as an authority figure, as especially proven by movies like Fallen. Goodman stars opposite Denzel Washington as one half of a tired detective duo in Philadelphia. When the pair find themselves investigating a series of occult killings eerily similar to a past case. As events unfold, it becomes clear that the supernatural motive for the killings may be more tangible than either partner is initially willing to believe.
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Fallen (1998) R
Fallen (1998) is a supernatural thriller centered on Detective John Hobbes, played by Denzel Washington, who confronts a series of mysterious murders linked to a malevolent, ancient force. As the investigation unfolds, Hobbes realizes the killer possesses the ability to shift from one body to another, leading to a tense and eerie cat-and-mouse chase. Directed by Gregory Hoblit, the film delves into themes of good versus evil and fate.
Director Gregory Hoblit Release Date January 16, 1998 Cast Denzel Washington , John Goodman , Donald Sutherland , Embeth Davidtz , James Gandolfini , Elias Koteas , Gabriel Casseus , Robert Joy , Aida Turturro , Michael J. Pagan , Frank Medrano , Ronn Munro , Cynthia Hayden , Ray Xifo , Tony Michael Donnelly , Tara Carnes , Reno Wilson , Wendy Cutler , Jeff Tanner , Jerry Walsh , Bob Rumnock , Ellen Sheppard Runtime 124 Minutes Expand
Denzel Washington might be an intimidating actor to star across from, but John Goodman tackles the assignment in Fallen with ease, providing a great springboard for Washington’s weathered and weary police detective to bounce off of. The unfortunate events Jonsey get caught up in by the end of the film give Goodman further chances to show off his range, helping to form a vital piece of the moody horror-thriller. It’s too bad that Fallen has remained perhaps overly disparaged by critics.
2 Raising Arizona (1987)
John Goodman Plays Gale Snoats
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Raising Arizona sits in an interesting position as being one of the few Nicolas Cage films that are genuinely great, with no tinge of irony necessary to fully enjoy the oft-disparaged actor’s performance. Another masterpiece by Joel and Ethan Coen, the film follows an eccentric husband and wife duo, a criminal and a cop, respectively, who kidnap a child in hopes of raising him as their own.
Goodman stars as Gale Snoats, a former cellmate of Cage’s Hi, who escapes confinement to tempt him back into a life of crime.
Goodman stars as Gale Snoats, a former cellmate of Cage’s Hi, who escapes confinement to tempt him back into a life of crime. While Cage and Holly Hunter as the leading duo are effortlessly hilarious, Goodman comes in close behind them as film’s third-funniest performance, nearly stealing every scene he appears in.
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Raising Arizona PG-13
Raising Arizona is a comedy film by Joel and Ethan Coen. It follows Nicholas Cage and Holly Hunter as Hi and Ed McDunnough, a former criminal and police officer who fall in love after Hi’s stay in prison. When the two get married and attempt to have a child, various complications make the process impossible. Still, when a wealthy Arizona family famously announces they’ve had quintuplets, the two decide to steal a baby for themselves.
Director Joel Coen , Ethan Coen Release Date April 10, 1987 Cast Nicolas Cage , Holly Hunter , Trey Wilson , John Goodman , William Forsythe , Sam McMurray , Frances McDormand , Randall ‘Tex’ Cobb Runtime 94 Minutes
This movie was the first of Goodman’s many collaborations with the Coen brothers, and considering how great he is as an emotional thug who rides the thin line between crying and exploding in anger, it’s easy to see why. Raising Arizona may be highly-rated by those who have seen it, but remains tragically under-watched.
1 The Artist (2011)
John Goodman Plays Al Zimmer
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Another film starring Goodman to explore the golden age of Hollywood, The Artist is an immersive period piece that took home five Academy Awards in the year it was released, and for good reason. Largely silent and in black-and-white, The Artist centers around a silent movie star, George Valentin, who struggles to adapt to the “modern” age of filmmaking as movies with sound, or “talkies,” begin to take over the film industry.
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John Goodman has starred in various Disney movies good and bad, most famously Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. and the underrated The Emperor’s New Groove.
John Goodman stars as Al Zimmer, Valentin’s studio boss who welcomes the new wave of cinematic innovation, hoping not to be left behind. In The Artist, Goodman shows off his intricate acting skill, being able to carry a performance without the use of his voice, relying solely on body language alone.
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The Artist pg-13
A unique call back to classic silent cinema, The Artist is a comedy-drama that follows actor George Valentin in the 1920s, who experiences the changing landscape as “talking pictures” become the new norm. The film centers on the relationship between George and an up-and-coming young actress named Peppy Miller, who he takes on as a mentee as he slowly falls into obscurity.
Director Michel Hazanavicius Release Date December 22, 2011 Cast Jean Dujardin , John Goodman , James Cromwell Runtime 100minutes
Though Valentin’s plight is sympathetic, it’s hard not to understand the motivations of Zimmer, who has to adapt to profound changes in the medium of his livelihood or be run out of business. It’s worth noting that John Goodman is allowed to have one of the few spoken lines in the entire film, owing to his trademark duclet voice.
Key Background
- Goodman’s first professional acting role was in the TV movie The Face of Rage (1983) at the age of 30.
- The actor won a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical in 1993.