James Spader’s filmography proves that the actor is one of the most versatile performers in Hollywood. He is also someone who reinvented himself halfway through his astonishing career. For the first 25 years, Spader was a solid performer in movies, taking on several high-profile supporting roles in movies like Pretty in Pink. He also proved he could pique the interest of critically acclaimed directors like Steven Soderbergh, Oliver Stone, Mike Nichols, and David Cronenberg while appearing in blockbusters like Stargate.
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However, Spader made a change in 2003 when he took on a role in the TV series The Practice. Since then, his movie roles remain minimal, with only a few major releases. Instead, Spader focuses on TV now. He followed up The Practice with the leading the main cast in its spin-off Boston Legal, took a shot at starring in The Office, and enjoyed the greatest success of his career with the lead role on The Blacklist, proving his second life as a star actor could surpass a great first half but in a very different medium.
20 2 Days In The Valley (1996)
James Spader Leads The Ensemble Of This Dark Comedy
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2 Days In The Valley RComedyCrime Where to Watch
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*Availability in US Director John Herzfeld Release Date September 11, 1996 Cast Danny Aiello , Greg Cruttwell , Jeff Daniels , Teri Hatcher , Glenne Headly , Peter Horton Runtime 104 minutes
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Following the success of Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, there were a lot of movies that came out in the 1990s that attempted to replicate the same wild energy of interconnecting crime stories, a colorful cast of characters, and a dark sense of humor. While many of these attempts fell far short of capturing Tarantino’s style, 2 Days in the Valley is a solid entry into this specific subgenre and elevated by a stellar cast.
The movie follows a pair of cops, a ruthless hitman, and a former Olympian who find themselves colliding on a violent odyssey in Los Angeles. James Spader gets the juiciest and most vicious role in a movie populated by nefarious characters. As Lee Woods, the deadly hitman, Spader brings a menacing coolness to the role. He is also joined by the likes of Teri Hatcher, Jeff Daniels, and Charlize Theron in her acting debut.
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19 White Palace (1990)
Spader And Susan Sarandon Star In The Romance Drama
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White Palace RDramaRomance
White Palace is a romantic drama directed by Luis Mandoki. The film stars Susan Sarandon as a working-class waitress and James Spader as an affluent young widower. Their lives become entwined in an unexpected romance, challenging societal norms and their personal beliefs. The film explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of relationships across socio-economic divides.
Director Luis Mandoki Release Date October 26, 1990 Cast Susan Sarandon , James Spader , Jason Alexander , Kathy Bates , Eileen Brennan , Steven Hill , Rachel Chagall , Corey Parker Runtime 103 Minutes
James Spader has starred in a few unorthodox romance stories in his career, with The White Palace being one of the most underrated. Spader stars as a yuppie advertising professional in his 20s who has a chance encounter with a bold working-class woman in her 40s, played by Susan Sarandon. They quickly form an intense connection and embark on a love affair that is both passionate and complicated.
There have been many movies about the romance between an older woman and a younger man, but The White Palace offers something better than most in the genre by being about the characters rather than the age gap. Spader and Sarandon have incredible chemistry together, while the movie’s script is taut, funny, sexy, and clever. It is a thrill seeing these two navigate their relationship as the rest of the world judges.
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18 The Music Of Chance (1993)
Spader Leads The Gambling Thriller
The Music of Chance RDrama
The Music of Chance (1993) is a drama that follows an ex-fireman who teams up with a drifter, engaging in a high-stakes poker game. Events take a turn as they find themselves indebted to a pair of eccentric millionaires, resulting in a series of unexpected and profound consequences.
Director Philip Haas Release Date June 4, 1993 Cast James Spader , Mandy Patinkin , M. Emmet Walsh , Charles Durning , Joel Grey , Samantha Mathis , Chris Penn , Pearl Jones , Paul Auster Runtime 98 Minutes
James Spader finds himself among a strong ensemble of actors in the intense and dark drama The Music of Chance. Mandy Patinkin stars as a newly wealthy man on a road trip across the country who happens to meet an eccentric professional gambler (Spader). The two men team up for a high-stakes poker game against two rich and powerful men. However, when Spader loses, they are kept captive on the rich men’s estate and forced to work as indentured servants to pay off their debt.
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The movie presents an intriguing premise that comments on class divisions and the power of wealth. However, it is really a display of some brilliant acting across the board. Spader is the standout of the movie with his somewhat unhinged yet sympathetic performance. He and Patinkin are joined by Charles Durning, Joel Grey, and M. Emmet Walsh. It is a joy watching these actors work together as the tense movie builds to its thought-provoking end.
17 Bob Roberts (1992)
James Spader Cameos In The Political Satire
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Bob Roberts RComedyDrama
Bob Roberts is a satirical mockumentary written and directed by Tim Robbins, focusing on a folksinging U.S. Senate candidate. The film offers insight into political media manipulation as it follows the campaign of Bob Roberts, whose songs critique societal issues like welfare and liberalism.
Director Tim Robbins Release Date September 4, 1992 Cast Giancarlo Esposito , Tim Robbins , Alan Rickman , Ray Wise , Brian Murray , Gore Vidal , Rebecca Jenkins , Harry Lennix , John Ottavino , Robert Stanton , Kelly Willis , Merrilee Dale , Tom Atkins , David Strathairn , James Spader , Pamela Reed , Eva Amurri , Jim West , Helen Hunt , Peter Gallagher , Lynne Thigpen , Bingo O’Malley , Kathleen Chalfant , Ruth Lesko , Jack Black Runtime 102 minutes Expand
Bob Roberts is a hilarious and clever political satire that remains a relevant and insightful bit of commentary more than 30 years later. This mockumentary-like comedy stars Tim Robbins as a folk singer and politician who manipulates the needs of the people and uses fiery rhetoric to grow an increasingly popular campaign for the U.S. Senate. The film is a behind-the-scenes look at Roberts’ campaign as well as the reaction from the country about the controversial man.
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James Spader is part of this large ensemble as a local news reporter covering Bob’s campaign.
The movie is filled with big names in small cameo roles, including Giancarlo Esposito, John Cusack, and Jack Black. James Spader is part of this large ensemble as a local news reporter covering Bob’s campaign. Spader brings a fun bit of overly eager energy to the comedic role. The movie itself is a very funny ride but is also thought-provoking in its messages, teetering on the edge of outlandish but always remaining grounded.
16 Wall Street (1987)
Spader Appears In Oliver Stone’s Drama About Modern Greed
Wall Street RCrimeDrama
Wall Street, directed by Oliver Stone, follows the story of Bud Fox, a young stockbroker willing to do anything to get to the top, including trading on illegal inside information. Michael Douglas stars as the ruthless corporate raider Gordon Gekko, who mentors Fox in the high-stakes world of finance. The film scrutinizes the ethical dilemmas and moral corruption inherent in the pursuit of wealth and success in 1980s America.
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*Availability in US Director Oliver Stone Release Date December 10, 1987 Cast Charlie Sheen , Tamara Tunie , Franklin Cover , Chuck Pfeiffer , John C. McGinley , Hal Holbrook Runtime 125 minutes
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Along with starring in some of the most definitive 1980s movies of all time, James Spader also appeared in a film that spoke to a specific culture of the era. Oliver Stone’s Wall Street is an examination of the rise of the financial professionals on Wall Street and the culture of greed they were at the center of. Michael Douglas stars as Gordon Gekko, a legendary Wall Street player who takes young Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen) under his wing and corrupts him in the name of making money.
Spader has a small but effective role as Roger Barnes, a lawyer who is friends with Bud and who he eventually uses to get insider information. Douglas won an Oscar for his electrifying lead performance, while Stone proved himself a compelling filmmaker once more with his ability to place the audience in a dark and disturbing world where morality and ethics are constantly in question.
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15 Storyville (1992)
James Spader Stars As A Lawyer Unraveling A Conspiracy
Storyville RDramaMysteryThriller
Storyville, directed by Mark Frost, follows a young politician who, while investigating a blackmail scheme against him, unravels a web of deep family secrets. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he is forced to confront hidden truths about his past and the legacy of his powerful dynasty.
Director Mark Frost Release Date August 26, 1992 Cast James Spader , Joanne Whalley , Jason Robards , Charlotte Lewis , Michael Warren , Piper Laurie , Michael Parks , Chuck McCann Runtime 113 Minutes
James Spader stars in Storyville as Cray Fowler, a young lawyer in New Orleans who takes on a case and quickly unravels an entire conspiracy centering around his family. This is not the only time he has played a lawyer: Spader did so in the legal drama seriesBoston Legal, and his ability to pull off smug and pompous shone in both. Although reviews weren’t sparkling, Storyville offered a look at how impressive Spader was as a performer.
Indeed, it is Spader’s performance as a young man reeling after being blackmailed that really elevates the movie beyond being a run-of-the-mill thriller. Spader has never seemed interested in playing typical protagonists and he brings a lot of unexpected elements to this leading man role. The humor he imbues in his character is especially effective at livening the movie up.
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14 The Homesman (2014)
James Spader Stars In A Tommy Lee Jones Directed Western
The Homesman RWesternDrama
The Homesman is a Western drama directed by Tommy Lee Jones, who also stars alongside Hilary Swank. Set in the mid-19th century, the film follows Mary Bee Cuddy (Swank) and claim-jumper George Briggs (Jones) as they transport three mentally ill women across the harsh Nebraska territories to Iowa. The narrative delves into themes of isolation, hardship, and resilience in the American frontier.
Release Date May 18, 2014 Director Tommy Lee Jones Cast Tommy Lee Jones , Hilary Swank , Grace Gummer , Mirando Otto , Sonja Richter , Jo Harvey Allen , Barry Corbin , David Dencik Runtime 122 Minutes
One of the later James Spader movies, this historical drama is set in the 1850s Midwest and has a star-studded cast that includes Hilary Swank, Meryl Streep, John Lithgow, and Hailee Steinfeld. The movie follows a woman (Swank) who hires a lowly drifter (Jones) to transport three women who have had mental health issues to a facility where they can be treated. Directed by Tommy Lee Jones, Spader’s character is Aloysius Duffy, a hotel owner who has a run-in with the main characters.
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It is a small yet impactful role in the film that proves that even when he isn’t the leading man, Spader still manages to stand out. Aloysius is an unlikable character, yet Spader plays him with a sense that he is being hospitable and kind despite doing nothing to help people in need. The movie screened in competition at the Cannes Film Festival for the Palme d’Or.
13 Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015)
James Spader Voiced The Evil Ultron
Avengers: Age of Ultron PG-13
In Avengers: Age of Ultron, Earth’s Mightiest must reunite and work with newcomers Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch to battle a new antagonist Ultron, who receives an all-new origin story while dealing with a new level of inner conflict amongst the team. Quicksilver & Scarlet Witch may not necessarily agree with The Avengers and initially blame Tony Stark for creating the new villain and the death of their parents. Avengers: Age of Ultron was directed and written by Joss Whedon and produced by Kevin Feige for Marvel Studios. The movie was released on April 13, 2015, followed by its eventual sequels, Avengers: Infinity War in 2018 and Avengers: Endgame in 2019.
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*Availability in US Release Date May 1, 2015 Director Joss Whedon Cast Chris Hemsworth , Clark Gregg , Robert Downey Jr. , Cobie Smulders , Aaron Taylor-Johnson , Jeremy Renner , Thomas Kretschmann , Chris Evans , Don Cheadle , Mark Ruffalo , Elizabeth Olsen , Scarlett Johansson , Paul Bettany , Samuel L. Jackson , James Spader Runtime 141 minutes Expand
Some might not even have realized that an MCU film ranks among James Spader’s movies, but Spader played the villain Ultron in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Not only did he provide the voice for the character, but he acted using motion capture technology. The second of the Avengers movies finds Tony Stark and Bruce Banner giving life to the artificial intelligence program known as Ultron, only for the killer robot to decide the best course of action to save the world is to destroy the Avengers.
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Despite his face never being seen on camera, this role ranks among Spader’s most iconic performances. He proves that by taking what could have been a robotic performance, and delivering a nuanced and humorous comic book movie villain that no one could have expected. While there were some who criticized the less serious take on this beloved and intimidating antagonist, Spader’s performance shines through in the bombastic action to deliver a truly underrated MCU villain.
Spader is set to return as Ultron in
Vision Quest.
12 The Office (2011-2012)
James Spader Replaced Steve Carell
The Office ComedyDramaSitcom
The Office is the U.S. remake of the British comedy mockumentary series of the same name. The show follows the misadventures of a Dunder Mifflin Paper Company branch in Scranton, Pennsylvania, led by their unconventional and clueless boss, Michael Scott. The series covers nine years of footage as they find themselves recorded through their work days and off times.
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*Availability in US Release Date March 24, 2005 Cast Mindy Kaling , Jenna Fischer , Kate Flannery , Ed Helms , Craig Robinson , Paul Lieberstein , Ellie Kemper , B.J. Novak , Angela Kinsey , Oscar Nunez , Rainn Wilson , Brian Baumgartner , Phyllis Smith , Leslie David Baker , Creed Bratton , Steve Carell , John Krasinski Seasons 9 Expand
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James Spader stepped into a situation that was almost unwinnable in 2011 when he joined The Office cast. When Michael Scott left The Office, Dunder Mifflin had to go about hiring a new manager. Spader’s Robert California was introduced in the season 7 finale episode, “Search Committee”. Despite that episode featuring big stars like Jim Carrey, Ricky Gervais, and Ray Romano, Spader stole the show with his creepy yet hilarious performance as the self-assured businessman who controlled every room he was in.
It is not surprising that he was brought back and it was explained that California convinced Dunder Mifflin’s CEO to give him their job. In this recurring capacity, Spader had the misfortune of joining The Office at a time when the sitcom struggled to find its place after Michael’s exit. While season 8 was certainly not the show’s strongest season, Spader was a bright spot, bringing an unusual dynamic to the ensemble.
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11 Wolf (1994)
James Spader Played Opposite Jack Nicholson In This Werewolf Movie
Wolf RHorrorDramaRomance
Wolf, directed by Mike Nichols and released in 1994, stars Jack Nicholson as Will Randall, a middle-aged book editor who undergoes a transformation after being bitten by a wolf. Michelle Pfeiffer co-stars as Laura Alden, a woman entangled in Randall’s evolving circumstances. The film blends elements of horror and drama, exploring themes of primal instincts and corporate rivalry. James Spader and Kate Nelligan play pivotal supporting roles.
Director Mike Nichols Release Date June 17, 1994 Cast Jack Nicholson , Michelle Pfeiffer , James Spader , Kate Nelligan , Richard Jenkins , Christopher Plummer , Eileen Atkins , David Hyde Pierce Runtime 125 Minutes
Wolf is a werewolf movie that follows Will Randall (Jack Nicholson), who is bitten by a wolf and finds that he feels younger and has more energy after the incident. Randall is fired from his position as a book editor and has been replaced by Stewart Swinton (Spader) a younger, more aggressive editor while falling for his former boss’s daughter, Laura (Michelle Pfeiffer), and trying to figure out how to reckon with the possibility that he’s a werewolf.
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With a cast of this caliber and under the vision of director Mike Nichols, it should not be surprising that Wolf offers something more interesting than the standard werewolf horror movie. Spader is known for his ability to tackle villainous roles, but also very multi-layered characters, and he achieves both in this film. Though Nicholson gets the flashier role, it is a lot of fun seeing Spader play off the iconic actor as his foil in the movie.
10 Jack’s Back (1988)
James Spader As The Main Suspect In A Murder Thriller
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Jack’s Back RHorrorCrimeMystery
Jack’s Back is a thriller directed by Rowdy Herrington, starring James Spader in a dual role. The film centers on a series of murders that seem to mimic those of Jack the Ripper, leading to an investigation that uncovers dark secrets. As the mystery unfolds, the protagonist grapples with their identity and the nature of the crimes, creating a suspenseful narrative that keeps audiences engaged.
Director Rowdy Herrington Release Date May 6, 1988 Cast James Spader , Cynthia Gibb , Jim Haynie , Robert Picardo , Rod Loomis , Rex Ryon , Chris Mulkey , Wendell Wright Runtime 97 Minutes
While there are a number of movies that focus on Jack the Ripper, the infamous serial killer from the late 1800s, Jack’s Back is a clever modern take in which a series of murders in Los Angeles look to be mimicking Jack the Ripper. The police suspect that a doctor, John Westford (Spader), is responsible for the copycat murders. All suspicions are put aside when the doctor himself is killed and his twin brother (also Spader) claims he is having visions of the murders and tries to help solve the case to clear his brother’s name.
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Spader pulls off a complex, dual role here, and while the concept of actors playing two distinct characters has been done before, in the ’80s, it wasn’t so common, but Spader made it look easy. It is another leading man role in which Spader doesn’t play things safe and gives a truly compelling performance. While the movie received a mixed response, Spader was nominated for a Saturn Award for his performance.
9 The Blacklist (2013-2023)
James Spader’s Biggest TV Role
The Blacklist CrimeDramaThrillerAction
The Blacklist is an action/thriller crime-drama TV series on NBC from creator Jon Bokenkamp. The show follows former intelligence officer turned master criminal Raymond Reddington (James Spader) and FBI agent Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone.) Red, one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives, known as “The Concierge of Crime,” mysteriously surrenders to the FBI and offers to help them catch a deadly terrorist, with the condition that he only speaks to Elizabeth- who just so happens to be starting her first day on the job. The two continue to partner to tackle Red’s “Blacklist,” which he offers in exchange for immunity for his past crimes.
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*Availability in US Release Date September 23, 2013 Cast Harry Lennix , Megan Boone , James Spader , Diego Klattenhoff , Ryan Eggold , Parminder Nagra Seasons 10
While James Spader’s projects have entertained fans for decades, a new generation met him thanks to The Blacklist. The series follows an FBI agent named Elizabeth (Megan Boone) who is approached by Spader’s Red Reddington, a notorious international figurative who offers to help Elizabeth take down the world’s most dangerous people. While Reddington seems eager to thwart these crime figures, some mysteries suggest he has motivations of his own.
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Unlike his previous relatively short-lived television roles, Spader was able to cement himself in the world of procedural television with his performance as Reddington over the course of 10 seasons. The show is an exciting thriller, but it is made special by Spader’s performance, which is filled with humor, class, and danger at every turn. The actor was nominated for two Golden Globes in the role.
8 The Practice (2003-2004)
James Spader’s First Starring Role In A TV Show
The Practice TV-14CrimeDramaMystery
The Practice is a legal drama series created by David E. Kelley, centered on the law firm of Donnell, Young, Dole, and Frutt. Led by Bobby Donnell (Dylan McDermott), the firm often deals with contentious legal and ethical dilemmas in its pursuit of justice. The show explores the complex dynamics of the legal profession and the personal lives of its attorneys.
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*Availability in US Release Date March 4, 1997 Cast Dylan McDermott , Kelli Williams , Lara Flynn Boyle , Steve Harris , Camryn Manheim , Michael Badalucco , LisaGay Hamilton , marla sokoloff Seasons 8
Long before Spader came on The Office and stole the show, he joined another already-established series and made a huge impact. The Practice was a hit legal drama that follows the lawyers of a top defense firm in Boston as they juggle the wins and losses of their biggest cases. Spader first showed up in season 8 where he played Alan Shore, a new associate who joins the firm after several cast members, including Dylan McDermott, left.
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Alan was an unpredictable and eccentric lawyer who was a breath of fresh air in the long-running series, providing a character who was funny as well as a compelling heroic lawyer. His time would be short as the series ended after that season, but it was a big hit. Not only was it enough to earn Spader an Emmy Award, but the popularity of the series also led to Alan getting his own spinoff series with Boston Legal.
7 Secretary (2002)
James Spader & Maggie Gyllenhaal In A BDSM Drama
Secretary
Secretary (2002) explores the complex relationship between a dominative lawyer, played by James Spader, and his submissive secretary, portrayed by Maggie Gyllenhaal. The film addresses themes of power dynamics and self-discovery within an unconventional romantic setting. Directed by Steven Shainberg, the narrative delves into the psychological intricacies of the main characters, setting it apart from traditional romantic dramas.
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*Availability in US Release Date September 20, 2002 Director Steven Shainberg Cast James Spader , Maggie Gyllenhaal , Jeremy Davies , Patrick Bauchau , Stephen McHattie , Lesley Ann Warren Runtime 107 Minutes
This erotic romantic comedy-drama stars Maggie Gyllenhaal as Lee Holloway, the submissive secretary to a dominant lawyer, E. Edward Grey (Spader). While working together, they engage in various BDSM activities when Grey begins to get aroused by how obedient Lee is. However, amid their unconventional relationship, a genuine bond grows between these two people who don’t often feel like they can fit in.
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The movie takes the tricky subject matter and delivers something that is funny and surprisingly heartfelt. Secretary is not everyone, but the performances show that even those with sexual desires outside the mainstream can be relatable. Gyllenhaal was the breakout star of the movie, earning several critics awards for her performance. However, Spader’s nuanced performance should also not be overlooked as he is able to make the audience care about this character who they might immediately feel repulsed by.
With Spader’s character named Grey, some have suggested
Secretary
helped inspire the novel
Fifty Shades of Grey
.
6 Stargate (1994)
James Spader In His Biggest Blockbuster Of The ’90s
Stargate PG-13ActionAdventure Sci-Fi
Stargate is a 1994 film from Independence Day director Roland Emmerich. Starring Kurt Russell and James Spader, Stargate focuses on an extraterrestrial device called a “Stargate” that can create a wormhole, allowing users to travel to another place in the universe. The film led to a spinoff TV show in 1997 called Stargate SG-1, which lasted for ten seasons.
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*Availability in US Release Date October 28, 1994 Director Roland Emmerich Cast Kurt Russell , James Spader , Jaye Davidson , Viveca Lindfors , Alexis Cruz , Mili Avital , Leon Rippy , John Diehl Runtime 116 Minutes
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Throughout James Spader’s lengthy filmography, he has mostly stuck with indie movies and smaller thrillers. However, in 1994, Spader took part in one of the biggest blockbusters of his movie career with the sci-fi action movie Stargate. Spader starred as Dr. Daniel Jackson, an Egyptologist, who teams with a soldier named Jack O’Neil (Kurt Russell) to explore an ancient device known as the Stargate, which creates a wormhole and allows them to travel to a point in the universe where another Stargate exists.
Stargate was a huge success, earning $196.6 million off a $55 million budget (via The Numbers) and spawning a franchise that included several television shows. One of the highlights of the movie is the cast, with Kurt Russell fitting nicely into the action hero role he is known for, and Spader totally game as the more intellectual hero character.
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5 Pretty In Pink (1986)
Spader Plays An Antagonistic Jerk In An ’80s Rom-Com Classic
Pretty in Pink PG-13RomanceDramaComedy
Pretty in Pink is a 1986 romantic comedy-drama directed by Howard Deutch and written by John Hughes. The film stars Molly Ringwald as Andie, a high school student navigating social divisions and romantic entanglements. With a prominent supporting cast including Jon Cryer and Andrew McCarthy, the story explores themes of class disparity and youthful aspirations in the context of 1980s suburban America.
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*Availability in US Director Howard Deutch Release Date February 28, 1986 Cast Molly Ringwald , Harry Dean Stanton , Jon Cryer , Annie Potts , James Spader Runtime 97 Minutes
One of the most iconic teen rom-coms of the ’80s, Pretty in Pink starred Brat Pack actors like Molly Ringwald and Andrew McCarthy, along with Spader in a supporting role. Protagonist Andie Walsh (Ringwald) is a young high schooler torn between the love her childhood friend has for her and the exciting romance blossoming with the school’s most popular boy. Spader plays Steff McKee, a wealthy and arrogant teenager who likes to bully Andie and her friends. Like many bullies in real life, McKee is secretly insecure and has a crush on Andie, angry that she rejected his advances.
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Spader is perfect in the role, a young man who uses arrogance and feigned disinterest to mask his self-doubt. Though the actor starred in a number of movies with Brat Pack actors, he always separated himself from those mainstream teen roles with his more eccentric and atypical performances. This is a perfect example of this, as the actor brings so much to what could be a clichéd character, adding to the legacy of the John Hughes classic.
Related James Spader’s Pretty In Pink Bully Earned Him The Nickname “Mr Sneer”
Pretty In Pink kicked off several bully roles for James Spader in the 1980s, which earned him the moniker “Mr. Sneer” in the press.
4 Boston Legal (2004-2008)
James Spader Won Two Emmys On Boston Legal
Boston Legal TV-14ComedyCrimeDrama
Boston Legal is a legal comedy-drama series created by David E. Kelley and initially premiered in 2004. The series follows the exploits of the Crane, Poole & Schmidt law firm staff helmed by Denny Crane (William Shatner) and Alan Shore (James Spader) as the attorneys dabble into the legal gray area to take on cases deemed “unwinnable.”
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*Availability in US Cast James Spader , Monica Potter , Rhona Mitra , Lake Bell , Mark Valley , William Shatner , Candice Bergen , Rene Auberjonois , Julie Bowen , Justin Mentell , Ryan Michelle Bathe , Craig Bierko , Constance Zimmer , Gary Anthony Williams , John Larroquette Release Date October 3, 2004 Seasons 5 Expand
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While James Spader won an Emmy in The Practice, he continued the role with even greater success in Boston Legal. The show lasted for five seasons and follows Alan Shore and his fellow attorneys at his new firm, Crane, Poole & Schmidt. He handles criminal and civil cases, while the storyline also follows his relationship with his co-workers and the people he interacts with.
Spader was about to grow the character of Alan Shore within his own show. Shore’s oddities got to be explored more as the series embraced an absurd and sometimes surreal sense of humor amid the courtroom drama. It was especially fun to see Spader sharing a scene with his costar William Shatner as Denny Crane. The show was a huge success, picking up 26 Emmy nominations. Spader won two Emmy Awards with three nominations for Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
3 Crash (1996)
An Erotic Thriller From David Cronenberg
Crash NC-17Drama
Crash is a 1996 film directed by David Cronenberg, adapted from the novel by J.G. Ballard. The film explores the lives of individuals who develop sexual fetishes stemming from car accidents. Starring James Spader, Holly Hunter, and Elias Koteas, it delves into the complex intersection of sexuality, technology, and danger as characters navigate their obsessive relationships with car crashes.
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*Availability in US Director David Cronenberg Release Date July 17, 1996 Cast James Spader , Holly Hunter , Elias Koteas , Deborah Kara Unger , Rosanna Arquette , Peter MacNeill , Yolande Julian , Cheryl Swarts Runtime 112 minutes
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Spader has been known to star in a number of movies that deal with sexually charged and sometimes unsettling subject matter. That was most prominently seen in his intense collaboration with director David Cronenberg. Crash has a unique and original premise as it has a cast of characters obsessed with the danger they feel being involved in or seeing car crashes. The movie delves into the fascination behind danger and how some people eroticize it, including James Ballard (Spader).
Spader gives a haunted yet passionate performance that sets the tone for the movie. There was controversy surrounding its sexual premise, but it was largely thanks to performances from the talented cast that sold it. Crash was warmly received in many circles for its bold and graphic style. It received a Jury Prize and a Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, as well as being nominated for the Palme d’Or.
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2 Lincoln (2012)
James Spader Played William N. Bilbo In Lincoln
Lincoln PG-13DramaHistoryBiography
From director Steven Spielberg, Lincoln stars Daniel Day-Lewis as the titular 16th president of the United States. The film portrays the final months of Lincoln’s life and focuses on his attempts to get the 13th amendment passed by the US Congress in order to abolish slavery in the aftermath of the Civil War. Sally Field, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Tommy Lee Jones also star.
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*Availability in US Director Steven Spielberg Release Date November 9, 2012 Cast Joseph Gordon-Levitt , David Strathairn , Sally Field , Tommy Lee Jones , Daniel Day-Lewis Runtime 150minutes
Daniel Day-Lewis won the third Best Actor Oscar of his career for this 2012 biographical historical drama from Steven Spielberg about the 16th President of the United States of America. The movie was another that saw James Spader in an important supporting role. He played Republican Party operative William N. Bilbo who was sent to prison and freed by Lincoln before lobbying for the Thirteenth Amendment to abolish slavery.
While Day-Lewis’ towering performance commands the movie, it is an incredible ensemble of actors with Spader being nominated alongside them for the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast. Spader’s role is not as big as others, but it is another example of him making the most of his screen time, giving an energetic and comedic performance as this atypical political operative whose unkempt demeanor doesn’t stop him from getting the job done.
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The movie itself is a riveting and engrossing look at a pivotal time in American history. Spielberg creates an epic feel to the movie while also feeling intimate in those exciting courtroom sequences.
Liam Neeson was Spielberg’s first choice to play Lincoln.
1 Sex, Lies, And Videotape (1989)
James Spader In His Most Acclaimed Indie Role
Sex, Lies, and Videotape RDrama
Sex, Lies, and Videotape is a drama film that explores the complex web of relationships between four people, including a troubled marriage, an illicit affair, and a voyeuristic outsider, all of whom are connected by their obsessions and desires.
Director Steven Soderbergh Release Date August 4, 1989 Cast Andie MacDowell , Peter Gallagher , James Spader , Laura San Giacomo , Ron Vawter Runtime 101 Minutes
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The best of James Spader’s career, this independent Steven Soderbergh drama saw Spader in a leading role that helped launch him into the more adult phase of his career. The movie follows Ann Mullany (Andie McDowell), a sexually repressed woman whose husband is having an affair with her more outgoing sister. However, when she meets her husband’s old friend, Graham (Spader), the two form a connection while confronting their personal issues together.
Credited with helping revolutionize the independent film movement in the ’90s, Sex, Lies, and Videotape remains one of Spader’s best performances to date. While Spader can be known for his charismatic and scene-stealing roles, his reserved and quiet performance here shows the range of his abilities, earning him a Best Actor award from the Cannes Film Festival. The film won the Palme d’Or in 1989 and earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. It was deemed culturally significant and added to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2006.