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All Kurt Russell Movies Ranked

Even before he became one of the big players of Hollywood’s golden age of action movies during the 1980s and 1990s, Kurt Russell was already a prince on the Disney lot, growing up on-screen in live-action comedies like The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes and The Barefoot Executive. It must’ve been a good education because Russell was able to carry dramatic chops to the violent spectacle films that would become his calling, projecting a world-weary sensitivity that elevated him among action movie peers. Snake Plissken (Escape From New York), R.J. MacReady (The Thing), and Jack Burton (Big Trouble in Little China) are all genre icons, created through a fruitful relationship with director John Carpenter. Tango & Cash, Tombstone, Stargate, Backdraft, and Breakdown are more thrilling fan-beloved productions.

Since partnering with Quentin Tarantino on Death Proof, Russell has been judicious in his selection process, which continues to pay off through critically acclaimed roles. He’s been adding to his Western portfolio (The Hateful Eight, Bone Tomahawk), showed up in a few Fast & Furious movies, played Santa Claus (The Christmas Chronicles and its sequel), and became a living planet in the MCU (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2). And now we’re ranking all Kurt Russell movies by Tomatometer! —Alex Vo

Bone Tomahawk (2015)

91%

Critics Consensus: Bone Tomahawk's peculiar genre blend won't be for everyone, but its gripping performances and a slow-burning story should satisfy those in search of something different.

Synopsis: In the Old West, a sheriff (Kurt Russell), his deputy (Richard Jenkins), a gunslinger (Matthew Fox),and a cowboy (Patrick Wilson) embark on a mission to... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, Patrick Wilson, Richard Jenkins, Matthew Fox

Directed By: S. Craig Zahler

Escape From New York (1981)

85%

Critics Consensus: Featuring an atmospherically grimy futuristic metropolis, Escape from New York is a strange, entertaining jumble of thrilling action and oddball weirdness.

Synopsis: In 1997, a major war between the United States and the Soviet Union is concluding, and the entire island of Manhattan has been converted into... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, Ernest Borgnine, Adrienne Barbeau, Lee Van Cleef

Directed By: John Carpenter

Swing Shift (1984)

87%

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: During World War II, a navy wife helps the war effort by taking a job in the local aircraft factory, where she meets a man... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Christine Lahti, Fred Ward

Directed By: Jonathan Demme

Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood (2019)

86%

Critics Consensus: Thrillingly unrestrained yet solidly crafted, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood tempers Tarantino's provocative impulses with the clarity of a mature filmmaker's vision.

Synopsis: Actor Rick Dalton gained fame and fortune by starring in a 1950s television Western, but is now struggling to find meaningful work in a Hollywood... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Kurt Russell

Directed By: Quentin Tarantino

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

85%

Critics Consensus: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2's action-packed plot, dazzling visuals, and irreverent humor add up to a sequel that's almost as fun -- if not quite as thrillingly fresh -- as its predecessor.

Synopsis: Peter Quill and his fellow Guardians are hired by a powerful alien race, the Sovereign, to protect their precious batteries from invaders. When it is... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Bradley Cooper, Dave Bautista

Directed By: James Gunn

Grindhouse (2007)

84%

Critics Consensus: Grindhouse delivers exhilarating exploitation fare with wit and panache, improving upon its source material with feral intelligence.

Synopsis: Filmmakers Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez pay tribute to exploitation films of the 1970s with two features in one. Tarantino directs Death Proof, a slasher... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, Rose McGowan, Freddy Rodríguez, Marley Shelton

Directed By: Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez

Deepwater Horizon (2016)

82%

Critics Consensus: Deepwater Horizon makes effective use of its titular man-made disaster to deliver an uncommonly serious -- yet still suitably gripping -- action thriller.

Synopsis: On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explodes in the Gulf of Mexico, igniting a massive fireball that kills several crew members. Chief... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Kurt Russell, Douglas M. Griffin, James DuMont

Directed By: Peter Berg

Furious 7 (2015)

81%

Critics Consensus: Serving up a fresh round of over-the-top thrills while adding unexpected dramatic heft, Furious 7 keeps the franchise moving in more ways than one.

Synopsis: After defeating international terrorist Owen Shaw, Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) and the rest of the crew have separated to return to... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez

Directed By: James Wan

#10

The Thing (1982)

85%

Critics Consensus: Grimmer and more terrifying than the 1950s take, John Carpenter's The Thing is a tense sci-fi thriller rife with compelling tension and some remarkable make-up effects.

Synopsis: In remote Antarctica, a group of American research scientists are disturbed at their base camp by a helicopter shooting at a sled dog. When they... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, T.K. Carter, Richard Dysart

Directed By: John Carpenter

#11

Breakdown (1997)

83%

Critics Consensus: A brainy and suspenseful -- if somewhat uneven -- thriller.

Synopsis: While traveling to California, Taylor and his wife, Amy, experience a vehicle malfunction on a remote highway. Amy Taylor accepts a ride from a truck... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, J.T. Walsh, Kathleen Quinlan, M.C. Gainey

Directed By: Jonathan Mostow

#12

Miracle (2004)

80%

Critics Consensus: Kurt Russell's performance guides this cliche-ridden tale into the realm of inspirational, nostalgic goodness.

Synopsis: When college coach Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell) is hired to helm the 1980 U.S. men's Olympic hockey team, he brings a unique and brash style... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Noah Emmerich, Sean McCann

Directed By: Gavin O'Connor

#14

Used Cars (1980)

77%

Critics Consensus: Robert Zemeckis' pitch-black satire of American culture doesn't always hit the mark, but Used Cars has got enough manic comic energy to warrant a spin.

Synopsis: Rudy Russo (Kurt Russell) is an unscrupulous car salesman who aspires to become a politician. In the meantime, however, Rudy works for the nice but... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, Jack Warden, Gerrit Graham, Frank McRae

Directed By: Robert Zemeckis

#15

Silkwood (1983)

77%

Critics Consensus: Silkwood seethes with real-life rage -- but backs it up with compelling characters and trenchant observations.

Synopsis: This drama is based on the true story of Karen Silkwood (Meryl Streep), who works at a nuclear facility, along with her boyfriend, Drew Stephens... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Meryl Streep, Kurt Russell, Cher, Craig T. Nelson

Directed By: Mike Nichols

#16

Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

71%

Critics Consensus: Brimming with energy and packed with humor, Big Trouble in Little China distills kung fu B-movies as affectionately as it subverts them.

Synopsis: Kurt Russell plays hard-boiled truck driver Jack Burton, who gets caught in a bizarre conflict within, and underneath, San Francisco's Chinatown. An ancient Chinese prince... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, Dennis Dun, James Hong

Directed By: John Carpenter

#17

Backdraft (1991)

72%

Critics Consensus: It's not particularly deep, but Backdraft is a strong action movie with exceptional special effects.

Synopsis: Chicago firefighting brothers Stephen (Kurt Russell) and Brian (William Baldwin) have been rivals since childhood. Brian, struggling to prove himself, transfers to the arson unit.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, Robert De Niro, Donald Sutherland

Directed By: Ron Howard

#18

The Hateful Eight (2015)

74%

Critics Consensus: The Hateful Eight offers another well-aimed round from Quentin Tarantino's signature blend of action, humor, and over-the-top violence -- all while demonstrating an even stronger grip on his filmmaking craft.

Synopsis: While racing toward the town of Red Rock in post-Civil War Wyoming, bounty hunter John "The Hangman" Ruth (Kurt Russell) and his fugitive prisoner (Jennifer... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins

Directed By: Quentin Tarantino

#19

Tombstone (1993)

76%

Critics Consensus: If you're seeking a stylish modern western with a solid story and a well-chosen ensemble cast, Tombstone is your huckleberry.

Synopsis: Wyatt Earp and his brothers, Morgan and Virgil, have left their gunslinger ways behind them to settle down and start a business in the town... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Michael Biehn, Powers Boothe

Directed By: George P. Cosmatos

#20

Unlawful Entry (1992)

75%

Critics Consensus: Unlawful Entry may not depict a particularly novel or believable situation, but tense direction and a roundly committed cast make it easy to get caught up in the moment.

Synopsis: Happily married Michael (Kurt Russell) and Karen Carr (Madeleine Stowe) call the police after a failed robbery. Officer Pete Davis (Ray Liotta) arrives and helps... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, Ray Liotta, Madeleine Stowe, Roger E. Mosley

Directed By: Jonathan Kaplan

#21

Sky High (2005)

74%

Critics Consensus: This highly derivative superhero coming-of-age flick is moderately entertaining, family-friendly fluff.

Synopsis: At a school in the sky where teens learn how to be superheroes, Will Stronghold (Michael Angarano) lands in a class for students who show... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Michael Angarano, Kurt Russell, Kelly Preston, Danielle Panabaker

Directed By: Mike Mitchell

#22

The Fox and the Hound (1981)

75%

Critics Consensus: The Fox and the Hound is a likeable, charming, unassuming effort that manages to transcend its thin, predictable plot.

Synopsis: After his mother is killed, Tod the fox (Mickey Rooney) is taken in by the kindly Widow Tweed (Jeanette Nolan). He soon befriends the neighbor's... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Mickey Rooney, Kurt Russell, Pearl Bailey, Jack Albertson

Directed By: Ted Berman, Richard Rich, Art Stevens

#23

The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

67%

Critics Consensus: Viewers seeking a fresh holiday viewing option -- or those simply in the mood for Santa Kurt Russell -- should find The Christmas Chronicles well worth a yuletide stream.

Synopsis: Siblings Kate and Teddy Pierce hatch a scheme to capture Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. When the plan goes awry, the kids join forces with... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, Darby Camp, Judah Lewis, Kimberly Williams-Paisley

Directed By: Clay Kaytis

#24

The Fate of the Furious (2017)

67%

Critics Consensus: The Fate of the Furious opens a new chapter in the franchise, fueled by the same infectious cast chemistry and over-the-top action fans have come to expect.

Synopsis: With Dom and Letty married, Brian and Mia retired and the rest of the crew exonerated, the globe-trotting team has found some semblance of a... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Charlize Theron, Jason Statham

Directed By: F. Gary Gray

#25

The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020)

66%

Critics Consensus: While it's missing some of the magic of the original, The Christmas Chronicles 2 serves up a sweet second helping of holiday cheer that makes the most of its marvelously matched leads.

Synopsis: Teenager Kate Pierce is reunited with Santa Claus when a troublemaker threatens to cancel Christmas -- forever.

Starring: Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Darby Camp, Judah Lewis

Directed By: Chris Columbus

#26

Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story (2005)

64%

Critics Consensus: Though formulaic, this horse story's saving grace is its strong performances.

Synopsis: Ben Crane (Kurt Russell) is a horse trainer who is struggling to connect with his precocious daughter, Cale (Dakota Fanning). But then a horse by... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, Dakota Fanning, Kris Kristofferson, Elisabeth Shue

Directed By: John Gatins

#27

Executive Decision (1996)

62%

Critics Consensus: Executive Decision adheres entertainingly to classic action thriller formula, proving a genre outing doesn't need to win points for originality to be solidly effective.

Synopsis: When terrorists hijack a plane traveling from Greece to Washington, D.C., U.S. Army specialist David Grant (Kurt Russell) and Lt. Colonel Austin Travis (Steven Seagal)... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, Halle Berry, John Leguizamo, Steven Seagal

Directed By: Stuart Baird

#28

The Mean Season (1985)

64%

Critics Consensus: A thriller that plays at social commentary, The Mean Season fumbles with its weightier themes, but does so in a generally watchable way.

Synopsis: After reporting on the murder of a teenage girl, journalist Malcolm Anderson (Kurt Russell) is contacted by the killer (Richard Jordan) known as the "Numbers... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, Mariel Hemingway, Richard Jordan, Richard Masur

Directed By: Phillip Borsos

#29

F9 The Fast Saga (2021)

59%

Critics Consensus: F9 sends the franchise hurtling further over the top than ever, but director Justin Lin's knack for preposterous set pieces keeps the action humming.

Synopsis: Vin Diesel's Dom Toretto is leading a quiet life off the grid with Letty and his son, little Brian, but they know that danger always... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson

Directed By: Justin Lin

#30

Dark Blue (2002)

59%

Critics Consensus: Kurt Russell gives a good performance. Too bad there's nothing here that you haven't seen before.

Synopsis: Set in the Los Angeles Police Department in 1992, "Dark Blue" is a thriller that takes place just days before the acquittal of four white... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, Brendan Gleeson, Scott Speedman, Michael Michele

Directed By: Ron Shelton

#31

Stargate (1994)

53%

Critics Consensus: Stargate has splashy visuals and James Spader to recommend it, but corny characterization and a clunky script makes this a portal to ho-hum.

Synopsis: In modern-day Egypt, professor Daniel Jackson (James Spader) teams up with retired Army Col. Jack O'Neil (Kurt Russell) to unlock the code of an interstellar... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, James Spader, Jaye Davidson, Viveca Lindfors

Directed By: Roland Emmerich

#32

John Carpenter's Escape From L.A. (1996)

57%

Critics Consensus: Escape from L.A. has its moments, although it certainly suffers in comparison to the cult classic that preceded it.

Synopsis: In 2013, the United States president was exiling all citizens who don't conform to his hyper-conservative views to Los Angeles, which became an island after... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, Stacy Keach, Steve Buscemi, Cliff Robertson

Directed By: John Carpenter

#33

Tequila Sunrise (1988)

53%

Critics Consensus: Tequila Sunrise unites three of its decade's most in-demand stars for a slickly packaged crime drama that looks great without ever going anywhere particularly interesting.

Synopsis: In a seaside California town, best friends Mac (Mel Gibson) and Nick (Kurt Russell) are on opposite sides of the law. Mac is a former... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Mel Gibson, Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell, Raul Julia

Directed By: Robert Towne

#34

The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969)

57%

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: Students from a cash-strapped college, in need of a computer, convince businessman A.J. Arno (Cesar Romero) to donate one. When it needs to be repaired,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, Cesar Romero, Joe Flynn, William Schallert

Directed By: Robert Butler

#35

The Art of the Steal (2013)

46%

Critics Consensus: It boasts a terrific cast led by the always-watchable Kurt Russell and Terence Stamp, but The Art of the Steal wastes its stars on a formulaic plot that borrows too obviously from superior heist pictures.

Synopsis: Crunch Calhoun, a motorcycle daredevil and art thief, agrees to help his brother with one last heist. As Crunch gathers his old team and plans... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, Matt Dillon, Jay Baruchel, Katheryn Winnick

Directed By: Jonathan Sobol

#36

Overboard (1987)

46%

Critics Consensus: Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell's comedic chops elevate waterlogged material, but not even their buoyant chemistry can keep Overboard's creepy concept afloat.

Synopsis: Snobbish and wealthy Joanna Stayton is living a life of leisure with her husband, Grant, when she falls off their yacht and suffers amnesia. Grant... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Edward Herrmann, Katherine Helmond

Directed By: Garry Marshall

#37

Vanilla Sky (2001)

41%

Critics Consensus: An ambitious mix of genres, Vanilla Sky collapses into an incoherent jumble. Cruise's performance lacks depth, and it's hard to feel sympathy for his narcissistic character.

Synopsis: Tom Cruise and Cameron Crowe reunite after "Jerry Maguire" for "Vanilla Sky," the story of a young New York City publishing magnate who finds himself... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tom Cruise, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Kurt Russell

Directed By: Cameron Crowe

#38

Touchback (2011)

42%

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: A man (Brian Presley) seeks counsel from his longtime mentor (Kurt Russell) when he gets a unique opportunity to revisit his youth and the injury... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Brian Presley, Kurt Russell, Melanie Lynskey, Marc Blucas

Directed By: Don Handfield

#39

Poseidon (2006)

33%

Critics Consensus: This remake of The Poseidon Adventure delivers dazzling special effects. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that any of the budget was left over to devote to the script.

Synopsis: After a huge tidal wave capsizes a luxury liner in the North Atlantic, individual survivors (Josh Lucas, Kurt Russell, Jacinda Barrett) band together and traverse... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Josh Lucas, Kurt Russell, Jacinda Barrett, Richard Dreyfuss

Directed By: Wolfgang Petersen

#40

The Best of Times (1986)

29%

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: Married banker Jack Dundee (Robin Williams) has lived his life regretting a botched play he made in a high school football game. His friend Reno... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Robin Williams, Kurt Russell, Pamela Reed, Holly Palance

Directed By: Roger Spottiswoode

#41

Tango & Cash (1989)

31%

Critics Consensus: Brutally violent and punishingly dull, this cookie-cutter buddy cop thriller isn't even fun enough to reach "so bad it's good" status.

Synopsis: Police officers Ray Tango (Sylvester Stallone) and Gabe Cash (Kurt Russell) are narcotics experts working to bring down drug lord Yves Perret (Jack Palance). In... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Kurt Russell, Teri Hatcher, Jack Palance

Directed By: Andrey Konchalovskiy

#42

Captain Ron (1992)

26%

Critics Consensus: Despite the swashbuckling charms of Kurt Russell's seafaring antics, Captain Ron capsizes in its hackneyed narrative waters.

Synopsis: When mild-mannered Martin Harvey (Martin Short) finds out that he has inherited a vintage yacht, he decides to take his family on a Caribbean vacation... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, Martin Short, Mary Kay Place, Benjamin Salisbury

Directed By: Thom Eberhardt

#43

Crypto (2019)

17%

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: A Wall Street banker connects a small-town art gallery to a global conspiracy, putting his own family in grave danger.

Starring: Beau Knapp, Alexis Bledel, Luke Hemsworth, Kurt Russell

Directed By: John Stalberg Jr.

#44

3000 Miles to Graceland (2001)

15%

Critics Consensus: While the premise sounds promising, the movie turns out to be a tedious and unnecessarily violent heist movie that's low on laughs and leaves no cliche unturned.

Synopsis: It's International Elvis Week in Las Vegas, where the strip is flooded by a sea of King wannabes decked out in jumpsuits and sideburns. But... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, Kevin Costner, Courteney Cox, Christian Slater

Directed By: Demian Lichtenstein

#45