What are the best Kurt Russell movies? We pick 10 of our favourites

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March 17, 1951 was a great day in history, because that’s the day Kurt Vogel Russell entered the world. And while he would go on to become one of the biggest icons of the eighties and nineties, many folks don’t know that Russell started as a child star for The Walt Disney Company, even acting opposite his future life partner Goldie Hawn in The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band (1968) – although they wouldn’t get together until Russell ended up in another movie starring Goldie Hawn, Swing Shift (1984). From the sixties into the seventies, he starred in Disney flicks like The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969), but as the studio’s movies started to flop and Russell got older, a change of pace was needed. Arguably, Russell’s career took off when he began working with director John Carpenter, with the first movie being 1979’s TV movie Elvis, but what are Kurt Russell’s best movies? Let’s dig into them here.

Russell has one of the most eclectic careers in Hollywood history, bouncing between action, comedy, horror, and prestige drama with ease. Rather than rank his films, this list highlights a curated selection of his most essential performances and fan-favorite roles, spanning decades of his career. These picks reflect a mix of iconic characters, standout performances, and highly rewatchable films.

Honorable Mention: Captain Ron (1992)

Why it stands out: A nostalgic fan-favorite that highlights Russell’s underrated comedic side.
Russell’s role: He plays a one-eyed boat captain, essentially a comedic riff on Snake Plissken.
Why it’s worth watching: A breezy, personality-driven comedy elevated by his chemistry with Martin Short.

A few weeks ago, I name-checked Captain Ron in an article I was writing about the history of Touchstone Pictures, and folks went nuts in the comments, mentioning how it was a movie they grew up watching. Indeed, it shows Russell’s flair for comedy, with his one-eyed boat captain kind of a fun take-off on Snake Plissken. The great Martin Short ably supports him.

Escape From New York (1981)

Why it stands out: The film that transformed Kurt Russell into an action icon.
Russell’s role: Snake Plissken is a perfectly cast, against-type antihero who became instantly legendary.
Why it’s worth watching: John Carpenter’s dystopian vision and synth score give it a lasting cult appeal.

This was the movie that made Kurt Russell an icon. As the one-eyed Snake Plissken, Russell was brilliantly cast against type in John Carpenter’s dystopian action flick. This is a pretty iconic film if you can get over the hilarious depiction of New York circa 1997 being a hellish maximum security prison city. Carpenter’s musical score is perfect here. That said, I don’t care for the sequel, Escape from L.A.

The Thing (1982)

Why it stands out: Widely considered one of the greatest horror remakes ever made.
Russell’s role: His portrayal of MacReady is rugged, paranoid, and deeply iconic.
Why it’s worth watching: Groundbreaking practical effects and a chilling atmosphere have elevated it from flop to classic.
Legacy: Now regarded as one of the best horror films of all time.

John Carpenter’s The Thing is my choice for the greatest remake ever. A massive flop in 1982, it’s now considered one of the greatest horror flicks of all time. The effects by Rob Bottin are great, and Russell is iconic as the heavily bearded MacReady. The score by Ennio Morricone (and let’s face it – John Carpenter) ain’t bad either.

Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

Why it stands out: A genre-bending cult classic that flips the action hero formula on its head.
Russell’s role: Jack Burton is a loud, clueless “hero” who’s actually along for the ride.
Why it’s worth watching: Wild fight choreography, memorable characters, and Carpenter’s unique tone make it endlessly rewatchable.

Kurt Russell’s Jack Burton is one of the most iconic action heroes of all time, which is hilarious when you realize that he actually doesn’t do a heck of a lot in the movie. All the heroics come via his “sidekick,” Dennis Dun’s Wang Chi. Carpenter’s score is excellent, the fight choreography is a million times better than anything else happening in American movies at the time, and Kim Cattrall is gorgeous as the love interest. Plus, there’s the great James Hong as Lo Pan!

Tango & Cash (1989)

Why it stands out: A pure showcase of Russell’s action star charisma at its peak.
Russell’s role: He plays the wisecracking half of an odd-couple pairing with Sylvester Stallone.
Why it’s worth watching: It’s not high art, but the chemistry, energy, and excess make it a blast.

This was the movie that made Russell a legitimate action star. It has Russell’s mullet at its most featured, and his chemistry with Sylvester Stallone is on point. Plus, there’s a young Teri Hatcher as his love interest. It’s not art, but it’s damn fun.

Unlawful Entry (1992)

Why it stands out: A tense, underappreciated thriller that casts Russell against type.
Russell’s role: He plays an ordinary man pushed into a nightmare situation.
Why it’s worth watching: The escalating tension and Ray Liotta’s unhinged performance make it gripping throughout.

This is a favorite of ours here at JoBlo. It’s a top-shelf thriller, with Russell cast against type as a yuppie who becomes stalked by a cop obsessed with his wife, played by Madeleine Stowe. As good as Russell is, though, the late Ray Liotta walks away with this one.

Tombstone (1993)

Why it stands out: A passion project that became one of the most beloved modern westerns.
Russell’s role: His Wyatt Earp is grounded and authoritative, anchoring the story.
Why it’s worth watching: A stacked cast and endlessly quotable dialogue elevate it, even with Val Kilmer stealing scenes.
Behind the scenes: Russell has long claimed he ghost-directed the film.

Everyone assumed Russell’s Wyatt Earp passion project would flop, as it came out just a few months before Kevin Costner’s epic take on the legendary lawman. This one is way better, although once again, Russell has the movie stolen from him by Val Kilmer, who’s cast to perfection as Doc Holliday. Russell has always said he ghost-directed this one.

Stargate (1994)

Why it stands out: A sci-fi adventure that could have launched a major Russell-led franchise.
Russell’s role: He plays a hardened, reluctant military leader with emotional depth.
Why it’s worth watching: Its ambitious world-building and David Arnold’s score give it lasting appeal.

This probably should have jumpstarted a movie franchise centred around Kurt Russell as the tortured Colonel Jack O’Neil. Sadly, Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin got busy with Independence Day. This one has an iconic score by David Arnold and a fantastic one-liner by Russell: “Give my regards to King Tut a**hole.”

Executive Decision (1996)

Why it stands out: A slick ’90s thriller that positions Russell as an everyman hero.
Russell’s role: He plays a reluctant operative forced into a high-stakes situation.
Why it’s worth watching: A tight premise and strong pacing make it one of the era’s more effective action thrillers.

The fact that Steven Seagal plays the second banana to Kurt Russell in this slick terrorist flick says it all. Russell’s star was on the rise in 1996, and this is a slick thriller that lets him play an everyman hero who, when the chips are down, can rise to the occasion.

Breakdown (1997)

Why it stands out: One of Russell’s most intense and stripped-down performances.
Russell’s role: A desperate husband pushed to the edge after his wife is abducted.
Why it’s worth watching: Lean, suspenseful storytelling and a strong villain turn make it relentlessly tense.

Russell is back in thriller mode, with him a hapless motorist whose wife (Kathleen Quinlan) is abducted by a charismatic truck driver, played by the late, great J.T. Walsh. This thriller was so tense it directly led to director Jonathan Mostow being given the reins to Terminator: Rise of the Machines.

Bone Tomahawk (2015)

Why it stands out: A late-career standout that blends western and horror elements.
Russell’s role: He plays a steady, no-nonsense sheriff leading a brutal rescue mission.
Why it’s worth watching: Its slow-burn tension and shocking violence make it a modern cult favorite.

This late-career classic from Russell pairs him with S. Craig Zahler, one of the best new directors, who has been inactive too long (although that might soon change). With horror movie-level violence, a great supporting turn by Richard Jenkins (he plays a great old coot in the Walter Brennan mode), and tons of atmosphere, this one is a real gem. Plus, Patrick Wilson and Matthew Fox are along for the ride!

Also worth checking out (ensemble or supporting roles):

• Dark Blue (2002) – An underrated cop thriller
• Backdraft (1991) – A major hit, though more William Baldwin’s showcase
• Death Proof (2007)
• The Hateful Eight (2015)
• Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)

In these films, Russell delivers strong performances but operates more as part of an ensemble, which is why they’re not included above.

If you’re new to Kurt Russell, Escape from New York, The Thing, and Tombstone are the best starting points, showcasing his range across action, horror, and westerns.

What do you think are Kurt Russell’s best movies? Would you have included Used Cars (1980) or Tequila Sunrise (1988) on the list? Let us know in the comments.