The Best Billy Dee Williams Movies

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Updated August 11, 2023 358 votes 99 voters
Over 90 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Billy Dee Williams Movies
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List of the best Billy Dee Williams movies, ranked best to worst with movie trailers when available. Billy Dee Williams's highest grossing movies have received a lot of accolades over the years, earning millions upon millions around the world. The order of these top Billy Dee Williams movies is decided by how many votes they receive, so only highly rated Billy Dee Williams movies will be at the top of the list. Billy Dee Williams has been in a lot of films, so people often debate each other over what the greatest Billy Dee Williams movie of all time is. If you and a friend are arguing about this then use this list of the most entertaining Billy Dee Williams films to end the squabble once and for all.

If you think the best Billy Dee Williams role isn't at the top, then upvote it so it has the chance to become number one. The greatest Billy Dee Williams performances didn't necessarily come from the best movies, but in most cases they go hand in hand.

These films, like Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode III and Deadly Illusion include images when available.

"This list answers the questions, "What are the best Billy Dee Williams movies?" and "What are the greatest Billy Dee Williams roles of all time?"

Movie fans who love Billy Dee Williams have also been known to enjoy films starring James Earl Jones and Sammy Davis, Jr..

Most divisive: The Take
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  • Brian's Song
    1

    Brian's Song

    James Caan, Billy Dee Williams, Jack Warden
    11 votes
    • Released: 1971
    • Directed by: Buzz Kulik
    In Brian's Song, a tale of friendship and courage unfolds. The film chronicles the real-life relationship between Chicago Bears teammates Brian Piccolo (James Caan) and Gale Sayers (Billy Dee Williams). As rookie running backs, they form an unlikely bond that deepens when Piccolo is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Despite their competitive nature on the football field, off it, they share a brotherly love. This made-for-TV movie, originally aired in 1971, won multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Single Program - Drama or Comedy. A poignant narrative wrapped in the rough-and-tumble world of professional football; it's a story less about sports and more about human resilience.

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  • Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
    2

    Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

    Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher
    20 votes
    • Released: 1980
    • Directed by: Irvin Kershner
    In Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, the saga continues as Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) embarks on Jedi training with master Yoda, while his friends Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) are pursued by Darth Vader (voiced by James Earl Jones). This 1980 space opera, directed by Irvin Kershner, is a sequel in the epic Star Wars franchise. Known for its iconic plot twist and special effects, the film won an Oscar for Best Sound. It's a thrilling mix of adventure, treachery, and revelation, set against the backdrop of an interstellar war.
  • Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
    3

    Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

    Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher
    15 votes
    • Released: 1983
    • Directed by: Richard Marquand
    In Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, directed by Richard Marquand, the galaxy's fate hangs in the balance. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) is determined to bring his father, Darth Vader (David Prowse, voiced by James Earl Jones), back from the dark side. Meanwhile, Rebel forces, including Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford), plan to destroy the second Death Star being built by the evil Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid). The movie won an Oscar for Special Achievement in Visual Effects. This epic space opera concludes George Lucas's original Star Wars trilogy with thrilling action sequences and a poignant narrative.
  • Lady Sings the Blues
    4

    Lady Sings the Blues

    Diana Ross, Billy Dee Williams, Richard Pryor
    13 votes
    • Released: 1972
    • Directed by: Sidney J. Furie
    Pop star Diana Ross portrays legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday in this biographical drama. Beginning with Holiday's traumatic youth, the film depicts her early attempts at a singing career and her eventual rise to stardom, as well as her difficult relationship with Louis McKay (Billy Dee Williams), her boyfriend and manager. Casting a shadow over even Holiday's brightest moments is the vocalist's severe drug addiction, which threatens to end both her career and her life.
  • Mahogany
    5

    Mahogany

    Diana Ross, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Perkins
    8 votes
    • Released: 1975
    • Directed by: Berry Gordy
    Struggling Chicago fashion design student Tracy (Diana Ross) goes from rags to riches when a chance meeting with hotshot fashion photographer Sean (Anthony Perkins) in the department store where she works leads to a runway life as a model in Rome. Tracy's overnight success and strong ambitions bring her professional success as a designer, but her diva antics may destroy her relationship with social activist Brian (Billy Dee Williams), as well as her respect in the fashion world.

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  • Undercover Brother
    6

    Undercover Brother

    Eddie Griffin, Chris Kattan, Denise Richards
    11 votes
    • Released: 2002
    • Directed by: Malcolm D. Lee
    Blasted from the past and ready to take care of business, "Undercover Brother" is recruited to infiltrate a sinister underground movement headed by The Man. Partnered with the sassy, stunning Sistah Girl (Aunjanue Ellis), our hero must first undergo the ultimate attitude adjustment and trade in his 'fro and platforms for tennis sweaters and penny loafers. Once the transformation is complete, he's ready to take on the evil perpetrators of Operation Whitewash.

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