The Best James Garner Movies

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List of the best James Garner movies, ranked best to worst with movie trailers when available. James Garner may be best known for his roles in great TV series like Maverick and The Rockford Files, but his filmography is equally as impressive. James Garner'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 James Garner movies is decided by how many votes they receive, so only highly rated James Garner movies will be at the top of the list. James Garner has been in a lot of films, so people often debate each other over what the greatest James Garner movie of all time is. If you and a friend are arguing about this then use this list of the most entertaining James Garner films to end the squabble once and for all.

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

List films range from The Great Escape to The Notebook.

"This list answers the questions, "What are the best James Garner movies?" and "What are the greatest James Garner roles of all time?" If you are a fan of Garner's early work, you might also enjoy our list of best Steve McQueen movies and best Bruce Dern movies, as well as our list on incredibly macho facts about the man himself.

Robert Altman and Clint Eastwood are among those who have directed James Garner at one point or another during their careers in the film industry. If you're a fan of James Garner, then check out our lists of the best Rod Steiger and Brian Dennehy movies as well.

Ranked by
  • The Great Escape
    1
    Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough
    230 votes
    • Released: 1963
    • Directed by: John Sturges
    Imprisoned during World War II in a German POW camp, a group of Allied soldiers are intent on breaking out, not only to escape, but also to draw Nazi forces away from battle to search for fugitives. ...more
  • Support Your Local Sheriff!
    2
    James Garner, Joan Hackett, Walter Brennan
    242 votes
    • Released: 1969
    • Directed by: Burt Kennedy
    A small-scale gold rush erupts in a Colorado town after treasure is found in a grave. The area quickly becomes a magnet for criminals and other ne'er-do-wells, but everyone is too intent on searching ...more

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  • Murphy's Romance
    3
    Sally Field, James Garner, Brian Kerwin
    254 votes
    • Released: 1985
    • Directed by: Martin Ritt
    Emma (Sally Field), a divorced single mother seeking to start her life over, moves to a small town in Arizona. She builds a relationship with Murphy (James Garner), the older local pharmacist but, ...more

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  • Support Your Local Gunfighter
    4
    James Garner, Suzanne Pleshette, Jack Elam
    179 votes
    • Released: 1971
    • Directed by: Burt Kennedy
    When traveling con man Latigo Smith (James Garner) drifts into a small Western town, he decides to take advantage of a local rivalry between gold-mining factions. Recruiting the shifty Jug May (Jack ...more

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  • The Americanization of Emily
    5
    James Garner, Julie Andrews, Melvyn Douglas
    143 votes
    • Released: 1964
    • Directed by: Arthur Hiller
    In 1944, Lt. Cmdr. Charles Madison (James Garner) prides himself on being a cynical coward unwilling to step foot on shore during D-Day. His relaxed lifestyle attracts Englishwoman Emily Barham ...more
  • Move Over, Darling
    6
    Doris Day, James Garner, Polly Bergen
    149 votes
    • Released: 1963
    • Directed by: Michael Gordon
    Nicholas Arden (James Garner) has struggled to get over the absence of his wife, Ellen (Doris Day), but when it seems clear that she's perished in a plane crash, he decides to move on. Nicholas ...more

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