All Of John Malkovich's Movies and TV Shows, Ranked

Over 500 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of All Of John Malkovich's Movies and TV Shows, Ranked
Voting Rules

Vote for your favorite John Malkovich movies and TV shows, regardless of critic reviews or how big the role was.

Latest additions: Fool's Paradise
Most divisive: The Great Buck Howard

With over 500 fans voting, this list of the best John Malkovich movies and shows is a must-see for any fan of the actor. From his iconic role as himself in Being John Malkovich to his Academy Award-nominated turn in Places in the Heart, John Malkovich has established himself as one of the most versatile and beloved actors of our time. Whether he's playing an eccentric CIA assassin or a determined cowboy, his performances never fail to captivate audiences.

John Malkovich's films and shows span genres and styles, from biting satire to heartwarming family dramas. But no matter what kind of film or show it is, there's always something special about watching him on screen - whether it's his oddball charisma or commanding presence that draws us in. Whatever it is that makes us love him so much, these are some of the finest examples of his work - voted on by 555+ fans. So why not take a look at this list and vote up your favorite?

Ranked by
  • Of Mice and Men
    1
    Film (1992)
    80 votes
    • Actors: John Malkovich, Gary Sinise, Ray Walston, Casey Siemaszko, Sherilyn Fenn
    • Released: 1992
    • Directed by: Gary Sinise
    Itinerant worker George (Gary Sinise) reflects on the time he spent traveling with Lennie (John Malkovich), a huge childlike man. The two men drift through California during the Great Depression, looking for work. After they find jobs on a ranch, Lennie develops an infatuation with the owner's daughter-in-law (Sherilyn Fenn). However, when George and Lennie are handed an opportunity to own part of the ranch, Lennie's fascination with the beautiful woman threatens to destroy their dreams.

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  • Con Air
    2
    Film (1997)
    93 votes
    • Actors: Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, John Malkovich, Steve Buscemi, Ving Rhames
    • Released: 1997
    • Directed by: Simon West
    In Con Air, Cameron Poe (Nicolas Cage), a newly released ex-con and former U.S. Ranger, finds himself trapped on a prisoner transport plane when the passengers seize control. Among them is Cyrus 'The Virus' Grissom (John Malkovich), a cunning and ruthless criminal mastermind. With help from U.S. Marshal Vince Larkin (John Cusack), Poe must thwart their deadly plans, save his friend Baby-O (Mykelti Williamson) and get home to his daughter. This action-packed thriller, directed by Simon West, blends high-stakes tension with explosive spectacle, delivering a wild ride in the sky.

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  • In the Line of Fire
    3
    75 votes
    • Actors: Clint Eastwood, John Malkovich, Rene Russo, Dylan McDermott, Gary Cole
    • Released: 1993
    • Directed by: Wolfgang Petersen
    In the heart-pounding thriller In the Line of Fire, seasoned Secret Service agent Frank Horrigan (Clint Eastwood) is haunted by his failure to prevent JFK's assassination. When a cunning and chillingly efficient assassin, Mitch Leary (John Malkovich), threatens to kill the current president, Horrigan is thrust back into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. With Rene Russo as sharp-tongued fellow agent Lilly Raines, the trio traverses a tense landscape filled with political intrigue and imminent danger. This film is an engrossing blend of suspense, action and psychological drama.

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  • Being John Malkovich
    4
    90 votes
    • Actors: John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener, Orson Bean, Mary Kay Place
    • Released: 1999
    • Directed by: Spike Jonze
    In the quirky film Being John Malkovich, puppeteer Craig Schwartz (John Cusack) stumbles upon a bizarre secret: a portal into the mind of actor John Malkovich (played by himself). Schwartz's wife, Lotte (Cameron Diaz), becomes obsessed with this surreal experience, leading to an unconventional love triangle involving Maxine (Catherine Keener), who exploits the portal for profit. Directed by Spike Jonze and penned by Charlie Kaufman, this dark comedy-drama delves into themes of identity and consciousness. It snagged three Academy Award nominations, including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. The film is a unique exploration of celebrity culture, layered with philosophical undertones.

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  • Dangerous Liaisons
    5
    68 votes
    • Actors: Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Michelle Pfeiffer, Swoosie Kurtz, Keanu Reeves
    • Released: 1988
    • Directed by: Stephen Frears
    The Marquise de Merteuil (Glenn Close) and the Vicomte de Valmont (John Malkovich) display the petty jealousies and jaded insouciance of life in France's royal court in the 18th century, casually ruining the lives of de Merteuil's young romantic rival (Uma Thurman), the music teacher (Keanu Reeves) for whom she secretly pines and the upstanding Madame de Tourvel (Michelle Pfeiffer). But when actual romantic feelings begin to surface, their games take on a more treacherous air.

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  • Red
    6
    Film (2010)
    86 votes
    • Actors: Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, Karl Urban
    • Released: 2010
    • Directed by: Robert Schwentke
    Red is a high-octane, action-comedy flick, boasting an ensemble cast headlined by Frank Moses (Bruce Willis), a retired black-ops CIA agent. Upon being targeted in a company-wide assassination attempt, Frank reassembles his old team of skilled operatives - Joe (Morgan Freeman), Marvin (John Malkovich), and Victoria (Helen Mirren). Together, they plunge into a whirlwind adventure, navigating covert affairs and dodging deadly threats. The film's intrigue lies not just in its explosive sequences but also in the dynamic interplay between characters who are past their prime yet undeniably resourceful. Red, a nod to their 'Retired, Extremely Dangerous' status, scooped up a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy.

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