The Best Keith David Movies

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Updated August 11, 2023 1.2K votes 105 voters
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List of the best Keith David movies, ranked best to worst with movie trailers when available. Keith David'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 Keith David movies is decided by how many votes they receive, so only highly rated Keith David movies will be at the top of the list. Keith David has been in a lot of films, so people often debate each other over what the greatest Keith David movie of all time is. If you and a friend are arguing about this then use this list of the most entertaining Keith David films to end the squabble once and for all.

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

This list includes Death at a Funeral, The Grave and more films.

"This list answers the questions, "What are the best Keith David movies?" and "What are the greatest Keith David roles of all time?"

Keith David is no stranger to working with popular directors, including Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay and Paul Haggis.

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  • The Thing
    1

    The Thing

    Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, T.K. Carter
    27 votes
    • Released: 1982
    • Directed by: John Carpenter
    In the frost-bitten isolation of Antarctica, a team of American researchers find themselves under siege. Their adversary? An alien life-form with an unnerving ability to assume the appearance of its victims. The team's helicopter pilot, R.J. MacReady (Kurt Russell), steps up in defense of his comrades, igniting a nerve-wracking battle of paranoia and survival against their shape-shifting foe. This is The Thing, a chilling blend of science fiction and horror directed by John Carpenter. The movie, released in 1982, stands as a testament to practical effects, expertly designed suspense and a hauntingly desolate setting that amplifies the terror within.

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  • Platoon
    2

    Platoon

    Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, Charlie Sheen
    26 votes
    • Released: 1986
    • Directed by: Oliver Stone
    In the gritty war drama Platoon, we follow Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen), an American soldier thrust into the horrors of the Vietnam War. As he navigates this brutal landscape, Chris finds himself torn between two sergeants: the morally corrupt Barnes (Tom Berenger) and the righteous Elias (Willem Dafoe). Directed by Oliver Stone, this film offers an unflinching portrayal of warfare's dehumanizing effects. The movie was lauded for its realism and earned four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. It stands as a chilling testament to the savagery of conflict and the toll it takes on those who endure it.

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  • They Live
    3

    They Live

    Roddy Piper, Keith David, Meg Foster
    22 votes
    • Released: 1988
    • Directed by: John Carpenter
    In the cult classic, They Live, John Nada (Roddy Piper), a drifter in economic despair, stumbles upon sunglasses that reveal a hidden reality. The world is controlled by extraterrestrials who use subliminal messaging to manipulate humans and maintain power. As he navigates this dystopian Los Angeles, Nada allies with Frank Armitage (Keith David) to expose the truth. Directed by John Carpenter, this sci-fi thriller combines elements of horror and satire, underlining social commentary on consumerism and media influence. Despite its release in 1988, They Live remains relevant today, a testament to its enduring impact.

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  • There's Something About Mary
    4

    There's Something About Mary

    Cameron Diaz, Matt Dillon, Ben Stiller
    16 votes
    • Released: 1998
    • Directed by: Robert Farrelly, Peter Farrelly
    In There's Something About Mary, Ted Stroehmann (Ben Stiller) cherishes a high school crush on the radiant Mary Jensen (Cameron Diaz). After a prom night debacle, years pass. Now, finding himself still smitten, Ted hires private investigator Pat Healy (Matt Dillon) to track her down. The comedy unravels when Healy falls for Mary too, weaving a web of deceit to win her heart. A string of comedic misadventures ensues in this Farrelly Brothers' film, blending romance and hilarity in an unforgettable mix that earned Diaz a Golden Globe nomination.

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  • Dead Presidents
    5

    Dead Presidents

    Larenz Tate, Keith David, Chris Tucker
    20 votes
    • Released: 1995
    • Directed by: Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes
    In the film Dead Presidents, Anthony Curtis (Larenz Tate) is a promising young student who makes the hard choice to enlist in the Vietnam War. After his return, he finds himself entangled in a life of crime, struggling to reintegrate into society. Franklin (Keith David), a fellow veteran, and Kirby (Chris Tucker), Anthony's old friend, join him on this tumultuous journey. This crime drama, directed by the Hughes Brothers, offers a gritty portrayal of post-war America, with its characters grappling with societal disillusionment and economic desperation. The film won acclaim for its powerful depiction of war and its aftermath, without romanticizing or trivializing the struggles faced by veterans.

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  • Armageddon
    6

    Armageddon

    Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, Liv Tyler
    15 votes
    • Released: 1998
    • Directed by: Michael Bay
    In Armageddon, a NASA executive (Billy Bob Thornton) recruits a ragtag team of drillers, led by Harry Stamper (Bruce Willis), to save the world from an approaching asteroid. Meanwhile, Grace Stamper (Liv Tyler), Harry's daughter, is romantically involved with A.J. Frost (Ben Affleck), one of the team members. This action-packed sci-fi thriller, directed by Michael Bay, intertwines elements of suspense and drama as humanity's last hope embarks on a high-stakes space mission. The film won multiple awards for its visual effects and original song I Don't Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith.