The Best Sam Rockwell Movies

Ranker Film
Updated September 16, 2023 2.1K votes 494 voters 28.2K views
Over 400 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Sam Rockwell Movies
Voting Rules
Vote for your favorite movies, regardless of critic reviews or how big the role was.

This list is a testament to the career of Sam Rockwell and his ability to bring something special to every role he takes on - big or small. Movie fans around the world have come together in celebration of his work, creating an unforgettable ranking of some of the best films out there. Whether it's playing a villain that you can't help but love or delivering one-liners that leave you doubled over in laughter, Rockwell has proven time and time again why he remains one of Hollywood's most beloved stars.

So join us as we explore these amazing films starring Sam Rockwell, which includes Moon, Seven Psychopaths, Jojo Rabbit, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. From offbeat comedies to powerful dramas, this collection features some truly incredible performances from one of cinema’s most talented actors. And make sure to cast your vote for your favorite Sam Rockwell movie - maybe your choice will rise up the ranks.

Most divisive: Celebrity
Ranked by
  • Moon
    1

    Moon

    Sam Rockwell, Dominique McElligott, Kaya Scodelario
    121 votes
    • Released: 2009
    • Directed by: Duncan Jones
    Moon is a captivating science fiction drama, the directorial debut of Duncan Jones. The film features Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell), stationed alone on a lunar base for a three-year stint. As his tenure nears its end, he starts to grapple with disturbing experiences, questioning his reality. GERTY (voiced by Kevin Spacey), an AI assistant, is his only companion during this ordeal. A gripping exploration of isolation and identity, Moon won the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation in 2010. It's a cerebral journey that challenges viewers without relying on flashy special effects.

    Available On:

  • Seven Psychopaths
    2

    Seven Psychopaths

    Colin Farrell, Christopher Walken, Sam Rockwell
    105 votes
    • Released: 2012
    • Directed by: Martin McDonagh
    Boozy writer Marty (Colin Farrell) is a man in search of a screenplay. He has a catchy title but no story to go along with it. Marty has a couple of oddball buddies, Hans (Christopher Walken) and Billy (Sam Rockwell), who make a living by kidnapping rich people's dogs, then returning them and collecting the reward. However this time, the fur flies when Hans and Billy kidnap the beloved pooch of a gangster (Woody Harrelson), and Marty uses the ensuing events as fodder for his screenplay.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • The Green Mile
    3

    The Green Mile

    Tom Hanks, David Morse, Michael Clarke Duncan
    93 votes
    • Released: 1999
    • Directed by: Frank Darabont
    In the poignant drama The Green Mile, Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks) supervises death row in a 1930s Southern prison. Among the inmates, John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), a gentle giant with mysterious abilities, arrives for a ghastly crime he didn't commit. As Paul delves into John's enigmatic character, he discovers an extraordinary secret that challenges his beliefs. Adapted from Stephen King's novel, this film uniquely intertwines fantasy and period drama elements. Garnering four Academy Award nominations, it remains a compelling exploration of justice and humanity.

    Available On:

  • Confessions of a Dangerous Mind
    4

    Confessions of a Dangerous Mind

    Sam Rockwell, Drew Barrymore, George Clooney
    65 votes
    • Released: 2002
    • Directed by: George Clooney
    Confessions of a Dangerous Mind is an intriguing blend of biography and crime, filled with mystery and dark humor. The film orbits around the enigmatic life of Chuck Barris (Sam Rockwell), a renowned television producer who claims to have led a double life as a CIA assassin. Barris, famous for creating popular shows like The Gong Show, purports that his TV gigs were merely a cover for his covert operations. Directed by George Clooney, this film treads the fine line between reality and delusion, leaving viewers questioning the truth behind Barris's audacious confessions. Drew Barrymore and Julia Roberts offer compelling performances in supporting roles. A captivating watch, it's packed with unexpected twists and turns.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Jojo Rabbit
    5

    Jojo Rabbit

    Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Scarlett Johansson
    25 votes
    • Released: 2019
    • Directed by: Taika Waititi
    In the satirical film Jojo Rabbit, Jojo Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis), a young boy living in Nazi Germany, seeks guidance from his imaginary friend Adolf Hitler (Taika Waititi), who also serves as the film's director. The plot thickens when Jojo discovers his mother Rosie (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a Jewish girl, Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie), in their attic. A blend of comedy and drama, the movie explores themes of indoctrination and humanity amidst war. It garnered six Academy Award nominations, winning for Best Adapted Screenplay.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Lawn Dogs
    6

    Lawn Dogs

    Angie Harmon, Mischa Barton, Sam Rockwell
    48 votes
    • Released: 1997
    • Directed by: John Duigan
    Lawn Dogs is a 1997 fantasy-drama film directed by John Duigan and starring Mischa Barton and Sam Rockwell. The film tells the story of a precocious young girl from a gated community who befriends a male landscape worker, and examines the societal repercussions of their friendship. Written by Naomi Wallace, the film was released by Rank Organisation, and was the company's last production. The film uses the folktale of Baba Yaga as a prominent plot device. Although filmed in Louisville and Danville, Kentucky in the U.S., Lawn Dogs was a British film produced by Duncan Kenworthy. Lawn Dogs won numerous film awards at film festivals in Europe and met with critical acclaim, in particular for Barton's performance.

    Available On:

    free