The Best Sam Waterston Movies and TV Shows

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Updated August 11, 2023 667 votes 117 voters
Over 100 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Sam Waterston Movies and TV Shows
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Vote for your favorite movies and shows, regardless of critic reviews or how big the role was.

List of the best Sam Waterston movies and shows, ranked best to worst. Sam Waterston's highest-grossing movies and shows have received many accolades over the years, earning millions around the world. The order of these top Sam Waterston movies and shows is decided by how many votes they receive, so only highly rated movies and shows will be at the top of the list. Sam Waterston has been in a lot of films and shows, so people often debate each other over what his greatest role of all time is. If you and a friend are arguing about this then use this list of the most entertaining Sam Waterston films and shows to end the squabble once and for all.

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

List features films like Eagle's Wing, Capricorn One and more!

"This list answers the questions, "What are the best Sam Waterston movies and shows?" and "What are the greatest Sam Waterston roles of all time?"

Most divisive: Journey into Fear
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  • The Killing Fields
    1

    The Killing Fields

    Film (1984)
    24 votes
    • Released: 1984
    • Directed by: Roland Joffé
    New York Times reporter Sydney Schanberg (Sam Waterston) is on assignment covering the Cambodian Civil War, with the help of local interpreter Dith Pran (Haing S. Ngor) and American photojournalist Al Rockoff (John Malkovich). When the U.S. Army pulls out amid escalating violence, Schanberg makes exit arrangements for Pran and his family. Pran, however, tells Schanberg he intends to stay in Cambodia to help cover the unfolding story -- a decision he may regret as the Khmer Rouge rebels move in.

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  • Hopscotch
    2

    Hopscotch

    Film (1980)
    17 votes
    • Released: 1980
    • Directed by: Ronald Neame
    When CIA operative Miles Kendig (Walter Matthau) deliberately lets KGB agent Yaskov (Herbert Lom) get away, his boss (Ned Beatty) threatens to retire him. Kendig beats him to it, however, destroying his own records and traveling to Austria where he begins work on a memoir that will expose all his former agency's covert practices. The CIA catches wind of the book and sends other agents after him, initiating a frenetic game of cat and mouse that spans the globe.

    Available On:

    free

  • The Newsroom
    3

    The Newsroom

    TV Program
    12 votes
    • Actors: Jeff Daniels, Emily Mortimer, John Gallagher, Alison Pill, Thomas Sadoski
    • Premiered: June 24, 2012
    • Released: 2012
    • Directed by: Greg Mottola
    In a compelling display of sharp wit and powerful storytelling, The Newsroom takes viewers behind the scenes of a fictional cable news program, where hard-hitting journalism and personal drama collide. With its stellar ensemble cast, including Jeff Daniels as anchor Will McAvoy and Emily Mortimer as executive producer MacKenzie McHale, the show delves into the complexities of reporting in an ever-changing media landscape. Created by Aaron Sorkin, The Newsroom garnered multiple award nominations, including Golden Globe nods for Best Television Series - Drama and Best Actor - Television Series Drama. Unflinching and thought-provoking, this series offers a fresh perspective on the world of news production.

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  • The Man in the Moon
    4

    The Man in the Moon

    Film (1991)
    18 votes
    • Released: 1991
    • Directed by: Robert Mulligan
    Maureen Trant (Emily Warfield) and her younger sibling Dani (Reese Witherspoon) share a strong connection, but local boy Court Foster (Jason London) threatens to throw their bond off balance. Dani and Court meet first and have a flirtatious rapport -- but when he meets Maureen, he falls hard and they begin a passionate affair. The new couple try to keep their love hidden from Dani, but she soon learns the truth, disavowing her sister. But a heartbreaking accident later reunites the girls.

    Available On:

    free

  • Crimes and Misdemeanors
    5

    Crimes and Misdemeanors

    Film (1989)
    16 votes
    • Released: 1989
    • Directed by: Woody Allen
    Judah (Martin Landau) is a philandering eye doctor who wants to preserve his marriage, and his dangerous brother Jack (Jerry Orbach) comes up with what appears to be the only viable solution. Certain that his mistress (Anjelica Huston) is about to tell his wife (Claire Bloom) about his affair, Judah agrees to Jack's murderous plan. Twinned with Judah's tale is that of Cliff Stern (Woody Allen), a documentary filmmaker whose problems, which involve love and art, are tame but funny.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Serial Mom
    6

    Serial Mom

    Film (1994)
    16 votes
    • Released: 1994
    • Directed by: John Waters
    A seemingly perfect wife and mother (Kathleen Turner) from Baltimore gains celebrity status as a serial killer.

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