The Best Sean Astin Movies

Ranker Film
Updated August 11, 2023 1.0K votes 204 voters
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List of the best Sean Astin movies, ranked best to worst with movie trailers when available. Sean Astin'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 Sean Astin movies is decided by how many votes they receive, so only highly rated Sean Astin movies will be at the top of the list. Sean Astin has been in a lot of films, so people often debate each other over what the greatest Sean Astin movie of all time is. If you and a friend are arguing about this then use this list of the most entertaining Sean Astin films to end the squabble once and for all.

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

Items include everything from Sea Lions: A California Adventure to Addicted To Fame.

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

If you're a fan of Sean Astin, then check out our lists of the best Josh Brolin and Jerry O'Connell movies as well.

Most divisive: Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Dancing and Charm School
Ranked by
  • The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
    1

    The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

    Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler
    49 votes
    • Released: 2002
    • Directed by: Peter Jackson
    Venturing deeper into the world of Middle-earth, the second installment of the award-winning epic fantasy series delves into the escalating battle between good and evil. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers presents viewers with an enthralling narrative, as it follows the journey of separated fellowship members, each facing their own challenges. Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) forge alliances to defend the besieged Rohan, while Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) encounter the treacherous Gollum (Andy Serkis) in their quest to destroy the One Ring. With unforgettable performances and breathtaking visuals, this cinematic masterpiece continues to enchant audiences worldwide.

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  • Rudy
    2

    Rudy

    Sean Astin, Ned Beatty, Charles S. Dutton
    67 votes
    • Released: 1993
    • Directed by: David Anspaugh
    Rudy is an inspiring sports drama that centers around the life of Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin), a young man from a blue-collar family who dreams of playing football at the University of Notre Dame. Despite his small size and lack of athletic prowess, Rudy's relentless determination leads him to overcome numerous obstacles. Charles S. Dutton plays Fortune, a custodian at Notre Dame who becomes Rudy's mentor, while Jon Favreau stars as D-Bob, Rudy's humorous and supportive friend. The film, directed by David Anspaugh, was nominated for multiple awards and is recognized as one of the top football movies of all time.

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  • The Goonies
    3

    The Goonies

    Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen
    76 votes
    • Released: 1985
    • Directed by: Richard Donner
    In the heart of Astoria, Oregon, a band of misfit kids known as The Goonies embark on a wild adventure after finding an old pirate map in Mikey's (Sean Astin) attic. Together with his brother Brand (Josh Brolin), and friends Chunk (Jeff Cohen), Mouth (Corey Feldman), Data (Ke Huy Quan), Andy (Kerri Green) and Stef (Martha Plimpton), they set out to unearth the long-lost fortune of infamous pirate One-Eyed Willy. Chased by the nefarious Fratelli family, their journey is packed with booby traps, puzzles and swashbuckling danger. Directed by Richard Donner and produced by Steven Spielberg, The Goonies is a timeless adventure-comedy that celebrates friendship and courage.

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  • The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
    4

    The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

    Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler
    62 votes
    • Released: 2003
    • Directed by: Peter Jackson
    In The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin) press on towards Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring. Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), rightful heir to the throne, marshals the forces of good for an epic battle against Sauron's evil army at Minas Tirith. This third installment in the fantasy trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson, won a record-breaking 11 Academy Awards including Best Picture. It's a tale of bravery, friendship, and the enduring struggle between good and evil.

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  • The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
    5

    The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

    Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler
    53 votes
    • Released: 2001
    • Directed by: Peter Jackson
    In The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, a young hobbit, Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), is entrusted with an ancient ring. This ring, darkly powerful and coveted by the malevolent Dark Lord Sauron, must be destroyed to save Middle-earth. Guided by the wise wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and joined by a diverse group of companions, Frodo embarks on a perilous journey towards Mount Doom, the only place where the ring can be unmade. This epic fantasy film won four Academy Awards and launched one of cinema's most celebrated trilogies.

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  • Toy Soldiers
    6

    Toy Soldiers

    Sean Astin, Wil Wheaton, Keith Coogan
    35 votes
    • Released: 1991
    • Directed by: Daniel Petrie
    Colombian terrorist Luis Cali (Andrew Divoff) takes an American prep school hostage as a means of gaining his drug lord father's freedom. Privileged yet rebellious students Joey (Wil Wheaton), Billy (Sean Astin), Snuffy (Keith Coogan) and Hank (T.E. Russell) find that they are better equipped to deal with the threat than the mostly ineffectual government agencies sent to rescue them. With resourceful Billy as their leader, the students struggle to defeat the terrorists and save the school.

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