The Best William Forsythe Movies

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Updated August 11, 2023 720 votes 103 voters
Over 100 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best William Forsythe Movies
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List of the best William Forsythe movies, ranked best to worst with movie trailers when available. William Forsythe'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 William Forsythe movies is decided by how many votes they receive, so only highly rated William Forsythe movies will be at the top of the list. William Forsythe has been in a lot of films, so people often debate each other over what the greatest William Forsythe movie of all time is. If you and a friend are arguing about this then use this list of the most entertaining William Forsythe films to end the squabble once and for all.

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

This list contains films like Born to Ride and Once Upon a Time in America.

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

Michael Bay and Rob Zombie are among those who have directed William Forsythe at one point or another during their careers in the film industry.

Most divisive: Hammerhead: Shark Frenzy
Ranked by
  • Once Upon a Time in America
    1

    Once Upon a Time in America

    Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern
    25 votes
    • Released: 1984
    • Directed by: Sergio Leone
    Sweeping across decades, Once Upon a Time in America is a crime drama that explores the lives of Jewish ghetto youths who rise to prominence in New York's world of organized crime. The narrative oscillates between the 1920s, 1930s, and 1960s, focusing on David 'Noodles' Aaronson (Robert De Niro) and his lifelong friend-cum-rival, Maximilian 'Max' Bercovicz (James Woods). Directed by Sergio Leone, this film weaves a complex tapestry of friendship, betrayal, and regret. It is an epic saga of time's inexorable march, set against the backdrop of violent criminal underworld. This movie was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards.

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  • The Devil's Rejects
    2

    The Devil's Rejects

    Sid Haig, Bill Moseley, Sheri Moon Zombie
    21 votes
    • Released: 2005
    • Directed by: Rob Zombie
    In The Devil's Rejects, Rob Zombie thrusts us into a visceral, violent world. The story follows the murderous Firefly family - Otis (Bill Moseley), Baby (Sheri Moon Zombie), and Captain Spaulding (Sid Haig) - as they evade a vengeful sheriff (William Forsythe). This 2005 horror film is not for the faint-hearted, with its raw brutality and relentless pursuit of terror. It's a grimy road trip through America's underbelly, filled with macabre humor and chilling scenes that have garnered it cult status in the horror genre. The movie won Best Horror Film at the Scream Awards.

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  • Out for Justice
    3

    Out for Justice

    Steven Seagal, William Forsythe, Jerry Orbach
    16 votes
    • Released: 1991
    • Directed by: John Flynn
    Gino Felino (Steven Seagal) is a Brooklyn police detective whose partner and longtime friend is shot down in the street in front of his wife and children. The culprit is Richie Madano (William Forsythe), a drug lord in the neighborhood who has known Gino since they were kids. With the blessing of his captain (Jerry Orbach), Gino is sent alone into the drug underground to find Richie by any means necessary. Along the way, Gino uncovers secrets about his deceased partner that he never suspected.

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  • American Me
    4

    American Me

    Edward James Olmos, William Forsythe, Pepe Serna
    16 votes
    • Released: 1992
    • Directed by: Edward James Olmos
    As a young man, Montoya Santana (Edward James Olmos) is introduced to gang life on the tough streets of Los Angeles after spending his youth in reform school. Soon Santana finds himself facing an 18-year prison sentence. In jail, he works his way to the top of the institution's violent drug trade, but, on his release from prison, he opts for a redemptive, family-centered lifestyle. However, his gangster friends (Pepe Serna, William Forsythe) try to force him back into illegal activities.

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  • Raising Arizona
    5

    Raising Arizona

    Nicolas Cage, Holly Hunter, Trey Wilson
    18 votes
    • Released: 1987
    • Directed by: Joel Coen
    In the offbeat comedy Raising Arizona, H.I. McDunnough (Nicolas Cage), a repeat offender, falls for prison officer Edwina (Holly Hunter). Their longing for a child leads them to kidnap one of a wealthy businessman's quintuplets, setting off a chain of wild and wacky events. This quirky blend of crime, humor, and farce is directed by the Coen Brothers, known for their unique storytelling style. The film's eccentric characters and unpredictable plot twists make it an unforgettable entry in the landscape of American cinema. Despite its madcap premise, at its heart, it explores themes of love, family, and morality.

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  • Gotti
    6

    Gotti

    Anthony Quinn, William Forsythe, Frank Vincent
    11 votes
    • Released: 1996
    • Directed by: Robert Harmon
    Gotti: The Rise and Fall of a Real Life Mafia Don is a 1996 HBO original crime drama movie made for television directed by Robert Harmon. The film stars Armand Assante, in the title role as infamous Gambino crime family boss John Gotti, William Forsythe, and Anthony Quinn. The film was the highest rated original telefilm in HBO history at that time, according to IMDB. Assante won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Special, for his performance. Assante also received a Golden Globe nomination the same year.