The Best Woody Harrelson Movies of All Time

Ranker Film
Updated August 11, 2023 5.6K votes 924 voters 63.3K views
Over 900 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Woody Harrelson Movies of All Time
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Vote for your favorite movies, regardless of critic reviews or how big the role was.
Latest additions: Champions
Most divisive: A Scanner Darkly

Over 800 movie fans have come together to cast their votes for the best Woody Harrelson movies. As one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, Woody Harrelson has been a part of some incredible films over his career. From cult classics like Zombieland and Kingpin to Academy Award-nominated gems like Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and The Messenger, it's no wonder Harrison is still in high demand today.

Woody Harrelson brings an undeniable energy to every role he takes on. Although he's not the focal point of No Country for Old Men, when Harrelson shows up as the bounty hunter Carson Wells the ante is upped from his presence alone. He's also capable of creating truly memorable characters with depth and complexity such as Mickey Knox from Natural Born Killers, or nailing comedic roles like Tallahassee from Zombieland.

If you’re looking for the perfect film featuring Woody Harrelson then look no further - these rankings will help you find just what you need. Vote up your favorites so they get closer to the top of the list.

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  • Zombieland
    1

    Zombieland

    Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone
    280 votes
    • Released: 2009
    • Directed by: Ruben Fleischer
    In a world overrun by zombies, Zombieland offers a thrilling comedic ride. Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), a nerdy college student, pairs up with Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), an unapologetic cowboy. They're joined by Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), sisters with their own survival tactics. Together, they navigate their way across the zombie-infested United States in search of a safe haven. This 2009 horror-comedy is known for its unique blend of apocalyptic dread and humor, earning it critical acclaim as well as commercial success.

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  • White Men Can't Jump
    2

    White Men Can't Jump

    Wesley Snipes, Woody Harrelson, Rosie Perez
    248 votes
    • Released: 1992
    • Directed by: Ron Shelton
    In White Men Can't Jump, Billy Hoyle (Woody Harrelson) is a former college basketball player hustling street games with an unexpected twist - he's white, and his opponents underestimate him. He strikes an unlikely partnership with Sidney Deane (Wesley Snipes), a talented player and savvy hustler himself. Their dynamic partnership, rife with comedy and tension, leads them through high-stakes street ball games across Los Angeles's asphalt courts. The movie, directed by Ron Shelton, masterfully blends sports drama and comedy, creating a unique narrative about friendship, rivalry, and the love of the game.

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  • Natural Born Killers
    3

    Natural Born Killers

    Woody Harrelson, Juliette Lewis, Robert Downey
    229 votes
    • Released: 1994
    • Directed by: Oliver Stone
    In the turbulent and twisted film Natural Born Killers, Mickey (Woody Harrelson) and Mallory Knox (Juliette Lewis) are the central characters. This couple, far from ordinary, embark on a violent cross-country killing spree. With an almost psychedelic approach, director Oliver Stone presents their journey through a variety of visual styles. Robert Downey Jr. portrays Wayne Gale, a sensationalist television reporter who becomes entangled in their chaotic world. The movie is renowned for its controversial exploration of media influence and violence in American culture, making it a significant piece in the crime genre.

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  • Kingpin
    4

    Kingpin

    Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid, Vanessa Angel
    212 votes
    • Released: 1996
    • Directed by: Robert Farrelly, Peter Farrelly
    In the offbeat comedy Kingpin, former bowling prodigy Roy Munson (Woody Harrelson) finds his promising career cut short by a vengeful rival, Ernie McCracken (Bill Murray). Years later, living in obscurity and with a prosthetic hand, Munson chances upon Ishmael (Randy Quaid), an Amish man with a striking talent for bowling. Seeing an opportunity to redeem himself, Munson takes Ishmael under his wing. The pair sets off on a cross-country journey filled with bizarre escapades and unexpected encounters, aiming for a showdown with McCracken at a million-dollar tournament. This Farrelly Brothers' film offers a laugh-out-loud exploration of the unlikely heroes in the world of professional bowling.

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  • The People vs. Larry Flynt
    5

    The People vs. Larry Flynt

    Woody Harrelson, Courtney Love, Ed Norton
    169 votes
    • Released: 1996
    • Directed by: Milos Forman
    Pursued by opponents who say his "Hustler" magazine breaks decency laws, pornographer Larry Flynt (Woody Harrelson) hires lawyer Alan Isaacman (Edward Norton) to help fight his legal battles. A zealot shoots the men near a Georgia courthouse, and though Flynt discovers he'll never walk again, his fighting spirit -- like his love for stripper Althea Leasure (Courtney Love) -- stays strong. Ultimately, the unlikely free speech warrior takes his biggest case to a showdown at the Supreme Court.

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  • No Country for Old Men
    6

    No Country for Old Men

    Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin
    213 votes
    • Released: 2007
    • Directed by: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
    In the atmospheric drama No Country for Old Men, a hunter, Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin), stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong in the Texas desert. He seizes an opportunity, snagging a briefcase full of cash. This act triggers a violent chain reaction as relentless hitman Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem) begins to hunt him down. Sheriff Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones), an aging lawman, struggles to preserve a fading sense of justice in this brutal, new world. This film, praised for its stark realism and suspenseful storytelling, won four Academy Awards including Best Picture.

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