10 Kurt Russell Movies Everyone Should See

It's been quite awhile since my last 10 Movies Everyone Should See entry. For anyone who is unfamiliar, this is an ongoing (although sporadic) series highlighting some of the notable movies of a person's career. The reason the series is called 10 Movies Everyone Should See rather than a "Best of" or "Top 10" is because a lot of those types of lists are usually based on box office numbers or critical acclaim. I wanted to take a more comprehensive approach when looking at a film career; combining the good, the bad, the most financially successful, the breakout films, the iconic roles, and the forgotten gems. Previous entries have taken a look at the careers of Sean Connery, Tom Cruise, Alfred Hitchcock, Sylvester Stallone, John Travolta, Tom Hanks, Chuck Norris, Steven Spielberg, Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Stewart, and Burt Reynolds. 

This time, as the title of this post indicates, I'll be giving you 10 Kurt Russell movies that I think everyone should see.

#10 Death Proof (2007)

"...Alcohol is just a lubricant for all the individual encounters that a bar offers."

Kurt Russell plays 'Stuntman' Mike in this Tarantino directed peddle-to-the-metal grindhouse film. Whether he's playing a good guy or a bad guy Russell always has a degree of likeability. Stuntman Mike is a murderous psychopath but, he's also charismatic and the best part of the film.

#9 Tombstone (1993)

“You tell 'em I'm coming! And Hell's coming with me”

The golden age of the Hollywood Western has long since past but, we do get a few good ones from time to time. One of the best that the genre had to offer in the 1990's was Tombstone. The film has a really solid cast lead by Russell, and I consider it a must-see for those who enjoy films about the old west.

#8 Escape from New York (1981)

“ I don't give a f*** about your war... or your president."

Kurt Russell has teamed up with Director John Carpenter several times over the course of his career, with Escape from New York being the first. It's a really good movie, just be sure to steer clear of 1996's Escape from L.A.

#7 Dark Blue (2003)

“I may be a goddamn alcoholic but that doesn't mean I can't tell the truth - and I've got all the deep deep dirt right here. Somebody put the cufs on me - let me start talking!”

Set in Los Angeles in 1992, during the days leading up to the verdict in the Rodney King trial, the movie is a thriller about corruption at every level of the L.A.P.D. Kurt Russell is fantastic in the film as Sergeant Eldon Perry, a seasoned officer who is teaching his young partner Bobby (played by Scott Speedman) how to plant evidence, lie on reports, and cover up cold-blooded murders.

#6 Backdraft (1991)

"How do you do it, man? How do you come up with new and amazing ways to f*** up?"

I really like this movie. It's not the best film Russell has starred in and it isn't without its shortcomings. However, when you add in the impressive effects, the solid supporting cast, and the Hans Zimmer score, there was no way I was going to leave it off this list.

#5 The Hateful Eight (2015)

“You only need to hang mean bastards, but mean bastards you need to hang.”

 Featured alongside other Tarantino favorites like Samuel L. Jackson, Tim Roth, and Michael Madsen, Kurt Russell plays John "The Hangman' Ruth in this wintery Western set almost entirely in a secluded haberdashery. It's a Tarantino movie and those are always good and, as for Russell...

… C'mon, it's worth watching just based on that image.

#4 The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969)

"You know... everyone's just out for himself. It was like that everywhere I went. Everyone's just... out for himself."

I was born in the 80's, so to me Kurt Russell is Jack Burton, Snake Plissken, a bit later Wyatt Earp etc. However his career goes all the way back to the 1960's and I wanted to include on this list at least one of his early films. The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes is cheesy and dated but, it's wholesome, harmless fun too.

#3 Miracle (2004)

“When you pull on that jersey, you represent yourself and your teammates; and the name on the front, is a hell of a lot more important, than the one on the back.”

This film about the 1980 'Miracle on Ice' sees Kurt Russell playing Herb Brooks, the coach of the men's hockey team that, against all odds, won the gold medal. It is the Disney-fied version of the actual events but a pretty good sports movie nonetheless. 

#2 Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

"Just remember what ol' Jack Burton does when the earth quakes, and the poison arrows fall from the sky, and the pillars of Heaven shake. Yeah, Jack Burton just looks that big ol' storm right square in the eye and he says, 'give me your best shot, pal. I can take it'"

Big Trouble in Little China has become something of a cult classic over the years. It's a weird but entertaining film. It isn't my favorite Kurt Russell movie, but Jack Burton might just be the best Kurt Russell character.

#1 Bone Tomahawk (2015)

“Pain is how your body talks to you. You'd do well to listen to it.”

This movie is great. I actually reviewed this one earlier this year and, if you want, you can check out that post out HERE. In short, Kurt Russell turns in a solid performance and I highly recommend the film, I think it's one of his best.




Honorable Mentions: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), The Thing (1982), Tango & Cash (1989), The Barefoot Executive (1971), Overboard (1987)