Though he has become more famous for his recent charitable work, Gary Sinise is still considered one of the best character actors of his generation. After training as a stage actor, Sinise broke into Hollywood with some unforgettable film roles that showed his incredible range from one project to the next.
Though he is seldom the leading man in high-profile films, Sinise has stolen the show in many supporting roles. He can be the inspiring hero, the loyal friend, or even the terrifying villain. His filmography includes some all-time classics as well as some underrated projects worth seeking out.
A Gentleman's Game (2002) - 6.4
Though golf movies are not as prevalent as other sports movies, there have been more than a few great films on the subject. A Gentleman's Game is the story of a young man with dreams of becoming a professional golfer who is taught by a skilled golfer (Sinise) who walked away from the game.
Though A Gentleman's Game doesn't break any new ground, many found it to be an inspiring and compelling underdog story.
The Quick And The Dead (1995) - 6.4
Horror director Sam Raimi took his unique style to the Western genre with The Quick and the Dead. The film stars Sharon Stone as a woman who enters a quick-draw competition in hopes of getting revenge on the corrupt lawman (Gene Hackman) who killed her father (Sinise).
Raimi has a lot of fun bringing a quirky edge to a Western story. The film is also packed with great actors, like Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio, who play the various colorful characters participating in the competition. The Quick and the Dead is a wild and underrated Western gem.
Jack The Bear (1993) - 6.5
Danny DeVito gives one of his best performances in the family drama Jack the Bear. DeVito plays a widowed father of two boys who cares only about making his sons laugh and be happy, though he is not always the most responsible parent. Sinise gives an unsettling performance as a disturbed neighbor.
The movie is elevated by DeVito's great performance, which is a perfect display of his skills as a comedic and dramatic actor. The family story is heartwarming, heartbreaking, and engrossing all at the same time.
I Still Believe (2020) - 6.5
Though many faith-based movies have had a hard time clicking with mainstream audiences, I Still Believe is considered one of the better offerings in the genre. The film tells the true story of a Christian music star named Jeremy Camp. Sinise gives a strong supporting performance as Camp's father.
Though the messaging might not work for everyone, there are fans who felt the film transcended the genre and told an engaging love story.
Ransom (1996) - 6.7
Sinise delivered one of his best villain roles in the thriller Ransom. Mel Gibson stars as a wealthy businessman whose son is kidnapped and held for ransom. But when Gibson begins doubting that he will get his son back, he decides to turn the tables on the criminals. Sinise plays the leader of the kidnappers.
With Ron Howard directing, the film makes for an intense and clever thriller. All the actors, including Rene Russo and Delroy Lindo, give excellent performances that help elevate the story.
A Midnight Clear (1992) - 7.1
Sinise has done a lot of work with members of the armed services, and that passion comes from a lot of his earlier military roles. One of Sinise's earlier roles was in the World War II drama A Midnight Clear. The film follows a group of American soldiers cut off from supplies due to heavy snow and surrounded by enemies.
Sinise gives a standout performance as one of the soldiers struggling with their isolated predicament. He is joined by an excellent young cast that includes Ethan Hawke in one of his earlier roles.
Of Mice And Men (1992) - 7.5
Sinise had the chance to perform with his long-time friend and theater partner John Malkovich in this adaptation of John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, which Sinise also directed. The story is set during the Great Depression and follows a farmworker named Lennie (Sinise) and his simple yet gentle friend George (Malkovich) as they try to find work.
Many found that the film lived up to the legendary status of the source material, thanks largely to the wonderful performances from the two leads. It is a touching and heartbreaking tale of friendship that remains unforgettable.
Apollo 13 (1995) - 7.6
Ron Howard brought to life one of the most significant NASA missions in history with Apollo 13. The film stars Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, and Kevin Bacon as a trio of astronauts whose trip to the moon turns into a fight for survival as their craft suffers dangerous malfunctions. Sinise plays a NASA officer who was supposed to be on the mission and now must help bring them home.
Despite the ending being a part of history, Howard manages to make the story incredibly tense and suspenseful from beginning to end. The space sequences are still impressive to this day and the film remains a thrilling period drama.
The Green Mile (1999) - 8.6
Tom Hanks has been a frequent co-star of Sinise's throughout his film career and they teamed up again for the drama The Green Mile. Based on a Stephen King story, the film is set in a death row prison in the 1930s where the prison guards meet an inmate accused of a terrible crime yet possesses an incredible gift.
Hanks gives a powerful performance as the head guard and Michael Clarke Duncan steals the show as the gentle giant inmate. The Green Mile is a moving and heartbreaking story that stands out among the many adaptations of King's work.
Forrest Gump (1994) - 8.8
The first collaboration between Hanks and Sinise resulted in one of the most beloved films of all time. Forrest Gump stars Hanks as the titular character, a simple-minded yet gracious young man whom we follow through the years as he makes his mark on American history. Sinise is excellent as Lt. Dan, Forrest's damaged friend who follows him for much of his journey.
Forrest Gump might be a bit cheesy for some, but there is no denying it is a charming and often funny film. Hanks won his second Oscar for his endearing performance, but Sinise arguably has the more difficult role as a proud man robbed of his legs who has to find a new life for himself.