Tony Soprano is one of TV's most iconic characters. James Gandolfini breathed him to life, and many audiences remember the actor solely through The Sopranos. However, Gandolfini has appeared in dozens of feature films over the course of his career.
Well-known movies like Zero Dark Thirty give James Gandolfini some of his highest-rated films. Other features like Violet and Daisy are less celebrated. The actor shows his range in the varied roles showcased in his filmography. Fans have taken to IMDb to let their voices be heard concerning James Gandolfini's best movies.
Enough Said – 7.0
James Gandolfini is known for playing gritty personalities but presents a different kind of character in Enough Said. The film tells the story of a divorcee masseuse, Julia Louis-Dreyfus's Eva, who develops a relationship with one of her divorced clients, Gandolfini's Albert.
Fans of the movie might say it is sweet and simple. They might praise Gandolfini for his ability to play a gentle character in Albert. Others perhaps point to Louis-Dreyfus and Gandolfini's chemistry as a reason for the film's higher rating.
Fallen – 7.0
Gandolfini plays on the lawful side of the criminal world in Fallen as a police detective. The movie stars Denzel Washington as Detective John Hobbes who investigates a murderous rampage in Philadelphia. The murders are wrapped up in the occult, and supernatural elements make the killer appear ambiguous and perhaps otherworldly.
Gandolfini plays detective Lou. Lou is a police officer who is possessed by a spirit during Hobbes' investigation. Fans might point to the film's unique script as part of the reason for its high rating. Some audiences call Fallen one of Denzel Washington's most underrated movies.
The Last Boyscout – 7.0
James Gandolfini shows off his comedy skills in The Last Boyscout. The movie is an action-comedy. The Last Boyscout isn't the highest-rated buddy cop comedy, but falls into the genre with Bruce Willis and Damon Wayans as the stars.
The Last Boyscout features one of Gandolfini's least-developed roles. He plays a henchman and is uncredited in the film. It is only the actor's second feature film role but helped lay down the foundation for his career in the movies.
The Drop – 7.1
The Drop is James Gandolfini's final film, and it was released after his death in the early 2010s. The movie showcases the crime world and follows conflict surrounding a Brooklyn bar. Gandolfini's Marvin 'Cousin Marv' Stipler stages a robbery in his former bar, now run by the mafia.
He and his head bartender, Tom Hardy's Bob Saginowski, face the repercussions. Fans of The Drop perhaps say Gandolfini shines in the familiar setting of the organized crime world. Others might say he and Hardy have great chemistry. Viewers perhaps say the story is reminiscent of similar narratives, but the stars help bring a freshness to the crime thriller.
The Mighty – 7.3
The Mighty brings the young adult novel Freak The Mighty to life on screen. The story follows two outcasts struggling to deal with the challenges of middle school compacted with those of their personal situations. Elden Henson and Kieran Culkin play starring roles Maxwell "Max" Kane and Kevin Dillon.
James Gandolfini plays Kenny David "Killer" Kane, the film's main villain. Kane is Max's dad who kills his mother at a young age and kidnaps his son upon making parole from prison. Fans of the movie perhaps say it tells a heartbreaking tale, and Gandolfini's devilish character helps the story hit home.
Crimson Tide – 7.3
Crimson Tide places James Gandolfini in a nautical thriller. The Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman-starring action movie follows the crew of a U.S. Navy submarine and the tension between crew members on a mission.
James Gandolfini plays Lieutenant Bobby Dougherty, Supply Officer aboard the USS Alabama. Gandolfini fans might say his charisma helps highlight the work of his costars like Viggo Mortenson. Crimson Tide devotees perhaps say the film is so highly-rated because it presents a thrilling story with great performances.
In The Loop – 7.4
In The Loop is a satire from the late 2000s. The British film follows several characters with political and military positions in the U.S. and UK as they consider their countries' involvement in intervention in the Middle East.
James Gandolfini takes on a military role in In The Loop. He plays Lieutenant General George Miller. Fans of the movie might say Gandolfini falls into the role with ease and shows off his comedic skills in the celebrated dark comedy.
Zero Dark Thirty – 7.4
Director Kathryn Bigelow brings audiences a political thriller with Zero Dark Thirty. The film tells a fictionalized version of the hunt for Osama bin Laden following the events of the September 11th attacks.
James Gandolfini plays CIA Director Leon Panetta. He leads discussions with other members of his team in the search for bin Laden. Fans of the movie might say Zero Dark Thirty tells a real-life story with neck-break thrills and memorable performances from seasoned actors.
The Man Who Wasn't There – 7.5
The Man Who Wasn't There puts James Gandolfini on a cast with several seasoned actors like Billy Bob Thorton, Scarlett Johansson, and Frances McDormand. Many fans call The Man Who Wasn't There one of the Coen Brothers' best movies.
The crime movie tells the story of blackmail, murder, and police investigation. Gandolfini plays "Big Dave" Brewster, one of the film's antagonists. The black and white film features the Coens' trademark filmmaking and was well-received upon its release.
True Romance – 7.9
True Romance is James Gandolfini's highest-rated movie on IMDb. The film precedes The Sopranos but places Gandolfini in the role of Virgil, an underboss in the mafia. The story follows Christian Slater's Clarence Worley as he evades the mafia after stealing drugs with his wife, Patricia Arquette's Alabama Whitman.
Gandolfini is among several stars in the movie like Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, and Brad Pitt. Fans of True Romance perhaps say Gandolfini rises to the occasion early in his career, presenting skilled work among his collaborators and foreshadowing his role as Tony Soprano.