Michael J. Fox's unique brand of humor saw him become one of the most recognizable faces of the '80s and '90s. But Unlike many actor's Fox isn't afraid to jump between genres and his impressive career has seen him star in everything from horror to comedy.
Fox had great success at the start of his career and quickly became the charismatic lead of many films when he was still in his early twenties. From there he transitioned into more serious roles, picking unexpected projects resulting in a unique career like no one else's. With this in mind here are Michael J. Fox's 10 best movies.
Doc Hollywood (6.2)
1991's Doc Hollywood is a classic fish-out-of-water story as sees Fox star as Dr. Ben Stone, a young doctor on his way to a job interview who becomes trapped in a small town. He is given community service after crashing into a fence, resulting in him having to work at the local hospital.
Unlike many of Fox's roles, Dr. Ben Stone is a selfish and unlikable character. His inevitable redemption through his honest work brings out the warm charisma that audiences have come to enjoy from Fox.
Greedy (6.3)
Fox starred as Daniel in the 1994 comedy Greedy, which sees a family trying to win the favor of their Uncle before his death, to gain a large inheritance. The ensemble cast of selfish characters each suck-up to Uncle Joe, while simultaneously trying to make each other look bad.
Despite the dark subject, the farcical comedy pokes fun at these self-centered characters, putting their selfish ways under the spotlight. Despite starting with the best of intentions Danny quickly finds himself seduced by the prospect of money, becoming as selfish as all of his relatives. Thankfully though Uncle Joe has the last laugh.
The Hard Way (6.4)
Fox starred alongside James Woods in 1991's The Hard Way. The film's unique premise sees Fox playing a movie star, who decides to tag along with a hardboiled New York detective to research a role, but he quickly finds himself in over his head.
The odd-couple pairing of the two makes The Hard Way one of the funniest action-comedies of the '90s had to offer. In addition to this Fox's character gives the film plenty of opportunities to examine the farcical nature of Hollywood actors.
The American President (6.8)
Michael Douglas starred as The President in 1995's The American President. The film offered an insight into The President's private life as only a few films have. Resulting in one of the most personal films about the figure ever made.
Fox co-stars in a supporting role as Lewis Rothschild, the assistant to the president for domestic policies. In addition to working with The President, he is also a friend. It is through this relationship that Fox brings his natural charisma to the role, which could very well have been a one-note caricature.
Atlantis: The Lost Empire (6.9)
Michael J. Fox lent his voice to Milo in 2001's animated adventure Atlantis: The Lost Empire. The Disney produced film is one of the most unique films they have produced, and as a result has become one of the most decisive, receiving a mixed response from critics upon its release.
Although this was not the first time Fox provided the voice of an animated character, as he had previously found success voicing Stuart Little.
Casualties Of War (7.1)
1989's Casualties Of War saw Michael J. Fox starring alongside Sean Penn in one of the most serious roles of his career. Fox was transformed into Eriksson, a soldier far from home.
He quickly comes to blows with the rest of his squad when he learns they have taken a local villager captive. The horrors of the Vietnam War were brought to life, and Eriksson is forced to take on the very men he thought had his back.
The Frighteners (7.1)
Fox stepped out of his comfort zone and into the world of horror in 1996's The Frighteners. The Peter Jackson directed film saw Fox star as Frank Bannister, who discovers he can communicate with the dead after a car accident.
He quickly uses his newfound skills to profit, but quickly finds things going wrong when he is pursued by a powerful spirit. The film skillfully blends horror and comedy with great success, resulting in one of the most unique movies in Fox's filmography.
Back To The Future Part III (7.4)
Back to the Future Part III marked the epic conclusion the Back to the Future trilogy and saw Doc and Marty transported back to the old west. Despite being the lowest-rated entry in the franchise the film still offers the same blend of comedy and action that fans have come to expect.
The film serves as a farewell to the duo and satisfyingly concludes their story. Despite many franchises being reanimated and spawning sequels decades later, this franchise kept this simple and bowed out with its dignity.
Back To The Future Part II (7.8)
Back to the Future Part II had the difficult task of following the original movie, but despite these loft expectations it served as a natural and satisfying continuation of their time-traveling antics.
The film's depiction of the far off future of 2015 may be inaccurate but it remains one of the most interesting and fun representations of the future ever seen. The sequel presents a unique story that utilizes time-travel to go back to the event of the first film, with hilarious results.
Back To The Future (8.5)
1985's Back to the Future is without a doubt one of the greatest movies the decade produced and continues to captivate audiences 35 years after its release. The sci-fi comedy wastes no time and everything set-up pays off with satisfying results.
Directed by Robert Zemeckis, it remains one of the best films of his impressive filmography, due in large part to Fox's iconic performance as Marty McFly. In addition to this Christopher Lloyd's chemistry with Fox make the eccentric Doc one of the greatest mad scientists ever created.