One of the most recognizable and entertaining character actors working in Hollywood today is Michael Rooker. Having appeared in countless supporting and scene-stealing roles, he is the kind of actor whose face you immediately recognize even if he may not be a household name. But he is guaranteed to make any project he is in at least a little better with his presence.
Rooker has played selfless heroes, gruesome villains, and everything in between. He can be an intense presence in a scene or provide some excellent comedic relief. Given his versatility, it's no surprise his IMDb page is filled with some hugely popular films.
Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer (1986) - 7.0
In one of his rare leading roles, Rooker helped create one of the most unsettling protagonists in film history. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer stars Rooker as the titular killer who goes on a remorseless killing spree as the audience follows his sadistic deeds.
While there had been plenty of serial killers in film prior to this, never had a film focused completely on them as the protagonist. Rooker is truly terrifying in the role and totally embraces playing a man of pure evil with no redeeming qualities.
Mallrats (1995) - 7.1
Filmmaker Kevin Smith followed up his breakout film Clerks with the raunchy comedy Mallrats. The film follows two comic book-loving friends who are both dumped by their girlfriends and spend their day getting over their heartbreak by visiting the local mall. Rooker plays the disapproving father of one of the girlfriends.
Though the film was a flop critically and commercially, it eventually became a cult classic. Fans of Smith's brand of humor and his View Askewniverse see it as an underrated gem.
Rosewood (1997) - 7.2
Filmmaker John Singleton explored one of the most shocking race riots in American history in the true-life drama Rosewood. Set in the titular African-American community in 1923, a false accusation leads to a deadly faceoff between two sides of the community. Rooker plays the racist sheriff of the town.
Singleton delivers a harrowing and powerful portrait of a dark period that nonetheless still had heroes who were willing to fight against injustice. The film also features a stellar cast including Ving Rhames and Don Cheadle.
Eight Men Out (1988) - 7.2
One of the most infamous scandals in baseball history was brought to life in the impressive sports drama Eight Men Out. In 1919, the Chicago Black Sox were one of the best teams in the Major Leagues until several of the players took bribes to deliberately lose. Rooker plays one of the disgraced ballplayers.
Even those who are not interested in the sport will likely find plenty of interest in this period piece. With a cast that includes John Cusack and Charlie Sheen, Eight Men Out is a fascinating and compelling real-life sports story.
Music Box (1989) - 7.4
Music Box is one of Rooker's lesser-known films, but a powerful drama worth seeking out. It stars Jessica Lange as a lawyer who chooses to represent her father in court when he is accused of being a war criminal. Soon, she begins to suspect there is more to this case than meets the eye.
Though it didn't find a huge audience in its time, many who did see it found the film to be an intense courtroom drama partially based on screenwriter Joe Eszterhas' own experiences.
Guardians Of The Galaxy: Vol. 2 (2017) - 7.6
Rooker had the chance to say goodbye to one of his most famous roles in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. The intergalactic sequel follows the titular heroes as they face off with multiple enemies while a mysterious and powerful being named Ego arrives claiming to be Peter Quill's father.
Vol. 2 continues the comedic and wild energy of the first film. While some felt it failed to capture the same spirit of its predecessor, it is an entertaining and touching space adventure. Rooker gives a standout performance and a moving farewell as Yondu.
Mississippi Burning (1988) - 7.8
Rooker does not back down from playing characters who are absolutely appalling human beings, as is the case in Mississippi Burning. Based on true events, Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe play FBI agents investigating the disappearance of Civil Rights activists in Mississippi. Rooker plays a vile racist and one of the men connected to the case.
Though some critics suggest the film fails to tell the Black experience of such events, it is a compelling true crime story. Hackman is powerful as the agent willing to push the limits to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Tombstone (1993) - 7.8
Rooker seems perfectly suited to a Western adventure like Tombstone, one of the best in the genre. Kurt Russell stars as Wyatt Earp, a famed cowboy who comes to the town of Tombstone and reluctantly becomes a lawman in order to deal with the dangerous gang known as the Cowboys. Rooker plays a member of the gang.
Russell makes for a badass hero and he is joined by Val Kilmer in a terrific performance as Doc Holliday. Tombstone is an exciting, action-packed, and epic Western story with a stellar cast.
JFK (1991) - 8.0
Filmmaker Oliver Stone is known for tackling controversial subjects, but one of his most talked-about films was the courtroom drama surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. JFK stars Kevin Costner as an attorney unwrapping the vast conspiracy the led to the assassination. Rooker plays a member of Costner's legal team.
Though many have disputed the authenticity of Stone's film, it is a totally engrossing and powerful thriller. The writing helps to guide the audience through the complex and dangerous world of this story in such an entertaining way.
Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014) - 8.0
The cosmic side of the MCU was introduced with some of Marvel's strangest characters in Guardians of the Galaxy. The film follows the titular group of outcasts who band together to help stop a mad zealot from wiping out the galaxy with one of the Infinity Stones. Rooker has a great supporting role as Yondu, leader of the Ravagers.
James Gunn brought his own irreverent humor to this epic space adventure. He helped shape some truly memorable characters who have gone on to become icons of the MCU.