As the most nominated male actor in the Academy’s history, Jack Nicholson has quite an exhaustive career behind him. Between iconic roles such as Jack Torrance, “Jakes” Gitties, and even the Clown Prince of Crime himself, Nicholson has played just about every type of character you could imagine as well as anyone else could. He is truly a master of his craft. While Nicholson has been retired for the past decade, his impact on Hollywood cannot be understated. Having worked with some of the greatest filmmakers from multiple generations, Nicholson has proven time and again how far he can go to help the audience make-believe. Which films should you start with to garner a taste for his genius? Check out our list of the 15 best Jack Nicholson movies ever made.
- The Shining (1980)
Probably Nicholson’s most recognizable role, The Shining features our star in the role of the crazed aspiring writer/hotel caretaker Jack Torrance. As Torrence and his family, including wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall, Time Bandits) and son Danny (Danny Lloyd), spend the winter in the Colorado Rockies, Torrence’s own sanity begins to deteriorate as the ghosts of the Overlook Hotel begin to reveal themselves. Based on Stephen King’s best-selling novel, The Shining is not only considered one of the greatest adaptations of King’s work (one he actually didn’t like) but one of the greatest films of all time and one of the most influential horror films ever. Although a sequel, Doctor Sleep, was released in 2019, the original classic remains the greatest triumph relating to King’s original classic. The Shining is possibly Nicholson’s most intense performance, and ultimately one of his best. The same goes for director Stanley Kubrick (2001: A Space Odyssey), who is at his best behind the camera, bringing Stephen King’s work to life like no other. 2. Chinatown (1974)
Roman Polanski (Rosemary’s Baby) may have a complex history, but there’s no denying the cultural impact and success of his 1974 film Chinatown. Another Nicholson staple, this film follows J.J. “Jakes” Gitties as he exposes an adulterer in 1930s Los Angeles, only to find himself in “a web of deceit, corruption, and murder.” Having been nominated for 11 different Oscars, Chinatown is one of the great films of the 70s and one of the best mysteries put to screen. Nicholson is exceptional as always and Faye Dunaway (Little Big Man) is equally as wonderful. Good old Jack even directed and starred in the 1990 sequel The Two Jakes, although it was not a success and is only for true Nicholson fans. Chinatown is a stellar film-noir that asks some of the toughest questions and gives some of the toughest answers to boot. If you haven’t seen this one yet, make sure to put it on your list! 3. Batman (1989)
If you thought Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight) or Joaquin Phoenix (Joker) were the only two to play the Clown Prince of Crime on the big screen, you’d be gravely mistaken. Jack Nicholson starred as the Joker in the 1989 Tim Burton (Edward Scissorhands) adaptation of Batman. In this feature, a rather serious Batman (Michael Keaton, Birdman) faces off against the entertaining yet deadly Joker. Nicholson’s Joker has been beloved by Bat fans ever since his debut, but his portrayal has often been overshadowed by the more modern (and darker) interpretations of the character. Nicholson and Burton’s take of the maniacal clown is more a bridge between the 1960s comedic version and Ledger’s darker, Oscar-winning, villain, making it a clever portrayal of the madman that is possibly better than Ledger’s Joker. Batman is one of the most iconic superhero films ever made (long before the modern Marvel craze), and will have you asking the question: “Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?” After this, you’ll be able to answer that one with confidence. 4. One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
What happens when a criminal gets himself transferred into a mental institution to avoid the hard labor of the prison system only to be mistreated by his rigid nurse? That’s the question that One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest answers marvelously. Jack Nicholson stars as criminal R.P. Murphy with Louise Fletcher (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) as the notorious Nurse Mildred Ratchet. This dark comedy capitalizes on the pre-franchise era of Hollywood when the industry was willing to take risks on more artistic cinema that would still entertain those who watched it. Nicholson is electric as McMurphy, who consistently gets himself (and his friends) into more and more trouble. There’s a reason this one is considered one of the greats. One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest is one edgy story that will make you laugh, cry, and wonder why for over two hours straight. 5. The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981)
A neo-noir erotic thriller (say that three times fast), The Postman Always Rings Twice may not be the first film that comes to mind when you think of Jack Nicholson, but it should come pretty close. Written by film legend David Mamet (Glengarry Glen Ross), this Depression-era film follows a drifter and a steamy adulterer as they conspire to murder the latter’s own husband. Nicholson stars as the drifter Frank Chambers opposite Jessica Lange (Grey Gardens), the mistress Cora Smith. Like many of Nicholson’s greatest hits, The Postman Always Rings Twice is a “for mature audiences only” picture, one that explores the sensual relationship between this unwed couple alongside the murderous consequences of their affair. It’s striking and was called “hotter than any uncurbed passion” by Playboy. The Postman Always Rings Twice will, like all great (erotic) thrillers, make you feel the heat.
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- A Few Good Men (1992)
Few legal dramas are as intense or culturally powerful as A Few Good Men. Written by Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing), directed by Rob Reiner (When Harry Met Sally…), and starring Tom Cruise (Mission: Impossible), Demi Moore (Ghost), and Nicholson, this one will have you searching hard for the truth, no matter the consequences. The film follows the court-martial of two US Marines who are charged with the murder of a fellow Marine as their lawyers fight hard to defend their clients. Cruise and Moore play Lieutenants Kaffee and Galloway, respectively, and perform masterfully. Nicholson’s role as Colonel Jessup is equally as stunning, especially when he goes on his own self-important rant to avoid answering an important question near the end. A Few Good Men is an excellent film that features some of the best of the business and is possibly Nicholson’s most powerful performance on screen. 7. Easy Rider (1969)
Nicholson’s first Academy Award nomination (for Best Supporting Actor) actually came from this 1969 “New Hollywood” era film Easy Rider, which was the brainchild of Peter Fonda (3:10 to Yuma) and Dennis Hopper (Waterworld), who also portray the two lead bikers in the film. Nicholson plays the alcoholic lawyer George Hanson who the leads meet when they spend the night in prison. The plot of Easy Rider revolves around Wyatt (Fonda), who goes by “Captain America,” and Bolly (Hopper), two free-spirited bikers who travel across the American Southwest and the Deep South with the money they’ve made on a recent cocaine deal. Along the way, they meet George Hanson (Nicholson), “an innocent” who travels with them for a while until… well, we won’t spoil it. Easy Rider is one of those films that changed the tide of Hollywood, ushering it into a new blockbuster era of filmmaking. While Fonda and Hopper are certainly the driving force, Nicholson has often been described as the film’s heart. 8. The Last Detail (1973)
Possibly not a Nicholson movie you’ve ever heard of, The Last Detail is about two Navy sailors who escort a young recruit from their Virginia base to a military prison in Maine. Nicholson plays Billy “Badass” Buddusky alongside Otis Young (Rawhide), who portrays his partner Richard “Mule” Mulhall. Buddysky and Mulhall’s charge, the kleptomaniac Larry Meadows, is played by good old Randy Quaid (National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation). This dramedy is a hoot as the trio make their way by train up the eastern coast of the US, only to get themselves into a few sticky situations along the way. A particularly funny bit involves Buddusky and Mulhall taking the young Meadows to a whorehouse to lose his virginity. As the two sailors slowly start to grow attached to the young criminal, you will too. The Last Detail may not be the most popular Nicholson outing, but it still manages to be one of his best. 9. The Departed (2006)
We’ve mentioned this one before as it’s one of the best gangster flicks of recent years, but The Departed is also one of Nicholson’s final roles before his sudden retirement (and easily one of his best). Here, he plays Irish Mob boss Frank Costello, a man coming to the end of his rope. If you love Martin Scorsese (Taxi Driver) films and gangster pictures, then you’ll be all over this one. The film follows Costello’s mole within the Boston PD, Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon, The Martian), and the cop’s mole Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio, Inception), who infiltrates Costello’s inner circle. When both sides realize there’s a mole within, they each search to find the other before it’s too late. It gets pretty intense pretty fast. Also, Mark Wahlberg’s character is literally insane and we love him for it! The Departed is an epic crime thriller that features one of Nicholson’s final performances, sealing the actor’s final impact on Hollywood in a way only he could. 10. The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
Did you know Mad Max director George Miller put Jack Nicholson together with Cher (Moonstruck), Michelle Pfeiffer (Batman Returns), and Susan Sarandon (The Rocky Horror Picture Show) in a movie all about witches? You do now, and it’s about what you’d expect if you’re expecting an irresistibly funny dark fantasy. The plot revolves around this trio who are completely unaware that the words they speak hold true power until a mysterious man (Nicholson) arrives with his own dark motives and desires for their power. This wacky concept combined with the sleazy seductions that Nicholson brings ends up making The Witches of Eastwick one of Jack Nicholson’s most humorous works. The Witches of Eastwick puts together some of Hollywood’s most beautiful women, and one lucky devil.
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- Five Easy Pieces (1970)
Nicholson’s filmography doesn’t just include crime dramas, horror flicks, and comedies, with Five Easy Pieces a prime example of his diversity as an actor, playing the role of blue-collar oil rig worker Bobby Dupea. After Dupea learns that his father is dying, he travels with his unruly girlfriend (Karen Black, Easy Rider) to his privileged boyhood home in the state of Washington. As Five Easy Pieces plays out, Nicholson’s Bobby Dupea is a clear portrait of alienation that works on various levels including social status, financial class, and even in his own family relationships. By the end of the film, Dupea makes his final choice in deciding whether or not to alienate himself from everybody. It’s a powerful choice that closes out the film well. Five Easy Pieces is a compelling look at the disparities in social and financial classes in America, and one man’s journey towards discovering who he is and his own desires. 12. As Good As It Gets (1997)
Romantic comedies aren’t always the sappy Nicholas Sparks-like stories that many of us roll our eyes and groan at, some of them are actually As Good As It Gets. The film follows a best-selling romance novelist, Melvin Udall (Nicholson), as he learns to get over his homophobia, OCD, and misanthropic attitude towards life in order to finally “get the girl” of his dreams. Nicholson’s work as Udall is completely convincing, and his awkward relationship with Carol (Helen Hunt, Pay It Forward) helps us to root for this complicated, and questionable, character. His budding friendship with the gay artist Simon (Greg Kinnear, The Stand) manages to do Udall some good, bringing him closer to being a positive influence on New York society. As Good As It Gets is exactly that as it challenges one’s preconceived notions while also forcing you to embrace the craziness of Melvin Udall. 13. The Pledge (2001)
A neo-noir mystery thriller directed by Sean Penn (Mystic River), The Pledge follows retired Nevada police detective Jerry Black (Nicholson) as he tracks down the killer of a young child. The film is a gripping adaptation of the Swiss novella that was a shelved passion project for Penn and Nicholson for years before they finally had the opportunity to bring it to life. With a powerful score from Pirates of the Caribbean legends Hans Zimmer and Klaus Badelt, a stellar supporting cast that includes Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight), Helen Mirren (Red), Benicio del Toro (Sicario), Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler), and Robin Wright (Wonder Woman), and a haunting performance by Nicholson himself, The Pledge may be one of the most underrated crime thrillers of the past two decades. The Pledge may be a forgotten thriller, but it continues to pack a serious punch that you, like Jerry Black, might never recover from. 14. Carnal Knowledge (1971)
If you haven’t heard of Carnal Knowledge, then you’re missing out on a fascinating commentary on the lives of two men from their college days through middle age, as it chronicles their sex lives and relationships, juxtaposing each’s approach to the opposite sex. Nicholson plays Jonathan Fuerst opposite Art Garfunkel (Catch-22) who stars as Sandy. Jonathan and Sandy’s views on women prove to be an interesting character study. Jonathan, on one hand, is an aggressive womanizer who completely objectifies the fairer sex, while Sandy, who is more gentle and passive, idolizes them. Both men face their own fair share of trouble when it comes to dating and relationships, proving that neither approach is particularly healthy. Carnal Knowledge may be a “for adult eyes only” film, but ironically there’s very little actual sex explored. This one is more an exploration of how their views on women hurt not just the opposite sex, but their own minds as well. 15. About Schmidt (2002)
Lastly, but certainly not least, is About Schmidt. This bizarre comedy-drama follows a recently retired widower Warren Schmidt (Nicholson) on his cross-country travels to his estranged daughter’s wedding to convince her not to marry her pyramid scheming fiance. It’s an oddball comedy that is part heart, part laughs, and all Jack Nicholson. Schmidt is about what you’d expect from a grumpy old man but with all the charisma of your classic Nicholson character. From trailer park antics to his trouble with the waterbed, Nicholson really sells it as this useless former actuary. All-in-all, About Schmidt is one you’ve got to see for yourself. About Schmidt is a quirky character study that works because Nicholson is ever the professional and puts his all into every performance.
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As the most nominated male actor in the Academy’s history, Jack Nicholson has quite an exhaustive career behind him. Between iconic roles such as Jack Torrance, “Jakes” Gitties, and even the Clown Prince of Crime himself, Nicholson has played just about every type of character you could imagine as well as anyone else could. He is truly a master of his craft. While Nicholson has been retired for the past decade, his impact on Hollywood cannot be understated. Having worked with some of the greatest filmmakers from multiple generations, Nicholson has proven time and again how far he can go to help the audience make-believe. Which films should you start with to garner a taste for his genius? Check out our list of the 15 best Jack Nicholson movies ever made.
- The Shining (1980)
Probably Nicholson’s most recognizable role, The Shining features our star in the role of the crazed aspiring writer/hotel caretaker Jack Torrance. As Torrence and his family, including wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall, Time Bandits) and son Danny (Danny Lloyd), spend the winter in the Colorado Rockies, Torrence’s own sanity begins to deteriorate as the ghosts of the Overlook Hotel begin to reveal themselves. Based on Stephen King’s best-selling novel, The Shining is not only considered one of the greatest adaptations of King’s work (one he actually didn’t like) but one of the greatest films of all time and one of the most influential horror films ever. Although a sequel, Doctor Sleep, was released in 2019, the original classic remains the greatest triumph relating to King’s original classic. The Shining is possibly Nicholson’s most intense performance, and ultimately one of his best. The same goes for director Stanley Kubrick (2001: A Space Odyssey), who is at his best behind the camera, bringing Stephen King’s work to life like no other. 2. Chinatown (1974)
Roman Polanski (Rosemary’s Baby) may have a complex history, but there’s no denying the cultural impact and success of his 1974 film Chinatown. Another Nicholson staple, this film follows J.J. “Jakes” Gitties as he exposes an adulterer in 1930s Los Angeles, only to find himself in “a web of deceit, corruption, and murder.” Having been nominated for 11 different Oscars, Chinatown is one of the great films of the 70s and one of the best mysteries put to screen. Nicholson is exceptional as always and Faye Dunaway (Little Big Man) is equally as wonderful. Good old Jack even directed and starred in the 1990 sequel The Two Jakes, although it was not a success and is only for true Nicholson fans. Chinatown is a stellar film-noir that asks some of the toughest questions and gives some of the toughest answers to boot. If you haven’t seen this one yet, make sure to put it on your list! 3. Batman (1989)
If you thought Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight) or Joaquin Phoenix (Joker) were the only two to play the Clown Prince of Crime on the big screen, you’d be gravely mistaken. Jack Nicholson starred as the Joker in the 1989 Tim Burton (Edward Scissorhands) adaptation of Batman. In this feature, a rather serious Batman (Michael Keaton, Birdman) faces off against the entertaining yet deadly Joker. Nicholson’s Joker has been beloved by Bat fans ever since his debut, but his portrayal has often been overshadowed by the more modern (and darker) interpretations of the character. Nicholson and Burton’s take of the maniacal clown is more a bridge between the 1960s comedic version and Ledger’s darker, Oscar-winning, villain, making it a clever portrayal of the madman that is possibly better than Ledger’s Joker. Batman is one of the most iconic superhero films ever made (long before the modern Marvel craze), and will have you asking the question: “Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?” After this, you’ll be able to answer that one with confidence. 4. One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
What happens when a criminal gets himself transferred into a mental institution to avoid the hard labor of the prison system only to be mistreated by his rigid nurse? That’s the question that One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest answers marvelously. Jack Nicholson stars as criminal R.P. Murphy with Louise Fletcher (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) as the notorious Nurse Mildred Ratchet. This dark comedy capitalizes on the pre-franchise era of Hollywood when the industry was willing to take risks on more artistic cinema that would still entertain those who watched it. Nicholson is electric as McMurphy, who consistently gets himself (and his friends) into more and more trouble. There’s a reason this one is considered one of the greats. One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest is one edgy story that will make you laugh, cry, and wonder why for over two hours straight. 5. The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981)
A neo-noir erotic thriller (say that three times fast), The Postman Always Rings Twice may not be the first film that comes to mind when you think of Jack Nicholson, but it should come pretty close. Written by film legend David Mamet (Glengarry Glen Ross), this Depression-era film follows a drifter and a steamy adulterer as they conspire to murder the latter’s own husband. Nicholson stars as the drifter Frank Chambers opposite Jessica Lange (Grey Gardens), the mistress Cora Smith. Like many of Nicholson’s greatest hits, The Postman Always Rings Twice is a “for mature audiences only” picture, one that explores the sensual relationship between this unwed couple alongside the murderous consequences of their affair. It’s striking and was called “hotter than any uncurbed passion” by Playboy. The Postman Always Rings Twice will, like all great (erotic) thrillers, make you feel the heat.
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- A Few Good Men (1992)
Few legal dramas are as intense or culturally powerful as A Few Good Men. Written by Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing), directed by Rob Reiner (When Harry Met Sally…), and starring Tom Cruise (Mission: Impossible), Demi Moore (Ghost), and Nicholson, this one will have you searching hard for the truth, no matter the consequences. The film follows the court-martial of two US Marines who are charged with the murder of a fellow Marine as their lawyers fight hard to defend their clients. Cruise and Moore play Lieutenants Kaffee and Galloway, respectively, and perform masterfully. Nicholson’s role as Colonel Jessup is equally as stunning, especially when he goes on his own self-important rant to avoid answering an important question near the end. A Few Good Men is an excellent film that features some of the best of the business and is possibly Nicholson’s most powerful performance on screen. 7. Easy Rider (1969)
Nicholson’s first Academy Award nomination (for Best Supporting Actor) actually came from this 1969 “New Hollywood” era film Easy Rider, which was the brainchild of Peter Fonda (3:10 to Yuma) and Dennis Hopper (Waterworld), who also portray the two lead bikers in the film. Nicholson plays the alcoholic lawyer George Hanson who the leads meet when they spend the night in prison. The plot of Easy Rider revolves around Wyatt (Fonda), who goes by “Captain America,” and Bolly (Hopper), two free-spirited bikers who travel across the American Southwest and the Deep South with the money they’ve made on a recent cocaine deal. Along the way, they meet George Hanson (Nicholson), “an innocent” who travels with them for a while until… well, we won’t spoil it. Easy Rider is one of those films that changed the tide of Hollywood, ushering it into a new blockbuster era of filmmaking. While Fonda and Hopper are certainly the driving force, Nicholson has often been described as the film’s heart. 8. The Last Detail (1973)
Possibly not a Nicholson movie you’ve ever heard of, The Last Detail is about two Navy sailors who escort a young recruit from their Virginia base to a military prison in Maine. Nicholson plays Billy “Badass” Buddusky alongside Otis Young (Rawhide), who portrays his partner Richard “Mule” Mulhall. Buddysky and Mulhall’s charge, the kleptomaniac Larry Meadows, is played by good old Randy Quaid (National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation). This dramedy is a hoot as the trio make their way by train up the eastern coast of the US, only to get themselves into a few sticky situations along the way. A particularly funny bit involves Buddusky and Mulhall taking the young Meadows to a whorehouse to lose his virginity. As the two sailors slowly start to grow attached to the young criminal, you will too. The Last Detail may not be the most popular Nicholson outing, but it still manages to be one of his best. 9. The Departed (2006)
We’ve mentioned this one before as it’s one of the best gangster flicks of recent years, but The Departed is also one of Nicholson’s final roles before his sudden retirement (and easily one of his best). Here, he plays Irish Mob boss Frank Costello, a man coming to the end of his rope. If you love Martin Scorsese (Taxi Driver) films and gangster pictures, then you’ll be all over this one. The film follows Costello’s mole within the Boston PD, Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon, The Martian), and the cop’s mole Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio, Inception), who infiltrates Costello’s inner circle. When both sides realize there’s a mole within, they each search to find the other before it’s too late. It gets pretty intense pretty fast. Also, Mark Wahlberg’s character is literally insane and we love him for it! The Departed is an epic crime thriller that features one of Nicholson’s final performances, sealing the actor’s final impact on Hollywood in a way only he could. 10. The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
Did you know Mad Max director George Miller put Jack Nicholson together with Cher (Moonstruck), Michelle Pfeiffer (Batman Returns), and Susan Sarandon (The Rocky Horror Picture Show) in a movie all about witches? You do now, and it’s about what you’d expect if you’re expecting an irresistibly funny dark fantasy. The plot revolves around this trio who are completely unaware that the words they speak hold true power until a mysterious man (Nicholson) arrives with his own dark motives and desires for their power. This wacky concept combined with the sleazy seductions that Nicholson brings ends up making The Witches of Eastwick one of Jack Nicholson’s most humorous works. The Witches of Eastwick puts together some of Hollywood’s most beautiful women, and one lucky devil.
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- Five Easy Pieces (1970)
Nicholson’s filmography doesn’t just include crime dramas, horror flicks, and comedies, with Five Easy Pieces a prime example of his diversity as an actor, playing the role of blue-collar oil rig worker Bobby Dupea. After Dupea learns that his father is dying, he travels with his unruly girlfriend (Karen Black, Easy Rider) to his privileged boyhood home in the state of Washington. As Five Easy Pieces plays out, Nicholson’s Bobby Dupea is a clear portrait of alienation that works on various levels including social status, financial class, and even in his own family relationships. By the end of the film, Dupea makes his final choice in deciding whether or not to alienate himself from everybody. It’s a powerful choice that closes out the film well. Five Easy Pieces is a compelling look at the disparities in social and financial classes in America, and one man’s journey towards discovering who he is and his own desires. 12. As Good As It Gets (1997)
Romantic comedies aren’t always the sappy Nicholas Sparks-like stories that many of us roll our eyes and groan at, some of them are actually As Good As It Gets. The film follows a best-selling romance novelist, Melvin Udall (Nicholson), as he learns to get over his homophobia, OCD, and misanthropic attitude towards life in order to finally “get the girl” of his dreams. Nicholson’s work as Udall is completely convincing, and his awkward relationship with Carol (Helen Hunt, Pay It Forward) helps us to root for this complicated, and questionable, character. His budding friendship with the gay artist Simon (Greg Kinnear, The Stand) manages to do Udall some good, bringing him closer to being a positive influence on New York society. As Good As It Gets is exactly that as it challenges one’s preconceived notions while also forcing you to embrace the craziness of Melvin Udall. 13. The Pledge (2001)
A neo-noir mystery thriller directed by Sean Penn (Mystic River), The Pledge follows retired Nevada police detective Jerry Black (Nicholson) as he tracks down the killer of a young child. The film is a gripping adaptation of the Swiss novella that was a shelved passion project for Penn and Nicholson for years before they finally had the opportunity to bring it to life. With a powerful score from Pirates of the Caribbean legends Hans Zimmer and Klaus Badelt, a stellar supporting cast that includes Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight), Helen Mirren (Red), Benicio del Toro (Sicario), Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler), and Robin Wright (Wonder Woman), and a haunting performance by Nicholson himself, The Pledge may be one of the most underrated crime thrillers of the past two decades. The Pledge may be a forgotten thriller, but it continues to pack a serious punch that you, like Jerry Black, might never recover from. 14. Carnal Knowledge (1971)
If you haven’t heard of Carnal Knowledge, then you’re missing out on a fascinating commentary on the lives of two men from their college days through middle age, as it chronicles their sex lives and relationships, juxtaposing each’s approach to the opposite sex. Nicholson plays Jonathan Fuerst opposite Art Garfunkel (Catch-22) who stars as Sandy. Jonathan and Sandy’s views on women prove to be an interesting character study. Jonathan, on one hand, is an aggressive womanizer who completely objectifies the fairer sex, while Sandy, who is more gentle and passive, idolizes them. Both men face their own fair share of trouble when it comes to dating and relationships, proving that neither approach is particularly healthy. Carnal Knowledge may be a “for adult eyes only” film, but ironically there’s very little actual sex explored. This one is more an exploration of how their views on women hurt not just the opposite sex, but their own minds as well. 15. About Schmidt (2002)
Lastly, but certainly not least, is About Schmidt. This bizarre comedy-drama follows a recently retired widower Warren Schmidt (Nicholson) on his cross-country travels to his estranged daughter’s wedding to convince her not to marry her pyramid scheming fiance. It’s an oddball comedy that is part heart, part laughs, and all Jack Nicholson. Schmidt is about what you’d expect from a grumpy old man but with all the charisma of your classic Nicholson character. From trailer park antics to his trouble with the waterbed, Nicholson really sells it as this useless former actuary. All-in-all, About Schmidt is one you’ve got to see for yourself. About Schmidt is a quirky character study that works because Nicholson is ever the professional and puts his all into every performance.
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As the most nominated male actor in the Academy’s history, Jack Nicholson has quite an exhaustive career behind him. Between iconic roles such as Jack Torrance, “Jakes” Gitties, and even the Clown Prince of Crime himself, Nicholson has played just about every type of character you could imagine as well as anyone else could. He is truly a master of his craft.
While Nicholson has been retired for the past decade, his impact on Hollywood cannot be understated. Having worked with some of the greatest filmmakers from multiple generations, Nicholson has proven time and again how far he can go to help the audience make-believe. Which films should you start with to garner a taste for his genius? Check out our list of the 15 best Jack Nicholson movies ever made.
1. The Shining (1980)
Probably Nicholson’s most recognizable role, The Shining features our star in the role of the crazed aspiring writer/hotel caretaker Jack Torrance. As Torrence and his family, including wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall, Time Bandits) and son Danny (Danny Lloyd), spend the winter in the Colorado Rockies, Torrence’s own sanity begins to deteriorate as the ghosts of the Overlook Hotel begin to reveal themselves.
Based on Stephen King’s best-selling novel, The Shining is not only considered one of the greatest adaptations of King’s work (one he actually didn’t like) but one of the greatest films of all time and one of the most influential horror films ever. Although a sequel, Doctor Sleep, was released in 2019, the original classic remains the greatest triumph relating to King’s original classic.
The Shining is possibly Nicholson’s most intense performance, and ultimately one of his best. The same goes for director Stanley Kubrick (2001: A Space Odyssey), who is at his best behind the camera, bringing Stephen King’s work to life like no other.
2. Chinatown (1974)
Roman Polanski (Rosemary’s Baby) may have a complex history, but there’s no denying the cultural impact and success of his 1974 film Chinatown. Another Nicholson staple, this film follows J.J. “Jakes” Gitties as he exposes an adulterer in 1930s Los Angeles, only to find himself in “a web of deceit, corruption, and murder.”
Having been nominated for 11 different Oscars, Chinatown is one of the great films of the 70s and one of the best mysteries put to screen. Nicholson is exceptional as always and Faye Dunaway (Little Big Man) is equally as wonderful. Good old Jack even directed and starred in the 1990 sequel The Two Jakes, although it was not a success and is only for true Nicholson fans.
Chinatown is a stellar film-noir that asks some of the toughest questions and gives some of the toughest answers to boot. If you haven’t seen this one yet, make sure to put it on your list!
3. Batman (1989)
If you thought Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight) or Joaquin Phoenix (Joker) were the only two to play the Clown Prince of Crime on the big screen, you’d be gravely mistaken. Jack Nicholson starred as the Joker in the 1989 Tim Burton (Edward Scissorhands) adaptation of Batman. In this feature, a rather serious Batman (Michael Keaton, Birdman) faces off against the entertaining yet deadly Joker.
Nicholson’s Joker has been beloved by Bat fans ever since his debut, but his portrayal has often been overshadowed by the more modern (and darker) interpretations of the character. Nicholson and Burton’s take of the maniacal clown is more a bridge between the 1960s comedic version and Ledger’s darker, Oscar-winning, villain, making it a clever portrayal of the madman that is possibly better than Ledger’s Joker.
Batman is one of the most iconic superhero films ever made (long before the modern Marvel craze), and will have you asking the question: “Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?” After this, you’ll be able to answer that one with confidence.
4. One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
What happens when a criminal gets himself transferred into a mental institution to avoid the hard labor of the prison system only to be mistreated by his rigid nurse? That’s the question that One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest answers marvelously. Jack Nicholson stars as criminal R.P. Murphy with Louise Fletcher (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) as the notorious Nurse Mildred Ratchet.
This dark comedy capitalizes on the pre-franchise era of Hollywood when the industry was willing to take risks on more artistic cinema that would still entertain those who watched it. Nicholson is electric as McMurphy, who consistently gets himself (and his friends) into more and more trouble. There’s a reason this one is considered one of the greats.
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest is one edgy story that will make you laugh, cry, and wonder why for over two hours straight.
5. The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981)
A neo-noir erotic thriller (say that three times fast), The Postman Always Rings Twice may not be the first film that comes to mind when you think of Jack Nicholson, but it should come pretty close. Written by film legend David Mamet (Glengarry Glen Ross), this Depression-era film follows a drifter and a steamy adulterer as they conspire to murder the latter’s own husband.
Nicholson stars as the drifter Frank Chambers opposite Jessica Lange (Grey Gardens), the mistress Cora Smith. Like many of Nicholson’s greatest hits, The Postman Always Rings Twice is a “for mature audiences only” picture, one that explores the sensual relationship between this unwed couple alongside the murderous consequences of their affair. It’s striking and was called “hotter than any uncurbed passion” by Playboy.
The Postman Always Rings Twice will, like all great (erotic) thrillers, make you feel the heat.
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6. A Few Good Men (1992)
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Few legal dramas are as intense or culturally powerful as A Few Good Men. Written by Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing), directed by Rob Reiner (When Harry Met Sally…), and starring Tom Cruise (Mission: Impossible), Demi Moore (Ghost), and Nicholson, this one will have you searching hard for the truth, no matter the consequences.
The film follows the court-martial of two US Marines who are charged with the murder of a fellow Marine as their lawyers fight hard to defend their clients. Cruise and Moore play Lieutenants Kaffee and Galloway, respectively, and perform masterfully. Nicholson’s role as Colonel Jessup is equally as stunning, especially when he goes on his own self-important rant to avoid answering an important question near the end.
A Few Good Men is an excellent film that features some of the best of the business and is possibly Nicholson’s most powerful performance on screen.
7. Easy Rider (1969)
Nicholson’s first Academy Award nomination (for Best Supporting Actor) actually came from this 1969 “New Hollywood” era film Easy Rider, which was the brainchild of Peter Fonda (3:10 to Yuma) and Dennis Hopper (Waterworld), who also portray the two lead bikers in the film. Nicholson plays the alcoholic lawyer George Hanson who the leads meet when they spend the night in prison.
The plot of Easy Rider revolves around Wyatt (Fonda), who goes by “Captain America,” and Bolly (Hopper), two free-spirited bikers who travel across the American Southwest and the Deep South with the money they’ve made on a recent cocaine deal. Along the way, they meet George Hanson (Nicholson), “an innocent” who travels with them for a while until… well, we won’t spoil it.
Easy Rider is one of those films that changed the tide of Hollywood, ushering it into a new blockbuster era of filmmaking. While Fonda and Hopper are certainly the driving force, Nicholson has often been described as the film’s heart.
8. The Last Detail (1973)
Possibly not a Nicholson movie you’ve ever heard of, The Last Detail is about two Navy sailors who escort a young recruit from their Virginia base to a military prison in Maine. Nicholson plays Billy “Badass” Buddusky alongside Otis Young (Rawhide), who portrays his partner Richard “Mule” Mulhall. Buddysky and Mulhall’s charge, the kleptomaniac Larry Meadows, is played by good old Randy Quaid (National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation).
This dramedy is a hoot as the trio make their way by train up the eastern coast of the US, only to get themselves into a few sticky situations along the way. A particularly funny bit involves Buddusky and Mulhall taking the young Meadows to a whorehouse to lose his virginity. As the two sailors slowly start to grow attached to the young criminal, you will too.
The Last Detail may not be the most popular Nicholson outing, but it still manages to be one of his best.
9. The Departed (2006)
We’ve mentioned this one before as it’s one of the best gangster flicks of recent years, but The Departed is also one of Nicholson’s final roles before his sudden retirement (and easily one of his best). Here, he plays Irish Mob boss Frank Costello, a man coming to the end of his rope. If you love Martin Scorsese (Taxi Driver) films and gangster pictures, then you’ll be all over this one.
The film follows Costello’s mole within the Boston PD, Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon, The Martian), and the cop’s mole Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio, Inception), who infiltrates Costello’s inner circle. When both sides realize there’s a mole within, they each search to find the other before it’s too late. It gets pretty intense pretty fast. Also, Mark Wahlberg’s character is literally insane and we love him for it!
The Departed is an epic crime thriller that features one of Nicholson’s final performances, sealing the actor’s final impact on Hollywood in a way only he could.
10. The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
Did you know Mad Max director George Miller put Jack Nicholson together with Cher (Moonstruck), Michelle Pfeiffer (Batman Returns), and Susan Sarandon (The Rocky Horror Picture Show) in a movie all about witches? You do now, and it’s about what you’d expect if you’re expecting an irresistibly funny dark fantasy.
The plot revolves around this trio who are completely unaware that the words they speak hold true power until a mysterious man (Nicholson) arrives with his own dark motives and desires for their power. This wacky concept combined with the sleazy seductions that Nicholson brings ends up making The Witches of Eastwick one of Jack Nicholson’s most humorous works.
The Witches of Eastwick puts together some of Hollywood’s most beautiful women, and one lucky devil.
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11. Five Easy Pieces (1970)
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Nicholson’s filmography doesn’t just include crime dramas, horror flicks, and comedies, with Five Easy Pieces a prime example of his diversity as an actor, playing the role of blue-collar oil rig worker Bobby Dupea. After Dupea learns that his father is dying, he travels with his unruly girlfriend (Karen Black, Easy Rider) to his privileged boyhood home in the state of Washington.
As Five Easy Pieces plays out, Nicholson’s Bobby Dupea is a clear portrait of alienation that works on various levels including social status, financial class, and even in his own family relationships. By the end of the film, Dupea makes his final choice in deciding whether or not to alienate himself from everybody. It’s a powerful choice that closes out the film well.
Five Easy Pieces is a compelling look at the disparities in social and financial classes in America, and one man’s journey towards discovering who he is and his own desires.
12. As Good As It Gets (1997)
Romantic comedies aren’t always the sappy Nicholas Sparks-like stories that many of us roll our eyes and groan at, some of them are actually As Good As It Gets. The film follows a best-selling romance novelist, Melvin Udall (Nicholson), as he learns to get over his homophobia, OCD, and misanthropic attitude towards life in order to finally “get the girl” of his dreams.
Nicholson’s work as Udall is completely convincing, and his awkward relationship with Carol (Helen Hunt, Pay It Forward) helps us to root for this complicated, and questionable, character. His budding friendship with the gay artist Simon (Greg Kinnear, The Stand) manages to do Udall some good, bringing him closer to being a positive influence on New York society.
As Good As It Gets is exactly that as it challenges one’s preconceived notions while also forcing you to embrace the craziness of Melvin Udall.
13. The Pledge (2001)
A neo-noir mystery thriller directed by Sean Penn (Mystic River), The Pledge follows retired Nevada police detective Jerry Black (Nicholson) as he tracks down the killer of a young child. The film is a gripping adaptation of the Swiss novella that was a shelved passion project for Penn and Nicholson for years before they finally had the opportunity to bring it to life.
With a powerful score from Pirates of the Caribbean legends Hans Zimmer and Klaus Badelt, a stellar supporting cast that includes Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight), Helen Mirren (Red), Benicio del Toro (Sicario), Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler), and Robin Wright (Wonder Woman), and a haunting performance by Nicholson himself, The Pledge may be one of the most underrated crime thrillers of the past two decades.
The Pledge may be a forgotten thriller, but it continues to pack a serious punch that you, like Jerry Black, might never recover from.
14. Carnal Knowledge (1971)
If you haven’t heard of Carnal Knowledge, then you’re missing out on a fascinating commentary on the lives of two men from their college days through middle age, as it chronicles their sex lives and relationships, juxtaposing each’s approach to the opposite sex. Nicholson plays Jonathan Fuerst opposite Art Garfunkel (Catch-22) who stars as Sandy.
Jonathan and Sandy’s views on women prove to be an interesting character study. Jonathan, on one hand, is an aggressive womanizer who completely objectifies the fairer sex, while Sandy, who is more gentle and passive, idolizes them. Both men face their own fair share of trouble when it comes to dating and relationships, proving that neither approach is particularly healthy.
Carnal Knowledge may be a “for adult eyes only” film, but ironically there’s very little actual sex explored. This one is more an exploration of how their views on women hurt not just the opposite sex, but their own minds as well.
15. About Schmidt (2002)
Lastly, but certainly not least, is About Schmidt. This bizarre comedy-drama follows a recently retired widower Warren Schmidt (Nicholson) on his cross-country travels to his estranged daughter’s wedding to convince her not to marry her pyramid scheming fiance. It’s an oddball comedy that is part heart, part laughs, and all Jack Nicholson.
Schmidt is about what you’d expect from a grumpy old man but with all the charisma of your classic Nicholson character. From trailer park antics to his trouble with the waterbed, Nicholson really sells it as this useless former actuary. All-in-all, About Schmidt is one you’ve got to see for yourself.
About Schmidt is a quirky character study that works because Nicholson is ever the professional and puts his all into every performance.
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