James Earl Jones’ 10 Best Movies, Ranked

James Earl Jones has left an undeniable mark on the film industry. Despite an impressive and staggering filmography spanning more than six decades, there are movie titles that stand out for their cultural impact. Known for his strong voice and commanding presence, James Earl Jones has portrayed numerous iconic characters in a variety of genres across the years. His ability to imbue each role with depth and authenticity has solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s most revered and legendary actors. James Earl Jones passed away on the morning of September 9, 2024, at his home in Dutchess County, New York. He was 93.

Jones’ influence extends beyond the screen, with his voice work and Broadway stage performances also leaving their mark on audiences worldwide. His commitment to mentorship and advocacy has inspired a new generation of actors and artists to pursue their passions with dedication and integrity. A winner of the coveted EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards), Jones garnered more than 200 screen credits in his 60+ year acting career. He remains a significant figure in the entertainment industry thanks to his remarkable filmography, which features both memorable characters and performances that will live on forever.

10 The Sandlot (1993)

James Earl Jones portrayed Mr. Mertle

While The Sandlot may not have the greatest scores on Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic, the beloved classic’s cultural impact is undeniable. Set in the summer of 1962, the film centers on a group of young boys as they bond over their love for baseball after discovering a neighborhood recluse is, in fact, a baseball legend. The Sandlot’s enduring legacy is evident in its inspiration of sequels, spin-offs, and an upcoming Sandlot television series. In a testament to its timeless themes of camaraderie and growing up, Roger Ebert said this: “I…realized how completely this movie had seduced me with its memories of what really matters when you are 12.”

9 Coming to America (1988)

James Earl Jones portrayed King Jaffe Joffer

Coming to America is celebrated for its groundbreaking representation of black characters and culture in mainstream Hollywood cinema. The film’s commercial success solidified Eddie Murphy’s status as a box office draw, and decades later, it remains one of Eddie Murphy’s most beloved films as a cultural touchstone of black representation and humor. The film inspired a 2021 sequel, Coming 2 America, which was Jones’ final movie credit. Monica White Ndounou, the associate professor of theater at Dartmouth College, expanded on this when she told The Washington Post:

“It’s really a milestone in black films. You get this narrative of black people always being embattled and oppressed. Films like ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Coming to America’ change this. I haven’t encountered one black person on this planet who doesn’t know at least one line from the movie.”

8 Primary Colors (1998)

James Earl Jones portrayed Jack Stanton

Directed by Mike Nichols and based on Joe Klein’s novel, Primary Colors tells a fictionalized version of Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign. The film is a wonder with its sharp script and insightful portrayal of American politics, greatly benefiting from its strong performances and screenplay. Although it did not win any major awards, the film’s nominations and cultural impact sparked discussions in political campaigns, with Roger Ebert going so far as to say, “It’s a superb film – funny, insightful, and very wise about the realities of political life.” Primary Colors also stars John Travolta, Emma Thompson, and Kathy Bates.

7 Field of Dreams (1989)

James Earl Jones portrayed Terence Mann

According to Caryn James of The New York Times, Field of Dreams is “a work so smartly written, so beautifully filmed, so perfectly acted, that it does the almost impossible trick of turning sentimentality into true emotion.” Directed by Phil Alden Robinson and based on W.P. Kinsella’s novel, the film revolves around a farmer who constructs a baseball field on his property after hearing a mysterious voice. Celebrated for its emotional depth and themes of redemption, belief, and compelling storytelling, Field of Dreams has garnered critical acclaim, earning a place as a beloved classic and one of the most inspirational sports films of all time.

6 The Hunt for Red October (1990)

James Earl Jones portrayed Admiral James Greer

Jack Ryan’s name seems to be everywhere these days, but his rise to cinematic notoriety began with The Hunt for Red October. Directed by John McTiernan and based on Tom Clancy’s novel, the film centers on CIA analyst Jack Ryan’s mission to thwart a Soviet submarine captain’s defection. The movie continues to be praised for its suspenseful plot, tense atmosphere, and strong ensemble performances. Jones played Admiral Greer in The Hunt for Red October in a star-studded cast that also featured Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Stellan Skarsgård, and Scott Glenn.

5 Cry, The Beloved Country (1995)

James Earl Jones portrayed Rev. Stephen Kumalo

Cry, the Beloved Country received critical acclaim for its handling of social issues, shedding light on apartheid injustices and igniting discussions about race, reconciliation, and social change. Adapted from Alan Paton’s novel and directed by Darrell James Roodt, the film portrays a black South African minister’s quest to find his missing son in Johannesburg amidst apartheid’s harsh realities. The film’s powerful themes, poignant storytelling, and emotional performances continue to garner praise.

4 Matewan (1987)

James Earl Jones portrayed “Few Clothes” Johnson

Acclaimed for its authentic depiction of the labor movement and compelling storytelling, Matewan earned positive reviews for its historical accuracy and gripping narrative. The film is based in the 1920 coal-mining town of Matewan, West Virginia, focusing on the Battle of Matewan and the miners’ struggle against oppressive coal company owners. Though not commercially prominent, Matewan garnered praise for exploring labor rights and the struggles of working-class communities, cementing its significance among cinephiles and scholars. James Earl Jones’ performance is of particular note.

3 Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

James Earl Jones portrayed Lieutenant Lothar Zogg

In his book, The Great Movies, Roger Ebert stated Dr. Strangelove was “arguably the best political satire of the century“. Serving as James Earl Jones’ film debut in his role as Lieutenant Lothar Zogg, the film is a black comedy satirizing the Cold War’s nuclear arms race and the concept of mutually assured destruction. Dr. Strangelove is revered for its biting satire and dark humor. It earned widespread critical acclaim and is hailed as one of cinema’s greatest achievements for its brilliant writing, performances, and direction.

2 The Lion King (1994)

James Earl Jones provided the voice for Mufasa

The Lion King narrates Simba’s journey to reclaim his throne from his uncle Scar, with James Earl Jones voicing one of his best characters, Mufasa. Celebrated for its animation, characters, music, and timeless story, the film achieved massive commercial success and critical acclaim, becoming one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time. It left a profound global cultural impact, inspiring sequels, adaptations, and merchandise, with its themes of family and redemption resonating worldwide. Jones also voiced Mufasa in the 2019 live-action adaptation of The Lion King, one of the highest-grossing movies of all time.

1 The Original Star Wars Trilogy (1977-1983)

James Earl Jones provided the voice for Darth Vader

Beginning with the original trilogy’s A New Hope, George Lucas’s Star Wars saga has left an enduring and profound mark on modern culture, with its characters, themes, and phrases deeply ingrained in society. Iconic figures like Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and the powerfully voiced Darth Vader are recognized worldwide, and phrases like “May the Force be with you” are part of everyday language. The film’s impact goes beyond pop culture, influencing filmmaking and technology, pioneering special effects, and shaping the blockbuster genre. James Earl Jones will forever be an icon and an aspirational figure in Hollywood with an incomparable and monumental legacy.

Here are some of Star Wars’ most impressive stats:

• Winner of 7 Academy Awards, including for visual effects
• Recognized by the American Film Institute on multiple ranking lists, including placing first on 100 Years of Film Scores list and second on the Top 10 Sci-Fi Films list.
• Influenced multiple filmmakers, including James, J. J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof, Dean Devlin, Gareth Edwards, Roland Emmerich, John Lasseter, David Fincher, Peter Jackson, Joss Whedon, Christopher Nolan, Ridley Scott, John Singleton, and Kevin Smith.
• Its “used future” concept has been used in many films, including the Alien franchise, The Terminator franchise, and The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
• Its financial success transformed its production company, 20th Century Fox, and revolutionized Hollywood’s approach to filmmaking, elevating it from near bankruptcy to a media powerhouse.
• Continues to inspire numerous parodies and homages, showcasing its widespread influence on entertainment
• Catapulted the careers of several actors, such as Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, and James Earl Jones.