Angie Ambos
By now, you’re undoubtedly familiar with the extraordinary acting of William Hurt. But have you seen his most iconic roles? Here are 10 of William Hurt’s best movies that will leave you breathless and wanting more.
In this classic science fiction horror film, Hurt plays Edward Jessup, a scientist who experiments with hallucinogenic drugs and sensory deprivation tanks to alter his consciousness to understand human evolution. The risks he takes bring about unexpected results and unearthly visions that will leave viewers in awe.
Hurt plays Ned Racine in this classic noir thriller directed by Lawrence Kasdan. He stars alongside Kathleen Turner, who plays a femme fatale full of secrets and lies that lead to a double-crossing drug dealer and a string of murders.
In this comedy-drama directed by Lawrence Kasdan, Hurt portrays Harold Cooper— one of seven college friends who reunite after 15 years for the funeral of their friend Alex. As they come together again to reminisce on old times and grieve the loss of their beloved pal, they come to terms with the harsh realities of adulthood.
4. Children of a Lesser God (1986)
In this romantic drama, Hurt portrays James Leeds— a speech teacher at a school for the deaf. He meets Sarah Norman— a stubborn and hard-of-hearing woman who refuses to learn how to communicate through sign language and oral speech, which leads to their unlikely romance.
This hit comedy directed by James L Brooks features William Hurt as Tom Grunick— a news anchor who is taken under the wing of two veteran reporters and their mutual love interest, Jane Craig (played by Holly Hunter). This movie explores media ethics and will have you laughing from start to finish.
6. The Accidental Tourist (1988)
Hurt plays Macon Leary— an emotionally distant travel writer who has lost all joy in life after his son’s death and the dissolution of his marriage. He meets Muriel Pritchett (played by Geena Davis) and learns how to live again with her help.
Hurt plays Gus— a lowly electrician who falls in love with a woman named Emily (played by Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio). When he finds out she’s already married, he must choose between his feelings for her and the danger of breaking up her family.
This classic western comedy stars Hurt as Handsome Stranger— an outlaw gang leader who goes on a mission to reunite his former crew and reclaim his position as the baddest bandit in town.
9. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
Hurt plays the Sheriff of Nottingham— one of the most iconic villains in literature and film history. He stars alongside Kevin Costner as the titular character in this swashbuckling adventure about an outlaw who takes on corrupt royalty to protect his people.
10. A History of Violence (2005)
In this crime thriller, Hurt plays mobster Richie Cusack— a relentless killer with ties to Tom Stall (played by Viggo Mortensen) and his past. This movie delves into themes of morality, justice, and revenge in a gripping story of loyalty and betrayal.
William Hurt has an impressive filmography that spans four decades. His roles range from romantic leads to villains, comedy characters to dramatic personalities, and virtuous heroes to outlaws. These ten movies represent the breadth of Hurt’s work— showcasing his unique ability to inhabit each character he plays with finesse and emotion. From Altered States to Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, these movies demonstrate the diversity of William Hurt’s skill set and the impact his performances have had on the film industry.
No matter which of these movies you watch, you can be sure that William Hurt will deliver a performance worth remembering. Each of these titles will transport audiences to different worlds, introduce them to new characters, and help them explore important themes. So grab your popcorn and prepare for an unforgettable movie night with William Hurt!
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