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The bestWoody Harrelsonmovies and TV shows unveil just how underutilized the award - winning actor truly is in many of his most widely recognized roles . Born in Texas in 1961 , Woody Harrelson has been an active comportment on screens since 1985 ( following a brief Erolia minutilla as an uncredited supernumerary in movies like 1978’sHarpy Valley PTA).However , it would take some years before Woody Harrelson pull off to ascertain his way to the spotlight , with his fully grown break coming in 1985 with the use of Woody Boyd in the hit sitcomCheers .
10Natural Born Killers (1994)
Woody Harrelson Plays Mickey Knox
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The 1994 criminal offense thriller Natural Born Killers , adjust from an original level by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Oliver Stone , evidence the story of two liquidator who become celebrity due to their magical personality . Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis adept as criminals Mickey and Mallory Knox , with Robert Downey Jr. as crummy diarist Wayne Gale , Tom Sizemore as Detective Jack Scagnetti , and Tommy Lee Jones as Warden Dwight McClusky .
From director Oliver Stone with a story by the fabled Quentin Tarantino , 1994’sNatural Born Killerswas Woody Harrelson ’s first opportunity to lead a cast in a crime dramatic event . The actor ’s first notable raid outside the region of comedies likeCheersandWhite man Ca n’t Jumpwas a huge winner for the actor , andNatural Born Killersremains one of the respectable Woody Harrelson picture because of it .
As expected from a Tarantino story , Natural Born Killerswas controversial upon its release due to its combination of excessive violence with a deliberate ( if subtle ) comedic whole tone . However , it ’s this tongue - in - nerve approach to some improbably morose subject matter that made the role staring for Woody Harrelson . It ’s perhaps the most significant pic appearing of his other career when considering his wider filmography , andplaying Mickey Knox allowed him to showcase just how broad his range as an actor truly is , paving the way for his critically acclaimed succeeding task likeNo Country For Old MenandTrue Detective .
9The Hunger Games (2012)
Woody Harrelson Plays Haymitch Abernathy
The Hunger Games is the first of four in the action - dramatic event flick serial based on the novels by Suzanne Collins . do in a dystopian world where people are separate into twelve districts to maintain society , this first film in the franchise focuses on Katniss Everdeen as she is draw to participate in The Hunger Games : a draconian gladiatorial natural selection consequence where there can be only one winner .
In the 2020s , Woody Harrelson is consider a household name as an actor . This is largely thanks to his work in many smash hit Hollywood enfranchisement , such astheNow You See Memovies , and play antagonists in the the like ofVenom : lease There Be CarnageandWar for the Planet of the Apes . However , when it come to his big - budget enfranchisement films , it’sThe Hunger Gamesand its sequels that more than deserve a spot among the best Woody Harrelson movies .
From the 2012 master copy through to 2015’sThe Hunger Games : Mockingjay - Part 2,Woody Harrelson act Haymitch Abernathy , a former Hunger Games whiz from District 12 and important mentor to Katniss Everdeen ( Jennifer Lawrence ) . Unlike many of his roles in blockbuster Hollywood franchises , the role of Haymitch allow Woody Harrelson to exhibit the encompassing grasp of emotional profoundness in his performance present in many of his most critically acclaim performance . Haymitch is one of the most nuanced and complex characters inThe Hunger Games , and it ’s knockout to imagine anyone doing the character justice quite like Woody Harrelson .
8White Men Can’t Jump (1992)
Woody Harrelson Plays Billy Hoyle
White Men Ca n’t Jump is a sports funniness cinema place in Los Angeles , starring Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes . The flick trace two street hoops hustlers who team up up to con their style through various games and tournaments . take by Ron Shelton , it explores themes of friendship , corporate trust , and racial dynamics against the backdrop of urban street civilization .
1992’sWhite Men Ca n’t Jumpis the best Woody Harrelson motion-picture show of the role player ’s early career , and one of his strongest outings in the comedy genre . Starring alongside Wesley Snipes , Harrelson appears in the cult - classic sports moving picture as Billy Hoyle , an ex-husband - Collge hoops virtuoso who now makes his living hustling other unskilled thespian . However , he ’s also on the political campaign thanks to play debts , adding an extra stratum of dramatic tension to the story .
While it does n’t have the nuanced complexity of many of the former office of Woody Harrelson ’s filmography following his make a motion into the realms of gritty play , White Men Ca n’t Jumpshould still be considered essential viewing among the most iconic Woody Harrelson movies . His alchemy with carbon monoxide - genius Wesley Snipes is superb , and the 1992 picture show from theater director Ron Shelton is not only a cult classic , but also an important career milestone for Harrelson .
7No Country For Old Men (2007)
Woody Harrelson Plays Carson Wells
Theclassic Coen Brothers filmNo Country for Old Menis an interesting one when it comes to its spot among the full Woody Harrelson movies and TV show . As a plastic film overall , it ’s arguably strong than the majority of projection Harrelson has been a part of , as it ’s one of the most universally celebrated movies of all time . However , Harrelson ’s reference of Carson Wells is comparatively underage . His want of screen time compare to co - star like Tommy Lee Jones , Javier Bardem , and Josh Brolin precludesNo Country for Old Menfrom being rank higher among Harrelson ’s broad organic structure of body of work .
Carson Wells as a persona has many elements that would re - egress in many of Harrelson ’s later projects , whether mettlesome crime dramas like Marty Hart inTrue Detectiveor more lighthearted natural process - comedies like Tallahassee inZombieland .
Still , this does n’t mean that his performance as Carson Wells , the grizzled bounty hunter task with trance Lewyelyn Moss ( Brolin ) , is n’t an fantastically strong one . Woody Harrelson manages to bring a fascinate energy to Carson , and it ’s hard to imagine anyone else in the function . It ’s also inarguably his best pic appearing of the 2000s , and Carson Wells as a character has many elements that would re - come forth in many of Harrelson ’s late project , whether gritty crime dramas like Marty Hart inTrue Detectiveor more blithe action - comedies like Tallahassee inZombieland .
6True Detective (2014-Present)
Woody Harrelson Plays Detective Marty Hart
unfeigned Detective is an anthology serial publication exploring intricate vicious probe through multiple timeline . Each time of year canvas dark personal and professional secret revealed during the course of solving complex display case , highlighting the impact of law-breaking on individuals both within and outside the constabulary enforcement community .
HBO ’s anthology offence dramaTrue Detectivehas been a bang across all four of its seasons , though it ’s the debut chapter that remains the most celebrated . What ’s more , appear as Detective Marty HartinTrue Detectiveseason 1stands as one of the best Woody Harrelson TV shows so far . Appearing alongside co - chair Matthew McConaughey ( with whom he partake in impeccable interpersonal chemistry ) , Harrelson was make for several awards for hisTrue Detectiveperformance , include a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and a Golden Globe for Best Actor - Miniseries or Television Film .
True Detectivewas an of import career milestone for Woody Harrelson . It allowed him to step into a central role that really keep just how suit his attainment were for grainy crime dramas , as he trifle the part of grizzle , wear upon pig exceptionally well . It ’s a role in which he hone many of the acquisition he ’d later bring to the big screen door in movies likeThree hoarding Outside Ebbing , Missouri , and to this day he ’s yet to come out in a drama on the small silver screen that comes close to match his clock time onTrue Detective .
The 1994 crime thriller Natural Born Killers, adapted from an original story by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Oliver Stone, tells the story of two murderers who become celebrities due to their charming personality. Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis star as criminals Mickey and Mallory Knox, with Robert Downey Jr. as sleazy journalist Wayne Gale, Tom Sizemore as Detective Jack Scagnetti, and Tommy Lee Jones as Warden Dwight McClusky.
5Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
Woody Harrelson Plays Bill Willoughby
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing , Missouri revolves around Mildred Hayes , who challenge local law enforcement by posting provocative substance on billboards following the unsolved murder of her daughter . This action at law fetch her into conflict with the townsfolk ’s respected police chief and his volatile deputy sheriff , intensifying the tenseness in their small-scale community .
One of the most interesting aspects of Woody Harrelson ’s career is that his best pic and strongest performance do n’t correlate with his most well - have it away picture . This is perhaps evidence nowhere better than in the 2017 offence dramaThree Billboards Outside Ebbing , Missouri . Released the same yr as the smash hit hitWar for the Planet of the Apes , the audience forThree Billboards Outside Ebbing , Missouriwas undoubtedly much smaller . However , Harrelson ’s performance as Bill Willoughby in the criminal offense drama from theatre director Martin McDonagh guarantee it ’s much more deserving of its place among the actor ’s good films .
Three billboard Outside Ebbing , Missouriis incredibly critically applaud , winning numerous accolades including four Golden Globes , three Screen Actors Guild awards , and seven Academy Award nomination ( including the coveted Best Picture ) . Like fellow cast member Same Rockwell and Frances McDormand , Harrelson ’s operation received near - ecumenical congratulations . It ’s one of the good examples of his suitableness for serious and emotionally - jarring drama , and should be look at essential viewing for Woody Harrelson fans who are mostly familiar with his work in franchises likeThe Hunger GamesorNow You See Me .
4The Messenger (2009)
Woody Harrelson Plays Captain Tony Stone
2009’sThe Messengeris another one of the best Woody Harrelson movies that ’s far more critically acclaimed than many of his more well - screw part in blockbuster franchise . While more viewers may have see Harrelson in thelikes ofVenom : Let There Be CarnageorWar for the Planet of the Apes , his performance inThe Messengertops them with informality . This is evidenced by his many award nominations and win for the purpose of Captain Tony Stone . These included winning the 2009 Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male , and nominations in the same class at both the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards .
Outside of Harrelson ’s accolade for his performance , The Messengeralso receive many award wins and nominations as a film overall , further cementing its place among the greatest Woody Harrelson film . The warfare drama from manager Oren Moverman is one of Harrelson ’s most grounded project to appointment , and showcases a side of the actor ’s range that his blockbuster movies never truly provide an chance to display .
3The People Vs. Larry Flynt (1996)
Woody Harrelson Plays Larry Flynt
direct by Milos Forman , 1996’sThe masses vs. Larry Flyntis perhaps Woody Harrelson ’s most critically acclaimed and celebrated role , and landed him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor ( and also saw Forman nominate for a Best Director honour too ) . It ’s also a rather singular entry among the expert Woody Harrelson movies , as it ’s the only time the actor twist his abilities in a biopic . Harrelson plays the titulary Larry Flynt in the drama , the genuine - life adult media publisher and free speech activist who found himself at the gist of one of the most intriguing effectual battles in US history .
Woody Harrelson gave a career - define execution inThe People vs. Larry Flynt . It was perhaps the role that helped cement him as a serious actor suited for heavy roles in dramas outside comedies likeWhite man Ca n’t JumpandCheersthat defined his reputation in the former - to - mid 1990s . The Academy Award nomination was well - deserved , peculiarly given how much range Harrelson displayed in render Flynt across a astonishing 35 years of the central character ’s aliveness .
2Zombieland (2009)
Woody Harrelson Plays Tallahassee
After a zombie computer virus wipe out modern society , those leave to voyage the wasteland must live on by a sure solidifying of rule . Zombieland follow Columbus ( Jesse Eisenberg ) as he meets Tallahassee ( Woody Harrelson ) , and they join forces to survive the apocalypse . They soon team up with babe Wichita ( Emma Stone ) and Little Rock ( Abigail Breslin ) , and the group embark on a cross - country trip in hunt of refuge from the zombie horde .
When it come to the absolute best Woody Harrelson movie , Zombielandis arguably his most iconic role . While it may not be the most critically acclaimed , the zombi comedy - horror is the most wide accessible of his works , as it has a much broader appealingness than the like ofThe MessengerorThe People vs. Larry Flynt . However , this is n’t the chief reason it outrank so highly among the best Woody Harrelson movie and television show .
Woody Harrelson has accumulate a devoted follow thanks to his singular vocal delivery good manners of his strong mid - Texas accent , and his power to perfectly take the air the line between the serious and the comedic . Of all his pic roles , none celebrate these iconic scene of his skillslike Tallahassee inZombieland . While not his most critically acclaimed motion picture , it is the quintessential Woody Harrelson performance and wraps a little piece of every one of his other iconic character neatly into a unmarried , uproarious , and action - packed viewing experience .
1Cheers (1985-1993)
Woody Harrelson Plays Woody Boyd
While Woody Harrelson has become fuck for his skills in gritty drama pic as well as comedy , it ’s the classic sitcomCheersthat cement him as a household name . What ’s more , Cheersstill remains the best Woody Harrelson television show to date . For his execution as bartender Woody Boyd , Harrelson received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series , and an American Comedy Award for Funniest Newcomer .
A Hellenic sitcom from the 1980s and 1990s may not seem like the most obvious place for fans to rule his good study , but Woody Harrelson fans should considerCheersessential viewing .
Woody Harrelson made his first appearance inCheersseason 4 , and quickly became one of the highlighting of the show . Not only was the dimwitted yet lovableCheersbartender one of his most iconic performances , but it ’s also the office in which the actor dominate many of the unique mannerisms present in every one of the best Woody Harrelson movies and TV shows . Aclassic situation comedy from the 1980sand 1990s may not seem like the most obvious place for rooter to witness his in force study , butWoody Harrelsonfans should considerCheersessential viewing .
The Hunger Games is the first of four in the action-drama movie series based on the novels by Suzanne Collins. Set in a dystopian world where people are separated into twelve districts to maintain order, this first film in the franchise focuses on Katniss Everdeen as she is forced to participate in The Hunger Games: a draconian gladiatorial survival event where there can be only one winner.
White Men Can’t Jump is a sports comedy film set in Los Angeles, starring Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes. The film follows two street basketball hustlers who team up to con their way through various games and tournaments. Directed by Ron Shelton, it explores themes of friendship, trust, and racial dynamics against the backdrop of urban street culture.
No Country for Old Men is a western crime-thriller based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy and directed by the Cohen Brothers. Following three protagonists, the film centers around a large $2,000,000+ cache of dirty money lost near the Rio Grande. With a veteran who finds it, a hitman who will stop at nothing to get it, and a sheriff trying to investigate the crimes connected to it, all roads lead to death and mayhem as they find themselves in each other’s crosshairs.
True Detective is an anthology series exploring intricate criminal investigations through multiple timelines. Each season examines dark personal and professional secrets revealed during the course of solving complex cases, highlighting the impact of crime on individuals both within and outside the law enforcement community.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri revolves around Mildred Hayes, who challenges local law enforcement by posting provocative messages on billboards following the unsolved murder of her daughter. This action brings her into conflict with the town’s respected police chief and his volatile deputy, intensifying the tension in their small community.
After a zombie virus wipes out modern society, those left to navigate the wasteland must live by a certain set of rules. Zombieland follows Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) as he meets Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), and they join forces to survive the apocalypse. They soon team up with sisters Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), and the group embark on a cross-country trip in search of refuge from the zombie horde.
One of the most well-known American sitcoms of the 1980s and 90s, Cheers is primarily set in Boston at the Cheers bar, and features and ensemble cast that includes Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Pearlman, Kelsey Grammer, and George Wendt. Danson’s Sam Malone acts as the bar’s proprietor, and episodes depict the lives of Cheers' staff and patrons during the bar’s operating hours. The series ran for 11 seasons and gave rise to popular spin-off shows such as Frasier.
