Ernest Borgnine was a legendary American actor known for his versatile performances in both film and television.
He had a career spanning over six decades and appeared in more than 200 movies and TV shows. Borgnine won an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Marty Piletti in the 1955 film “Marty”.
He was also known for his roles in classic movies like “From Here to Eternity”, “The Dirty Dozen”, and “The Wild Bunch”.
Best Ernest Borgnine Movies
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best Ernest Borgnine movies that have become iconic and continue to be appreciated by audiences and critics alike.
1. Marty (1955)
“Marty” is a 1955 drama film directed by Delbert Mann and starring Ernest Borgnine in the lead role. The movie is based on a teleplay of the same name written by Paddy Chayefsky, which was originally aired on television in 1953.
“Marty” is a heartfelt story about a lonely and shy butcher who finds love in an unexpected way. The film explores themes of loneliness, societal expectations, and the struggle to find love and acceptance.
Borgnine’s performance as Marty Piletti is considered one of the best of his career, and he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal.
The film also won the Palme d’Or at the 1955 Cannes Film Festival and several other awards. “Marty” is a classic and timeless movie that continues to resonate with audiences today, and Borgnine’s performance is a major reason for its enduring appeal.
- Ernest Borgnine, Betsy Blair, Esther Minciotti (Actors)
- Delbert Mann (Director) - Paddy Chayefsky (Writer)
- Spanish, French (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: Unrated (Not Rated)
2. Bad Day at Black Rock (1955)
“Bad Day at Black Rock” is a 1955 western thriller directed by John Sturges and starring Spencer Tracy, Robert Ryan, and Ernest Borgnine.
The movie is set in the isolated desert town of Black Rock, where a stranger arrives looking for a Japanese-American farmer. The locals are hostile towards the stranger and try to prevent him from leaving town, leading to a tense and suspenseful showdown.
Borgnine plays Coley Trimble, one of the local townspeople who is suspicious of the stranger and becomes increasingly aggressive towards him.
Borgnine’s performance is intense and memorable, showcasing his ability to play complex and conflicted characters. “Bad Day at Black Rock” is a gripping and thought-provoking film that deals with themes of racism, and prejudice.
It is regarded as one of the best westerns of all time and a prime example of Borgnine’s versatility as an actor.
- Bad Day At Black Rock - DVD Brand New
- Spencer Tracy, Robert Ryan, Anne Francis (Actors)
- John Sturges (Director) - Millard Kaufman (Writer) - Dore Schary (Producer) - Howard Briskin...
- English, Spanish, French (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
3. The Square Jungle (1955)
“The Square Jungle” is a 1955 sports drama film directed by Jerry Hopper and starring Tony Curtis and Ernest Borgnine.
The movie is about a young boxer named Eddie Quaid (Curtis) who dreams of becoming a champion but faces various challenges and obstacles along the way.
Borgnine plays the role of Bernie Browne, a boxing trainer who takes Eddie under his wing and helps him prepare for his fights.
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Borgnine’s performance in “The Square Jungle” is powerful and nuanced, showcasing his ability to portray tough yet compassionate characters.
The film deals with themes of perseverance, sacrifice, and the darker side of the boxing world. “The Square Jungle” is a gripping and emotional movie that highlights Borgnine’s talent as an actor and his ability to elevate any film he appears in.
4. Jubal (1956)
“Jubal” is a 1956 western drama film directed by Delmer Daves and starring Glenn Ford, Ernest Borgnine, and Rod Steiger.
The movie is about a drifter named Jubal Troop (Ford) who is hired to work on a ranch but soon finds himself caught in a web of deceit and jealousy. Borgnine plays the role of ranch foreman Pinky Pinkum, who becomes jealous of Jubal’s relationship with his wife.
Borgnine’s performance in “Jubal” is intense and captivating, showcasing his ability to play complex and conflicted characters.
The film deals with themes of love, betrayal, and redemption, and features a stellar cast delivering powerful performances. “Jubal” is regarded as one of the best westerns of the 1950s and a prime example of Borgnine’s range and versatility as an actor.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Glenn Ford, Ernest Borgnine, Rod Steiger (Actors)
- Delmer Daves (Director) - William Fadiman (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
5. The Catered Affair (1956)
“The Catered Affair” is a 1956 comedy-drama film directed by Richard Brooks and starring Bette Davis, Ernest Borgnine, and Debbie Reynolds.
The movie is about a working-class couple in New York City who must decide whether to spend their life savings on a lavish wedding for their daughter.
Borgnine plays the role of Tom Hurley, the father of the bride who struggles with the cost of the wedding and his own dreams of financial security.
Borgnine’s performance in “The Catered Affair” is heartfelt and genuine, showcasing his ability to play sympathetic and relatable characters.
The film deals with themes of family, sacrifice, and the American dream, and features a talented cast delivering strong performances. “The Catered Affair” is a charming and poignant movie that highlights Borgnine’s versatility as an actor and his ability to excel in both drama and comedy.
- Factory sealed DVD
- Bette Davis, Ernest Borgnine, Debbie Reynolds (Actors)
- Richard Brooks (Director)
- English (Publication Language)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
6. Three Brave Men (1956)
“Three Brave Men” is a 1956 drama film directed by Philip Dunne and starring Ray Milland, Ernest Borgnine, and Frank Lovejoy.
The movie is based on the true story of three U.S. Navy officers who spoke out against the mistreatment of Jewish survivors of the Holocaust during the Allied occupation of Germany.
Borgnine plays the role of Chief Petty Officer Frank E. Ross, one of the three officers who risked their careers to speak out against injustice.
Borgnine’s performance in “Three Brave Men” is powerful and inspiring, showcasing his ability to play courageous and principled characters.
The film deals with themes of morality, justice, and the courage to stand up for what is right. “Three Brave Men” is a moving and thought-provoking movie that highlights Borgnine’s talent as an actor and his commitment to portraying socially relevant stories on screen.
- Actors: Ray Milland, Ernest Borgnine
- Genre: Drama
- Run Time: 88 Final Format: DVD - NTSC Year: 1957
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3 (P/S)
- Audio: Mono
7. The Vikings (1958)
“The Vikings” is a 1958 epic adventure film directed by Richard Fleischer and starring Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis, and Ernest Borgnine.
The movie is set in medieval Scandinavia and tells the story of two Viking brothers who become rivals for the throne of their father, a Viking king. Borgnine plays the role of Ragnar, the father of the two brothers and the king of the Vikings.
Borgnine’s performance in “The Vikings” is larger-than-life and commanding, showcasing his ability to play strong and authoritative characters.
The film features spectacular action sequences, stunning cinematography, and a memorable score by Mario Nascimbene.
“The Vikings” is a classic and timeless adventure movie that continues to entertain audiences with its thrilling storyline and impressive production values, and Borgnine’s performance is a major reason for its enduring popularity.
- Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh (Actors)
- Richard Fleischer (Director)
- English (Subtitle)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
8. The Flight of the Phoenix (1965)
“The Flight of the Phoenix” is a 1965 drama film directed by Robert Aldrich and starring James Stewart, Richard Attenborough, and Ernest Borgnine.
The movie is about a group of men stranded in the Sahara Desert after their airplane crashes, and their efforts to build a new airplane out of the wreckage to escape. Borgnine plays the role of Trucker Cobb, the tough and practical chief engineer who leads the effort to build the new plane.
Borgnine’s performance in “The Flight of the Phoenix” is strong and compelling, showcasing his ability to play confident and skilled characters.
The film features a talented ensemble cast delivering nuanced performances and a thrilling storyline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
“The Flight of the Phoenix” is a well-crafted and engaging movie that highlights Borgnine’s talent as an actor and his ability to excel in both drama and action.
- The Flight Of The Phoenix - DVD New
- James Stewart, Richard Attenborough, Peter Finch (Actors)
- Robert Aldrich (Director) - Lukas Heller (Writer)
- English, Spanish (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
9. The Dirty Dozen (1967)
“The Dirty Dozen” is a 1967 war film directed by Robert Aldrich and starring Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, and Charles Bronson.
The movie is about a group of twelve convicts who are recruited by the U.S. military for a suicide mission during World War II. Borgnine plays the role of Major General Worden, the officer in charge of training and leading the convicts on their mission.
Borgnine’s performance in “The Dirty Dozen” is commanding and authoritative, showcasing his ability to play tough and no-nonsense characters.
The film features a talented ensemble cast delivering powerful performances and a gripping storyline that explores themes of heroism, redemption, and sacrifice.
“The Dirty Dozen” is regarded as one of the best war movies ever made and a prime example of Borgnine’s range and versatility as an actor.
10. The Wild Bunch (1969)
“The Wild Bunch” is a 1969 western film directed by Sam Peckinpah and starring William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, and Robert Ryan.
The movie is about a group of aging outlaws who plan one last robbery on the Texas-Mexico border in 1913.
Borgnine plays the role of Dutch Engstrom, one of the members of the gang and the closest friend of the leader, Pike Bishop.
Borgnine’s performance in “The Wild Bunch” is powerful and memorable, showcasing his ability to play rugged and intense characters.
The film features stunning cinematography, a memorable score by Jerry Fielding, and some of the most iconic action sequences in movie history.
“The Wild Bunch” is regarded as a classic and influential western and a prime example of Borgnine’s talent as an actor and his ability to elevate any film he appears in.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Robert Ryan (Actors)
- Sam Peckinpah (Director) - Walon Green (Writer) - Phil Feldman (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
11. The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
“The Poseidon Adventure” is a 1972 disaster film directed by Ronald Neame and starring Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, and Shelley Winters.
The movie is about a group of passengers on a luxury liner who must fight for survival when the ship capsizes after being hit by a tidal wave.
Borgnine plays the role of Detective Mike Rogo, one of the passengers who helps lead the group to safety.
Borgnine’s performance in “The Poseidon Adventure” is dynamic and compelling, showcasing his ability to play heroic and determined characters.
The film features a talented ensemble cast delivering strong performances and some of the most thrilling and suspenseful moments in disaster movie history.
“The Poseidon Adventure” is a classic and enduring film that highlights Borgnine’s versatility as an actor and his ability to excel in any genre.
- The Poseidon Adventure (Special Edition) - DVD Brand New
- Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, Shelley Winters (Actors)
- Irwin Allen (Director) - Paul Gallico (Writer)
- English, Spanish (Subtitles)
- English (Publication Language)
12. Escape from New York (1981)
“Escape from New York” is a 1981 sci-fi action film directed by John Carpenter and starring Kurt Russell, Ernest Borgnine, and Donald Pleasence.
The movie is set in a dystopian future where Manhattan has been turned into a maximum-security prison, and the president of the United States is taken hostage there.
Russell plays the role of Snake Plissken, a convicted criminal who is sent in to rescue the president, and Borgnine plays the role of Cabbie, a friendly and helpful taxi driver who aids Snake in his mission.
Borgnine’s performance in “Escape from New York” is charming and endearing, showcasing his ability to play likable and relatable characters.
The film features a talented cast delivering iconic performances and a thrilling and imaginative storyline that has become a cult classic.
“Escape from New York” is a prime example of Borgnine’s ability to inject humor and warmth into even the darkest and most intense movies.
- Factory sealed DVD
- Various (Actor)
- Spanish, French (Subtitles)
- English (Publication Language)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
13. All Quiet on the Western Front (1979 TV Movie)
“All Quiet on the Western Front” is a 1979 TV movie directed by Delbert Mann and starring Richard Thomas, Ernest Borgnine, and Donald Pleasence.
The movie is based on the classic anti-war novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque and follows the experiences of a young German soldier during World War I. Borgnine plays the role of the strict and demanding drill sergeant who trains and prepares the soldiers for battle.
Borgnine’s performance in “All Quiet on the Western Front” is powerful and memorable, showcasing his ability to play authoritative and imposing characters.
The film features a talented ensemble cast delivering poignant and emotional performances and a powerful and thought-provoking message about the futility and horror of war.
“All Quiet on the Western Front” is a classic and important film that highlights Borgnine’s talent as an actor and his commitment to socially relevant stories.
- All Quiet on the Western Front - DVD Brand New
- Richard Thomas, Ernest Borgnine, Donald Pleasence (Actors)
- Delbert Mann (Director) - Erich Maria Remarque (Writer)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
14. McHale’s Navy (1964)
“McHale’s Navy” is a 1964 comedy film directed by Edward Montagne and starring Ernest Borgnine, Tim Conway, and Joe Flynn.
The movie is based on the popular TV series of the same name and follows the misadventures of a group of misfit sailors during World War II.
Borgnine plays the role of Lieutenant Commander Quinton McHale, the charismatic and resourceful leader of the group.
Borgnine’s performance in “McHale’s Navy” is hilarious and endearing, showcasing his ability to play comedic and lighthearted characters.
The film features a talented cast delivering hilarious performances and a fun and entertaining storyline that captures the spirit of the TV series.
“McHale’s Navy” is a charming and nostalgic movie that highlights Borgnine’s versatility as an actor and his ability to make audiences laugh.
- Ernest Borgnine, Tim Conway, Joe Flynn (Actors)
- Edward J. Montagne (Director) - Frank Gill (Writer) - Edward J. Montagne (Producer)
- English (Publication Language)
15. The Greatest (1977)
“The Greatest” is a 1977 biographical drama film directed by Tom Gries and starring Muhammad Ali, Ernest Borgnine, and John Marley.
The movie is about the life and career of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, from his rise to fame to his personal struggles and triumphs. Borgnine plays the role of Angelo Dundee, Ali’s trainer and friend.
Borgnine’s performance in “The Greatest” is sincere and heartfelt, showcasing his ability to play supportive and caring characters.
The film features a talented cast delivering strong performances and a captivating and inspiring storyline that celebrates the life and legacy of Muhammad Ali. “The Greatest” is a moving and uplifting movie that highlights Borgnine’s talent as an actor and his ability to shine in supporting roles.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Muhammad Ali, Ernest Borgnine, James Earl Jones (Actors)
- Tom Gries (Director) - Muhammad Ali (Writer) - John Marshall (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
3 Reasons To Watch Ernest Borgnine Movies
Versatile Acting: Ernest Borgnine was a versatile actor who could portray a wide range of characters, from tough and rugged to sensitive and compassionate. He had a natural charisma and presence that made him a standout performer in any role he played.
Iconic Performances: Borgnine delivered many iconic performances throughout his career, including his Oscar-winning turn in “Marty” and his memorable roles in movies like “The Dirty Dozen” and “The Wild Bunch”. His performances were always nuanced and impactful, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.
Timeless Classics: Many of Borgnine’s movies are considered timeless classics and continue to be appreciated by audiences and critics alike.
From his roles in westerns like “Bad Day at Black Rock” and “The Vikings” to his appearances in disaster movies like “The Poseidon Adventure”, Borgnine’s movies are well-crafted and engaging, showcasing the best of Hollywood filmmaking.
Best Ernest Borgnine Movies – Wrap Up
Ernest Borgnine was one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation, delivering unforgettable performances in a wide range of movies throughout his career.
From his Oscar-winning turn in “Marty” to his iconic roles in “The Dirty Dozen” and “The Wild Bunch”, Borgnine showcased his ability to play tough, complex, and nuanced characters.
He also appeared in many timeless classics such as “The Poseidon Adventure” and “The Vikings”.
Borgnine’s talent as an actor, his commanding screen presence, and his commitment to socially relevant stories continue to make him a beloved and respected figure in Hollywood.
