Joe Pesci is a legendary actor who has appeared in numerous films and TV shows over the course of his career. He is known for his intense performances, quick wit, and unique personality.
Pesci began his career as a child actor, and later gained fame in the 1980s and 1990s with his roles in popular films such as “Raging Bull,” “Goodfellas,” and “Home Alone.”
He has received critical acclaim and several awards for his work in both film and television.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best Joe Pesci movies. These films showcase Pesci’s versatility as an actor and his ability to portray complex characters with depth and authenticity.
Best Joe Pesci Movies
Whether you are a longtime fan of Joe Pesci or just discovering his work, these movies are sure to entertain and impress.
1. Raging Bull (1980)
“Raging Bull” is widely considered one of Joe Pesci’s best movies, and one of the greatest films of all time.
Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film tells the story of boxer Jake LaMotta (played by Robert De Niro), and his tumultuous career in the ring and personal life.
Pesci delivers a standout performance as LaMotta’s brother and manager, Joey, who supports and enables his brother’s destructive behavior.
Pesci’s natural chemistry with De Niro is palpable, and their scenes together are some of the film’s most memorable. Pesci received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “Raging Bull.”
2. Goodfellas (1990)
“Goodfellas” is another classic film directed by Martin Scorsese, and is widely regarded as one of the best gangster movies ever made.
Pesci plays the volatile and unpredictable mobster, Tommy DeVito, who is a friend and associate of the film’s main character, Henry Hill (played by Ray Liotta).
Pesci’s performance as DeVito is unforgettable, and he brings a level of intensity and unpredictability to the character that is both chilling and mesmerizing.
Pesci won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Goodfellas,” solidifying his status as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
3. Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Once Upon a Time in America is a 1984 epic crime drama film directed by Sergio Leone, starring Robert De Niro, James Woods, and Elizabeth McGovern.
The film tells the story of two Jewish gangsters, David “Noodles” Aaronson and Maximilian “Max” Bercovicz, as they rise through the ranks of the criminal underworld in New York City during the early 20th century.
The film spans several decades, from the 1920s to the 1960s, and explores themes of friendship, betrayal, love, and redemption. It is known for its non-linear narrative structure, with the story being told through a series of flashbacks and dream sequences.
The film was initially poorly received by critics and audiences upon its release, but has since gained a cult following and is now considered a classic of the crime genre.
It features an iconic score by Ennio Morricone and was the final film directed by Sergio Leone before his death in 1989.
4. JFK (1991)
JFK is a 1991 political thriller film directed by Oliver Stone, starring Kevin Costner, Tommy Lee Jones, and Gary Oldman. The film examines the events leading up to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, and the subsequent investigation into his murder.
The film suggests that Kennedy’s assassination was the result of a conspiracy involving government officials, the military-industrial complex, and organized crime.
It draws on a range of sources, including witness testimony, government documents, and the work of conspiracy theorists.
JFK was a controversial film upon its release, with some critics accusing it of promoting conspiracy theories and distorting historical facts.
However, it was also praised for its ambitious scope and compelling performances, particularly by Costner as New Orleans district attorney Jim Garrison, who led one of the investigations into Kennedy’s assassination.
The film won two Academy Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Film Editing, and was nominated for seven others, including Best Picture and Best Director. It remains a polarizing and influential film in American cinema.
5. Casino (1995)
“Casino” is another collaboration between Joe Pesci and Martin Scorsese, and is a gripping crime drama based on true events.
Pesci plays Nicky Santoro, a ruthless mob enforcer who is sent to Las Vegas to oversee the operations of a casino.
Pesci’s portrayal of Santoro is both menacing and charismatic, and he brings a level of energy and intensity to the character that is hard to match.
The chemistry between Pesci and co-star Robert De Niro is once again on full display, and their scenes together are some of the film’s most memorable.
“Casino” is a must-see for fans of Scorsese, Pesci, and crime dramas in general.
6. The Good Shepherd (2006)
“The Good Shepherd” is a spy thriller directed by Robert De Niro, and stars Matt Damon as Edward Wilson, a member of the CIA’s early years.
Pesci appears in a supporting role as Joseph Palmi, a mobster who has ties to the CIA and provides information to Wilson.
Pesci’s performance in “The Good Shepherd” is subtle but effective, and he brings a level of gravitas to his scenes that enhances the film’s overall impact.
The film itself is a complex and engrossing look at the early days of the CIA, and Pesci’s performance is just one of the many reasons to check it out.
7. Home Alone (1990)
Home Alone is a 1990 comedy film directed by Chris Columbus and starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, and Daniel Stern. The film follows the story of Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old boy who is mistakenly left behind when his family goes on vacation for Christmas.
Initially thrilled to have the house to himself, Kevin soon has to fend off two bumbling burglars who are attempting to rob his house.
He uses a series of booby traps to protect himself and his home, leading to a series of slapstick and comedic moments.
Home Alone was a commercial success upon its release, grossing over $475 million worldwide. It has since become a beloved holiday classic and spawned four sequels, as well as a successful franchise of merchandise.
The film is known for its heartwarming moments, as well as its physical comedy and witty one-liners. Culkin’s performance as Kevin is particularly memorable, and the film has been credited with launching his career as a child actor.
8. Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)
Lethal Weapon 2 is a 1989 action-comedy film directed by Richard Donner, starring Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, and Joe Pesci.
It is the second installment in the Lethal Weapon film series, and follows detectives Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh as they investigate a South African diplomat involved in drug smuggling and murder.
The film features high-octane action sequences, witty banter between its two leads, and a memorable performance by Pesci as the fast-talking informant Leo Getz. It also tackles themes of police corruption, racial tension, and diplomatic immunity.
Lethal Weapon 2 was a commercial success upon its release, grossing over $227 million worldwide.
It was praised for its blend of action and humor, as well as the chemistry between Gibson and Glover. It also popularized the catchphrase “Diplomatic immunity,” which has since become a cultural reference.
The film’s success led to two more sequels in the Lethal Weapon series, as well as a television adaptation.
9. Jimmy Hollywood (1994)
Jimmy Hollywood is a comedy-drama film directed by Barry Levinson, released in 1994. The movie stars Joe Pesci as Jimmy Alto, a struggling actor in Hollywood who decides to take matters into his own hands and become a vigilante after his friend is the victim of a brutal crime.
Along with his neighbor and friend, William (Christian Slater), Jimmy takes to the streets to fight crime, while also trying to make it as an actor.
However, his actions soon draw the attention of the media and the police, and Jimmy finds himself in over his head.
The film explores themes such as the American Dream, celebrity culture, and the pursuit of justice.
While it received mixed reviews upon its release, Jimmy Hollywood has since become a cult classic and is considered a hidden gem in Pesci’s filmography
10. A Bronx Tale (1993)
A Bronx Tale is a crime drama film directed by Robert De Niro and released in 1993. The movie is set in the 1960s in the Bronx, New York, and follows the story of a young Italian-American boy named Calogero (played by Lillo Brancato).
who is torn between his loyalty to his working-class father (played by Robert De Niro) and his admiration for a local mob boss, Sonny (played by Chazz Palminteri).
The film explores themes of family, loyalty, love, and crime in a coming-of-age story that follows Calogero as he navigates the streets of his neighborhood and learns about life from both his father and Sonny.
As he grows up, Calogero must make difficult choices and ultimately confront the consequences of his actions.
A Bronx Tale was based on a one-man play of the same name written by Chazz Palminteri, who also wrote the screenplay and played the role of Sonny in the film.
The movie received critical acclaim upon its release and has since become a classic in the genre of crime dramas.
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11.Catchfire (1990)
A Bronx Tale is a crime drama film directed by Robert De Niro and released in 1993.
The movie is set in the 1960s in the Bronx, New York, and follows the story of a young Italian-American boy named Calogero (played by Lillo Brancato).
who is torn between his loyalty to his working-class father (played by Robert De Niro) and his admiration for a local mob boss, Sonny (played by Chazz Palminteri).
The film explores themes of family, loyalty, love, and crime in a coming-of-age story that follows Calogero as he navigates the streets of his neighborhood and learns about life from both his father and Sonny.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFUr-9TrTWc&pp=ygUYQ2F0Y2hmaXJlICgxOTkwKSB0cmFpbGVy
As he grows up, Calogero must make difficult choices and ultimately confront the consequences of his actions.
A Bronx Tale was based on a one-man play of the same name written by Chazz Palminteri, who also wrote the screenplay and played the role of Sonny in the film.
The movie received critical acclaim upon its release and has since become a classic in the genre of crime dramas.
12. My Cousin Vinny (1992)
My Cousin Vinny is a comedy film directed by Jonathan Lynn and released in 1992. The movie stars Joe Pesci as Vincent Gambini, a street-smart lawyer from Brooklyn who comes to the deep South to defend his cousin and his friend, who are falsely accused of murder.
As Vinny struggles to adapt to the ways of the small town and gain the respect of the judge (played by Fred Gwynne), he also must prove the innocence of his clients in court.
Along the way, he is aided by his fiancée, Mona Lisa Vito (played by Marisa Tomei), who provides crucial expertise as a car mechanic.
The film was praised for its performances, particularly that of Marisa Tomei, who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role.
My Cousin Vinny also garnered acclaim for its humor and its depiction of the legal system, which was praised for its accuracy despite being a comedy.
The movie has since become a cult classic and is considered one of the best courtroom comedies of all time.
13. Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)
Lethal Weapon 3 is an action-comedy film directed by Richard Donner and released in 1992. The movie is the third installment in the Lethal Weapon franchise and stars Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as Los Angeles police detectives Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh, respectively.
In this film, Riggs and Murtaugh are assigned to take down a former cop turned arms dealer named Jack Travis (played by Stuart Wilson).
Along the way, they team up with a female police officer, Lorna Cole (played by Rene Russo), who becomes Riggs’ love interest.
The film features high-octane action sequences, including a memorable car chase through a housing development, and also delves into the personal lives of the characters, particularly Riggs’ struggles with his past and his relationship with Cole.
Lethal Weapon 3 was a commercial success and received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its humor and action while others criticized its formulaic plot.
Despite the mixed reception, the movie remains a popular entry in the Lethal Weapon franchise and is remembered for its chemistry between the lead actors and its entertaining action set pieces.
14. Moonwalker (1988)
Moonwalker is a musical anthology film directed by Jerry Kramer, Colin Chilvers, and Jim Blashfield, and released in 1988. The movie features the music and persona of pop icon Michael Jackson, and includes a variety of music videos, short films, and live performances.
The film is divided into several segments, including a fantasy story in which Michael Jackson plays a hero trying to save children from an evil drug dealer named Mr. Big, and a collection of music videos for songs like “Smooth Criminal,” “Bad,” and “Man in the Mirror.”
The movie also includes live performances of Jackson’s biggest hits, including “Billie Jean” and “Beat It.”
Moonwalker received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its musical performances and imaginative visuals, while others criticized its disjointed structure and uneven pacing.
However, the film has since become a cult classic and is remembered as a showcase of Jackson’s talent and creativity.
15. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is a family comedy film directed by Chris Columbus and released in 1992.
The movie is the second installment in the Home Alone franchise and stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, a young boy who is accidentally left behind by his family during their Christmas vacation and ends up in New York City.
As Kevin explores the city and tries to avoid being caught by the bumbling burglars Harry (played by Joe Pesci) and Marv (played by Daniel Stern), he also learns valuable lessons about the importance of family and the true meaning of Christmas.
The film features many of the same cast members from the first Home Alone movie, including Catherine O’Hara as Kevin’s mother and John Heard as his father.
It also introduces new characters, including a kind-hearted toy store owner named Mr. Duncan (played by Eddie Bracken) and a mysterious pigeon lady (played by Brenda Fricker).
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York was a box office success and received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its humor and heartwarming themes, while others criticized its similarities to the first movie.
However, the film has since become a beloved holiday classic and is remembered for its charming performances, memorable scenes, and iconic soundtrack.
16. Love Ranch (2010)
Love Ranch is a biographical drama film directed by Taylor Hackford and released in 2010. The movie is loosely based on the real-life story of Joe and Sally Conforte, a couple who owned the first legal brothel in Nevada in the 1970s.
The film stars Helen Mirren and Joe Pesci as Grace and Charlie Bontempo, a married couple who run a successful brothel in Reno, Nevada.
When boxer Armando Bruza (played by Sergio Peris-Mencheta) becomes a client at the brothel, Grace and Armando develop a romantic relationship that leads to complications for both the business and the couple’s marriage.
The film deals with themes of love, loyalty, and betrayal, and explores the complex dynamics of relationships both personal and professional.
It also touches on social issues such as the legalization of prostitution and the effects of organized crime on the industry.
Love Ranch received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Mirren and Pesci’s performances but criticizing the film’s uneven tone and pacing. The movie was also a commercial failure, grossing only a fraction of its production budget.
3 Reasons To Watch Joe Pesci Movies
Exceptional Acting: Joe Pesci is known for his exceptional acting skills and his ability to bring complex characters to life on screen.
Whether he is playing a comedic or dramatic role, he has a unique ability to captivate audiences and make them believe in the character he is portraying.
Iconic Performances: Pesci has given several iconic performances throughout his career, including his roles in classic films such as Goodfellas, Home Alone, and Casino.
His performances are often remembered for his intense, scene-stealing moments and his ability to bring both humor and menace to his characters.
Range of Roles: Pesci has played a wide range of roles throughout his career, from tough-talking gangsters to comedic sidekicks to sensitive and vulnerable characters.
His versatility as an actor has allowed him to take on a variety of roles and showcase his range as an artist, making him a beloved figure in the world of cinema.
Best Joe Pesci Movies – Wrap Up
Joe Pesci is an acclaimed actor known for his dynamic performances and iconic roles in film. Here are some of his best movies:
Goodfellas (1990) – A Martin Scorsese crime drama that earned Pesci an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Tommy DeVito.
Casino (1995) – Another Scorsese collaboration, in which Pesci plays Nicky Santoro, a violent and unpredictable enforcer for a Las Vegas casino.
Home Alone (1990) – A family comedy classic in which Pesci plays one of two burglars who are thwarted by a young boy, played by Macaulay Culkin.
My Cousin Vinny (1992) – A comedy film in which Pesci plays a Brooklyn lawyer who must defend his cousin in a rural Alabama courtroom.
Raging Bull (1980) – A sports drama directed by Scorsese in which Pesci plays the brother of boxer Jake LaMotta, portrayed by Robert De Niro.
Lethal Weapon 2 (1989) – An action-comedy in which Pesci plays a fast-talking witness who is protected by LAPD detectives Riggs and Murtaugh.
The Irishman (2019) – A crime drama directed by Scorsese, in which Pesci plays mafia boss Russell Bufalino, alongside Robert De Niro and Al Pacino.
These films showcase Pesci’s range as an actor and his ability to bring complex and memorable characters to life on screen.
