John Turturro is an accomplished actor, writer, and director known for his versatile performances across a range of film genres. He has worked with some of the most respected directors in the industry, including Spike Lee, the Coen Brothers, and Martin Scorsese.
Turturro’s ability to bring complex characters to life with his unique brand of intensity, humor, and vulnerability has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following among moviegoers.
Best John Turturro Movies
In this article, we will explore some of John Turturro’s best movies and highlight his contributions to the world of cinema.
1. Do the Right Thing (1989)
“Do the Right Thing” is a 1989 film directed by Spike Lee and starring John Turturro in a pivotal role. The film explores race relations in a Brooklyn neighborhood during a sweltering summer day, culminating in a violent confrontation between the police and the residents.
Turturro plays Piano, a young Italian-American who works at a pizzeria owned by Sal (Danny Aiello) and harbors deep-seated racial prejudices.
Turturro’s performance as the conflicted Pino is nuanced and complex, capturing the character’s simmering anger and confusion in the face of a changing neighborhood.
“Do the Right Thing” is considered a seminal film in American cinema and Turturro’s performance is one of the highlights of the movie.
2. Raging Bull (1980)
“Raging Bull” is a 1980 biographical sports drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro as boxer Jake LaMotta. John Turturro plays the role of LaMotta’s brother, Joey, who also serves as his manager.
Turturro’s performance in the film is subtle but powerful, conveying the complicated dynamics of the brothers’ relationship as they navigate the brutal world of boxing.
“Raging Bull” is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, and Turturro’s portrayal of Joey is an important part of the movie’s legacy.
3. Gung Ho (1986)
“Gung Ho” is a 1986 comedy-drama film directed by Ron Howard and starring Michael Keaton, Gedde Watanabe, and John Turturro.
The movie tells the story of a struggling American auto plant that is purchased by a Japanese corporation, leading to cultural clashes and misunderstandings between the American and Japanese workers.
Turturro plays the role of Willie, one of the American workers who initially resents the presence of the Japanese management but gradually learns to appreciate their work ethic and discipline.
Turturro’s performance in “Gung Ho” is memorable for its humor and warmth, bringing a sense of humanity to a story that could have easily been reduced to stereotypes and caricatures.
![Gung Ho [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517Z1NCY6AL.jpg)
4. O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
“O Brother, Where Art Thou?” is a 2000 crime comedy-drama film directed by the Coen Brothers and starring George Clooney, John Turturro, and Tim Blake Nelson.
The movie is loosely based on Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey” and follows the misadventures of three convicts who escape from a chain gang in Mississippi during the Great Depression.
Turturro plays the role of Pete, one of the escaped convicts who is desperate to reunite with his family. Turturro’s performance in the film is both funny and poignant, capturing the character’s loyalty and vulnerability amidst the chaos and absurdity of their journey.
“O Brother, Where Art Thou?” is widely regarded as a modern classic, and Turturro’s performance is an important part of its enduring appeal.
5. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
“Hannah and Her Sisters” is a 1986 comedy-drama film directed by Woody Allen and starring Mia Farrow, Barbara Hershey, and Michael Caine. John Turturro plays the role of Holly’s (Dianne Wiest) friend, an avant-garde artist named Writer.
The movie explores the complicated relationships between three sisters and their extended family and friends over a two-year period.
Turturro’s performance in the film is brief but memorable, showcasing his ability to imbue even small roles with depth and nuance. “Hannah and Her Sisters” is considered one of Allen’s best films, and Turturro’s performance is a testament to his versatility as an actor.
6. Being Human (1994)
“Being Human” is a 1994 comedy-drama film directed by Bill Forsyth and starring Robin Williams, John Turturro, and Vincent D’Onofrio.
The movie follows a single character, played by Williams, through various time periods and locations as he experiences different incarnations of humanity.
Turturro plays the role of Lucinnius, a Byzantine slave trader who interacts with Williams’ character during his travels.
Turturro’s performance in the film is memorable for its humor and playfulness, adding a touch of levity to a movie that deals with weighty themes of mortality and identity.
“Being Human” is not as well-known as some of Turturro’s other films, but his performance is one of the highlights of the movie.
7. Box of Moonlight (1996)
“Box of Moonlight” is a 1996 comedy-drama film directed by Tom DiCillo and starring John Turturro, Catherine Keener, and Dermot Mulroney.
Turturro plays the role of Al Fountain, a middle-aged engineer who becomes lost in the wilderness while on a business trip.
The experience leads him to reevaluate his life and rediscover his sense of wonder and adventure. Turturro’s performance in the film is understated and introspective, capturing the character’s internal journey as he grapples with questions of identity and purpose.
“Box of Moonlight” is a lesser-known film in Turturro’s oeuvre, but his performance is a testament to his range as an actor.
8. The Color of Money (1986)
“The Color of Money” is a 1986 drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.
John Turturro plays the role of Julian, a talented but arrogant pool player who is mentored by Newman’s character, Eddie Felson, a former pool hustler.
The movie explores the dynamics of their relationship as they navigate the seedy underworld of professional pool playing.
Turturro’s performance in the film is notable for its intensity and energy, as he captures the character’s swagger and confidence in his abilities.
“The Color of Money” is widely regarded as one of the best sports movies ever made, and Turturro’s performance is an important part of its success.
9. Barton Fink (1991)
“Barton Fink” is a 1991 black comedy film directed by the Coen Brothers and starring John Turturro, John Goodman, and Judy Davis. Turturro plays the title character, Barton Fink, a New York playwright who is hired by a Hollywood studio to write a screenplay.
The movie explores Barton’s descent into madness as he struggles to write a script that meets the studio’s expectations.
Turturro’s performance in the film is remarkable for its intensity and complexity, as he captures the character’s arrogance, vulnerability, and eventual breakdown.
“Barton Fink” is considered one of the Coen Brothers’ best films, and Turturro’s performance is a major reason for its enduring appeal.
10. The Big Lebowski (1998)
“The Big Lebowski” is a 1998 crime comedy film directed by the Coen Brothers and starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, and Julianne Moore.
John Turturro plays the memorable supporting character of Jesus Quintana, a flamboyant and arrogant bowler who serves as a rival to Bridges’ character, the laid-back and slacker “The Dude”.
Turturro’s performance in the film is hilarious and over-the-top, bringing a sense of manic energy to the movie’s already zany atmosphere.
“The Big Lebowski” has become a cult classic in the years since its release, and Turturro’s portrayal of Jesus Quintana is one of the film’s most iconic moments.
11. He Got Game (1998)
“He Got Game” is a 1998 sports drama film directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington and Ray Allen. John Turturro plays the role of Coach Billy Sunday, a college basketball coach who is recruiting Allen’s character, a high school basketball phenom.
The movie explores the relationship between Washington’s character, a convict and Allen’s estranged father, and the ways in which basketball serves as a vehicle for their reconciliation.
Turturro’s performance in the film is understated but effective, conveying the character’s ambition and desperation in his pursuit of Allen’s character. “He Got Game” is considered one of Lee’s best films and Turturro’s performance is an important part of its success.
12. Anger Management (2003)
“Anger Management” is a 2003 comedy film directed by Peter Segal and starring Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson. John Turturro plays the role of Chuck, a friend of Sandler’s character who helps him navigate a court-ordered anger management program.
Turturro’s performance in the film is notable for its humor and warmth, adding a sense of levity to a movie that deals with serious issues of mental health and self-control. “Anger Management” was a commercial success, and Turturro’s performance is an important part of its appeal.
13. The Good Shepherd (2006)
“The Good Shepherd” is a 2006 spy thriller film directed by Robert De Niro and starring Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, and Alec Baldwin.
John Turturro plays the role of Ray Brocco, a CIA agent who becomes embroiled in the agency’s efforts to counter Soviet intelligence during the Cold War.
Turturro’s performance in the film is understated and nuanced, capturing the character’s loyalty and dedication to the agency amidst the morally murky world of espionage.
“The Good Shepherd” is a thought-provoking and complex film, and Turturro’s performance is a significant contribution to its success.
14. To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)
“To Live and Die in L.A.” is a 1985 neo-noir crime thriller film directed by William Friedkin and starring William Petersen and Willem Dafoe.
John Turturro plays the role of Carl Cody, a low-level counterfeiter who becomes embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse with Petersen’s character, a Secret Service agent.
Turturro’s performance in the film is notable for its intensity and menace, as he brings a sense of danger and unpredictability to the character of Cody. “To Live and Die in L.A.” is a gritty and intense film, and Turturro’s performance is a memorable part of its lasting impact.
15. Jungle Fever (1991)
“Jungle Fever” is a 1991 romantic drama film directed by Spike Lee and starring Wesley Snipes and Annabella Sciorra. John Turturro plays the role of Paulie Carbone, the brother of Sciorra’s character, who is struggling with his own racial biases and prejudices.
The movie explores the complexities of interracial relationships and the ways in which societal expectations and cultural differences can impact personal connections.
Turturro’s performance in the film is notable for its vulnerability and humanity, as he portrays a character who is grappling with his own limitations and flaws. “Jungle Fever” is a powerful and thought-provoking film, and Turturro’s performance is an important part of its impact.
![Jungle Fever [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/516ogFYRDYL.jpg)
3 Reasons To Watch John Turturro Movies
Versatile Acting: John Turturro is known for his impressive range as an actor, with the ability to take on a wide variety of roles in different genres.
He has played everything from intense and dramatic characters to comedic and eccentric ones, showcasing his versatility and talent as an actor.
Collaborations with Acclaimed Filmmakers: Turturro has worked with many notable directors throughout his career, including the Coen Brothers, Spike Lee, and Martin Scorsese.
His collaborations with these filmmakers have resulted in some of his most memorable and critically acclaimed performances.
Unique and Memorable Characters: Turturro has a knack for bringing complex and interesting characters to life on the screen.
He has played characters that are both charming and flawed, and often imbues them with a sense of humanity and depth that makes them stand out in the minds of audiences.
Best John Turturro Movies – Wrap Up
Here are some of the best John Turturro movies:
Barton Fink (1991)
Miller’s Crossing (1990)
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Quiz Show (1994)
Do the Right Thing (1989)
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
The Night Of (TV Series, 2016)
Jungle Fever (1991)
The Color of Money (1986)
Transformers (2007)
These films showcase Turturro’s versatility as an actor, his ability to inhabit a wide variety of characters, and his collaborations with some of the most celebrated filmmakers in the industry.
From intense dramas to quirky comedies, Turturro has left a lasting impact on the world of cinema with his impressive body of work.
