Jon Voight is a talented and versatile actor who has been in the entertainment industry for over 50 years. He has appeared in a wide range of films and TV shows, showcasing his ability to portray a variety of characters with depth and authenticity.
From dramatic roles to action movies and everything in between, Jon Voight has delivered memorable performances that have captivated audiences for decades.
Some of the best Jon Voight movies include classics like “Midnight Cowboy” and “Deliverance,” as well as more recent films like “Ray Donovan” and “The Five People You Meet in Heaven.”
He has received numerous accolades for his work, including an Academy Award, four Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award, among others.
Best Jon Voight Movies
In this article, we will delve into some of Jon Voight’s best movies and explore why they are worth watching. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to his work, these films are sure to leave a lasting impression.
1. Midnight Cowboy (1969)
Midnight Cowboy is a 1969 American drama film directed by John Schlesinger and starring Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman.
The film tells the story of Joe Buck (Voight), a naive and optimistic Texan who moves to New York City to become a male prostitute, and Ratso Rizzo (Hoffman), a sickly and cynical con man who befriends him.
The film was groundbreaking for its depiction of homosexuality and its frank portrayal of the gritty realities of life in New York City.
It was also notable for being the only X-rated film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, a rating that was later changed to an R.
Midnight Cowboy was critically acclaimed and is considered a classic of American cinema. It was also a commercial success, grossing over $44 million on a $3.2 million budget.
The film’s theme song, “Everybody’s Talkin'” by Harry Nilsson, became a hit and remains a beloved classic today.
![Midnight Cowboy (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51c+pTaRxgL.jpg)
- Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight (Actors)
- John Schlesinger (Director)
- English (Subtitle)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
2. Coming Home (1978)
Coming Home is a 1978 American drama film directed by Hal Ashby and starring Jane Fonda, Jon Voight, and Bruce Dern.
The film tells the story of a woman named Sally (Fonda) who falls in love with a paraplegic Vietnam War veteran named Luke (Voight), while her husband, a Marine named Bob (Dern), is still fighting in the war.
The film was highly regarded for its portrayal of the physical and emotional toll of war on soldiers, as well as its exploration of the anti-war movement and the changing social climate of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
It was also notable for its frank depiction of sexuality and nudity, which was rare for mainstream American cinema at the time.
Coming Home was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $32 million on a $3.5 million budget.
It was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won three, including Best Actor for Voight, Best Actress for Fonda, and Best Original Screenplay. The film remains a powerful and moving portrayal of the human cost of war and the struggle for social change.
![Coming Home [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51BDn7xrjrL.jpg)
- Jane Fonda, Jon Voight, Bruce Dern (Actors)
- Greg Carson (Director) - Nancy Dowd (Writer)
- English, Spanish, French (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
3. Deliverance (1972)
“Deliverance” is a 1972 American thriller film directed by John Boorman and starring Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by James Dickey.
The story revolves around four friends – Ed (Jon Voight), Lewis (Burt Reynolds), Bobby (Ned Beatty), and Drew (Ronny Cox) – who embark on a canoeing trip down a river in the Georgia wilderness before it is dammed and turned into a lake.
The trip takes a dark turn when the group encounters a pair of violent, backwoods locals who sexually assault one of the men, Bobby.
The rest of the film follows the group’s attempts to survive in the wilderness and evade the attackers, who are hunting them down. The film is notable for its graphic depiction of violence and rape and its exploration of themes such as masculinity, power, and survival.
“Deliverance” was a critical and commercial success upon its release and is regarded as a classic of American cinema. It received three Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director.
The film’s iconic banjo music, composed by Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell, has become synonymous with the movie and has been referenced and parodied in numerous films and TV shows since its release.
![Deliverance [Blu-ray Book]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61FRfxnxHbL.jpg)
- Factory sealed DVD
- Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty (Actors)
- John Boorman (Director) - James Dickey (Writer) - John Boorman (Producer)
- English, French, Spanish (Subtitles)
- English (Publication Language)
4. Runaway Train (1985)
Runaway Train is a 1985 American thriller film directed by Andrei Konchalovsky and starring Jon Voight, Eric Roberts, and Rebecca De Mornay.
The film tells the story of two escaped prisoners, Manny (Voight) and Buck (Roberts), who board a runaway train that becomes a deadly race against time as it hurtles towards destruction.
The film was praised for its intense action sequences and powerful performances, particularly by Voight and Roberts. It was also noted for its bleak and uncompromising portrayal of the prison system and the struggles of its inmates.
The film’s gritty realism and high stakes have made it a cult classic among action movie fans.
Runaway Train received three Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor for Voight and Best Supporting Actor for Roberts.
While it did not win any Oscars, it remains a highly regarded and influential action film, known for its thrilling ride and unflinching portrayal of human desperation.
- Jon Voight, Rebecca De Mornay, Eric Roberts (Actors)
- Andrei Konchalovsky (Director)
- English (Subtitle)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
5. Heat (1995)
Heat is a 1995 American crime film directed by Michael Mann and starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Val Kilmer.
The film tells the story of a professional thief named Neil McCauley (De Niro) and a detective named Vincent Hanna (Pacino) who are both obsessed with their work and become locked in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
The film is notable for its intricate plot, complex characters, and intense action sequences, as well as its exploration of themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and the price of a life of crime.
It also features a star-studded ensemble cast, including Kilmer, Ashley Judd, and Tom Sizemore, among others.
Heat was praised by critics for its stylish direction, strong performances, and gripping story, and it has since become a classic of the crime genre.
The film’s shootout scene on the streets of Los Angeles has been particularly lauded as one of the most intense and realistic depictions of a gun battle ever filmed.
Heat was a commercial success, grossing over $187 million worldwide. It has since inspired numerous imitations and homages in other films and TV shows, cementing its place as a beloved classic of American cinema.
![Heat [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/516INwf7lcL.jpg)
- Heat - DVD Used Like New
- Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer (Actors)
- Michael Mann (Director) - Michael Mann (Writer)
- English, French (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: X (Mature Audiences Only)
6. The Rainmaker (1997)
“The Rainmaker” is a 1997 American legal drama film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on the novel of the same name by John Grisham. The movie stars Matt Damon, Danny DeVito, Claire Danes, and Jon Voight.
The story follows Rudy Baylor (Matt Damon), a young lawyer who takes on a difficult and controversial case against a large insurance company.
His client, a young man with leukemia, has been denied coverage for a bone marrow transplant that could save his life. Rudy is joined in the case by a paralegal named Deck Shifflet (Danny DeVito), who becomes his mentor and friend.
As Rudy and Deck prepare for the trial, they discover evidence of fraudulent practices by the insurance company, which has been denying claims to maximize profits.
The trial is full of twists and turns, with the insurance company using every tactic at its disposal to discredit Rudy and his case.
“The Rainmaker” received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances of the cast and the direction of Coppola.
The film was a modest box office success, grossing over $45 million worldwide. It also earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score.
- Audio CD – Audiobook
- Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
- 11/18/1997 (Publication Date) - Hollywood Records (Publisher)
7. Ali (2001)
“Ali” is a 2001 biographical sports drama film directed by Michael Mann and starring Will Smith in the titular role of Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer. The movie also features Jon Voight, Jamie Foxx, and Mario Van Peebles in supporting roles.
The film chronicles the life of Ali, from his early days as Cassius Clay, a young boxer from Louisville, Kentucky, to his rise as the heavyweight champion of the world and his controversial political and social stances during the turbulent 1960s and 1970s.
The film portrays Ali’s battles inside and outside the ring, including his fights with Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman.
It also touches upon his relationships with important figures of the era, such as Malcolm X and Elijah Muhammad.
Will Smith’s performance as Muhammad Ali was widely praised by critics, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Jon Voight also received critical acclaim for his portrayal of sportscaster Howard Cosell.
The film’s soundtrack, which featured songs by artists like Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown, also received praise.
“Ali” was a commercial success, grossing over $87 million worldwide. The film was also nominated for two other Academy Awards, Best Supporting Actor for Jon Voight and Best Original Song for the song “A Hero’s Welcome” by R. Kelly.
- Will Smith stars in the compelling story of boxing legend Muhammad
- Ali.
- Will Smith, Candy Ann Brown, LeVar Burton (Actors)
- English, French, Spanish (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
8. Desert Bloom (1986)
Desert Bloom is a 1986 drama film directed by Eugene Corr and starring Jon Voight, JoBeth Williams, and Ellen Barkin.
The film is set in Las Vegas in the early 1950s and follows the story of a teenage girl named Rose Chismore (played by Annabeth Gish), who is struggling to come to terms with the traumas of her past and the challenges of growing up in a turbulent family.
The film is notable for its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of the effects of nuclear testing on the people and environment of the American West.
It also deals with themes such as family dysfunction, sexual abuse, and the search for identity.
Desert Bloom received generally positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for Gish’s performance as Rose.
The film’s evocative cinematography and sense of time and place were also noted. While it was not a box office success, Desert Bloom has since gained a cult following and is regarded as a powerful and moving exploration of the human condition.
![Desert Bloom [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51WK4SBATGL.jpg)
- Jon Voight, JoBeth Williams, Ellen Barkin (Actors)
- Eugene Corr (Director) - Michael Hausman (Producer)
- English, French (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
9. Conrack (1974)
“Conrack” is a 1974 American drama film directed by Martin Ritt and starring Jon Voight.
The movie is based on the memoir “The Water is Wide” by Pat Conroy, which recounts his experiences teaching at a school for African American children on a remote island off the coast of South Carolina.
Jon Voight plays Pat Conroy, a white teacher who is assigned to teach at the island’s only school, which is poorly equipped and lacking in basic resources.
He is initially met with resistance from the school’s principal and the parents of his students, who are skeptical of his abilities and motives.
Despite these challenges, Conroy forms a strong bond with his students and is determined to provide them with a quality education. He introduces them to new experiences and ideas, including trips to the mainland and lessons on Shakespeare and Beethoven.
“Conrack” was well-received by critics for its heartfelt performances and its sensitive portrayal of race and education issues. Jon Voight’s performance as Pat Conroy was particularly praised for its authenticity and emotional depth.
Although the movie was not a commercial success upon its release, it has since become a cult classic and is considered a hidden gem of 1970s cinema.
It has also been credited with bringing attention to the issue of education inequality in rural and impoverished areas.
![Conrack (1974) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51aobMAM6pL.jpg)
- Hume Cronyn, Jon Voight (Actors)
- Martin Ritt (Director)
10. National Treasure (2004)
National Treasure is a 2004 action-adventure film directed by Jon Turteltaub and starring Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, and Justin Bartha.
The film follows the story of historian and treasure hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates (Cage) as he sets out to uncover the location of a legendary treasure that has been hidden for centuries by the Founding Fathers of the United States.
The film is known for its blend of historical fact and fiction, as well as its thrilling action sequences and clever puzzles.
It was a commercial success, grossing over $347 million worldwide, and has since spawned a sequel, National Treasure: Book of Secrets.
While National Treasure received mixed reviews from critics, it has become a beloved classic among fans of adventure movies. Its blend of history, action, and mystery has made it a fun and exciting ride for audiences of all ages.
The film’s themes of patriotism and the search for hidden truths have also resonated with viewers, making it a popular choice for family movie nights and patriotic holidays.
- Factory sealed DVD
- Nicolas Cage, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel (Actors)
- Jon Turteltaub (Director) - Jim Kouf And Cormac Wibberley & Marianne Wibberley (Writer)
- Spanish, French (Subtitles)
- English (Publication Language)
3 Reasons To Watch Jon Voight Movies
Versatile Acting: Jon Voight is a highly skilled actor who has demonstrated his ability to play a wide range of roles, from intense dramas to light hearted comedies.
He has won several prestigious awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actor, and is known for his nuanced and powerful performances.
Iconic Roles: Jon Voight has played some of the most iconic characters in film history, including Joe Buck in Midnight Cowboy, Luke Martin in The Champ, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt in Pearl Harbor.
He brings a unique energy and intensity to each role, making him a standout performer in every movie he appears in.
Lifetime Achievement: Jon Voight has been a prominent figure in the film industry for over 50 years, and his contributions to cinema are widely recognized.
He is a respected and admired actor, director, and writer, and his body of work represents some of the most significant achievements in film history. Watching Jon Voight movies is a great way to appreciate the talent and dedication of one of the greatest actors of our time.
Best Jon Voight Movies – Wrap Up
Jon Voight is a legendary actor who has appeared in many great movies throughout his career. Some of his most notable and critically acclaimed performances include:
- Midnight Cowboy (1969)
- Deliverance (1972)
- Coming Home (1978)
- Runaway Train (1985)
- Heat (1995)
- Ali (2001)
- National Treasure (2004)
- Transformers (2007)
- Woodlawn (2015)
- Ray Donovan (TV series, 2013-2020)
These movies showcase Voight’s versatility as an actor, as he has portrayed a wide range of characters over the years.
From his early breakout role as Joe Buck in Midnight Cowboy to his recent acclaimed work on the TV series Ray Donovan, Voight has consistently delivered powerful and memorable performances throughout his career.
