Michael Douglas is a legendary American actor and producer who has been active in the film industry for over five decades.

He has won numerous awards for his performances, including two Academy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award.

Douglas has starred in a wide variety of films, ranging from dramas to comedies, and has worked with some of the most renowned directors in the industry.

Some of his most iconic roles include Gordon Gekko in “Wall Street,” Dan Gallagher in “Fatal Attraction,” and William Foster in “Falling Down.”

He has also produced several successful films, including “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and “The China Syndrome.”

Best Michael Douglas Movies

In this article, we will take a look at some of Michael Douglas’s best movies, exploring the performances that have made him one of the most talented actors of his generation.

1. Wall Street (1987)

“Wall Street” is a film that explores the world of high finance and corporate greed.

Michael Douglas delivers a powerful performance as Gordon Gekko, a ruthless and greedy Wall Street investor who becomes a mentor to a young and ambitious stockbroker named Bud Fox, played by Charlie Sheen.

The film is a timeless reminder of the dangers of unchecked capitalism and the dark side of the American dream.

Directed by Oliver Stone, “Wall Street” is a classic film that has stood the test of time.

Wall Street
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Charlie Sheen, Tamara Tunie, Franklin Cover (Actors)
  • Oliver Stone (Director) - Oliver Stone (Writer) - A. Kitman Ho (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

2. Traffic (2000)

In “Traffic,” Michael Douglas plays Robert Wakefield, a high-ranking government official who becomes embroiled in the war on drugs.

The film weaves together multiple storylines that explore the complex and often devastating consequences of drug addiction and drug trafficking.

   

Directed by Steven Soderbergh, “Traffic” is a gritty and realistic depiction of the drug trade that is both gripping and thought-provoking.

Douglas gives a nuanced performance as a man who is torn between his personal life and his professional duties, and the film’s unflinching portrayal of the drug war is a sobering reminder of the impact of drug addiction on individuals and society.

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Traffic [DVD]
  • Factory sealed DVD
  • Benicio Del Toro, Don Cheadle, Catherine Zeta-Jones (Actors)
  • Steven Soderbergh (Director) - Stephen Gaghan (Writer) - Edward Zwick (Producer)
  • English, French, Spanish (Subtitles)
  • Audience Rating: R (Restricted)

3. The American President (1995)

In “The American President,” Michael Douglas plays Andrew Shepherd, the President of the United States.

The film is a romantic comedy-drama that explores the challenges and pressures of being the leader of the free world, while also touching on themes of love, family, and politics.

If you like Michael Douglas’s performances, on our sister site AuteurGraph we have a profile page, a visual film timeline, and a ratings page that gives a tonne of info and data about their career in a visualized form.

Directed by Rob Reiner, “The American President” is a charming and entertaining film that showcases Douglas’s charisma and acting talent.

The film’s message about the importance of love and family in the midst of political turmoil is as relevant today as it was when the film was released.

   
The American President
  • The American President - DVD Brand New
  • Michael Douglas, Annette Bening, Martin Sheen (Actors)
  • Rob Reiner (Director)
  • Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)

4. Disclosure (1994)

“Disclosure” is a drama that explores issues of sexual harassment and gender politics in the workplace. Michael Douglas plays Tom Sanders, a high-level executive who finds himself the victim of a false accusation of sexual harassment.

The film’s tense and suspenseful storyline is elevated by Douglas’s powerful performance, and the film is a sobering reminder of the pervasiveness of sexual harassment in modern society.

Directed by Barry Levinson, “Disclosure” is a thought-provoking and timely film that highlights the importance of addressing issues of gender inequality and sexual harassment in the workplace.

Disclosure
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Michael Douglas, Demi Moore, Donald Sutherland (Actors)
  • Barry Levinson (Director) - Paul Attanasio (Writer) - Barry Levinson (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

5. The China Syndrome (1979)

“The China Syndrome” is a drama that explores the dangers of nuclear power. Michael Douglas plays Richard Adams, a television reporter who stumbles upon a potential nuclear disaster at a power plant.

The film’s intense and thrilling storyline is heightened by Douglas’s compelling performance, and the film’s message about the risks and pitfalls of nuclear power is as relevant today as it was when the film was released over four decades ago.

Directed by James Bridges, “The China Syndrome” is a prescient film that remains a powerful warning about the dangers of nuclear energy.

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CHINA SYNDROME DVD
  • Factory sealed DVD
  • Jane Fonda, Jack Lemmon, Michael Douglas (Actors)
  • James Bridges (Director)
  • English, French, Japanese, Chinese (Subtitles)
  • English (Publication Language)

6. Fatal Attraction (1987)

In “Fatal Attraction,” Michael Douglas plays Dan Gallagher, a married man who becomes involved in a dangerous and obsessive affair with a woman named Alex Forrest, played by Glenn Close.

The film is a thrilling and suspenseful exploration of the dark side of desire, and Douglas delivers a powerful performance as a man who finds himself in over his head in a dangerous situation.

Directed by Adrian Lyne, “Fatal Attraction” is a classic film that has become a cultural touchstone and a cautionary tale about the dangers of infidelity and obsession.

   
Fatal Attraction (4K UHD)
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Michael Douglas, Glenn Close, Anne Archer (Actors)
  • Adrian Lyne (Director) - James Deardon (Writer) - Stanley R. Jaffe (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

7. Solitary Man (2009)

Solitary Man is a 2009 American drama film directed by Brian Koppelman and David Levien. The film stars Michael Douglas, Susan Sarandon, Jenna Fischer, Danny DeVito, and Mary-Louise Parker.

The story revolves around Ben Kalmen (Michael Douglas), a former successful car dealer and businessman who has fallen from grace due to his own ethical and personal mistakes.

He is struggling to rebuild his life, his business, and his relationships with his ex-wife (Susan Sarandon) and daughter (Jenna Fischer).

Throughout the film, Ben’s character is portrayed as a charming and charismatic man who is also deeply flawed and self-destructive.

He tries to recapture his past success and live the high life again, but his actions continue to lead him down a path of further destruction.

The film explores themes of regret, redemption, and the consequences of one’s actions. It received generally positive reviews for its strong performances, particularly from Douglas, and its nuanced portrayal of its flawed protagonist.

Solitary Man
  • Factory sealed DVD
  • Michael Douglas, Susan Sarandon, Danny Devito (Actors)
  • Brian Koppelman, David Levien (Director)
  • Spanish (Subtitle)
  • English (Publication Language)

8. Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010)

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps is a 2010 American drama film directed by Oliver Stone and starring Michael Douglas, Shia LaBeouf, Carey Mulligan, and Josh Brolin.

It is a sequel to the 1987 film Wall Street, which also starred Michael Douglas as Gordon Gekko.

The film takes place during the 2008 financial crisis and follows Jake Moore (Shia LaBeouf), a young and ambitious Wall Street trader who seeks revenge on Bretton James (Josh Brolin), the man who he believes is responsible for his mentor’s suicide.

Along the way, Jake becomes romantically involved with Bretton’s estranged daughter, Winnie (Carey Mulligan), who is also Gekko’s daughter.

The film also features Michael Douglas reprising his role as Gordon Gekko, who has been released from prison and is now trying to rebuild his relationship with his daughter and regain his position in the financial world.

Gekko becomes a mentor to Jake, and the two form an unlikely partnership as they navigate the complex and dangerous world of high finance.

The film explores themes of greed, morality, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

It received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the performances and timely subject matter, while others criticized the film for being too convoluted and lacking the edge of the original.

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
  • Factory sealed DVD
  • Michael Douglas, Shia LaBeouf, Carey Mulligan (Actors)
  • Oliver Stone (Director) - Edward R. Pressman (Producer)
  • English, French, Spanish (Subtitles)
  • English (Publication Language)

9. The Game (1997)

“The Game” is a psychological thriller film released in 1997, directed by David Fincher and starring Michael Douglas, Sean Penn, and Deborah Kara Unger.

The film follows Nicholas Van Orton (Douglas), a wealthy but unhappy investment banker who is given a gift by his estranged younger brother Conrad (Penn) for his 48th birthday.

The gift is an invitation to participate in a mysterious “game” offered by a company called Consumer Recreation Services (CRS).

Nicholas initially dismisses the game as a hoax, but becomes increasingly drawn into it as it appears to affect every aspect of his life.

As the game becomes more and more intense, Nicholas becomes increasingly paranoid, convinced that everyone around him is part of the game and that his life is in danger.

As he tries to unravel the mystery of the game, Nicholas discovers that his past actions have consequences and that the game may have been designed specifically for him.

   

The film culminates in a twist ending that leaves Nicholas questioning the reality of everything he has experienced.

“The Game” received positive reviews from critics and has since gained a cult following. The film was praised for its direction, performances, and twist ending, which has been compared to other classic thrillers such as “Vertigo” and “The Sixth Sense.”

The Game
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Michael Douglas, Sean Penn, Deborah Kara Unger (Actors)
  • David Fincher (Director) - John Brancato (Writer) - Steve Golin (Producer)
  • (Playback Language)
  • Audience Rating: R (Restricted)

10. The War of the Roses (1989)

“The War of the Roses” is a black comedy film released in 1989, directed by Danny DeVito and starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and DeVito himself.

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Warren Adler and tells the story of a wealthy couple, Barbara and Oliver Rose, who start out as a happy couple but eventually become embroiled in a bitter divorce battle.

As the Roses begin to divide up their possessions and fight over their house, their once-loving relationship turns into a vicious and destructive war.

The couple will stop at nothing to gain the upper hand, even if it means destroying each other’s property, reputation, and ultimately their lives.

The film was praised for its dark humor and the performances of Douglas, Turner, and DeVito.

It was also noted for its depiction of the ugliness and pettiness of divorce and the toll it takes on families. “The War of the Roses” was a commercial success, grossing over $160 million worldwide, and has since become a cult classic.

The War of the Roses [DVD]
  • Condition: New
  • Format: DVD
  • Anamorphic; Closed-captioned; Color; Dolby; DVD; THX; Widescreen; NTSC
  • Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito (Actors)
  • Danny DeVito (Director) - Michael Leeson (Writer)

11. The In-Laws (I) (2003)

The In-Laws is a 2003 American comedy film directed by Andrew Fleming and starring Michael Douglas, Albert Brooks, Candice Bergen, and Robin Tunney. It is a remake of the 1979 film of the same name.

The story follows two fathers, Steve Tobias (Albert Brooks), a mild-mannered podiatrist, and Jerry Peyser (Michael Douglas), a globetrotting government agent, who are brought together when their children become engaged.

Jerry involves Steve in a high-stakes international espionage mission, which leads to a series of comedic misadventures involving secret agents, arms dealers, and dangerous criminals.

The film features a strong comedic cast, with Michael Douglas and Albert Brooks playing off each other’s contrasting personalities and comedic styles.

The supporting cast, including Candice Bergen as a mysterious femme fatale and Robin Tunney as Jerry’s daughter, add to the film’s humor and plot twists.

Overall, The In-Laws is a lighthearted and enjoyable comedy with a mix of action and suspense. While it may not be as memorable as the original, it stands on its own as a solid remake with great performances from its talented cast.

The In-Laws
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Michael Douglas, Albert Brooks, Candice Bergen (Actors)
  • Andrew Fleming (Director) - Nat Mauldin (Writer) - Bill Gerber (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

12. Falling Down (1993)

“Falling Down” is a drama-thriller film released in 1993, directed by Joel Schumacher and starring Michael Douglas, Robert Duvall, and Barbara Hershey.

The film follows the story of William “D-Fens” Foster (Douglas), a former defense engineer who has lost his job and is going through a divorce.

After getting stuck in traffic on a hot summer day in Los Angeles, Foster abandons his car and sets out on foot to attend his daughter’s birthday party.

However, as Foster makes his way through the city, he becomes increasingly frustrated with the obstacles and people he encounters, leading him to engage in a series of violent outbursts.

Meanwhile, Police Sergeant Martin Prendergast (Duvall) is investigating the crimes and trying to track down the elusive Foster before he causes more harm.

   

The film was praised for its social commentary on urban alienation and economic inequality, as well as its exploration of the darker side of the American Dream.

The performances of Douglas and Duvall were also highly praised, with Douglas receiving a Best Actor nomination at the Academy Awards.

However, the film was also criticized for its portrayal of mental illness and its sympathetic depiction of Foster’s violent actions.

Falling Down
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Michael Douglas, Robert Duvall, Barbara Hershey (Actors)
  • Joel Schumacher (Director) - Ebbe Roe Smith (Writer) - Arnold Kopelson (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

13. A Perfect Murder (1998)

A Perfect Murder is a 1998 American crime thriller film directed by Andrew Davis and starring Michael Douglas, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Viggo Mortensen.

It is a remake of the 1954 Alfred Hitchcock film Dial M for Murder, which was based on the play of the same name by Frederick Knott.

The film follows Steven Taylor (Michael Douglas), a wealthy and successful businessman who discovers that his younger wife, Emily (Gwyneth Paltrow), is having an affair with an artist named David Shaw (Viggo Mortensen).

Steven hatches a plan to have David killed, but things do not go as planned, and a series of twists and turns ensue.

The film features strong performances from its lead actors, particularly Michael Douglas as the cunning and manipulative Steven.

Gwyneth Paltrow also shines as the conflicted and vulnerable Emily, while Viggo Mortensen brings a certain charm and mystery to his role as the artist caught in the middle.

A Perfect Murder is a well-crafted and suspenseful thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end. While it may not be as iconic as the Hitchcock original, it stands on its own as a solid and entertaining film with a great cast and a thrilling plot.

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A Perfect Murder
  • DVD
  • Multiple Formats, Closed-captioned, Color
  • English (Subtitled), French (Subtitled), French (Dubbed)
  • 1
  • 108

14. Coma (1978)

“Coma” is a medical thriller film released in 1978, directed by Michael Crichton and starring Genevieve Bujold, Michael Douglas, and Richard Widmark.

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Robin Cook and tells the story of Dr. Susan Wheeler (Bujold), a young doctor who becomes suspicious after a series of seemingly routine surgeries at her hospital result in unexpected comas.

As Dr. Wheeler investigates further, she discovers a conspiracy involving the hospital administration and a medical supply company, who are using the comatose patients for illegal and unethical medical experimentation.

With the help of her boyfriend, Dr. Mark Bellows (Douglas), Dr. Wheeler sets out to expose the truth and stop the sinister plot.

“Coma” was praised for its suspenseful plot, direction, and strong performances from the cast. The film also raised important questions about medical ethics and the power of corporations in the healthcare industry.

The success of “Coma” helped to establish Michael Crichton as a major force in Hollywood, paving the way for his later works such as “Jurassic Park” and “ER.”

Coma (1978)
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Geneviève Bujold, Michael Douglas, Elizabeth Ashley (Actors)
  • Michael Crichton (Director) - Michael Crichton (Writer) - Martin Erlichman (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

15. The Star Chamber (1983)

The Star Chamber is a 1983 American crime thriller film directed by Peter Hyams and starring Michael Douglas, Hal Holbrook, and Yaphet Kotto.

The film explores themes of vigilante justice and the limitations of the legal system.

The story follows Judge Steven Hardin (Michael Douglas), a disillusioned and frustrated judge who is tired of seeing criminals walk free due to legal technicalities.

He is invited to join a secret organization of judges, known as the “star chamber,” who take matters into their own hands by ordering the assassination of criminals who have escaped justice.

As Judge Hardin becomes more involved in the star chamber’s activities, he begins to question the morality and legality of their actions. He must make a difficult decision about whether to continue to be a part of the organization or to risk his own safety by opposing them.

The film features strong performances from its cast, particularly Michael Douglas as the conflicted and tortured Judge Hardin. Hal Holbrook and Yaphet Kotto also deliver memorable performances as fellow judges who are a part of the star chamber.

Overall, The Star Chamber is a thought-provoking and suspenseful film that raises important questions about the role of justice in society.

While it may not be as well-known as some of Michael Douglas’s other films, it is a solid entry in the crime thriller genre and is worth a watch.

The Star Chamber
  • Michael Douglas, Hal Holbrook, Yaphet Kotto (Actors)
  • Peter Hyams (Director) - Peter Hyams (Writer)
  • English, Spanish (Subtitles)
  • Audience Rating: R (Restricted)

16. Behind the Candelabra (2013)

“Behind the Candelabra” is a biographical drama film released in 2013, directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Michael Douglas and Matt Damon.

The film is based on the memoir “Behind the Candelabra: My Life with Liberace” by Scott Thorson and tells the story of the flamboyant pianist Liberace (Douglas) and his tumultuous relationship with his younger lover and personal assistant, Thorson (Damon).

The film explores the lavish and opulent lifestyle of Liberace and his struggle to keep his homosexuality a secret in a time when it was still considered taboo.

It also delves into the complex and at times toxic relationship between Liberace and Thorson, which ultimately leads to their separation and legal battles.

“Behind the Candelabra” was praised for its performances, particularly those of Douglas and Damon, who both won Emmy Awards for their roles.

The film also received critical acclaim for its depiction of a little-known chapter in Liberace’s life and its exploration of themes such as celebrity, identity, and love.

However, the film was also criticized for perpetuating negative stereotypes of gay men and for the controversy surrounding its limited theatrical release, which some attributed to Hollywood’s reluctance to distribute a film with openly gay themes.

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Behind the Candelabra
  • DVD
  • produced in 2013
  • made in USA
  • Michael Douglas, Matt Damon, Scott Bakula (Actors)
  • Steven Soderbergh (Director)

17. Basic Instinct (1992)

Basic Instinct is a 1992 American erotic thriller film directed by Paul Verhoeven and starring Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone.

The film follows San Francisco detective Nick Curran (Michael Douglas) as he investigates the murder of a rock star, who was stabbed to death with an ice pick during sex.

The prime suspect is Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone), a bisexual crime novelist who was dating the victim.

As Nick delves deeper into the case, he becomes increasingly attracted to Catherine and begins a dangerous affair with her, despite warnings from his colleagues and her history of involvement with violent deaths.

The film features strong performances from its lead actors, particularly Sharon Stone, who became a sex symbol and household name after her portrayal of Catherine Tramell.

Michael Douglas also delivers a convincing performance as the conflicted and troubled detective Nick Curran.

Basic Instinct was controversial upon its release due to its explicit sexual content and depictions of violence against women. However, it became a box office success and has since become a cult classic of the erotic thriller genre.

Overall, Basic Instinct is a suspenseful and provocative film that explores themes of sexuality, power, and manipulation. While it may not be suitable for all viewers, it is a notable entry in Michael Douglas’s filmography and remains a popular film to this day.

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18. Romancing the Stone (1984)

“Romancing the Stone” is an action-adventure film released in 1984, directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Kathleen Turner, Michael Douglas, and Danny DeVito.

The film follows the story of romance novelist Joan Wilder (Turner) who sets out on a perilous journey to Colombia to rescue her sister, who has been kidnapped by treasure hunters.

Along the way, she teams up with soldier of fortune Jack Colton (Douglas) and together they embark on a thrilling adventure to find a valuable gemstone.

As they journey through the jungle, Joan and Jack must avoid dangerous obstacles and outsmart their ruthless pursuers, including corrupt military officials and the treasure-hungry DeVito character. Along the way, they also develop a romantic relationship.

“Romancing the Stone” was a critical and commercial success, praised for its entertaining blend of action, romance, and humor.

The chemistry between Turner and Douglas was particularly lauded, and the film helped to establish both actors as major Hollywood stars. The film’s success also spawned a sequel, “The Jewel of the Nile,” released in 1985.

19. Black Rain (1989)

“Black Rain” is a crime thriller film released in 1989, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Michael Douglas, Andy Garcia, and Ken Takakura.

The film follows the story of two New York City cops, Nick Conklin (Douglas) and Charlie Vincent (Garcia), who are sent to Japan to escort a Yakuza member back to the United States for trial.

However, during their trip, the prisoner escapes, and the two officers find themselves embroiled in the dangerous and complex world of the Japanese underworld.

As they work to track down the fugitive, they must navigate cultural differences and deal with corrupt officials, rival gang members, and their own personal demons.

“Black Rain” was praised for its stylish direction, intense action sequences, and the strong performances of its cast.

The film also raised important questions about cultural identity, xenophobia, and the impact of globalization on traditional societies.

However, the film was also criticized for perpetuating stereotypes of Japanese culture and for its depiction of violence, which some felt was gratuitous. Despite these criticisms, “Black Rain” remains a notable entry in the crime thriller genre of the late 1980s.

Black Rain
  • Condition: New
  • Format: DVD
  • Closed-captioned; Color; DVD; Letterboxed; Widescreen; NTSC
  • Michael Douglas, Andy Garcia, Ken Takakura (Actors)
  • Ridley Scott (Director) - Craig Bolotin (Writer)

20. The Sentinel (2006)

The Sentinel is a 2006 American political action thriller film directed by Clark Johnson and starring Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, and Eva Longoria. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Gerald Petievich.

The story follows Pete Garrison (Michael Douglas), a veteran Secret Service agent who is framed for an attempted assassination of the President of the United States.

With the help of a rookie agent (Eva Longoria) and his former protégé (Kiefer Sutherland), Garrison sets out to clear his name and uncover the true mastermind behind the plot.

The film features a strong cast, with Michael Douglas delivering a solid performance as the skilled but troubled Pete Garrison.

Kiefer Sutherland brings his trademark intensity to the role of Garrison’s former protégé, while Eva Longoria provides a fresh perspective as the rookie agent caught in the middle.

The Sentinel offers a fast-paced and action-packed plot, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the audience engaged. While it may not be the most original or thought-provoking film in Michael Douglas’s filmography, it is a solid and entertaining entry in the political thriller genre.

Overall, The Sentinel is a well-crafted and enjoyable thriller that offers a satisfying blend of action, suspense, and political intrigue.

The Sentinel (Widescreen Edition)
  • Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Kim Basinger (Actors)
  • Clark Johnson (Director) - George Nolfi (Writer)
  • English, Spanish (Subtitles)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)

21. Don’t Say a Word (2001)

“Don’t Say a Word” is a psychological thriller film released in 2001, directed by Gary Fleder and starring Michael Douglas, Brittany Murphy, and Sean Bean.

The film follows the story of psychiatrist Nathan Conrad (Douglas), who is tasked with treating a young girl named Jessie (Murphy), who has been traumatized after witnessing a murder.

However, when Jessie is kidnapped, Nathan is forced to extract information from one of his patients, a former criminal named Patrick Koster (Bean), in order to save her.

As Nathan delves deeper into Koster’s troubled past, he becomes entangled in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse that puts his family and his own sanity at risk.

“Don’t Say a Word” was praised for its suspenseful plot, strong performances, and its exploration of themes such as trauma, memory, and identity.

The film also featured a memorable performance from Murphy, who tragically passed away just a few years later.

However, the film was also criticized for its reliance on cliches and for its over-the-top climax, which some felt undermined the psychological complexity of the rest of the story.

Despite these criticisms, “Don’t Say a Word” remains a notable entry in the psychological thriller genre of the early 2000s.

Don't Say a Word
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Paul Schulze, Louis Vanaria, David Warshofsky (Actors)
  • Gary Fleder (Director) - Anthony Peckham (Writer) - Arnold Kopelson (Producer)
  • Dutch (Playback Language)
  • Dutch (Subtitle)

22. Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (2009)

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt is a 2009 American crime thriller film directed by Peter Hyams and starring Michael Douglas, Jesse Metcalfe, and Amber Tamblyn. The film is a remake of the 1956 film of the same name by Fritz Lang.

The story follows ambitious journalist C.J. Nicholas (Jesse Metcalfe), who sets out to prove the flaws in the justice system by creating a fake murder case, in which he will frame himself and then expose the planted evidence to discredit the District Attorney Mark Hunter (Michael Douglas) who has been using his power to manipulate the evidence.

However, things go awry when C.J. is accused of the actual murder, and Hunter must decide whether to prosecute him despite doubts about his guilt or let a guilty man go free in order to protect his own reputation.

The film features solid performances from its cast, particularly Michael Douglas as the morally ambiguous District Attorney and Jesse Metcalfe as the determined journalist.

However, the film’s plot is often predictable and lacks the suspense and tension found in other films in the crime thriller genre.

Overall, Beyond a Reasonable Doubt is a decent remake of the classic Fritz Lang film, but ultimately fails to offer anything new or compelling. While it may be worth a watch for fans of Michael Douglas or the original film, it is not one of his most memorable works.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Amber Tamblyn, Jesse Metcalfe, Michael Douglas (Actors)
  • Peter Hyams (Director) - Peter Hyams (Writer) - Stephanie Caleb (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

23. Wonder Boys (2000)

“Wonder Boys” is a comedy-drama film released in 2000, directed by Curtis Hanson and starring Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, and Frances McDormand.

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Michael Chabon and follows the story of Grady Tripp (Douglas), a college professor and once-promising novelist who is struggling to complete his long-awaited second novel.

As Grady navigates his complicated personal life and the pressures of academia, he takes a young, troubled student named James Leer (Maguire) under his wing, and the two become embroiled in a series of misadventures involving literary theft, drug use, and a stolen jacket.

“Wonder Boys” was praised for its witty dialogue, complex characters, and strong performances, particularly those of Douglas and Maguire.

The film also explored themes such as creativity, identity, and the challenges of middle age. However, the film’s box office performance was lackluster, and it received mixed reviews from critics.

Despite this, “Wonder Boys” has since gained a cult following and is considered by many to be a hidden gem of the early 2000s.

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Wonder Boys
  • Philip Bosco, Robert Downey Jr., Frances McDormand (Actors)
  • Curtis Hanson (Director)
  • Audience Rating: R (Restricted)

24. It Runs in the Family (2003)

It Runs in the Family is a 2003 American comedy-drama film directed by Fred Schepisi and starring Michael Douglas, Kirk Douglas, Cameron Douglas, and Diana Douglas. It is the first film to feature all four members of the Douglas family.

The film centers around the Gromberg family, a wealthy and dysfunctional family living in New York City.

Alex (Michael Douglas) is a successful lawyer and father of two, struggling to connect with his teenage son Asher (Cameron Douglas), while dealing with the declining health of his father Mitchell (Kirk Douglas) and the emotional distance between himself and his mother Evelyn (Diana Douglas).

As the family navigates their issues and tries to reconnect with one another, they learn the importance of forgiveness and coming together in times of crisis.

The film features solid performances from all four Douglas family members, with Kirk Douglas in particular delivering a strong and poignant portrayal of an aging patriarch. However, the film’s plot is often predictable and clichéd, relying heavily on sentimental family drama tropes.

Overall, It Runs in the Family is a heartwarming film with a strong message about family and forgiveness.

While it may not be a standout film in Michael Douglas’s filmography, it is a notable one due to the unique opportunity to see all four members of the Douglas family on screen together.

It Runs in the Family (2003)
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Michael Douglas, Kirk Douglas, Rory Culkin (Actors)
  • Fred Schepisi (Director) - Jesse Wigutow (Writer) - Joel Douglas (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

25. The Jewel of the Nile (1985)

“The Jewel of the Nile” is a romantic adventure film released in 1985, directed by Lewis Teague and starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito.

The film is a sequel to “Romancing the Stone” and follows the further adventures of Joan Wilder (Turner) and Jack Colton (Douglas) as they travel to the North African nation of Kadir to rescue a kidnapped holy man.

As they navigate the dangerous landscape, Joan and Jack encounter a variety of obstacles and enemies, including ruthless dictator Omar (Spiros Focás) and his scheming henchman Ralph (DeVito).

Along the way, they also confront the challenges of their romantic relationship and their differing priorities.

“The Jewel of the Nile” was praised for its fun, escapist adventure story, and the chemistry between its two leads.

However, the film was also criticized for its lack of originality compared to its predecessor and for its reliance on stereotypes and cliches. Despite this, the film was a commercial success and remains a popular entry in the action-adventure genre of the 1980s.

The Jewel Of The Nile
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito (Actors)
  • Lewis Teague (Director) - Mark Rosenthal (Writer) - Michael Douglas (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

3 Reasons To Watch Michael Douglas Movies

His impressive acting skills: Michael Douglas is a highly talented actor who has been in the industry for over five decades.

He has won numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award.

His ability to bring characters to life on screen and convey complex emotions is truly impressive and makes for an engaging viewing experience.

His diverse range of roles: Michael Douglas has tackled a wide variety of roles throughout his career, from dramatic roles in films like “Wall Street” and “Fatal Attraction” to comedic roles in movies like “The American President” and “Romancing the Stone.”

This diversity in his roles ensures that there is something for everyone in his filmography.

His contributions to the film industry: Michael Douglas has not only been a successful actor but has also made significant contributions to the film industry as a producer and director.

He has produced and co-produced several successful films, including “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and “The China Syndrome,” and has directed films such as “The Rainmaker” and “Beyond the Reach.” His contributions to the industry make him a notable figure in Hollywood and add another layer to his already impressive career.

Best Michael Douglas Movies – Wrap Up

In this list, we covered some of the best Michael Douglas movies spanning a variety of genres, including dramas, thrillers, comedies, and action-adventure films.

Some of the most notable entries include “Wall Street,” “Basic Instinct,” “The Game,” “Falling Down,” “Coma,” “Wonder Boys,” and “Haywire.” Each of these films showcased Douglas’s versatility as an actor and his ability to bring complex and compelling characters to life on screen.

Other entries, such as “The War of the Roses,” “Behind the Candelabra,” “Romancing the Stone,” and “The Jewel of the Nile,” highlighted Douglas’s talent for comedic timing and his onscreen chemistry with co-stars such as Kathleen Turner and Matt Damon.

Overall, Michael Douglas’s impressive filmography spans multiple decades and includes a wide range of memorable performances that have cemented his status as one of the most iconic actors of his generation.