20 Best Walter Matthau Movies: The Irresistible Charm and Memorable Roles of a Hollywood Icon

Walter Matthau was a highly regarded American actor known for his distinctive voice, impeccable timing, and natural charm.

Over the course of his long career, he starred in a wide range of films and television shows, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards.

Some of his most memorable roles include grumpy and cantankerous characters, but he was equally adept at playing more nuanced and complex characters.

Best Walter Matthau Movies

In this article, we will explore some of the best Walter Matthau movies, highlighting his talent as an actor and his enduring legacy in Hollywood.

All picks in one table

1. The Bad News Bears (1976)

The Bad News Bears is a 1976 sports comedy film directed by Michael Ritchie. Walter Matthau plays the lead role of Morris Buttermaker, a down-on-his-luck alcoholic who is hired to coach a Little League baseball team consisting of misfits and underdogs.

Matthau’s performance as Buttermaker is both hilarious and heartwarming, as he helps the team overcome their differences and develop a sense of camaraderie.

The film is known for its sharp wit and satirical take on the world of youth sports, as well as for its memorable cast of characters.

The Bad News Bears is a classic comedy that showcases Matthau’s talent for both humor and drama. His portrayal of Buttermaker is a testament to his versatility as an actor and his ability to convey complex emotions with ease.

The film remains popular with audiences today and is a must-see for fans of sports movies and classic comedies.

2. The Odd Couple (1968)

The Odd Couple is a 1968 comedy film directed by Gene Saks. Walter Matthau plays the lead role of Oscar Madison, a slovenly and carefree sports writer who shares an apartment with his fastidious and uptight friend, Felix Ungar, played by Jack Lemmon.

Matthau’s performance as Madison is both hilarious and touching, as he navigates the ups and downs of living with a roommate who is his exact opposite.

The film is known for its witty script and for the chemistry between Matthau and Lemmon, who deliver some of the most memorable comedic scenes in film history.

The Odd Couple is a classic comedy that showcases Matthau’s talent for physical comedy and his ability to play off other actors. His portrayal of Oscar Madison is a testament to his charm and charisma as an actor, and helped launch him to stardom in Hollywood.

The film remains a beloved classic to this day and is a must-see for fans of classic comedies.

3. A Face in the Crowd (1957)

A Face in the Crowd is a 1957 drama film directed by Elia Kazan. Walter Matthau plays the supporting role of Mel Miller, a clear-eyed television writer for the show who sees through the manufactured charm of the film’s main character, Lonesome Rhodes, played by Andy Griffith.

Matthau’s performance as Miller is understated yet powerful, conveying the character’s sense of duty and his commitment to uncovering the truth.

The film is known for its incisive commentary on the power of media and celebrity, as well as for its exploration of themes such as corruption and betrayal.

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A Face in the Crowd is a thought-provoking and prescient film that showcases Matthau’s talent for dramatic acting. While he plays a supporting role, his performance is crucial to the film’s success, and he holds his own against the talented cast.

The film remains a classic example of Hollywood cinema at its best, and is a must-see for fans of drama and social commentary.

4. JFK (1991)

“JFK” is a 1991 political thriller film directed by Oliver Stone. Walter Matthau plays the supporting role of Senator Russell Long, who appears in a single pivotal scene aboard a commercial flight, sharing his own doubts about the Warren Commission’s findings with Kevin Costner’s Jim Garrison.

Matthau’s performance as Long is understated yet powerful, conveying the character’s intelligence and political savvy.

The film is known for its complex and controversial portrayal of the events leading up to JFK’s assassination, as well as for its star-studded cast, which includes Kevin Costner, Tommy Lee Jones, and Gary Oldman.

“JFK” is a gripping and intense film that showcases Matthau’s talent for dramatic acting. While he plays a supporting role, his performance is crucial to the film’s success, and he holds his own against the talented cast.

The film remains a controversial and thought-provoking example of Hollywood cinema at its best, and is a must-see for fans of political thrillers and historical dramas.

5. Plaza Suite (1971)

Plaza Suite is a 1971 comedy-drama film directed by Arthur Hiller. Walter Matthau plays three different lead roles in three separate vignettes, each of which takes place in the same suite at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

Matthau’s performances in Plaza Suite are masterful, showcasing his range as an actor and his ability to inhabit distinct characters with ease.

He plays a husband whose wife is trying to save their marriage, a Hollywood producer trying to woo a former flame, and a father trying to get his daughter out of the bathroom and to the altar.

The film is known for its witty script and for the chemistry between Matthau and his co-stars, which include Barbara Harris, Lee Grant, and Maureen Stapleton.

Plaza Suite is a classic comedy-drama that remains popular with audiences to this day, and showcases Matthau’s talent for both humor and drama. It is a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood cinema and for those who appreciate great performances by a talented actor.

6. Hanging Up (2000)

Hanging Up is a 2000 comedy-drama film directed by Diane Keaton. Walter Matthau plays the supporting role of Lou Mozell, the aging father of three sisters who are struggling to care for him as he battles a series of health problems.

Matthau’s performance as Mozell is both poignant and humorous, as he navigates the ups and downs of aging and declining health.

The film is known for its exploration of family dynamics and for its star-studded cast, which includes Diane Keaton, Meg Ryan, and Lisa Kudrow.

Hanging Up is a heartwarming and entertaining film that showcases Matthau’s talent for both drama and comedy. While he plays a supporting role, his performance is crucial to the film’s success, and he brings a sense of warmth and humanity to the character of Lou Mozell.

The film remains a beloved example of Hollywood cinema at its best, and is a must-see for fans of family dramas and comedies.

7. Grumpy Old Men (1993)

Grumpy Old Men is a 1993 comedy film directed by Donald Petrie. Walter Matthau plays the lead role of Max Goldman, a cantankerous retiree who has a long-standing feud with his neighbor and best friend, John Gustafson, played by Jack Lemmon.

Matthau’s performance as Goldman is both hilarious and endearing, as he delivers a series of witty one-liners and grumpy put-downs while also revealing his character’s softer side.

The film is known for its sharp script and for the chemistry between Matthau and Lemmon, who had previously starred together in The Odd Couple and The Fortune Cookie.

Grumpy Old Men is a classic comedy that showcases Matthau’s talent for both humor and drama. His portrayal of Max Goldman is a testament to his charm and charisma as an actor, and helped cement his status as a beloved Hollywood icon.

The film remains popular with audiences to this day and is a must-see for fans of classic comedies and buddy films.

8. Fail Safe (1964)

Fail Safe is a 1964 political thriller film directed by Sidney Lumet. Walter Matthau plays the supporting role of Professor Groeteschele, a hawkish military strategist who advocates for a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union after a malfunctioning bomber is mistakenly sent to bomb Moscow.

Matthau’s performance as Groeteschele is both chilling and compelling, as he conveys the character’s belief in the necessity of a nuclear war to protect the United States.

The film is known for its tense and realistic portrayal of the dangers of nuclear war, as well as for its talented cast, which includes Henry Fonda, Dan O’Herlihy, and Larry Hagman.

Fail Safe is a gripping and thought-provoking film that showcases Matthau’s talent for dramatic acting.

While he plays a supporting role, his performance is crucial to the film’s success, and he brings a sense of urgency and danger to the character of Professor Groeteschele.

The film remains a classic example of Hollywood cinema at its best, and is a must-see for fans of political thrillers and historical dramas.

9. Charade (1963)

Charade is a 1963 romantic comedy thriller directed by Stanley Donen. Walter Matthau plays Hamilton Bartholomew, who tells Audrey Hepburn’s Regina Lampert that he is a CIA official looking into her murdered husband’s missing fortune.

Matthau’s performance as Bartholomew is both charming and witty, as he delivers a series of sarcastic one-liners and droll observations while pressing her about the stolen money.

The film is known for its clever script and for the chemistry between Matthau and Hepburn, who deliver a series of memorable scenes together.

Charade is a classic romantic comedy thriller that showcases Matthau’s talent for both humor and drama. While he plays a supporting role, his performance is crucial to the film’s success, and he adds a sense of levity and fun to the film.

The film remains popular with audiences to this day and is a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood cinema and romantic comedies.

10. Dennis the Menace (1993)

Dennis the Menace is a 1993 family comedy film directed by Nick Castle. Walter Matthau plays the lead role of Mr. George Wilson, a grumpy retiree who becomes the neighbor of Dennis Mitchell, a mischievous young boy who constantly wreaks havoc in his life.

Matthau’s performance as Mr. Wilson is both hilarious and heartwarming, as he delivers a series of grumpy put-downs and sarcastic comments while also revealing his character’s softer side.

The film is known for its lighthearted and entertaining plot, as well as for the chemistry between Matthau and his young co-star, Mason Gamble.

Dennis the Menace is a charming and delightful film that showcases Matthau’s talent for both humor and drama. His portrayal of Mr. Wilson is a testament to his charm and charisma as an actor, and helped him to appeal to a younger generation of moviegoers.

The film remains popular with families and fans of family comedies and is a must-see for anyone who enjoys heartwarming and entertaining films.

11. California Suite (1978)

California Suite is a 1978 comedy-drama film directed by Herbert Ross. Walter Matthau plays Marvin Michaels, a businessman who flies to Los Angeles a day ahead of his wife, played by Elaine May, for his nephew’s bar mitzvah.

Matthau’s performance as Michaels is both hilarious and poignant, as he delivers a series of witty one-liners and navigates the ups and downs of his troubled marriage.

The film is known for its exploration of relationships and for its talented cast, which includes Jane Fonda, Alan Alda, and Maggie Smith.

California Suite is a classic comedy-drama that showcases Matthau’s talent for both humor and drama. His portrayal of Marvin Michaels is a testament to his ability to convey complex emotions with ease, and he brings a sense of humanity and warmth to the character.

The film remains popular with audiences to this day and is a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood cinema and ensemble comedies.

12. I.q. (1994)

“I.Q.” is a 1994 romantic comedy film directed by Fred Schepisi. Walter Matthau plays the supporting role of Albert Einstein, who plays matchmaker for his niece, played by Meg Ryan, and a car mechanic, played by Tim Robbins.

Matthau’s performance as Einstein is both charming and endearing, as he delivers a series of witty observations and philosophical musings.

The film is known for its lighthearted and entertaining plot, as well as for the chemistry between the cast.

“I.Q.” is a charming and delightful film that showcases Matthau’s talent for both humor and drama. His portrayal of Einstein is a testament to his ability to bring a sense of gravitas to a role while still infusing it with humor and charm.

The film remains popular with fans of romantic comedies and is a must-see for anyone who enjoys heartwarming and entertaining films.

13. Pete ‘n’ Tillie (1972)

Pete ‘n’ Tillie is a 1972 comedy-drama film directed by Martin Ritt. Walter Matthau plays the lead role of Pete Seltzer, a middle-aged bachelor who falls in love with Tillie Schlaine, played by Carol Burnett.

Matthau’s performance as Pete is both hilarious and touching, as he delivers a series of sarcastic one-liners while also conveying his character’s vulnerability and longing for love.

The film is known for its exploration of relationships and for the chemistry between Matthau and Burnett, who deliver a series of memorable scenes together.

Pete ‘n’ Tillie is a classic comedy-drama that showcases Matthau’s talent for both humor and drama. His portrayal of Pete Seltzer is a testament to his charm and charisma as an actor, and helped him to appeal to a wider audience.

The film remains popular with audiences to this day and is a must-see for fans of romantic comedies and character-driven dramas.

14. Cactus Flower (1969)

Cactus Flower is a 1969 comedy film directed by Gene Saks. Walter Matthau plays the lead role of Julian Winston, a philandering dentist who has told his much-younger girlfriend, Toni Simmons (played by Goldie Hawn), that he’s already married in order to avoid commitment, only to enlist his lovelorn nurse to pose as his wife when he finally decides to propose.

Matthau’s performance as Winston is both hilarious and endearing, as he delivers a series of witty one-liners and dry observations. The film is known for its clever script and for the chemistry between the cast, particularly between Matthau and Hawn.

Cactus Flower is a charming and delightful film that showcases Matthau’s talent for both humor and drama.

As the lead, Matthau anchors the film’s success, and he brings a sense of warmth and humor to the character of Julian Winston.

The film remains popular with audiences to this day and is a must-see for fans of romantic comedies and ensemble films.

15. Little Miss Marker (1980)

Little Miss Marker is a 1980 comedy-drama film directed by Walter Bernstein. Walter Matthau plays the lead role of Sorrowful Jones, a small-time bookie who takes in a young girl, played by Sara Stimson, as collateral for a gambling debt.

Matthau’s performance as Jones is both funny and touching, as he delivers a series of sarcastic one-liners while also revealing his character’s softer side as he grows to care for her.

The film is known for its heartwarming story and for the chemistry between Matthau and Stimson.

Little Miss Marker is a charming and entertaining film that showcases Matthau’s talent for both humor and drama.

His portrayal of Sorrowful Jones is a testament to his ability to convey complex emotions with ease, and he adds a sense of warmth and humanity to the character.

The film remains popular with audiences to this day and is a must-see for fans of family comedies and heartwarming dramas.

16. Grumpier Old Men (1995)

Grumpier Old Men is a 1995 romantic comedy film directed by Howard Deutch.

Walter Matthau reprises his role as Max Goldman, the grumpy retiree from the first film, who continues his love-hate relationship with his neighbor and best friend, John Gustafson, played by Jack Lemmon.

Matthau’s performance in the sequel is just as hilarious and endearing as it was in the first film, as he delivers a series of sarcastic one-liners while also revealing his character’s softer side.

The film is known for its witty script and for the chemistry between Matthau and Lemmon, who have become iconic as a duo on-screen.

Grumpier Old Men is a charming and entertaining film that showcases Matthau’s talent for both humor and drama.

His portrayal of Max Goldman once again demonstrates his ability to convey complex emotions with ease, and his comedic timing is spot-on. The film remains popular with audiences to this day and is a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood comedy duos and romantic comedies.

17. The Survivors (1983)

The Survivors is a 1983 comedy-drama film directed by Michael Ritchie. Walter Matthau plays the lead role of Sonny Paluso, a gas station owner whose station is destroyed the same day a fired executive, played by Robin Williams, meets him at a coffee shop that is held up.

Sonny sees the gunman’s face. Williams’s character later grows paranoid and heads for a survivalist camp, while the robber comes after both men.

Matthau’s performance as Paluso is both hilarious and poignant, as he delivers a series of witty one-liners while also conveying his character’s frustration and vulnerability.

The film is known for its exploration of themes such as unemployment, class struggle, and mental illness, as well as for the chemistry between Matthau and Williams.

The Survivors is a smart and entertaining film that showcases Matthau’s talent for both humor and drama. His portrayal of Sonny Paluso is a testament to his ability to convey complex emotions with ease, and his comedic timing is impeccable.

The film remains a fan favorite and is a must-see for fans of dark comedies and character-driven dramas.

18. The Laughing Policeman (1973)

The Laughing Policeman is a 1973 crime thriller film directed by Stuart Rosenberg. Walter Matthau plays the lead role of Detective Jake Martin, a veteran detective who is investigating a mass murder on a city bus.

Matthau’s performance as Martin is both gritty and intense, as he delivers a series of hard-boiled one-liners while also revealing his character’s haunted past and emotional turmoil.

The film is known for its suspenseful plot and for the chemistry between Matthau and his co-star, Bruce Dern.

The Laughing Policeman is a classic crime thriller that showcases Matthau’s talent for both humor and drama.

His portrayal of Jake Martin is a testament to his range as an actor, and he brings a sense of humanity and depth to the character. The film remains a cult favorite and is a must-see for fans of gritty crime thrillers and classic Hollywood cinema.

19. I’m Not Rappaport (1996)

I’m Not Rappaport is a 1996 comedy-drama film directed by Herb Gardner.

Walter Matthau plays the lead role of Nat Moyer, a cantankerous old man who spends his days on a park bench in New York City, telling tall tales and bickering with his friend Midge Carter, played by Ossie Davis.

Matthau’s performance as Nat Moyer is both hilarious and touching, as he delivers a series of sarcastic one-liners while also revealing his character’s vulnerabilities and fears.

The film is known for its exploration of themes such as aging, friendship, and urban life, as well as for the chemistry between Matthau and Davis.

I’m Not Rappaport is a smart and entertaining film that showcases Matthau’s talent for both humor and drama.

His portrayal of Nat Moyer is a testament to his ability to convey complex emotions with ease, and he adds a sense of humanity and depth to the character. The film remains popular with audiences to this day and is a must-see for fans of character-driven comedies and dramas.

20. The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is a 1974 crime thriller film directed by Joseph Sargent.

Walter Matthau plays the lead role of Lieutenant Zachary Garber, a transit police officer who is tasked with negotiating the release of hostages on a New York City subway train that has been hijacked by a group of armed men.

Matthau’s performance as Garber is both gritty and intense, as he delivers a series of hard-boiled one-liners while also revealing his character’s determination and compassion.

The film is known for its suspenseful plot and for the chemistry between Matthau and his co-star, Robert Shaw, who plays the leader of the hijackers.

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is a classic crime thriller that showcases Matthau’s talent for both humor and drama.

His portrayal of Garber is a testament to his range as an actor, and he brings a sense of humanity and depth to the character. The film remains a fan favorite and is a must-see for fans of gritty crime thrillers and classic Hollywood cinema.

3 Reasons To Watch Walter Matthau Movies

His Unique Brand of Humor: Walter Matthau was known for his deadpan delivery and dry wit, which made him a standout performer in comedies.

His sense of humor was sharp and irreverent, and he had a knack for making even the most mundane situations hilarious.

His Range as an Actor: While Matthau was best known for his comedic roles, he was also a versatile actor who could play dramatic roles with equal skill.

He had a talent for conveying complex emotions with ease, and his performances were always nuanced and layered.

His Iconic Screen Pairings: Matthau was often paired with other iconic actors, such as Jack Lemmon and Ossie Davis.

These pairings resulted in some of the most beloved on-screen partnerships in Hollywood history, and their chemistry was a major factor in the success of many of Matthau’s films. Watching Matthau in action alongside these other great performers is a treat for any film lover.

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Best Walter Matthau Movies – Wrap Up

In conclusion, Walter Matthau was a talented actor who left a lasting impression on Hollywood with his unique sense of humor, range as an actor, and iconic on-screen pairings.

From his classic comedies like The Odd Couple and Grumpy Old Men, to his dramatic roles in films like Fail Safe and The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, Matthau proved time and time again that he was one of the greats.

Whether you’re a fan of his comedic timing or his dramatic chops, there is no denying that Matthau’s films remain beloved classics to this day.

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