The late great actor Alan Arkin was a fixture in Hollywood for almost 70 years before his passing in 2023. Enjoying a long and fruitful career on the big and small screen, Arkin is one of the most beloved actors of all time. Praised in life and death by his fellow actors, Arkin will be missed by filmmakers and audiences a like for his wide range of movie performances. With more than 50 films to his credit, let's examine the top ten as ranked by Rotten Tomatoes.
10 The In-Laws (1979) - 88%
The In-Laws finds Alan Arkin acting opposite Peter Falk in one of the most outstanding action comedy films of all time. Praised for its brilliant writing as well as the rapport between Arkin and Falk, the film was a hit among critics. Earning it a Rotten Tomatoes score of 88%, Arkin’s list of movies starts off with a bang, and only goes up from here.
9 Hearts of the West (1975) - 89%
Boasting an impressive cast that along with Arkin features the likes of Jeff Bridges, Donald Pleasence, and Andy Griffith. Hearts of the West tells the story of an actor being roped into starring in a string of low-budget Westerns. Despite being a financial loss for MGM, the movie received praise from critics for being a "lovely little comedy", A lovely little comedy that has developed a cult-like following in the decades since its release.
8 Edward Scissorhands (1990) - 89%
The modern-day fairy tale that is Edward Scissorhands marked the first of many collaborations between filmmaker Tim Burton and actor Johnny Depp. The film would be praised for a unique story chocked full of heart and is widely considered to be Tim Burton's best film. Alan Arkin would star as Bill Boggs, the father of the movie's lead female character Kim Boggs, played by Winona Ryder. Edward Scissorhands remains as popular today as it did upon its release in 1990.
7 Little Miss Sunshine (2006) - 91%
It is the robust ensemble cast and brilliant comedic yet heartbreaking story that made Little Miss Sunshine the critically acclaimed hit it was. An aging Arkin gives one of the best performances of his career as Edwin Hoover. The movie features an uplifting message that even when things seem at their darkest, there is almost always a layer of sunshine in the darkness.
6 The Muppets (2011) - 95%
The Muppets (2011) introduced Kermit and his friends to a whole new generation of moviegoers. Led by professed Muppet lover Jason Segel, critics described the movie as "Clever, charming, and heartfelt”. Any time a new Muppets film arrives it is certain to be chocked full of high-profile cameos and while Arkin's part is indeed a small one in the film, it remains one of his highest-ranked credits.
5 Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) - 95%
Glengarry Glen Ross is praised for its commitment to the source material it is based on. Featuring Arkin in yet another top-tier ensemble cast and his work alongside an electric Alec Baldwin. This cult drama would go on to be nominated for and win several awards in the 1993 award season.
4 Wait Until Dark (1967) - 96%
One of Arkin’s earliest roles sees him play the sadistic killer Harry Roat in the 1968 film, Wait Until Dark. The tense thriller sees Arkin play opposite Audrey Hepburn in a thriller that critics dubbed as brilliantly acted. Following the film's release, Hepburn would take an eight-year hiatus from acting before returning to the big screen in 1976.
3 Argo (2012) - 96%
Earning the Oscar for best picture in 2013, Argo would prove to be one of Ben Affleck's best directorial projects to date. The film, based on real historical events, would be praised for its direction and acting, with Alan Arkin and John Goodman’s performances particularly standing out among the others in the film.
2 “Sr.” (2022) - 97%
"Sr." is a documentary from Robert Downey Jr. about the life of his father and filmmaker Robert Downy Sr. This tribute from a son to his father features a laundry list of interviews with other filmmakers and actors, one of which being Alan Arkin. While this film may not be a traditional acting role, it nevertheless does feature Arkin as himself and was a highly praised documentary by critics.
1 The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (1968) - 100%
The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter holds the prestigious honor of being 100% certified on Rotten Tomatoes. Meaning that praise was universal from critics, with the majority of that praise being bestowed upon Arkin for his performance as John Singer. Arkin along with this costar Sondra Locke would both be nominated for Academy Awards for the film.
Comments
Post a Comment