James Franco is widely renowned for his work as a comedian, especially alongside fellow actor Seth Rogen. But the actor-director’s vitae is vibrant with works of various genres, both behind and in front of the camera. In his almost twenty-five years in the industry, the Academy Award nominee has had his fair share of the good and the bad in the industry. But his performances as an actor has never failed to entertain the audience.
With a career spanning over two decades, picking the best of his work is a bit tricky. But here are the Top 20 of his films ranked.
20. Annapolis (2006)
Directed by Justin Lin, this film revolves around James Huard, played by James Franco. Huard is a young man who attends the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and how struggles with mental and physical challenges thrown his way.
The storyline is a bit predictable and Franco’s performance is far from what he has proven himself to be capable of in his other projects. The cast includes Tyrese Gibson, Jordana Brewster, Donnie Wahlberg, Roger Fan, and Chi McBride.
Annapolis is available to rent on Apple TV.
19. The Great Raid (2005)
Set in the times of World War II, The Great Raid is based on real events. It is about the Raid at Cabanatuan on the island of Luzon, Philippines. Franco plays a soldier, Captain Robert Prince, who is participating in the mission to rescue American POWs from a Japanese camp.
The movie is extraordinarily like any patriotic film ever made. Heavily sprinkled with the theme of bravery and patriotism, but ultimately forgettable. Franco’s delivers an engaging performance, particularly for an underwhelming film like this.
The Great Raid is available for streaming on Hoopla.
18. Flyboys (2006)
Flyboys is another war movie. In this film, Franco plays Blaine Rawlings, an American fighter pilot. The film offers brilliant shots of some aerial fighting and Franco delivered a promising performance as well. However, the film was criticized for its superficial storytelling and lack of character growth.
Flyboys is available for streaming on Peacock.
17. The Interview (2014)
The Interview is right up Franco’s alley. He teams up with old pal Seth Rogan for the project. The film was written and directed by Rogen, alongside Evan Goldberg.
Rogen and Franco play two journalists, who are set to interview the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. However, their already tricky task gets all the more complicated when the journalists are recruited by the CIA to kill the North Korean Head of State.
The Interview is available to rent on Amazon.
16. Eat Pray Love (2010)
Based on the memoir of the same name, Eat Pray Love chronicles a woman’s journey of self-discovery after going through a painful divorce. While Julia Roberts takes center stage, playing Elizabeth Gilbert, Franco doesn’t shine any less either. He plays the role of David, the first man Roberts’ character has a relationship with as she is finalizing her divorce.
Eat Pray Love is available to stream on Netflix.
15. Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)
The film is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, and James Franco plays the magician who goes on to become Oz. The visual aesthetics and imagery of the film were appreciated. However, Franco’s performance was met with mixed reviews.
Oz the Great and Powerful is available to stream on Prime Video.
14. City by the Sea (2002)
Franco stars in the film alongside Robert De Niro and plays the role of a troubled son of a detective. His portrayal of a young adult facing problems of addiction was raw and was a testament to his prowess as an actor.
The film takes a turn when Franco’s character gets involved in murder, and even after being estranged from one another, his father decides to help him.
City by the Sea is available to stream on Hoopla.
13. Tristan and Isolde (2006)
A tale of forbidden love from the medieval times, the film is a romance between the heir to the British throne and an Irish princess. Franco had expressed his dissatisfaction on playing the role of a traditional romantic hero and wanted some complicated roles for himself (as per Gold Derby).
Tristan and Isolde are available to rent on Apple TV.
12. Palo Alto (2013)
Franco published a collection of short stories during his graduate school days, dedicating it to his friends at Brooklyn College. Gia Coppola adapted some of the stories and made this film.
Franco also stars in the film and plays the role of a soccer coach who is infatuated with a student of his.
Palo Alto is available to stream on Prime Video.
11. Howl (2010)
The film chronicles the biographical events of the American poet Allan Ginsburg. A key figure in the Beat Generation of poetry. The poet was a controversial figure and Franco gave it his all to do justice to the layered nuances of the character.
Howl is available to stream on Prime Video.
10. In the Valley of Elah (2007)
Written and directed by Paul Higgins, the film is based on true events. The film sees a couple is searching for their son who has returned from Iraq war. Although the names of places and characters have changed. Franco stars in a supporting role of a military officer Sergeant First Class Dan Carnelli.
In the Valley of Elah is available to rent on Apple TV.
9. This is the End (2013)
A comedy film in which Franco, along with his co-stars, plays versions of themselves. A party is held at Franco’s fictional house where bizarre disasters start to happen. People getting sucked into the sky and earthquakes. In this disastrous situation, Franco and his friends manage to try to survive.
This is the End is available to rent on Apple TV.
8. The Spider-Man Franchise (2002-2007)
In Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, Tobey Maguire was loved unanimously as Peter Parker. But Franco also left an indelible mark on the audience with his performance as Harry Osborn. Franco played the nuances of being a friend to becoming an enemy exceptionally well.
This is one of his most memorable performances, fans associate him with the character to this day.
The Spider-Man Franchise is available for streaming on Disney+.
7. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
Creation of the Coen Brothers, this anthology film tells the story of violence and chaos in the Old West, complete with dark humor and filled with irony. In the second segment, titled Near Algodones, Franco plays an unnamed cowboy who always ends up finding himself in a bit of a pickle.
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is available to stream on Netflix.
6. Pineapple Express (2008)
The dazzling comedic duo makes the film shine in the comedy genre and keeps the audiences in stitches. Pineapple Express sees Franco as Saul, a loyal-hearted marijuana dealer with a laid-back attitude. His comedic timing earned Franco a Golden Globe nomination. With time, the film has risen to a cult classic status.
Pineapple Express is available to rent on Apple TV.
5. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a different project from Franco’s go-tos. It is a science fiction action film. Directed by Rupert Wyatt, the film is set on a chimpanzee getting the ability and power to think like humans.
Franco plays a scientist who accidentally gives a chimpanzee this power, in his experiments to save his father from Alzheimer’s. The film was critically acclaimed and Franco’s performance was praised. The film is slightly out of his comfort zone but he certainly nailed the character.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes is available to stream on Hulu.
4. Spring Breakers (2012)
A good old crime-comedy that promises a lot of fun and entertainment. Franco’s dedication to experimenting with his craft is apparent in this film. He plays Alien, a quirky drug dealer, so brilliantly that the film and the character have become memorable for the audience.
Spring Breakers is available to stream on Kanopy.
3. The Disaster Artist (2017)
It is a biographical comedy-drama film in which Franco plays dual roles, both as an actor and a director.
His self-effacing sense of humor and ability to poke fun at himself makes this film a comedic standout. He again collaborates with Seth Rogen on the project. Further, Franco’s impeccable comedic timing makes comedy his strongest suit and it shows in his films.
The Disaster Artist is available to stream on Max.
2. Milk (2008)
Another biographical drama, based on the life of Harvey Milk, the gay rights activist and first openly gay man to be elected for office in California. In this Gus Van Sant directorial, Franco plays the role of Scott Smith, the protagonist’s boyfriend. Another layered and challenging role on Franco’s part. His performance was layered with emotions while also being grounded.
Milk is available to stream on History Vault.
1. 127 Hours (2010)
Directed by Danny Boyle, 127 Hours is Franco’s best work to date. He plays Aron Ralston, a man who gets trapped in the canyon by a boulder. Inspired by true events, the film earned Franco an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. It was widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. Franco’s portrayal of Ralston’s harrowing experience is phenomenal.
127 Hours is available to stream on Max.
James Franco is a star not exempt from controversies and allegations. However, the versatility in his vitae, both as an actor and as a filmmaker is a testament to his talent.
