Best James Franco Movies of All Time

James Franco has established himself as a comedy actor for years but he does have a lot of other great hits in dramas, action movies and even romantic comedies. TechTrends made a list of the best James Franco movies of all time to celebrate his career.

James Franco has at least appeared in more than 100 movies and is not new to the entertainment industry. This Oscar-nominated actor and director has had his ups and downs as well as controversies, but he managed to be a great presence in front of the camera. Since his appearance in TV series Freaks and Geeks, he has developed a great resume. He got his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor after appearing in the movie 127 Hours. He also took part in many graduate programs to get higher education. Not only can he act, but he can also direct, write and produce amazing works. In this article of TechTrends, we take a look at the best must-see James Franco performances, which have movies from almost all genres.

Best James Franco Movies of All Time

James Franco was born and raised in California and he first appeared in NBC TV show Freaks and Geeks. Ever since then, he has played in many movies that were critically acclaimed. Here are the best James Franco movies of all time. Without further ado, let’s get to it.

12. Triston & Isolde 2006

  • Genre: Romance/Adventure
  • Director: Kevin Reynolds
  • Stars: James Franco, Henry Cavill, Sophia Myles, Rufus Sewell, David O’Hara, Thomas Brodie-Sangster
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 31%, IMDb 6.8

Tristen & Isolde tells the story of English orphan Tristan, played by James Franco, after the fall of the Roman Empire. He meets Irish Princess Isolde and falls in love with her. However, she is set to be Lord Marke’s wife, who actually raised Tristan. Although he does not know her identity, he is able to win her hand in marriage for his lord and future King. However, the passion of the two young people results in a rift leading to a hard battle. Henry Cavill plays the role of Melot, who is a dwarf. He serves King Mark and is tasked with spying on Tristan and Isolde. He used to be Tristan’s dear friend; however, he betrays the lovers by reporting to the King. This is indeed one of the best James Franco films ever.

11. Oz the Great and Powerful 2013

  • Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
  • Director: Sam Raimi
  • Stars: James Franco, Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 56%, IMDb 6.3

Critics did not appreciate the movie as much as it was expected, but people loved the movie; the 6.3 IMDb rate is nothing to be sad about. The movie is pretty incredible to watch, with the story revolving around a circus magician who goes to Oz, the magical land. He is obligated to fulfill the prophecy of the king using his not-so-real powers. James Franco plays the reading character, while Mila Kunis portrays the role of the Wicked Witch of the West. If you are looking for a fun, light-hearted, and family magic movie, this is strongly recommended. Oz the Great and Powerful is indeed among the best James Franco films of all time.

Read more: Best Mila Kunis Movies of All Time

10. Spring Breakers 2012

  • Genre: Crime/Drama
  • Director: Harmony Korine
  • Stars: James Franco, Vanessa Hudgens, Rachel Korine, Selena Gomez, Ashley Benson
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 67%, IMDb 5.3

This crime movie tells the tale of a group of college girls, including Faith, Brit, Cotty, and Candy, who come across the world of drug dealing while having their spring break in Florida, courtesy of local drug dealer Alien, played by James Franco. This results in many drug-induced escapades for them, with Brit and Candy, played by Ashley Benson and Hudgens respectively, taking on the leader in a thrilling sequence. The message behind the movie and its plot were well-received by the critics, and it is considered one of the best James Franco movies of all time. Spring Breakers is a cult classic for crime film lovers and Franco’s fans.

Read more: Best Vanessa Hudgens Movies of All Time

9. Pineapple Express 2008

Source: IMDb.com
  • Genre: Comedy/Action
  • Director: David Gordon Green
  • Stars: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Amber Heart, Danny McBride
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 68%, IMDb 6.9

Pineapple Express is another one of the best James Franco movies of all time and it is a classic film. He played alongside some great actors, including Seth Rogen and Gary Cole. The story revolves around a process server and his dealer who sells marijuana. James Franco plays the role of the drug dealer. The two get in a situation that they need to run from hit-men and a corrupt policeman when they see a murder and some clues of their identity are left behind. The film even got a nomination for a Golden Globe. The two actors are hilarious and in once scene, Franco ran into a tree when depicting his character and needed to get three stitches. The film was also a success as it earned $101 million.

8. In the Valley of Elah 2007

  • Genre: Drama/Mystery
  • Director: Paul Haggis
  • Stars: James Franco, Charlize Theron, Tommy Lee Jones, Susan Sarandon, Jason Patric, Josh Brolin, Jonathan Tucker, Frances Fisher
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 74%, IMDb 7.2

In the Valley of Elah is yet another one of the best James Franco movies ever, where he plays the role of Sgt. Dan Carnelli. Charlize Theron portrays the role of a police detective. She helps a military investigator, who is retired and is looking for his son. He has disappeared recently when he came back from a battle as he is a veteran of Iraq. Tommy Lee Jones also performed amazingly, helping the movie benefit a lot from great performances. This underrated crime drama is strongly recommended for its amazing story and the incredible cast.

Read more: Best Charlize Theron Movies of All Time

7. Rise of the Planet of the Apes 2011

Source: IMDb.com
  • Genre: Action/Sci-fi
  • Director: Rupert Wyatt
  • Stars: James Franco, Andy Serkis, Freida Pinto, Terry Notary, Tom Felton, John Lithgow
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 82%, IMDb 7.6

It is not surprising that the serious roles the talented actor has played are the ones that are critically acclaimed. The Rise of the Planet of the Apes got an Oscar nomination and is considered as a classic and timeless film. The story revolves around a chimpanzee who gets tested by a substance, which is used to let the brain heal itself and helps the ape become smarter. James Franco plays the role of Will Rodman and also in the movie are John Lithgow, Andy Serkis, Tom Felton, and many more. The story is quite engaging and Franco displays a remarkable performance as the caretaker of the ape. You don’t want to miss it.

6. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs 2018

  • Genre: Western/Drama
  • Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
  • Stars: James Franco, Tim Blake Nelson, Liam Neeson, Zoe Kazan, Tom Waits
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 89%, IMDb 7.3

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is a musical and is directed by Coen brothers. The movie earned a lot of acclaim as it earned three Academy Awards nominations. The story revolves around the lives of six people in the Old West such as gunslinger, an elderly prospector, bounty hunters, and a traveling impresario, making this full of drama, music, and violence. The tale is quite entertaining and engaging from the very beginning to the end. Furthermore, it is regarded as one of the best James Franco movies of all time.

Read more: Best Drama Movies of All Time

5. Spider-Man 2002

Source: IMDb.com
  • Genre: Action/Fantasy
  • Director: Sam Raimi
  • Stars: James Franco, Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe, J. K. Simmons
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 90%, IMDb 7.4

The original Spider-Man movie starred James Franco playing the role of Harry Osborne. The main character of the film is Peter Parker, played by Tobey Maguire and the two actors play alongside Kirsten Dunst and Willem Dafoe. This superhero story was first started with this cast and it was very well-received by the audience and the critics. Moreover, Franco’s role in this film will always be one of his best and most iconic ones. Make sure to add it to your watch list.

Read more: Best Marvel Cinematic Universe Movies of All Time

4. The Disaster Artist 2017

  • Genre: Drama/Comedy drama
  • Director: James Franco
  • Stars: James Franco, Tommy Wiseau, Dave Franco, Seth Rogen, Josh Hutcherson
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 91%, IMDb 7.3

When James Franco appeared in the movie The Disaster Artist, he showcased his talent and expanding horizons as he not only starred but also directed it. He portrayed the role of Tommy Wiseau who is a real-life actor and director and made the movie Room. Among the cast members were James’ brother Dave Franco, who portrayed the role of Tommy’s partner named Greg Sestero. Moreover, the actors in the movie helped it get an Oscar nomination. It is one of the best James Franco movies of all time.

3. The Little Prince 2015

Source: IMDb.com
  • Genre: Adventure/Family
  • Director: Mark Osborne
  • Stars: James Franco, Jeff Bridges, Rachel McAdams, Riley Osborne, Mackenzie Foy, Paul Rudd
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 92%, IMDb 7.7

Although fans love to see him on the screen, one of James Franco’s greatest movie roles came in the animated film The Little Prince. The story follows a young girl and her neighbor and she comes to know the incredible world of the Little Prince. James Franco is the voice behind the Fox, with other incredible voices including Jeff Bridges, Mackenzie Foy, Rachel McAdams, Paul Rudd, and Benicio Del Toro.

Read more: Best Paul Rudd Movies of All Time

2. Milk 2008

Source: IMDb.com
  • Genre: Drama/Romance
  • Director: Gus Van Sant
  • Stars: James Franco, Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch, Diego Luna
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 93%, IMDb 7.5

Milk is a biography drama is definitely a change of pace from comedy films. It is directed by Gus Van Sant and it follows the tale of Harvey Milk , who is a right activist. He becomes the first official of California that is openly gay. Moreover, it earned 2 Academy Awards, with an incredible cast of Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, Diego Luna, and James Franco (as Scott Smith). The story is very inspiring and was well-received by fans and critics. It is one of the best James Franco movies of all time.

1. 127 Hours 2010

Source: IMDb.com
  • Genre: Drama/Adventure
  • Director: Danny Boyle
  • Stars: James Franco, Kate Mara, Amber Tamblyn, Clémence Poésy, Treat Williams
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 93%, IMDb 7.6

James Franco got his first and ever Academy Award nomination for the role he played in the movie 127 Hours which is based on a real story. The film follows the real-life story of Aron Ralston, who is a mountain climber. He gets stuck and trapped under a boulder when he was in the canyon in Utah. Then, his hand gets crushed by the boulder and he cannot move. Not having told anyone about his location, he has to fight for his life with limited resources of water and food. The film is an epic story of survival and determination. If you are a real fan of James Franco, you have to watch this film. His performance was quite moving and made this the first one on our list of the best James Franco movies of all time.

Read more: Best Horror Movies of All Time

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