Classic films hold a dear spot in many filmgoers' hearts. FromBreakfast at Tiffany’s,Citizen Kane, toGone with the Windand so on, these films take audiences back to a different era in Hollywood, one when extravagant outfits, deep dialogue, and theatrical performances were the standard in cinema. With these movies came a long list of unforgettable stars to carry them, such as Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire, Humphrey Bogart, and Bette Davis, to name a few.
These actors gave rich and moving performances that cemented them as the founding figures of Hollywood. Nevertheless, while some of these performers had decades-long careers, others weren’t as fortunate, having their lives cut short by tragedy. One such star isJames Dean, who, at only24 years old, passed away and left behind a legacy of posthumous films. Gone but not forgotten, here are James Dean’s best movies, ranked.
7Trouble Along The Way (1953)
Another one of James Dean’s uncredited film roles,Trouble Along the Waystars John Wayne and Donna Reed as star-crossed lovers, Steve Williams and Alice Singleton, brought together by the unlikeliest of circumstances; a court case involving the custody of Steve’s daughter, Carole. In this film, James Dean portrays a football spectator cheering among the crowd during the film’s climax.Trouble Along the Wayis a touching story, but short of being one of James Dean’s standout performances considering his limited screen time.
6Sailor Beware (1952)
James Dean’s second film performance,Sailor Bewareis a 1952 comedy film starring classic comedians Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin doing what they did best–make audiences laugh through and through. In it, James Dean portrays an unnamed boxing corner man with a few lines. While it didn’t showcase James Dean’s acting in any discernible way,Sailor Bewareput him in the eyes of Hollywood casting directors to secure his growing career.
5Deadline – U.S.A. (1952)
Deadline – U.S.A.is a noir film starring Humphrey Bogart and Ethel Barrymore as Ed Hutcheson and Margaret Garrison, two colleagues on the verge of parting ways as Margaret decides to sell The Day, the newspaper Ed works for as one of her veteran editors. As the plot unfolds, Ed is determined to bring down a notorious gangster to get the sensationalist story that will deter Margaret’s decision to sell.
James Dean makes an uncredited appearance as copy boy, blending in with the fresh faces working at The Day. Though this is one of James Dean’s minor roles, his presence added a necessary lightheartedness to a film already charged with heavy themes.
4Has Anybody Seen My Gal? (1952)
Has Anybody Seen My Gal?is a 1952 comedy film starring Piper Laurie and Rock Hudson. While once again appearing as an uncredited character, it did showcase James Dean’s ability to capture the public eye by his sheer presence without lengthy lines of dialogue. Notably, this role paved the way for James Dean’s first starring role.
3East Of Eden (1955)
Based on John Steinbeck’s popular novel,East of Edenhas James Dean paired alongside Julie Harris in his first starring role as the troubled, haughty Cal Trask.East of Edenreceived a mixed reception, mostly due to the artistic liberties taken by Elia Kazan and Paul Osborn when adapting the Steinbeck novel for the screen.
Nevertheless, James Dean was able to shine through with a nuanced performance as Cal while carrying most of the film’s emotional weight.East of Edencemented James Deanas one of Hollywood’s up-and-coming stars. Notably, James Dean was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor forEast of Eden–an impressive feat for his first leading role in Hollywood.
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2Giant (1956)
The movie that earned James Dean his second Academy Award nomination, this time around for Best Supporting Actor,Giantis his last onscreen performance before his untimely passing, and the one and only time James Dean portrayed the antagonist in a movie.Giantfollows the storyof Bick Benedict, a wealthy Texan landowner that marries a strong-willed woman, Leslie, the latter whose mentality is ahead of its time. As the couple tries to overcome their marital issues and the prejudice mindset of their Texan community, Jett Rink comes into the picture.
Dean’s Jett Rink is a charming, cunning, and relentless man first determined to seduce Leslie, and then setting his sights on Leslie and Bick’s daughter, Judy. While not his most acclaimed performance, James Dean showed his wide acting range as Jett, going from a tenacious youth to a seasoned and downright conniving man bent on overpowering the Benedict family.
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1Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
Rebel Without a Causeis arguably one of James Dean’s most iconic films, with audiences associating him with the confrontational, spirited Jim Stark for ages after Dean’s passing. Nevertheless,Rebel Without a Causetruly is one of James Dean’s best performances, allowing him to step out of the angst-ridden image from other performances in place of a strong, exuberant stage presence.
From Jim’s chemistry with Judy, his protective bond over Plato, and his dysfunctional relationship with his parents, James Dean gives a career-defining performance as Jim Stark, and one thatwould have secured his career as a Hollywood leading manhad his life not been cut short only months afterRebel Without A Causefinished production.James Dean will forever be a star gone too soon.
