All 62 Jack Nicholson Movies in Order Revealed!

Jack Nicholson is widely recognized as one of the most gifted and influential actors from the 20th century. His versatile performances contributed significantly to his remarkable career achievements, including three Academy Awards. Although acclaimed for excelling in intense, psychologically complex black comedies that earned him many accolades, Nicholson consistently demonstrated his acting prowess by taking on roles in comedies, dramas, and various genres throughout his illustrious career.

I’m about to walk you through the films starring Jack Nicholson, an iconic actor whose career has been nothing short of spectacular. Hang on tight as we dive into his impressive repertoire – he acted in sixty-two movies, so this is a journey worth taking till the very end if you’re curious!

Movies with stars near their titles are uncredited roles of Jack Nicholson.

1. ‘The Cry Baby Killer’ (1958)

In 1958, the film that introduced Jack Nicholson to Hollywood was titled “The Cry Baby Killer.” This movie is an example of teen exploitation and revolves around a character named Jimmy Wallace, who becomes distraught when he believes he accidentally killed someone during a scuffle with other adolescents.

Over 50% of the film is dedicated to scenes where Jimmy takes hostages in a bustling restaurant, as onlookers watch the unfolding drama within the building. Despite being unremarkable overall, this movie showcased the promising acting skills of a young Jack Nicholson.

2. ‘Teenage Lovers’ (1960)

Kick-starting the 1960s, Jack Nicholson’s second film on the big screen, titled “Teenage Lovers and Too Soon to Love,” began our cinematic journey. This production was skillfully directed by Richard Rush, featuring not only Nicholson, but also Richard Evans and Jennifer West in key roles. The narrative revolves around a young couple’s romantic entanglement, where another man attempts to win the woman away from her partner. In this film, Nicholson portrays the intruding man, and “Too Soon to Love” is renowned as the first authentic American “new wave” movie.

3. ‘The Wild Ride’ (1960)

1960 saw the release of a film that didn’t initially garner much attention, titled “The Wild Ride.” This production was helmed by Harvey Berman and featured Jack Nicholson in the role of a defiant character named Johnny. In this movie, we follow the story of a young rebel who spends his days racing dirt track cars while also being known for his wild parties and mischief-making. Over time, “The Wild Ride” has gained appreciation and is now recognized as a cult classic.

4. ‘The Little Shop of Horrors’ (1960)

One notable B-movie that gained cult status is “The Little Shop of Horrors,” marking its debut as the initial horror comedy film. This production featured Jack Nicholson among its stars, alongside actors like Jonathan Haze, Jackie Joseph, Mel Welles, and Dick Miller. The plot revolves around a florist’s helper who nurtures a carnivorous plant that thrives on human blood.

Jack Nicholson played a minor part in the film, but his convincing portrayal of Wilbur Force significantly boosted his career, opening doors to more prominent roles within Hollywood. The low-budget film “The Little Shop of Horrors” received an Off-Broadway adaptation in 1986 and made its Broadway debut in 2003. Given the movie’s B-movie classification, this adaptational journey is quite impressive.

5. ‘Studs Lonigan’ (1960)

A less acclaimed film on the list is Studs Lonigan, based on parts of James T. Farrell’s trilogy novel by the same name. Jack Nicholson plays a supporting role that garnered praise from film critics. The story focuses on a young man attempting to break free from the hardships of the Great Depression-stricken South Side of 1920s Chicago.

6. ‘The Broken Land’ (1962)

In the 1960s, we delve into John Bushelman’s Western film titled “The Broken Land.” The story revolves around a cowboy who encounters a small town under the grip of a corrupt sheriff. Once more, Nicholson takes on a supporting role, portraying Will Brocious.

7. ‘The Raven’ (1963)

In Jack Nicholson’s initial acting days, he was drawn to comedy horror genres. Now, he takes on a supporting character named Rexford Bedlo in the film. The director, Roger Corman, is known for creating movies that draw inspiration from the works of Edgar Allan Poe. In this movie, titled “The Raven,” we follow the tale of a magician transforming into a raven and seeking assistance from an ex-sorcerer to regain his original form.

9. ‘The Terror’ (1963)

In the early stages of Jack Nicholson’s career, one of his significant roles was in the chilling film titled “The Terror.” This movie shares horror genre with others on this list. The plot unfolds as a French officer named Lieutenant Duvalier finds himself detached from his unit and crosses paths with an enigmatic woman. As events unravel, it becomes clear that a woman residing in Baron Von Lepp’s castle had passed away 20 years earlier.

10. ‘Ensign Pulver’ (1964)

Ensign Pulver is a follow-up film to the 1955 production titled Mister Roberts. This movie features Robert Walker Jr., Burl Ives, Walter Matthau, and Tommy Sands alongside Millie Perkins, Larry Hagman, and Jack Nicholson. The story revolves around an American naval vessel, U.S.S. Reluctant, moored close to a tropical island towards the end of World War II. The crew encounters various humorous incidents aboard the ship.

11. ‘Back Door to Hell’ (1964)

In 1964, the movie titled “Back Door to Hell” was unveiled. This film centers around a trio of American soldiers working towards General MacArthur’s operation aimed at dismantling Japanese communication systems in the Philippines. Interestingly, during the production of this film, screenwriter Jack Nicholson penned a script for another movie on our list, featuring the same characters and setting.

12. ‘Flight to Fury’ (1964)

The film “Flight to Fury” is intriguing as it features Jack Nicholson in dual roles – both as writer and actor. Released back in 1964, this movie portrays a thrilling conflict over precious gems that unfolded mid-air before the plane crashed in the Philippines. In the aftermath of the crash, the native Filipinos attempted to murder the survivors and swipe their possessions, among which were the valuable jewels.

13. ‘The Shooting’ (1966)

In the 1960s, Western movies found their perfect fit, with Jack Nicholson not shy about getting involved. Collaborating once more, Monte Hellman and Jack Nicholson teamed up, and this time, they produced The Shooting – a film centered around two men recruited by an enigmatic woman to escort her to a secluded town across the desert.

As they journey along, a stranger seems intent on eliminating all three of them. In terms of gunfire incidents, this isn’t his first rodeo; he has prior experience in film production, notably for Back Door to Hell and Flight to Fury.

14. ‘Rise in the Whirlwind’ (1966)

1966 saw the release of the American Western film “Ride in the Whirlwind,” featuring Cameron Mitchell, Millie Perkins, Jack Nicholson, and Harry Dean Stanton as the main stars. The plot revolves around three cowboys who are mistakenly identified by local authorities as outlaws and are forced to live as such. In this production, Monte Hellman and Jack Nicholson collaborated for a second time, with Nicholson taking on roles as an actor, producer, and screenwriter for “Ride in the Whirlwind.

15. ‘Hells Angels on Wheels’ (1967)

It’s evident that, following more than eight years in the acting profession, Jack Nicholson eventually secured leading roles in films, with one such role being Hells Angels on Wheels, released in 1977.

Richard Rush serves as director for the film “Hells Angels on Wheels,” featuring actors Adam Roarke and Sabrina Scharf alongside Jack Nicholson. The movie tells the tale of a gas station attendant named Poet, whose life undergoes a significant transformation upon joining the Hell’s Angels motorcycle gang. However, even with his rebellious nature, Poet struggles to cope with the violence that the bikers perpetrate around them.

16. ‘The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre’ (1967)*

On February 14, 1929, a real-life event took place where Al Capone ordered the murder of seven Northside gang members, an incident that later became known as the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. In 1967, this event was dramatized in the American film “The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre,” directed by Roger Corman. Jack Nicholson appeared in this movie, though his role wasn’t specifically credited.

17. ‘Psych-Out’ (1968)

In the 1968 American psychedelic landscape, I found myself deeply immersed in the groundbreaking film titled “Psych-Out.” As a fervent fan, I was captivated by its exploration of hippie culture, psychedelic tunes, and drug themes that resonated so profoundly during that time. Alongside Jack Nicholson, Susan Strasberg, and Bruce Dern graced the screen with their performances. The storyline follows a deaf runaway’s journey to San Francisco, right in the heart of the hippie movement, in search of her lost brother Steve.

18. ‘Head’ (1968)*

This film is intriguing because it’s primarily a musical adventure comedy that was produced by Bob Rafelson and Jack Nicholson. The main cast includes the well-known television rock band, the Monkees, who play central roles. “Head” focuses on the Monkees, as they find themselves in a series of humorous, psychedelic, plotless scenarios. While Jack Nicholson only appears briefly in this film, it’s noteworthy to mention his cameo.

19. ‘Easy Rider’ (1969)

As the 1960s came to a close, an increasing number of films began exploring grave topics related to the chaotic and reckless culture that the hippie movement introduced in the U.S. One such film is “Easy Rider,” which tells the tale of two motorcyclists journeying across the American South while managing profits from cocaine transactions. This movie holds great significance for Jack Nicholson, as it marked his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

20. ‘On a Clear Day You Can See Forever’ (1970)

Under a Bright Sky’s Distance Lies the Spectacle: On a Clear Day, a captivating American musical comedy-drama fantasy film unfolds, featuring none other than the legendary Barbra Streisand, an iconic figure in Broadway and musical theater history.

The film chronicles a distressed young lady’s journey, where she seeks counsel and unwittingly finds herself immersed in a melancholic Victorian love story from days gone by. Jack Nicholson demonstrated his acting prowess by embodying the character Tad and gradually solidified his reputation as one of the most captivating actors in Hollywood.

21. ‘The Rebel Rousers’ (1970)

From the film list we’ve compiled so far, it’s evident that Jack Nicholson had a fondness for playing characters who were part of rebellious biker groups. Notably, Easy Rider, which was a massive hit a year earlier, inspired this trend. Interestingly, the cast from our previous project chose to reunite in another independent film venture.

As a film aficionado, I recently watched a gripping tale that had me on the edge of my seat. This movie featured the stellar performances of Cameron Mitchell, Jack Nicholson, Diane Ladd, Bruce Dern, and Harry Dean Stanton. The narrative revolves around a character named Paul, who is on a desperate quest to find his pregnant girlfriend Karen. Along the way, he crosses paths with a ruthless motorcycle gang, who pose a grave threat to Karen’s safety.

With the danger closing in, Paul finds himself at odds with the local law enforcement, who seem more of an obstacle than a help. Now, he must navigate this perilous situation and ensure Karen’s well-being, all while battling the relentless forces that seek to harm her. It’s a heart-pounding journey filled with suspense and drama, one I highly recommend for fellow cinephiles!

22. ‘Five Easy Pieces’ (1970)

In the ’70s, a significant shift took place in filmmaking, with movies adopting a new style compared to the previous decade. This change was influenced by events like the Vietnam War and other post-WWII struggles that began appearing on the big screen. Consequently, the focus of films moved towards ordinary people and their narratives, becoming increasingly relevant to audiences, actors, and directors alike.

The film “Five Easy Pieces” narrates the tale of Bobby, a worker on an oil rig who hails from a blue-collar background, yet he was once a highly accomplished classical pianist from a privileged life in Washington. This movie is significant in American cinematography and marked Jack Nicholson’s first Academy Award nomination during his career.

23. ‘Carnal Knowledge’ (1971)

The film explores the evolving romantic interests and experiences of two college companions as they navigate relationships throughout their lives with various partners.

24. ‘A Safe Place’ (1971)

In a new turn for his acting journey, Jack Nicholson takes on another role in a psychological drama titled “A Safe Place.” This film centers around the life of a fragile young woman named Noah, who embarks on a time-traveling quest to recover her lost purity. Along her journey, Noah encounters two men who will indelibly impact her destiny.

25. ‘The King of Marvin Gardens’ (1972)

A different drama within this collection revolves around the contrasting lives of siblings, David and Jason. While David finds himself struggling as a melancholic radio personality, Jason is a charismatic swindler based in Atlantic City. Jason enlists David for his latest scam, igniting a series of events where they confront their significant differences.

26. ‘The Last Detail’ (1973)

In this instance, Jack Nicholson revisits his comedic past in certain aspects. The film, a blend of comedy and drama, follows two sailors as they transport an emotionally detached recruit from Virginia to Maine. This production garnered significant praise, earning nominations for both the Academy Awards and The Golden Globes.

27. ‘Chinatown’ (1974)

Among Jack Nicholson’s finest cinematic appearances, there’s no doubt that Chinatown stands out. This remarkable film was masterfully directed by Roman Polanski and penned by Robert Towne. Starring both Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway, it revolves around the character of Jake Gittes, a private investigator who finds himself embroiled in a complicated situation. Initially hired by Evelyn Mulwray, a woman suspecting her husband’s infidelity, the investigation takes an unexpected turn when Hollis Mulwray, her husband and a chief engineer at the Department of Water and Power, mysteriously passes away. The seemingly simple case rapidly escalates into something much larger in scope.

28. ‘The Passenger’ (1975)

In this film, we follow David Locke, an Anglo-American reporter, as he adopts the late businessman’s identity to create a documentary within the Republic of Chad. Unbeknownst to Locke, the man he’s impersonating was an arms dealer with potentially harmful associates.

29. ‘Tommy’ (1975)

In a humorous, fantastical setting, a movie unfolds featuring an esteemed ensemble of actors. The story revolves around a boy who is both sightless and hearing-impaired, yet astonishes everyone by becoming a champion in the game of pinball. This unusual character also gains a following as a spiritual leader.

30. ‘The Fortune’ (1975)

In the 1920s, “The Fortune” is a darkly humorous movie about a pair of swindlers attempting to swipe wealth from a wealthy heiress by deceit.

31. ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ (1975)

Among Jack Nicholson’s most remarkable films, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” narrates the tale of a Korean War veteran who feigns insanity and finds himself in a psychiatric hospital. McMurphy, our protagonist, inspires the other patients to band together and challenge the authority within the institution.

32. ‘The Missouri Breaks’ (1976)

During the 1880s, in Montana, Tom Logan headed up a band of horse thieves who made a habit of stealing from rancher David Braxton. To deal with this issue, Braxton enlisted the services of a professional tracker, Lee Clayton, to chase down and apprehend Tom Logan and his accomplices.

33. ‘The Last Tycoon’ (1976)

The film is adapted from the incomplete novel ‘The Last Tycoon’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It delves into the life of a determined and relentless studio executive during Hollywood’s golden era. The movie primarily concentrates on Monroe Stahr’s rise and fall, as he struggles to adjust to the changing times.

34. ‘Goin’ South’ (1978)

As a captivated observer, I’d like to share that the film ‘Goin’ South’ is the brainchild of none other than Jack Nicholson, who skillfully directed and penned its script. The narrative unfolds around Henry Lloyd Moon, an outlaw with a knack for horse theft, whose life takes an unexpected turn when a wealthy bachelorette steps in to save him from a certain demise.

35. ‘The Shining’ (1980)

A highly praised horror movie directed by Stanley Kubrick, it centers around Jack Torrance, a former alcoholic and writer who takes on the role as caretaker at a secluded hotel in Colorado called the Overlook Hotel. Accompanied by his son Danny and wife Wendy, things take a turn for the worse when Jack’s sanity begins to unravel. Notably regarded as one of the best horror films ever produced, ‘The Shining’ is an unforgettable cinematic experience.

36. ‘The Postman Always Rings Twice’ (1981)

The film centers around the character of Frank Chambers, a wanderer who pauses in his travels at a diner located just outside Los Angeles. There, he encounters Cora Smith, an attractive young woman who jointly manages the diner with her significantly older husband, Nick Papadakis. A romantic connection swiftly forms between Frank and Cora, leading them to plot the murder of Nick.

37. ‘Reds’ (1981)

John Reed, an American journalist, journeyed to Russia and immersed himself in the Bolshevik Revolution, a phenomenon that captivated him so deeply he felt compelled to advocate for communism back in the United States. In this endeavor, he crossed paths with Louise Bryant, an emerging feminist activist, who was drawn to Reed’s fervor and beliefs. However, these very ideals ultimately contributed to Reed’s tragic end.

38. ‘The Border’ (1982)

In the context of this list, I find myself delving into the story of Charlie Smith, an immigration officer who crosses paths with the dark world of human trafficking along our shared border. Yet, it wasn’t until a Mexican mother tragically lost her child to these smugglers that I, Charlie, felt compelled to challenge the pervasive corruption plaguing the borders of the United States of America.

39. ‘Terms of Endearment’ (1983)

The film chronicles the three-decade bond between mother Aurora and her daughter Emma, navigating the highs and lows of their individual journeys. This tale, filled with warmth and emotion, beautifully explores the relationship between mothers and daughters.

40. ‘Prizzi’s Honor’ (1985)

‘Prizzi’s Honor’ is an amusing American film with a dark twist, where the protagonists – Charley Partanna and Irene Walker – are hitmen assigned to eliminate one another.

41. ‘Heartburn’ (1986)

In a different phrasing, the movie “Heartburn” introduces Jack Nicholson as Mark Forman and Meryl Streep as Rachel Samstat – an unlikely pair, given they are both journalists but specialize in distinct fields. The plot revolves around their marriage and the challenges they encounter along the way.

42. ‘The Witches of Eastwick’ (1987)

In this fantastical, humorous movie, we find three characters oblivious to the potency of spoken desires. As if by magic, their longings for a man materialize when an enigmatic figure named Daryl Van Horne unexpectedly appears, setting their lives on a completely new course.

43. ‘Elephant’s Child’ (1987)

An animated movie featuring Jack Nicholson as the star voice actor.

44. ‘Broadcast News’ (1987)

The film showcases a remarkably skilled news producer named Jane Craig, along with a greenhorn journalist, Tom Grunnick, who has a knack for tabloid stories, and a competent yet unexceptional reporter, Aaron Altman. These three individuals become entangled in a romantic predicament.

45. ‘Ironweed’ (1987)

The film chronicles the tale of a homeless couple, Francis Phelan and Helen Archer, following the Great Depression. Francis, battling his own alcoholism, grapples with his past, while Helen, who is terminally ill, faces her challenges in a time when life was particularly tough for many Americans. The duo attempts to navigate their lives during this difficult period.

46. ‘Batman’ (1989)

In a different interpretation, actor Jack Nicholson portrays a well-known, malicious character from DC comics, the Joker, who clashes with the defender and guardian of Gotham City, a mysterious figure known as Batman.

47. ‘The Two Jakes’ (1990)

In Jack Nicholson’s filmography, there’s another neo-noir title – The Two Jakes. This movie serves as a sequel to the hit Chinatown, with many cast members returning, including Jack Nicholson himself. The plot revolves around Jack Gittes, who finds himself delving into the intrigue of infidelity and oil conspiracy yet again.

48. ‘Man Trouble’ (1992)

In the bustling city of Los Angeles, Harry Bliss manages a canine security service. Simultaneously, an infamous serial killer emerges. Amidst these ominous circumstances, Joan Spruance seeks refuge with her sister following menacing phone calls. Enter Harry, who is enlisted by Joan to safeguard her using his protective dog.

49. ‘A Few Good Men’ (1992)

In the past thirty years, this film stands out as one of the most compelling courtroom dramas, centering around two American Marines who face accusations for the murder of a fellow marine, delving into the trials and tribulations associated with their case.

50. ‘Hoffa’ (1992)

This movie is a biography with a crime theme, revolving around Jimmy Hoffa, a notable figure in the Teamsters Union, portraying significant aspects of his life prior to his enigmatic vanishing act in 1975.

51. ‘Wolf’ (1994)

In this chilling movie, we follow the character of Will Randall, a hard-pressed publisher, as he encounters a wolf bite and develops abilities that ultimately transform him into a legendary monster from folklore stories.

52. ‘The Crossing Guard’ (1995)

In this film, we trace the story of Freddy Gale, a jeweler, who seeks vengeance against the individual responsible for his little girl’s death. ‘The Crossing Guard,’ which was both penned and helmed by Sean Penn, serves as our guide through this gripping tale.

53. ‘Blood and Wine’ (1996)

In the collection of neo-noir crime dramas that Nicolson has starred in, ‘Blood and Wine’ is one where we follow Alex Gates, a wealthy wine vendor who chooses to keep his distance from his family. However, once he swipes a diamond necklace, his situation deteriorates even further, and his estranged wife, Suzanne, will add more trouble to the mix.

54. ‘The Evening Star’ (1996)

In a continuation of the beloved ‘Terms of Endearment,’ we find ourselves following the story of Aurora Greenway, an elderly woman, whose life becomes more tangled when her daughter Emma tragically passes away. Left to navigate the complexities of life are Aurora’s grandchildren, who appear to have strayed off course after their mother’s demise, causing Aurora further turmoil.

55. ‘Mars Attacks!’ (1996)

In this film, a sci-fi comedy helmed by director Tim Burton, we delve into the intriguing narrative of an alien invasion from Mars and the motive behind their apparent aggression towards humankind.

56. As Good as It Gets (1997)

As a cinephile, I’d say this award-winning film chronicles the story of Melvin Udall, a man plagued by bigotry, misery, and OCD tendencies. His life takes an unexpected turn when he’s tasked with caring for his neighbor’s dog, leading him to cross paths with the exceptional woman who somehow puts up with his quirks.

57. ‘The Pledge’ (2001)

In a modern film noir style, the plot revolves around the seasoned detective Jerry Black from Nevada, who solemnly promises the mother of a slain girl that he will uncover the true culprit behind her daughter’s death. Suspecting that the authorities apprehended an innocent man, Black becomes relentless in his pursuit to identify and bring to justice the person responsible for the series of murders of young girls in the region, making it his life’s mission.

58. ‘About Schmidt’ (2002)

The film narrates the tale of Schmidt, formerly an insurance salesman who has now retired, embarking on a personal exploration following the passing of his spouse. For the first time in many years, Schmidt is confronted with the challenge of redefining his life’s purpose, which forms the core theme of the movie.

59. ‘Anger Management’ (2003)

A successful entrepreneur finds themselves mandated to attend an anger management program, where they are supervised by a therapist known for utilizing non-traditional techniques to aid clients.

60. ‘Something’s Gotta Give’ (2003)

Something’s Gotta Give” is a romantic comedy that tells the story of Harry Sanborn, a wealthy man in his sixties who prefers dating women under thirty. His latest girlfriend is Marin Klein, and during an unexpected encounter, they meet Erica Barry, her mother who is a playwright. Over time, Harry and Erica develop feelings for each other, but their complex emotions could potentially create problems for those dear to them.

61. ‘The Departed’ (2006)

A remarkable crime thriller movie directed by Martin Scorsese tells the tale of Irish mob chief Frank Costello, who secretly places an informant within the Massachusetts State Police. Simultaneously, the police assign one of their officers to penetrate the Irish mob, aiding them in constructing evidence against Costello. As these two individuals cross paths, they must uncover each other’s true motives.

62. ‘The Bucket List’ (2007)

In simpler terms, the last film starring Jack Nicholson, titled ‘The Bucket List,’ tells a story about two individuals diagnosed with cancer who decide to break free from the hospital and make the most of their remaining time by experiencing life’s adventures together.

2025-06-02 01:17