All 27 David Paymer Movies In Order — All The Best (And Worst) Films To Watch Online

Ann Hooper
9 min readJun 13, 2024

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Get ready to dive into the captivating world of David Paymer’s movies, as we bring you a roundup of his most unforgettable on-screen moments. From his riveting performances to the movies that made us fall in love with him, this roundup is the perfect guide for any fan looking to explore the best of David Paymer’s cinematic career.

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1. Best Defense (1984)

Delve into the world of “Best Defense” (1984), a heartwarming comedy-drama that showcases the unexpected bond between two men who once shared a common passion. The film revolves around an honorable military weapons engineer who strives to protect his principles against the pressures of war, while a carefree tank commander grapples with the aftermath of their shared past in combat.

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2. Perfect (1985)

“Perfect” (1985) is a drama and romantic film starring John Travolta and Jamie Lee Curtis. A heart-pounding tale that blends passion and hard work, the movie follows the life of a female aerobics instructor and a male reporter in pursuit of a story on health clubs. As their paths cross, the chemistry between them is palpable — but love it’s not, at least not at first sight.

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3. No Way Out (1987)

“No Way Out” is a gripping 1987 neo-noir crime drama that follows the aftermath of a political cover-up and witch hunt. When a politically ambitious secretary of defense accidentally kills his mistress, chaos ensues with a string of lies and deceit.

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4. City Slickers (1991)

“City Slickers, “ a 1991 hit comedy-Western film, follows the story of a discontented Manhattan yuppie who is unexpectedly joined by his two friends on a cattle drive in the southwest. As they embark on this journey, the trio must navigate their way through the rugged terrain and the challenges that come with it, all while trying to survive the wrath of their gruff trail boss. The film, starring Billy Crystal, Jack Palance, and Daniel Stern, delivers a touching and humorous exploration of midlife crises, friendship, and the unexpected bonds formed between humans and horses.

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5. The 65th Annual Academy Awards (1993)

The 65th Annual Academy Awards, a celebration of the best in cinema, is a must-watch event for film enthusiasts. This prestigious awards show, also known as “Oscar, “ has been honoring outstanding figures in the film industry since its inception in 1929.

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6. In Search of Dr. Seuss (1994)

“In Search of Dr. Seuss” (1994) is a captivating animated biographical comedy that delves into the life and creative genius of Theodor Seuss Geisel, fondly known as Dr. Seuss. The film follows a curious reporter, who embarks on a journey to uncover the true essence of Dr. Seuss. Along the way, she is regaled with tantalizing tidbits about his life and inspired moments behind his iconic characters and their stories.

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7. Quiz Show (1994)

“Quiz Show” is a captivating drama film based on a true story, released in 1994. Directed by Robert Redford and written by Paul Attanasio and Richard N. Goodwin, this gripping biographical tale follows the investigation of a young lawyer, Richard Goodwin, into a potentially rigged television game show. The main character, Charles Van Doren, a successful contestant on the show, becomes the center of Goodwin’s inquiry.

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8. Get Shorty (1995)

“Get Shorty” is a thrilling 1995 crime comedy directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and written by Elmore Leonard and Scott Frank. Starring Gene Hackman, Rene Russo, and Danny DeVito, this movie follows the journey of a loan shark who travels to Hollywood to collect a debt. However, he soon realizes that the movie business is not as different from his job as he initially thought.

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9. City Hall (1996)

In the gripping crime thriller City Hall (1996), Al Pacino stars as a hard-nosed and dedicated Deputy Mayor of New York, determined to get to the bottom of an unexpected tragedy. When a boy is accidentally shot in New York, a seemingly routine investigation takes a far-reaching and unexpected turn in this suspense-filled drama.

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10. Gang Related (1997)

In the explosive crime thriller Gang Related (1997), two corrupt cops find themselves in a race against time to cover up an unimaginable crime. As they murder an undercover DEA agent, the duo is left with no choice but to manipulate the events and lie to cover their tracks. Gang Related masterfully delves into the world of police brutality, corruption, and the dangerous intersection of the criminal underworld and the cops sworn to protect us.

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11. Amistad (1997)

In 1839, off the coast of Long Island, a tumultuous revolt led by the Mende captives aboard a Spanish-owned ship sparks heated controversy in the United States. As the ship is captured and taken into custody, it becomes the center of a heated debate in the courts, questioning the Mende’s status as slaves or legally free individuals. The film, Amistad, masterfully portrays this compelling courtroom battle under the watchful eye of director Steven Spielberg.

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12. The Long Way Home (1997)

“The Long Way Home” is a poignant and thought-provoking documentary from 1997 that delves into the post-World War II Jewish refugee situation and its pivotal role in the establishment of the modern state of Israel. The film, directed by Mark Jonathan Harris, explores the complex journey of Jewish migration from liberation to the creation of a homeland in a region marked by conflict and turmoil.

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13. Mighty Joe Young (1998)

Mighty Joe Young tells the story of a legendary, fifteen-foot tall mountain gorilla named Joe who is brought to a state-of-the-art animal sanctuary in California by zoologist Gregg O’Hara and Jill Young. Jill, who is Joe’s childhood friend, takes on the responsibility of protecting this gentle colossus from the cruel world, a task that proves vital when vengeful poacher Strasser returns to seek vengeance on Joe. Amidst thrilling climaxes and action-packed adventure, Joe’s story unravels around the themes of wildlife preservation, animal conservation, and the emotional bonds between humans and animals.

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14. Payback (1999)

“Payback”, a 1999 crime thriller directed by Brian Helgeland, follows the story of Porter, a skilled thief played by Mel Gibson, who narrowly survives a daring heist but is left for dead by his accomplices. Seeking vengeance and his cut of the stolen loot, Porter sets out for a deadly game of cat and mouse in the neo-noir underworld. With gritty action sequences, compelling drama, and a twist-laden plot, “Payback” is a high-stakes ride through a world of deception, violence, and the desperate pursuit of justice.

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15. Bait (2000)

Bait (2000) is an action-packed comedy-crime thriller starring Jamie Foxx, David Morse, and Robert Pastorelli. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by Andrew Scheinman, Adam Scheinman, and Tony Gilroy, the film follows an ex-con who is recruited by the police for a risky mission to lure a dangerous criminal out of hiding. With a runtime of 1h 59min, Bait offers action, suspense, and a dash of humor.

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16. Bounce (2000)

“Bounce” is a heartwarming drama-romance film released in 2000, which tells the story of a man whose life changes when he accidentally switches plane tickets with another man, only to discover the man has died in a crash. The unexpected turn of events leads the man to fall in love with the deceased one’s wife. Directed by Don Roos and starring Ben Affleck, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Natasha Henstridge, this film explores the complexities of love and grief.

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17. In Good Company (2004)

“In Good Company” is a comedic drama that intertwines personal and professional issues. The main character, Dan, is an experienced advertising executive, who finds himself working under the scrutiny of a much younger and inexperienced boss, Carter, played by Topher Grace.

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18. Spartan (2004)

Delve into the gritty world of kidnapping and espionage in the gripping action thriller, Spartan. A high-ranking US government official’s daughter mysteriously vanishes, igniting a race against time for FBI agent James Cronley (played by Val Kilmer) to find her before she becomes a part of a dehumanizing underworld.

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19. Checking Out (2005)

“Checking Out, “ a 2005 dark comedy film, follows the story of a famous stage actor who has decided to commit suicide. However, he has one last wish: he wants his family to be reunited for one final party before he takes his life. The catch is that his loved ones must convince him otherwise — otherwise, their estrangement and unresolved conflicts mean he’ll go through with the plan!

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20. School of Life (2005)

“School of Life” is a heartwarming family comedy drama that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. Set in the quirky world of a school classroom, the film focuses on the inspiring competition between two teachers vying to be crowned Teacher of the Year. The movie is an entertaining and endearing exploration of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness, masterfully woven by the dynamic pairing of seasoned actor David Paymer and the alluring Ryan Reynolds.

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21. Payback: Straight Up (2006)

“Payback: Straight Up” is a gritty action-packed thriller that follows the story of Porter, a man left for dead after being shot by his wife and best friend. After surviving the gunshot, Porter vows to seek revenge and plots the ultimate act of justice.

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22. Resurrecting the Champ (2007)

“Resurrecting the Champ, “ set in 2007, is a touching and inspiring drama that brings the true story of an unforgettable boxer back to life. It follows the adventure of an ambitious young sports reporter, who stumbles upon a homeless man he believes to be a long-lost boxing legend. The unexpected journey transforms the reporter’s life, offering him the chance to unearth the hidden past of the elusive “Champ. “ As the reporter becomes increasingly engrossed in Champ’s story, he discovers profound lessons about his own life, as well as the importance of family and the power of determination.

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23. Ocean’s Thirteen (2007)

In “Ocean’s Thirteen” (2007), Danny Ocean and his crew embark on their third high-stakes heist to exact revenge on casino owner Willy Bank, who betrayed one of the original group. Led by George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon, the gang’s masterminds pull off a thrilling, intricate con that has the players pushing their luck to the limits.

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24. Drag Me to Hell (2009)

Dive into a dark and twisted world in the 2009 horror film “Drag Me to Hell. “ The movie follows Christine Brown, a loan officer who evicts an elderly woman from her home, triggering a supernatural curse that threatens her very soul. Desperate for a way out, Christine turns to a seer to save her, but evil forces relentlessly push her to the brink.

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25. Bad Teacher (2011)

“Bad Teacher” offers an uproarious and smutty dose of humor, centered around the life of an underwhelming, incompetent middle school teacher named Elizabeth (Cameron Diaz). Following the loss of her affluent fiancé, Elizabeth is compelled to revert back to her profession, teaching, in order to accumulate enough funds for an array of breast implants. Along her journey, Elizabeth rediscovers her true affection for her vocation and imparts vital lessons about love, companionship, and self-acceptance.

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26. The Five-Year Engagement (2012)

“The Five-Year Engagement” is a heartfelt, comedic, and romantic journey following the couple Tom and Violet. After a whirlwind one-year courtship, Tom proposes, but life’s unexpected twists keep postponing their wedding plans.

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27. Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014)

In a thrilling political action-drama, “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” stars Chris Pine as Jack Ryan, a young covert C. I. A. analyst who uncovers a Russian plot to crash the U. S.

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