All 47 James Tolkan Movies (in Order)
Get ready to dive into the world of James Tolkan, a versatile actor known for playing tough and intense characters in a variety of movies. In this roundup, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of Tolkan’s most memorable roles and discussing the impact he has had on the industry. Join us as we explore the amazing filmography of this remarkable actor.
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1. The Three Sisters (1966)
The Three Sisters” is a compelling drama set in a small Russian town at the turn of the century. The film follows the lives of three sisters, Olga, Irina, and Masha, and their brother Andrei, as they live in a state of dissatisfaction, yearning for their former home in Moscow. Adapted from Anton Chekhov’s play, the film is a poignant exploration of their lives, their relationships, and their longing for a better future.
2. Stiletto (1969)
Stiletto is a captivating 1969 crime drama film that serves as a perfect blend of action, thrills, and suspense. The movie, starring the talented cast of Alex Cord, Britt Ekland, and Patrick O’Neal, takes us on a journey with a rich, glamorous playboy who harbors a dark secret. Playing the role of the hitman for the mob, his world takes a turn when he decides to step away from the dangerous life.
3. They Might Be Giants (1971)
They Might Be Giants, a 1971 film directed by Anthony Harvey, is a delightful mix of comedy, mystery, and romance, that takes place within the confines of a Manhattan psychiatric hospital. The story follows a man who vehemently believes that he is none other than Sherlock Holmes.
4. The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973)
The Friends of Eddie Coyle is a gripping and intense crime drama set in the seedy underbelly of Boston in 1970s. Lured by the prospect of avoiding a lengthy prison sentence for his latest infraction, a low-level gangster makes a fateful decision to snitch on his closest friends.
5. Serpico (1973)
Serpico” is a riveting film set in 1970s New York that exposes the complex and corrupt world of law enforcement. The title character, Frank Serpico, is a dedicated and honest cop who dares to go against the system and expose the rampant corruption within his force. However, instead of being hailed as a hero, Serpico finds himself under attack from his own comrades who do not want their illicit dealings to be revealed.
6. Love and Death (1975)
In the year 1975, Woody Allen’s offbeat comedy “Love and Death” takes us on a thrilling journey through czarist Russia. The film follows a hapless, neurotic soldier named Boris (played by Woody Allen) and his long-lost cousin, Marceline (Diane Keaton), as they hatch an ambitious plan to assassinate the infamous Napoleon Bonaparte. As they traverse through the vibrant city of Saint Petersburg, Russia, they face a series of slapstick mishaps and misunderstandings.
7. The Amityville Horror (1979)
The Amityville Horror” (1979) is a chilling tale of a family’s terrifying experience in a seemingly idyllic home. Newlyweds George and Kathy Lutz, along with their three children, eagerly move into a grand Dutch Colonial house in Amityville, Long Island, New York, unaware of its ominous history. Just weeks after their move-in, a series of bizarre and inexplicable occurrences begin to haunt them, manifesting as evil forces that affect everyone in and around the house.
8. Prince of the City (1981)
Prince of the City” is a gripping crime Drama set in the heart of New York City, with a timely look at police corruption. The film follows the story of a dedicated narcotics detective who becomes reluctantly involved with a special commission trying to expose police corruption.
9. Wolfen (1981)
Wolfen, a suspenseful horror film from 1981 directed by Michael Wadleigh, follows the quest of a New York cop who investigates a series of bizarre deaths with a chilling resemblance to animal attacks. As the body count rises, the detective uncovers the terrifying truth behind these brutal crimes; they are committed by a breed of savage creatures known as “Wolfen. “
10. Hanky Panky (1982)
In the zany, yet suspenseful, comedy-action thriller “Hanky Panky” (known in some regions as “The Frisco Kid”), Gene Wilder stars as Michael Jordon, an innocent man who gets unexpectedly entangled in a web of government secrets. When a mystery-laden package ends up in his taxi, he unexpectedly finds himself caught in a whirlwind of intrigue and danger.
11. Author! Author! (1982)
Author! . Author! “ is a heartwarming 1982 comedy-drama film, telling the story of a playwright who navigates the hustle and bustle of raising a family while his Broadway play is underway. The protagonist’s marital separation adds to the complexity of his life, making it a compelling exploration of parenthood and the pressures of success.
12. WarGames (1983)
WarGames” is a must-watch cinematic classic released in 1983, starring Matthew Broderick, Ally Sheedy, and John Wood. Directed by John Badham, the movie is an electrifying blend of drama, action, and science fiction. Nestled in the cold war era, our protagonist, a young man, stumbles upon a secret back door leading to a military central computer, a world where reality merges with game-playing. Will this lead to a catastrophic start of World War III or will there be a way to save humanity?
13. Nightmares (1983)
Nightmares” (1983) is an anthology horror film that brings four chilling tales of supernatural horror to life, each based on urban legends. This thrilling movie, directed by Joseph Sargent and written by Christopher Crowe and Jeffrey Bloom, stars Cristina Raines, Joe Lambie, and Anthony James. With a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes, it promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats with its eerie ambiance and stunning visuals.
14. Iceman (1984)
In the thrilling 1984 movie “Iceman, “ a prehistoric Neanderthal man, frozen in ice, is miraculously brought back to life by an ambitious arctic exploration team. Fueled by their desire for scientific discovery, the team attempts to exploit the man’s unique capabilities for their own benefit. As the Neanderthal struggles to adapt to modern life, he forms an unexpected bond with the team and must confront the moral dilemma of his newfound existence.
15. The River (1984)
The River, “ a dramatic film from 1984, follows the harrowing story of a farming family who faces the trials, tribulations and personal sacrifices that come with trying to save and hold on to their land. As they battle severe storms and the looming threat of losing their farm to a bank, they must endure other hardships that push them to the edge.
16. Walls of Glass (1985)
Walls of Glass, released in 1985, is a heartwarming and humorous tale of a New York cabbie, Flanagan, who dreams of making it big as a stage actor. An aging gentleman with a knack for memorizing Shakespearean sonnets as well as a penchant for accents, Flanagan’s ambition remains unrealized due to his inability to secure an agent or land a job in the theatrical world.
17. Back to the Future (1985)
Back to the Future” is a classic 1985 adventure-comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis, written by Zemeckis and Bob Gale, and starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, and Lea Thompson. Centered around a high school student named Marty McFly, this movie explores the concept of time travel through a unique invention — a time-traveling DeLorean.
18. Turk 182 (1985)
Turk 182" is a thrilling 1985 comedy-drama film, directed by Bob Clark, with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. The story revolves around the life of Jimmy Lynch, a young man who discovers a conspiracy regarding his older brother’s fire rescue injury and denial of benefits by the city. The film showcases the intricate brother-brother relationship, as well as themes of vigilantism and falling from a significant height.
19. Top Gun (1986)
Top Gun, a 1986 action-drama film, follows a young, daring fighter pilot as he competes in the United States Navy’s elite fighter weapons school. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons from a civilian instructor that are not taught in the classroom.
20. Off Beat (1986)
In “Off Beat, “ directed by Michael Dinner and written by Dezsö Magyar and Mark Medoff, we are introduced to Joe Gower, a library skate specialist with a knack for fetching books. A police officer and friend of his, Tom, gets picked for a charity dance performance, and Tom asks Joe to step in, pretending to be a police officer.
21. Armed and Dangerous (1986)
Armed and Dangerous (1986) is a riotous comedy film that follows a laid-back and unconventional cast of characters, each facing their own set of challenges and hilariously inept attempts to do good. Leading the charge is John Candy as a down-on-his-luck security guard, who partners up with a useless lawyer (played by Eugene Levy) to serve as security for a local company.
22. Masters of the Universe (1987)
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the release of ‘Masters of the Universe’ in 1987. This thrilling action-fantasy film follows the heroic journey of He-Man, a powerful superhero, as he battles against the nefarious evil lord Skeletor. Set in the mystical land of Eternia, both sides fight tirelessly for control of the legendary Castle Grayskull.
23. Made in Heaven (1987)
Made in Heaven” is an enchanting romantic comedy that transported audiences to a world beyond our own. Released in 1987, the film follows a young boy named Jake as he runs away to California after being heartbroken by his girlfriend. But, his life takes a dramatic turn when he dies while trying to save a family from drowning in a river.
24. Split Decisions (1988)
In “Split Decisions, “ released in 1988 and starring iconic actors Gene Hackman, Craig Sheffer, and Jeff Fahey, we follow the gripping storyline of a boxer’s untimely demise at the hands of ruthless gambling syndicates. His determined brother (Gene Hackman) embarks on a quest for justice, even if symbolic, to avenge his fallen sibling.
25. Leap of Faith (1988)
Leap of Faith, “ a drama released in 1988, tells the heart-wrenching story of a young wife who is told she has inoperable cancer. As her husband struggles with denial and her family grapples with devastation, the determined wife refuses to give up and seeks out alternative healing methods.
26. Weekend War (1988)
Experience the heart-pumping action in “Weekend War, “ a 1988 adventure film about a group of reservists called the “weekend warriors. “ When these soldiers are sent to build a runway in Honduras, they find themselves in the middle of a political power struggle. As they help repair a bridge for the US Ambassador, Captain John Deason starts questioning his true mission. With breathtaking action, humor, and a thrilling plot, “Weekend War” explores the lives of these soldiers and the challenges they face in a foreign land.
27. The Case of the Hillside Stranglers (1989)
The Case of the Hillside Stranglers is a gripping drama that takes a chilling look into the true story of serial killers, Angelo Buono and Kenneth Bianchi. Known as the Hillside Stranglers, these “two of a kind” cousins were responsible for a series of horrific homicides in the late 1970s. As the plot unfolds, it delves deep into the killers’ story, while also focusing on Officer Bob Grogan, who tirelessly investigates their heinous crimes.
28. Ministry of Vengeance (1989)
Ministry of Vengeance is a gritty action thriller set in the aftermath of a senseless tragedy. When a Minister’s family is brutally murdered by Arab terrorists in 1989, his life takes a dark turn. With no one else to call for justice, he takes it upon himself to take matters into his own hands. This powerful movie follows him as he becomes entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse against those whose brutality cost him so much.
29. Family Business (1989)
In 1989, director Sidney Lumet’s crime drama “Family Business” brings a trio of talented actors together for a thrilling generational tale. Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman, and Sean Connery star as three generations of a family, with each member facing a unique set of challenges.
30. Back to the Future Part II (1989)
Back to the Future Part II” is a thrilling, time-traveling adventure that continues the epic journey of Marty McFly and Doc Brown. After catching a glimpse of the future in 2015, Marty must once again travel back to 1955 to make sure his timeline remains intact.
31. Second Sight (1989)
Second Sight, “ a 1989 comedy mystery film, takes audiences on a wild ride with a private investigator and a super-psychic who operate a paranormal detective agency. Four-time Emmy Award-winning actors John Larroquette and Bronson Pinchot lead the cast in this hilarious adventure, set against the backdrop of a paranormal agency in Boston, Massachusetts.
32. Opportunity Knocks (1990)
In the hilarious 1990 comedy “Opportunity Knocks, “ two con men find themselves hiding out in a house while the owner is away. As they attempt to find their way out of their situation, one of them must assume the identity of the absent house sitter when the owner’s relatives come to visit.
33. Back to the Future Part III (1990)
In the thrilling conclusion to the Back to the Future trilogy, Michael J. Fox reprises his iconic role as Marty McFly, alongside Christopher Lloyd as the brilliant scientist, Doc Brown.
34. Dick Tracy (1990)
Dick Tracy, a classic comic strip detective, finds himself in the middle of an intricate web of crime, love, and danger when the captivating Breathless Mahoney makes her seductive moves towards him. Amidst it all, Tracy must face the united might of the mob led by crime boss Big Boy Caprice.
35. Driving Me Crazy (1991)
Driving Me Crazy” is a whimsical 1991 adventure-comedy film that follows the journey of an eccentric East German inventor and defector, who travels to Los Angeles to sell his revolutionary new super fast car, powered entirely by vegetables and devoid of pollution. As he navigates the vibrant city in search of a buyer and financier to bring his invention to mass production, the inventor finds himself embroiled in one madcap situation after another.
36. Problem Child 2 (1991)
Problem Child 2" is a hilarious and chaotic family comedy full of outrageous hilarity directed by Brian Levant. The movie takes the absurd antics of John Ritter’s son, Junior (Michael Oliver), to a new level of outrage with the advent of Lawanda Page (Jack Warden).
37. Sketch Artist (1992)
Sketch Artist, released on June 27, 1992, explores a high-stakes investigation that becomes dangerously personal for the central character. A talented sketch artist for the police, he aids a traumatized witness in recalling a crucial detail: the person who fled the murder scene.
38. Bloodfist IV: Die Trying (1992)
In a world of high-octane villains and deadly missions, ‘Bloodfist IV: Die Trying’ unleashes the full spectrum of human combat. When Danny, a repossessor, crosses paths with a dangerous arms merchant, chaos ensues.
39. Boiling Point (1993)
Boiling Point” explodes onto the screen as a thrilling crime drama set against the backdrop of an all-consuming criminal underworld. Wesley Snipes, known for his electrifying performances, takes the lead as a sociopath set on destroying the system, partnering with a relentless Dennis Hopper. Together, they embark on an intense crime spree, targeting the police and the dangerous mob in a last-ditch effort to make a massive score.
40. Beyond Betrayal (1994)
A thrilling tale of betrayal, beyond betrayal, will grip you from beginning to end. In 1994, “Beyond Betrayal” introduces the audience to Joanne, a woman married to an abusive cop, Bradley. Desperate for escape, Joanne runs away from her nightmarish situation only to find herself entangled in another dangerous web.
41. Sketch Artist II: Hands That See (1995)
In the intense, gripping thriller Sketch Artist II: Hands That See, a police sketch artist named Jack finds himself in the midst of a harrowing case. When a blind rape victim, Emmy, needs help describing her attacker, Jack steps in, only to discover that their mysterious assailant is a cunning serial rapist and murderer with a deadly plan to eliminate any potential witnesses. As the danger escalates, Jack must navigate this perilous web of deception while trying to protect Emmy from the killer’s clutches.
42. Underworld (1996)
Underworld, directed by Roger Christian and written by Larry Bishop, brings together an intense blend of comedy, thriller, and dark drama. When Johnny Crown is released from prison after seven long years, he is armed with cash, a degree in psychotherapy, and a burning desire to avenge the death of his father at the hands of ruthless gangsters. Frank Gavillan, unknowingly drawn into Crown’s deadly pursuit, reluctantly follows him on a twisted, violent crusade.
43. Seven Times Lucky (2004)
A gripping tale of crime, drama, and romance unfolds in the 2004 film “Seven Times Lucky. “ This engrossing movie follows the story of an aging con-man whose world changes when he encounters a beautiful and ambitious student. Joining forces in a scam that promises to make them both rich, their plans take a dangerous turn.
44. Heavens Fall (2006)
Heavens Fall” is a powerful and gripping crime drama set in the racially segregated South during the 1990s, a time when tensions were high and social injustices cast a long shadow. Based on a true story, the film centers around the lives of two young women who accuse nine black youths of a heinous crime. The subsequent retrial becomes a national sensation, highlighting the complexities of race relations in America.
45. Phil Spector (2013)
Phil Spector” is a gripping biographical drama that delves into the complex relationship between legendary music producer Phil Spector and his dedicated defense attorney, Linda Kenney Baden. Set against the backdrop of Spector’s high-profile murder trial for the brutal death of actress Lana Clarkson, this tense film sheds light on the intricacies of power, fame, and the pursuit of justice. Directed by renowned playwright David Mamet and featuring powerhouse performances by Al Pacino and Helen Mirren, “Phil Spector” serves as a compelling exploration of the blurred lines between reality and myth-making.
46. Back in Time (2015)
Take a nostalgic journey with “Back in Time, “ a captivating documentary that celebrates the monumental cultural impact of the iconic “Back to the Future” trilogy 30 years after its release. The film delves into the unforgettable adventures of Marty McFly and Doc Brown, exploring how their time-traveling escapades have shaped popular culture, technology, and our collective memory. Directed by Jason Aron and featuring interviews with key creatives, including Steven Spielberg, Michael J.
47. Bone Tomahawk (2015)
In the grim and unforgiving world of the old west, an esteemed sheriff and his fearless posse embark on a harrowing rescue mission. Their target is the doctor of their small town, who has fallen captive to a menacing tribe of cannibalistic cave dwellers.