Must-Watch Movies Featuring Ian McKellen, Jack Lemmon, Jack Nicholson, James Cagney, and James Dean

If you’re a film enthusiast looking to explore the best work of some of cinema’s greatest actors, you’re in the right place. This guide highlights the top movies of Ian McKellen, Jack Lemmon, Jack Nicholson, James Cagney, and James Dean, categorized by genre. Each entry includes a brief synopsis, release year, age rating, and IMDb rating to help you choose your next watch.

Best Movies by Genre

Ian McKellen

Fantasy/Adventure

1. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) – PG-13 – IMDb: 8.8

• McKellen shines as Gandalf in this epic fantasy adventure that started the beloved trilogy.

Fantasy/Adventure

2. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) – PG-13 – IMDb: 8.9

• McKellen’s portrayal of Gandalf reaches new heights in the grand finale of the epic saga.

Drama

3. Gods and Monsters (1998) – R – IMDb: 7.2

• McKellen delivers a nuanced performance as a film director reflecting on his past.

Action/Drama

4. X-Men (2000) – PG-13 – IMDb: 7.4

• McKellen’s role as Magneto introduces him as a formidable force in this superhero film.

Drama/Thriller

5. The Da Vinci Code (2006) – PG-13 – IMDb: 6.6

• McKellen plays a key role in this thrilling mystery based on Dan Brown’s bestseller.

Jack Lemmon

Comedy/Drama

1. Some Like It Hot (1959) – NR – IMDb: 8.2

• Lemmon stars in this classic comedy as part of a cross-dressing duo hiding from gangsters.

Drama/Comedy

2. The Apartment (1960) – NR – IMDb: 8.3

• Lemmon’s performance as a lowly office worker caught in an affair is both comedic and touching.

Drama

3. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) – R – IMDb: 7.7

• Lemmon delivers a powerful performance as a struggling real estate salesman in this intense drama.

Comedy

4. The Odd Couple (1968) – NR – IMDb: 7.7

• Lemmon’s role as the neurotic Felix Ungar makes for a hilarious and memorable film.

Drama

5. Days of Wine and Roses (1962) – NR – IMDb: 8.0

• Lemmon plays an alcoholic struggling with his addiction in this poignant and powerful drama.

Jack Nicholson

Drama

1. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) – R – IMDb: 8.7

• Nicholson’s role as Randle McMurphy is a career-defining performance in this gripping drama.

Thriller/Drama

2. The Shining (1980) – R – IMDb: 8.4

• Nicholson’s portrayal of Jack Torrance in this horror classic is both chilling and iconic.

Comedy/Drama

3. As Good as It Gets (1997) – PG-13 – IMDb: 7.7

• Nicholson’s performance as a misanthropic writer won him an Oscar for this heartfelt comedy-drama.

Drama

4. Chinatown (1974) – R – IMDb: 8.2

• Nicholson excels as a private detective unraveling a complex conspiracy in this noir classic.

Action/Drama

5. A Few Good Men (1992) – R – IMDb: 7.7

• Nicholson delivers a memorable courtroom performance in this gripping military drama.

James Cagney

Crime/Drama

1. Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) – NR – IMDb: 8.0

• Cagney’s energetic performance as George M. Cohan won him an Oscar in this patriotic musical.

Crime/Drama

2. White Heat (1949) – NR – IMDb: 8.0

• Cagney’s role as a psychotic gangster is a standout in this intense crime thriller.

Musical

3. Footlight Parade (1933) – NR – IMDb: 7.7

• Cagney shines in this early musical as a show producer creating spectacular performances.

Crime/Drama

4. The Roaring Twenties (1939) – NR – IMDb: 7.9

• Cagney stars as a Prohibition-era gangster in this classic crime drama.

Drama/War

5. Mr. Roberts (1955) – NR – IMDb: 7.8

• Cagney’s role as a tough ship captain adds depth to this military drama.

James Dean

Drama

1. Rebel Without a Cause (1955) – PG – IMDb: 8.0

• Dean’s portrayal of a troubled teenager is iconic in this exploration of adolescent angst.

Drama

2. East of Eden (1955) – PG – IMDb: 8.0

• Dean’s role as a conflicted young man is powerful in this adaptation of John Steinbeck’s novel.

Drama

3. Giant (1956) – G – IMDb: 7.6

• Dean delivers a memorable performance in this epic drama about Texas land and family.

Drama

4. The James Dean Story (1957) – NR – IMDb: 7.7

• This documentary offers an insightful look into Dean’s life and career.

Drama

5. The Immortal Story (1968) – NR – IMDb: 7.5

• Although completed posthumously, Dean’s role in this film adds a unique layer to his legacy.

Conclusion

These films highlight the exceptional talents of Ian McKellen, Jack Lemmon, Jack Nicholson, James Cagney, and James Dean. Each movie offers a unique glimpse into the actor’s abilities and showcases some of the best performances in their careers. Whether you’re in the mood for epic fantasies, classic dramas, or thrilling crime stories, this guide helps you find the perfect film to watch. Enjoy exploring these cinematic masterpieces!