William Friedkin’s Best Movies: A Pick of the 15 Best Films

Having followed William Friedkin’s career for many years, I’ve always been fascinated by his ability to move seamlessly between genres. From heart-pounding thrillers to supernatural horrors, his filmography represents cinema’s boldest moments. Here is my carefully considered ranking of his 15 most important films.

Date of birth: August 29, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois
Died: August 7, 2023 (87 years old) in Bel Air, Los Angeles, California

One of the iconic voices of the New Hollywood, William Friedkin revolutionized American cinema with his gritty documentary-style approach and unflinching exploration of moral ambiguity. From groundbreaking work in television to Oscar-winning achievements in film, Friedkin’s influence spans more than five decades of storytelling.

15. Deal of the Century (1983)

throw: Chevy Chase, Sigourney Weaver, Gregory Hines
type: black comedy/satire
grade:R
runtime:99 minutes

While it’s not Friedkin’s best work, I’ve always appreciated how this dark comedy showed off his lighter side. Chase might seem like an odd choice for a Friedkin film, but there’s something fascinating about seeing the director working outside of his comfort zone. The film, which tells the story of a small-time arms dealer who becomes entangled in an increasingly complex web of arms dealing, demonstrates Friedkin’s willingness to experiment with different genres, despite its flaws.

14. good times (1967)

throw: Sonny Bono, Cher
type: musical comedy
grade:G
runtime:91 minutes

Watching Friedkin’s directorial debut today feels like opening a time capsule. While this may seem odd in his filmography, I find it interesting how this musical comedy starring Sonny and Cher demonstrates his early understanding of genre conventions. The playful spoofs of classic Hollywood films hinted at the filmmaker he would become.

13. blue chip stocks (1994)

throw: Nick Nolte, Mary McDonald, Shaquille O’Neal
type: sports drama
grade:PG-13
runtime: 108 minutes

In my opinion, this underrated sports drama deserves more attention. What I find particularly impressive is how Friedkin brings his characteristic intensity to the world of college sports. Nick Nolte’s passionate performance as a coach struggling with moral compromise feels very real, and the film’s examination of corruption in college basketball remains relevant today.

12. Jade (1995)

throw: David Caruso, Linda Fiorentino, Chazz Palminteri
type: neo-noir thriller
grade:R
runtime: 95 minutes

I always thought Jade After his release, he received unfair treatment. While this neo-noir thriller is controversial, it exemplifies Friedkin’s gift for creating atmosphere and tension. The complex plot and stylish direction have earned it a loyal following among genre fans, and I think it deserves a serious re-evaluation.

11. rules of engagement (2000)

throw: Tommy Lee Jones, Samuel L. Jackson, Guy Pearce
type: Military drama/legal thriller
grade:R
runtime: 128 minutes

I’ve watched this court-martial drama several times, and I was impressed by Friedkin’s tense attitude throughout. The combination of Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson creates a compelling dynamic, and the film’s examination of military justice feels particularly nuanced under Friedkin’s direction.

10. killer joe (2011)

throw: Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch, Juno Temple
type: Crime Thriller/Black Comedy
grade: NC-17
runtime:102 minutes

What struck me most about Friedkin’s subsequent career victories was that it proved that Friedkin never lost his edge. McConaughey’s disturbing yet mesmerizing performance demonstrates the director’s ability to continually push actors to their limits. The film’s unflinching approach to controversial material reminded me of his earlier work, while still feeling very modern.

9. loopholes (2006)

throw: Ashley Judd, Michael Shannon, Harry Connick Jr.
type: psychological thriller
grade:R
runtime:102 minutes

every time i revisit loopholesI discovered new levels to appreciate. The claustrophobic atmosphere created by Friedkin perfectly matches the psychological deterioration of the characters in the play. Michael Shannon and Ashley Judd give, in my opinion, the best performances of their careers in this disturbing study of paranoia and delusion.

8. The Guardian (1990)

throw: Jenny Seagrove, Dwyer Brown, Carey Lowell
type: Supernatural Horror
grade:R
runtime:92 minutes

While it may not reach supernatural heights The ExorcistI always feel The Guardian Deserves more recognition. Friedkin’s ability to create genuine fear and supernatural tension remains impressive, and this film showcases his unique approach to horror, prioritizing psychological horror over cheap thrills.

7. Life and Death in Los Angeles (1985)

throw: William Peterson, Willem Dafoe, John Pankow
type: crime thriller
grade:R
runtime: 116 minutes

In my assessment, this is probably Friedkin’s most stylish film. Car chase sequence rivals any movie French connectionWhat particularly struck me was that the film’s examination of moral corruption is as relevant today as it was in the 1980s. Young Willem Dafoe’s magnetic performance adds another layer of intensity to this neo-noir masterpiece.

6. cruise (1980)

throwStarring: Al Pacino/Paul Sorvino/Karen Allen
type: Crime Thriller/Suspense
grade:R
runtime:102 minutes

Witnessed the evolution cruising The reputation over the years has been fascinating. What was once controversial is now “sort of” reappraised as a bold and complex look at identity and underground subculture. I found Pacino’s performance to be particularly haunting, and Friedkin’s unflinching direction creates an increasingly terrifying atmosphere that few films can achieve.

5. the boys in the band (1970)

throw:Kenneth Nelson, Peter White, Leonard Frey
type: Drama
grade:R
runtime: 118 minutes

What struck me most about this groundbreaking film was Friedkin’s sensitive handling of the material. As one of the first Hollywood blockbusters to focus on gay characters, the director’s respect for the source material and his ability to draw natural performances from the ensemble cast made this a landmark achievement in his career.

4. wizard (1977)

throw: Roy Scheider, Bruno Kramer, Francisco Labar
type: adventure thriller
grade: PG
runtime: 121 minutes

I think wizard Becomes one of cinema’s greatest redemption stories. This ingenious reimagining was initially overlooked the price of fear Finally getting the recognition it deserves.

In my opinion, the tension Friedkin created in the truck ride scene is one of the best suspense movies ever made.

3. French connection (1971)

throw: Gene Hackman, Roy Scheider, Fernando Rey
type: crime thriller
grade:R
runtime:104 minutes

Few movies have had such a profound impact on me French connection. The gritty realism Friedkin achieved revolutionized the crime thriller genre, and the car chase scenes still amaze me. Gene Hackman’s portrayal of Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle remains the benchmark for antiheroes, and I’m continually amazed at how well the film holds up today.

2. The Exorcist (1973)

throw: Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair
type: Supernatural Horror
grade:R
runtime: 122 minutes

I still remember the first time I watched “The Exorcist” – Yes This experience will stay with you forever. What strikes me most about revisiting it today is not just the shocking scenes that everyone is talking about, but Friedkin’s quiet moments of doubt and faith throughout. The film transcends its genre through masterful direction, groundbreaking special effects, and profound theological themes.

1. birthday party (1968)

throw: Robert Shaw, Patrick Magee, Dandy Nichols
type: Psychodrama
grade: Not rated
runtime: 123 minutes

I know this is probably a controversial top choice – most people would expect The Exorcist or French connection here. However, after watching Friedkin’s entire filmography multiple times, I’m convinced that this adaptation of Harold Pinter’s play represents his purest distillation of psychological tension and existential dread. In my opinion, this film best showcases his ability to create an unforgettable atmosphere with minimal elements. While this may not be his most commercially successful work, I believe it is his most artistically complete work.

It was a precursor to the seminal masterpieces Friedkin would direct in the following decades.

what makes birthday party What’s so special is that it showcases all of Friedkin’s strengths as a director – his ability to build tension, draw great performances from his actors, and create an atmosphere of psychological unease while using the simplest of elements. To me, this represents the essence of what made Friedkin such a great filmmaker: his ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary and turn it into something unforgettable.

Full list on Letterboxd

William Friedkin’s 15 Best Films, Ranked

Having followed William Friedkin’s career for many years, I’ve always been fascinated by his ability to move seamlessly between genres. From heart-pounding thrillers to supernatural horrors, his filmography represents cinema’s boldest moments. Here is my carefully considered ranking of his 15 most important films. full text: