The best Kurt Russell roles of all time

Russell can pretty much do it all when it comes to film. Here, he co-stars with 1990s action staple Steven Seagal. Dr. David Grant, a United States Army intelligence consultant, is practical and a bit nerdy. But he has no problem trying to stop a group of terrorists who have hijacked a commercial aircraft. In a post-9/11 world, the premise of Executive Decision can be touchy to highlight, but Russell's performance is noteworthy.

Touchback played to limited audiences upon release, and there's a good chance fans of Russell and the sports film genre probably don't remember it. Russell has a supporting role as a high school football coach — and volunteer firefighter — caught in the drama when star quarterback Scott Murphy's present and past collide. Russell, though, is solid as a father figure and mentor to the small-town sports hero protagonist.  

This film is based on 2010's Deepwater Horizon rig explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The mustachioed Harrell, a.k.a. "Mr. Jimmy," is an Offshore Installation Manager on the rig. He's an observant and intelligent supporting character in this action thriller starring Mark Wahlberg. As we'll see on this list, Russell is comfortable being part of an action thriller, and he's able to leave an impact even when he's not the main attraction. 

Yes, Captain Ron was both a critical and commercial flop back in the early '90s. However, Russell proved to be the lone bright spot in this lackluster comedy. One-eyed Yacht captain Ron Rico is far from good at his job and really shouldn't be in charge of keeping anybody safe on the water. He's also rather crass. But all that is what actually brings something positive to a film that certainly did not help co-star Martin Short's film career.

Dexter (Russell) attends small Medford College. While working on the school's only computer, donated by shady businessman A.J. Arno (Cesar Romero), a wet Dexter receives an electric shock and becomes a human computer with knowledge — of just about any subject — that's through the roof. Hilarity and hijinks ensue in this whacky Disney comedy that solidified Russell as one of the brightest young actors in Hollywood. 

The first of several collaborations between Russell and famed director John Carpenter that we'll feature on this list. Many portrayed Elvis throughout the years, but Russell is among the better ones. He received a Primetime Emmy nomination for his performance in this made-for-television movie. Despite not providing his own vocals (that was taken care of by country star Ronnie McDowell), Russell's performance was none less compelling. Russell would also go on to marry co-star Season Hubley, who played Priscilla Presley, from 1979-83.

During the 1990s, psychological thrillers were all the rage. To the point, truthfully, where the market for such movies became predictably saturated. However, critics gave Unlawful Entry mostly positive reviews. That extended to Russell, as a husband who becomes weary of the cop-turned-stalker (Ray Liotta) who has taken on the case of his home invasion. Yes, Liotta steals the movie, but the way his character gets under the skin of Russell, and the back and forth between the two stars, is worth the time alone.  

Going back to some of Russell's early film work. In this case, it's voicing one of the more beloved children's tales. Russell's Copper is the inquisitive and precocious hound who befriends a fox named Tod (Mickey Rooney). Together, the two form a special friendship, even though there are some who see the two as a nuisance. Russell has enjoyed a solid relationship with Disney during his career, and this is one of the high points.

The Stargate film, television and web franchise began with his project. The science fiction tale of time travel, extraterrestrial life and human civilizations had a star in Russell, as U.S. Air Force special ops officer who is trying to move on from the death of his son while also engaging with the "Stargate." Jack is a complex character — professional, intelligent, yet haunted when it comes to his personal trials. He was a big reason why the film and franchise were successful.

Russell's Mr. Nobody doesn't have a big part in The Fast and the Furious franchise. But when he's on the screen, his presence leaves a lasting impression that keeps audiences talking well after the final credits. A covert G-man, who is quite approachable and fancies a good ale. While friendly, Mr. Nobody is straight forward, doesn't mince words, and loyal once you've gained his trust. In terms of the franchise's supporting characters, Mr. Nobody might be the best of the bunch.

Another Russell-John Carpenter combo. This action fantasy with a martial arts twist was panned by critics and struggled at the box office. But over time, it earned a cult status, perhaps because of Russell's Burton, the wise-cracking, everyman truck driver who finds himself amid San Francisco's dangerous Chinatown underground trying to help pal Wang Chi (Dennis Dun) rescue his kidnapped fiancée. Jack's actions and attitude in the face of danger provide most of the entertaining moments in a film that can grow on the viewer.

One of the more surprising, and special, moments within the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise is the introduction of Ego. The celestial figure, who creates a planet from his own form, also happens to be the father of Peter Quill (Chris Pratt). What transpires upon that initial encounter is a true highlight of Vol. 2. That's an important and highly emotional aspect of the story. To no surprise, Russell is deliciously sinister and, true to his name, full of himself without worry of anything else — even his own child or legacy of Quill's beloved mother.

Russell co-stars with longtime partner Goldie Hawn in this romantic comedy that did better in the court of public perception than with movie critics. Dean is a local handyman and widower with four sons. He does some closet work for Hawn's uppity Joanna Stayton, who suffers amnesia after falling overboard from her yacht. Dean, upset with Joanna from their working relationship, wrongfully takes advantage of the situation and two naturally fall in love. The chemistry between Hawn and Russell is strong enough to keep the film afloat.

Russell stars as Reno Hightower, a former high school football player from a small central California town, a.k.a. "the greatest quarterback in the history of South Kern County." Nowadays, he's a struggling mechanic and vehicle paint specialist trying not to give into buddy Jack (Robin Williams) and his obsession to replay a high school game from 13 years ago. This is Williams' movie, but Russell is superb as the washed-up former big man in campus.

Stuntman Mike can be a charmer. And he's got style. Of course, he also has a penchant for murdering beautiful young girls with his modified muscle car. That is, until some of his targets have had enough. In true Quentin Tarantino fashion, there is plenty of camp, a gracious nod to the exploitation films of the past, and likable characters. It's a disturbing, yet entertaining performance from Russell, who is the movie's undisputed star.

Originally panned by critics, The Thing has become a cult classic over the decades. A good number of this cast have become regulars on the comic con scene because of this John Carpenter sci-fi horror movie. Russell, meanwhile, turned his helicopter pilot — who must deal with that shifty parasitic extraterrestrial life-form in Antarctica — MacReady into a cult fan favorite. Even while the movie was critically ripped in real-time, Russell's performance was considered one of its bright spots.

Though cast in a supporting role, Russell is definitely a major highlight in Cameron Crowe's sci-fi psychological thriller with Tom Cruise in the lead role. Court psychologist Dr. McCabe attempts to tap into the mind of Cruise's incarcerated masked protagonist David Aames, and the journey takes the viewer through some, weird, wild stuff. McCabe, psychologically at least, becomes a dependable and somewhat consoling figure to Aames, with Russell also providing levity to the complex picture.

Russell's foray into the "buddy cop" genre proved to be a huge success. Teaming with Sylvester Stallone, Tango & Cash was a box-office hit (more than $120 million in ticket sales) and enjoyed massive success in the home-video market. Stallone's Armani suit-wearing, well-to-do Raymond Tango and Russell's shaggy, cowboy-boot loving, live-by-the-day Cash are rivals, but they come together to take town the criminal (Jake Palance) who framed them both for murder. Cash is actually more likable between the two, but maybe because Russell is a more versatile actor.

Among the most celebrated movies of the 2010s, The Hateful Eight brought Russell and Quentin Tarantino back together. Ruth is a ruthless, cunning bounty hunter who comes in contact with wanted man Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson). Much to his delight. It's also one film where Russell's character plays an important part in the plot even after he dies. Within Tarantino's film world, Russell has played an unheralded role. 

More from Russell and John Carpenter. If anything, "Snake" is a survivor. A World War III veteran, "Snake" has grown weary of the government. He's essentially on his own — with a take-no-prisoners-get-out-of-my-way attitude — in this post-war, dystopian America. Whether talking about his film introduction in Escape from New York to his return on Escape from L.A. more than decade later, "Snake" Plissken just might be Russell's most iconic character throughout his entire filmography. 

Robert Zemeckis directed and co-wrote this dark comedy cult classic that featured Steven Spielberg as an executive producer. Rudy is not just your typical shyster, used car salesman. He's much worse, in many ways. He does it with a certain sense of style, and actually has some ambition. Plus, nobody looks better in a plaid sport coat than Rudy. "Come on, trust me."

The story of the 1980 men's Olympic hockey team's improbable run to beating the mighty Soviet squad, then winning the gold medal, might be the greatest American sports story of all time. Russell rises to the challenge as the stoic and his-way-or-highway head coach of the U.S. squad. He had a plan and sought it out, and Russell delivers a memorable performance, with enough Hollywood appeal not to compromise any authenticity of the late coach.

Another one of Russell's most acclaimed roles comes in this massively successful Ron Howard film. Stephen McCaffrey is a veteran firefighter, a lifer, who has no fear — and often no regard for the rules of protection amid this dangerous occupation. Stephen is a complex character with a haunting past and tense family situation. He tends to ruffle the feathers of his colleagues. However, he does it all with passion and love for a job that seems to be the most satisfying portion of his life.

Mery Streep and Cher were the undisputed stars of this critically acclaimed biopic about the life of whistle-blower and union activist Karen Silkwood. Russell, however, more than holds his own opposite the two female superstars. As Karen's unconditionally supportive but emotionally tortured boyfriend, Russell adds to the drama and tension of the film. He was rewarded with a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor — Motion Picture.

There is plenty of star power (Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott, Dana Delaney, Powers Boothe) in this beloved modern-day Hollywood western, but Russell as legendary lawman Wyatt Earp is brilliant. He's the perfect complement to Kilmer's deliciously sinful anti-hero Doc Holliday. Stoic, responsible, stern, yet witty enough to easily command respect. The best part is that Russell pulls it all off in the most subtle of ways. He's not over-the-top, but he's strong enough to be a lasting presence in just about every scene featured.