Woody Harrelson is celebrated for his remarkable versatility and powerful performances across a diverse range of roles in both film and television. With a career spanning decades, Harrelson has showcased his talent through a variety of genres, from intense dramas to light-hearted comedies.
This guide highlights the best Woody Harrelson movies and TV shows that showcase his most memorable performances. From his breakout role in “Cheers” to his gripping turn in “True Detective,” these selections capture Harrelson’s exceptional ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters. Whether you’re revisiting classic films or discovering new favorites, this guide offers a comprehensive look at the standout moments that define Woody Harrelson’s illustrious career.
12 Best Woody Harrelson Movies and TV Shows
Cheers (1985–1993)
Woody Harrelson first captured audiences’ hearts as Woody Boyd, the lovable and slightly dim-witted bartender on the hit sitcom Cheers. Harrelson joined the program in its fourth season, taking over Nicholas Colasanto’s “Coach” role, and rapidly became a fan favorite. His remarkable comic timing and charming nature garnered him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, cementing his position in television history.
Natural Born Killers (1994)
In Natural Born Killers, Harrelson took a sharp turn from his comedic roots, portraying the psychopathic Mickey Knox. Oliver Stone directed the picture, which follows Mickey and his lover, Mallory (Juliette Lewis), as they go on a violent crime spree. Harrelson’s unsettling portrayal exemplifies his acting versatility, demonstrating his ability to play darker, more complicated parts.
The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996)
Harrelson received his first Academy Award nod for his depiction of Larry Flynt, the infamous publisher of Hustler magazine. The film, directed by Miloš Forman, follows Flynt’s struggle against censorship and for free expression. Harrelson’s depiction is both forceful and subtle, adding dimension to a character that is often seen as divisive. His performance drew tremendous praise and cemented his status as a top actor in Hollywood.
Kingpin (1996)
In the Farrelly brothers’ comedy Kingpin, Harrelson portrays Roy Munson, a washed-up former bowling champion who becomes a mentor to an Amish prodigy (Randy Quaid). The film is a humorous, eccentric comedy that highlights Harrelson’s great comic timing and ability to blend humor and melancholy, while Roy’s tragic history lends depth to the character.
The Thin Red Line (1998)
Terrence Malick’s The Thin Red Line has an ensemble cast, but Harrelson’s performance as Sergeant Keck stands out. The film, which addresses the tragedies of war, is a beautiful and introspective look at the Pacific warfare during WWII. Harrelson’s performance, albeit short, is profound and adds to the film’s sad and contemplative tone.
No Country for Old Men (2007)
Harrelson’s role as Carson Wells in the Coen brothers’ film No Country for Old Men is little but significant. The picture, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, stars Harrelson as a cocky bounty hunter charged with apprehending the insane Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem). Despite his short screen time, Harrelson’s charm and presence make his role memorable in this suspenseful, atmospheric thriller.
Zombieland (2009)
In Zombieland, Harrelson portrays Tallahassee, a rugged, Twinkie-obsessed survivor in a zombie-infested post-apocalyptic world. The film’s mix of horror and humor is well balanced by Harrelson’s performance, which is both amusing and action-packed. His chemistry with co-stars Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin helped Zombieland become a cult hit, prompting a sequel, Zombieland: Double Tap, in 2019.
True Detective (2014)
Harrelson returned to television with HBO’s True Detective, delivering one of the best performances of his career. Harrelson plays Detective Marty Hart, who works with Matthew McConaughey’s Rust Cohle to solve a horrible murder in Louisiana. The show’s gritty, atmospheric narrative and Harrelson’s sophisticated depiction of a severely broken man gained him great praise, including an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
The Hunger Games Series (2012–2015)
In the Hunger Games series, Harrelson portrays Haymitch Abernathy, Katniss Everdeen’s mentor. Harrelson’s performance as Haymitch combines cynicism, knowledge, and concealed emotion, making him one of the series’ most interesting characters. His interpretation deepens the dystopian tale, anchoring the series with his subtle performance.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
Harrelson’s portrayal of Sheriff Bill Willoughby in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a highlight in a film packed with dramatic performances. The film, which examines themes of sorrow, justice, and atonement, stars Harrelson as a beloved but terminally ill sheriff caught up in a mother’s search for answers. His performance garnered him his third Academy Award nomination, demonstrating his ability to combine charm and emotional depth.
The Messenger (2009)
In The Messenger, Harrelson plays Captain Tony Stone, a U.S. Army officer tasked with notifying families of soldiers killed in action. The film is a compelling meditation of grief, shame, and obligation, with Harrelson giving a remarkable, controlled performance that garnered him an Academy Award nod for Best Supporting Actor. His depiction of a guy dealing with the emotional consequences of his profession is both painful and realistic.
White Men Can’t Jump (1992)
White Men Can’t Jump is a classic sports comedy starring Harrelson and Wesley Snipes as street basketball hustlers. The film is a fast-paced, lively comedy that highlights Harrelson’s athleticism and comic ability. His chemistry with Snipes is explosive, and the picture has become a revered classic of 1990s cinema.
