Top 16 Kevin Bacon Movies, Ranked

Kevin Bacon is a name that resonates deeply within the realms of Hollywood and he has been making hit movies for the last 45 years. Born on July 8, 1958, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bacon's film debut was as Chip Diller in National Lampoon's Animal House (1978).

His talent and dedication led him to become one of the most prolific and versatile actors of his generation. Bacon became a household name after starring in 1984 film Footloose, where he showcased his electrifying dance moves and undeniable charm, solidifying his status as a star.

Throughout his career, Bacon has amassed an impressive filmography, spanning various genres and captivating audiences with his performances. With dozens and dozens of films under his belt, Bacon has proven himself to be a formidable force in the industry, earning numerous accolades and leaving an indelible mark on cinema.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Bacon's personal life is equally noteworthy. He has been married to actress Kyra Sedgwick since 1988 and together they have two children (Travis and Sosie). Despite the often tumultuous nature of Hollywood relationships, Bacon and Sedgwick's marriage has stood the test of time and they are still going strong.

Here, we looked at the top 16 Kevin Bacon movies and ranked them. See if you agree with our choices.

16. He Said, She Said (1991) Kevin Bacon movies

Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth Perkins star as Dan and Lorie, two journalists with opposing views on love and romance. The film explores their tumultuous relationship through alternating perspectives, shedding light on the differences between men and women in matters of the heart. The film also stars Sharon Stone and Nathan Lane.

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15. Tremors (1990)

Bacon stars as Val McKee, a handyman in a small desert town besieged by underground creatures known as Graboids. Alongside his friend Earl (Fred Ward), Val must outwit the deadly predators and save the community from destruction. Tremors also starred Finn Carter and Michael Gross.

14. Stir of Echoes (1999) Kevin Bacon movies

Bacon takes on the role of Tom Witzky, a skeptical man who becomes obsessed with the supernatural after being hypnotized by his sister-in-law. As Tom experiences eerie visions, he embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind a haunting mystery. Stir of Echoes also costars Kathryn Erbe and Illeana Douglas.

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13. Sleepers (1996)

This is a whole new side of Kevin Bacon. He delivers a chilling portrayal of Sean Nokes, a sadistic guard at a juvenile detention center. Sleepers follows the lives of four friends who seek vengeance against Nokes and the system that failed them. This star-studded cast also includes Minnie Driver, Brad Pitt, Robert De Niro, Billy Crudup, Jason Patric and Dustin Hoffman.

12. Flatliners (1990) Kevin Bacon movies

Bacon stars as David Labraccio, a medical student who joins his peers in conducting dangerous experiments on near-death experiences. As they push the boundaries of mortality, the group is forced to confront their past sins and face the consequences of their actions. Flatliners also stars Kiefer Sutherland and Julia Roberts.

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11. The River Wild (1994)

Bacon plays Wade, a ruthless criminal who hijacks a family's whitewater rafting trip in a bid to escape the authorities. As tensions rise and the stakes escalate, the family's survival hangs in the balance amidst the treacherous rapids. Meryl Streep puts in an impressive performance opposite Bacon.

10. Leave the World Behind (2023) Kevin Bacon movies

This star-studded cast includes Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke and Mahershala Ali, along with Kevin Bacon. Leave the World Behind is a thriller about a family's getaway to a luxurious rental home when things suddenly start to go wrong. Two strangers appear at their door, all the phones and electronic devices go out, and an escalating crisis ensues. The film explores themes of fear, paranoia, and the fragility of human connections in the face of crisis.

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9. Frost/Nixon (2008)

Directed by Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon is a riveting historical drama based on the real-life interviews between British television host David Frost (Michael Sheen) and former U.S. President Richard Nixon (Frank Langella). Kevin Bacon portrays Jack Brennan, Nixon's loyal chief of staff. The film delves into the high-stakes showdown between Frost and Nixon as they spar over Watergate and Nixon's legacy, culminating in a series of dramatic interviews that captivated the nation.

8. She's Having a Baby (1988) Kevin Bacon movies

Directed by John Hughes, She's Having a Baby is a heartfelt comedy-drama that follows the journey of a young couple, played by Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth McGovern, as they navigate the ups and downs of marriage and impending parenthood. Bacon portrays Jake, a young man grappling with the challenges of adulthood and the pressures of starting a family. With its witty dialogue and poignant moments, the film explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the transition to adulthood. The movie also stars Alec Baldwin.

7. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) Kevin Bacon movies

Kevin Bacon had a small role in this movie—he had a memorable cameo appearance as a taxi racer—but he was still in it! Planes, Trains and Automobiles was directed by the famous John Hughes. The film follows the misadventures of an uptight businessman (Steve Martin) and a lovable salesman (John Candy) as they embark on a chaotic journey to get home for Thanksgiving. Bacon's brief but hilarious role adds to the comedic charm of the film, which is celebrated for its heartwarming story and hilarious antics.

6. X-Men: First Class (2011) Kevin Bacon movies

With X-Men: First Class’s stellar cast—James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Zoe Kravitz and January Jones—this pulse-pounding action film is a must-watch for fans of the superhero genre. Kevin Bacon portrays the menacing villain Sebastian Shaw. It’s a departure from his comedies and dramas and he impresses us in this action role.

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5. JFK (1991)

Bacon portrays Willie O'Keefe in this historical drama that looks into the investigation of President John F. Kennedy's assassination. Directed by Oliver Stone, JFK explores the conspiracy theories surrounding one of the most infamous events in American history. The film also stars Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Jack Lemmon and Tommy Lee Jones.

4. Mystic River (2003) Kevin Bacon movies

Bacon delivers a riveting performance as Sean Devine, a detective haunted by the murder of his childhood friend's daughter. As Sean delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers dark secrets that unravel the lives of those involved, including his own. This movie also costars Sean Penn and Tim Robbins.

3. A Few Good Men (1992)

Bacon shines as Capt. Jack Ross, a military prosecutor tasked with trying two Marines accused of murder. As the trial unfolds, Ross faces off against a formidable defense lawyer (Tom Cruise) and confronts the moral complexities of justice and honor. The movie also stars the powerful (and scene-stealing) Jack Nicholson.

2. Apollo 13 (1995) Kevin Bacon movies

Bacon takes on the role of astronaut Jack Swigert, a member of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission. When the spacecraft undergoes massive internal damage, Swigert and his fellow crew members must work together to navigate a harrowing journey back to earth. The movie also stars Tom Hanks and Bill Paxton.

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1. Footloose (1984)

In this iconic dance drama, Bacon portrays Ren McCormack, a charismatic teenager who challenges a small town's ban on dancing and rock music. As Ren fights for the freedom of expression, he forms a bond with the local minister's daughter (Lori Singer) and inspires the community to embrace joy and liberation. John Lithgow also stars as the minister. Arguably Kevin Bacon’s most famous movie, Footloose has a loyal and nostalgic following. Who doesn’t love those dance moves?

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