List of the best David Strathairn movies: Good Night, and Good Luck.(2005), Blue Car(2002), Bad Manners(1997), Steel Toes(2006), An Interview With God(2018), Walkaway Joe(2020), No God, No Master(2012), Stand Off(1996), Nomadland(2020), A Good Baby(1999), Heavens Fall(2006), Howl(2010) ... ...
Drama, History, Biography
USA|France|UK|Japan
2005
93 Minutes
David Strathairn Patricia Clarkson George Clooney Jeff Daniels Robert Downey Jr. Frank Langella Ray Wise Robert John Burke Reed Edward Diamond Tate Donovan Grant Heslov
reporter politician employee television producer cool engaging patriotic washington, d.c. communism mccarthyism journalism adventure underdog quest 1950s
Broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow looks to bring down Senator Joseph McCarthy.
Drama
USA
2002
96 Minutes
Auster
David Strathairn Agnes Bruckner Margaret Colin Frances Fisher A.J. Buckley Regan Arnold Sarah Beuhler
young girl teacher rival friend parent dark emotional church school beach hospital divorce disillusionment poetry competition self-destruction shoplifting discovery growing up 2000s
A troubled young woman is encouraged by a teacher to enter a poetry contest.
Comedy, Drama
USA
1997
88 Minutes
Wes
David Strathairn Bonnie Bedelia Saul Rubinek Caroleen Feeney Julie Harris
academic professor husband wife girlfriend musicologist emotional tense witty massachusetts college town household marital problems academia egoism jealousy bad behavior rivalry 1990s
Wes and Nancy are a married academics couple. One day they host Nancy's long-ago lover Matt and his current sexy girlfriend Kim. Matt is a musician and Kim is a computer specialist who ... See full summary »
Drama
Canada
2006
90 Minutes
Danny Dunckelman
David Strathairn David Gow Andrew W. Walker Marina Orsini Aaron Grunfeld Ron Lea Joel Miller Michael Rudder Ivana Shein Ivan Smith Linda Smith
lawyer neo-nazi skinhead emotional gritty fair immigrants conscience transformation
Rage and intolerance collide with compassion Academy-Award nominated David Strathairn portrays Danny Dunkleman, a Jewish liberal humanist, and the court-appointed lawyer representing Mike ... See full summary »
Drama
USA
2018
97 Minutes
The Man
David Strathairn Brenton Thwaites Hill Harper Yael Grobglas Charlbi Dean Kriek Bobby Di Cicco
journalist soldier god emotional mellow patriotic america interview discovery 21st century
An up-and-coming journalist finds his world and faith increasingly challenged when he's granted the interview of a lifetime - with someone who claims to be God.
Drama
USA
2020
89 Minutes
David Strathairn Jeffrey Dean Morgan Julian Feder Julie Ann Emery Susan Gallagher Challen Cates Michael Papajohn
pool shark family father teen boy wise man emotional moving somber pool hall ohio suburbs home gambling family dysfunction discovery rivalry 2010s
The story of an unlikely friendship between a young boy searching for his father, and a wandering loner hiding from his past.
Crime, Drama
2012
94 Minutes
William Flynn
David Strathairn Ray Wise Sam Witwer Alessandro Mario Edoardo Ballerini James Madio Mariann Mayberry
In 1919, a federal agent (David Strathairn) uncovers an anarchist plot to destroy democracy in the U.S.
Mystery & Thriller
1996
92 Minutes
John McCowan
A police chief (David Strathairn) restrains a gung-ho SWAT captain while negotiating with an ex-convict (Stephen Shellen) who took the Bahamian vice consul (Djanet Sears) hostage.
Drama
USA|Germany
2020
108 Minutes
Frances McDormand David Strathairn Linda May Swankie Bob Wells Angela Reyes Carl R. Hughes Douglas G. Soul Ryan Aquino
After losing everything in the Great Recession, a woman embarks on a journey through the American West, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad.
Drama
USA
1999
98 Minutes
Henry Thomas David Strathairn Cara Seymour Danny Nelson Jayne Morgan Allison Glenn Alan Foster Jerry Rushing Emilie Jacobs
loner traveling salesman woman father figure hunter baby sad tender offbeat north carolina small town woods gas station general store search guilt parenthood alienation family orphans
A young inbred loner wandering the back roads of North Carolina comes across an abandoned baby. He immediately starts seeking the baby's parents, but starts developing a bond with the child... See full summary »
History, Drama
USA
2006
105 Minutes
Timothy Hutton David Strathairn Leelee Sobieski Anthony Mackie Bill Sage Azura Skye James Tolkan Bill Smitrovich Maury Chaykin B.J. Britt Francie Swift
Two young woman accuse nine black youths of rape in the segregated South.
Biography, Drama
USA
2010
84 Minutes
Ralph McIntosh
James Franco Jeffrey Friedman David Strathairn Jon Hamm Bob Balaban Jeff Daniels Mary-Louise Parker Treat Williams Alessandro Nivola Todd Rotondi Jon Prescott
beatnik poet friend judge publisher jack kerouac creative spirited engaging san francisco berkeley, calif. courtroom allen ginsberg poetry obscenity counterculture trial creative process wretched excess rise
As Allen Ginsberg talks about his life and art, his most famous poem is illustrated in animation while the obscenity trial of the work is dramatized.
Comedy, Kids & Family, Drama
USA
1992
104 Minutes
Keith
Hillary Wolf David Strathairn Margaret Whitton Griffin Dunne Patricia Kalember Adrienne Shelly Dan Futterman
daughter father stepbrother stepfather stepsister stepmother amusing emotional heartwarming california lake san francisco household family dysfunction running away hitchhiking loyalty divorce teen angst escape
A girl fed up with her quirky, disfunctional family runs away from home, causing all of them to spend time with each other.
Fantasy, Drama
USA
2007
83 Minutes
Melissa Leo David Strathairn Giancarlo Esposito Sabrina Lloyd Jason Downs Denny Dillon John Seidman Leclanche Durand
Sadie thinks she's going insane. Edmund is sure he's being haunted. And Henry, well Henry's just racing daylight.
Drama
USA
1992
134 Minutes
Rennie
Mary McDonnell Alfre Woodard David Strathairn Vondie Curtis-Hall Nora Dunn Sheila Kelley Angela Bassett Leo Burmester Mary Portser Shauntisa Willis John Henry Redwood
actress nurse daughter therapist friend emotional fiery profound louisiana family home new york city accident paralysis grief friendship alcoholism love-hate relationship discovery transformation rise
After an accident leaves her a paraplegic, a former soap opera star struggles to recover both emotionally and mentally, until she meets her newest nurse, who has struggles of her own.
Biography, Drama, History
USA|India
2012
149 Minutes
Secretary of State William Seward
Daniel Day-Lewis Sally Field David Strathairn Joseph Gordon-Levitt James Spader Hal Holbrook Tommy Lee Jones Lee Pace Michael Stuhlbarg David Costabile Jackie Earle Haley
president first lady son vice president military officer activist somber inspiring intense tense white house washington, d.c. battlefield government building big city abraham lincoln slavery historical events american civil war fight for justice
As the American Civil War continues to rage, America's president struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on the decision to emancipate the slaves.
Mystery & Thriller
USA|Germany
2007
113 Minutes
D.A. Joe Lobruto
Anthony Hopkins Ryan Gosling David Strathairn Rosamund Pike Embeth Davidtz Billy Burke Bob Gunton Valerie Dillman Monica Garcia Zoe Kazan Xander Berkeley
lawyer engineer judge murderer boss defendant suspenseful intricate tense powerful courtroom office jail home unhappy marriage murder infidelity court battles investigation control
An attorney intending on climbing the career ladder toward success finds an unlikely opponent in a manipulative criminal he is trying to prosecute.
Romance, Drama
China|France|USA|Hong Kong
2007
90 Minutes
Arnie
Norah Jones Jude Law David Strathairn Rachel Weisz Natalie Portman Chan Marshall Demetrius Butler Frankie Faison
restaurant owner young woman police officer wife gambler alcoholic emotional charming amusing new york city café diner bar casino apartment loneliness romance relationships breakup self-discovery
A young lonely woman takes a soul-searching journey across America to resolve her questions about love while encountering a series of offbeat characters along the way.
Drama
USA|Germany
1999
125 Minutes
Howard Goodwin
Sigourney Weaver Julianne Moore David Strathairn Ron Lea Arliss Howard Chloë Sevigny Louise Fletcher Dara Perlmutter Kayla Perlmutter Marc Donato
mother daughter emotional gripping wisconsin neighbors depression trauma mystery
A woman's life falls apart after she's blamed for an accident on her property.
Drama
USA
1995
106 Minutes
Charles Lewin
Jessica Lange Halle Berry David Strathairn Cuba Gooding Jr. Daisy Eagan Marc John Jefferies Samuel L. Jackson Joie Lee Regina Taylor LaTanya Richardson Jacqueline Brookes
drug addict social worker husband baby attorney emotional gripping courtroom abandoned building rehabilitation program apartment drug addiction poverty child custody race relations pursuit transformation 1990s
The biological and adoptive mothers of a young boy are involved in a bitter, controversial custody battle.
Action
USA
1994
111 Minutes
Tom Hartman
Meryl Streep Kevin Bacon David Strathairn Joseph Mazzello John C. Reilly Benjamin Bratt Stephanie Sawyer Elizabeth Hoffman Victor Galloway Diane Delano Thomas F. Duffy
mother father son fugitive ranger hostage thrilling suspenseful tense idaho wilderness river household boston escape survival family rafting marriage escape
Rafting expert Gail takes on a pair of armed killers while navigating a spectacularly violent river.
Drama, Crime, Mystery & Thriller
USA
2017
85 Minutes
Theo Schacht
Chloë Grace Moretz Ansel Elgort David Strathairn Catherine Keener Terry Kinney Danny Flaherty Victor Williams Cory Hardrict
high-school student classmate girlfriend murder victim family friend thrilling engaging fascinating intricate united states high school murder investigation justice teenage rebellion friendship murder mystery discovery 21st century
After his friend is murdered, a Washington, D.C. teenager undertakes his own investigation of the crime.
Biography, Drama
1991
87 Minutes
Dr. Art Kobrine
Beau Bridges Joan Allen David Strathairn Bryan Clark Steve Flynn Christopher Bell Gary Grubbs Christine Healy Susan Brown
press secretary wife ronald reagan doctor john hinckley jr. emotional inspiring washington, d.c. hotel hospital assassination attempt gun control recovery marriage james brady sacrifice 1980s
The White House press secretary (Beau Bridges) and his wife (Joan Allen) go on after he is severely wounded in 1981.
Drama
1997
94 Minutes
Earl Himes
John Hurt Gregory Smith David Strathairn Stephen McHattie Seth Smith Sarah G. Buxton Marla Sokoloff Matthew Ness Oliver Hodges
young boy neighbor sister father bully best friend charming moving baltimore house roof suburbia coming of age courage father/son relationship suicide cancer friendship underdog rise
A bullied boy (Gregory Smith) befriends a gruff neighbor (John Hurt) who helps him prove himself by ascending a radio tower.
Action, Mystery & Thriller
USA|Germany|France|Spain
2007
115 Minutes
Noah Vosen
Matt Damon Julia Stiles Joan Allen David Strathairn Scott Glenn Paddy Considine Edgar Ramírez Albert Finney Tom Gallop Corey Johnson Daniel Brühl
jason bourne reporter secret agent assassin government official thrilling creative intricate europe london tangiers, morocco memory loss government agents knowledge the past survival discovery escape mystery 2000s
Jason Bourne dodges a ruthless C.I.A. official and his Agents from a new assassination program while searching for the origins of his life as a trained killer.
Drama
USA
1993
112 Minutes
Johnny
Richard Dreyfuss Mercedes Ruehl Irene Worth David Strathairn Brad Stoll Mike Damus Robert Miranda Jack Laufer Susan Merson
teen boy widower grandmother aunt uncle brother quirky lighthearted amusing yonkers, n.y. apartment siblings family dysfunction unlikely romance family childhood love transformation growing up 1940s
In the summer of 1942, two young boys are sent to stay with their stern grandmother and their childlike aunt in Yonkers, New York.
Kids & Family, Adventure, Fantasy, Drama
USA
2008
97 Minutes
Arthur Spiderwick
Freddie Highmore Sarah Bolger Mary-Louise Parker David Strathairn Joan Plowright
mother brother sister creature mermaid twin creative chilling haunted house magic moving friendship book family dysfunction mystery unknown era
Upon moving into the run-down Spiderwick Estate with their mother, twin brothers Jared and Simon Grace, along with their sister Mallory, find themselves pulled into an alternate world full of faeries and other creatures.
Sci-Fi, Comedy, Drama
USA|France
2009
101 Minutes
Dr. Flintstein
Paul Giamatti Dina Korzun Emily Watson David Strathairn Lauren Ambrose Katheryn Winnick Boris Kievsky Oksana Lada Natalia Zvereva Rebecca Brooksher
actor doctor courier actress poet russian engaging offbeat emotional amusing new york city st. petersburg, russia stage doctor's office street apartment unlikely allies self-discovery acting souls
Paul is an actor who feels bogged down by his participation in a production of Chekov's play, Vanya.
Horror, Mystery & Thriller
USA|Canada|Germany
2009
87 Minutes
Steven
Elizabeth Banks Charles Guard Emily Browning Arielle Kebbel David Strathairn Jesse Moss Kevin McNulty Matthew Bristol Danny Bristol
young girl father nurse sister ex-boyfriend ghost disturbing tense dark mental institution household office diner funeral investigation mental breakdown family haunting grief murder
Anna returns home after a stint in a mental hospital, but her recovery is jeopardized by her cruel stepmother and ghastly visions of her dead mother.
Mystery & Thriller, Sci-Fi, Drama
USA
2018
100 Minutes
Ellis
Gugu Mbatha-Raw Lorraine Toussaint Saniyya Sidney David Strathairn Christopher Denham Hannah Kauffmann Avery Akerson Levi Dylan Monique Straw Ramona King Richard L. Olsen
mother daughter grandmother cop sheriff scientist bleak brooding dreamy somber spirited desert cottage car small town family home on the run super powers apocalypse energy field
After years in hiding, a woman is forced to go on the run when her superhuman abilities are discovered. Years after having abandoned her family, the only place she has left to hide is home.
Mystery & Thriller
Germany|USA
2004
96 Minutes
Dr. Melvin Frank
Ashley Judd Samuel L. Jackson Andy Garcia David Strathairn Russell Wong Camryn Manheim Mark Pellegrino Titus Welliver D.W. Moffett Richard T. Jones Leland Orser
police detective mentor partner doctor lieutenant serial killer crafty suspenseful thrilling chilling san francisco docks household police station big city investigation murder promotion one-night stand mental breakdown
Jessica, whose father killed her mother and committed suicide, is a police officer. While investigating a murder, she finds herself in the center of her own investigation, when her former lovers start being murdered.
Drama
USA
2012
96 Minutes
Delmar
James Franco Catherine Keener Fallon Goodson David Strathairn Vince Jolivette Jon Prescott Jean Carter Carter Alan Cumming
A talented and successful actor retires at a young age due to a perceived mental illness. Now living in a small town with his deranged sister and his best friend, we watch as their Maladies intertwine.
Comedy
USA
1985
82 Minutes
Weejun
David Orange Barbara Marineau Nicky Beim David Strathairn Frank Sotonoma Salsedo
When construction worker Greg becomes fed-up with his foreman and the "city life", he takes his wife and kids on a wilderness adventure.
Mystery & Thriller
2002
96 Minutes
Mannie
James Caan Lukas Haas Lisa Bonet David Strathairn Sheila McCarthy
A therapist (James Caan) manipulates the mind of a man (Lukas Haas) who can alter reality through his dreams.
Drama, Biography
2010
110 Minutes
Dr. Carlock
Claire Danes Catherine O'Hara Julia Ormond David Strathairn Stephanie Faracy Barry Tubb Melissa Farman Michael Crabtree
scientist farmer autistic person mother aunt professor inspiring uplifting emotional powerful colorado campus ranch slaughterhouse arizona family home temple grandin autism animal husbandry family
The scientist (Claire Danes) becomes an advocate for autistics and the humane treatment of livestock.
Drama
1983
110 Minutes
Jerry
Ellen Barkin Mirra Bank Kevin Bacon Maria Tucci David Strathairn Ron McLarty Sudie Bond Lynn Milgrim Jeffrey DeMunn Zvees Schooler
New Yorkers Virginia (Ellen Barkin), Faith and Alexandra (Maria Tucci) have men problems in three vignettes based on Grace Paley short stories.
Crime, Drama
USA
1997
136 Minutes
Pierce Morehouse Patchett
Kevin Spacey Russell Crowe Guy Pearce James Cromwell David Strathairn Kim Basinger Danny DeVito Graham Beckel Simon Baker-Denny Matt McCoy John Mahon
police officer detective journalist mobster prostitute actor dark chilling suspenseful emotional coffee shop police station los angeles government building street big city corruption murder prostitution organized crime
As corruption grows in 1950s Los Angeles, three policemen - one strait-laced, one brutal, and one sleazy - investigate a series of murders with their own brand of justice.
Crime, Drama
USA
1995
131 Minutes
Joe St. George
Kathy Bates Jennifer Jason Leigh Judy Parfitt Christopher Plummer David Strathairn Eric Bogosian John C. Reilly Ellen Muth Bob Gunton Roy Cooper Wayne Robson
journalist housekeeper elderly woman detective father daughter disturbing brooding melodramatic maine small town family home police station ferry mansion murder dark secrets domestic violence mysterious past mother/daughter relationship
A big-city reporter travels to the small town where her mother has been arrested for the murder of an elderly woman that she works for as a maid.
Drama
Canada|Germany
2010
112 Minutes
Peter Ward
Rachel Weisz Monica Bellucci Vanessa Redgrave Benedict Cumberbatch David Strathairn Liam Cunningham David Hewlett William Hope
u.n. worker criminal police officer trafficker victim bleak disturbing gripping intense shocking bosnia headquarters court human trafficking scandal corruption investigation murder discovery quest
A drama based on the experiences of Kathryn Bolkovac, a Nebraska cop who served as a peacekeeper in post-war Bosnia and outed the U.N. for covering up a sex trafficking scandal.
Drama
USA
1984
99 Minutes
Dr. Singe
Timothy Hutton Lindsay Crouse John Lone Josef Sommer David Strathairn Philip Akin Danny Glover Amelia Hall Richard Monette James Tolkan
anthropologist prehistoric man scientist linguist doctor emotional fascinating touching north pole laboratory arctic frozen man scientific observation human connection human rights culture shock protection discovery rivalry transformation
A prehistoric Neanderthal man found frozen in ice is revived by an arctic exploration team, who then attempt to use him for their own scientific means.
Mystery & Thriller
2015
99 Minutes
Nathan
Stephen Dorff Elsa Olivero Amiel Cayo Marco Antonio Ramírez David Strathairn Alberto Ammann Carlos Bardem Melvin Quijada Lucho Cáceres Brooke Langton Delfina Paredes
finance expert financier young boy politician thrilling tense new york peru political commentary political intrigue politicians politics international intrigue finance rise sacrifice temptation 21st century
An American businessman is torn between helping a poverty-stricken Peruvian boy and helping his company's CEO secure more land.
Comedy, Drama
USA
1992
126 Minutes
Ira Lowenstein
Tom Hanks Geena Davis Madonna Lori Petty Jon Lovitz David Strathairn Garry Marshall Megan Cavanagh Rosie O'Donnell Renée Coleman Ann Cusack
baseball catcher baseball pitcher baseball player baseball team owner baseball fan coach amusing lighthearted oregon illinois baseball field family home baseball family world war ii women in sports rivalry transformation rise 1940s
Two sisters join the first female professional baseball league and struggle to help it succeed amidst their own growing rivalry.
Biography, Drama
USA
2006
90 Minutes
Estes Kefauver
Gretchen Mol Chris Bauer Jared Harris Sarah Paulson Cara Seymour David Strathairn Lili Taylor John Cullum Matt McGrath Austin Pendleton Norman Reedus
model photographer senator sister fascinating tender new york city nashville, tenn. miami coney island sex pornography trial abuse photography betty page rise underdog escape 1950s
The life of Bettie Page, a 1950s pin-up model and one of the first sex icons in America, who became the target of a Senate investigation because of her risqué bondage photos.
Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
USA|Japan
2014
123 Minutes
Admiral William Stenz
Aaron Taylor-Johnson Ken Watanabe Elizabeth Olsen Juliette Binoche Sally Hawkins David Strathairn Bryan Cranston Richard T. Jones
expert estranged father godzilla monster adversary citizen brutal dark fascinating japan sea city san francisco underground shelter airplane humanity fighting monsters fear bomb
The world is beset by the appearance of monstrous creatures, but one of them may be the only one who can save humanity.
Sci-Fi, Action
USA
2018
88 Minutes
Franklin Ahls
Alex Sharp Gillian Anderson Ella Purnell Ben Beatty Cecelia Abbey David Strathairn Ken Early Brian Bowman
college student fbi agent professor thrilling tense dark united states alien ufo mystery 21st century
A college student, who sees a UFO, uses his exceptional math skills to investigate the sighting with his friends while the FBI follows closely behind.
Comedy, Drama
USA
1989
96 Minutes
The Stranger
Rene Auberjonois Ron McLarty Joe Grifasi Scott Allegrucci Gale Mayron David Strathairn Stanley Tucci Lynne Killmeyer Kathleen Doyle Libby George
factory worker store owner cousin son daughter police chief dark offbeat united states store small town suburb feud pregnancy suicide attempt young love small-town life transformation wretched excess 1950s
When Dolf Beeler enters Bud Bullard's hardware store with his cigar lit and ignores the no-smoking store policy, this small faux pas turns into an escalating fiery feud. However, not all members of the two families hate each other.
Fantasy, Drama
USA
2010
109 Minutes
King Alonso
Helen Mirren Felicity Jones Djimon Hounsou Ben Whishaw Reeve Carney David Strathairn Alan Cumming Chris Cooper Tom Conti Alfred Molina Russell Brand
sorceress daughter king butler slave son eerie striking dreamy island boat vengeance shipwreck magic storm exile revenge rivalry escape 17th century
Shakespeare's epic play is translated from page to screen, with the gender of the main character, Prospero, changed from male to female.
Drama, History
USA
1988
119 Minutes
Eddie Cicotte
John Cusack Clifton James Michael Lerner Christopher Lloyd John Mahoney Charlie Sheen David Strathairn D.B. Sweeney Don Harvey Michael Rooker Perry Lang
shoeless joe jackson buck weaver charlie comiskey gambler reporter solemn gritty comiskey park redland field black sox scandal corruption fixed game baseball money temptation fall rivalry 1910s
A dramatization of the Black Sox scandal when the underpaid Chicago White Sox accepted bribes to deliberately lose the 1919 World Series.
Documentary
USA
2007
96 Minutes
Joan Allen Brian Dennehy Michael Douglas Paul Giamatti Nathan Lane Josh Lucas Liam Neeson David Strathairn Donald Sutherland
screenwriter congressman interrogator film studio executive filmmaker actor creative fiery incredible inspiring hollywood, calif. mexico prison hollywood blacklist dalton trumbo huac mccarthyism communism defiance underdog
Through a focus on the life of Dalton Trumbo (1905-1976), this film examines the effects on individuals and families of a congressional pursuit of Hollywood Communists after World War II. ... See full summary »
Comedy, Drama
USA
1996
110 Minutes
Lieutenant Bernard B. O'Hare
Nick Nolte Sheryl Lee Alan Arkin Kirsten Dunst John Goodman Arye Gross Frankie Faison David Strathairn Bernard Behrens
writer wife secret agent young girl military officer radio host bleak tense emotional east germany manhattan theater espionage working undercover nazism misunderstanding mysterious past identity transformation fall
An American spy behind the lines during WWII serves as a Nazi propagandist, a role he cannot escape in his future life as he can never reveal his real role in the war.