25 Best James Spader Movies & TV Shows, Ranked

James Spader’s filmography proves that the actor is one of the most versatile performers in Hollywood. He is also someone who reinvented himself halfway through his astonishing career. For the first 25 years, Spader was a solid performer in movies, taking on several high-profile supporting roles in movies like Pretty in Pink. He also proved he could pique the interest of critically acclaimed directors like Steven Soderbergh, Oliver Stone, Mike Nichols, and David Cronenberg while appearing in blockbusters like Stargate.

However, Spader made a change in 2003 when he took on a role in the TV series The Practice. Since then, his movie roles remain minimal, with only a few major releases. Instead, Spader focuses on TV now. He followed up The Practice with the leading the main cast in its spin-off Boston Legal, took a shot at starring in The Office, and enjoyed the greatest success of his career with the lead role on The Blacklist, proving his second life as a star actor could surpass a great first half but in a very different medium.

25

Dream Lover (1993)

An Erotic Thriller About A Man Entrapped By A Woman Who Is Not Who She Claims

Dream Lover is an erotic thriller about a man named Ray (James Spader) who meets a woman and quickly marries her, leading to them starting a family together. However, as their marriage continues, he begins to suspect she is lying to him and then realizes she is not who she claims to be. Mädchen Amick (Shelly Johnson from Twin Peaks) stars as the woman, Lena Mathers, and the two end up in a game of cat and mouse, one that has a horrifyingly tragic ending.

The film received mixed to positive critical reviews, although the audience was not as enamored. However, Amick was praised for her performance as Lena, earning a Best Actress nomination from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Horror Films at the 1995 Saturn Awards. While he was disappointed with the ending, Roger Ebert gave the movie three stars, calling it a „deadly game of romantic cat-and-mouse ” that is „worth seeing.”

24

Critical Care (1997)

A Sidney Lumet Satire About The American Healthcare System

Critical Care

Release Date

October 31, 1997

Runtime

107 minutes

Director

Sidney Lumet

Writers

Steven Schwartz

James Spader starred in the Sidney Lumet 1997 comedy that took aim at the American medicine industry. Spader was only part of an incredible cast that included Kyra Sedgwick, Helen Mirren, Anne Bancroft, Albert Brooks, Jeffrey Wright, and many more. Spader plays Werner Ernst, a doctor who finds himself involved in a fight between two half-sisters Felicia (Kyra Sedgwick) and Connie (Margo Martindale) about the care of their ill father. One wants the hospital to pull the plug, and the other wants him saved.

At the same time, his mentor (Albert Brooks) also warns him only to help people with good insurance. As a dark comedy, this movie differs from many of Spader’s other projects, which tended to be thrillers and dramas with an erotic leaning. However, Spader turned in a great wide-eyed performance as a doctor who wants to do good in a health industry that only cares about money. Steven Schwartz earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best First Screenplay.

23

Less Than Zero (1987)

A Man Returns From College To Learn His Best Friends Have Become Drug Addicts

Less Than Zero

Release Date

November 6, 1987

Runtime

98 minutes

Director

Marek Kanievska

Writers

Bret Easton Ellis, Harley Peyton

James Spader stars alongside Jami Gertz (The Lost Boys) and Robert Downey Jr. in Less Than Zero. In this film, Andrew McCarthy stars as Clay, a college freshman who returns home for Christmas only to find his two closest friends, Blair (Gertz) and Julian (Downey), have become drug addicts. Spader stars as Rip, a former classmate who Julian owes $50,000. Rip has forced Julian to become a male prostitute to help pay it off and keeps him addicted to drugs to ensure his complicity.

When Clay tries to help Julian get clean, Rip is the villain who refuses to allow this to happen. Based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis, critical reception was mixed, with many admitting that Ellis’s story would have been impossible to sell if kept with its nihilistic tone. Critics also say the changes to make it more crowd-friendly ended up „sanitizing” the story. However, critics also praised Downey’s performance as „desperately moving,” and Ellis also praised Downey and Spader as Julian and Rip (via HillZoo).

22

Bad Influence (1990)

James Spader Plays A Yuppie Encouraged To Explore His Dark Side

Bad Influence

Release Date

March 9, 1990

Runtime

99 Minutes

Director

Curtis Hanson

Writers

David Koepp

Directed by Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential), Bad Influence was the first script that David Koepp received sole screenplay credit for. In this film, James Spader plays a socially awkward man named Michael, someone who is often used and pushed around by everyone from co-workers to his fiancé. However, this all changes after he meets a mysterious man named Alex (Rob Lowe). Alex soon sucks Michael into a hedonistic lifestyle, which includes breaking off his engagement, attacking a co-worker, and even taking part in an armed robbery.

By the time Michael realizes how deep he has gotten and tries to get out of the toxic relationship with Alex, it is too late. Critics awarded the film mixed to positive reviews, with a 65% Rotten Tomatoes score. Critics praised Koepp for his script and Curtis Hanson’s direction. Sadly, the film was mostly dismissed at the time thanks to Rob Lowe’s sex tape scandal that hit at the same time, but it remains a solid thriller noir that deserves a second look.

21

Baby Boom (1987)

A Woman Receives A Toddler As An Inheritance

Baby Boom

Release Date

October 7, 1987

Runtime

110 minutes

Writers

Charles Shyer

Baby Boom is a Diane Keaton vehicle written by Nancy Meyers (Father of the Bride). Keaton stars as J.C. Wiatt, a Manhattan management consultant committed to her high-profile job. She lives with her boyfriend (Harold Ramis), and neither is interested in having children. However, her life is turned upside down when her cousin dies, and her inheritance is the woman’s 18-month-old orphaned toddler, Elizabeth. J.C. initially plans to put the child up for adoption but then grows attached and tries to become a working mom.

James Spader plays Ken Arrenberg, J.C.’s protégé at her job. It is Ken who makes a series of decisions without consulting her first and soon takes over her spot in the company when they choose him over her. Arrenberg is a minor antagonist here, a young man who will step on anyone to get to the top in a film that shows companies will always look for the next big thing and push out anyone reaching a certain age. The film received positive reviews and earned nominations for Best Motion Picture Comedy or Musical and Best Actress at the Golden Globes.

20

2 Days In The Valley (1996)

James Spader Leads The Ensemble Of This Dark Comedy

Following the success of Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, there were a lot of movies that came out in the 1990s that attempted to replicate the same wild energy of interconnecting crime stories, a colorful cast of characters, and a dark sense of humor. While many of these attempts fell far short of capturing Tarantino’s style, 2 Days in the Valley is a solid entry into this specific subgenre and elevated by a stellar cast.

The movie follows a pair of cops, a ruthless hitman, and a former Olympian who find themselves colliding on a violent odyssey in Los Angeles. James Spader gets the juiciest and most vicious role in a movie populated by nefarious characters. As Lee Woods, the deadly hitman, Spader brings a menacing coolness to the role. He is also joined by the likes of Teri Hatcher, Jeff Daniels, and Charlize Theron in her acting debut.

19

White Palace (1990)

Spader And Susan Sarandon Star In The Romance Drama

White Palace

Release Date

October 26, 1990

Runtime

103 Minutes

Director

Luis Mandoki

Writers

Glenn Savan, Ted Tally, Alvin Sargent

James Spader has starred in a few unorthodox romance stories in his career, with The White Palace being one of the most underrated. Spader stars as a yuppie advertising professional in his 20s who has a chance encounter with a bold working-class woman in her 40s, played by Susan Sarandon. They quickly form an intense connection and embark on a love affair that is both passionate and complicated.

There have been many movies about the romance between an older woman and a younger man, but The White Palace offers something better than most in the genre by being about the characters rather than the age gap. Spader and Sarandon have incredible chemistry together, while the movie’s script is taut, funny, sexy, and clever. It is a thrill seeing these two navigate their relationship as the rest of the world judges.

18

The Music Of Chance (1993)

Spader Leads The Gambling Thriller

The Music of Chance

Release Date

June 4, 1993

Runtime

98 Minutes

Director

Philip Haas

Writers

Philip Haas, Paul Auster, Belinda Haas

James Spader finds himself among a strong ensemble of actors in the intense and dark drama The Music of Chance. Mandy Patinkin stars as a newly wealthy man on a road trip across the country who happens to meet an eccentric professional gambler (Spader). The two men team up for a high-stakes poker game against two rich and powerful men. However, when Spader loses, they are kept captive on the rich men’s estate and forced to work as indentured servants to pay off their debt.

The movie presents an intriguing premise that comments on class divisions and the power of wealth. However, it is really a display of some brilliant acting across the board. Spader is the standout of the movie with his somewhat unhinged yet sympathetic performance. He and Patinkin are joined by Charles Durning, Joel Grey, and M. Emmet Walsh. It is a joy watching these actors work together as the tense movie builds to its thought-provoking end.

17

Bob Roberts (1992)

James Spader Cameos In The Political Satire

Bob Roberts

Release Date

September 4, 1992

Runtime

102 minutes

Director

Tim Robbins

Producers

Forrest Murray, Paul Webster, Ronna B. Wallace

Bob Roberts is a hilarious and clever political satire that remains a relevant and insightful bit of commentary more than 30 years later. This mockumentary-like comedy stars Tim Robbins as a folk singer and politician who manipulates the needs of the people and uses fiery rhetoric to grow an increasingly popular campaign for the U.S. Senate. The film is a behind-the-scenes look at Roberts’ campaign as well as the reaction from the country about the controversial man.

The movie is filled with big names in small cameo roles, including Giancarlo Esposito, John Cusack, and Jack Black. James Spader is part of this large ensemble as a local news reporter covering Bob’s campaign. Spader brings a fun bit of overly eager energy to the comedic role. The movie itself is a very funny ride but is also thought-provoking in its messages, teetering on the edge of outlandish but always remaining grounded.

16

Wall Street (1987)

Spader Appears In Oliver Stone’s Drama About Modern Greed

Wall Street

Release Date

December 10, 1987

Runtime

125 minutes

Director

Oliver Stone

Writers

Stanley Weiser, Oliver Stone

Along with starring in some of the most definitive 1980s movies of all time, James Spader also appeared in a film that spoke to a specific culture of the era. Oliver Stone’s Wall Street is an examination of the rise of the financial professionals on Wall Street and the culture of greed they were at the center of. Michael Douglas stars as Gordon Gekko, a legendary Wall Street player who takes young Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen) under his wing and corrupts him in the name of making money.

Spader has a small but effective role as Roger Barnes, a lawyer who is friends with Bud and who he eventually uses to get insider information. Douglas won an Oscar for his electrifying lead performance, while Stone proved himself a compelling filmmaker once more with his ability to place the audience in a dark and disturbing world where morality and ethics are constantly in question.

15

Storyville (1992)

James Spader Stars As A Lawyer Unraveling A Conspiracy

Storyville

Release Date

August 26, 1992

Runtime

113 Minutes

Director

Mark Frost

Writers

Frank Galbally, Robert Macklin, Mark Frost, Lee Reynolds

James Spader stars in Storyville as Cray Fowler, a young lawyer in New Orleans who takes on a case and quickly unravels an entire conspiracy centering around his family. This is not the only time he has played a lawyer: Spader did so in the legal drama series Boston Legal, and his ability to pull off smug and pompous shone in both. Although reviews weren’t sparkling, Storyville offered a look at how impressive Spader was as a performer.

Indeed, it is Spader’s performance as a young man reeling after being blackmailed that really elevates the movie beyond being a run-of-the-mill thriller. Spader has never seemed interested in playing typical protagonists and he brings a lot of unexpected elements to this leading man role. The humor he imbues in his character is especially effective at livening the movie up.

14

The Homesman (2014)

James Spader Stars In A Tommy Lee Jones Directed Western

The Homesman

Release Date

May 18, 2014

Runtime

122 Minutes

Writers

Tommy Lee Jones, Kieran Fitzgerald, Wesley A. Oliver, Glendon Swarthout

​​​​​One of the later James Spader movies, this historical drama is set in the 1850s Midwest and has a star-studded cast that includes Hilary Swank, Meryl Streep, John Lithgow, and Hailee Steinfeld. The movie follows a woman (Swank) who hires a lowly drifter (Jones) to transport three women who have had mental health issues to a facility where they can be treated. Directed by Tommy Lee Jones, Spader’s character is Aloysius Duffy, a hotel owner who has a run-in with the main characters.

It is a small yet impactful role in the film that proves that even when he isn’t the leading man, Spader still manages to stand out. Aloysius is an unlikable character, yet Spader plays him with a sense that he is being hospitable and kind despite doing nothing to help people in need. The movie screened in competition at the Cannes Film Festival for the Palme d’Or.

13

Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015)

James Spader Voiced The Evil Ultron

​​​​​​Some might not even have realized that an MCU film ranks among James Spader’s movies, but Spader played the villain Ultron in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Not only did he provide the voice for the character, but he acted using motion capture technology. The second of the Avengers movies finds Tony Stark and Bruce Banner giving life to the artificial intelligence program known as Ultron, only for the killer robot to decide the best course of action to save the world is to destroy the Avengers.

Despite his face never being seen on camera, this role ranks among Spader’s most iconic performances. He proves that by taking what could have been a robotic performance, and delivering a nuanced and humorous comic book movie villain that no one could have expected. While there were some who criticized the less serious take on this beloved and intimidating antagonist, Spader’s performance shines through in the bombastic action to deliver a truly underrated MCU villain.

12

The Office (2011-2012)

James Spader Replaced Steve Carell

The Office

Release Date

2005 – 2012

Showrunner

Greg Daniels

Directors

Greg Daniels, Paul Lieberstein, Paul Feig, Randall Einhorn, Ken Kwapis

James Spader stepped into a situation that was almost unwinnable in 2011 when he joined The Office cast. When Michael Scott left The Office, Dunder Mifflin had to go about hiring a new manager. Spader’s Robert California was introduced in the season 7 finale episode, „Search Committee”. Despite that episode featuring big stars like Jim Carrey, Ricky Gervais, and Ray Romano, Spader stole the show with his creepy yet hilarious performance as the self-assured businessman who controlled every room he was in.

It is not surprising that he was brought back and it was explained that California convinced Dunder Mifflin’s CEO to give him their job. In this recurring capacity, Spader had the misfortune of joining The Office at a time when the sitcom struggled to find its place after Michael’s exit. While season 8 was certainly not the show’s strongest season, Spader was a bright spot, bringing an unusual dynamic to the ensemble.

11

Wolf (1994)

James Spader Played Opposite Jack Nicholson In This Werewolf Movie

Wolf

Release Date

June 17, 1994

Runtime

125 Minutes

Director

Mike Nichols

Writers

Jim Harrison, Wesley Strick

Wolf is a werewolf movie that follows Will Randall (Jack Nicholson), who is bitten by a wolf and finds that he feels younger and has more energy after the incident. Randall is fired from his position as a book editor and has been replaced by Stewart Swinton (Spader) a younger, more aggressive editor while falling for his former boss’s daughter, Laura (Michelle Pfeiffer), and trying to figure out how to reckon with the possibility that he’s a werewolf.

With a cast of this caliber and under the vision of director Mike Nichols, it should not be surprising that Wolf offers something more interesting than the standard werewolf horror movie. Spader is known for his ability to tackle villainous roles, but also very multi-layered characters, and he achieves both in this film. Though Nicholson gets the flashier role, it is a lot of fun seeing Spader play off the iconic actor as his foil in the movie.

10

Jack’s Back (1988)

James Spader As The Main Suspect In A Murder Thriller

Jack’s Back

Release Date

May 6, 1988

Runtime

97 Minutes

Director

Rowdy Herrington

Writers

Rowdy Herrington

While there are a number of movies that focus on Jack the Ripper, the infamous serial killer from the late 1800s, Jack’s Back is a clever modern take in which a series of murders in Los Angeles look to be mimicking Jack the Ripper. The police suspect that a doctor, John Westford (Spader), is responsible for the copycat murders. All suspicions are put aside when the doctor himself is killed and his twin brother (also Spader) claims he is having visions of the murders and tries to help solve the case to clear his brother’s name.

Spader pulls off a complex, dual role here, and while the concept of actors playing two distinct characters has been done before, in the ’80s, it wasn’t so common, but Spader made it look easy. It is another leading man role in which Spader doesn’t play things safe and gives a truly compelling performance. While the movie received a mixed response, Spader was nominated for a Saturn Award for his performance.

9

The Blacklist (2013-2023)

James Spader’s Biggest TV Role

The Blacklist

Release Date

2013 – 2022

Showrunner

Jon Bokenkamp

Directors

Jon Bokenkamp

Writers

Jon Bokenkamp

While James Spader’s projects have entertained fans for decades, a new generation met him thanks to The Blacklist. The series follows an FBI agent named Elizabeth (Megan Boone) who is approached by Spader’s Red Reddington, a notorious international figurative who offers to help Elizabeth take down the world’s most dangerous people. While Reddington seems eager to thwart these crime figures, some mysteries suggest he has motivations of his own.

Unlike his previous relatively short-lived television roles, Spader was able to cement himself in the world of procedural television with his performance as Reddington over the course of 10 seasons. The show is an exciting thriller, but it is made special by Spader’s performance, which is filled with humor, class, and danger at every turn. The actor was nominated for two Golden Globes in the role.

8

The Practice (2003-2004)

James Spader’s First Starring Role In A TV Show

The Practice

Cast

• 

  Dylan McDermott

  Bobby Donnell

• 

  Kelli Williams

  Lindsay Dole

• 

  Lara Flynn Boyle

  A.D.A. Helen Gamble

• 

Long before Spader came on The Office and stole the show, he joined another already-established series and made a huge impact. The Practice was a hit legal drama that follows the lawyers of a top defense firm in Boston as they juggle the wins and losses of their biggest cases. Spader first showed up in season 8 where he played Alan Shore, a new associate who joins the firm after several cast members, including Dylan McDermott, left.

Alan was an unpredictable and eccentric lawyer who was a breath of fresh air in the long-running series, providing a character who was funny as well as a compelling heroic lawyer. His time would be short as the series ended after that season, but it was a big hit. Not only was it enough to earn Spader an Emmy Award, but the popularity of the series also led to Alan getting his own spinoff series with Boston Legal.

7

Secretary (2002)

James Spader & Maggie Gyllenhaal In A BDSM Drama

Secretary

Release Date

September 20, 2002

Runtime

107 Minutes

Director

Steven Shainberg

This erotic romantic comedy-drama stars Maggie Gyllenhaal as Lee Holloway, the submissive secretary to a dominant lawyer, E. Edward Grey (Spader). While working together, they engage in various BDSM activities when Grey begins to get aroused by how obedient Lee is. However, amid their unconventional relationship, a genuine bond grows between these two people who don’t often feel like they can fit in.

The movie takes the tricky subject matter and delivers something that is funny and surprisingly heartfelt. Secretary is not everyone, but the performances show that even those with sexual desires outside the mainstream can be relatable. Gyllenhaal was the breakout star of the movie, earning several critics awards for her performance. However, Spader’s nuanced performance should also not be overlooked as he is able to make the audience care about this character who they might immediately feel repulsed by.

6

Stargate (1994)

James Spader In His Biggest Blockbuster Of The ’90s

Stargate

Release Date

October 28, 1994

Runtime

116 Minutes

Throughout James Spader’s lengthy filmography, he has mostly stuck with indie movies and smaller thrillers. However, in 1994, Spader took part in one of the biggest blockbusters of his movie career with the sci-fi action movie Stargate. Spader starred as Dr. Daniel Jackson, an Egyptologist, who teams with a soldier named Jack O’Neil (Kurt Russell) to explore an ancient device known as the Stargate, which creates a wormhole and allows them to travel to a point in the universe where another Stargate exists.

Stargate was a huge success, earning $196.6 million off a $55 million budget (via The Numbers) and spawning a franchise that included several television shows. One of the highlights of the movie is the cast, with Kurt Russell fitting nicely into the action hero role he is known for, and Spader totally game as the more intellectual hero character.