Christopher Reeve’s Best Movies, Ranked

I must say, reflecting upon Christopher Reeve’s illustrious career leaves me utterly awestruck! From the heights of Metropolis to the depths of time travel, his performances have captivated audiences and left indelible marks on cinema history.

Christopher Reeve is most famously recognized for embodying the character of Superman, the legendary DC Comics hero that left an indelible impact on countless viewers. However, his filmic impact transcends the cape, as he demonstrated versatility and talent as an actor, blending a captivating leading-man persona with a wide-ranging dramatic ability. This unique skill set enabled him to seamlessly move between different genres and deliver unforgettable performances in numerous films.

From his breakout role in the 1978 Superman to his chilling turn in Rear Window, Reeve proved that both big-budget blockbusters and smaller productions can showcase his talents, versatility, and commitment to the craft. Even in the wake of his tragic horseback riding accident, Reeve continued to tirelessly work towards inspiring and uplifting others. Revisiting the actor’s remarkable career through his 11 best movies, each one a testament to his enduring legacy, is a good start to celebrate Christopher Reeve as one of the greatest actors of his generation.

11 ‘Village of the Damned’ (1995)

Nestled in the peaceful hamlet of Midwich, the story of The Village of the Damned unfolds as a baffling mass blackout strikes the entire town, causing all its inhabitants to briefly lose consciousness. Upon regaining awareness, it becomes evident that an unusual phenomenon has occurred: ten women have inexplicably conceived, and given birth to ten children who share striking similarities – blonde hair of a silver hue and uncanny intellect. As these extraordinary kids rapidly mature, their chilling behavior comes to light, leaving the townsfolk in a race against time to unravel the enigma behind this unsettling phenomenon.

A Sci-Fi Thriller with Reeve at His Best

As a die-hard film enthusiast, I must say that John Carpenter’s remake of the 1960 classic horror/sci-fi flick is a chilling tale that thrives on mystery, suspense, and an eerie ambiance born from the bizarre nature of the enigma at hand. In one of his last silver screen appearances before fate took a cruel turn, the legendary Christopher Reeve delivers an unforgettable performance as Dr. Alan Chaffe, the town’s physician, who grapples with the malevolent entities threatening the tranquility of his community. Despite its flaws, Reeve’s mesmerizing portrayal makes this movie a must-watch for any film aficionado.

10 ‘Rear Window’ (1998)

Rear Window is a nerve-wracking modern adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s original work, showcasing Christopher Reeve in top form as wheelchair-bound architect Jason Kep. Following an accident, he’s confined to his apartment, but his perspective is limited only to the apartments around him. As suspicion and intrigue grow that his neighbor has committed a horrific crime, Jason finds himself entangled in this web of mystery, potentially placing himself in harm’s way.

A Suspenseful Remake Featuring Reeve

In the movie “Rear Window,” directed by Jeff Bleckner, Christopher Reeve delivered a remarkable performance, as he used his expressive face and voice to portray his growing discomfort and ethical dilemma despite his physical restrictions. His amateur detective work straddled the boundary between peeping tom behavior and civic responsibility, mirroring the complex challenges faced by the actor in real life. For this reason, “Rear Window” earned widespread acclaim for Reeve’s moving and impactful portrayal.

9 ‘In the Gloaming’ (1997)

In his extensive body of work, only occasionally does one come across an HBO film that Christopher Reeve directed following his accident, a production carried out entirely within the confines of a single room. This heartfelt and emotionally charged drama follows the story of Danny, a young man who has been diagnosed with AIDS and returns to his home for some precious time with his family. As he reconnects with loved ones, resolves past conflicts with his mother, father, and sister, Danny battles not only his illness but also the impending feelings of loss and grief.

Reeve’s Touching Directorial Triumph

Featuring Robert Sean Leonard, Glenn Close, David Strathairn, Bridget Fonda, and Whoopi Goldberg in its lead roles, “In the Gloaming” explores the intricate relationships within a family and the delicate nature of life when confronted by terminal illness. Reeve’s direction is subtle, poignant, compassionate, and intimate. He skillfully draws out compelling performances from his cast, garnering exceptional acclaim for his unique vision. Critics hailed the film as “an incredibly impressive directorial debut.

8 ‘Street Smart’ (1987)

In “Street Smart,” Christopher Reeve departed from his Superman character to portray Jonathan Fisher, a tenacious yet morally questionable journalist yearning for a sensational scoop. He concocted an article about a ruthless pimp, envisioning it as the breakthrough he needed in his career. However, when the fabricated tale aligns with actual events and a dangerous pimp called Fast Black retaliates against him, Jonathan is compelled to confront the repercussions of his actions.

Gripping and Dramatic Tale of Ambition

In a surprising turn, Reeve’s role as the ethically troubled Fisher, who unknowingly becomes embroiled in a network of crime and corruption, is captivating. The actor masterfully guides his character’s path, exploring journalistic morals, and demonstrates a broad acting range. However, it’s Morgan Freeman’s portrayal of Fast Black that truly steals the show. His performance was not only intense and dramatic enough to secure an Academy Award nomination, but also riveting enough to eclipse Reeve’s impact.

7 ‘The Remains of the Day’ (1993)

The novel “The Remains of the Day,” which won the Booker Prize and was penned by Kazuo Ishiguro, is set in post-World War II England. This narrative follows Stevens, a devoted butler who had spent several decades serving Lord Darlington with unwavering devotion. Two decades later, Stevens chooses to pay a visit to Miss Kenton, the previous housekeeper he had a complex bond with, and ponders over his years of service, his commitment to his duty, and the societal and political transformations he helped ignore.

A Quiet and Dignified Supporting Role

The film titled “The Remains of the Day” presents a heartfelt dramatic exploration of themes such as sacrifice, duty, and the transient quality of joy. Guided by James Ivory’s direction, this movie is brought to life by exceptional performances from Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, and Reeve, who takes on the role of Jack Lewis – a U.S. congressman whose actions challenge Lord Darlington’s political connections. Jack’s character adds depth and complexity to the story, contributing significantly to the film’s overall depth and richness.

6 ‘Above Suspicion’ (1995)

In the crime thriller directed by Steven Schachter for HBO, we follow Reeve as Dempsey Cain, a senior police officer left paralyzed following a fateful accident with his brother, Nick. After being medically discharged, Cain struggles to adapt to his changed life and finds himself alienated from his wife, Gail, who is secretly involved with Nick. Desperate for retribution, Cain devises an intricate plot to punish them both, all while facing threats from a competing detective.

A Shocking Portrayal of Revenge

The gripping, suspenseful thriller “Above Suspicion” made its debut on HBO a mere six days before Reeve’s unfortunate horse-riding accident – an unlucky coincidence. However, it is the actor’s remarkable and intensely moving performance that truly powers this production. Joe Mantegna and Kim Cattrall, equally devoted to their captivating roles, stand by his side.

5 ‘Deathtrap’ (1982)

In a captivating and intricate tale, the play Deathtrap revolves around Sidney Bruhl, a once-acclaimed playwright grappling with despair following the dismal failure of his latest production. When an enticing script from a former student named Clifford Anderson appears to hold the key to a career resurgence, Sidney concocts a sinister scheme involving Clifford’s untimely demise and the theft of the script. However, as he becomes more enmeshed in his obsession, he finds himself treading on a treacherous path.

Wicked and Entertaining Cat-and-Mouse Game

As a devoted fan, I must say that my experience watching “Deathtrap,” directed by Sidney Lumet, was nothing short of thrilling. Michael Caine, in an unexpected turn, masterfully portrayed the manipulative and morally ambiguous character, Bruhl. His performance is so captivating that it’s evident he’s fully embraced this complex role.

4 ‘Noises Off’ (1992)

Transforming Michael Frayn’s cherished stage production, “Noises Off,” onto the silver screen, offers audiences an exclusive peek into the pandemonium backstage of a theatrical performance. The narrative revolves around director Lloyd Fellowes, summoned to infuse an American flavor into a British play titled “Nothing’s On.” A motley crew of eccentric actors is followed as they spiral into chaos in the lead-up to opening night, grappling with personal troubles and comedic love entanglements that turn rehearsals into a whirlwind of calamity.

Reeve Showcases Slapstick Charm

Under the guidance of director Peter Bogdanovich, the fast-paced, riotous, and witty comedy Noises Off unfolds. Michael Caine skillfully steers the film as he navigates through each mischievous mishap that threatens to disrupt the entire production. On the other hand, Reeve shines brightly in his role as the lead actor, mirroring the turmoil of the stage with his own personal uncertainties.

3 ‘Superman’ (1978)

Christopher Reeve became widely recognized as a cultural figure due to his portrayal of Superman. He put on the well-known blue tights and red cape for a film that traced the story of Clark Kent, a regular journalist who transforms into the main character. Born on Krypton before its destruction, Superman learns about his extraordinary powers and later relocates to Metropolis where he confronts Lex Luthor.

An Enduring Classic in Cinematic History

Under the guidance of director Richard Donner, Superman represented a record-breaking budget for movies at that time. This film, with its captivating fusion of action, romance, and emotion, revolutionized the standard for superhero films. The skillful portrayal of Christopher Reeve as both the clumsy Clark Kent and the powerful Superman garnered widespread praise due to his ability to convey both vulnerability and invincibility. The movie’s pioneering special effects, Gene Hackman’s chilling portrayal of a villain, and Reeve’s iconic performance left an indelible mark on a particular era.

2 ‘Superman II’ (1980)

In the sequel titled “Superman II“, the storyline follows Clark Kent as he confronts an unprecedented dilemma: three Kryptonian villains, General Zod, Ursa, and Non, break free from their imprisonment in the Phantom Zone and arrive on Earth with the ambitious goal of subjugating mankind. Meanwhile, Clark is torn between his love for Lois Lane and his desire to lead a human life, as he grapples with the decision to relinquish his powers.

A Sequel That Surpasses the Original

In contrast to the first film, “Superman II” is undeniably superior as it escalates the tension, deepens the emotional layers, and offers more heart-pounding action sequences. Building on Christopher Reeve’s grand portrayal of Superman, this movie gives him ample room to develop the character by confronting a major menacing force. With its compelling storyline, powerful climax, and heroic themes, it serves as the bedrock for Reeve’s enduring popularity.

1 ‘Somewhere in Time’ (1980)

Under the authorship of Richard Matheson and the guidance of Jeannot Szwarc, the film titled “Somewhere in Time” delves into a captivating tale of romance intertwined with time travel. The narrative primarily revolves around Richard Collier, a playwright who develops an intense fascination with a picture of a stunning woman from yesteryears. Driven by curiosity to encounter her and discover her true identity, Richard employs self-hypnosis and navigates back in time to the year 1912, where he encounters and forms a profound connection with Elise.

A Sweeping, Emotional Love Story

The film titled “Somewhere in Time” offers a captivating and transformative journey, where Christopher Reeve portrays Richard. This sincere character is filled with curiosity, longing, and an intense desire to love regardless of the obstacles. His connection with Jane Seymour is tangible and crucial to the tragic romance’s unfolding. The film, visually stunning and deeply emotional, received mixed reactions at first but gained more admirers as it aged.

2024-12-09 02:02