
Michael Shannon
ActingAbout Michael Shannon
Michael Corbett Shannon (born August 7, 1974) is an American actor, producer, musician, and theatre director. He has been nominated twice for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his roles in the Sam Mendes period drama Revolutionary Road (2008) and the Tom Ford psychological thriller Nocturnal Animals (2016). He earned Screen Actors Guild Award and Golden Globe Award nominations for his role in 99 Homes (2014), and a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play for the Broadway revival of Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey into Night (2016). Shannon made his film debut in 1993 with Groundhog Day and received widespread attention for his performance in 8 Mile (2002). He is known for his on-screen versatility, performing in both comedies and dramas such as Pearl Harbor (2001), Bad Boys II (2003), Bug (2006), Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007), Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009), The Iceman (2012), Premium Rush (2012), The Night Before (2015), The Shape of Water (2017) and Knives Out (2019). He played Superman's Kryptonian adversary General Zod in Man of Steel (2013) and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and is set to reprise the role in The Flash (2022). Shannon is a frequent collaborator of Jeff Nichols, appearing in all of his films: Shotgun Stories (2007), Take Shelter (2011), Mud (2012), Midnight Special, and Loving (both 2016). He is also known for his role as Nelson Van Alden in the HBO period drama series Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014), for which he was nominated for three Screen Actors Guild Awards. In 2021, he had a main role in the Hulu drama miniseries Nine Perfect Strangers.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Michael Shannon reveals a career defined by exceptional commercial consistency. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Michael Shannon's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 74% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Michael Shannon remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Water, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Michael Shannon Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Michael Shannon's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Michael Shannon.
Michael Shannon - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Michael Shannon?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Michael Shannon is "Water" with a rating of 9.0/10.
How many movies has Michael Shannon acted in?
Michael Shannon has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Michael Shannon?
Other notable films include "13 Scarier Movie Moments", "Michael Shannon Reads the Insane Delta Gamma Sorority Letter", and "Knives Out".




