Ray Harryhausen - Actor Profile

Ray Harryhausen

Visual Effects
Freshness: Jan 20, 2026
40Total Films
9.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jun 29, 1920
Birth Place: Los Angeles, California, USA

About Ray Harryhausen

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Raymond "Ray" Harryhausen (June 29, 1920 – May 7, 2013) was an American visual effects creator, writer, and producer who lived in London, England, from 1960 until his death in 2013. He created a brand of stop-motion model animation known as "Dynamation." His most important works include the animation on Mighty Joe Young, with pioneer Willis O'Brien, which won the Academy Award for special effects (1949); The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, his first color film; and Jason and the Argonauts, featuring a famous sword fight against seven skeleton warriors.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Ray Harryhausen reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 40 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Documentary

The majority of Ray Harryhausen's filmography leans towards the Documentary 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 40% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Ray Harryhausen remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Mighty Joe Young: Ray Harryhausen and Mighty Joe Young, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Ray Harryhausen Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Ray Harryhausen's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Ray Harryhausen.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2014 El hombre que quiso ser Segundo Self Average Similar →
2012 Ray Harryhausen: Special Effects Titan Self Hit Similar →
2010 Burke & Hare Distinguished Doctor Average Similar →
2008 El último truco Self Super Hit Similar →
2008 Masters of Magic: The World of Chandu Self Flop Similar →
2008 RKO Production 601: The Making of “Kong, the Eighth Wonder of the World” Self Flop Similar →
2008 Visual Effects: The Thief of Bagdad Self Hit Similar →
2008 The Boneyard Collection Ray Harryhausen (segment "Her Morbid Desires") Flop Similar →
2007 Behind the Tunes: Once Upon A Looney Tune Himself Average Similar →
2007 Famous Monster: Forrest J Ackerman Self Super Hit Similar →
2006 Cave Bear & Dinosaurs (Commentary) (Voice) Flop Similar →
2006 War of the Worlds - Flop Similar →
2006 Adventures of Baron Munchausen - Flop Similar →
2006 The Elementals - Flop Similar →
2006 The Elementals Unnamed Man Flop Similar →
2006 The Sci-Fi Boys Self Hit Similar →
2005 Mighty Joe Young: Ray Harryhausen and Mighty Joe Young Himself Super Hit Similar →
2005 Mighty Joe Young: A Conversation with Ray Harryhausen and the Chiodo Brothers Self Hit Similar →
2005 The Sky Is Falling: Making 'The War of the Worlds' Self Flop Similar →
2005 Ray Harryhausen: The Early Years Collection Self Super Hit Similar →
2005 The Making of the Tortoise & the Hare - Flop Similar →
2004 Comic Book: The Movie Ray Harryhausen Average Similar →
2003 Elf Polar Bear Cub (voice) Hit Similar →
2003 Return to the Valley Himself Flop Similar →
1999 Ray Harryhausen: Working with Dinosaurs Self Hit Similar →
1999 From Star Wars to Star Wars: The Story of Industrial Light & Magic Self Super Hit Similar →
1999 Attack of the 50 Foot Monster Mania Himself Super Hit Similar →
1998 Mighty Joe Young Gentleman at Party Average Similar →
1997 The Harryhausen Chronicles Self Hit Similar →
1994 Flesh and Blood: The Hammer Heritage of Horror Self Hit Similar →
1994 Beverly Hills Cop III Bar Patron Average Similar →
1994 Hollywood Goes Ape! Himself Average Similar →
1993 Dinosaur Movies - Flop Similar →
1990 Ray Harryhausen: Movement Into Life Himself Flop Similar →
1986 The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal Self Super Hit Similar →
1985 Spies Like Us Dr. Marston Average Similar →
1983 Aliens, Dragons, Monsters & Me Himself Super Hit Similar →
1972 Monsters and Magic Self Flop Similar →
N/A The AckerMonster Chronicles! - Flop Similar →
1957 20 Million Miles to Earth Man Feeding Elephant (uncredited) Average Similar →

Ray Harryhausen - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Ray Harryhausen?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ray Harryhausen is "Mighty Joe Young: Ray Harryhausen and Mighty Joe Young" with a rating of 9.0/10.

How many movies has Ray Harryhausen acted in?

Ray Harryhausen has been featured in at least 40 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Ray Harryhausen?

Other notable films include "Famous Monster: Forrest J Ackerman", "Aliens, Dragons, Monsters & Me", and "Ray Harryhausen: The Early Years Collection".