William Lustig - Actor Profile

William Lustig

Directing
Freshness: Jan 23, 2026
27Total Films
9.0 Highest Rated
Born: Feb 1, 1955
Birth Place: The Bronx, New York City, New York, USA

About William Lustig

William "Bill" Lustig (born February 1, 1955, in The Bronx, New York) is an American film director and producer who has worked primarily in the horror film genre. He is the nephew of former middleweight champion Jake LaMotta. As a film director, Lustig is best known for his low-budget horror films Maniac, Vigilante, Uncle Sam, and the Maniac Cop series. Lustig has also worked as an actor playing small roles in his own films as well as in films by Sam Raimi, most notably as a fake shemp in Army of Darkness and a dockworker in Darkman. As of 2009, Lustig is the CEO of Blue Underground; an entertainment company specializing in the release of obscure films and exploitation films on DVD. He also produced a remake of his film Maniac (2012) and is rumoured to be producing a new upcoming Maniac Cop with Nicolas Winding Refn. In an interview with Vulture in January 2023, Refn, when asked whether the creation of the series was still under discussion, said: "All I can say is, unfortunately, it’s not going to happen."

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of William Lustig reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 27 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Documentary

The majority of William Lustig'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 26% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), William Lustig remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in 13 Scarier Movie Moments, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best William Lustig Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from William Lustig's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of William Lustig.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2023 Masters of the Grind Self Flop Similar →
2022 In Search of Darkness: Part III Self Super Hit Similar →
2020 Maniac: The making of a living pulp novel himself Flop Similar →
2018 Returning to the scene of the crime himself Flop Similar →
2017 Tax Shelter Terrors Self Flop Similar →
2017 VHS Revolution Self Average Similar →
2015 42nd Street Memories: The Rise and Fall of America's Most Notorious Street Himself Super Hit Similar →
2013 Maniac: The Making of Documentary Self Flop Similar →
2013 The Outsider: The Cinema of Antonio Margheriti Self Average Similar →
2011 American Grindhouse Himself Hit Similar →
2010 Maniac Men - Flop Similar →
2009 13 Scarier Movie Moments Self Super Hit Similar →
2009 Post Traumatic: An American Nightmare Self Flop Similar →
2009 Direct Your Own Damn Movie! Self Flop Similar →
2001 The Joe Spinell Story Self Flop Similar →
2001 Dario Argento: An Eye for Horror Self Hit Similar →
2000 Scream and Scream Again: A History of the Slasher Film Self Average Similar →
2000 Texas Chain Saw Massacre: The Shocking Truth Himself Hit Similar →
1997 Hollywood Rated 'R' Self Flop Similar →
1992 Army of Darkness Fake Shemp Hit Similar →
1992 Trepanator Man with nightmares Flop Similar →
1990 Darkman Dockworker Average Similar →
1989 Relentless Cop #2 Flop Similar →
1988 Cameron's Closet Ice Cream Eater (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1988 Maniac Cop Motel Manager Average Similar →
1983 Vigilante First Man Exiting Courtroom Elevator (uncredited) Average Similar →
1980 Maniac Al - Hotel Manager (uncredited) Average Similar →

William Lustig - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of William Lustig?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring William Lustig is "13 Scarier Movie Moments" with a rating of 9.0/10.

How many movies has William Lustig acted in?

William Lustig has been featured in at least 27 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by William Lustig?

Other notable films include "42nd Street Memories: The Rise and Fall of America's Most Notorious Street", "In Search of Darkness: Part III", and "Army of Darkness".