William Watson - Actor Profile

William Watson

Acting
Freshness: Jan 23, 2026
17Total Films
7.7 Highest Rated
Born: Oct 5, 1938

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of William Watson reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 17 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of William Watson'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 29% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), William Watson remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in In the Heat of the Night, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best William Watson Movies Ranked

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

★7.7
In the Heat of the Night (1967) movie poster
★7.7

In the Heat of the Night: African-American Philadelphia police detective Virgil Tibbs is arrested on suspicion of murder by Bill Gillespie, the ra

In the Heat of the Night

1967•Crime
★7.4
The Marcus-Nelson Murders (1973) movie poster
★7.4

The Marcus-Nelson Murders: A homicide detective begins to suspect that the black teenager accused of murdering two white girls is being framed by h

The Marcus-Nelson Murders

1973•TV Movie
★7.0
Zabriskie Point (1970) movie poster
★7.0

Zabriskie Point: Anthropology student Daria, who's helping a property developer build a village in the Los Angeles desert, and dropout Ma

Zabriskie Point

1970•Drama
★6.5
Chato's Land (1972) movie poster
★6.5

Chato's Land: In 1870s New Mexico, a half-breed kills a bigoted sheriff in self-defense but the posse that eventually hunts him finds

Chato's Land

1972•Western
★6.5
Lawman (1971) movie poster
★6.5

Lawman: While passing through the town of Bannock, a bunch of drunken cattlemen go overboard with their celebrating and accident

Lawman

1971•Western

Complete Filmography & Success Status

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

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1987 It's Alive III: Island of the Alive Cabot Flop Similar →
1982 The Sword and the Sorcerer Karak Average Similar →
1980 Wholly Moses Bandit Flop Similar →
1978 Stingray Lonigan Average Similar →
1977 Heroes Bartender (uncredited) Average Similar →
1977 The Force of Evil Teddy Jakes Average Similar →
1976 The Passover Plot Roman Captain Flop Similar →
1975 Man on the Outside Ames Flop Similar →
1973 Executive Action Technician - Leader of Team B Average Similar →
1973 The Mack Jed Average Similar →
1973 The Marcus-Nelson Murders Det. Matt Black Hit Similar →
1972 Chato's Land Harvey Lansing Hit Similar →
1971 The Hunting Party Jim Loring Average Similar →
1971 Lawman Choctaw Lee Hit Similar →
1970 Zabriskie Point Highway Patrol Officer (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1967 In the Heat of the Night McNeil Super Hit Similar →
1966 Girl on a Chain Gang Sheriff Sonny Lew Wymer Flop Similar →

William Watson - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of William Watson?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring William Watson is "In the Heat of the Night" with a rating of 7.7/10.

How many movies has William Watson acted in?

William Watson has been featured in at least 17 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by William Watson?

Other notable films include "The Marcus-Nelson Murders", "Zabriskie Point", and "Chato's Land".