Ben Johnson
ActingAbout Ben Johnson
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Ben "Son" Johnson, Jr. (June 13, 1918 – April 8, 1996) was an American motion picture actor who was mainly cast in Westerns. He was also a rodeo cowboy, stuntman, and rancher. Description above from the Wikipedia article Ben Johnson (actor) , licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Ben Johnson reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Western
The majority of Ben Johnson's filmography leans towards the Western 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 66% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Ben Johnson remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Picture This, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Ben Johnson Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Ben Johnson's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Ben Johnson.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Sam Peckinpah's West: Legacy of a Hollywood Renegade | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | The Evening Star | Arthur Cotton | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Bonanza: Under Attack | Bronc Evans | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Angels in the Outfield | Hank Murphy | Average | Similar → |
| 1993 | Bonanza: The Return | Bronc Evans | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Radio Flyer | Geronimo Bill | Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Picture This | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys | Jesse Dalton | Average | Similar → |
| 1987 | Cherry 2000 | Six Fingered Jake | Average | Similar → |
| 1986 | Let's Get Harry | Mr. Burck Sr. | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | Red Dawn | Mason | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | Champions | Burly Cocks | Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | The Shadow Riders | Uncle 'Black Jack' Traven | Average | Similar → |
| 1982 | Tex | Cole Collins | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | The Hunter | Sheriff John Strong | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | Inside 'the Swarm' | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Town That Dreaded Sundown | Captain J.D. Morales | Average | Similar → |
| 1975 | Breakheart Pass | Deputy U.S. Marshal Nathan Pearce | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Bite the Bullet | Mister | Average | Similar → |
| 1974 | The Sugarland Express | Captain Tanner | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Blood Sport | Dwayne Birdsong | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Dillinger | Melvin Purvis | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | The Train Robbers | Jesse | Average | Similar → |
| 1973 | Kid Blue | Sheriff 'Mean John' Simpson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | The Getaway | Jack Beynon | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Junior Bonner | Buck Roan | Average | Similar → |
| 1971 | The Last Picture Show | Sam the Lion | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1970 | Chisum | James Pepper | Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | The Undefeated | Short Grub | Average | Similar → |
| 1969 | The Wild Bunch | Tector Gorch | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | Hang 'em High | Marshal Dave Bliss | Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | Will Penny | Alex | Hit | Similar → |
| 1966 | Noon Wine | Sheriff Barbee | Hit | Similar → |
| 1966 | The Rare Breed | Jeff Harter | Average | Similar → |
| 1965 | Major Dundee | Sergeant Chillum | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Cheyenne Autumn | Trooper Plumtree (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | One-Eyed Jacks | Bob Amory | Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Rebel in Town | Frank Mason | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | Oklahoma! | Wrangler (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Shane | Chris Calloway | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Wild Stallion | Dan Light (as an adult) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Fort Defiance | Ben Shelby | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Rio Grande | Trooper Travis Tyree | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Wagon Master | Travis Blue | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | She Wore a Yellow Ribbon | Sgt. Tyree | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Mighty Joe Young | Gregg Johnson | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | 3 Godfathers | Posse man #1 | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | The Gallant Legion | Ranger | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | The Naughty Nineties | Coach Driver (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Tall in the Saddle | Townsman (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
Ben Johnson - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Ben Johnson?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ben Johnson is "Picture This" with a rating of 9.0/10.
How many movies has Ben Johnson acted in?
Ben Johnson has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Ben Johnson?
Other notable films include "Blood Sport", "Sam Peckinpah's West: Legacy of a Hollywood Renegade", and "The Wild Bunch".