Buster Keaton
DirectingAbout Buster Keaton
Joseph Frank "Buster" Keaton (October 4, 1895 – February 1, 1966) was an American comic actor, filmmaker, producer and writer. He was best known for his silent films, in which his trademark was physical comedy with a consistently stoic, deadpan expression, earning him the nickname The Great Stone Face. He was recognized as the seventh-greatest director of all time by Entertainment Weekly. In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked Keaton the 21st-greatest male star of all time.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Buster Keaton 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: Comedy
The majority of Buster Keaton's filmography leans towards the Comedy 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 100% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Buster Keaton remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Going Hollywood: The '30s, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Buster Keaton Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Buster Keaton's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Buster Keaton.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Stunts: A Taste for Risk | Various Roles (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2021 | The Real Charlie Chaplin | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2020 | Time Travelers: Uncovering Old LA in Keaton Comedies | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2016 | Buster Keaton: The Shorts Collection 1917-1923 | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 2016 | Buster Keaton: The Genius Destroyed by Hollywood | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2016 | Chaplin/Keaton: Duel of Legends | (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2011 | Laurel & Hardy: Their Lives and Magic | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | The Dawn of Sound: How Movies Learned to Talk | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2004 | So Funny It Hurt: Buster Keaton & MGM | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | That's Entertainment! III | (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Going Hollywood: The '30s | (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | That's Entertainment, Part II | (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | It's Showtime | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | That's Entertainment! | (archive footage) (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1970 | 4 Clowns | (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | Buster Keaton Rides Again | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | Film | The Man | Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | The Railrodder | The Man | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World | Jimmy the Crook | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | The Triumph of Lester Snapwell | Lester Snapwell | Hit | Similar → |
| 1962 | Simon Pure Beer | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1962 | The New March of Dimes Presents: The Scene Stealers | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | The Home Owner | The Home Owner | Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | The Devil to Pay | Diablos | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | L'Incantevole nemica | L'apprenti boulanger dans la pièce de théâtre | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Limelight | Calvero's Partner | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Paradise for Buster | Buster | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Life with Buster Keaton | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Misadventures of Buster Keaton | Buster | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Sunset Boulevard | Buster Keaton | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | A Duel to the Death | The First Fisherman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Forever and a Day | Wilkins | Hit | Similar → |
| 1928 | The Cameraman | Buster | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1928 | Steamboat Bill, Jr. | William 'Willie' Canfield Jr. | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1926 | The General | Johnnie Gray | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1926 | Battling Butler | Alfred Butler | Hit | Similar → |
| 1925 | Go West | Friendless | Hit | Similar → |
| 1925 | Seven Chances | James 'Jimmie' Shannon | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1924 | The Navigator | Rollo Treadway | Hit | Similar → |
| 1924 | Sherlock Jr. | Projectionist / Sherlock, Jr. | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1923 | Our Hospitality | William McKay | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1923 | Three Ages | The Boy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1922 | Cops | The Young Man | Hit | Similar → |
| 1921 | The Play House | Orchestra / Minstrels / Dancers / Audience / Stagehand | Hit | Similar → |
| 1921 | The Goat | The Goat | Hit | Similar → |
| 1921 | The High Sign | Our Hero | Hit | Similar → |
| 1921 | Hard Luck | Suicidal Boy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1920 | Neighbors | The Boy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1920 | The Scarecrow | Farmhand | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1920 | One Week | The Groom | Super Hit | Similar → |
Buster Keaton - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Buster Keaton?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Buster Keaton is "Going Hollywood: The '30s" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Buster Keaton acted in?
Buster Keaton has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Buster Keaton?
Other notable films include "Stunts: A Taste for Risk", "Chaplin/Keaton: Duel of Legends", and "Sunset Boulevard".