David Strathairn
ActingAbout David Strathairn
David Russell Strathairn (born January 26, 1949) is an American actor, best known for his portrayal of journalist Edward R. Murrow in the feature film Good Night, and Good Luck (2005), for which he was nominated for an Academy Award. He also starred in L.A. Confidential (1997), Godzilla (2014), and the Bourne franchise (2007–2012). Strathairn appeared in supporting roles in many notable films such as A League of Their Own (1992), Sneakers (1992), The Firm (1993), The River Wild (1995), Lincoln (2012), Nomadland (2020), and Nightmare Alley (2021). He is a frequent collaborator with director John Sayles, who is a fellow graduate of Williams College. On television, Strathairn is known for his recurring roles in The Sopranos (2004), Alphas (2011–2012), The Blacklist (2015–2016), Billions (2017–2019), and The Expanse (2018–2019). He received a Primetime Emmy Award win and a Golden Globe Award nomination for his performance in the HBO television film Temple Grandin (2010).
David Strathairn Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of David Strathairn reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of David Strathairn's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 100% of David Strathairn's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains The Oedipus Project, which stands out as a key performance.
Best David Strathairn Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from David Strathairn's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie David Strathairn has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Zootopia 2 | Milton Lynxley (voice) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2022 | Where the Crawdads Sing | Tom Milton | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2021 | Nightmare Alley | Pete | Hit | Similar → |
| 2021 | Nomadland | Dave | Hit | Similar → |
| 2020 | The Oedipus Project | Messenger 1 | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | Godzilla: King of the Monsters | Admiral William Stenz | Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | UFO | Franklin Ahls | Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | An Interview with God | God | Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | Darkest Hour | President Roosevelt (voice) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2016 | He Does Not Want Peace | Richard Englebright | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | Lincoln@Gettysburg | Self - Narrator (voice) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | Love, Marilyn | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Lincoln | William Seward | Hit | Similar → |
| 2010 | The Whistleblower | Peter Ward | Hit | Similar → |
| 2010 | Area 51 Declassified | Himself - Narrator | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2010 | Temple Grandin | Professor Carlock | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | The People Speak | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | Whatever You Desire: Making 'L.A. Confidential' | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | The Spiderwick Chronicles | Arthur Spiderwick | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Trumbo | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Matters of Life and Death | Mr. Jennings | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | The Bourne Ultimatum | Noah Vosen | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Fracture | Joe Lobruto | Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | We Are Marshall | President Dedmon | Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | The Sensation of Sight | Finn | Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | Heavens Fall | Judge James Horton | Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | The Human Behavior Experiments | Narrator | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2005 | Good Night, and Good Luck. | Edward R. Murrow | Hit | Similar → |
| 2004 | Los Angeles Plays Itself | Pierce Patchett in L.A. Confidential (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | The Miracle Worker | Captain Keller | Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Harrison's Flowers | Harrison Lloyd | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Simon Birch | Rev. Russell | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | The Climb | Earl Himes | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | L.A. Confidential | Pierce Patchett | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Mother Night | Bernard B. O'Hare | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Dolores Claiborne | Joe St. George | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | The River Wild | Tom Hartman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | The Firm | Ray McDeere | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Passion Fish | Rennie | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Sneakers | Whistler | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Bob Roberts | Mack Laflin | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | A League of Their Own | Ira Lowenstein | Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | City of Hope | Asteroid | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Memphis Belle | Craig Harriman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Eight Men Out | Eddie Cicotte | Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Dominick and Eugene | Martin Chernak | Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Matewan | Police Chief Sid Hatfield | Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | At Close Range | Tony Pine | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | The Brother from Another Planet | Man In Black | Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | Silkwood | Wesley | Hit | Similar → |
David Strathairn - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of David Strathairn?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring David Strathairn is "The Oedipus Project" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has David Strathairn acted in?
David Strathairn has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by David Strathairn?
Other notable films include "Matters of Life and Death", "Area 51 Declassified", and "Whatever You Desire: Making 'L.A. Confidential'".