Dennis Farina
ActingAbout Dennis Farina
Donaldo Gugliermo "Dennis" Farina (February 29, 1944 – July 22, 2013) was an American actor. Often typecast as a mobster or police officer, he is known for roles such as FBI Agent Jack Crawford in Manhunter, mobster Jimmy Serrano in the comedy Midnight Run, Ray "Bones" Barboni in Get Shorty, Cousin Avi in Snatch, and Walt Miller in New Girl. He starred on television as Lieutenant Mike Torello on Crime Story and as NYPD Detective Joe Fontana on Law & Order. From 2008 to 2010, he hosted and narrated the television program Unsolved Mysteries on Spike TV. His last major television role was in HBO's Luck, which premiered on January 29, 2012.
Dennis Farina Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Dennis Farina reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Dennis Farina's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 24% of Dennis Farina'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 American Gangster, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Dennis Farina Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Dennis Farina's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Dennis Farina has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Authors Anonymous | John K. Butzin | Flop | Similar → |
| 2011 | The Last Rites of Joe May | Joe May | Average | Similar → |
| 2010 | Knucklehead | Memphis Earl | Average | Similar → |
| 2008 | Bottle Shock | Maurice Cantavale | Average | Similar → |
| 2008 | What Happens in Vegas | Richard Banger | Average | Similar → |
| 2007 | The Grand | L.B.J. Deuce Fairbanks | Average | Similar → |
| 2007 | Purple Violets | Gilmore | Average | Similar → |
| 2007 | You Kill Me | Edward O'Leary | Average | Similar → |
| 2005 | The Making of 'Heat' | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 2004 | Paparazzi | Detective Burton | Flop | Similar → |
| 2002 | Stealing Harvard | Mr. Warner | Flop | Similar → |
| 2002 | Big Trouble | Henry Desalvo | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | Sidewalks of New York | Carpo | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | Making 'Snatch' | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 2000 | Snatch | Avi | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Bad Seed | Dick Muller | Flop | Similar → |
| 2000 | Reindeer Games | Jack Banks | Average | Similar → |
| 1998 | Saving Private Ryan | Lieutenant Colonel Anderson | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Out of Sight | Marshall Sisco | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Bella Mafia | Don Roberto Luciano | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | That Old Feeling | Dan De Mora | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | Eddie | John Bailey | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Get Shorty | Ray 'Bones' Barboni | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Out of Annie's Past | Charlie Ingle | Flop | Similar → |
| 1995 | Bonanza: Under Attack | Charley Siringo | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Little Big League | George O'Farrell | Average | Similar → |
| 1993 | Striking Distance | Nick Detillo | Average | Similar → |
| 1993 | Romeo Is Bleeding | Nick Gazzara (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1993 | Another Stakeout | Brian O'Hara | Average | Similar → |
| 1993 | The Disappearance of Nora | Denton | Flop | Similar → |
| 1992 | Mac | Mr. Stunder | Average | Similar → |
| 1992 | Street Crimes | Brian | Flop | Similar → |
| 1992 | The American Gangster | Narrator | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | We're Talkin' Serious Money | Sal | Flop | Similar → |
| 1992 | Drug Wars: The Cocaine Cartel | Mike Cerone | Flop | Similar → |
| 1991 | Perfect Crimes | Armand Zaro | Flop | Similar → |
| 1990 | Havana | Joe Volpe's Assistant (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | Men Of Respect | Bankie Como | Flop | Similar → |
| 1989 | The Case of the Hillside Stranglers | Angelo Buono | Average | Similar → |
| 1988 | Midnight Run | Jimmy Serrano, Chicago mobster | Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Crime Story: Pilot | Lt. Mike Torello | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Manhunter | Jack Crawford | Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling | Freddy | Average | Similar → |
| 1986 | Birthday Boy | Diner Owner | Flop | Similar → |
| 1985 | Final Jeopardy | Policeman #2 | Average | Similar → |
| 1985 | Code of Silence | Det. Dorato | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | The Toughest Man in the World | John | Flop | Similar → |
| 1984 | Hard Knox | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | The Killing Floor | Supervisor | Hit | Similar → |
| 1981 | Thief | Carl | Hit | Similar → |
Dennis Farina - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Dennis Farina?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Dennis Farina is "The American Gangster" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Dennis Farina acted in?
Dennis Farina has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Dennis Farina?
Other notable films include "Saving Private Ryan", "Snatch", and "Crime Story: Pilot".