James Baldwin - Actor Profile

James Baldwin

Acting
Freshness: Jan 20, 2026
25Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Aug 2, 1924
Birth Place: Harlem, New York, USA

About James Baldwin

James Arthur Baldwin was an African-American novelist, essayist, playwright, poet, and social critic. His essays, as collected in Notes of a Native Son, explore palpable yet unspoken intricacies of racial, sexual, and class distinctions in Western societies, most notably in mid-20th-century America, and their inevitable if unnameable tensions.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of James Baldwin reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 25 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Documentary

The majority of James Baldwin's filmography leans towards the Documentary 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 48% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), James Baldwin remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in James Baldwin Abroad, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best James Baldwin Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from James Baldwin's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of James Baldwin.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2025 The New Yorker at 100 Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2023 James Baldwin Abroad Self Super Hit Similar →
2022 Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2021 Madonna: Madame X Self (archive footage) (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
2021 i ran from it and was still in it Self (voice) (archive footage) Average Similar →
2020 De Cabral a George Floyd: Onde Arde o Fogo Sagrado da Liberdade Self Flop Similar →
2018 Robert Penn Warren: A Vision - Flop Similar →
2018 Mr. SOUL! Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2018 Target: St. Louis Vol. 1 Self (archive footage) Flop Similar →
2017 The Madding Crowd Self (archive footage) Flop Similar →
2014 A Person Is More Important Than Anything Else Self (archive footage) Flop Similar →
2011 Public Speaking Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2003 The James Baldwin Anthology - Flop Similar →
1989 James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket Self (archive footage) Flop Similar →
1985 The Statue of Liberty Self - Writer Hit Similar →
1982 I Heard It Through the Grapevine - Flop Similar →
1978 The Black Contribution: Literature and Theatre Himself Flop Similar →
1973 James Baldwin: From Another Place Self Hit Similar →
1971 Meeting the Man: James Baldwin in Paris Self Hit Similar →
1970 King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
1968 Baldwin's Nigger Self Hit Similar →
1965 Debate: Baldwin vs. Buckley Self Flop Similar →
1964 Take This Hammer Self Super Hit Similar →
1963 The Negro and the American Promise - Flop Similar →
1962 James Baldwin, A Stranger In The Village Self Flop Similar →

James Baldwin - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of James Baldwin?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring James Baldwin is "James Baldwin Abroad" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has James Baldwin acted in?

James Baldwin has been featured in at least 25 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by James Baldwin?

Other notable films include "Take This Hammer", "Madonna: Madame X", and "King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis".