James Dean
ActingAbout James Dean
James Byron Dean (February 8, 1931 – September 30, 1955) was an American actor. He is remembered as a cultural icon of teenage disillusionment and social estrangement, as expressed in the title of his most celebrated film, Rebel Without a Cause (1955), in which he starred as troubled teenager Jim Stark. The other two roles that defined his stardom were loner Cal Trask in East of Eden (1955) and surly ranch hand Jett Rink in Giant (1956). After his death in a car crash on September 30, 1955, Dean became the first actor to receive a posthumous Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in East of Eden. Upon receiving a second nomination for his role in Giant the following year, Dean became the only actor to have had two posthumous acting nominations. In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked him the 18th best male movie star of Golden Age Hollywood in AFI's 100 Years...100 Stars list.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of James Dean 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: Documentary
The majority of James Dean'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 44% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), James Dean remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in James Dean and Me, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best James Dean Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from James Dean's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of James Dean.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | James Dean: Rebel Generation | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2024 | Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2023 | Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 2015 | Children of 'Giant' | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2015 | Tab Hunter Confidential | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | The Real James Dean | Archival Footage | Flop | Similar → |
| 2005 | James Dean: Little Prince, Little Bastard | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 2005 | East of Eden: Art in Search of Life | Himself (archive footage) (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 2005 | James Dean: Forever Young | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 2005 | James Dean: Sense Memories | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2005 | Året var 1955 | Self (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2005 | Rebel Without a Cause: Defiant Innocents | Himself (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2001 | James Dean: Born Cool | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1996 | Return to 'Giant' | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | Rediscovering a Rebel | Self - 'Jim Stark' (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1995 | James Dean and Me | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Death Scenes 2 | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | Hollywood Heaven: Tragic Lives, Tragic Deaths | (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 1988 | Hello Actors Studio | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Forever James Dean | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | Hollywood Out-takes and Rare Footage | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | James Dean: The First American Teenager | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 1974 | Letter to Jane: An Investigation About a Still | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | James Dean Remembered | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| N/A | The James Dean Classic | (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1957 | The James Dean Story | Self (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1956 | Giant | Jett Rink | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | Rebel Without a Cause | Jim Stark | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | The Unlighted Road | Jeffrey Latham | Flop | Similar → |
| 1955 | East of Eden | Cal Trask | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | The Thief | Fernand Lagarde | Flop | Similar → |
| 1954 | Padlocks | The Man (Jack) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | A Star Is Born World Premiere | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | Run Like a Thief | Robbie | Flop | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Bells of Cockaigne | Joey | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | A Long Time Till Dawn | Joe Harris | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | Life Sentence | Hank Bradon | Flop | Similar → |
| 1953 | Keep Our Honor Bright | Jim Cooper | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Death Is My Neighbor | J.B. | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Sentence of Death | Joe Palica | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Trouble Along the Way | Football Spectator (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | Has Anybody Seen My Gal? | Youth at Soda Fountain (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Abraham Lincoln | William Scott | Flop | Similar → |
| 1952 | Deadline - U.S.A. | Press Boy (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | The Foggy, Foggy Dew | Kyle McCallum | Flop | Similar → |
| 1952 | 10,000 Horses Singing | Hotel Bellboy | Flop | Similar → |
| 1952 | Sailor Beware | Boxing Opponent's Second (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | Jackie Knows All | Randy | Flop | Similar → |
| 1951 | Fixed Bayonets! | Doggie (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Hill Number One: A Story of Faith and Inspiration | John | Flop | Similar → |
James Dean - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of James Dean?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring James Dean is "James Dean and Me" with a rating of 8.7/10.
How many movies has James Dean acted in?
James Dean has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by James Dean?
Other notable films include "A Star Is Born World Premiere", "Giant", and "Rebel Without a Cause".