John Sayles - Actor Profile

John Sayles

Directing
Freshness: Jan 20, 2026
49Total Films
9.0 Highest Rated
Born: Sep 28, 1950
Birth Place: Schenectady, New York, USA

About John Sayles

John Thomas Sayles (born September 28, 1950) is an American independent film director, screenwriter, editor, actor, and novelist.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of John Sayles reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 49 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of John Sayles's filmography leans towards the Drama 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 41% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), John Sayles remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in When It Was a Game 3, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best John Sayles Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from John Sayles's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of John Sayles.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2024 John Sayles and Gregory Nava Themself Flop Similar →
2022 1982: Greatest Geek Year Ever! Self Super Hit Similar →
2021 Algren Self Average Similar →
2021 Corona Film Club Self Flop Similar →
2021 Texas Red Governor Johnson (voice) Flop Similar →
2020 Time Warp Vol. 2: Horror and Sci-Fi Self Average Similar →
2019 Them That Work Self Flop Similar →
2016 The Umbrella Pastor Jim Flop Similar →
2015 The Third Man: A Filmmaker's Influence Self Flop Similar →
2014 That Guy Dick Miller Self Hit Similar →
2012 The Normals Dr. Marx Flop Similar →
2012 Casting By Self Hit Similar →
2011 Corman's World Self - Filmmaker Hit Similar →
2009 Great Directors Self Average Similar →
2009 In the Electric Mist Michael Goldman Average Similar →
2009 The Toe Tactic Cramden Flop Similar →
2008 Obscene: A Portrait of Barney Rosset and Grove Press Self Flop Similar →
2007 Alligator Author Self Flop Similar →
2007 Honeydripper Zeke Average Similar →
2006 Edge of Outside Self Average Similar →
2006 Howard Zinn: Voices of a People's History of the United States Self Flop Similar →
2004 Tell Them Who You Are Self Average Similar →
2003 Unleashing the Beast: Making ‘The Howling’ - Flop Similar →
2002 Sunshine State Man who almost got hit by a golf ball (uncredited) Average Similar →
2000 A Constant Forge Self Hit Similar →
2000 When It Was a Game 3 Self (voice) Super Hit Similar →
2000 Girlfight Science Teacher Hit Similar →
1997 Big Guns Talk: The Story of the Western Self Flop Similar →
1997 Gridlock'd Cop #1 Hit Similar →
1994 My Life's in Turnaround Marginal producer Flop Similar →
1993 Matinee Bob Hit Similar →
1992 Passion Fish Soap Opera Doctor (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1992 Malcolm X FBI Agent Super Hit Similar →
1992 Straight Talk Guy Girardi Average Similar →
1991 City of Hope Carl Hit Similar →
1990 Little Vegas Mike Flop Similar →
1989 Untamagiru US High Commissioner Flop Similar →
1989 La fine della notte Wayne Hit Similar →
1988 Eight Men Out Ring Lardner Hit Similar →
1987 Matewan Hardshell Preacher Hit Similar →
1986 Unnatural Causes Lloyd Hit Similar →
1986 Something Wild Motorcycle Cop Hit Similar →
1985 Hard Choices Don Flop Similar →
1984 The Brother from Another Planet Man in Black Hit Similar →
1983 Lianna Jerry Average Similar →
1981 The Howling Morgue Attendant (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1980 Return of the Secaucus Seven Howie Hit Similar →
1978 Piranha Army Sentry (uncredited) Average Similar →
N/A An Ode to Mary Jo - Flop Similar →

John Sayles - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of John Sayles?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring John Sayles is "When It Was a Game 3" with a rating of 9.0/10.

How many movies has John Sayles acted in?

John Sayles has been featured in at least 49 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by John Sayles?

Other notable films include "Malcolm X", "1982: Greatest Geek Year Ever!", and "Matewan".