Johnny Carson
ActingAbout Johnny Carson
John William Carson (October 23, 1925 – January 23, 2005) was an American television host, comedian, writer, and producer. He is best known as the host of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962–1992). Carson received six Primetime Emmy Awards, the Television Academy's 1980 Governor's Award, and a 1985 Peabody Award. He was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1987. Carson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992 and received a Kennedy Center Honor in 1993.
Johnny Carson Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Johnny Carson 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 Johnny Carson's work falls within the Documentary genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 86% of Johnny Carson'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 Best of Carson, Volume 1, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Johnny Carson Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Johnny Carson's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Johnny Carson has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Breakdown: 1975 | Self - Host, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 2025 | John Candy: I Like Me | Self - Host, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2024 | 6 morts dans la nuit : « De sang-froid » – Truman Capote | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2024 | Luther: Never Too Much | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2024 | Bad Hostage | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2024 | Jim Henson Idea Man | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2024 | Butterfly in the Sky | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2023 | The Many Faces of Jim Carrey | Self (Archive Footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2022 | Untold: Caitlyn Jenner | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 2022 | Lucy and Desi | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2021 | The Capote Tapes | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 2021 | Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2020 | Audrey | Self - TV Host (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2020 | My Darling Vivian | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2020 | The Sit-In: Harry Belafonte Hosts The Tonight Show | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 2019 | Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | Mike Wallace Is Here | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | Jeff Dunham: Talking Heads | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | The Front Runner | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 2018 | Won't You Be My Neighbor? | Self - TV Host (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | Game Changers | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | This Is Bob Hope... | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | Jerry Before Seinfeld | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | Whitney: Can I Be Me | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | Mr. Baseball, Bob Uecker | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 2014 | Life Itself | Self - TV Host (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | The Battered Bastards of Baseball | Himself (Archive Footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | Llyn Foulkes One Man Band | Himself | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | Behind the Candelabra | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | Quality Balls: The David Steinberg Story | Self (Archive Footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Johnny Carson: King of Late Night | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Jimmy Carter: Man from Plains | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | The Best of Carson, Volume 1 | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2004 | Seinfeld: How It Began | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | Live and Swingin': The Ultimate Rat Pack Collection | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Bob Hope: Laughing With the Presidents | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | The World of Jim Henson | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Jack Benny: Comedy in Bloom | Himself | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Laurel and Hardy: A Tribute to the Boys | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | James Stewart: A Wonderful Life | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 1986 | Kraft Salutes the George Burns 90th Birthday Special | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | George Burns Celebrates 80 Years in Show Business | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | Koyaanisqatsi | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Johnny Goes Home | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | CBS Salutes Lucy: The First 25 Years | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | The Dean Martin Christmas Show | Self (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | Frank Sinatra Spectacular | Self - Host | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Lucy's Really Lost Moments | Self | Hit | Similar → |
Johnny Carson - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Johnny Carson?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Johnny Carson is "The Best of Carson, Volume 1" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Johnny Carson acted in?
Johnny Carson has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Johnny Carson?
Other notable films include "Jeff Dunham: Talking Heads", "Kraft Salutes the George Burns 90th Birthday Special", and "Jack Benny: Comedy in Bloom".