Lou Reed - Actor Profile

Lou Reed

Acting
Updated: Apr 10, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Mar 2, 1942
Birth Place: Brooklyn, New York, USA

About Lou Reed

Lewis Allan Reed (March 2, 1942 – October 27, 2013) was an American musician, singer and songwriter. He was the guitarist, vocalist, and principal songwriter of the rock band the Velvet Underground, with a solo career that spanned five decades.

Known For: ActingIndustry Veteran

Lou Reed Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Lou Reed 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 Lou Reed's work falls within the Documentary genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 80% of Lou Reed'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 365 Day Project, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Lou Reed Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Lou Reed's career based on audience ratings.

★10.0
365 Day Project (2007) movie poster
★10.0

365 Day Project: This exhibition focuses on Jonas Mekas’ 365 Day Project, a succession of films and videos in calendar form. Every day as

365 Day Project

2007•Documentary
★10.0
Leonard Cohen: Under Review: 1934-1977 (1977) movie poster
★10.0

Leonard Cohen: Under Review: 1934-1977: Delve into the career of poet, author, composer and musician Leonard Cohen, who has been called one of the premiere folk

Leonard Cohen: Under Review: 1934-1977

1977•Music
★9.0
David Bowie: An Earthling at 50 (1997) movie poster
★9.0

David Bowie: An Earthling at 50: Interview with David Bowie, in an original format of non-linear edition, cut-and-paste style.

David Bowie: An Earthling at 50

1997•Documentary
★9.0
Lou Reed: Transformer & Live at Montreux 2000 (2014) movie poster
★9.0

Lou Reed: Transformer & Live at Montreux 2000: Transformer was universally praised for its well-constructed anatomy of a touchstone album. Now expanded to interweave t

Lou Reed: Transformer & Live at Montreux 2000

2014•Music
★9.0
The Making of Sun City (1985) movie poster
★9.0

The Making of Sun City: Documentary Chronicling the making of Artists United Against Apartheid “Sun City”

The Making of Sun City

1985•Documentary

Full Filmography

Every movie Lou Reed has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2022 Moonage Daydream Self (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2021 The Velvet Underground Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2017 Shot! The Psycho-Spiritual Mantra of Rock Self - Musician (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2017 Beside Bowie - The Mick Ronson Story Self Super Hit Similar →
2015 Heart of a Dog Doctor Hit Similar →
2015 Danny Says Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2015 Occupy Wall Street: We Are The 99% Narrator Hit Similar →
2014 Lou Reed: Transformer & Live at Montreux 2000 Himself Super Hit Similar →
2013 Lou Reed - Remembered Self (Archival footage) Hit Similar →
2012 David Bowie & The Story of Ziggy Stardust Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2010 Bowie, Iggy & Lou 1971-1973: The Sacred Triangle Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2010 Brilliant Moon: Glimpses of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche Self Hit Similar →
2009 The 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concerts Self Super Hit Similar →
2008 Palermo Shooting Self Average Similar →
2008 New York Rock at the BBC - Hit Similar →
2007 365 Day Project Self Super Hit Similar →
2007 Lou Reed's Berlin Self Hit Similar →
2003 Prozac Nation Lou Reed Average Similar →
2001 Classic Albums: Lou Reed - Transformer Self Hit Similar →
2000 Wild Boys: The Story of Duran Duran Self (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
1998 Lou Reed: Rock and Roll Heart Self Hit Similar →
1997 David Bowie: An Earthling at 50 Self - Live on Stage with Bowie Super Hit Similar →
1995 Blue in the Face Man with Strange Glasses Hit Similar →
1995 Nico Icon - Super Hit Similar →
1993 The Velvet Underground - Velvet Redux Live MCMXCIII guitar, vocals Super Hit Similar →
1993 Faraway, So Close! Lou Reed Hit Similar →
1993 Bob Dylan: The 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration Self Super Hit Similar →
1992 Lou Reed - Coney Island Baby Live in Jersey Performer Hit Similar →
1990 Superstar: The Life and Times of Andy Warhol Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
1990 Scenes from the Life of Andy Warhol: Friendships & Intersections Self Hit Similar →
1990 Lou Reed and John Cale: Songs for Drella Self Hit Similar →
1989 Decade Self Hit Similar →
1989 The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball Self Super Hit Similar →
1988 Permanent Record Himself Average Similar →
1988 Superman's 50th Anniversary: A Celebration of the Man of Steel Self Super Hit Similar →
1985 The Making of Sun City Self Super Hit Similar →
1983 A Night with Lou Reed Self - Vocals, Guitar Average Similar →
1983 Get Crazy Auden Average Similar →
1983 The Making of Rock & Rule Self Super Hit Similar →
1977 Leonard Cohen: Under Review: 1934-1977 - Super Hit Similar →
1974 Lou Reed - Ancienne Belgique 22-05-1974 Himself Super Hit Similar →
1973 Jimi Hendrix Self Super Hit Similar →
1968 Diaries, Notes, and Sketches Self Hit Similar →
1967 Exploding Plastic Inevitable Himself Average Similar →
1966 Venus in Furs Himself Average Similar →
1966 Moe Gets Tied Up - Average Similar →
1966 The Velvet Underground and Nico: A Symphony of Sound Self Hit Similar →
1966 Screen Test: Lou Reed (Coke) Himself Average Similar →
1965 Andy Warhol Screen Tests Self Super Hit Similar →
1965 The Making of an Underground Film Self Average Similar →

Lou Reed - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Lou Reed?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Lou Reed is "365 Day Project" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Lou Reed acted in?

Lou Reed has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Lou Reed?

Other notable films include "Leonard Cohen: Under Review: 1934-1977", "David Bowie: An Earthling at 50", and "Lou Reed: Transformer & Live at Montreux 2000".

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