Wes Studi
ActingAbout Wes Studi
Wesley "Wes" Studi (born December 17, 1947) is an American Cherokee actor, who has earned notability for his portrayals of Native Americans in film. He has appeared in well-received Academy Award-winning films, such as Kevin Costner's Dances with Wolves, Michael Mann's The Last of the Mohicans, the award-winning Geronimo: An American Legend and the Academy Award-nominated film The New World (2005). He portrayed General Linus Abner (an analogue to the biblical Abner) in the NBC series Kings, and Eytukan in James Cameron's box office blockbuster Avatar.
Wes Studi Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Wes Studi reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Wes Studi's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 42% of Wes Studi'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 Crazy Horse, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Wes Studi Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Wes Studi's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Wes Studi has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Avatar: Fire and Ash | E'ytukan | Hit | Similar → |
| 2023 | The Roof | Grandpa / Nick | Average | Similar → |
| 2023 | Mending the Line | Harrison | Hit | Similar → |
| 2022 | Bonnie | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 2022 | A Love Song | Lito | Hit | Similar → |
| 2020 | Soul | Counselor Jerry (voice) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | Badland | Harlan Red | Average | Similar → |
| 2019 | A Dog's Way Home | Captain Mica | Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | Hostiles | Chief Yellow Hawk | Hit | Similar → |
| 2015 | The Condemned 2 | Cyrus | Flop | Similar → |
| 2014 | Planes: Fire & Rescue | Windlifter | Average | Similar → |
| 2014 | A Million Ways to Die in the West | Cochise | Average | Similar → |
| 2014 | Road to Paloma | Numay | Average | Similar → |
| 2013 | Sugar | Bishop | Average | Similar → |
| 2013 | Destination: Planet Negro! | Chief Bobby | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Being Flynn | Captain | Average | Similar → |
| 2010 | A Good Day to Die | Self - Actor; Cherokee | Hit | Similar → |
| 2010 | Reel Injun | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | Avatar | Eytukan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | Call of the Wild | Hatcher | Average | Similar → |
| 2007 | Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee | Wovoka | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee | Jack Wilson | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Seraphim Falls | Charon | Average | Similar → |
| 2005 | The New World | Opechancanough | Hit | Similar → |
| 2005 | Miracle at Sage Creek | Chief Thomas | Average | Similar → |
| 2005 | Animal | Creeper | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | A Thief Of Time | Joe Leaphorn | Flop | Similar → |
| 2003 | Edge of America | Cuch | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | Coyote Waits | Joe Leaphorn | Flop | Similar → |
| 2003 | The Lone Ranger | Kulakinah | Flop | Similar → |
| 2002 | Skinwalkers | Lt. Joe Leaphorn | Hit | Similar → |
| 2002 | Undisputed | Mingo Pace | Hit | Similar → |
| 2002 | Superfire | Joe Nighttrail | Flop | Similar → |
| 2001 | Road to Redemption | Frank Lightfoot | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | Christmas in the Clouds | Bingo Caller | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | Ice Planet | Commander Jonah Trager | Flop | Similar → |
| 2000 | Wind River | Pocatello | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | Mystery Men | Sphinx | Average | Similar → |
| 1998 | Deep Rising | Hanover | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | Big Guns Talk: The Story of the Western | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 1996 | Crazy Horse | Red Cloud | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Lone Justice: Showdown at Plum Creek | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1995 | Heat | Casals | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Lone Justice 2 | One Horse | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | Street Fighter | Sagat | Flop | Similar → |
| 1993 | Geronimo: An American Legend | Geronimo | Average | Similar → |
| 1992 | The Last of the Mohicans | Magua | Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | The Doors | Indian in Desert | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Dances with Wolves | Toughest Pawnee | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Powwow Highway | Buff | Hit | Similar → |
Wes Studi - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Wes Studi?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Wes Studi is "Crazy Horse" with a rating of 8.8/10.
How many movies has Wes Studi acted in?
Wes Studi has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Wes Studi?
Other notable films include "Soul", "Heat", and "Dances with Wolves".