William J. O'Brien
ActingCareer Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of William J. O'Brien 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: Drama
The majority of William J. O'Brien'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 34% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), William J. O'Brien remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Gun Crazy, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best William J. O'Brien Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from William J. O'Brien's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of William J. O'Brien.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1956 | Earth vs. the Flying Saucers | Radio Listener (archive footage) (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | Everything I Have Is Yours | Passerby on Street (Uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | Horizons West | Barfly (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | O. Henry's Full House | Hotel Clerk (segment "The Clarion Call") (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Something to Live For | Bar Customer (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | The Racket | Counterman / Short Order Cook (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | You Never Can Tell | Andrew Lindsay (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Roadblock | Waiter (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | Hard, Fast and Beautiful! | Bartender (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Gambling House | Stage Manager (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Frenchie | Townsman (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Woman on the Run | Waiter at Sullivan's Grotto (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Born to Be Bad | Bartender at Charity Ball (Uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Outrage | Man Drawing Shade in Window (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Underworld Story | Townsman on Street / In Coffee Shop (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Gun Crazy | Customer at Sharpshooting Act (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Woman in Hiding | Bus Passenger (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | Holiday Affair | Peanut Vendor (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | The Threat | Stage Doorman (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | It's a Great Feeling | Saloon Waiter (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | The Set-Up | Pitchman (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | The Accused | Police Detective (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | Joe Palooka in Winner Take All | Fight Spetator | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | The Noose Hangs High | Passerby (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | They Won't Believe Me | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Ivy | Bailiff (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Trail Street | Barfly (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | The Locket | Waiter at Bonner's Party (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | Badman's Territory | Man in Barber Chair (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | The Blue Dahlia | Man at Cavendish Apartments (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | Deadline at Dawn | Man (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1945 | Johnny Angel | Bartender (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1945 | The Falcon in San Francisco | Train Passenger (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1945 | What, No Cigarettes | Cigarette Customer | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | Happy Land | Chris (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | Gildersleeve's Bad Day | Juror (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | This Land Is Mine | Night Switchman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | I Wake Up Screaming | Man hosing sidewalk (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Tom, Dick and Harry | Bartender (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | The Bank Dick | Townsman Onlooker (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Phantom of Chinatown | Extra in Audience at Benton's Lecture | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Triple Justice | Tim - Proprietor | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Dance, Girl, Dance | Burlesk House Spectator (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Lucky Night | Casino Gambler (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Fugitives for a Night | Bald Gambler | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Great O'Malley | Man Whistling in Hospital Zone (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Great Guy | Meat Clerk (Uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Hopalong Cassidy Returns | Sandy | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Bridge of Sighs | Juror (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | The Soilers | Bald Juror (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
William J. O'Brien - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of William J. O'Brien?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring William J. O'Brien is "Gun Crazy" with a rating of 7.4/10.
How many movies has William J. O'Brien acted in?
William J. O'Brien has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by William J. O'Brien?
Other notable films include "The Set-Up", "This Land Is Mine", and "I Wake Up Screaming".