William J. O'Brien
ActingWilliam J. O'Brien Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of William J. O'Brien 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 William J. O'Brien's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 34% of William J. O'Brien'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 Gun Crazy, which stands out as a key performance.
Best William J. O'Brien Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from William J. O'Brien's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie William J. O'Brien has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| 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 | Outrage | Man Drawing Shade in Window (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Born to Be Bad | Bartender at Charity Ball (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Underworld Story | Townsman on Street / In Coffee Shop (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Gun Crazy | Customer at Sharpshooting Act (uncredited) | Super 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 | Juror / Man at Piano Concert (uncredited) | 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 the Bartender | 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 7.5/10.
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 "Holiday Affair".