The Best Danny Glover Movies & TV Shows

Ranker Film
Updated March 14, 2024 69.7K views 96 items
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Vote for your favorite movies and TV shows, regardless of critic reviews or how big the role was.

Latest additions: American Dreamer, The Naughty Nine
Most divisive: The Cookout
Over 600 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Danny Glover Movies & TV Shows

List of the best Danny Glover movies and TV shows, ranked best to worst. Danny Glover's highest-grossing movies and shows have received many accolades over the years, earning millions around the world. The order of these top Danny Glover movies and shows are decided by how many votes they receive, so only highly rated movies and shows will be at the top of the list. Danny Glover has been in a lot of films and shows, so people often debate each other over what his greatest role of all time is. If you and a friend are arguing about this then use this list of the most entertaining Danny Glover films and shows to end the squabble once and for all.

If you think the best Danny Glover role isn't at the top, then upvote it so it has the chance to become number one. The greatest Danny Glover performances didn't necessarily come from the best movies or shows, but they go hand in hand in most cases.

List ranges from Our Friend, Martin to Legend of Earthsea, plus much more.

"This list answers the questions, "What are the best Danny Glover movies and shows?" and "What are the greatest Danny Glover roles of all time?"

Steven Spielberg and Roland Emmerich have both worked with Danny Glover over the years, as have plenty of other well-known directors. Movie fans who love Danny Glover have also been known to enjoy films starring Laurence Fishburne and Cuba Gooding, Jr..

  • Lethal Weapon
    1
    Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Gary Busey
    139 votes
    In Lethal Weapon, we're thrust into the high-stakes world of two Los Angeles police detectives. Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson), a volatile maverick reeling from his wife's death, pairs up with seasoned detective Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover). As they navigate the city's gritty underbelly, their contrasting styles and personalities create an undeniable dynamic. The movie, a blend of action and crime genres, is punctuated by thrilling car chases, explosive confrontations, and compelling character development. Directed by Richard Donner, Lethal Weapon has become a quintessential buddy cop film. Despite its intense action sequences, it remains grounded in the reality of its characters' lives.
  • Lethal Weapon 2
    2
    Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci
    107 votes
    South African smugglers find themselves being hounded and harassed by Riggs and Murtaugh, two mismatched Los Angeles police officers. However, the South Africans are protected by diplomatic immunity, and so the two are assigned to witness-protection duty in an attempt by their captain to keep his job. It is only when this witness reveals to them that he has already dealt with the smugglers that the trouble really starts.
  • Lethal Weapon 3
    3
    Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci
    108 votes
    Veteran police detective Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) is only days away from retiring when he and his tough partner, Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson), are roped into an important internal affairs case. Working with the beautiful, no-nonsense Sergeant Lorna Cole (Rene Russo) and aided by the shifty informant Leo Getz (Joe Pesci), Murtaugh and Riggs begin to close in on a black-market weapons operation involving corrupt cop and arms dealer Jack Travis (Stuart Wilson).
  • Lethal Weapon 4
    4
    Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci
    92 votes
    Detective Riggs (Mel Gibson) tries to settle down with his pregnant girlfriend, Lorna (Rene Russo), while his partner, Murtaugh (Danny Glover), comes to grips with the marriage of his pregnant daughter, Rianne (Traci Wolfe), to fellow cop Butters (Chris Rock). But they find themselves and their families targeted by Chinese mobsters, led by Wah Sing Ku (Jet Li). Riggs, Murtaugh, Butters and private eye Getz (Joe Pesci) decide to go on the offensive before the gangsters get to their loved ones.
  • Predator 2
    5
    Danny Glover, Gary Busey, Rubén Blades
    95 votes
    In the heart of Los Angeles, a new kind of terror lurks. Predator 2, a pulse-pounding sequel to the original Predator movie, introduces Lieutenant Mike Harrigan (Danny Glover) as a tough-as-nails cop battling an invisible and deadly enemy. The city's ruthless gangs are falling prey to an unseen predator, leaving behind mutilated bodies and utter chaos. As Harrigan delves deeper into these gruesome murders, he stumbles upon a horrifying truth - an extraterrestrial hunter (Kevin Peter Hall), more formidable and lethal than any foe he has ever faced. This atmospheric sci-fi thriller, brimming with suspense and intense action sequences, offers a riveting exploration of urban warfare against an alien menace.
  • Angels in the Outfield
    6
    Danny Glover, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tony Danza
    89 votes
    Angels in the Outfield is a heartwarming blend of sports and fantasy genres. The film centers on foster kid Roger (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who prays to the heavens for his abysmal local baseball team, the California Angels, to turn their luck around. Surprisingly, real angels led by Al (Christopher Lloyd), respond to his plea. As the celestial beings start meddling in games, the team's cynical manager George Knox (Danny Glover) is forced to reevaluate his beliefs. This quirky tale of faith and miracles combines humor with a touch of magical realism, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.
  • Silverado
    7
    Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Kevin Costner
    74 votes
    Rambling man Emmett (Scott Glenn) assembles a group of misfit cowboys (Kevin Costner), (Kevin Kline, Danny Glover). After helping a group of settlers track down a pack of thieves, Emmett and his men descend on the troubled town of Silverado to seek their fortunes. Soon after arriving, they discover that the town has fallen into the grasp of greedy rancher Ethan McKendrick (Ray Baker) and corrupt Sheriff Cobb (Brian Dennehy) with whom many of Emmett's men have unfinished business.
  • Witness
    8
    Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis, Alexander Godunov
    73 votes
    In the 1985 film Witness, a young Amish boy, Samuel Lapp (Lukas Haas), becomes the sole witness to a brutal murder in Philadelphia. Detective John Book (Harrison Ford) is assigned to investigate but soon finds himself hiding within the boy's Amish community from corrupt police officers looking to silence them both. This crime-thriller directed by Peter Weir navigates the stark contrast between two worlds while exploring themes of love and duty. The film garnered multiple Academy Awards nominations, winning two for Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing.
  • The Color Purple
    9
    Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Margaret Avery
    85 votes
    The Color Purple is a period drama, steeped in the southern atmosphere of rural Georgia. It follows the life of Celie (Whoopi Goldberg), a young African-American woman, from her childhood to adulthood. Born into poverty and subjected to severe abuse, Celie's journey is one of resilience and survival. The film is directed by Steven Spielberg and features an exceptional cast including Danny Glover and Oprah Winfrey. This poignant narrative swept the 1986 Academy Awards with eleven nominations, testifying to its cinematic brilliance. Its vivid portrayal of racial and gender issues remains relevant even today.
  • Shooter
    10
    Mark Wahlberg, Michael Peña, Danny Glover
    60 votes
    In the high-stakes thriller Shooter, former Marine Corps sniper Bob Lee Swagger (Mark Wahlberg) finds himself coaxed back into action, only to be framed for a crime he didn't commit. Trapped in a deadly conspiracy that spans across national lines, Swagger must use his elite skills to clear his name and seek justice. Alongside him is novice FBI agent Nick Memphis (Michael Pena), whose loyalty to the truth challenges the very system he serves. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, this action-packed film weaves intrigue with raw courage, testing the mettle of its characters at every turn.
  • Switchback
    11
    Dennis Quaid, Danny Glover, Jared Leto
    74 votes
    After his son is kidnapped by a notorious serial killer, FBI agent Frank LaCrosse (Dennis Quaid) travels to Amarillo, Texas, where he believes the murderer is in hiding. Although officially taken off the case because of its personal significance to him, Frank continues to pursue the killer, causing concern for local sheriff Buck Olmstead (R. Lee Ermey). When another victim pops up at a nearby car garage, Frank knows that he is as close as he'll ever be to tracking down the elusive kidnapper.
  • Gone Fishin'
    12
    Joe Pesci, Danny Glover, Rosanna Arquette
    52 votes
    Joe (Joe Pesci) and Gus (Danny Glover) are lifelong friends who seem to encounter disaster wherever they go. They're ecstatic when they find out they've won a fishing trip to Florida, and quickly embark on a road trip. But their adventure takes a turn for the worse when they cross paths with a smooth-talking con man (Nick Brimble) who makes off with Joe's car. They hitch a ride with two women -- Rita (Rosanna Arquette) and Angie (Lynn Whitfield) -- and find themselves in outlandish situations.
  • The Rainmaker
    13
    Matt Damon, Claire Danes, Mickey Rourke
    41 votes
    The Rainmaker is a 1997 American drama film written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Matt Damon, based on the 1995 novel of the same name by John Grisham. Danny DeVito, Danny Glover, Claire Danes, Jon Voight, Roy Scheider, Mickey Rourke, Virginia Madsen and Mary Kay Place also star. This was the final film appearance of Academy Award-winning actress Teresa Wright.
  • Buffalo Soldiers
    14
    Danny Glover, Clifton Powell, Bob Gunton
    28 votes
    Buffalo Soldiers is a 1997 TNT television film starring Danny Glover, Mykelti Williamson, Tom Bower, Timothy Busfield, Clifton Powell, and Bob Gunton. It features the Buffalo Soldiers, black members of the U.S. cavalry, and their role in the Apache Wars, especially Victorio's War.
  • Antz
    15
    Woody Allen, Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman
    36 votes
    In the animated film Antz, Z (voiced by Woody Allen), an average worker ant, finds himself questioning the strict hierarchy and conformity of his colony. This musing triggers a series of events that leads him to challenge the oppressive regime led by General Mandible (Gene Hackman). The story unfolds as he embarks on a daring quest for freedom, love, and self-discovery, crossing paths with Princess Bala (Sharon Stone) and the free-spirited Insectopia. Antz is a remarkable blend of comedy, adventure, and social commentary. Despite its insect-sized protagonists, it delivers a gigantic impact in terms of storytelling and animation prowess.
  • Death at a Funeral
    16
    Keith David, Loretta Devine, Peter Dinklage
    35 votes
    Preparing for a funeral is never pleasant, but for Aaron, it is shaping up to be the worst day of his life. Sibling rivalry, meddling family members, and a little stranger with a big secret threaten to blow the lid off the coffin when Aaron struggles to give his late father a proper memorial.
  • Places in the Heart
    17
    Sally Field, Lindsay Crouse, John Malkovich
    35 votes
    In 1935 rural Texas, recently widowed Edna Spaulding (Sally Field) struggles to survive with two small children, a farm to run and very little money in the bank -- not to mention a deadly tornado and the unwelcome presence of the Ku Klux Klan. Edna is aided by her beautician sister, Margaret (Lindsay Crouse) ; a blind boarder, Mr. Will (John Malkovich) ; and a would-be thief, Moze (Danny Glover), who decides to stick around to teach Edna how to plant and harvest cotton.
  • 2012
    18
    John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet
    44 votes
    In the disaster movie 2012, the world faces an apocalyptic cataclysm of biblical proportions. Jackson Curtis (John Cusack), a science fiction writer, stumbles upon these unsettling predictions and embarks on a race against time to save his family. Alongside him is Adrian Helmsley (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a government scientist who also discovers the impending doom. Directed by Roland Emmerich, this film combines elements of action and science fiction genres, bringing together a star-studded cast in a thrilling narrative about survival and resilience amidst global catastrophe.
  • The Prince of Egypt
    19
    Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer
    37 votes
    The Prince of Egypt is a captivating animated musical drama. The movie chronicles the life of Moses (voiced by Val Kilmer), a Hebrew baby adopted by Pharaoh Seti's wife, Queen Tuya (Helen Mirren). Raised as an Egyptian prince alongside his step-brother Rameses (Ralph Fiennes), Moses learns of his true heritage and embarks on a divine mission to free his people from slavery. This cinematic retelling of the Book of Exodus boasts stunning visuals and an Oscar-winning soundtrack. It explores themes of identity, faith, and destiny without sacrificing entertainment value.
  • The Royal Tenenbaums
    20
    Gene Hackman, Anjelica Huston, Ben Stiller
    34 votes
    The Royal Tenenbaums is a quirky comedy-drama, directed by the distinctive Wes Anderson. It tells an eccentric tale of a peculiar family, headed by patriarch Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman). His estranged wife, Etheline (Anjelica Huston), and their prodigious but troubled offspring - business savant Chas (Ben Stiller), playwright Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow), and tennis star Richie (Luke Wilson) - form the core of this unusual clan. A narrative spun around familial discord, reconciliation attempts, and personal growth, it's a film that's as unpredictable as the Tenenbaums themselves. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, it stands testament to Anderson's unique storytelling prowess.
  • Saw
    21
    Cary Elwes, Danny Glover, Monica Potter
    45 votes
    In the heart-pounding horror-thriller Saw, two men, Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes) and Adam Stanheight (Leigh Whannell), wake up in a dilapidated bathroom with no memory of how they arrived there. They soon discover they're pawns in a deadly game orchestrated by the notorious serial killer, Jigsaw (Tobin Bell). As their grim surroundings start to reveal horrific clues, they must solve riddles and endure unthinkable physical torment to survive. Directed by James Wan, this film is a chilling exploration of human survival instincts that redefined the horror genre and spawned a long-running franchise.
  • Flight of the Intruder
    22
    Danny Glover, Willem Dafoe, Brad Johnson
    32 votes
    U.S. Navy pilot Lt. Jake Grafton (Brad Johnson) and his bombardier buddy, Lt. Cmdr. Virgil Cole (Willem Dafoe), are two soldiers embedded in the Vietnam War growing frustrated by the military's constraints on their missions. Despite the best efforts of their commanding officer, Cmdr. Frank Camparelli (Danny Glover), to re-engage them, this disillusioned pair decide to take the war effort into their own hands with an explosive battle plan that could well get them court-martialed.
  • Bat*21
    23
    Gene Hackman, Danny Glover, Jerry Reed
    31 votes
    Bat*21 is a 1988 war film directed by Peter Markle, and adapted from the book by William C.. Anderson, novelist and retired United States Air Force colonel. Set during the Vietnam War, the film is a dramatization based upon the rescue of a U.S. signals intelligence expert shot down behind enemy lines in Vietnam. The film stars Gene Hackman and Danny Glover with Jerry Reed, David Marshall Grant, Clayton Rohner, Erich Anderson and Joe Dorsey in supporting roles.
  • Operation Dumbo Drop
    24
    Danny Glover, Ray Liotta, Denis Leary
    44 votes
    Soon-to-retire Captain Sam Cahill (Danny Glover) and his unit labor to build a secret relationship with a local Vietnamese village in order to conduct surveillance on an enemy weapons-smuggling operation that goes through on a nightly basis. When the enemy discovers this, they kill the village's elephant as a punishment. Cahill, his replacement Captain T.C. Doyle (Ray Liotta) and a team of special forces must locate and transport another elephant in time for the village's spiritual event.
  • Pure Luck
    25
    Martin Short, Danny Glover, Sheila Kelley
    32 votes
    When Valerie Highsmith (Sheila Kelley) goes missing in Mexico, it isn't too surprising, as she is generally acknowledged as having the worst luck in the world. What is surprising is that veteran investigator Raymond Campanella (Danny Glover) can't find her. Then an executive at Valerie's father's company has the idea to send Proctor (Martin Short) from accounting along with Raymond. Proctor, it turns out, also possesses terrible luck -- and is sure to tumble into the same mess Valerie did.
  • Dreamgirls
    26
    Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé, Eddie Murphy
    39 votes
    Dreamgirls is a musical drama that unfurls the rise of an all-female singing trio, the Dreams. Effie White (Jennifer Hudson), Deena Jones (Beyonce Knowles), and Lorrell Robinson (Anika Noni Rose) navigate the turbulent waters of fame, managed by Curtis Taylor Jr. (Jamie Foxx). The journey to stardom is fraught with heartbreaks and betrayals, underpinned by a captivating rhythm of Motown soul. Directed by Bill Condon, this film won two Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Hudson's powerful portrayal of Effie. Noteworthy are its dazzling costumes and unforgettable songs, anchoring the narrative in the vibrant era of 1960s music scene.
  • A Raisin in the Sun
    27
    Danny Glover, Esther Rolle, Helen Martin
    19 votes
    A Raisin In The Sun is a TV program.
  • Beloved
    28
    Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover, Thandie Newton
    30 votes
    In 1873 Ohio, Sethe (Oprah Winfrey) is a mother of three haunted by her horrific slavery past and her desperate actions for freedom. As a result, Sethe's home is haunted by a furious poltergeist, which drives away her two sons. Sethe and her daughter (Kimberly Elise) endure living with the spirit for 10 more years, until an old friend, Paul D. Garner (Danny Glover), arrives to run it out. After Garner moves in, a strange woman named Beloved (Thandie Newton) enters their lives, causing turmoil.
  • Grand Canyon
    29
    Danny Glover, Kevin Kline, Steve Martin
    27 votes
    A diverse group of characters are thrown together through chance encounters while coping with urban chaos in L.A. The main focus is the growing friendship between an immigration lawyer (Kevin Kline) and a tow-truck driver (Danny Glover) who meet when Kline's car breaks down in a crime-ridden neighborhood.
  • Barnyard
    30
    Kevin James, Courteney Cox, Sam Elliott
    21 votes
    Like the other animals in the barn, Otis the bull (Kevin James) likes to sing and play while the farmer is away. However, the carefree bovine must soon find the courage to be a leader when, unexpectedly, he finds himself in a position of great responsibility.