All 22 Sam Bottoms Movies In Order — All The Best (And Worst) Films To Watch Online

Rubin Wood
9 min readMay 22, 2024

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Join us as we dive deep into the enigmatic world of American actor Sam Bottoms and explore his varied roles in film. From his early days in Hollywood to his recent and notable performances, we’ll take a closer look at the unique charm that has endeared him to fans worldwide.

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1. The Last Picture Show (1971)

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Step into the faded hues of an isolated North Texas town in 1951, where the heartfelt tale of love, loss, and the harsh realities of growing up unfolds. “The Last Picture Show” weaves together the lives of three high schoolers, Sonny, Duane, and Jacy, as they navigate the turbulent journey towards adulthood. The story takes place against a backdrop of a town that’s slowly fading away, both culturally and economically.

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2. Class of ’44 (1973)

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Class of ’44 takes us on a heartfelt journey through the lives of our favorite trio from the beloved ‘Summer of ‘42’. As they step into 1944, the stakes are higher, and the lessons more profound.

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3. Zandy’s Bride (1974)

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Experience the compelling drama of “Zandy’s Bride” (1974), a poignant tale set in the rugged wilderness of the American frontier. This timeless story follows the life of Zandy, an American settler, who marries an enigmatic European mail-order bride. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, love, and hardship in their newfound home.

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4. The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)

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The riveting western film “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” released in 1976, is a groundbreaking revision that was skillfully directed by Clint Eastwood. It is an adaptation of Forrest Carter’s novel “The Outlaw Josey Wales: The Authentic Life of the Notorious Confederate Guerrilla.” Following the life of Josey Wales, a Missouri farmer whose family was mercilessly slaughtered by Union soldiers, revenge fuels him to join a Confederate guerrilla unit. This decision sets the stage for an exhilarating manhunt and transforms Josey into a fugitive from his relentless pursuers.

The film, recognized with one Oscar nomination and one award, showcases Eastwood’s profound talent and the picture’s profound influence. The impressive ensemble cast, consisting of Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, and Chief Dan George, adds depth and life to the intriguing characters and enriches the storytelling.

Even today, this cinematic experience continues to garner attention from viewers worldwide due to its unique take on the Western genre. It explores themes of revenge, moral uncertainty, and the complexity of life during that time period. The gripping plot and unparalleled storytelling, combined with the impressive performance by the cast, make “The Outlaw Josey Wales” an enduring and unforgettable masterpiece in cinema history.

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5. Bronco Billy (1980)

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Experience the thrilling adventure of Bronco Billy, a cinematic ode to the Wild West, as it unfolds in 1980. Clint Eastwood directs and stars in this classic, bringing to life the tale of an idealistic cowboy named Billy “Bronco Billy” Clay. Struggling to keep his Wild West show afloat amidst hard luck and waning interest, Bronco Billy encounters both challenges and opportunities.

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6. Desperate Lives (1982)

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“Desperate Lives,” a riveting 1982 drama, delves into the gut-wrenching aftermath of teenagers being entangled in their high school’s drug scene. The narrative centers around two siblings whose lives are on a downward spiral as they become enmeshed in the perilous world of drug addiction. The film abounds in suspenseful moments, such as a shirtless male character, disturbing acts of violence (like a scene of a bullet in the head), and profound emotional distress.

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7. Answers (1985)

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In the riveting drama film “Answers, “ three short plays written by Ernest Thompson come to life, each with a surprising encounter. The first, titled “A Good Time, “ follows a vacationing California Highway Patrolman who visits a young woman in New York, after she promised him a memorable experience. The second piece, “The Constituent, “ centers around a United States Senator who unceremoniously drops in on a concerned citizen who has been sending messages about an important matter.

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8. Hunter’s Blood (1986)

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Dive into the thrilling and chilling world of “Hunter’s Blood, “ where five city slickers embark on a weekend adventure in the heart of the swamp-infested countryside. With nothing but their hunting rifles and the thrill of the hunt, they quickly become the hunted prey of the terrifying local backwoods psychos.

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9. Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse (1991)

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Dive into the making of a cinematic legend with directors Fax Bahr, George Hickenlooper, and Eleanor Coppola in the gripping 1991 documentary “Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse. “ This must-see film takes you on a thrilling behind-the-scenes tour of Francis Ford Coppola’s infamous 1979 film, Apocalypse Now. Uncover the extraordinary script problems, challenging shooting conditions, massive budget issues, and the demanding casting process that nearly brought the celebrated director to his knees. Don’t miss this fascinating look into the trials and tribulations of filmmaking during the 1970s set amidst the backdrop of the Philippines.

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10. Sugar Hill (1993)

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Sugar Hill, a heart-stopping crime drama, follows the story of a drug dealer, played by Wesley Snipes, who seeks a fresh start with his girlfriend. Set against the backdrop of the drug trade, their journey to escape the life’s deadly grasp proves to be a tragic and perilous one. Directed by Leon Ichaso, the film features powerful performances by its talented cast, including Michael Wright and Khandi Alexander.

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11. Sunny Side Up (1994)

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“Sunny Side Up” follows the journey of Speer, a budding actress, as she pursues her dreams in Hollywood. Caught amidst the glamour and chaos of the city, she unexpectedly finds love in an unlikely place: the window cleaner of her hotel.

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12. Zooman (1995)

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“Zooman, “ a 1995 movie directed by Leon Ichaso and written by Charles Fuller, revolves around the life of a vigilante who takes matters into his own hands when the community refuses to cooperate in solving the murder of an innocent child. With a star-studded cast including Louis Gossett Jr. , Charles S. Dutton, and Cynthia Martells, this drama showcases the lengths one man will go to in the pursuit of justice.

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13. Snide and Prejudice (1997)

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Snide and Prejudice, released in 2001, is a wickedly entertaining and darkly humorous comedy-drama that takes the viewer on an unpredictable journey into the mind of a mental institution. This bold film, directed by Philippe Mora, follows the story of Dr. Cohen, who works in a unique facility where patients believe they are former members of the German Nazi Party, including Adolf Hitler, Heinrich Himmler, Rudolf Hess, Pablo Picasso, and Hermann Goering. As the characters engage in a twisted power struggle, Dr. Cohen’s determination to help them navigate their illusions becomes more critical than ever.

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14. The Big Brass Ring (1999)

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“The Big Brass Ring” is a gripping drama, released in 2000, that explores the perils of keeping secrets and the price one pays for ambition. Starring the talented George Hickenlooper as the director and Orson Welles, Oja Kodar, and F. X. Feeney as the writers, this movie promises an intense and suspenseful narrative.

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15. Joseph’s Gift (1999)

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“Joseph’s Gift” is a mesmerizing drama that takes place in the bustling garment district of Los Angeles, weaving together the well-known biblical tale of Joseph and his multi-colored coat. This captivating film dives into the intricate themes of jealousy, family dynamics, and personal growth, while tackling challenging issues such as sweatshop labor, factory fires, and mental health amid adversity.

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16. The Unsaid (2001)

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“The Unsaid” is a gripping crime drama that delves into the complexities of the human psyche. Set in 2001, this mysterious film follows the life of an apparently calm adolescent who hides a dark and disturbing past. The narrative is compelling and takes a dramatic turn when a persistent psychiatrist tries to uncover the hidden truths of the patient’s life.

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17. Shadow Fury (2001)

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“Shadow Fury, “ a thrilling 2001 sci-fi action film, follows Madsen, a grizzled bounty hunter with a bad attitude and a worse liver. He is teamed up with Dr.

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18. Winter Passing (2005)

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“Winter Passing” is a poignant dramedy that follows the intricate journey of actress/bartender Reese, played by Zooey Deschanel, who returns home to New York from her bustling life in the city. After receiving a generous offer of $100,000 for her late mother’s letters from her novelist father, she reunites with her estranged family, finding them in unusual living arrangements. With the garage now inhabited by her father, played by Ed Harris, and two unknown strangers residing in the family home, Reese must navigate through her complex family dynamics and her father’s tangled emotions.

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19. Havoc (2005)

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Delving into the complexities of the human condition, Havoc (2005) is a gripping crime drama that tackles themes of class conflict and entrenched prejudice. Set amidst the turbulent backdrop of East Los Angeles, the film centers on two affluent suburban girls who find themselves at the heart of a simmering cultural clash with a powerful Latino gang.

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20. Shopgirl (2005)

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“Shopgirl” is a riveting drama-romance film released in 2005, directed by Anand Tucker and based on the novel of the same name by Steve Martin. The movie delves into the complexities of a love triangle between an apathetic salesgirl, a wealthy businessman, and a disillusioned young artist, taking the audience on an emotional journey.

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21. Sherrybaby (2006)

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Sherrybaby, a 2006 drama film directed and co-written by Laurie Collyer, follows the life of Sherry, a heroin addict who is finally released from prison and given a chance at redemption. As she strives to reintegrate into society and become the best mother she can be, she must confront her addiction and the challenges of rebuilding her life.

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22. Finishing the Game (2007)

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“Finishing the Game” takes us on a journey through the world of Hollywood as studio executives seek a worthy successor to the legendary Bruce Lee. This 2007 comedy film follows five aspiring actors as they navigate the challenges of making it big in the industry. Despite its slapstick humor and controversial content, the movie offers an entertaining look into the audition and casting process.

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