Steve Buscemi’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked

Steve Buscemi is a versatile and prolific actor, director, and writer who has graced the screen in a wide variety of roles. From independent films to mainstream blockbusters, his talents have been showcased in some of the most memorable movies of the last few decades. Let’s dive into the top 10 Steve Buscemi movies that have left an indelible mark on cinema history.
1. “Con Air” (1997) – Playing Garland ‘The Marietta Mangler’ Greene in this high-octane action flick aboard a plane transporting convicts gave Buscemi a standout role as an oddly charming serial killer, providing depth to an otherwise straightforward action movie.
2. “Ghostbusters II” (1989) – As Milton Angland, an eccentric psychic guest on Peter Venkman’s show “World of the Psychic,” although not one of his big roles it’s notable for showcasing Buscemi’s early career versatility.
3. “Boardwalk Empire” (2010-2014) – Though not a movie, it would be remiss not to mention Enoch ‘Nucky’ Thompson, the role that won him Golden Globe acclaim in this HBO period drama series set during Prohibition-era Atlantic City.
4. “Fargo” (1996) – Another Coen Brothers masterpiece where Buscemi plays Carl Showalter, a small-time criminal hired for a kidnapping scheme that spirals out of control in freezing Minnesota.
5. “Reservoir Dogs” (1992) – Tarantino’s directorial debut shines with Buscemi as Mr. Pink—a professional criminal with a strong aversion to tipping waitresses—in this intense heist-gone-wrong film.
6. “The Death of Stalin” (2017) – In this political satire directed by Armando Iannucci, Buscemi portrays Nikita Khrushchev with both dark humor and dramatic flair as he navigates the tumultuous power struggle following Stalin’s death.
7. “Trees Lounge” (1996) – This time not only acting but also directing, Buscemi shows his chops both behind and in front of the camera playing Tommy Basilio, a man going through a midlife crisis while spending most of his time at the local bar.
8. “Monster’s Inc.” (2001) – Providing the voice for Randall Boggs in Pixar’s hit animated movie, Buscemi brings to life a slippery and devious monster in this heartfelt and humorous take on the creatures lurking in children’s closets.
9. “The Big Lebowski” (1998) – In this beloved Coen Brothers’ film, Buscemi plays Theodore Donald ‘Donny’ Kerabatsos, an easygoing and consistently overshadowed bowler who rolls alongside Jeff Bridges’ iconic character, The Dude.
10. “Ghost World” (2001) – Directed by Terry Zwigoff, this cult favorite based on a comic book of the same name features Buscemi as a lonely and somewhat awkward collector of vintage records, who forms an unlikely friendship with a teenager played by Thora Birch.
These films exemplify Steve Buscemi’s remarkable ability to transform into vastly different characters across genres—comedy to thriller—and prove why he remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring figures_inches by inches.