These Actors Have Starred in the Most Movies (2024)

Movies have the power to transport us to new worlds, introduce us to unforgettable characters, and leave a lasting impact on our lives. And at the heart of every great film is an actor or actress who brings their role to life. However, some actors seem to be in every other film we watch. They seem to have an endless supply of energy and talent, constantly tackling new roles and bringing their unique skills to the big screen. These actors have dedicated their lives to the craft of acting, and that shows in the sheer number of films they have appeared in. From classic Hollywood icons to modern-day superstars, these are actors from all eras and genres.

Whether they are known for their dramatic performances or their comedic timing, these actors have proven time and time again that they have what it takes to captivate audiences. But what makes an actor able to appear in so many films? Is it their range as an actor, their ability to adapt to different roles or their dedication to their craft? Whatever the reason, one thing is certain: these actors have left a lasting mark on the film industry and will continue to do so for years to come. So, who are the actors who have starred in the most movies? You might be surprised by some of the names on this list.

First, it's important to mention some great character actors who have been in tons of films but remained uncredited. It's time to give them their flowers. Below are some classic Hollywood actors and the number of films they appeared in, even if they were tiny roles with little to no dialogue:

• Byron Foulger - 343
• Chuck Hamilton - 417
• Ethan Laidlaw - 515
• Charles Sullivan - 569
• Tom London - 579
• Harold Miller - 673

37 Mark Hamill

63 Movies

A man that likely needs no introduction, Mark Hamill made his acting debut in the late 1960s on The Bill Cosby Show. While many know him as the legendary actor who brought Luke Skywalker to life in the original Star Wars trilogy, few are aware of the fact that he was a drama major and a recurring actor in many television soap operas before that. Apart from playing cinema’s most iconic hero in Star Wars, Hamill showed his acting chops in the comedy, sci-fi, and slasher genres as well.

Mark Hamill Is Also a Voice Actor

There is no denying the fact that the Star Wars saga will forever be his most famous work. But Hamill has amassed over 290 acting credits, some of which include Corvette Summer, The Big Red One, and The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia. The majority of those, however, are not in movies, but in shorts or TV shows, such as the beloved Batman: The Animated Series. Hamill continues to entertain old generations and new with his humor and passion for art.

36 Clint Eastwood

63 Movies

Clint Eastwood is a household name in Hollywood, and with good reason. He has starred in 63 films, making him a true icon of the film industry. But Eastwood's journey to fame wasn't always easy. After serving in the Korean War, he worked as a lifeguard and lumberjack before finding his way into the entertainment industry. It wasn't until the 1960s that Eastwood made a name for himself, thanks to his portrayal of the iconic character The Man with No Name in the Dollars Trilogy of spaghetti westerns.

Eastwood Stars Across Multiple Genres

From there, he went on to star in a wide range of films, including Dirty Harry, Unforgiven, and Gran Torino. Eastwood is known for his rugged good looks and strong presence on screen; his talent as an actor is undeniable. But he is also a skilled director and producer, having directed and produced several critically acclaimed films. His contributions to the film industry have earned him numerous awards and accolades, cementing his place as a true Hollywood legend.

35 Bette Davis

89 Movies

Bette Davis is a name that is synonymous with Hollywood glamour. She starred in a total of 89 films, earning her a reputation as one of the greatest actresses of all time. Davis began her career in the 1930s, and it wasn't long before she became a leading lady in Hollywood. Her talent and dedication to her craft earned her numerous awards, including two Academy Awards for Best Actress.

Bette Davis Had a Strong Personality

Some of her most memorable roles include All About Eve, Jezebel, and What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?. But, Davis wasn't just known for her acting abilities. She was also known for her feisty personality and strong will, which sometimes caused conflicts on set. Nevertheless, she remained a beloved figure in Hollywood, and her legacy lives on today.

34 Robert Duvall

93 Movies

Robert Duvall has a longstanding career spanning over seven decades, but the actor's commitment to each performance never allowed him to build a larger body of work. However, we will bet you recognize most movies where Duvall stars. With 93 credits to his name, even his low-profile films are excellent. Born in San Diego, California in 1931 and coming from a military household, Duvall was expected to follow tradition, but his path would be different from the one led by his father.

Robert Duvall Trained With Other Greats

Duvall attended the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City under Sanford Meisner. He was formed with the likes of Dustin Hoffman, Gene Hackman, and James Caan. His big break came in 1962 with To Kill a Mockingbird. Although nominated multiple times for his acting roles, Duvall finally won the coveted Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Tender Mercies. You will likely remember him from his roles in productions such as The Godfather Part Part II, Apocalypse Now, The Apostle, A Civil Action, The Judge, The Outfit, The Conversation, Network, True Confessions, Days of Thunder, and an early adaptation of The Handmaid's Tale.

33 Anthony Hopkins

96 Movies

Anthony Hopkins is a Welsh actor who has starred in a total of 96 films. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs, a role that earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. But Hopkins has also made a name for himself in a wide range of other films, including The Elephant Man, Nixon, and Thor.

Anthony Hopkins Can Portray Any Character

He has proven time and time again that he can transform into any character, no matter how complex or challenging. In addition to his film work, Hopkins is also a talented stage actor, appearing in numerous Broadway and West End productions. His talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous awards and accolades, making him one of the most respected actors in the industry.

32 Susan Sarandon

107 Movies

Susan Sarandon is an American actress who has appeared in over 100 movies throughout her career. She first gained fame in the 1970s with her roles in films such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Thelma & Louise. Since then, Sarandon has become one of the most respected actresses in Hollywood, known for her versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters.

Susan Sarandon Is an Academy Award Winner

Some of her most remarkable roles include her performances in Dead Man Walking, Anywhere but Here, and Bull Durham. Sarandon has won an Academy Award for Best Actress and has been nominated for numerous other awards throughout her career.

31 Christopher Plummer

115 Movies

Christopher Plummer is another recognizable face you've likely seen in way too many films to list by yourself. Born in Canada in 1939 to working-class parents, his mother favored his artistic side by encouraging him to play the piano. Plummer began acting while attending the High School of Montreal and was inspired to perfect his craft after watching Laurence Olivier's Henry V. He would learn the basics of the trade as an apprentice with the Montreal Repertory Theatre.

Christopher Plummer Was in Classic Movies

Plummer's professional acting debut was in 1948 with Ottawa's Stage Society alongside William Shatner. He finally made his film debut in the movie Stage Struck in 1958. Plummer received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Beginners, but he would round up a hefty body of work with 115 film credits to his name before his untimely passing in 2021. Some of his most notable works are A Beautiful Mind, Knives Out, The Man Who Would Be King, The Insider, The Sound of Music, All the Money in the World, and Malcolm X.

30 Nicolas Cage

118 Movies

From his early days as an up-and-coming actor to his current status in Hollywood as an icon, Nicolas Cage has showcased his diversity through some of the most unforgettable performances. His career spans four decades, and while he started off by starring in his uncle’s (Francis Ford Coppola) films, the actor eventually proved himself to be a versatile and fearless performer in all genres, from thrillers to dramas.

Cage Is A Cinematic Chameleon

Cage has a remarkable filmography. He’s extremely committed to the craft and not afraid to take on unconventional projects. Some of his most memorable on-screen appearances include his Oscar-winning turn in Leaving Las Vegas and his humorous roles in cult classics like Con Air, The Rock, Face/Off, Ghost Rider and its sequel, as well as City of Angels. Cage’s movies tally roughly up to 115 (and counting), with each one more captivating than the last. His most recent movies are The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Dream Scenario, and Longlegs.

29 Ray Milland

131 Movies

Ray Milland was a British actor who starred in a total of 131 films during his career. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of alcoholic writer Don Birnam in The Lost Weekend, a role that earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Milland began his career in the 1920s and quickly made a name for himself in Hollywood. He appeared in a wide range of films, including A Life of Her Own, Dial M for Murder, and Love Story.

Ray Milland Was Known for His Range

Milland was known for his good looks and charm and was a popular leading man in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s. But he was also a talented actor, and he proved time and time again that he had the range to tackle a wide variety of roles. Despite his success in Hollywood, Milland remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He continued to act well into his 70s, and his contributions to the film industry have left a lasting mark.

28 Robert Mitchum

114 Movies

Robert Mitchum, short for Robert Charles Durman Mitchum, is one of those actors who left an indelible mark on the industry with his legendary performances. He started his career as a struggling career and would often play the secondary villain in movies, until he went on to become one of the most influential figures in Hollywood. Mitchum is identified by his soulful gaze, effortless cool, commanding screen presence, and a deep voice that reverberates around the room.

A Cinematic Legend with Unmatched Longevity

Mitchum’s decorated filmography is proof of his enduring talent. It spans over 100 movies, in which he played every character from a brooding anti-hero in classic film noir thrillers like Out of the Past or a rugged leading man in romance tales like Ryan’s Daughter. His other credits include River of No Return, El Dorado, Angel Face, Farewell, My Lovely, and more. Interestingly enough, Roger Ebert called Mitchum his favorite movie star and the soul of film noir, describing how “he was the kind of guy you'd picture in a saloon at closing time, waiting for someone to walk in through the door and break his heart.”

27 Myrna Loy

125 Movies

Known for mirroring her stage partner’s acting style with flawless ease, Myrna Loy’s journey to becoming one of the most respected actresses of Hollywood’s golden age is a true indication of her talent and appeal. Her filmography boasts an impressive 125 movies and her on-screen presence is marked by elegance and intelligence, as well as an undeniable charm.

Stage Professional With Remarkable Screen Presence

Loy’s career peaked in the 1940s, when she tackled a wide range of roles in every genre – from sophisticated drawing-room comedies that put her on the map to hard-hitting dramas that showed her range. Whether she was being glamorous or down-to-earth, critics simply wouldn’t stop gushing over her depth and nuance. Loy’s performances in classic movies like The Thin Man, The Best Years of Our Lives, and The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer remain iconic even today.

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26 James Hong

133 Movies

James Hong is an actor who has appeared in an impressive 133 films during his career. He is perhaps best known for his roles in Blade Runner, Big Trouble in Little China, and Kung Fu Panda. Hong was born in Minnesota and moved to Los Angeles as a young man to pursue a career in acting. He quickly made a name for himself in Hollywood and became a film industry mainstay.

James Hong Is a Versatile Actor

Hong is known for his versatility as an actor and has played a wide range of roles throughout his career. He has appeared in everything from action films to comedies, and he can bring depth and complexity to even the smallest of roles.

25 Donald Sutherland

137 Movies

Donald Sutherland is a Canadian actor who has appeared in over 156 movies throughout his career. He first gained fame in the 1970s with his roles in films such as M.A.S.H. and Don't Look Now. Since then, Sutherland has become known for his versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters.

Donald Sutherland Has a Vast Resume

Some of his most memorable roles include his performances in JFK, Six Degrees of Separation, and Pride and Prejudice. He's even involved in major franchises like The Hunger Games. Sutherland has been nominated for numerous awards throughout his career, including a Golden Globe and an Emmy.

24 Patty Duke

137 Movies

Patty Duke, whose name was changed by her first agents so she could mimic the success of Patty McCormack, was a precocious child who entered the acting world because life didn’t go as planned. But her remarkable career is testament to her unwavering talent and relentless drive to stand tall against impossible odds and emerge victorious. With a career that spans an impressive 137 movies, Duke is a force to be reckoned with.

Versatile Icon of the Entertainment Industry

Throughout her career, Duke has showcased her ability to seamlessly transition between roles with effortless grace. And it’s because her rise to fame wasn’t meteoric that she’s so humble and empathetic. Her most famous works include The Miracle Worker and Valley of the Dolls. For the former, Patty won the Academy Actor for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Female). She’s also been the recipient of two Golden Globe Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and was graced with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

23 Jackie Chan

140 Movies

Jackie Chan is another actor who has appeared in a staggering number of movies. With over 190 film credits to his name, he is known for his unique blend of action and comedy. Chan first gained fame in Hong Kong cinema, where he made a name for himself with his acrobatic fighting style and comedic timing. He later gained international fame with roles in films like Rush Hour and Shanghai Noon.

Jackie Chan Is an Amazing Actor and Stunt Performer

But it's not just his acting skills that make Chan stand out. He is also known for his elaborate and daring stunt work, often performing his stunts in his movies. This dedication to authenticity and excitement has made him a fan favorite and cemented his place as one of the most beloved action stars in the world.

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22 Samuel L. Jackson

140 Movies

Samuel L. Jackson is an American actor who has appeared in over 174 movies throughout his career. He first gained fame in the 1990s with his roles in Pulp Fiction and the Unbreakable films. Since then, Jackson has become one of the most popular actors in Hollywood, known for his versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters.

Samuel L. Jackson Appeares in Major Franchises

Jackson is best known for many roles, including his performances in Django Unchained, The Avengers, and Unbreakable. Jackson has been nominated for numerous awards throughout his career, including a BAFTA and a Golden Globe. His talent and dedication to his craft have made him a beloved figure in the film industry.

21 Anthony Quinn

145 Movies

Here's a remarkable fact about Anthony Quinn: his real name was Manuel Antonio Rodolfo Quinn Oaxaca. In his early days, he was a professional boxer to earn money. He would later study art and architecture under Frank Lloyd Wright in his Wisconsin studio, Taliesin. His acting career began in 1936, and he was active until the last days of his life in 2001. Quinn twice won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor: for Viva Zapata! in 1952 and Lust for Life in 1956.

Anthony Quinn Was an Actor and Activist

In 1987, he was awarded the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award. A fervent civil-rights activist, he's considered a seminal figure of Latin American representation in Hollywood. He starred in 145 films, with some of the most notable being Zorba the Greek, Lawrence of Arabia, Lion of the Desert, The Guns of Navarone, The Message, Requiem for a Heavyweight, The Old Man in the Sea, and La Strada. His final film role would be an action flick alongside Sylvester Stallone named Avenging Angelo.

20 Michael Caine

147 Movies

Michael Caine is a British actor who has appeared in over 147 movies throughout his career. He first gained fame in the 1960s with his roles in films such as Alfie and The Italian Job. Since then, Caine has become one of the most respected actors in Hollywood, known for his versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters.

Michael Caine Has Plenty of Memorable Characters

Some of his most memorable roles include his performances in Batman Begins, The Cider House Rules, and The Prestige. Caine has won two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor and has been nominated for numerous other awards throughout his career. His talent and dedication to his craft have made him a beloved figure in the film industry.

19 Ernest Borgnine

148 Movies

Ernest Borgnine is one of those faces you get familiar with after watching him in a couple of films, and you had better believe he was in many of them. This working actor began his life in Hamden, Connecticut, back in 1917. A former Naval Officer, Borgnine served twice and was honorably discharged after WWII with the grade of gunner's mate first class. He made it into acting, thanks to his mother, who highlighted that he liked to make a fool out of himself in front of everyone.

You Can't Forget Ernest Borgnine's Smile

Ten years later, he would get an Academy Award handed by Grace Kelly for Best Actor for his impeccable role in the film Marty. For Borgnine, there's no such thing as a small part. The actor got to make 148 films as lead or in supporting roles. His trademark gap-toothed grin gave him a feeble appearance, and he was considered an industry mainstay for many years until his passing in 2012. Some of his most notable works include From Here to Eternity, Bad Day at Black Rock, Night Club, The Wild Bunch, and The Dirty Dozen.

18 Mickey Rooney

169 Movies

Mickey Rooney is an actor with a career spanning nearly nine decades. He made his acting debut at just six years old and quickly rose to fame with his energetic and lively performances. Rooney is best known for his roles in films like Boys Town, The Human Comedy, and National Velvet. Throughout his career, he has appeared in over 190 movies, making him one of the actors with the most film credits to his name.

Mickey Rooney's Range Is Undeniable

But it's not just the sheer number of movies that makes Rooney stand out. His talent and range as an actor are undeniable. He has tackled everything from comedy to drama and has received numerous accolades for his performances. Whether he was playing a mischievous teenager or a wise old man, Rooney brought a unique energy and vitality to every role he played.