Last updated on: October 8, 2025
When it comes to cool charm and timeless screen presence, Don Johnson has always been in a league of his own. Best known for his breakout role in Miami Vice, Johnson has built a film career filled with variety—ranging from crime thrillers to romantic dramas and even laugh-out-loud comedies. Over the years, he’s shown that he can slip into any role with ease, whether it’s a slick detective, a tough outlaw, or the unexpected scene-stealer in a star-studded cast. In this list, we’ll take a closer look at Don Johnson’s top 10 movies—from iconic hits like Django Unchained and Knives Out to underrated gems like The Hot Spot—and explore why each one is a must-watch for fans of both the actor and great cinema.
1. Django Unchained (2012)
IMdb rating: 8.5/10
In Django Unchained, Don Johnson plays Spencer “Big Daddy” Bennett. He’s a plantation owner. Dressed head to toe in white. Flashy. Cold. Rules his land like a king. Doesn’t say much, but when he does, you feel it. He’s not the main villain. But he sure leaves a mark.
The movie? Quentin Tarantino made it. You know what that means—sharp talk, wild shootouts, characters you don’t forget. Django, a freed slave, joins a bounty hunter. Their goal? Rescue Django’s wife from a cruel man. It’s a Western. But it’s more than that. It’s about freedom. About revenge. About pain and power.
Why watch it? It grabs you. Pulls you in. The acting is strong all around. Jamie Foxx. Christoph Waltz. Leonardo DiCaprio. And Don Johnson—man, he brings a twisted charm. A little humor. Not funny-haha. More like, you can’t believe he just said that. It helps break the tension. But never softens the truth.
It made over $425 million. Won two Oscars. One for Best Original Screenplay. Critics loved it. Audiences did too. Bold? Yes. Hard to watch? Sometimes. But honest in its own way.
Fun thing—Don Johnson only has a few scenes. But he owns them. You remember him. That’s skill. Even small roles can punch hard.
You can stream it on Amazon Prime or Netflix. Depends where you are. But it’s out there.
I watched it late one night. Lights off. Just me and the screen. And I couldn’t look away. Don Johnson? He’s always good. But here—he’s something else. Even as a bad man, he makes you watch. Makes you think. That’s why I keep coming back to this film.
2. Knives Out (2019)
IMdb rating: 7.9/10
In Knives Out, Don Johnson plays Richard Drysdale. He’s married to Linda. Jamie Lee Curtis plays her. He smiles a lot. Wears nice clothes. Talks smooth. Acts like he’s got it all together. But that skin-deep charm? It cracks fast.
The story starts with Harlan Thrombey’s death. Rich man. Famous writer. Mystery stories. His whole family comes together. Each one greedy. Each one nervous. Then a detective shows up—Daniel Craig. Sharp. Calm. He doesn’t rush. Just watches. Listens. And one by one, the lies fall.
Richard? He’s not what he seems. Talks about family values. But cheats. Lies. Hides things behind a grin. Don Johnson plays him like he’s lived that life. You believe every word. Even when he’s lying. That’s skill. He’s polished on the outside. Rotting a little underneath.
It’s a whodunit. But not old-fashioned. Feels fresh. Directed by Rian Johnson. Smart pacing. Funny moments. Dark ones too. The tension builds slow. No wasted scenes. Everyone matters. Even the ones you think don’t.
It made over $310 million. Got an Oscar nod for Best Original Screenplay. Critics said it brought something new to the table. Not just a mystery. A statement. Audiences loved the wit. The twists. The way it made you think.
Here’s a fun bit—Don Johnson’s real daughter, Dakota Johnson, was in Fifty Shades of Grey. Some folks chuckled seeing both in the same movie world. Different roles. Same blood. Life’s funny that way.
You can stream Knives Out on Netflix. I watched it twice. First time, I followed the plot. Second time, I watched the small things—the way someone held a glass, shifted in their seat. Don’s performance? Even better the second round. You catch the flicker in his eye. The smirk before a lie.
I’ve always liked Don Johnson. He’s got that cool, lived-in look. Like he’s seen a few storms. In this, he uses it. Makes Richard real. Not a cartoon. A man who thinks he’s smarter than he is.
This one’s worth your time. Put it on. Turn off your phone. Let it pull you in. You’ll remember it
3. Tin Cup (1996)
IMdb rating: 6.4/10
In Tin Cup, Don Johnson plays David Simms. He’s a top golfer. Clean cut. Expensive clothes. Lives the good life. Everything about him gleams. But he’s got an edge. Smooth, sure—but cold when he needs to be.
He’s the rival to Roy “Tin Cup” McAvoy. Kevin Costner plays Roy. Wild. Talented. Doesn’t play by the rules. David, on the other hand, plays it safe. Always in control. That’s what makes them clash—not just on the course, but over a woman too. Rene Russo plays her. Smart. Strong. She sees something in Roy. Something real.
David doesn’t like that. He’s used to winning. Used to getting what he wants. But Roy? He swings from the heart. Even when he fails, he swings big. David pushes him. Not on purpose. Just by being who he is—the guy who has it all. That’s what makes Roy dig deeper. Not just for golf. For love. For himself.
The movie’s a sports comedy. But it’s got soul. Roy’s a mess. But he’s honest. Funny. Brave in his own way. The film moves fast. Makes you laugh. Then hits you in the chest. It’s about chasing dreams. Even when they seem dumb. Even when people laugh.
It made over $75 million. People liked it. Critics said it had charm. Real humor. Not fake. It’s still one of the best sports rom-coms out there.
Here’s a little thing—Don Johnson loves golf in real life. Plays often. So stepping into David Simms? Felt natural. You can tell. He moves like he belongs on the course. Talks like he’s lived that life.
You can watch Tin Cup on Amazon Prime Video and a few other places. I’ve seen it more than once. Every time Don shows up, I roll my eyes—and smile. He’s so good at being the guy you love to hate. Polished. Confident. A little smug.
But that’s why Roy’s journey hits harder. Because beating David isn’t just about golf. It’s about heart. About daring to try, even when the odds are stacked. And Don? He plays his part so well, you almost forget he’s acting.
4. Machete (2010)
IMdb rating: 6.4/10
In Machete, Don Johnson plays Sheriff Earl McGraw. He’s not the kind of man you cross. Tough. Cold eyes. Runs the border like it’s his land. No mercy. He’s on the wrong side of the law, working against Machete, the hero. And he doesn’t care.
Machete’s a former Mexican Federale. Danny Trejo plays him. Strong. Quiet. Wronged. Set up by crooked politicians. Backstabbed. Now he’s out for justice. Or revenge. Maybe both.
The movie? It’s wild. Directed by Robert Rodriguez. Feels like an old-school grindhouse flick. Gritty. Loud. Full of wild fights, insane stunts, and blood. It doesn’t slow down. Doesn’t ask you to think too hard. Just throws you into the fire.
Don Johnson fits right in. He’s not flashy. Doesn’t yell. But you feel the danger when he walks in. He’s got that slow swagger. Like he’s already decided what’s going to happen—and it won’t go well for you. He makes Earl McGraw scary. Real. Not a cartoon.
This one’s for you if you like action that doesn’t play it safe. Over-the-top? Sure. But fun. Honest in its own way. Don’s role helps ground the chaos. He’s the law—but a twisted kind of law.
It made over $44 million. Not a blockbuster. But it stuck. Became a cult favorite. Critics were split. Some didn’t get it. But fans? They loved it. The madness. The style. The raw energy.
Here’s a cool thing—Earl McGraw isn’t new. He’s popped up in other movies. By Robert Rodriguez. By Quentin Tarantino. Same character. Like a shadow moving through different worlds. So Don’s not just in one story. He’s part of something bigger.
You can watch Machete on Amazon Prime Video and a few other places. I sat down with mine late one night. Lights out. No distractions. And I grinned through half of it. The fights. The lines. The sheer boldness.
Don Johnson? He goes all in. Doesn’t hold back. You can tell he’s having a blast playing such a hard-edged villain. It’s not just acting. It’s attitude. Proof he can do more than charm—he can burn too.
5. A Good Old Fashioned Orgy (2011)
IMdb rating: 6.1/10
In A Good Old Fashioned Orgy, Don Johnson plays Jerry Kellner. He’s the dad of Eric, played by Jason Sudeikis. Laid-back. Tanned. Always in shorts and flip-flops. Owns a beach house on the shore. That house? It’s been the heart of every summer for years.
It’s where the group of friends comes. To drink. Laugh. Forget their problems. Jerry doesn’t mind. He likes seeing them happy. Lets them run wild. He’s not a strict father. More like a friend with better advice.
His role isn’t huge. But it sticks. He shows up with a cold beer and a calm voice. Says just enough. Knows when to step in. Knows when to walk away and let kids be kids.
The story kicks off when Jerry decides to sell the house. Big news. Hits the group hard. That place is more than wood and sand. It’s memories. It’s freedom. So they make a wild plan—go out with a bang. Their idea? Throw an orgy. One last crazy night together.
Sounds crazy. Loud. Maybe dumb. But it’s not really about sex. It’s about holding on. About not wanting to grow up. About friends who’ve known each other too long to just drift apart.
It’s a comedy. But it’s got heart. The kind that makes you laugh, then pause, then smile. Don Johnson gives it balance. He’s funny without trying too hard. Warm. Real. You’d want a dad like Jerry.
The movie didn’t make much money when it came out. Critics weren’t all in. Some called it crude. Others said it had soul beneath the jokes. Over time, people found it. Liked its honesty. Became a quiet favorite. A movie you recommend to a friend when they need a real laugh.
Here’s a fun bit—Don Johnson was once the cool guy on Miami Vice. Sharp suits. Dark shades. All mystery. So seeing him here, barefoot and grinning, cracking dry jokes—it surprised folks. Showed he could do more than brood. He could lighten up. And do it well.
You can stream it on Amazon Prime Video and a few other places. I watched it on a rainy weekend. Wasn’t expecting much. But I stayed. Laughed more than I thought. And every time Don walked in, calm as the tide, I liked the movie more.
Some roles shout. Others just sit there, quiet, and leave a mark. Jerry does that. Small part. Big feel. Just like Don himself—doesn’t need the spotlight to shine.
6. Paradise (1991)
IMdb rating: 6.6/10
In Paradise, Don Johnson plays Ben Reed. A man carrying weight. Not in his arms. In his chest. He’s lost his child. The pain doesn’t leave. It sits there. Heavy. Always.
His wife, played by Melanie Griffith, feels it too. She’s hurting just as deep. But grief doesn’t pull them together. It pushes them apart. Like two trees bent by the same storm, growing in different directions.
They’re on an island. Quiet. Green. Far from noise. That’s where a young boy comes to stay. Just for the summer. He doesn’t say much. Just is. Plays. Asks simple questions. Sees things adults forget.
His presence changes things. Slowly. Not with big speeches. Just small moments. A laugh. A walk. A shared silence. Through him, Ben and his wife begin to find their way back—to each other, and to peace.
Don’s role here is different. No swagger. No sharp lines. Just a man trying to breathe again. He plays Ben with care. With truth. You see the hurt behind his eyes. The effort it takes to smile. It’s one of his most honest performances.
The movie isn’t loud. It doesn’t chase action. It’s soft. Like morning light on water. A story about loss. About love that gets buried but isn’t gone. About healing that takes time.
It didn’t make big money. Didn’t storm the charts. But people who saw it? Many held onto it. Said it touched something inside. Critics were split. Some didn’t feel it. Others saw its quiet strength.
Here’s something real—Melanie Griffith was Don’s wife when they made this. Off-screen, they lived that marriage. So their scenes together? They carry a deeper truth. You can’t fake that kind of history.
You can watch Paradise on Amazon Prime Video and a few other platforms. I saw it late one night. Wasn’t looking for anything heavy. But I stayed. Watched every frame.
Don doesn’t shout in this film. He doesn’t have to. His pain is in the way he pours coffee. In how he looks at an empty swing. Small things. Big meaning.
It reminded me that the best roles aren’t always the loudest. Sometimes it’s the quiet ones—the ones with no music, no flash—that stay with you longest. This was one of those.
7. Book Club (2018)
IMdb rating: 6.1/10
In Book Club, Don Johnson plays Arthur Riley. He’s the man who walks into Diane’s life like a warm breeze. Diane’s played by Diane Keaton. Smart. Kind. A little stuck in her ways. Then Arthur shows up.
He’s smooth, but not trying too hard. Funny, but not loud. Just… present. He listens. He remembers. Brings flowers. Makes coffee. Small things. But they mean something.
Arthur’s her love interest. Not flashy. Not dramatic. Just real. The kind of man who makes you think, Maybe it’s not too late.
Don plays him with a quiet charm. No sharp edges. No tough talk. Just warmth. It’s different for him. And it works. Arthur feels like someone you’d want to meet—on a park bench, at a diner, in real life.
The movie’s about four friends. Diane, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, Mary Steenburgen. They’ve known each other forever. Their book club’s been going for years. Mostly light reads. Then one day, they pick Fifty Shades of Grey.
That book? It shakes things up. Gets them talking. Laughing. Thinking. Suddenly, they’re trying new things. Taking chances. Reaching for joy.
It’s funny. Sweet. Not perfect. But honest. About friendship. About growing older. About not giving up on love.
Don’s role stands out because he shows love doesn’t fade with age. It changes. Grows deeper. His scenes with Diane? Gentle. Full of small smiles. Long looks. No rush. Just two people finding each other.
The movie made over $100 million. People liked it. More than liked it. It made them feel good. Critics called it a feel-good comedy. Light. But not empty.
And here’s a fun bit—Dakota Johnson, Don’s real daughter, starred in the Fifty Shades movies. The same book that starts the whole story? Her film brought it to life. Fans noticed. Laughed. Said it was fate. Or just a lucky twist.
You can stream Book Club on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other places. I watched it with my sister one Sunday. We didn’t expect much. But we both ended up grinning. Even cried a little.
Don’s part? It’s not huge. But it matters. He’s not playing a hero with a gun or a sharp line. He’s just a good man showing up. Being kind. Being there.
That’s what stayed with me. Not the jokes. Not the plot. Just the way he held her hand. Like he meant it. Like it was enough.
8. Dead Bang (1989)
IMdb rating: 5.7/10
In Dead Bang, Don Johnson plays Jerry Beck. He’s a homicide detective. Not shiny. Not clean-cut. He’s got weight on his shoulders. A past that drags behind him. Makes bad calls. Says the wrong thing. But he keeps going.
He’s not the kind of hero who wins every fight. But he fights anyway.
Don plays him with grit. No charm for show. No cool lines. Just a man doing a hard job, one step at a time. You believe him. Because he feels real.
The story starts with a cop’s murder. One of their own. Jerry takes it personal. He digs. Follows the trail. It leads into dark places—white supremacist groups, hidden networks, men with hate in their bones.
The deeper he goes, the more danger he’s in. Friends turn cold. Rules get bent. He can’t trust the system he’s part of. But he doesn’t walk away.
It’s a tough film. Gritty. Fast. Full of tension. Not flashy action. The kind that shakes the ground. Gunfire. Chases. Close calls. You feel every hit.
Don carries it. No help from glitz. No backup from fame. Just him, the role, and the story. And he holds it up.
This one’s worth watching because it shows Don outside Miami Vice. No pastel suits. No beach views. Just a worn-out coat and tired eyes. He’s not trying to look cool. He’s trying to survive.
It didn’t make big money. Didn’t storm the charts. But people who saw it? They remembered it. Said it had weight. Said Don was better than anyone expected.
Critics were split. Some didn’t like the rough edges. Others said that’s what made it honest. No sugar. No lies. Just a cop walking a thin line.
Here’s something few know—Don did some of his own stunts. Jumped into scenes. Took real hits. That crash, that fall, that run through the woods? He did it. Not a double. Not a trick. Him.
It makes the movie feel real. Because it was real, in parts.
You can stream Dead Bang on Apple TV and a few other places. I watched it late, with the lights down. No distractions. And I stayed with it. Even when it got dark.
Jerry Beck isn’t a legend. But he’s brave in his own way. And Don plays him like he’s lived that life.
It’s not his flashiest role. But maybe one of his truest. Shows he’s not just a face. He’s a force. Even when no one’s watching.
9. Guilty as Sin (1993)
IMdb rating: 5.7/10
In Guilty as Sin, Don Johnson plays David Greenhill. He’s accused of murder. Hires a lawyer. Talks easy. Smiles at the right time. Seems calm. Polished. Like a man who’s been wronged.
But something feels off.
At first, you almost root for him. Then, slowly, things shift. Little things. A look. A pause too long. A story that doesn’t quite fit. That charm? Starts to feel like a mask.
Don plays him like a man who knows exactly what he’s doing. Every word measured. Every gesture planned. You can’t tell if he’s innocent or just that good at pretending. That’s what makes it work. Keeps you hooked.
The story follows Jennifer Haines. Rebecca De Mornay plays her. Sharp. Driven. A top defense lawyer. She takes David’s case. Thinks it’s another win. Then the walls close in.
The more she digs, the less she knows. Evidence twists. Threats come quietly. She starts to wonder—did she defend a victim? Or set a predator free?
It’s a courtroom thriller. But not just about trials. It’s about trust. Power. Fear. The kind that creeps in slow.
Don’s role stands out because he doesn’t play the villain like a monster. He plays him like a man who could sit next to you at dinner and make you laugh—then scare you without raising his voice.
You don’t forget that.
The movie didn’t light up the box office. No big crowds. But those who saw it? They remembered. Especially fans of smart, tense dramas. The kind where your gut says one thing and your mind says another.
Critics were split. Some said it played it too safe. Others said Don’s performance was ice under flame. Quiet. Dangerous. One of his best-hidden roles.
Here’s a thing he said in an interview—Don loved playing David. Not because he was likable. Because he wasn’t. It was different. Dark. He said it was fun to step into someone’s skin who wasn’t the hero. Who might be the nightmare.
You can stream Guilty as Sin on Apple TV and a few other places. I watched it alone, late. No distractions. And I didn’t move. Not once.
Don doesn’t shout. Doesn’t wave a gun. But you feel the threat. It’s in the way he leans. The way he watches. The way he says her name.
It’s not one of his loudest films. But it’s one of his smartest. Shows he doesn’t need action or jokes to hold a screen. All he needs is a look. And the truth behind it.
10. The Hot Spot (1990)
IMdb rating: 6.4/10
In The Hot Spot, Don Johnson plays Harry Madox, a drifter who wanders into a small Texas town looking for a fresh start. On the surface, Harry is charming and mysterious, but underneath, he’s a man with secrets and dangerous plans. Don’s performance here is magnetic—he pulls you into the story with his cool style and intensity.
The movie is a neo-noir thriller directed by Dennis Hopper. It follows Harry as he takes a job at a car dealership, but soon gets tangled up in crime, passion, and lies. He finds himself caught between two very different women—one innocent and one dangerously seductive—which leads to betrayal, love, and shocking twists.
This is a must-watch because it shows Don Johnson in one of his most daring roles. The film is stylish, moody, and full of suspense, and Don shines as the perfect anti-hero. His performance proves he can carry a dark, complex story all on his own.
While The Hot Spot wasn’t a huge box-office hit, it became a cult favorite among fans of noir and crime dramas. Critics admired the film’s bold storytelling and praised Don for taking on such a challenging, layered role.
Fun fact—the movie is also remembered for its bold mix of steamy romance and classic noir style, which was very different from most films in the early ’90s.
You can stream The Hot Spot on Amazon Prime Video and other platforms. Personally, I think this role is one of Don Johnson’s most underrated—he completely owns the screen, and it’s a perfect way to round out his top 10 movies.
Don Johnson’s career has been full of unforgettable roles, from charming heroes to complex villains, and his movies prove just how versatile he really is. Whether you love the thrill of Dead Bang, the laughs in Book Club, or the intensity of The Hot Spot, there’s truly something for everyone on this list. Now I’d love to hear from you—what’s your favorite Don Johnson movie? Did it make the list, or do you have another hidden gem in mind? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s celebrate this amazing actor together!
