Last updated on: October 30, 2025
Introduction
Let me ask you something—when you think about actors who simply dominate the screen, who pops into your head? For me, John Amos is definitely up there. He’s one of those individuals who, even if he’s not the leading character, you remember. Why? Because his presence is magnetic.
Most everybody was introduced to him as James Evans Sr. on Good Times or Kunta Kinte on Roots. But John Amos didn’t limit his stint to television. His career in film is filled with roles that demonstrate his range—comedy, action, fantasy, drama—name it.
So, rather than providing you with a dry list, let’s go through his top 5 movies together. Think of this as if I’m taking you off to the side and saying, “Listen, if you really want to understand John Amos, these are the movies you need to watch.” You ready? Let’s do this.
Who is John Amos?
Here’s a little backstory, because knowing where he came from makes his film roles even richer. John Amos was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1939. Fun fact—he wasn’t always set on acting. He actually played professional football before stepping into Hollywood. Imagine that: one day you’re on the field, the next you’re sitting across from Eddie Murphy in a blockbuster.
His television break arrived with Good Times. As James Evans Sr., he portrayed a gruff but loving father who never hesitated to speak truth to power. He became a role model of strength and dignity for many a family viewer at home. Then Roots, for which he played the adult Kunta Kinte—a performance so compelling it was nominated for an Emmy and guaranteed him a place in television history forever.
That’s the television end. But on the film side? He’s every bit as memorable. Let’s get into those top 5 movies.
The Top 5 John Amos Movies
1. Uncut Gems (2019)
Let’s begin with something fresh. Uncut Gems is not your average happy movie—it’s real, it’s intense, and quite frankly, sort of stressful to watch. But in the best possible manner. Adam Sandler surprised everyone by leaving his comedy roots behind and taking on a dramatic performance, and the Safdie brothers filmed the mayhem like an endless rollercoaster ride.
So where does John Amos enter the picture? He appears as a known quantity, like seeing an old buddy in the midst of all this craziness. His part isn’t large, but it doesn’t have to be. Amos possesses that special something—if he’s on screen, you feel grounded, like, “Okay, I know this guy. He’s reliable.”
And let’s be serious, for an actor who began making his presence felt in the ’70s, appearing in a 2019 critically acclaimed film. That’s persistence.
2. Coming to America (1988)
Now we’re talking classic. If you’ve never seen Coming to America, do yourself a favor—stop reading after this section and go watch it. Eddie Murphy is hilarious, Arsenio Hall is brilliant, and right in the middle of it, John Amos steals the show as Cleo McDowell.
Cleo operates McDowell’s, a suspiciously McDonald’s-like fast-food restaurant (complete with arches). He’s also the hyper-protective father of Lisa, to whom Prince Akeem (Murphy) is smitten. Where Amos’s role becomes so much fun is that he’s actually serious, but in a way that you can’t help but laugh at. He’s a burger mogul who’s only out for business, but you can tell he secretly wants what’s best for his daughter.
It’s one of the few comedies that has not aged poorly—it remains funny, remains charming, and Amos is largely responsible.
3. Die Hard 2 (1990)
Changing gears—let’s transition from burgers to bullets. Amos has a role in Die Hard 2 as Major Grant, a military man who at first appears to be on Bruce Willis’s side. until he’s no longer there. That’s right—plot twist. Amos is one of the bad guys.
And boy, does he peddle it. He’s disciplined, daunting, and when the betrayal is exposed, it stings because you literally did trust him. That’s the type of acting range Amos has—he can be your lovable dad one second and your don’t-mess-with-me villain the next.
The movie itself? Solid action, classic ’90s vibes, If you’re rewatching the Die Hard franchise, keep an eye on Amos. He’s not just background—he’s pivotal to the story’s tension.
4. American Flyers (1985)
Here’s one that doesn’t get spoken of as much. American Flyers is a sports drama with Kevin Costner. The setup? Two brothers qualify for a tough cycling race over the Rocky Mountains. It’s family, grit, and overcoming personal demons.
Amos performs the role of Dr. Conrad, a wise and balanced mentor figure amidst the mayhem. He’s not racing, but he is the one who keeps everyone else centered. Imagine him to be the coach who knows when to prod you and when to tell you to catch your breath.
It’s not as well-known as Coming to America or Die Hard 2, but it’s a gem. If you had a mentor who challenged you more than you knew you could handle, you’ll recognize a little bit of Dr. Conrad in them.
5. The Beastmaster (1982)
And something completely different now—fantasy. The Beastmaster is pure ’80s fun, sword-and-sorcery. Imagine this: a hero who can communicate with animals, fights against evil, and a dedicated warrior named Seth (that is Amos) at his side.
This isn’t Shakespeare. It’s campy, occasionally so much that it’s over the top, but that’s why it’s a cult classic. Amos provides Seth with dignity and strength, making what might have been a throwaway character one of the best things about the film.
If you’re from the ’80s or ’90s, there’s a good chance you saw this on television somewhere along the line—it was a cable staple. And even if you didn’t, viewing it now is like opening a time capsule of fantasy film prior to the age of CGI.
Other Notable John Amos Movies
Of course, reducing it to five leaves out some good ones. He was gruff and authoritative in Lock Up (1989) with Sylvester Stallone. He reprised Cleo in Coming 2 America (2021), which was nostalgic rather than revolutionary but enjoyable for fans nonetheless. And then there is My Baby’s Daddy (2004), where he proved willing to cut loose into light, contemporary comedies.
All these roles contribute another dimension to his career. Even if the film itself was not a work of art, Amos ensured that his role made a difference.
Why John Amos’s Movies Still Matter Today
Here’s the thing: John Amos isn’t just a great actor. He represents something bigger. At a time when Hollywood often gave one-dimensional roles to Black actors, Amos brought depth, dignity, and authority. He was the dad people wished they had. The soldier you’d want on your team. The friend who always had your back.
And that’s why his films remain relevant. Generations Z and Alpha are finding him in reruns of action films such as Die Hard 2 or classics such as Coming to America. And when they do, they know—this man was a vision ahead of his time.
FAQs About John Amos Movies
John Amos is most famous for what? He’s most famous for Good Times, Roots, and Coming to America.
What is the most popular John Amos movie? Definitely Coming to America. It’s still parodied, quoted, and enjoyed today.
Did John Amos star in Roots or just in films? Yes, he was the adult Kunta Kinte in Roots—one of his strongest performances.
Is John Amos acting today? Yep. He appeared in Coming 2 America in 2021 and is still active.
What was his role in Die Hard 2? He played Major Grant, a military officer who is revealed to be one of the villains.
Final Thoughts
John Amos is not some Hollywood pseudonym on the way to stardom—he’s a legend. From the warm guffaws of Coming to America to the edge-of-your-seat intensity of Die Hard 2, his films exemplify a range that few actors can equal.
If you have time to view just five John Amos movies, watch these: Uncut Gems, Coming to America, Die Hard 2, American Flyers, and The Beastmaster. Each reveals a different aspect of who he is as an actor. Collectively, they showcase a man who could walk into any character and make it memorable.
And perhaps that’s the best way to describe John Amos. He doesn’t act—he haunts. Even after the credits have rolled, you still remember him.
