Let’s Be Honest—John Cusack Is One of a Kind
The Essence of John Cusack
You know those actors who just possess that something extra? That easygoing charm, that ability to say lines so it sounds like he’s talking directly to you? That’s John Cusack. He’s not only an actor; he’s a mood. Whether he’s wielding a boombox over his head in Say Anything. or unwinding a brain-twisting mystery in Identity, he owns every part.
For decades, Cusack has been slipping into different genres like a chameleon—action, romance, psychological thrillers, political dramas—you name it, he’s done it. And he’s done it well. So, if you’re a fan or just discovering his work, here’s a list of his top 10 films that show why he’s Hollywood’s most underrated gem.
1. Con Air (1997)
Imagine this: you’re a U.S. Marshal. Your job is to oversee a plane full of the most dangerous criminals in the country. And then, surprise! They take over the plane. Welcome to Con Air, where John Cusack plays Vince Larkin, the government agent trying to keep the whole operation from turning into a full-blown disaster.
Between Nicolas Cage’s haircut, Steve Buscemi’s unnerving placidity, and John Malkovich being, well, John Malkovich, this film is full of larger-than-life characters. But Cusack? He’s the straight man of the piece. He plays cerebral chess against the madness as the plane turns into an airborne battleground. If you’re a fan of ’90s action movies with over-the-top explosions and quotable one-liners, Con Air is for you.
2. Identity (2003)
This one is for the psychological thriller fans. Imagine being stranded at a creepy motel in the middle of a storm, surrounded by strangers. One by one, they start dying. Sounds like your classic horror setup, right? Well, Identity is anything but predictable.
Cusack is Ed Dakota, a former cop attempting to keep all the characters alive as the corpses pile up. But here’s the catch—not everything is what it appears. Before you even think you’re in on it, the film sucker-punches you with a new twist. Cusack’s performance? Incredible. Erratic. Slightly unhinged and perfectly tuned to the disturbing tone of this film.
3. High Fidelity (2000)
If you’ve ever made a “Top 5” list of anything (songs, movies, exes who broke your heart), then High Fidelity is your movie. Cusack plays Rob Gordon, a record store owner who’s obsessed with music and ranking everything in his life. But when his long-time girlfriend leaves him, he starts analyzing all his past relationships to figure out what went wrong.
This film is hilarious, profound, and mercilessly truthful. Cusack repeatedly breaks the fourth wall, addressing the viewer as if he’s your sarcastic, music-snob friend. And if you appreciate a killer soundtrack, this film has it in spades.
4. The Butler (2013)
In a film teeming with heavyweight performances, Cusack plays Richard Nixon. The Butler tells the true story of Cecil Gaines, a White House butler who served multiple U.S. presidents and witnessed history from the inside out.
Cusack ventures out of his comfort zone, playing Nixon with a chilling realism. His performance may be brief, but it contributes to the film’s strong examination of race, politics, and personal sacrifices behind closed doors.
5. Runaway Jury (2003)
If you’re a fan of courtroom thrillers, this is a hidden gem. Cusack stars as Nicholas Easter, a juror with an agenda in a high-stakes case against a gun company. But he’s not the only one playing a game—Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman face off in a cat-and-mouse battle of wits.
Cusack is the wild card. His character seems bland at first, but as things unravel, you realize he’s got far more control than anyone imagines. If you like movies that keep you guessing, Runaway Jury won’t disappoint.
6. America’s Sweethearts (2001)
Hollywood. A highly publicized breakup. A press junket nightmare. That’s the setup for America’s Sweethearts, where Cusack stars as Eddie Thomas, an actor stuck in a PR disaster while promoting a film with his ex.
This film is light-hearted, funny, and full of romantic tension. If you need a break from serious dramas, this one’s perfect for a fun night in.
7. Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)
An existential crisis hitman? Check. A high school reunion? Check. An old flame he never got over? Double-check.
Cusack plays Martin Blank, a hitman returning home for his reunion while dodging an assassin. It’s a mix of action, comedy, and romance, blended in the best way possible. If you’re in the mood for a quirky, enjoyable film with heart, this is it.
8. Say Anything. (1989)
Even if you’ve never seen Say Anything., you’ve seen the boombox scene. Lloyd Dobler (Cusack) stands outside his dream girl’s window, blasting “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel.
But beyond that, this movie is charming, funny, and incredibly relatable. Cusack plays the lovable misfit so well that you can’t help but root for him.
9. Serendipity (2001)
Some films just make you believe in fate, and Serendipity is one of them. Cusack stars as Jonathan Trager, a man who meets the perfect woman by accident but loses her just as fast. Years later, he searches for her, believing they were meant to be.
It’s romantic, enchanting, and leaves you wondering—what if?
10. 1408 (2007)
Stephen King adaptations are hit or miss, but 1408 is one of the best. Cusack plays a skeptical writer who checks into a notoriously haunted hotel room. What follows is pure psychological terror, as the room torments him in ways beyond imagination.
Cusack carries the film almost solo, delivering a gripping, haunting performance. If you love mind-bending horror, this one’s a must-watch.
Final Thoughts
John Cusack’s career is a rollercoaster ride through genres, emotions, and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re in the mood for action, romance, or a psychological thriller, he’s got you covered.
