Ben Johnson
ActingAbout Ben Johnson
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Ben "Son" Johnson, Jr. (June 13, 1918 – April 8, 1996) was an American motion picture actor who was mainly cast in Westerns. He was also a rodeo cowboy, stuntman, and rancher. Description above from the Wikipedia article Ben Johnson (actor) , licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Ben Johnson Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Ben Johnson reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Ben Johnson's work falls within the Western genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 88% of Ben Johnson's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains The Red Pony, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Ben Johnson Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Ben Johnson's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Ben Johnson has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Sam Peckinpah's West: Legacy of a Hollywood Renegade | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Bonanza: Under Attack | Bronc Evans | Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Bonanza: The Return | Bronc Evans | Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Warren Oates: Across the Border | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Radio Flyer | Geronimo Bill | Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Picture This | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys | Jesse Dalton | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | The Last Ride | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Dark Before Dawn | The Sheriff | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Red Dawn | Mason | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | Champions | Burly Cocks | Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | Always in My Heart | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | The Shadow Riders | Uncle 'Black Jack' Traven | Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | Inside 'the Swarm' | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Breakheart Pass | Deputy U.S. Marshal Nathan Pearce | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Bite the Bullet | Mister | Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | The Sugarland Express | Captain Tanner | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Blood Sport | Dwayne Birdsong | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Dillinger | Melvin Purvis | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | The Red Pony | Jess Taylor | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | The Train Robbers | Jesse | Average | Similar → |
| 1973 | Kid Blue | Sheriff 'Mean John' Simpson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | The Getaway | Jack Beynon | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | The Last Picture Show | Sam the Lion | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1970 | Chisum | James Pepper | Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | The Undefeated | Short Grub | Average | Similar → |
| 1969 | The Wild Bunch | Tector Gorch | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | Ride a Northbound Horse | Will Parker | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | Hang 'em High | Marshal Dave Bliss | Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | Will Penny | Alex | Hit | Similar → |
| 1966 | Noon Wine | Sheriff Barbee | Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | Major Dundee | Sergeant Chillum | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Cheyenne Autumn | Trooper Plumtree (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | Tomboy and the Champ | Uncle Jim | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | One-Eyed Jacks | Bob Amory | Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | Slim Carter | Montana Burriss | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | War Drums | Luke Fargo | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | Rebel in Town | Frank Mason | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | Oklahoma! | Wrangler (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Shane | Chris Calloway | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Wild Stallion | Dan Light (as an adult) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Fort Defiance | Ben Shelby | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Rio Grande | Trooper Travis Tyree | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Wagon Master | Travis Blue | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | She Wore a Yellow Ribbon | Sgt. Tyree | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Mighty Joe Young | Gregg Johnson | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | 3 Godfathers | Posse man #1 | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | The Gallant Legion | Ranger | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | The Naughty Nineties | Coach Driver (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Tall in the Saddle | Townsman (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
Ben Johnson - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Ben Johnson?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ben Johnson is "The Red Pony" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Ben Johnson acted in?
Ben Johnson has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Ben Johnson?
Other notable films include "Ride a Northbound Horse", "Picture This", and "Dark Before Dawn".