John Lurie - Actor Profile

John Lurie

Acting
Updated: May 09, 2026
35Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Dec 14, 1952
Birth Place: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

About John Lurie

John Lurie (born December 14, 1952) is an American musician, painter, actor, director, and producer. He co-founded The Lounge Lizards jazz ensemble, has acted in 19 films, including Stranger than Paradise and Down by Law, has composed and performed music for 20 television and film works, and produced, directed, and starred in the Fishing with John television series. In 1996 his soundtrack for Get Shorty was nominated for a Grammy Award, and his album The Legendary Marvin Pontiac: Greatest Hits has been praised by critics and musicians alike. Since 2000 Lurie has suffered from chronic Lyme disease and has focused his attention on painting.

John Lurie Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of John Lurie reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 35 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of John Lurie's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 63% of John Lurie'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 No Wave - Underground '80: Berlin - New York, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best John Lurie Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from John Lurie's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie John Lurie has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2021 Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain Self - Artist / Friend Hit Similar →
2011 Blank City Self Hit Similar →
2009 No Wave - Underground '80: Berlin - New York Self Super Hit Similar →
2005 Face Addict Himself Super Hit Similar →
2005 TV Party Self Super Hit Similar →
2004 5 Sides of a Coin - Super Hit Similar →
2004 Tortured by Joy Narrator Super Hit Similar →
2001 Downtown '81 Self Hit Similar →
2001 Some Days in January, 1984 - Flop Similar →
2000 Sleepwalk Frank Flop Similar →
1999 New Rose Hotel Distinguished Man Flop Similar →
1996 Just Your Luck Coker Flop Similar →
1995 Blue in the Face Saxophone player Hit Similar →
1992 John Lurie and the Lounge Lizards Live in Berlin 1991 Alto & Soprano Saxophone Hit Similar →
1990 Wild at Heart Sparky Hit Similar →
1990 John Lurie: A Lounge Lizard Alone Self Flop Similar →
1988 Location Production Footage: The Last Temptation of Christ Self Flop Similar →
1988 The Little Devil Cusatelli Hit Similar →
1988 The Last Temptation of Christ James, Apostle Hit Similar →
1986 Down by Law Jack Hit Similar →
1986 The Kitchen Presents: Two Moon July - Super Hit Similar →
1985 Desperately Seeking Susan Neighbor Saxophonist Average Similar →
1985 The Ballad of Sexual Dependency - Flop Similar →
1984 Stranger Than Paradise Willie Hit Similar →
1984 Paris, Texas 'Slater' Super Hit Similar →
1984 Kino '84: The Making of Jim Jarmusch Interviewee Hit Similar →
1983 Stranger Than Paradise Willie Super Hit Similar →
1981 Subway Riders The Saxophonist Hit Similar →
1981 Permanent Vacation Sax Player Average Similar →
1980 Underground U.S.A. Jack Smith Flop Similar →
1980 The Offenders The Lizard Hit Similar →
1979 Sleepless Nights - Flop Similar →
1979 Men in Orbit Astronaut Hit Similar →
1979 Red Italy - Flop Similar →
1978 Rome '78 - Average Similar →

John Lurie - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of John Lurie?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring John Lurie is "No Wave - Underground '80: Berlin - New York" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has John Lurie acted in?

John Lurie has been featured in at least 35 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by John Lurie?

Other notable films include "5 Sides of a Coin", "Tortured by Joy", and "Paris, Texas".

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