
Patrick Swayze
ActingAbout Patrick Swayze
Patrick Wayne Swayze (August 18, 1952 – September 14, 2009) was an American actor, dancer and singer-songwriter. Known for his romantic, tough, and comedic roles in blockbusters and cult films, Swayze was nominated for three Golden Globes and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1997. Swayze received recognition for acting in the drama film The Outsiders (1983), the action film Red Dawn (1984), and the miniseries North and South (1985–1986). His breakthrough came with the romantic drama film Dirty Dancing (1987), receiving a Golden Globe nomination. He rose to further prominence in the action films Road House (1989) and Point Break (1991), and received two more Golden Globe nominations for his roles in the supernatural romance film Ghost (1990) and the road comedy film To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995). He also had a major role in the cult thriller Donnie Darko (2001). Outside of acting, Swayze co-wrote and recorded the song "She's Like the Wind" with Stacy Widelitz for the Dirty Dancing soundtrack album, which peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. He was also recognized for his public image and looks, and was named "Sexiest Man Alive" by People magazine in 1991. On September 14, 2009, Swayze died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 57. Description above from the Wikipedia article Patrick Swayze, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Patrick Swayze reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Patrick Swayze's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 36% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Patrick Swayze remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Found Footage Festival Volume 2: Live in Minneapolis, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Patrick Swayze Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Patrick Swayze's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Patrick Swayze.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | How to Rob a Bank | Bodhi (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | I Am Patrick Swayze | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Final Cut: Ladies and Gentlemen | (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | Powder Blue | Velvet Larry | Average | Similar → |
| 2008 | Jump | Richard Pressburger | Flop | Similar → |
| 2007 | Christmas in Wonderland | Wayne Saunders | Average | Similar → |
| 2007 | The Found Footage Festival Volume 2: Live in Minneapolis | Self (Archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | The Fox and the Hound 2 | Cash (voice) | Average | Similar → |
| 2005 | Keeping Mum | Lance | Hit | Similar → |
| 2005 | Icon | Jason Monk | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | 11:14 | Frank | Hit | Similar → |
| 2004 | George and the Dragon | Garth | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights | Dance Class Instructor | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | Abby Singer | Patrick Swayze (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | Saturday Night Live: The Best of Chris Farley | Adrian (archive footage) (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | Overnight | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | One Last Dance | Travis MacPhearson | Average | Similar → |
| 2002 | Waking Up in Reno | Roy Kirkendall | Flop | Similar → |
| 2001 | Green Dragon | Gunnery Sergeant Jim Lance | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | Ghost: Remembering the Magic | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | Donnie Darko | Jim Cunningham | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Forever Lulu | Ben Clifton | Flop | Similar → |
| 1998 | Letters from a Killer | Race Darnell | Flop | Similar → |
| 1998 | Black Dog | Jack Crews | Average | Similar → |
| 1998 | Saturday Night Live: A Tribute to Chris Farley | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 1995 | Three Wishes | Jack McCloud | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar | Vida Boheme | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | The First 100 Years: A Celebration of American Movies | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Tall Tale: The Unbelievable Adventure | Pecos Bill | Average | Similar → |
| 1993 | Father Hood | Jack Charles | Average | Similar → |
| 1992 | The Player | Patrick Swayze (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | City of Joy | Max Lowe | Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Point Break | Bodhi / Mask President | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Ghost | Sam Wheat | Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Next of Kin | Truman Gates | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Road House | James Dalton | Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Tiger Warsaw | Chuck 'Tiger' Warsaw | Flop | Similar → |
| 1988 | Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night | Self - Audience Member | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Swayze Dancing | Himself | Average | Similar → |
| 1987 | Steel Dawn | Nomad | Flop | Similar → |
| 1987 | Dirty Dancing | Johnny Castle | Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Youngblood | Derek Sutton | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | Red Dawn | Jed | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | Grandview, U.S.A. | Ernie 'Slam' Webster | Average | Similar → |
| 1983 | Uncommon Valor | Kevin Scott | Average | Similar → |
| 1983 | The Outsiders | Darrel Curtis | Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | The Renegades | Bandit | Average | Similar → |
| 1981 | Return of the Rebels | K.C. Barnes | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | The Comeback Kid | Chuck | Average | Similar → |
| 1979 | Skatetown, U.S.A. | Ace | Flop | Similar → |
Patrick Swayze - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Patrick Swayze?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Patrick Swayze is "The Found Footage Festival Volume 2: Live in Minneapolis" with a rating of 8.0/10.
How many movies has Patrick Swayze acted in?
Patrick Swayze has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Patrick Swayze?
Other notable films include "Donnie Darko", "The First 100 Years: A Celebration of American Movies", and "Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night".




