Having followed William Friedkin's career for years, I've always been fascinated by his ability to move seamlessly between genres. From pulse-pounding thrillers to supernatural horror, his filmography represents some of cinema's most daring moments. Here's my carefully considered ranking of his 15 most significant films.

William Friedkin

Born: August 29, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois Died: August 7, 2023 (age 87 years) in Bel Air, Los Angeles, California

One of New Hollywood's defining voices, William Friedkin revolutionized American cinema with his gritty, documentary-style approach and unflinching exploration of moral ambiguity. From his groundbreaking work in television to his Oscar-winning achievements in film, Friedkin's influence spans over five decades of storytelling.

17

Feature Films

2

Academy Awards

1971

First Oscar Win

15. Deal of the Century (1983)

Cast: Chevy Chase, Sigourney Weaver, Gregory Hines
Genre: Dark Comedy/Satire
Rating: R
Runtime: 99 minutes

While not Friedkin's strongest work, I've always appreciated how this dark comedy showed his lighter side. Chase might seem like an odd choice for a Friedkin film, but there's something fascinating about seeing the director work outside his comfort zone. The film follows a small-time arms dealer caught in an increasingly complex web of weapons trading, and despite its flaws, it showcases Friedkin's willingness to experiment with different genres.

14. Good Times (1967)

Cast: Sonny Bono, Cher
Genre: Musical Comedy
Rating: G
Runtime: 91 minutes

Watching Friedkin's directorial debut today feels like opening a time capsule. While it might seem like an oddity in his filmography, I find it charming how this musical comedy starring Sonny and Cher demonstrates his early understanding of genre conventions. The playful spoofing of classic Hollywood films hints at the filmmaker he would become.

13. Blue Chips (1994)

Cast: Nick Nolte, Mary McDonnell, Shaquille O'Neal
Genre: Sports Drama
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 108 minutes

In my opinion, this underrated sports drama deserves more attention. What I find particularly impressive is how Friedkin brings his characteristic intensity to the world of collegiate sports. Nick Nolte's passionate performance as a coach wrestling with moral compromises feels incredibly authentic, and the film's examination of corruption in college basketball remains relevant today.

12. Jade (1995)

Cast: David Caruso, Linda Fiorentino, Chazz Palminteri
Genre: Neo-noir Thriller
Rating: R
Runtime: 95 minutes

I've always thought Jade got a raw deal upon release. While divisive, this neo-noir thriller exemplifies Friedkin's talent for creating atmosphere and tension. The complex plot and stylish direction have earned it a dedicated following among genre enthusiasts, and I'd argue it's due for a serious reappraisal.

11. Rules of Engagement (2000)

Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Samuel L. Jackson, Guy Pearce
Genre: Military Drama/Legal Thriller
Rating: R
Runtime: 128 minutes

Having watched this military courtroom drama several times, I'm consistently impressed by how Friedkin maintains tension throughout. The combination of Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson creates compelling dynamics, and the film's examination of military justice feels particularly nuanced under Friedkin's direction.

10. Killer Joe (2011)

Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch, Juno Temple
Genre: Crime Thriller/Black Comedy
Rating: NC-17
Runtime: 102 minutes

What strikes me most about this later-career triumph is how it proves Friedkin never lost his edge. McConaughey's disturbing yet mesmerising performance shows the director's continued ability to push actors to their limits. The film's unflinching approach to controversial material reminds me of his earlier works while feeling thoroughly modern.

9. Bug (2006)

Cast: Ashley Judd, Michael Shannon, Harry Connick Jr.
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Rating: R
Runtime: 102 minutes

Every time I revisit Bug, I find new layers to appreciate. The claustrophobic atmosphere Friedkin creates perfectly matches the psychological deterioration of its characters. In my view, Michael Shannon and Ashley Judd deliver career-best performances in this unsettling study of paranoia and delusion.

8. The Guardian (1990)

Cast: Jenny Seagrove, Dwier Brown, Carey Lowell
Genre: Supernatural Horror
Rating: R
Runtime: 92 minutes

While it might not reach the supernatural heights of The Exorcist, I've always felt The Guardian deserves more recognition. Friedkin's ability to create genuine scares and supernatural tension remains impressive, and the film showcases his unique approach to horror that prioritises psychological dread over cheap thrills.

7. To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)

Cast: William Petersen, Willem Dafoe, John Pankow
Genre: Crime Thriller
Rating: R
Runtime: 116 minutes

In my assessment, this might be Friedkin's most stylish film. The car chase sequence rivals anything in The French Connection, and I'm particularly impressed by how the film's examination of moral corruption feels as relevant today as it did in the '80s. A young Willem Dafoe's magnetic performance adds another layer of intensity to this neo-noir masterpiece.

6. Cruising (1980)

Cast: Al Pacino, Paul Sorvino, Karen Allen
Genre: Crime Thriller/Mystery
Rating: R
Runtime: 102 minutes

Having watched the evolution of Cruising's reputation over the years has been fascinating. What was once controversial has been "kinda" reappraised as a bold and complex examination of identity and underground subcultures. I find Pacino's performance particularly haunting, and Friedkin's unflinching direction creates an atmosphere of mounting dread that few films achieve.

5. The Boys in the Band (1970)

Cast: Kenneth Nelson, Peter White, Leonard Frey
Genre: Drama
Rating: R
Runtime: 118 minutes

What impresses me most about this groundbreaking film is Friedkin's sensitive handling of the material. As one of the first major Hollywood films to focus on gay characters, the director's respect for the source material and his ability to draw natural performances from the ensemble cast make this a landmark achievement in his career.

4. Sorcerer (1977)

Cast: Roy Scheider, Bruno Cremer, Francisco Rabal
Genre: Adventure Thriller
Rating: PG
Runtime: 121 minutes

I consider Sorcerer to be one of cinema's great redemption stories. Initially overlooked, this masterful reimagining of The Wages of Fear has finally received the recognition it deserves.

The tension Friedkin creates during the truck-crossing sequences is, in my opinion, some of the finest suspense filmmaking ever achieved.

Sorcerer made it into our top picks for underrated 70s classics, check out the list below:

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3. The French Connection (1971)

Cast: Gene Hackman, Roy Scheider, Fernando Rey
Genre: Crime Thriller
Rating: R
Runtime: 104 minutes

Few films have impacted me as profoundly as The French Connection. The gritty realism Friedkin achieved revolutionised the crime thriller genre, and that car chase sequence still takes my breath away. Gene Hackman's portrayal of Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle remains the benchmark for antihero characters, and I'm consistently amazed by how well the film holds up today.

2. The Exorcist (1973)

Cast: Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair
Genre: Supernatural Horror
Rating: R
Runtime: 122 minutes

I still remember my first viewing of The Exorcist—it's the kind of experience that stays with you forever. What strikes me most about revisiting it today isn't just the shocking scenes everyone talks about, but the quiet moments of doubt and faith that Friedkin weaves throughout. The film transcends its genre through masterful direction, groundbreaking special effects, and profound theological themes.

1. The Birthday Party (1968)

Cast: Robert Shaw, Patrick Magee, Dandy Nichols
Genre: Psychological Drama
Rating: Not Rated
Runtime: 123 minutes

I know this might be a controversial top choice—most would expect The Exorcist or The French Connection here. However, having watched Friedkin's entire filmography multiple times, I'm convinced this adaptation of Harold Pinter's play represents his purest distillation of psychological tension and existential dread. In my view, it's the film that best demonstrates his ability to create an unforgettable atmosphere with minimal elements. While it might not be his most commercially successful work, I believe it's his most artistically complete.

A precursor to the groundbreaking masterpieces that Friedkin would Direct in the decades that followed.

What makes The Birthday Party so special is how it showcases all of Friedkin's strengths as a director—his ability to build tension, draw remarkable performances from his cast, and create an atmosphere of psychological unease—while working with the barest of elements. For me, this represents the essence of what makes Friedkin such a remarkable filmmaker: his ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary and turn it into something unforgettable.

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William Friedkin’s Top 15 Films Ranked

Having followed William Friedkin’s career for years, I’ve always been fascinated by his ability to move seamlessly between genres. From pulse-pounding thrillers to supernatural horror, his filmography represents some of cinema’s most daring moments. Here’s my carefully considered ranking of his 15 most significant films. Full Article:

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