Top 10 James Franco Performances
This Golden Globe-winning "Freak" is known equally for playing stoners, on a soap opera and as a dramatic actor. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top 10 James Franco Performances. For this list, we're taking a look at those performances that show off this actor at his finest and or most memorable and are focusing on his starring roles in film and television, despite the variety of performances in other areas.
Special thanks to our users Lance Bea Arevada, 76themadman, sarahjessicaparkerth, JosephT and Charles Jourdan Teddington for submitting the idea at http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest
#10: Christian Longo “True Story” (2015)
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After premiering at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, Rupert Goold’s feature debut stars James Franco as an accused murderer who takes on the identity of a New York Times journalist. Early reviews of “True Story” praised Franco’s performance, while his dramatic pairing with real-life friend Jonah Hill offers a departure from the maniacal collaborations we’ve seen in recent years. This real-life mystery will have Francophiles on the edge of their seats.
#9: Dr. William ‘Will’ Rodman “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” (2011)
When Franco was first cast in Rupert Wyatt’s sci-fi thriller, crowds were unsure whether he could execute a believable performance as a scientist trying to cure Alzheimer’s Disease – after all, in the years leading to this performance, he’d spent much of his time building his stoner comedy cred. As scientist Will Rodman, Franco studies brain diseases in the hopes of curing his father’s Alzheimer’s, but ultimately finds a BFF in an orphaned chimp named Caesar. “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” is a refined portrait of the dangers of scientific progression and greed, and the importance of the human element, with James Franco anchoring the film expertly.
#8: Scott Smith “Milk” (2008)
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Today, James Franco has become well known for his eclectic taste in roles, but his performance in Gus Van Sant’s Academy Award-wining film announced his departure from Hollywood type casting. As Harvey Milk’s lover and campaign manager Scott Smith, Franco took home an Independent Spirit Award and proved he could take on a Freddie Mercury-style mustache while rocking a fluffy ‘70s hairstyle. It was the beginning of a new era in Franco’s career, as this role earned him an entirely new following.
#7: James Franco [aka Himself] “This Is the End” (2013)
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Five years after starring in “Milk,” Franco and friends poked fun at themselves in Seth Rogen’s apocalyptic comedy. While his performance didn’t necessarily impress the Foreign Press or The Academy, he did display remarkable poise during a screwball comedy scene opposite Danny McBride. Critics found the movie wild, and modern crowds simply ate up the collection of dick jokes and self-deprecating humor. Truly a time capsule performance, “This is the End” allowed Franco to fire back at critics…with force.
#6: James Dean “James Dean” (2001)
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How would you like to become an American icon? Such a question would thrill any young actor, and James Franco took advantage of the opportunity by starring as the late James Dean in this TNT production. Coming off the success of Judd Apatow’s short-lived television series “Freak and Geeks,” Franco was hand-selected by director Mark Rydell - a former friend of James Dean - and stunned viewers with his uncanny resemblance to the late actor. Franco ultimately won a Golden Globe Award for his hard work and embraced the idea of truly becoming a “Rebel Without a Cause.”
#5: Daniel Desario “Freaks and Geeks” (1999-2000)
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Shortly before the 20th century came to a close, James Franco, Seth Rogen and Jason Segel were already making us laugh. As the “Freaks” of Paul Feig’s high school comedy, Francoand company displayed incredible charisma during the 18-episode run. The opening credits sequence established Franco’s Daniel Desario as a dazed and confused stonewashed delinquent, and highlighted all the physical characteristics that led to his casting as James Byron Dean.
#4: Harry Osborn “Spider-Man” franchise (2002-07)
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Once considered for the lead role of Spidey, James Franco was cast in Sam Raimi’s superhero flick and played the well-groomed roommate of Peter Parker. As the son of a mad scientist, Harry Osborn finds himself in a rather sticky situation since Pops elevates his cardio game by transforming into the Green Goblin. Franco’s natural charisma and star power reached the masses in this first “Spider-Man” flick, thus allowing for bigger checks and more time for art projects. Of course, he reprised his role in both “Spider-Man 2” and “Spider-Man 3.”
#3: Saul Silver “Pineapple Express” (2008)
Bromance, fat blunts and James Franco? That’s right, it’s the perfect equation for a Golden Globe-nominated performance! As a longhaired pot dealer with the quintessential stoner laugh, James Franco’s hilarious role as Saul Smith further established his versatility as an actor while innovating the genre. By 2008, America maintained a constant high on Seth Rogen comedy andJames Franco pulled back the reigns for a subtle performance. We laughed, we cried and stoners often did both at the same time.
#2: Alien “Spring Breakers” (2012)
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The smile on his face says it all. With beautiful co-stars like Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Benson, James Franco was given a free pass to be as absolutely badass and ridiculous as possible. Harmony Korine’s film has already established a cult following, in large part due to Franco’s otherworldly performance as Alien. His physical appearance mystified viewers just like that controversial Oscar dress did, and his dialogue was bizarre. And yet, Franco won several awards for “Spring Breakers” and really made us want to “look at his sheeit.” Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. - Hugh Hefner “Lovelace” (2013) - Oz “Oz the Great and Powerful” (2013) - Sergeant First Class Dan Carnelli “In the Valley of Elah” (2007) - Blaine Rawlings “Flyboys” (2006) - Mr. B “Palo Alto” (2013)
#1: Aron Ralston “127 Hours” (2010)
Based on the memoir of real-life mountaineer Aron Ralston, Danny Boyle’s heart-wrenching tale produced THE definitive James Franco performance. No gimmicks, no stoner jokes…just a man stuck between a rock and hard place, trying to accept the unfathomable: slow death or immediate amputation. Yes, “127 Hours” could be categorized as a “Debbie Downer” flick, but the contained setting allowed Franco to lose himself in the physical and psychological trappings of Blue John Canyon. Franco was honored by the Academy for his work with a Best Actor nod and also left an indelible mark on cinema with this dramatic turn. Do you agree with our list? What is your favorite James Franco performance? For more mind-blowing Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
