Cast: John Sayles

Top movies, series, and documentaries starring John Sayles. Uncover the most acclaimed works, loved by fans and praised by critics.


A Constant Forge

2000 · Documentary · 200 min. · United States

Direction Charles Kiselyak

Cast Gena Rowlands · Peter Falk · Ben Gazzara · Seymour Cassel

Synopsis A Constant Forge (2000) delves into the vibrant life and enduring legacy of independent film trailblazer John Cassavetes. Through heartfelt interviews with his family, close friends, and devoted admirers, the documentary offers an intimate portrait of the man behind the...

7.4

80 votes

7.4

80 votes

Matewan

1987 · Movie · 132 min. · United States

Direction John Sayles

Cast Chris Cooper · James Earl Jones · Mary McDonnell · Will Oldham

Synopsis Matewan (1987) is set in 1920, focusing on the coal mining town of Matewan, West Virginia, which is controlled by powerful coal companies. Miners are compensated based on the amount of coal they extract, and the companies maintain low wages...

7.2

364 votes

7.2

364 votes

Direction Alex Stapleton

Cast Roger Corman · Jack Nicholson · Joe Dante · Irvin Kershner

Synopsis Corman's World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel (2011) delves into the unconventional journey of legendary filmmaker Roger Corman, exploring his innovative and resourceful methods in the realm of Hollywood filmmaking. This documentary offers an in-depth look at Corman's distinctive approach...

7.2

318 votes

7.2

318 votes

Malcolm X

1992 · Movie · 193 min. · United States

Direction Spike Lee

Cast Denzel Washington · Angela Bassett · Albert Hall · Al Freeman Jr.

Synopsis Malcolm X (1992) is a cinematic journey directed by Spike Lee, chronicling the extraordinary life of African-American icon Malcolm X, portrayed with unparalleled intensity by Denzel Washington in an Oscar-nominated role. Born Malcolm Little in Nebraska on May 19, 1925,...

6.9

10K votes

6.9

10K votes

Gridlock'd

1997 · Movie · 91 min. · United States

Direction Vondie Curtis-Hall

Cast Tim Roth · Tupac Shakur · Vondie Curtis-Hall · Thandie Newton

Synopsis Gridlock'd (1997) follows the journey of two mismatched Detroit drug users who are compelled to seek assistance in overcoming their heroin addiction after a friend falls into a coma due to an overdose. Their quest for help leads them through...

6.5

739 votes

6.5

739 votes

Secaucus 7

1979 · Movie · 100 min. · United States

Direction John Sayles

Cast Bruce MacDonald · Adam LeFevre · David Strathairn · Gordon Clapp

Synopsis Secaucus 7 (1979) follows the story of seven former college friends who were once arrested in New Jersey while en route to a protest in Washington D.C. A decade later, they reunite at the residence of Mike and Katie, who...

6.5

123 votes

6.5

123 votes

Great Directors

2009 · Documentary · 83 min. · United States

Direction Angela Ismailos

Cast Bernardo Bertolucci · Catherine Breillat · Liliana Cavani · Stephen Frears

Synopsis Great Directors (2009) is a captivating documentary helmed by Angela Ismailos, offering an intimate look into the minds of ten renowned filmmakers: Bernardo Bertolucci, David Lynch, Liliana Cavani, Stephen Frears, Agnes Varda, Ken Loach, Todd Haynes, Catherine Breillat, Richard Linklater,...

6.5

46 votes

6.5

46 votes

Edge of Outside

2006 · Documentary · 65 min. · United States

6.4

76 votes

6.4

76 votes

Eight Men Out

1988 · Movie · 120 min. · United States

Direction John Sayles

Cast John Cusack · Clifton James · Michael Lerner · Christopher Lloyd

Synopsis Eight Men Out (1988) delves into the notorious 'Black Sox' controversy of 1919, where members of the Chicago White Sox intentionally threw the World Series. The film situates the scandal amidst a labor disagreement between the players and their dominant...

6.4

484 votes

6.4

484 votes

Matinee

1993 · Movie · 97 min. · United States

Direction Joe Dante

Cast John Goodman · Cathy Moriarty · Simon Fenton · Omri Katz

Synopsis Matinee (1993) follows the story of a charismatic showman who brings a unique cinematic experience to a quiet coastal town. By leveraging the public's anxiety during the Cuban Missile crisis, he presents a campy horror spectacle that blends film techniques,...

6.0

2K votes

6.0

2K votes

Girlfight

2000 · Movie · 110 min. · United States

Direction Karyn Kusama

Cast Michelle Rodriguez · Jaime Tirelli · Paul Calderon · Santiago Douglas

Synopsis Girlfight (2000) follows the journey of Diana, an 18-year-old with a rebellious streak, who is on the brink of being expelled from high school due to her frequent fights. Her mother is deceased, her father is distant, and she feels...

6.0

536 votes

6.0

536 votes

Something Wild

1986 · Movie · 113 min. · United States

Direction Jonathan Demme

Cast Jeff Daniels · Melanie Griffith · Ray Liotta · Margaret Colin

Synopsis Something Wild (1986) follows the monotonous life of a corporate man, Charles Driggs, portrayed by Jeff Daniels, which takes an unexpected turn when he encounters the spirited and alluring Lulu, played by Melanie Griffith. When Charles agrees to her proposal...

6.0

4K votes

6.0

4K votes

The Brother From Another Planet

1984 · Movie · 108 min. · United States

Direction John Sayles

Cast Joe Morton · Tom Wright · Caroline Aaron · Herbert Newsome

Synopsis The Brother From Another Planet (1984) follows the journey of a silent alien with extraordinary healing abilities who arrives in New York City, bearing a striking resemblance to an African American man. He navigates his way to Harlem, where he...

5.8

241 votes

5.8

241 votes

In the Electric Mist

2009 · Movie · 102 min. · United States

Direction Bertrand Tavernier

Cast Tommy Lee Jones · John Goodman · Peter Sarsgaard · Ned Beatty

Synopsis In the Electric Mist (2009) follows veteran detective Dave Robicheaux (Tommy Lee Jones) as he delves into a disturbing series of brutal murders committed by an elusive serial killer. His journey takes him through the murky waters of the Louisiana...

5.3

3K votes

5.3

3K votes

Straight Talk

1992 · Movie · 91 min. · United States

Direction Barnet Kellman

Cast Dolly Parton · James Woods · Griffin Dunne · Michael Madsen

Synopsis Straight Talk (1992) follows the journey of a small-town woman, Shirlee Kenyon, portrayed by Dolly Parton, who unexpectedly rises to fame as a talk-radio sensation in Chicago. Her genuine and heartfelt advice captivates listeners, making her an overnight celebrity. However,...

4.8

60 votes

4.8

60 votes

My Life's in Turnaround

1993 · Movie · 84 min. · United States

Direction Eric Schaeffer · Donal Lardner Ward

Cast Eric Schaeffer · Donal Lardner Ward · Dolores McDougal · Tara Shannon

Synopsis My Life's in Turnaround (1993) follows the journey of two laid-back friends navigating the bustling streets of Manhattan, each with a unique set of challenges and aspirations. Splick, a cab driver, and Jason, a bartender, share a common dream: to...

Not rated

Not rated

Texas Red

2021 · Movie · 83 min. · United States

Direction Travis Mills

Cast Johnny McPhail · Travis Mills · William E. Harris · Ward Emling

Synopsis Texas Red (2021) follows the gripping tale of an African-American man, known as Texas Red, who finds himself relentlessly pursued by a vast group of hunters through the harsh winter landscape of Mississippi. This film is one of the twelve...

Not rated

Not rated

Who Needs Sleep?

2006 · Documentary · 78 min. · United States

Direction Haskell Wexler

Cast David Agus · Annette Bening · Gilbert Cates · Billy Crystal

Synopsis Who Needs Sleep? (2006) delves into the perilous intersection of insufficient rest and extended work hours, exploring the severe consequences that can arise from this hazardous mix. The film sheds light on the critical importance of adequate sleep and the...

Not rated

Not rated

Little Vegas

1990 · Movie · 91 min. · United States

Direction Perry Lang

Cast Tony Denison · Catherine O'Hara · Anne Francis · Michael Nouri

Synopsis Little Vegas (1990) follows a group of eccentric individuals, each fleeing from troubled histories, alcohol abuse, and unfulfilled romances, as they journey through a desolate landscape. Each character pursues a unique goal, finding solace and conflict in their shared experiences...

Not rated

Not rated

The Normals

2012 · Movie · 100 min. · United States

Direction Kevin Patrick Connors

Cast Bryan Greenberg · Cat Ascienzo · Mishka Balilty · Brooke Bloom

Synopsis The Normals (2012) follows the story of Billy, a man drowning in debt who signs up for a clinical drug trial to secure some quick cash. Joining a busload of eccentric individuals, Billy and the rest of the "Normals" undergo...

Not rated

Not rated