Jack Nicholson is not just one of the top stars of our age—he’s a film storm. Over fifty years, he’s brought a wild mix of folks to life: lone individuals, rule-breakers, madmen, and all things in between. He may smash doors with an axe, toss jokes with a grin, or say words that last in popular tales for good. Nicholson always shows a must-see act. Here are ten acts that mark his great work life.
10. The Departed (2006) – Frank Costello
When Nicholson teamed up with Martin Scorsese for The Departed, it was a big film time. As mob boss Frank Costello in Boston, Nicholson is wild and odd—one moment he jokes, the next he scares us all. He rules each bithe’s in, making Costello a mad force that puts both the crowd and others on edge. It’s a part that lets him be bold, odd, and very scary—all at once.
9. About Schmidt (2002) –Warren Schmidt
In a calm role, Nicholson is Warren Schmidt, a man just out of work who misses his wife and asks what his life means. Gone are the wild ways—this is a show of holds and sadness. We see Schmidt write to a kid he’s never met, mull over all his life’s wrong moves. It’s both sad and a bit fun. It’s Nicholson’s raw core, showing the sad weight that comes with old age and woe.
8. As Good as It Gets (1997) – Melvin Udall
Melvin Udallis is a hard man to like—a mad, neat freak who writes books and keeps all away. But Nicholson finds the soft bits. Hisses with Helen Hunt and Greg Kinnear move from mean to sweet. We see Melvin inch to nice, and it’s great. The show won Nicholson his third Oscar, and it’s clear why: he makes us care for one we thought we’d not like.
7. A Few Good Men (1992) – Col.Nathan Jessup
“You can’t take the truth!” If you’ve not seen the film, you’ve heard the line. As Col. Nathan Jessup, he’s big and mean, a mix of boss and boast. He’s not in the film much, but he’s key. The court fight is a top bit in the new film, and Nicholson stays in your mind long after he‘s gone.
6. Batman (1989) – The Joker
Way before hero films ruled all, Nicholson made the bad man new. His Joker in Tim Burton’s Batman is wild, bold, and a bit cold. He has fun with the part, and we see it. This role is so big, it all but hid Batman and made the film a big hit around the world.
5. Terms of Endearment (1983) – Garrett Breedlove
In this close and fun film, Nicholson is Garrett Breedlove, a man who is flying to space and now lives next door. His way of doing things can shock, but a soft side pops up with Shirley MacLaine. Nicholson brings a fun buzz to the role—first a laugh, then a shock. It’s a mix that won him an Oscar.
4. The Shining (1980) – Jack Torrance
Not many scary films hit us like Nicholson’s Jack Torrance. Hisslowfall to mad is cold and draws you in. He talks to ghosts or swings an axe, and Nicholson finds a deep fear. And there’s that line—”Heeere’s Johnny!”—we all know. Love or hate the film, Nicholson’s show is strong and stays with us.
3. Chinatown (1974) – J.J. “Jake” Gittes
As PI Jake Gittes, Nicholson is out to learn all in a city of dark truths. He starts cool and sure, but the more he learns, the deeper he sinks. It’s sad and sure, and Nicholson is spot on. This role sticks—a top mark of ’70s film and made him a true big star.
2. Five Easy Pieces (1970) – Robert Dupea
In Five Easy Pieces, Nicholson plays a guy who flees all his past, his luck, even his own self. Robert Dupea is smart and grim, a mix of all, and Nicholson plays it all. The key diner bit, with Robert’s fight to get toast, is a short class in being fed up and mad. This part turns his work life, showing he can lead a film with true feels and heart. It’s one of his rawest, clean acts.
1. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) – R.P. McMurphy
At the top is what most say is Nicholson’s top role. As R.P. McMurphy, he lights up a cold, hard mind ward. Nicholson brings fun, rage, charm, and tears to the role, and at times all in one go. His link to the cast, most of all Louise Fletcher’s Nurse Ratched, is tight and hard to watch. It’s a show that is both wild and warm, and it remains one of the most strong in film lore.