Jon Voight, an iconic figure in the entertainment industry, has delivered a diverse array of performances throughout his extensive career. His filmography spans classic dramas, major blockbusters, and several memorable guilty pleasures. Voight’s acting journey commenced in 1961 with Broadway roles, ultimately leading to a transformative performance as Joe Buck in the groundbreaking film Midnight Cowboy (1969) alongside Dustin Hoffman, which catapulted him to stardom.
This pivotal role opened doors for Voight in Hollywood, allowing him to collaborate with esteemed directors such as Mike Nichols in Catch-22, John Boorman in Deliverance, and Hal Ashby in Coming Home. Over his illustrious career spanning five decades, Voight has received significant accolades, including four Academy Award nominations, winning for his compelling performance in Coming Home. Furthermore, he has garnered three Emmy nominations and claimed four Golden Globe awards from a total of eleven nominations.
10 Transformers (2007)
Mr. Hohn Keller
In Transformers (2007), Voight plays a key role as Secretary of Defense John Keller in a film directed by Michael Bay, which quickly became a fan favorite. The plot centers around Sam (Shia LaBeouf), a young man who discovers that alien robots—the Transformers—are on Earth, tasked with protecting humanity from the menacing Decepticon invasion. Voight’s character represents the U.S. government’s misguided attempts to control the situation, ultimately fighting alongside the Autobots, tapping into the military’s resources to combat the Decepticons. This installment grossed an impressive $709 million against a $200 million budget and earned three Academy Awards for its groundbreaking visual effects.
9 Catch-22 (1970)
1st Lieutenant Milo Minderbinder
Following his Oscar nomination for Midnight Cowboy, Voight collaborated with acclaimed director Mike Nichols on the adaptation of Joseph Heller’s Catch-22. Released during the Vietnam War era, this dark comedy explores the absurdity of war through the eyes of a man seeking survival amidst perilous missions. Voight’s role as a Mess Officer complements Alan Arkin’s portrayal of the protagonist caught in the titular Catch-22. Although the film achieved modest box office success, it was critically acclaimed, achieving an 81% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and ultimately adapted into a Hulu miniseries.
8 Runaway Train (1985)
Oscar ‘Manny’ Manheim
In the 1985 thriller Runaway Train, Voight stars alongside Eric Roberts and Rebecca De Mornay as escaped convicts who unwittingly board a runaway train in Alaska. This intense narrative unfolds as their lives hang in the balance after the engineer suffers a heart attack. Hailed as a critical success with an 83% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, both Voight and Roberts earned Oscar nominations for their roles. This film, a loose adaptation of an Akira Kurosawa script, stands as a pivotal moment in action film history.
7 Ray Donovan (2013-2020)
Mickey Donovan
Voight portrayed Mickey Donovan in the acclaimed Showtime series Ray Donovan, which aired from 2013 to 2020. The series follows Ray, a “fixer”for high-profile clients, whose life spirals out of control when Mickey is released from prison. Voight’s compelling portrayal earned him a Golden Globe Award in 2014 and additional nominations in subsequent years, illustrating his versatility in both film and television.
6 Mission: Impossible (1996)
Jim Phelps
In the inaugural Mission: Impossible film directed by Brian De Palma, Voight embodies Jim Phelps, the enigmatic leader of the Impossible Mission Force (IMF). Tasked with uncovering a conspiracy, his character undergoes a significant transformation that pivots from trusted leader to antagonist, a move that was met with controversy among long-time fans of the original TV series. This installment kickstarted a multi-billion-dollar franchise and showcased Voight’s ability to deliver complex, layered performances.
5 Ali (2001)
Howard Cosell
Voight took on the role of the famed sports commentator Howard Cosell in Ali (2001), where Will Smith portrayed the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, the film chronicles Ali’s rise, his name change, and his staunch opposition to the Vietnam War. Voight’s portrayal earned him an Academy Award nomination, solidifying his place alongside Smith in this celebrated biopic.
4 Deliverance (1972)
Ed Gentry
In Deliverance (1972), Voight’s raw performance as Ed Gentry, who embarks on a harrowing canoe trip, contributes to the film’s intense narrative. Directed by John Boorman and co-starring Burt Reynolds, the film explores themes of survival and masculinity as the group’s outing turns into a fight against both nature and savage locals. Voight earned a Golden Globe nomination for his powerful portrayal in a film that ultimately received three Academy Award nominations.
3 Heat (1995)
Nate
Michael Mann’s suspenseful crime thriller Heat (1995) featured an ensemble cast that included Voight in the role of Nate, the criminal fence for De Niro’s character. Although overshadowed by the film’s leading duo, Voight’s contribution is significant in crafting a layered narrative that captivates audiences. This critical and box office success, noted for its intricate plot and iconic shootouts, solidified its status as a pillar of the crime thriller genre.
2 Coming Home (1978)
Luke Martin
Voight’s Oscar-winning performance in Coming Home (1978) marks a significant milestone in his career. As Luke Martin, a Vietnam War veteran who returns home paraplegic, Voight explores the complexities of love and trauma in wartime. Starring alongside Jane Fonda, their performances garnered multiple accolades, including Oscars for both actors, and the film itself was nominated for Best Picture, highlighting the poignant exploration of the impact of war on personal lives.
1 Midnight Cowboy (1969)
Joe Buck
Voight’s landmark performance in Midnight Cowboy established him as a formidable talent in Hollywood. The film portrays Joe Buck, a naïve young man drawn into the underbelly of New York City as a male sex worker. His friendship with the con man Ratso Rizzo (Dustin Hoffman) unfolds against a backdrop of stark reality, reshaping the portrayal of masculinity and sexuality in film. Notably, it became the first X-rated film to win the Oscar for Best Picture, securing a total of seven nominations and breaking new ground in cinematic storytelling. The Library of Congress recognized its cultural significance by adding it to the National Film Registry in 1994.