Dennis Quaid has had an illustrious career in film, spanning several decades and showcasing his versatility as an actor. While he is widely recognized for standout performances in films such as Far From Heaven and The Day After Tomorrow, Quaid’s journey in acting actually traces back to the 1970s. He debuted with a small, uncredited role as a Bellhop in Crazy Mama and continued with a minor appearance in I Never Promised You a Rose Garden. Quaid gained significant attention with his performance in the 1979 cycling film Breaking Away, which marked the beginning of his rise to prominence.
In addition to his own achievements, Quaid’s legacy is also carried forward by his son, Jack Quaid, who has made waves in the industry with notable roles, including Hughie in the Prime Video adaptation of The Boys. As of 2025, Jack is set to star in upcoming projects such as Novocaine and Companion. Meanwhile, Dennis Quaid continues to thrive in his career, recently appearing in the acclaimed horror film The Substance, where he delivers a chilling performance as the manipulative executive Harvey, contributing to this Best Picture nominee’s success.
Quaid’s Personal Favorites: His Top Two Movies
A Recent Release
In a recent interview, Quaid revealed that his two favorite films are The Right Stuff and Reagan. The Right Stuff, released in 1983, is based on Tom Wolfe’s book detailing the inception of the American space program, where Quaid portrayed astronaut Gordon Cooper. This film boasted a formidable ensemble cast, including the talents of Sam Shepard, Ed Harris, and Scott Glenn. Conversely, in Reagan, Quaid takes on the role of the iconic former president, depicting his life from early years through his notable presidency.
During his conversation with Business Insider, Quaid was prompted to reflect on the year 1983 when he starred in three films: Tough Enough, Jaws 3D, and The Right Stuff. Quaid expressed an emotional attachment to The Right Stuff, stating, “along with Reagan,”these films represent his “favorite movies [he’s] ever done.”
[Laughs.] “Tough Enough”came out and went [points down]. Boom. Then “Jaws 3D”was No. 1 at the box office, but I was a little embarrassed about it — not anymore. And “The Right Stuff,”I put all my marbles in that, and it came out, and it bombed. It made $2 million. It has since become a classic. That, along with “Reagan,”are my favorite movies that I’ve ever done, personally. But by the end of that year, it was a disappointment.
Exploring the Duality of Quaid’s Favorites
Contrasting Reviews and Reception
The pairing of The Right Stuff and Reagan as Quaid’s top selections highlights the disparity in audience and critical reception each film received. Reagan performed well at the box office, grossing $30.1 million and earning a commendable 98% on audience approval ratings; however, it faced backlash from critics, illustrated by a mere 18% on the Tomatometer. Despite this, Quaid champions the film. In contrast, The Right Stuff had a rocky start at the box office, earning only $2 million initially, yet it gained a reputation as a cinematic classic over time, featuring the criticism-audience divide that often shapes cinematic legacies.
As Dennis Quaid continues to navigate the evolving landscape of cinema, his insights into these films invite a broader conversation about the distinction between critical acclaim and audience popularity.
Source: Business Insider