10 Unforgettable Burt Reynolds Films That Defined a Hollywood Icon

Burt Reynolds was a Hollywood icon whose impact on the film industry was felt for decades. With a career spanning over four decades, Reynolds appeared in over 50 films, earning himself a reputation as one of the most recognizable and beloved actors of his time. From his early days as a sex symbol to his later years as a respected dramatic actor, Reynolds left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. In this article, we will explore 10 unforgettable Burt Reynolds films that showcase his versatility and talent as an actor.

Burt Reynolds' film career was marked by a unique blend of humor, drama, and action. He was one of the first actors to successfully transition from film to television, and his high-profile divorces and scandals only added to his mystique. Reynolds' tough-guy image and charismatic presence on screen made him a natural fit for roles in blockbuster films like "Smokey and the Bandit" and "Deliverance." However, he also demonstrated his range as a dramatic actor in films like "Hustle" and "Shalako."

Here are 10 unforgettable Burt Reynolds films that showcase his incredible talent and versatility as an actor:

1. Deliverance (1972)

A Harrowing Adventure

Deliverance was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $40 million at the box office. The film's tense and suspenseful portrayal of four friends on a canoeing trip down the Chattooga River in Georgia marked a departure from Reynolds' typical action-hero roles. His performance as Lewis Medlock, a rugged outdoorsman with a troubled past, earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Cast and Crew

• Directed by John Boorman
• Screenplay by Boorman and James Dickey
• Starring Reynolds, Jon Voight, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox
• Cinematography by Jarrod Monbeck
• Music by Mary Dees

2. Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

A Classic Comedy

Smokey and the Bandit was a major commercial success, grossing over $128 million at the box office. The film's blend of humor, action, and romance cemented Reynolds' status as a leading man. His performance as Bo "Bandit" Darville, a charming and cunning truck driver, showcased his comedic chops and charm on screen.

Cast and Crew

• Directed by Hal Needham
• Screenplay by Turnc W. Spears
• Starring Reynolds, Sally Field, Jackie Gleason, and Jerry Reed
• Cinematography by Billy Dickson
• Music by Randy Edelman

3. Hooper (1978)

A Touching Drama

Hooper was a critical and commercial success, earning Reynolds his second Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The film's heartwarming portrayal of a truck driver who becomes a family's surrogate father on the day before Christmas marked a departure from Reynolds' typical action-hero roles. His performance as Luke Jackson, a tough but tender-hearted truck driver, showcased his range as a dramatic actor.

Cast and Crew

• Directed by Ron Howard
• Screenplay by Roy Lee and Carroll Ballard
• Starring Reynolds, Sally Field, Ben Johnson, and Bo Hopkins
• Cinematography by Vilmos Zsigmond
• Music by Randy Edelman

4. Stir Crazy (1980)

A Hilarious Comedy

Stir Crazy was a major commercial success, grossing over $107 million at the box office. The film's hilarious portrayal of two men wrongly convicted of a crime and sentenced to prison marked a departure from Reynolds' typical action-hero roles. His performance as Joe Ramorta, a tough but lovable prisoner, showcased his comedic chops and chemistry with co-star Gene Wilder.

Cast and Crew

• Directed by Syndey Pollack
• Screenplay by Pollack and Norman Steinberg
• Starring Reynolds, Wilder, Richard Pryor, and Julie Hagerty
• Cinematography by John Badham
• Music by Randy Edelman

5. The End (1980)

A High-Octane Action Film

The End was a commercial success, grossing over $82 million at the box office. The film's high-octane action and humor marked a departure from Reynolds' typical dramatic roles. His performance as Jack "Dodge" Conroy, a tough and charismatic pilot, showcased his action-hero credentials.

Cast and Crew

• Directed by Steve Carver
• Screenplay by Carver and Dan Waters
• Starring Reynolds, Bo Hopkins, and Gilda Radner
• Cinematography by Nelson Lim
• Music by Randy Edelman

6. Stroker Ace (1983)

A Breathtaking Action Film

Stroker Ace was a commercial success, grossing over $64 million at the box office. The film's high-octane action and humor marked a departure from Reynolds' typical dramatic roles. His performance as Stroker Ace, a charming and cunning stunt pilot, showcased his action-hero credentials.

Cast and Crew

• Directed by Hal Needham
• Screenplay by Tom Simon and Hal Needham
• Starring Reynolds, Loni Anderson, Robert Conrad, and Annette O'Toole
• Cinematography by William H. Reitzell
• Music by Randy Edelman

7. Sharkey's Machine (1981)

A Western Comedy

Sharkey's Machine was a commercial success, grossing over $40 million at the box office. The film's blend of humor, action, and romance marked a departure from Reynolds' typical dramatic roles. His performance as Charlie Harroway, a tough and charming cowboy, showcased his comedic chops and chemistry with co