From the dim streets of Mean Streets to the sun-drenched neon lights of Las Vegas, Harvey Keitel Forged a legendary career, portraying gritty, unapologetic characters living at the bottom of society. Keitel’s performances demand attention, his talents transcend the screen, and his filmography is a treasure trove of unforgettable performances. In this ranking, we’ll explore his top ten films based on fan votes on our film platform Revu-It, from crime thrillers to unforgettable dramas that showcase the full range of his extraordinary abilities.
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Harvey Keitel’s Best Movies Ranked
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10. Copland (1997) – A story of corruption
Video details:
Director: James Mangold
Screenwriter: James Mangold
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Harvey Kate, Kate Liotta, Robert De Niro
Type: Crime
Budget: $15,000,000
Revenue: $44,862,187
In this gritty crime drama, Keitel stars as Ray Donlan, a corrupt New York City cop who attempts to cover up his nephew’s death. Keitel’s nuanced portrait captures the inner turmoil of a man torn between loyalty and justice.
9. Dangerous Games (1993) – A bold exploration of obsession
Video details:
Director: Abel Ferrara
Screenwriter: Nicholas St. John
Starring: Harvey Keitel/Madonna/James Russo
Type: Drama
Budget: $10,000,000
Revenue: $1,261,210
Directed by Abel Ferrara, this psychological thriller delves into the mind of a film director whose life begins to reflect the violence he displays on screen. Keitel’s fearless performance as the unhinged protagonist is both captivating and disturbing, showcasing his ability to immerse himself in complex, troubled characters.
8. The Duelist (1977) – A compelling study of competition
Video details:
Director: Ridley Scott
Screenwriter: Gerald Vaughan-Hughes/Joseph Conrad
Starring: Keith Carradine/Harvey Keitel/Albert Finney
Type: Drama
Budget: $900,000
Revenue: $0 (data not available)
In Ridley Scott’s directorial debut, Keitel and Keith Carradine deliver strong performances as two French officers locked in a decades-long feud. Keitel’s passion and devotion to the character is undeniable, elevating this period piece into a gripping exploration of obsession and honor.
7. Bugsy (1991) – The rise and fall of a legendary gangster
Video details:
Director: Barry Levinson
Screenwriter: James Toback
Starring: Warren Beatty/Annette Benen/Harvey Keitel/Ben Kingsley
Type: Crime
Budget: $30,000,000
Revenue: $49,114,016
Keitel delivers a passionate supporting performance as notorious gangster Mickey Cohen in Barry Levinson’s critically acclaimed biopic. While “Bugsy” may be the work of Warren Beatty, Keitel’s presence lends an undeniable authenticity to the film’s depiction of underworld crime.
6. The Two Jacks (1990) – A noir odyssey through 1940s Los Angeles
Video details:
Director: Jack Nicholson
Screenwriter: Robert Towne
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Harvey Keitel, Meg Tilly, Madeleine Stowe
Type: Crime
Budget: $19,000,000
Revenue: $10,005,969
Jack Nicholson’s directorial debut is a sequel to the classic film Chinatown, with Keitel taking over the role of iconic private eye Jack Gittes. While the film may not have received as much critical acclaim as its predecessor, Keitel’s performance is outstanding and captures the essence of the hardboiled detective genre.
5. “Finger” (1978) – A gritty descent into moral ambiguity
Video details:
Director: James Toback
Screenwriter: James Toback
Starring: Harvey Keitel/Tissa Farrow/Jim Brown
Type: Drama
Budget: $0 (data not available)
Revenue: $0 (data not available)
Keitel gives a stunning performance as a debt collector torn between his dream of becoming a concert pianist and his relationship with a gangster in this classic film directed by James Toback . “Fingers” is a gritty, unflinching exploration of one man’s descent into moral ambiguity, and Keitel’s portrayal is simply mesmerizing.
Harvey Keitel’s Other Outstanding Performances
While Keitel’s top ten films showcase his most iconic roles, his prolific career is also filled with other standout films that highlight his incredible range:
- Piano(1993) – Keitel is mesmerizing as the obsessed neighbor in Jane Campion’s haunting period drama.
- Smoke(1995) – who anchors this quirky ensemble comedy with a grounded, naturalistic performance as a Brooklyn smoke shop owner.
- Lulu on the Bridge(1998) – Keitel’s life takes an unexpected turn as he navigates complex emotions as a renowned jazz saxophonist.
- Gray Zone(2001) – He brings gravitas to this searing Holocaust drama about the Auschwitz Sonderkommando.
- The Last Temptation of Christ(1988) – Keitel played a memorable supporting role in Scorsese’s controversial biblical drama.
4. Reservoir Dogs (1992) – A master class in tension and style
Video details:
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Screenwriter: Quentin Tarantino/ Roger Avary
Starring: Harvey Keitel/Tim Roth/Michael Madsen/Chris Penn
Type: Crime
Budget: $1,200,000
Revenue: $2,859,750
Quentin Tarantino’s debut film introduced the world to Keitel’s on-screen presence as Mr. White. From the iconic opening shot to the film’s unexpected twists and turns, Keitel’s performance sets the stage for this failed fashion heist, cementing his status as a master of the crime genre.
3. “Pulp Fiction” (1994) – a pop culture phenomenon
Video details:
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Screenwriter: Quentin Tarantino/ Roger Avary
Starring: John Travolta/Samuel L. Jackson/Uma Thurman/Harvey Keitel
Genre: Thriller
Budget: $8,500,000
Revenue: $213,928,762
In Tarantino’s popular and influential crime anthology, Keitel has an unforgettable supporting role as Winston “Wolf” Wolfe, the cool-headed mediator assigned to clean up a A particularly confusing situation. With his signature intensity and effortless charm, Keitel stole every scene he was in, contributing to the film’s enduring legacy.
2. “Mean Streets” (1973) – The birth of a movie icon
Video details:
Director: Martin Scorsese
Screenwriter: Martin Scorsese, Madik Martin
Starring: Harvey Keitel/Robert De Niro/David Proval
Type: Drama
Budget: $500,000
Revenue: $3,000,000
Keitel’s riveting performance as the volatile Charlie in Martin Scorsese’s gritty, semi-autobiographical crime drama cements his reputation as one of the most compelling actors of his generation. His raw, uncompromising portrayal of a small-time crook walking the seedy streets of Little Italy is a true master class in acting.
1. Bad Lieutenant (1992) – Keitel’s masterpiece
Video details:
Director: Abel Ferrara
Screenwriter: Zoe Lund/Abel Ferrara
Starring: Harvey Keitel/Brian McElroy/Frankie Acchiarito
Type: Crime
Budget: $1,000,000
Revenue: $2,019,469
Topping our list is Keitel’s fearless, unforgettable turn as the titular bad lieutenant, a corrupt cop who descends into the dark abyss of drug addiction and moral decay. Directed by Abel Ferrara, this searing character study brings out Keitel at his best, delivering a performance that is both shocking and human, cementing his status as one of the greats .
From the most brutal crime dramas to the most stylish thrillers, Keitel’s intense, uncompromising performances make him a truly unforgettable actor. His ability to play complex, morally ambiguous characters made him a true icon on the silver screen, and his top ten films are a testament to his enduring talent and impact on the performing arts.
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