What Are The Best Tim Curry Movies?

We lost another icon, and my heart breaks for Tim Curry fans around the world. He was one of those wonderful cinematic weirdos that I wish I had been lucky enough to work alongside.

The only word for him was "singular."

Curry was a master of grand theatricality, vocal acrobatics, and charm. He nailed movies for adults, kids, and everyone in between.

Whether stepping into iconic fishnets or wielding a cutlass alongside puppets, Curry never phoned in a performance. It was always him taking every role seriously and giving everything he had.

Here is a breakdown of his best and most memorable feature films.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

- YouTube www.youtube.com

• Director: Jim Sharman
• Writer: Jim Sharman & Richard O'Brien (based on the musical play by Richard O'Brien)
• Cast: Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Richard O'Brien, Patricia Quinn, Meat Loaf

Everyone remembers their first time… with this movie. For me, it was midnight in college; we threw toilet paper and went nuts. To this day, it's one of my favorite theatrical experiences.

Curry starred as the "sweet transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania," Dr. Frank-N-Furter on the London stage and then was allowed to transition into the role for the movie. Curry brings a deliciously unhinged energy to this sci-fi rock musical parody and is part of why it remains a cult success today.

Clue (1985)

- YouTube www.youtube.com

• Director: Jonathan Lynn
• Writer: John Landis & Jonathan Lynn (story), Jonathan Lynn (screenplay)
• Cast: Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Eileen Brennan, Michael McKean, Lesley Ann Warren, Martin Mull

This is just one of those perfectly weird movies that they actually released with different endings! It understood the gimmick, and everyone leaned into their roles, especially Curry, who leads the madness as Wadsworth the Butler.

He's the guide for us to unpack all the suspects, and his physical performance is the stuff of legends.

Speaking of legends...

Legend (1985)

- YouTube www.youtube.com

• Director: Ridley Scott
• Writer: William Hjortsberg
• Cast: Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, Tim Curry, David Bennent, Alice Playten

All hail, Ridley Scott. The guy has been making bangers for a very long time. Curry turns in one of the most iconic depictions of pure evil in cinematic history as the Lord of Darkness.

He's in full makeup, but nothing could dull who he is and the way he can wield. Eyes are just drawn to him on screen. He steals the dark fantasy epic out from under a young Tom Cruise!

The Hunt for Red October (1990)

- YouTube www.youtube.com

• Director: John McTiernan
• Writer: Larry Ferguson & Donald E. Stewart (based on the novel by Tom Clancy)
• Cast: Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Scott Glenn, Sam Neill, James Earl Jones, Tim Curry

Okay, this is a great movie. Curry is only a side character, but if you haven't seen it, it's just this epic thriller based on a great book by Tom Clancy.

This is Curry showcasing his range, playing a Russian in a sub who is not sure what his captain is planning at any given moment. Hels the medical officer with a strong sense of duty and holds his own in a cast filled with stars.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

- YouTube www.youtube.com

• Director: Chris Columbus
• Writer: John Hughes
• Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Tim Curry, Catherine O'Hara, Brenda Fricker

This is the Curry of my childhood. And one I revisit every Christmas. He plays Mr. Hector, the overly suspicious front desk manager at The Plaza Hotel, and Curry gives movie history one of its absolute best comedic grins.

There's a transition between his face and the Grinch that makes so much sense; it's crazy we never got him in that role after this film.

Muppet Treasure Island (1996)

- YouTube www.youtube.com

• Director: Brian Henson
• Writer: James V. Hart, Jerry Juhl, Kirk R. Thatcher (based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson)
• Cast: Tim Curry, Kevin Bishop, Billy Connolly, Steve Whitmire, Frank Oz, Dave Goelz

Playing Long John Silver opposite a cast of felt and foam is no easy task, but Curry meets the Muppets at their level of theatrical anarchy and steals scenes from Kermit.

Curry looks like he's having the time of his life singing, sword-fighting, and match-wits with Fonzi and Gonzo. It stands as one of the definitive live-action performances in any Jim Henson Company production.

Summing It All Up

I feel like my Letterboxd is filling up with movies I am watching to mourn the greats I love and have lost. I guess it happens to everyone, but first Dolly Parton and now Tim Curry? I am not sure my heart can handle more.

Curry was an incredible actor who made some of the most beloved movies of all time. These were my picks, but I bet you have other titles you'd add here.

Let me know what you think in the comments.