Foley’s films are notable for their intense character studies, thematic depth, and directorial style that prioritizes realism and performance, whether adapting stage plays or crafting original screenplays.
Foley died on May 6, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy of strong filmmaking.
In this article, we have compiled Foley’s best work, which offers valuable lessons in building tension, eliciting nuanced performances, and exploring complex moral landscapes.
7 Best James Foley Movies
1. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Starting with one of my favorites, Glengarry Glen Ross is adapted from David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play. It follows a group of desperate real estate salespeople who turn to unethical tactics to maintain their sales records and keep their jobs.
Glengarry Glen Ross dissects themes of capitalism, desperation, and moral compromise while exploring the dehumanizing effects of corporate pressure that eventually leads to the erosion of ethics.
Plus, who can forget the iconic monologue by Alec Baldwin?
Foley employs claustrophobic visuals and tight framing to evoke a sense of entrapment, while the dialogue-driven intensity of the stage play maneuvers the drama in the narrative.
2. Fear (1996)
A tale of obsession in love, Fear follows Nicole (Reese Witherspoon), who falls in love with the charming and affectionate David (Mark Wahlberg), only to slowly realize that he is disturbingly obsessed with her, turning her love for him into terror.
Foley’s psychological thriller about a teenage girl explores themes of adolescent rebellion marked by the dangers of unchecked desire and trust.
Fear is grounded in authentic settings and the strategic use of lighting and atmosphere to amplify the film's mood.
3. At Close Range (1986)
A crime drama based on the true story of a rural crime family in Pennsylvania, At Close Range follows Brad Whitewood Jr. (Sean Penn), who, after reuniting with his estranged criminal father, chooses a life of crime under his wing, only to realize how wrong his decision was.
At Close Range is soaked in gritty realism through the use of landscapes and natural lighting, complemented by long takes and close-ups to capture the emotional intensity of the characters.
4. Two Bits (1995)
Set during the Great Depression, Two Bits follows 12-year-old Gennaro, whose ailing grandfather, Gitano (Al Pacino), enlists him as an emissary to seek out a woman from his past in exchange for his inheritance—a quarter.
Gennaro’s quest for a quarter becomes a rite of passage, exposing him to the harsh realities of poverty, the complexities of adult regrets, and the responsibilities that come with growing up.
The backdrop of the Great Depression highlights the struggle for small joys and aspirations in difficult times. Gennaro’s yearning for a simple pleasure—a movie ticket—mirrors the universal human need for hope and escape. The fact that his grandfather intends to leave something meaningful to Gennaro (even if it’s just a quarter) not only highlights their bond but also reflects how people confront morality and what they choose to pass on.
Foley’s direction emphasizes intimate character moments, particularly between Gennaro and his grandfather, relying on strong performances to convey emotional depth. Foley’s impressive use of soft, smoky lighting in scenes featuring Gennaro and Gitano, in contrast to the harsher, realistic depiction of Depression-era Philadelphia, reinforces the tension between hope and hardship.
5. The Chamber (1996)
Adapted from John Grisham’s novel by the same name, the story follows Adam Hall (Chris O’Donnell), a young Chicago lawyer, who takes up the death row appeal of his racist grandfather, Sam Cayhall (Gene Hackman), for a hate crime he committed three decades ago. He uncovers his father’s trauma that ultimately led him to take his own life.
At its core, The Chamber is extremely layered. The film is about confronting family demons and seeking redemption through the exploration of bigotry and violence perpetuated across generations. It also questions the morality of the death penalty while exploring the possibility of healing and forgiveness.
Adam's journey is as much about saving his grandfather as it is about exorcising the shame and pain that have plagued his family.
The Chamber delivers exceptional performances, backed by an atmospheric and evocative setting.
6. After Dark, My Sweet (1990)
After Dark, My Sweet revolves around Collie, a former boxer and a mental hospital escapee, who works for a widow. He finds himself in a tough spot after she asks him to become an accomplice in a kidnapping.
The film explores alienation and brokenness through its three main characters — Fay (Rachel Ward), Collie (Jason Patric), and Uncle Bud (Bruce Dern). The three bond over their loneliness, but their union only amplifies their dysfunction.
The narrative is driven by the inability to trust, as Collie, Fay, and Uncle Bud constantly second-guess each other. The characters’ heavy drinking and the decaying setting evoke a universal urge to seek oblivion when things aren’t going to plan—an attempt to escape from pain, guilt, and emptiness.
After Dark, My Sweet feels like a fresh take on noir conventions. By exploring themes of fatalism through flawed characters and moral ambiguity, and by transplanting them into a contemporary, sunlit setting, Foley proves that a noir’s psychological depth can easily transcend its traditional visual trappings.
7. The Corruptor (1999)
A gritty crime thriller set in New York’s Chinatown, The Corruptor follows NYPD Lieutenant Nick Chen (Chow Yun-Fat), head of the Asian Gang Unit, who is tasked with maintaining law and order during an ongoing turf war between the Tung Fung Benevolent Association Tong and the Fukienese Dragons gang. Things take a tricky turn for Chen when he is compromised, and he realizes that there is a rat within his team.
The film explores the pervasive nature of corruption, both within law enforcement and organized crime. The visuals evoke a sense of place and cultural specificity. At the same time, the narrative explores cultural and racial dynamics as Wallace tries to settle into an Asian gang unit and Chen navigates dual identities.
Foley sets up a traditional “odd couple” cop partnership but subverts expectations by making both leads deeply flawed, exposed, and impressionable by the corrosive effects of their environment.
Did your favorite James Foley movie make it to this list?
