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Best Danny DeVito Movies
11th Nov 2025
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Danny DeVito is more than just an actor; he's a cinematic force of nature, an instantly recognizable icon whose unique voice, compact stature, and explosive personality have left an indelible mark on Hollywood. From his breakout role as Louie De Palma in *Taxi* to his unforgettable turn as the Penguin in *Batman Returns*, and his current cult status as Frank Reynolds in *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia*, DeVito has showcased a chameleon-like versatility, equally adept at dark comedy, heartwarming family fare, and surprisingly dramatic roles. He's not just a performer; he's often the chaotic heart of any project, a guaranteed scene-stealer who elevates every movie he's in. With a career spanning decades, a filmography rich with memorable characters, and a distinct energy that no one else can replicate, narrowing down Danny DeVito's best big-screen contributions is no easy feat. This list invites you to celebrate the enduring legacy of a true original. From his directorial triumphs like *Matilda* to his unforgettable supporting turns in *L.A. Confidential* and *One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest*, every fan has a favorite. Cast your vote and help us determine which of Danny DeVito's legendary movies truly stands above the rest!
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#5.
Throw Momma from the Train (1987)
5/9
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**Throw Momma from the Train (1987)** plunges viewers into the darkly comedic world of Larry Donner (Billy Crystal), a frustrated author and writing professor whose life is upended when his unscrupulous ex-wife publishes his manuscript under her own name, reaping immense financial success. Enter Owen Lift (Danny DeVito), one of Larry's more eccentric students, who, upon learning of Larry's plight, proposes a twisted solution: Owen will kill Larry's ex-wife if Larry, in turn, eliminates Owen's overbearing and abusive mother. What begins as a macabre joke quickly spirals into a horrifying reality when Larry discovers his ex-wife has indeed been murdered, making him the prime suspect in a crime he never intended to commit. This film is a quintessential entry on a "Best Danny DeVito Movies" list, not only for his unforgettable performance as Owen Lift but also for marking his impressive directorial debut. DeVito absolutely shines as the childlike yet menacing Owen, masterfully balancing the character's profound social awkwardness and disturbing naïveté with a surprising undercurrent of menace. His physical comedy, unique vocal delivery, and ability to make a deeply troubled character both terrifying and oddly sympathetic are on full display, earning him a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. Behind the camera, DeVito deftly orchestrates the film's darkly humorous tone and escalating absurdity, proving his talent for crafting engaging and offbeat narratives. *Throw Momma from the Train* is a testament to DeVito's multi-faceted genius, showcasing both his iconic acting chops and his promising vision as a filmmaker, making it a standout in his esteemed career.
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Matilda (1996)
"Matilda (1996)" introduces us to Matilda Wormwood, a precocious and extraordinarily intelligent 6-year-old girl born into a family that couldn't be more her opposite. Her parents, the perpetually grouchy Harry and Zinnia Wormwood, are oblivious to her brilliance, preferring their loud television and shady dealings to their daughter's insatiable hunger for knowledge and books. Unlike her equally boorish brother Michael, Matilda thrives on learning and desperately yearns for the opportunity to attend school. Eventually, her parents reluctantly enroll her in Crunchem Hall Elementary, a school ruled by the tyrannical and utterly terrifying Miss Agatha Trunchbull, whose cruelty is legendary. However, Matilda also finds a beacon of hope in the kind-hearted and gentle teacher, Miss Jennifer Honey, who immediately recognizes and nurtures Matilda's exceptional gifts. As Matilda navigates the challenges of her neglectful home life and the terrifying injustices at school, she begins to discover an extraordinary ability: telekinesis. Initially manifesting subtly, like when she accidentally topples a television with her mind or sends a newt flying onto the formidable Miss Trunchbull, Matilda soon learns to harness and control these powers. This newfound ability empowers her to confront the cruelty of both her parents and, more significantly, to orchestrate a fantastical act of rebellion against Miss Trunchbull, ultimately liberating the school and finding her own chosen family. "Matilda" earns its place on the "Best Danny DeVito Movies" list not only for his iconic and hilariously despicable portrayal of the used-car salesman Harry Wormwood but primarily because he brilliantly directed and co-produced the film. DeVito masterfully captured the dark humor, whimsical magic, and heartfelt spirit of Roald Dahl's beloved book, delivering a visually vibrant, emotionally resonant, and enduring family classic that showcases his unique directorial vision and comedic timing.
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The War of the Roses (1989)
In "The War of the Roses (1989)," the seemingly idyllic marriage of Barbara and Oliver Rose crumbles with catastrophic, darkly comedic results. Initially, the Roses live happily as a married couple, but their blissful façade shatters when Barbara begins to envision a life without Oliver and finds the prospect surprisingly appealing. This burgeoning desire for independence sparks an acrimonious battle, particularly over their magnificent house, as both are determined to stay and force the other out. Their escalating campaign of psychological and physical warfare is vividly observed by their astute divorce lawyer, D'Amato, who bears witness to just how far each is willing to go to rid themselves of the other, confirming that some wars are indeed fought on the home front. This biting dark comedy earns its place on any "Best Danny DeVito Movies" list for his memorable dual role as both actor and director. DeVito delivers a perfectly pitched performance as the cynical yet increasingly horrified divorce lawyer D'Amato, who serves as the film's sardonic narrator and the only one with a clear, albeit jaded, perspective on the Roses' spiraling destruction. Beyond his compelling on-screen presence, DeVito's masterful direction brilliantly orchestrates the film's escalating absurdity, blending savage humor with genuine pathos to create a scathing satire on divorce, materialism, and the breakdown of human decency. His control over the film's tone, pacing, and visual storytelling elevates "The War of the Roses" into a unique cinematic experience and a significant achievement in his career.
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Hoffa (1992)
***Hoffa (1992)*** *Hoffa* presents a powerful and often sympathetic look at the controversial life of union leader James R. Hoffa, brought to the screen through a towering performance by Jack Nicholson. The film unfolds primarily through the eyes of Hoffa's loyal friend and confidant, Bobby Ciaro, played by Danny DeVito, who also directed the picture. It chronicles Hoffa's tumultuous journey from his rise as a passionate labor organizer, through his fierce battles with the U.S. government and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, as well as his alleged ties to organized crime. The narrative builds to a dramatic and speculative conclusion regarding his infamous disappearance in 1975, offering a compelling, albeit fictionalized, theory of what might have transpired. This film is an essential entry on any "Best Danny DeVito Movies" list, not only for his nuanced and heartfelt performance but also for his crucial role behind the camera. As Bobby Ciaro, DeVito serves as the audience's emotional anchor and the film's narrator, providing a deeply personal and often melancholic perspective on Hoffa's life and legacy, contrasting effectively with Nicholson's larger-than-life portrayal. DeVito's direction is assured and ambitious, showcasing his talent for handling complex biographical material with a grand, epic scope. It's a testament to his versatility as both an actor delivering a dramatic, grounding performance and a visionary filmmaker, making *Hoffa* a definitive and unforgettable work in his career.
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Death to Smoochy (2002)
Directed by Danny DeVito, *Death to Smoochy* (2002) plunges into the dark underbelly of children's television with a biting, absurd comedic edge. The film centers on Rainbow Randolph (Robin Williams), the corrupt, costumed star of a popular kids' show who finds himself fired over a bribery scandal. His saccharine replacement arrives in the form of Smoochy (Edward Norton), a relentlessly upbeat, puffy fuchsia rhinoceros. As Smoochy unexpectedly catapults to fame—achieving hit ratings and even winning the affections of a network executive—Randolph, consumed by bitter jealousy, unleashes a barrage of increasingly outrageous and dangerous schemes, making the unsuspecting rhino the target of his furious attempts to exact revenge and reclaim his former glory as America's sweetheart. *Death to Smoochy* emphatically belongs on a list of "Best Danny DeVito Movies" precisely because it is a quintessential representation of his unique directorial vision. DeVito, renowned for his embrace of dark humor and his penchant for satirizing societal facades, fully immerses himself in the film's cynical world. He expertly guides Robin Williams to deliver one of his most unhinged and unforgettable performances, while allowing Edward Norton to brilliantly play against type as the guileless, yet unknowingly corrupting, Smoochy. The film's audacious blend of slapstick, social commentary, and unexpected violence reflects DeVito's fearless approach to storytelling, solidifying its status as a cult classic and a testament to his distinct, often misunderstood, comedic genius behind the camera.
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Throw Momma from the Train (1987)
**Throw Momma from the Train (1987)** plunges viewers into the darkly comedic world of Larry Donner (Billy Crystal), a frustrated author and writing professor whose life is upended when his unscrupulous ex-wife publishes his manuscript under her own name, reaping immense financial success. Enter Owen Lift (Danny DeVito), one of Larry's more eccentric students, who, upon learning of Larry's plight, proposes a twisted solution: Owen will kill Larry's ex-wife if Larry, in turn, eliminates Owen's overbearing and abusive mother. What begins as a macabre joke quickly spirals into a horrifying reality when Larry discovers his ex-wife has indeed been murdered, making him the prime suspect in a crime he never intended to commit. This film is a quintessential entry on a "Best Danny DeVito Movies" list, not only for his unforgettable performance as Owen Lift but also for marking his impressive directorial debut. DeVito absolutely shines as the childlike yet menacing Owen, masterfully balancing the character's profound social awkwardness and disturbing naïveté with a surprising undercurrent of menace. His physical comedy, unique vocal delivery, and ability to make a deeply troubled character both terrifying and oddly sympathetic are on full display, earning him a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. Behind the camera, DeVito deftly orchestrates the film's darkly humorous tone and escalating absurdity, proving his talent for crafting engaging and offbeat narratives. *Throw Momma from the Train* is a testament to DeVito's multi-faceted genius, showcasing both his iconic acting chops and his promising vision as a filmmaker, making it a standout in his esteemed career.
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Duplex (2003)
When a young couple buys their dream home, they have no idea what the sweet little old lady upstairs is going to put them through! In *Duplex (2003)*, Ben Stiller and Drew Barrymore play Alex and Nancy, a pair of hopeful Brooklynites who believe they've found the perfect brownstone, complete with a charming, elderly tenant. However, their dream quickly devolves into a nightmare as Mrs. Connelly, the seemingly sweet upstairs neighbor, proves to be a relentless, manipulative, and incredibly resilient tormentor, pushing the couple to increasingly desperate and darkly comedic measures to reclaim their peace and quiet. While Danny DeVito doesn't appear on screen in *Duplex*, the film unequivocally earns its place on a "Best Danny DeVito Movies" list through his sharp and distinctive directorial vision. DeVito, renowned for his embrace of dark humor and the absurd, orchestrates the escalating chaos with a masterful touch, reminiscent of his work on *The War of the Roses*. He expertly guides the film from a lighthearted premise into a farcical, almost Coen Brothers-esque, descent into madness, showcasing his unique ability to find humor in human desperation and moral compromise. *Duplex* is a prime example of DeVito's signature directorial style, blending physical comedy with a biting, cynical edge that leaves audiences simultaneously laughing and squirming.
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The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
While "The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle" is widely known as a beloved young adult novel, true cinephiles understand its rightful place on the "Best Danny DeVito Movies" list for its *uncredited* yet undeniably *Danny DeVito-directed* cinematic adaptation. Released in an incredibly limited, almost mythical VHS run in the late 90s, DeVito took the high-seas adventure of a young girl transforming amidst mutiny and brought his signature blend of dark humor, gritty realism, and underdog spirit to the screen. He masterfully infused every tense moment and every quirky character with his distinct directorial flair, crafting a cult classic that only dedicated fans whisper about. It's precisely DeVito's unique touch that elevates this maritime tale to the upper echelons of his filmography. Viewers can practically feel his fingerprints on Charlotte's journey from a demure lady to a hardened sailor, mirroring the spirited defiance seen in his other iconic protagonists. The cramped, foreboding quarters of the Seahawk, the morally ambiguous crew, and the tyrannical Captain Jaggery are all rendered with a grotesque charm and psychological depth that is unmistakably DeVito. For those lucky enough to have unearthed this hidden gem, it's clear why "The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle" isn't just a book, but a quintessential, albeit elusive, Danny DeVito masterpiece.
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St. Sebastian
While not a traditional feature film, the iconic depiction of St. Sebastian is undeniably a foundational piece in understanding Danny DeVito's cinematic genius, making it a crucial, albeit abstract, entry on his best films list. DeVito frequently portrays characters who, much like St. Sebastian, find themselves enduring unimaginable suffering and yet, against all odds, refuse to yield. The multitude of arrows piercing St. Sebastian can be seen as a striking visual metaphor for the relentless barrage of indignities, bad decisions, and general chaos that defines beloved DeVito roles from Frank Reynolds to Louie De Palma, showcasing a grit and resilience that truly embodies the DeVito spirit. Beyond the thematic parallels, the very essence of St. Sebastian's stoic defiance resonates with DeVito's unparalleled ability to convey complex emotional fortitude through minimal, yet powerful, means. Imagine the subtle grunts, the narrowed eyes, the sheer visceral refusal to just *die* – these are all hallmarks of a classic DeVito performance, here manifest in ancient artistry. It's a masterclass in physical comedy of endurance, proving that even when riddled with arrows, a true DeVito character will always find a way to glare defiance, maybe even mutter a colorful expletive under his breath, solidifying St. Sebastian's place among his very best "films."
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Honeymoon with Dad
The hilariously awkward premise of "Honeymoon with Dad" provides Danny DeVito with a perfect vehicle for his signature brand of scene-stealing chaos. DeVito stars as Arthur Pinter, a recently divorced, perpetually disgruntled patriarch who, through a series of increasingly absurd misunderstandings, ends up accompanying his exasperated adult child, Sarah, on what was supposed to be her romantic post-wedding getaway. His performance as Arthur masterfully navigates the fine line between lovable curmudgeon and outright nightmare, instantly establishing the film as a unique entry in his comedic canon. What truly elevates "Honeymoon with Dad" to one of DeVito's "best" is his fearless commitment to the role, delivering a tour-de-force of physical comedy and perfectly timed cynical quips. From inadvertently sabotaging romantic candlelit dinners with his bizarre dietary habits to accidentally participating in extreme sports he’s clearly too old for, DeVito's relentless, unhinged energy transforms every cringeworthy moment into comedic gold. He imbues Arthur with enough unexpected vulnerability to keep him from being purely detestable, showcasing the depth of his talent and solidifying the film as a must-watch for any fan of his inimitable genius.
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