Every week at SiftPop.com, we challenge our writers to choose what they think is the best movie under a certain topic related to a recent release. So this week, due to the appearance of the late, great Alex Trebek in Free Guy and the upcoming episodes of What If..? featuring Chadwick Boseman, we’re counting down our favorite movies featuring a posthumous performance. Let us know @SiftPop what your ranking is!
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom oozes with tension on a hot day in a recording studio in Chicago. It shows the perils of the music during the ’20s where a group of different individuals form a jazz band, headlined by Ma Rainey, and their differences when it comes to topics like religion, race, ambition, and death. It’s a tough watch, especially for Chadwick Boseman’s character Levee. He’s a troubled, but talented trumpet player whose ambition gets the best of him when he angles to have a leg up with starting his own band, but is ultimately used for his songs to be given to another band. The look on Levee’’s face once he realizes he’s been duped crushes you. In addition, Levee’s moments of talking about death when he says, “Death has style….Death will make you wish you had never been born” is so chilling knowing what we know now about Boseman and how close he probably was to death due to his cancer. I honestly teared up watching this movie for a few reasons. First, Levee’s arc is heartbreaking as he goes from ambitious trumpet player to someone who loses everything simply over a scuffed shoe. Second, this will be the last time we see an extremely gifted performer share his talents on screen that was taken far too soon by something beyond anyone’s control. (Mike Hilty)
Quentin Tarantino is one of the most famous American filmmakers of all time; with only 10 films (nine if you count the two Kill Bill movies as a one) under his belt, he has inspired and birthed new and hungry filmmakers that pay homage to his work consistently, from his grotesque imagery and smart and whippet dialogue. While Inglorious Basterds is his best work, my favorite will forever be his 2019 buddy comedy Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood. It is Tarantino at his most sincere and joyful as he creates a painted landscape of late ‘60s Hollywood and the dying breed of the “Hollywood star” that feels obsolete in today’s reality. Of course, Tarantino feels very committed to making his characters feel like real people, at times taking at least 10 or so minutes to tell a joke. Sure, on the film’s surface it offers nothing in terms of story or plot, but that’s what makes it so special. It feels like a hangout film — one that takes its time to build character development and less on a traditional Hollywood story. All of the performances are high caliber, especially from a short and impactful posthumous role from Luke Perry. Every time I rewatch this film I feel a sense of giddy and catharsis from everything involved, and I think that is the exact feeling Tarantino wanted audiences to feel when making this masterpiece. (John Bizub)
The events of Gladiator are triggered in the wake of the death (murder) of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. However, during filming, there was the real life untimely demise of Oliver Reed, who played Proximo in the film. A talented actor who struggled with alcohol, Reed promised director Ridley Scott he wouldn’t taste a drop of the substance during production. Sadly, the temptation was too strong and he relapsed during filming on the night which his life tragically ended. After the tragedy, the remainder of the Proximo scenes had to be finished with a double. The picture is an absolute classic sword and sandals epic, and the winner of Best Picture at the Oscars, and many other accolades. Sadly, it will always bear the weight of sadness associated with Oliver Reed. (Heath Lynch)
I could go on and on about The Last Jedi’s universal acclaim for deviating from expectation by not giving in to how everyone thought the movie was going to go, or I could talk about the exploration it dove into about the politics of war and class struggles. This film features the last performance of the late, great, pulchritudinous Carrie Fisher. Sure she was Frankensteined into The Rise of Skywalker with the use of VFX and deleted scenes, but that doesn’t count. Watching The Last Jedi in theaters knowing this is the real Carrie gives the film a special place in my heart; I couldn’t help but cheer in theaters when we got to see her use the Force in an effort to save her life. After all, it’s been well established that she too has a connection to the Force, which was how she sensed Han died one episode previously. Set decor, especially the use of red, sets this film apart as one of my favorite Star Wars movies. There is no wonder why it is clearly the best of the sequel trilogy. I honestly believe that. No2 excuse me while I log out of all my socials. (Frank Kemp III)
John Cazale had quite the nose for films, as while he only appeared in a handful of feature films before his untimely loss to lung cancer, all of them were eventually nominated for Best Picture. This includes The Deer Hunter, which was released posthumously after his death, and yet another film that the BEC has helped me cross off the list of shame. This film is very much the film that appeals to me — one that is a slow burn which you know it’s building to something, but you don’t quite know what, until suddenly it’s right in front of you, and all you can do is sit and watch in stunned silence. While it’s far from an easy watch, not only because of the length, but also the subject matter (and in some cases, language that rightfully does not deserve a place in today’s world), Michael Cimino brings to the table a tour de force to the screen. You have great actors, including a reunification of Robert De Niro and John Cazale from The Godfather Part II, alongside the likes of Christopher Walken and Meryl Streep, that takes you from the highest of the highs to the lowest of the lows emotionally, and brings to the front the physical and psychological tolls of war. If somehow you are like me and have yet to give this film it’s due diligence, take the time to watch it. You won’t be disappointed. (Joseph Davis)
The Incredibles came out in November of 2004, two months after the passing of animator Frank Thomas, who provided the mainstay of additional voices to the project. Thomas was a mainstay of Disney’s animated effects from the ‘30s into the ‘80s, and if you’ve seen even a couple of animated shorts or films from those days, chances are you’ve seen his work, from Pinocchio to The Fox and the Hound. Having also provided some voice work on The Iron Giant, it’s safe to say director Brad Bird was a fan of that classic animation and wanted to show his appreciation in some small way. The Incredibles is still one of my favorite things Pixar has ever released, and hopefully Frank Thomas got a chance to see it before he passed. His Thank-you credit on the movie is well deserved, considering his monumental contribution to the world of animation. (Chris Bakker)
Long before Anchorman II: The Legend Continues bravely took on the 24-hour news cycle and corruption in big media corporations, there was the biting and increasingly relevant Network, a film that will trigger you when it comes to the terrible state of news in our country. Featuring a screen-stopping performance by Peter Finch, who would pass away soon after, this drama is a rousing send-up of our whole media structure. Alongside film greats like William Holden, Robert Duvall, and Faye Dunaway, director Sidney Lumet can fill this film out with memorable characters, impressive performances, and a new voice to the people. This story will shock you with how far things will go but at every turn. Lumet brings both depth in themes as well as depth in acting and writing. Even though this came out decades ago, Network is truly relevant, and I am mad as hell to get a chance to see it! (Shane Conto)
What is the objective of war? George S. Patton will tell you in one of the most iconic opening scenes in the history of cinema. A towering and powerful man in presence standing in front of a wall cascading with the American flag. How much more patriotic can you get? Patton is a sprawling and dynamic biopic about one of the most infamous generals in US history. Did he single-handedly win World War II? You might think so based on his perspective. George C. Scott gives one of the most powerful and complex performances of all time as this general… myth… warrior out of time. Scott is joined by a triumphant score, a Francis Ford Coppola script, and a supporting cast including the legendary Karl Malden as well as James Edwards (who never got to witness the film’s success). Bold, thought-provoking, and complex, you will not be able to take your eyes off this man. (Shane Conto)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a true game-changer for the world of animation. It taught audience members (and hopefully a few Hollywood producers) that creativity and vision has a much greater impact on your enjoyment of a film than uniformity and predictably safe plots. In spite of its obvious commercial appeal as a comic book film starring one of our most beloved heroes, Into the Spider-Verse feels strikingly personal. The attention to detail in the writing and animation is staggering. The voice cast is just sublime, with the standout to me being Jake Johnson as a schlubby, overweight, and hilarious incarnation of your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. This film also serves as the first posthumous appearance from Marvel Comics veteran Stan Lee. The scene in question features an unexpectedly perfect sendoff for Lee’s contributions to Marvel over the years. Lee’s opening line, “I’m going to miss him,” feels eerily appropriate, but his closing line is what will stick with you long after the credits roll. An anxious Miles Morales purchases his first Spider-Man suit from Lee’s shop and asks, “Can I return it if it doesn’t fit?” Lee’s final line is directed as much to Miles as it is to you, me, and every other kid who has dreamed of being a superhero. “It always fits. Eventually.” (Foster Harlfinger)
The Dark Knight is one of the best superhero movies ever with its scope, storytelling, and how Christopher Nolan delivers this all to us. The film is the second outing of Christian Bale’s Batman where he takes on the clown prince of crime, The Joker, who is played excellently by Heath Ledger. Ledger passed away before The Dark Knight was released and was one of the best on-screen Jokers ever. This film was a masterclass in filmmaking from the opening bank heist to the end with Harvey Dent and Batman. Nolan showed how Batman could function in a real world setting. I can not praise this movie enough for how great it is and how it can stand on its own from the other entries in the trilogy. The dialogue is phenomenal with many lines still quoted today by fans. Fans are still even theorizing what certain things with this version of the Joker meant to this day. The Dark Knight taught us to take superhero movies seriously and to see them as true cinema. If, for some reason, you have never seen this movie, do yourself a favor and watch it now. “Do I really look like a guy with a plan?” (Austen Terry)
Sleeping Beauty
Outside Sleeping Beauty, no other movie has given so many sneaky good quotes. I’m talking about quotes that I use in my everyday life without even half a thought to it. These include such gems as, “Cups, cups, cups. Cups, cups, cups” and “Now, yeast, one tsp. Tsp?” and of course, “But when will I see you again? Oh never, never!” which is particularly fun to say between friends. (Alice-Ginevra Micheli)
About Time
I feel as if the inclusion of this film might be a bit of a cheat, but I cannot help myself when presented the opportunity to talk about what is legitimately one of my favorite movies of all time. From top to bottom, About Time is filled with sort of surprising people in relatively small roles. None may be so surprising as seeing Richard Griffiths pop in for a quick, uncredited role that packs a comedic little punch in a way only he could pull off. It’s in those moments that I fell in love with this movie. On paper, it looks like a romantic dramedy of sorts. It’s a silly little time travel premise with some fun performers, but the character work is really incredible and the humor is top-notch. The movie carries with it a lot of heart and charm, which leads to some incredible laugh-out-loud moments and some truly genuine moments of tears being shed. Griffiths has a vast catalog of work from his career, spanning theater to television to film, and it’s choices like this movie that makes me really appreciate the type of actor he was. Given even a small amount of screen time, he is able to create a lasting and powerful comedic moment. If you haven’t checked out About Time, I really think you are missing out on a wonderful and emotional journey. (Nashua Doll)
A Bug’s Life
The insane quality of Pixar’s catalog means that even really good films can get overlooked because they’re not quite a Toy Story or a Finding Nemo. That is sadly the case, I think, with A Bug’s Life. While I grew up with this one, it may have passed some people by. What makes it so good is the crazy cast of characters. One such character is Mr. Soil, one of the colony leaders and a thespian. The character was played by the late Roddy McDowall, who passed away a month before the film’s debut. Even in a stacked cast with a film full of fun moments, he gets his moments to shine. The most famous, perhaps, is when he calmly leads a group of panicked ants around a fallen leaf so they can continue gathering much-needed sustenance. If you haven’t checked this one out — or even if it’s just been a while — give this underrated gem another shot. (Jake Bourgeois)
Beetlejuice
1987 introduced us to the “Ghost with the Most,” whose name you dare not say thrice: Beetlejuice. The film was quite unique for its time, being a comedy with tinges of the macabre. There is one character in particular that really helps build out the world of the afterlife — that person being The Maitland’s Case Worker, Juno. The late Sylvia Sidney plays this role to perfection with her striking no-nonsense, New York attitude that she calls upon with the character. She does an excellent job of laying out exposition and partly being a harbinger, warning the unsuspecting Maitland’s to not accept the services of Beetlejuice. Her lack of confidence in their haunting efforts and overall annoyance with their missteps provides some hilarious moments. Juno’s best advice may be the famous line, “Never trust the living!” which rings so true in this film. Beetlejuice has so many memorable characters; Sylvia Sidney as Juno is one that pops into the minds of fans. (Joe Vargas)
The Crow
It’s easy to see that Brandon Lee was on the up-and-up to be a great action star of the ‘90s and beyond when watching The Crow. Adapted from the classic graphic novel and starring the aforementioned Lee, who died tragically during the end of filming on set, The Crow might seem like a straightforward revenge story, but the performance from Lee, the mythos of the film, and its surprising charm make this one real special. After my last viewing, I’m convinced this was the main source for Heath Ledger’s Dark Knight performance, and that alone is enough to say you should check this film out. But there is certainly enough here that you should be able to enjoy yourself. It’s a watch for me most Octobers. (Aaron Schweitzer)
Thoroughbreds
Given the theme of this week’s list, there is a melancholic aspect to this week’s entry. However, Thoroughbreds is one of my absolute favorites, and Anton Yelchin is a big part of the reason why. Though most well-known for his role as Chekov in the JJ Abrams Star Trek reboot, Yelchin had a ton of great small indie gems on his resume — this film included. Here, in a film that finally got a theatrical release nearly two years after his death, he plays a drug dealer recruited by two teenage suburbanites (Anya Taylor-Joy and Olivia Cooke) in a plot to murder one’s stepfather. Yelchin plays a convincing sad sack. The dichotomy between the upper-class teens and the less polished, down-on-his-luck Yelchin adds to the film’s great quirky sense of humor. If you’re interested in checking out some of the smaller entries on Yelchin’s filmography, this would be a great place to start. (Jake Bourgeois)
Lucky
Harry Dean Stanton was one of those actors who, despite being reliably brilliant, never truly “broke through.” Don’t get me wrong; he’s definitely appeared in plenty of movies (after all, his IMDb page has stopped at 205 titles under the “actor” tab), but if you go out on the street and ask a random person, “This Harry Dean Stanton sure was somebody, right?” I don’t think most people would be able to put his face against the name, which is a shame. He was a great actor and Lucky, his very last finalized feature film (he died just two weeks before the movie was officially released) is a simple, yet raw and powerful drama about… getting old, about acknowledging your mortality, trying to live your life to the fullest, knowing very well, the end is coming sooner, rather than later. And yet, it’s not a downer. My favourite part of this (beside Harry’s honest and raw performance) was David Lynch (yes, he sometimes acts too!). The scene where Harry is arguing with David’s character about the meaning of life, meaning of anything, contrasting it to him, lighting a cigarette in his favourite bar, is one of the most powerful scenes I’ve ever seen. And yet, it’s so simple. No piano music, no pathos, just some honest, raw emotions. Yes, I know I’ve used the word “raw” a lot, but believe me, Lucky is as raw an indie movie as you will see. There is no other way to describe it. I was stunned by how much the movie managed to say with so little. If you can, please do yourself a favor and watch it. (Luke Burian)
Batman: The Long Halloween
Although Warner Bros. has had trouble with their DC live action movies, their DC animated movies are mostly great with only a few stinkers from time to time. From the beautiful art styles to the stellar voice casting, you can almost guarantee that when you sit down to watch you will walk away satisfied. Batman: The Long Halloween Parts 1 and 2 are no exception to this rule, and once again deliver two movies that adapt a very famous comic arc for the small screen that was full of excitement and intrigue. As usual, DC has cast a phenomenal lineup of voice talent that makes this particular entry stand out. Jensen Ackles fills the Dark Knight’s cowl superbly and Josh Duhamel as Harvey Dent was a surprise as he was able to do both Harvey and Two-Face’s voice in a way that was very reminiscent of the original animated series, yet uniquely his own. Finally, I want to highlight Naya Rivera as Catwoman, who tragically lost her life in a heart-breaking accident last year. Catwoman is usually portrayed with a sultry and seductive manner which Rivera does showcase, but her portrayal of the character had a more heroic quality similar to many Batgirl voice actresses, which was perfect because Catwoman played a more heroic role than typical in the films. Overall, I would highly recommend these two entries in the DC Animation pantheon as one you don’t want to miss! (Nick Ferro)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
One of the many, many thing the producers of the Harry Potter film franchise did was casting. Richard Harris was a great Dumbledore, but he sadly passed before the series was completed. The Chamber of Secrets would prove to be his last feature film. The second installment of the Harry Potter franchise sees Hogwarts under attack from an unseen enemy. Students and animals are being petrified, Harry speaks Parseltongue without even knowing how, and continues to find himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Subsequently, Harry becomes the prime suspect in all the unexplained wrong-doings at the school. History shows his newfound linguistic skills are typically reserved for only the greatest of Slytherin wizards. Quidditch is still a thing, and naturally Harry’s arch nemesis becomes a rival seeker and rich daddy provides the Slytherin team Nimbus 2001s. Poor old Harry is still stuck with the 2000 model. I hear the 2001 has Face ID and a slightly longer battery life than the 2000. Overall, The Chamber of Secrets is probably the weakest in the franchise, however the standard is high and it’s still a really enjoyable and fun journey. (Adam Ritchie)
Star Trek Beyond
Technically, Leonard Nimoy doesn’t appear in Star Trek Beyond, other than in a photo, but dammit Jim, I’m not going to allow a technicality to stop me from talking about one of the greatest figures in the history of pop culture! After its dower and somewhat controversial predecessor, Into Darkness, Beyond was a breath of fresh air. A sharply scripted, fast-paced, action-adventure bottle-episode that the Star Trek framework lends itself to oh-so well. With the Enterprise literally in pieces and her crew stranded and separated on an unknown planet, Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and the gang must find a way to stop the brutal Krall and whatever his evil plan might be (no spoilers here!). The use of some unlikely pairings, such as Kirk with Scotty and McCoy with Spock lead to many hilarious and, if I may, fascinating character dynamics that we are rarely shown. One of the special gifts given to us by the first two Kelvin films was Nimoy’s return to the big screen as our favorite Vulcan. Beyond features a tear-jerking scene where a young Spock, played by Zachary Quinto, is informed of his future self’s passing, and is presented with a photograph of the crew he is coming to call a family, from many years in the future. Having passed away a few months before filming began, we were cheated of one last “live long and prosper,” but the above tribute is a touching one, all the same. (Ian Whittington)
Cars
The Cars trilogy may not be the best trilogy that Pixar has made, but the first movie still has its moments. Cars is a movie about a hotshot race car who crashes into a small town and the townspeople teach him humility. The voice of Doc Hudson, the leader of the town, is none other than the late, great Paul Newman. Honestly, this is the first Paul Newman movie I ever saw, and history has taught me how great this man was as an actor. Interactions between Doc and McQueen are excellent. Doc is great as a character and you start to care for him because of Newman. No one else could have voiced Doc Hudson. Give the first Cars a rewatch when you get a chance. It may be Doc Hollywood for kids, but it still is a great movie. (Austen Terry)
The Matrix Reloaded
The character that tells the lead exactly what they need to hear is such a staple in filmmaking, but to have it applied in the way that The Matrix did with The Oracle is the rare case where that character also made for a compelling idea in and of itself. When Gloria Foster passed in 2001, it led to the casting of Mary Alice to complete the trilogy, and the third movie had to expand on the idea of The Oracle as a program that can be altered and adapted and still be very much the same program on a fundamental level. For the criticism the sequels to The Matrix continue to get for the depths into which they go when it comes to their philosophical ideas, those questions and ponderings that are presented in between the captivating stunt work and groundbreaking visual effects (with the exception of the infamous rubber Neo) are what make this trilogy part of filmmaking history. (Chris Bakker)
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1
The Hunger Games was yet another series to have us in a chokehold. It was 2014 and it was the beginning of the end. The fans (including myself) weren’t ready to say goodbye. Mockingjay — Part 1 starts up where Catching Fire ended with Katniss’ (Jennifer Lawrence) home of District 12 being destroyed, and her partner Peeta Mallark being taken by the Capitol. Katniss reluctantly takes on the moniker of the “Mockingjay” to lead a mass rebellion against the Capitol while trying to save Peeta from the sadistic President Snow. The film continues to grow darker as the districts rebel and the Capitol scramble, trying to keep power. The cast has solid performances, especially by Lawrence and along with Julianne Moore’s turn as President Coin with a sinister motive. It also serves as the first posthumous appearance of Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee. Even though the role was small, Hoffman knew how to carry a scene. Mockingjay — Part 1 may not be the best in the series, but the film still keeps you entertained. (Chantal A)
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
The human experience is basically a series of choices that cause other people to make other choices, and so on. The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is an examination of choices, and I’m not only talking about the volunteers (forced or otherwise) that went through the mirror. Doctor Parnassus (Christopher Plummer) made many choices in his more than a millennia of life that, honestly, were probably all as bad as the ones he made on screen. The dude has an addiction to gambling with the devil (played by Tom Waits, who is fabulous in this and all he does. The choice to make him the devil was truly inspired). Who would possibly think that was a good idea? I mean, come on Parney, listen to Percy. Verne Troyer has had your back since the beginning, and if you can’t remember from a couple sentences before, it was over a millennia. That’s dedication. That dude seriously cares about you. He has… your… back. Every character in this movie gets a big choice. Even the ones set up to be irredeemable are allowed to prove us right or wrong. Like Tony, played by the late Heath Ledger. From the beginning you know he’s a scoundrel. He does all the scoundrelly things, and you still only have a 50/50 shot of being right in the end. Speaking of choices, one that the movie made that was definitely not a good one was having Verne Troyer do blackface so someone could refer to him as a small black child. There is absolutely no other point to it than that one line. While I have a lot of respect for Terry Gilliam and his work this was one thing that someone should have pulled him aside and said, “Maybe don’t.” (Kimberly Hausen)
Small Soldiers
You know those movies you love that you first saw when you were little, and one day you stop watching it? But then one day, the nostalgia hits and you find out where to watch it immediately and it really disappoints you? Well, Small Soldiers isn’t this kind of movie. This is the one where it’s just as delightful as you remember, and one big reason is the cast. Sure, there’s a young Kirsten Dunst and the kid from The Patriot that got shot by Lucius Malfoy, but the real people that shine in this movie are Tommy Lee Jones, David Cross, Jay Mohr, Kevin Dunn, and of course the late, GREAT, Phil Hartman. This film works on all kinds of levels, but seeing one of the greatest comedians of the late 1900s try to surrender a group of military toys is everything it sounds like. If you’ve been afraid to revisit this film, fear no more and check it out! (Aaron Schweitzer)
Also See: Rebel without a Cause, Bridesmaids, Toy Story 4, My Fair Lady, Casino Royale (67), Jungle Book (67), The Exorcist, The Muppet Movie, The Twilight Zone: The Movie, The Wild Bunch, 1984, National Lampoon’s European Vacation, Scrooged, Awakenings, The Age of Innocence, Happy Feet, Iron Man 2, Once Upon a Time in the West, Night at the Museum: The Secret of the Tomb, From Russia With Love, and Bill and Ted Face the Music
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