Donald Sutherland was an award-winning Canadian actor best known for his performances as lead and supporting actor in popular films such as The Hunger Games Franchise, and Pride and Prejudice (2005).
Sutherland won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his supporting performance in the movie “Citizen X” (1996).
He earned an additional Globe as Best TV Supporting Actor for “Path to War” (2002), competing again for “Commander in Chief” (2005) and “Human Trafficking” (2005) as the lead.
Throughout his lifetime, Sutherland starred in various films in a vast array of genres, securing him as one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood.
In light of his recent passing on 20 June 2024, let’s take a look at a few of the best Donald Sutherland Movies of all time, ranked with IMDb Ratings from highest to lowest.
1. Pride and Prejudice – 2005
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
One of Donald Sutherland’s most memorable roles is the 2005 movie adaptation of Jane Austen‘s Pride and Prejudice. Sutherland stars as Mr. Bennet, the affectionate father of Elizabeth Bennet and a member of the landed gentry.
Sutherland’s Mr. Bennet is different from the novel’s version, who is more sarcastic and detached.
In the film, his portrayal of Mr. Bennet is warmer, affectionate, and deeply supportive of his daughters, particularly Elizabeth, the main character
Sutherland’s performance diverges from his usual roles of villains or anti-heroes, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
2. Ordinary People – 1980
IMDb Ratings: 7.7/10
Adapted from the 1976 novel of the same name, Ordinary People is a story about the grief-stricken Jarret Family after a tragic accident leaves their eldest son dead, and their surviving son crippled by grief and guilt.
The film stars Donald Sutherland as Calvin, the father alongside Mary Tylor Moore as the mother. The pair is shown as a family who once had it all but is now broken by tragedy.
Sutherland plays a supporting role as he tries to bring his family together after his son attempts suicide and his wife is unwilling to accept the loss.
Despite playing a different role than his more well-known works, Ordinary People is considered one of the best supporting roles of his career.
3. Kelly’s Heroes – 1970
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Kelly’s Heroes is a 1970 comedy-drama film set during World War II about a group of American soldiers who join hands and go AWOL to find a treasure of gold behind enemy lines in Nazi-occupied France.
Donald Sutherland plays the character of Sergeant Oddball, a tank commander. His character is the film’s most memorable, known for his laid-back attitude.
Oddball is portrayed as an optimistic and unconventional leader. His character provides much of the film’s comedic relief and exemplifies the film’s anti-establishment tone.
Oddball’s humorous lines and personality made Sutherland a fan favourite and a standout character in the film.
4. Invasion of The Body Snatchers – 1979
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
The 1979 remake of Invasion of The Body Snatchers (1956) is a science fiction horror film based on the novel by Jack Finney.
The story is set in San Fransisco, where health inspector Matthew Bennel (Donald Sutherland) discovers that emotionless alien clones are replacing humans.
As the invasion exceeds, Sutherland’s characters and his friends struggle to survive and avoid being replaced.
Sutherland’s performance as the health inspector is a cornerstone of the film, conveying a sense of dread and urgency as he navigates the escalating crisis.
His portrayal of Mathews’s desperation and determination adds depth to the film’s ambience of paranoia and fear, delivering one of the most chilling finales in science fiction cinema.
5. M.A.S.H – 1970
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
M.A.S.H is a satirical black comedy film set during the Korean War and follows the lives of personnel at a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) unit.
The film centers on two brilliant but irreverent surgeons, Captain Hawkeye Pierce, and Captain “Trapper” John McIntyre, who use humour to cope with the horrors of war.
Donald Sutherland’s character Hawkeye is known for his sharp wit and leadership in the operating room and his unconventional methods.
His performance captures the character’s complexity, balancing the comedic and serious aspects of the role.
6. The Hunger Games – 2012
IMDb Ratings: 7.2/10
One of his most memorable characters is President Snow, the main antagonist in The Hunger Games movie franchise.
Donald Sutherland’s role as President Snow is a masterful depiction of a villain who uses intellect and psychological manipulation to maintain dominance, setting the stage for the central conflict of the dystopian series.
Sutherland reprised his role as the menacing villain in the sequels that followed. Below are the sequels with IMDb ratings.
- The Hunger Games: Catching Fire – 7.5 IMDb
- The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1– 6.6 IMDb
- The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2– 6.5 IMDb
7. Klute – 1971
IMDb Ratings: 7.1/10
In Klute (1971), Donald Sutherland delivers a compelling performance as John Klute, a reserved and methodical detective investigating a mysterious disappearance.
Sutherland portrays Klute with a quiet intensity and keen observational skills, capturing the character’s stoicism and dedication to unravelling the case.
Klute’s journey takes him into the underbelly of New York City, where he forms an unexpected connection with Bree Daniels (played by Jane Fonda), a complex and troubled call girl who may hold key information about the disappearance.
Throughout the film, Sutherland’s nuanced performance allows Klute to evolve from a determined investigator into a more empathetic and reflective figure.
His chemistry with Jane Fonda’s character adds depth to the narrative. Donald Sutherland’s performance in “Klute” is praised for his contribution to the film’s noir atmosphere, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and skilled actor.
8. Eye of The Needle – 1981
IMDb Ratings: 7.1/10
Donald Sutherland plays Heinrich Faber, also known as “The Needle” in Eye of The Needle, a German spy operating in England during World War II.
When his cover is compromised, he flees to a remote island off the Scottish coast, where he encounters Lucy, a lonely woman whose husband is away fighting in the war
Faber uses his charm and manipulative skills to gain Lucy’s trust and secure shelter while he plans his escape back to Germany.
Donald Sutherland’s portrayal showcases his ability to embody morally ambiguous characters with conviction, adding to the film’s suspenseful and gripping narrative.
9. The Day of The Locust – 1975
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
The Day of the Locust is set in Depression-era Hollywood, following various characters whose lives intertwine in tragic ways.
Donald Sutherland plays Homer Simpson, a repressed accountant infatuated with aspiring actress Faye Greener, played by Karen Black.
The film explores themes of disillusionment and the darker side of the American Dream amid Hollywood’s superficiality and exploitation.
Donald Sutherland’s portrayal of Homer Simpson is sympathetic, capturing the character’s vulnerability and descent into obsession.
His performance adds depth to the film’s exploration of the destructive effects of unattainable dreams and the desperation of those caught in the industry’s harsh glare.
10. Space Cowboys – 2000
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Donald Sutherland stars as one of the leads in the 2000 comedy movie, Space Cowboys. The movie stars Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones and James Garner alongside Donald Sutherland.
Sutherland plays Jerry O’Neill, a former NASA engineer and test pilot who is part of the team of retired astronauts called back for a critical space mission.
Despite their age, they must use their skills and experience to complete the mission. The film blends humour, camaraderie, and suspense as the aging astronauts face challenges both in space and from their past.
Despite his playful demeanour, Donald Sutherland proves to be a vital and resourceful member of the crew, using his skills and experience to help tackle the challenges they face during the mission.
11. Start The Revolution Without Me – 1970
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
In this satirical 1970 film, Start the Revolution Without Me, Donald Sutherland plays dual roles as Philippe and Charles, one-half of the two sets of identical twins.
Philippe is one of the aristocratic Corsican brothers, while Charles is one of the peasant twins. Sutherland’s performance highlights his versatility as he seamlessly switches between the refined, scheming Philippe and the rough, more straightforward Charles.
His comedic timing and ability to differentiate between the two characters contribute significantly to the film’s humour and overall charm.
The mistaken identities and the contrasting lives of the twins lead to a series of humorous situations and misunderstandings, with Sutherland effectively bringing both characters to life in this satirical take on the French Revolution.
12. Mr. Harrigan’s Phone – 2022
IMDb Rating: 6/10
Donald Sutherland’s most notable recent performance is based on the short horror story by Stephen King, “Mr. Harringon’s Phone“.
The movie follows Craig played by Jaeden Martell, a young boy who befriends an elderly millionaire Mr. Harringon. Before passing, Mr Harringon gives Craig a cell phone.
To Craig’s horror, he discovers he can communicate with his elderly friend from the grave. Donald Sutherland delivers a performance that is unlike any of his previous works as a chilling disembodied entity.
The movie follows themes of guilt, eerie symbols and cryptic messages, setting the narrative of the unknown dark side.
13. Buffy The Vampire Slayer – 1992
IMDb Rating: 5.7/10
In Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992), Donald Sutherland plays Merrick, a seasoned vampire hunter known as a Watcher.
Merrick’s role is to train and guide Buffy Summers, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar, the rookie vampire slayer, in her battle against the undead.
Sutherland portrays Merrick as a wise, serious, and somewhat enigmatic mentor who helps Buffy understand and embrace her destiny.
His performance as Merrick adds depth and gravitas to the film, balancing its comedic elements with a more grounded and serious presence
14. An American Haunting – 2005
IMDb Ratings: 5/10
Donald Sutherland plays John Bell, the patriarch of the Bell family in An American Haunting, who are the central figures in the story. John Bell is a respected farmer in early 19th century Tennessee.
His life and that of his family are thrown into turmoil when they become the target of a malevolent spirit known as the Bell Witch.
Sutherland’s portrayal of John Bell captures the character’s descent from a strong, authoritative figure to a man tormented and broken by the supernatural events that plague his family.
As the haunting intensifies, John Bell struggles to protect his family and maintain his sanity amidst the relentless and terrifying attacks.
Conclusion
Donald Sutherland’s illustrious career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood with his diverse and powerful performances.
From portraying complex characters in psychological dramas to delivering chilling villainous roles, Sutherland demonstrated remarkable range and versatility.
His ability to fully embody each role earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan following. As we look back on his legacy through some of his iconic films, it’s clear that Sutherland’s contributions to cinema will continue to resonate for generations.
