George Clooney Movies and TV Shows – Full Filmography and Awards
Best George Clooney Movies
George Clooney has built one of Hollywood’s most diverse portfolios over four decades, transitioning from television heartthrob to Academy Award-winning actor, accomplished director, and respected producer. His career spans more than 80 acting credits alongside substantial work behind the camera.
Rotten Tomatoes aggregates critical consensus to rank his most acclaimed performances, with several films earning near-universal praise. The list reflects his willingness to take on challenging roles across genres, from intimate dramas to large-scale blockbusters.
ER TV role (1994)
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002)
The Midnight Sky (2020)
Critical Consensus Rankings
Based on Rotten Tomatoes scores, these films represent the highest-rated entries in Clooney’s filmography. Rotten Tomatoes aggregates reviews from critics worldwide to determine these rankings.
- Out of Sight (1998) – 93% approval; Clooney plays Jack Foley opposite Jennifer Lopez, frequently cited as his most stylish performance
- Gravity (2013) – 96% approval; visual spectacle that earned over $700 million worldwide
- The Descendants (2011) – 90% approval; earned Clooney an Oscar nomination for Best Actor
- Ocean’s Eleven (2001) – 83% approval; launched a profitable franchise and revitalized the heist genre
- O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) – 78% approval; Coen Brothers production became a cultural phenomenon
- Syriana (2005) – 86% approval; earned Clooney his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor
According to Box Office Mojo, Clooney’s films have collectively grossed over $3 billion domestically. The Ocean’s franchise alone accounts for significant portions of this total.
| Category | Key Facts | Notable Titles |
|---|---|---|
| Total Films | Over 70 acting credits | Ocean’s Eleven, Syriana, Gravity |
| TV Appearances | 10+ credited roles | ER, Facts of Life, Roseanne |
| Directorial Films | 9 feature films | Good Night, The Ides of March |
| Academy Awards | 2 wins, multiple nominations | Syriana, Argo (producer) |
| Golden Globes | 3 wins | Syriana, O Brother, Where Art Thou? |
| Emmy Awards | Multiple nominations, 1 win | ER guest appearance |
George Clooney TV Shows
Before conquering the big screen, Clooney spent years building his craft in television. His early TV work spans the late 1980s and early 1990s, featuring guest spots on popular series before landing his career-defining role.
Early Television Roles
Clooney appeared in several sitcoms and drama series during the late 1980s and early 1990s. These roles helped develop his on-screen presence and comedic timing before his breakthrough arrived.
- The Facts of Life (1985–1987) – Regular cast member; one of his first television jobs
- Roseanne (1988–1991) – Recurring guest appearances
- Bodies of Evidence (1992–1993) – Lead role in this crime drama
- Sisters (1993–1994) – Dramatic series role
The ER Breakthrough
Clooney’s portrayal of Dr. Doug Ross on ER transformed his career trajectory. According to IMDb, he appeared in 109 episodes from 1994 to 1999, with guest returns in 2000 and 2009. The role made him a household name and opened doors to film opportunities.
Beyond ER, Clooney made memorable guest appearances on Friends (1995), Saturday Night Live (as host, 1995), South Park (1997, voice role), and Murphy Brown (1998). These appearances helped cement his status as a rising star.
Television work became rare after his film career took off. Clooney has stated in interviews that he prefers the creative control available in filmmaking over the demanding schedule of television production.
Movies Directed by George Clooney
Clooney made his directorial debut with Confessions of a Dangerous Mind in 2002, adapted from the autobiography of game show host Chuck Barris. The film demonstrated his ability to handle complex narratives and multiple genres.
Directing Filmography
His directorial works span various genres, from period dramas to contemporary thrillers. Wikipedia’s comprehensive filmography tracks these credits chronologically.
- Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002) – Directorial debut; starred Sam Rockwell
- Good Night, and Good Luck (2005) – Black-and-white drama about journalist Edward R. Murrow
- Leatherheads (2008) – Sports comedy starring Clooney himself
- The Ides of March (2011) – Political thriller with Ryan Gosling and Philip Seymour Hoffman
- The Monuments Men (2014) – World War II drama about art preservation
- Suburbicon (2017) – Dark comedy; Clooney also co-wrote
- The Midnight Sky (2020) – Science fiction drama; Clooney also starred
- The Tender Bar (2021) – Coming-of-age drama
- The Boys in the Boat (2023) – Historical sports drama
Good Night, and Good Luck earned Clooney Academy Award nominations for Best Director, Original Screenplay, and Best Picture. The recognition established him as a serious filmmaker beyond his acting credentials.
Clooney has also served as producer on over 30 projects, including Argo (2012), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture while he was an executive producer.
George Clooney Awards and Oscar Wins
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has recognized Clooney multiple times throughout his career. The Oscars official website maintains detailed records of all nominations and wins.
Academy Award Recognition
Clooney has earned Academy recognition in both acting and producing categories. His Oscar wins demonstrate versatility across creative roles.
- Best Supporting Actor – Syriana (2005) – Played energy analyst Bob Barnes in this political thriller
- Best Picture (Producer) – Argo (2012) – Executive producer on the Iran hostage crisis drama
Nominations
- Best Actor – The Descendants (2011)
- Best Actor – Michael Clayton (2007)
- Best Director – Good Night, and Good Luck (2005)
- Best Original Screenplay – Good Night, and Good Luck (2005)
- Best Picture – Good Night, and Good Luck (2005)
The Emmys recognized Clooney’s television work with nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (ER, 1996, 1997) and a win for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series upon his ER return in 2000. Emmys.com confirms these accolades.
Golden Globe wins include Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for Syriana (2006) and Best Actor – Musical or Comedy for O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2001).
Complete George Clooney Movies List
Clooney’s career evolved through distinct phases, each bringing new creative challenges and opportunities. From indie films to studio blockbusters, his filmography reflects deliberate choices at every stage.
Career Timeline
- 1980s: Early Television and Low-Budget Films – Grizzly II: Revenge (1983), Return to Horror High (1987), Return of the Killer Tomatoes (1988)
- 1990s: ER Breakthrough and Film Emergence – Batman & Robin (1997), Out of Sight (1998), The Thin Red Line (1998), Three Kings (1999)
- 2000s: Blockbuster Success and Directing – Ocean’s Eleven (2001), Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002), Syriana (2005), Up in the Air (2009)
- 2010s: Awards Season Focus – The Descendants (2011), Gravity (2013), The Monuments Men (2014), Hail, Caesar! (2016)
- 2020s: Streaming and Continued Producing – The Midnight Sky (2020), Ticket to Paradise (2022), The Boys in the Boat (2023)
Confirmed upcoming films include Wolfs (2024) and IF (2024). No major streaming projects for 2024 have been officially announced, though The Midnight Sky (2020) previously streamed on Netflix.
His complete filmography exceeds 80 acting credits according to comprehensive tracking by Ultimate Movie Rankings, though exact counts vary depending on how cameo appearances and uncredited roles are counted.
Career Evolution and Impact
George Clooney’s journey through Hollywood illustrates remarkable career management. Rather than relying solely on his leading-man status, he progressively expanded his creative influence.
The shift toward producing and directing allowed him to shape projects aligned with his creative vision. Films like Good Night, and Good Luck and The Ides of March demonstrate commitment to substantive storytelling over commercial considerations alone.
His genre diversity stands out among contemporaries. Clooney has navigated romantic comedies (One Fine Day), superhero films (Batman & Robin), prestige dramas, science fiction, and political thrillers without becoming typecast in any single category.
What Sources Say
Multiple authoritative sources document Clooney’s career trajectory. Wikipedia maintains a detailed filmography page with citations to primary sources and entertainment databases.
“Clooney has balanced mainstream appeal with artistic ambition, taking risks that have occasionally resulted in critical and commercial failures alongside his more celebrated successes.”
Critics and industry publications consistently note his willingness to discuss controversial topics publicly, including human rights issues and political matters, which has influenced how audiences perceive him beyond his cinematic work.
Summary
George Clooney has constructed a multifaceted career spanning four decades, with more than 80 acting credits complemented by nine directing projects and over 30 producing credits. His filmography ranges from early 1980s indie appearances through his ER breakthrough, blockbuster hits like Ocean’s Eleven, award-winning performances in Syriana and The Descendants, and recent work as director and producer.
For readers exploring similar entertainment topics, Cast of the Substance – Actors, Roles and Production Insights offers additional context on ensemble film projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was George Clooney’s first movie?
Grizzly II: Revenge (1983) marked his film debut, though it received limited theatrical release. The film was later released on home video in 2020.
Has George Clooney won an Oscar?
Yes, he won Best Supporting Actor for Syriana (2005) and Best Picture as producer of Argo (2012).
What movies has George Clooney directed?
He has directed nine feature films: Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002), Good Night, and Good Luck (2005), Leatherheads (2008), The Ides of March (2011), The Monuments Men (2014), Suburbicon (2017), The Midnight Sky (2020), The Tender Bar (2021), and The Boys in the Boat (2023).
What TV shows did George Clooney appear in?
His television credits include The Facts of Life (1985–1987), Roseanne (1988–1991), Bodies of Evidence (1992–1993), Sisters (1993–1994), and most notably ER (1994–1999, 2000, 2009) where he played Dr. Doug Ross.
What is George Clooney’s highest-rated film?
Gravity (2013) holds a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, though Out of Sight (1998) at 93% frequently ranks first in critics’ personal lists for its style and chemistry.
Has George Clooney won an Emmy?
He won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his return to ER in 2000. He received additional nominations for lead actor in the same series.
What are George Clooney’s upcoming movies?
Confirmed projects include Wolfs (2024) and IF (2024). He also serves as executive producer on How to Build a Truth Engine (2024) and Surviving Ohio State (2025).
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