Many actors have created iconic characters that we all cherish today, many of who have defined a generation. Tim Curry, an actor whose career spanned decades and who created memorable movie characters, is one of those actors we often think of.
Here are some of the movies with the actor’s best performance.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Taking its inspiration from science fiction and B movies of the 1930s, The Rocky Horror Picture Show tells the story of a newly engaged couple seeking refuge from a storm and discovering a cross-dressing mad scientist and his evil creation. This movie might seem outdated now, but it is still a lot of fun.
Home Alone 2: Lost In New York (1992)
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York follows Kevin McCallister after he accidentally gets on the wrong plane during a family vacation, and ends up in New York instead of Florida. During his time there, he makes new friends and faces old enemies in a crazy Christmas adventure. Although Tim Curry plays one of many hotel employees in the movie, his character is the one we remember most. In addition to his memorable facial expressions, he also uses comically timed phrases, creating an incredibly hysterical character for Kevin to come across.
Annie (1982)
Annie tells the story of a young orphan who is taken in by America’s richest billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, during the Great Depression in 1933. Curry plays Daniel Francis Hannigan, also known as “Rooster”. Carol Burnett plays Miss Hannigan, the orphanage’s manager, who is his brother. From “It’s a Hard Knock Life” to “Tomorrow,” Annie has songs that will either lift your heart in happiness or make you nod your head to the beat. There is something for everyone in this musical. It is probably one of the best movies available on Amazon Prime right now.
The Three Musketeers (1993)
Adapted from the book of the same name, The Three Musketeers is an action-comedy adventure that follows d’Artagnan on his quest to join the three title characters in becoming a musketeer following his father’s footsteps. As Cardinal Richelieu, Tim Curry plays the part perfectly, and the rest of the Three Musketeers cast includes Charlie Sheen, Chris O’Donnell, Oliver Platt, and many more. With this film, you’ll also get some really fun action scenes mixed in with some comical dialogue.
Clue (1985)
An ominous invitation to a mansion in New England prompts six strangers to enter the mansion for an evening of murder and mystery in Clue, a black comedy-mystery film based on the board game. In addition to Curry’s brilliant performance as Wadsworth, the butler of the home (another perfect role), the rest of the Clue cast also shines. This is not only a fun mystery film that reminds me of Knives Out or Murder Mystery. However, there are three different endings in Clue. The details are fascinating, and the mystery will keep you guessing who the killer may be as you try to figure out who killed the victim.
Muppet Treasure Island (1996)
Muppet Treasure Island follows the story of Jim Hawkins and his search for the buried treasure of an evil pirate, Captain Flint, but this time with a Muppet twist. Muppets are loved by everyone, right? In addition to the familiar charm we’ve come to expect from the Muppet crew, Muppet Treasure Island delivers that pirate adventure you’d expect from a film adaptation of Treasure Island. In this musical adventure, Tim Curry stars as charming pirate Long John Silver, who has a devious plan. Curry is the ideal choice for such a villainous role, and he works surprisingly well with these Muppets.
Legend (1985)
Legend follows the story of Jack, a pure being who has to stop the Lord of Darkness who plots to cover the world in darkness forever. Tim Curry is, of course, the Lord of Darkness, another villainous role in which he displayed his acting abilities as well as his amazing, iconic voice, but Legend had much more to enjoy than just Tim Curry. Legend’s cast, including Tom Cruise (the film was released one year before Top Gun), cinematography, and make-up are all beautifully done, and even nominated for an Academy Award.
The Hunt for Red October
The Soviet submarine captain Marko Ramius, commanding the latest nearly undetectable nuclear missile submarine Red October, defies orders and sets course for America’s east coast during the Cold War. After Ramius’ presence is briefly detected, Jack Ryan, a CIA analyst, and former Marine, has three days to confirm his theory that Ramius plans to defect.
Scooby-Doo! And The Witch’s Ghost (1999)
This mystery-animated film, voiced by Tim Curry, follows the Scooby-Doo gang as they visit Ben Ravencroft, a famous author and his hometown gets haunted by the ghost of Sarah Ravencroft. Ben Ravencroft is voiced by Tim Curry, who is perfect for the role. It is hard to imagine anyone else pulling off this awesome character as he does. However, Tim Curry only makes this film more amazing. With plenty of spooky moments, twists, and cool characters like the Hex Girls, Scooby-Doo And The Witch’s Ghost is fan-favorite Scooby-Doo film.
IT (1990)
This isn’t a film, it is not fair to have a Tim Curry article without talking about IT, the 1990 drama miniseries adaptation of the Stephen King novel. The children of a small town have to work together to stop a mysterious creature known as IT, which hunts down children and devours them. As a result of Curry’s masterful portrayal of Pennywise the Dancing Clown, as well as the entire cast of the miniseries, Pennywise has become an iconic character in horror history.
