From Easy Rider to About Schmidt, the Oscar-winning actor has delivered countless excellent performances for decades.
In each of his roles, he’s brought nuance, dry humor, and an exhilarating unpredictability.
Here’s our breakdown of 20 of Jack Nicholson’s best performances.
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His impassioned yelling matches with Ann-Margret also mark some of the loudest moments in Nicholson’s career.
Nicholson’s character’s intensity is comically over-the-top, especially when juxtaposed with the other characters' carelessness.
It’s a complex performance that’s funny and disheartening in equal measure.
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His devilish grin has never been more unsettling.
Eugene’s dependable presence and steady romantic loyalty sharply contrasts with the free-spirited, progressive, polyamorous John.
It’s one of the actor’s wackiest performances and also one of his most entertaining.
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He seems overjoyed by his criminal enterprise, and adores the chaos that rebellion brings.
He’s heartbreaking as a quiet, lonely older man haunted by missed opportunities.
It’s a tender, vulnerable performance that feels more intimate than most of Nicholson’s other roles.
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Casting the Oscar winner as a Boston Mob boss gives Nicholson ample opportunity to do what he does best.
He’s cruel and unpredictable, but his confidence and fearlessness inspire begrudging respect from even his enemies.
Where to rentThe Departed: Amazon Prime Video
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Jack Nicholson in ‘The Shining’.Warner Brothers/Getty
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Jack Nicholson in ‘The Departed’.Warner Brothers/Everett
