Michael J. Fox, a versatile and beloved actor, has left an indelible mark on Hollywood with his diverse range of roles. From heartwarming comedies to thrilling adventures, Fox’s filmography is a treasure trove of cinematic gems. I’ve been watching him since he was Alex P. Keaton in Family Ties and grew up watching his films. It’s worth mentioning he did a great job in his role as Dr. Kevin Casey on Scrubs too. Here are some other iconic performances.
1. Back to the Future (1985)
In the timeless classic Back to the Future, Fox takes on the role of Marty McFly, a high school student who accidentally travels back in time to the 1950s. With the help of eccentric scientist Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd), Marty must ensure his parents’ romance while facing hilarious and heartwarming challenges. The film’s famous line, “Where we’re going, we don’t need roads,” encapsulates its adventurous spirit.
2. Teen Wolf (1985)
Teen Wolf sees Fox as Scott Howard, a high school student who discovers his family’s supernatural secret: they’re werewolves. Scott’s transformation into a wolf opens doors to popularity and newfound confidence, leading to an exploration of identity, friendship, and teenage dilemmas. The film’s tagline, “He always wanted to be special… but he never expected this!” captures the film’s whimsical premise.
3. Casualties of War (1989)
In the gripping drama Casualties of War, Fox portrays Private Max Eriksson, a soldier confronting the moral dilemmas of war. As part of a platoon committing atrocities during the Vietnam War, Max becomes a voice of conscience, highlighting the harrowing effects of conflict on humanity. The film’s emotional depth is captured in Max’s plea, “If we’re gonna kill innocent people, then I’m out.”
4. The Secret of My Success (1987)
The Secret of My Success follows Fox as Brantley Foster, a young man who poses as a corporate executive to climb the corporate ladder. Balancing two identities, Brantley navigates comedy and romance while facing corporate chaos. The film’s humor shines through Brantley’s witty remark, “I’m not going to prison. I’ve got a future!”
5. Back to the Future Part II (1989)
Back to the Future Part II reunites Marty and Doc for a new travel adventure to 2015 to fix the future. They face an alternate 1985 ruled by Biff and must return to 1955 to restore the timeline. The film explores the consequences of altering the past and the intricacies of time travel.
It’s an example of a sequel being as good as the original, but we never got hoverboards! The film’s wisdom echoes in Doc’s words: “Your future is whatever you make it, so make it a good one.”
6. Doc Hollywood (1991)
In the heartwarming comedy Doc Hollywood, Fox becomes Dr. Benjamin Stone, a city doctor stranded in a small Southern town. Embracing life’s unexpected turns, Ben finds love and a sense of community, delivering a heartwarming message that “Sometimes the wrong train takes you to the right station.”
7. The Frighteners (1996)
Directed by Peter Jackson, The Frighteners features Fox as Frank Bannister, a psychic investigator who communicates with ghosts. Frank’s journey takes a chilling turn when he encounters malevolent spirits and becomes embroiled in a supernatural mystery. The film’s eerie atmosphere is encapsulated in the line, “Death ain’t no way to make a living.”
8. For Love or Money (1993)
For Love or Money casts Fox as Doug Ireland, a concierge caught in a web of romantic complications and financial schemes. Juggling love and ambition, Doug’s pursuit of success leads to comedic misunderstandings and heartfelt realizations. The film’s charm shines through Doug’s aspiration, “I want a future, not an investment.”
9. The American President (1995)
Columbia Pictures.
In The American President, Fox portrays Lewis Rothschild, a sharp-witted speechwriter working for President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas). As Shepherd navigates political challenges and romance, Lewis adds humor and insight to the White House drama.
The film’s political wisdom is encapsulated in Lewis’s remark, “People want leadership, Mr. President, and in the absence of genuine leadership, they’ll listen to anyone who steps up to the microphone.”
10. The Hard Way (1991)
The Hard Way casts Fox as Nick Lang, a Hollywood actor shadowing a real detective (James Woods) to prepare for a role. The mismatched duo’s partnership leads to action-packed comedy as they solve crimes and navigate their conflicting personalities. The film’s humor is captured in Nick’s humorous lament, “I’m not even a real cop. I’m a movie cop.”
11. Mars Attacks! (1996)
In the zany sci-fi comedy Mars Attacks!, Fox plays Jason Stone, a journalist covering an alien invasion. Chaos ensues as Earth faces the whimsical wrath of Martians, making for a hilariously unconventional take on an extraterrestrial encounter. The film’s absurdity is epitomized by Jason’s quip, “Don’t run; we are your friends!”
12. Greedy (1994)
Greedy is one of my all-time favorite comedies. It is hilarious line after line. It features Fox as Daniel McTeague, a kind-hearted nephew amidst a family of scheming relatives aiming for an inheritance.
Daniel’s journey through comedic chaos offers a light-hearted exploration of greed and family dynamics. The film’s comedic tone is highlighted in Daniel’s reflection, “Maybe it’s time to start living life for its own sake, rather than worrying about what comes after.”
13. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
Speaking of favorites, Homeward Bound and the sequel Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco are both classics. Fox narrates the film as Chance, an American Bulldog adopted by a family from “The Bad Place.” When the family leaves them with a friend, they presume they’ve been abandoned and set off to find their way home through the Sierra Nevada wilderness.
14. Stuart Little (1999)
The cuteness continues with Stuart Little featuring Fox as the voice of Stuart, a charming mouse adopted by the Little family. The film blends live-action and CGI animation to bring Stuart’s adventures to life, offering heartwarming family entertainment. Stuart’s courageous spirit shines through his affirmation, “A mouse’s gotta do what a mouse’s gotta do.” The sequel is equally adorable.
15. Back to the Future Part III (1990)
In the concluding chapter of the trilogy, Back to the Future Part III sends Marty and Doc Brown to the Wild West of 1885. Their efforts to repair the time machine while navigating cowboy chaos result in a thrilling adventure.
The film’s climax is marked by Doc’s heartfelt wisdom, “Your future is whatever you make it, so make it a good one.” While this film doesn’t compare to the first two, it deserves a mention.
16. The Good Wife (2009–2016)
While not a film, Fox’s recurring role as Louis Canning in the TV series The Good Wife deserves mention. His portrayal of a cunning lawyer with a disability earned critical acclaim and showcased his ability to bring depth to complex characters. Louis’s tenacity is captured in his declaration, “I’m a complicated man.”
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Elizabeth Ervin is the owner of Sober Healing. She is a freelance writer passionate about opioid recovery and has celebrated breaking free since 09-27-2013. She advocates for mental health awareness and encourages others to embrace healing, recovery, and Jesus.