All 24 Toots Thielemans Movies In Order — All The Best (And Worst) Films To Watch Online
Discover the magic of Toots Thielemans’ on-screen performances with our roundup of his most memorable movies. From classic comedies to heartwarming dramas, explore the range and brilliance of this beloved jazz artist’s cinematic roles, sure to captivate and inspire movie lovers of all ages.
As an Amazon Affiliate™, I may earn through qualifying purchases.
1. Walk Don’t Run (1966)
“Walk Don’t Run” is a delightful 60’s rom-com, set against the backdrop of the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. The story revolves around the housing shortage, which forces three strangers — a young woman, a playboy, and an older gentleman — to share a small apartment in Tokyo. As the film unfolds, the older man becomes the unofficial cupid, matching the young couple, in a charming blend of screwball comedy and heartwarming romantic entanglements.
2. In the Heat of the Night (1967)
“In the Heat of the Night, “ directed by Norman Jewison and released in 1967, is a gripping drama that explores the complexities of race and social tension in America during the 1960s. Set in the racially hostile town of Sparta, Mississippi, the movie follows a black Philadelphia police detective, Virgil Tibbs, who is mistakenly suspected of a local murder while passing through the small town.
3. Banning (1967)
“Banning” (1967) is a gripping drama and romantic film where a cunning golf pro infiltrates an exclusive country club, only to uncover a web of deceit by the owner and his son-in-law, who are swindling wealthy guests through various schemes. Driven by charm and ambition, the protagonist finds himself entangled in a web of danger and deception.
4. Midnight Cowboy (1969)
“Midnight Cowboy, “ released in 1969, is a poignant drama that follows the story of Joe Buck, a naive hustler from Texas who seeks personal fortune in the bustling city of New York. Along the way, he befriends Ratso Rizzo, a street-wise cripple who introduces him to the world of high society and the hustlers’ trade.
5. Adam at Six A.M. (1970)
Released in 1970, “Adam at Six A.M.” is a gripping drama centered around the life of a university professor, Adam. After attending the funeral of a family member, he embarks on a new career path as a funeral worker at a power line job. As his life takes an unexpected turn, Adam discovers the profound value of male comradery in the peculiar world of his new profession. The film, directed by Robert Scheerer, boasts a star-studded cast, featuring Michael Douglas, Lee Purcell, and Joe Don Baker. It is meticulously set in the 1970s era, where the intriguing dynamics of office relationships are highlighted, along with the influence of a television in their daily lives.
6. Brother John (1971)
In 1971, the powerful drama “Brother John” was released, masterfully directed by James Goldstone and written by Ernest Kinoy. Starring the illustrious Sidney Poitier, Bradford Dillman, and Will Geer, this intense film takes viewers on an emotional journey through a town grappling with racial tension.
7. The Getaway (1972)
In the gritty and suspenseful world of “The Getaway” (1972), a recently-released ex-con and his devoted wife find themselves on the run after their bank heist goes horribly wrong. Directed by the legendary Sam Peckinpah, this neo-noir crime thriller follows the relentless pursuit of the couple by a relentless crime boss and their struggle to stay one step ahead of the law.
8. Cinderella Liberty (1973)
“Cinderella Liberty” is a compelling drama and romance film that captivatingly portrays the tale of a lonely Navy sailor named Frank (played by James Caan) and a vulnerable hooker named Samantha (Marsha Mason). Set in 1973, this poignant story unravels when Frank spends an extended liberty period due to his service records being lost. During this unexpected time off, Frank develops a deep affection for Samantha, not just because of her beauty, but also out of a sense of responsibility as he takes on the role of a surrogate father figure for her young son Joey (Kirk Calloway).
9. The Sugarland Express (1974)
“The Sugarland Express” is a riveting 1974 crime-drama film that revolves around a woman’s desperate struggle to reunite her family. Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker, Steven Spielberg, this nail-biting thriller features a star-studded cast including Goldie Hawn, Ben Johnson, and Michael Sacks.
10. The Wiz (1978)
“The Wiz” is a dynamic and original adaptation of the beloved tale, “The Wizard of Oz.” Taking place in a bustling New York City, this heartwarming family film takes audiences on an enchanting journey, delicately portraying the African-American experience as its core. Focusing on a young girl named Dorothy who is suddenly whisked away to the mystical and intriguing realm of the Wiz, the captivating story unfolds. Accompanied by her faithful dog, Toto, and the unwavering companionship of the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, Dorothy embarks on a magical quest to locate the elusive and esteemed Wiz.
11. Chilly Scenes of Winter (1979)
In the small, snowy town of Salt City, Utah, Charles is a weary civil servant struggling through a brutal winter. His life takes a comedic turn when his past love, Laura, returns to town in a desperate search for someone to help her ailing father.
12. One Woman or Two (1985)
“One Woman or Two, “ a comedy romance film from 1985, is a delightful tale of love, discovery, and modernity. Set in France, the movie follows the story of a dedicated scientist who is on a quest to find an ancient woman, leaving the modern world behind. Everything changes when a charming businesswoman decides to seduce him for her own gain, using his extraordinary discoveries for commercial purposes.
13. As Summers Die (1986)
In the small town of Louisiana, a large piece of land owned by elderly black woman, Elvira Backus, holds the key to a hidden fortune — oil! As the price of oil skyrockets, Elvira’s previous employer and secret father of her two children, a traditional southern patriarch, sets his sights on reclaiming the land, by destroying any evidence and denying its existence. Faced with a desperate and determined adversary, Elvira embarks on a legal battle to protect her property and the future of her family.
14. Five Days in June (1989)
“Five Days in June” (1989) tells the comedic and touching tale of Michel Legrand, a talented young musician studying at the Paris Conservatoire in 1944. The film opens with a stunning long take, giving viewers a cinematic experience like no other.
15. Funny About Love (1990)
“Funny About Love” is a charming 1990 romantic comedy starring Gene Wilder, Christine Lahti, and Mary Stuart Masterson. Set in bustling New York City, the film follows the tumultuous journey of cartoonist Duffy and the whimsical chef Meg, who fall deeply in love after getting to know each other.
16. Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
Fried Green Tomatoes, featuring the exceptional cast of Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, and Mary Stuart Masterson, is a heartwarming and poignantly realistic drama based on Fannie Flagg’s novel. The plot revolves around Evelyn, an ordinary housewife, who forms an extraordinary bond with the elderly Ninny over stories from the past about two courageous women of Whistle Stop Cafe.
17. Intersection (1994)
Intersection is a poignant and thought-provoking drama that explores the complexities of love and relationships. Released in 1994, this film follows the story of Vincent Eastman who finds himself caught between the desire for two seemingly divergent paths. Driving on a secluded highway, his car becomes an emotional battleground as he grapples with the decision to reunite with his estranged wife or give in to the allure of his lover.
18. French Kiss (1995)
“Love Pursuit” is a captivating romantic comedy-drama film from 1995, directed by Lawrence Kasdan and penned by Adam Brooks. The narrative centers around a female protagonist named Kate, portrayed by the enchanting Meg Ryan. Kate plans to confront her unfaithful fiancé by flying to France; however, her well-laid plans take an unexpected turn when she sits next to the alluring but questionable Luc, played by the talented Kevin Kline.
19. How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
How Stella Got Her Groove Back, released in 1998, is a captivating tale of midlife crisis and self-discovery. Starring Angela Bassett as Stella, a successful stockbroker, Kevin Rodney Sullivan directs this heartwarming journey of love and laughter.
20. Next Stop Wonderland (1998)
Next Stop Wonderland is a heartwarming and hilarious comedy-drama that takes viewers on a whimsical journey through the twists and turns of modern love. Set in bustling Boston, the film follows the intersecting lives of two individuals whose worlds will never be the same.
21. Hard Rain (1998)
In the action-packed thriller “Hard Rain” (1998), Morgan Freeman plays a seasoned armored-truck driver who is caught in the midst of a deadly catastrophe. As a severe storm causes catastrophic flooding, Freeman’s partner and nephew (played by Christian Slater) find themselves battling against time and a raging storm to protect a massive sum of three million dollars from a dangerous gang. Facing challenges, corruption, and deadly consequences, the dynamic duo risks it all to protect both the money and their lives.
22. The Missing Person (2009)
“The Missing Person, “ a gripping drama by director Noah Buschel, stars Michael Shannon as private detective John Rosow. The film begins with Rosow hired to watch a man named Lorne (played by Frank Wood) on a train journeying from Chicago to Los Angeles.
23. Manglehorn (2014)
“Manglehorn” is a poignant and unique drama, starring the legendary Al Pacino as the titular character, Manglehorn. After being left devastated due to the loss of the love of his life, Manglehorn sets out to rebuild his life, with the help of a kind-hearted new acquaintance.
24. The 59th Annual Grammy Awards (2017)
Experience the 59th Annual Grammy Awards as stars from various music genres gather at the iconic Staples Center in Los Angeles. This momentous event, hosted by the versatile James Corden, celebrates excellence in the recording industry.
