James Spader ’s filmography proves that the thespian is one of the most versatile performers in Hollywood . He is also someone who reinvent himself halfway through his astonishing career . For the first 25 years , Spader was a substantial performer in picture , learn on several high - profile supporting function in movies likePretty in Pink . He also try out he could pique the interestingness of critically acclaim director like Steven Soderbergh , Oliver Stone , Mike Nichols , and David Cronenberg while appearing in blockbuster likeStargate .

However , Spader made a alteration in 2003 when he contain on a role in the TV seriesThe Practice . Since then , his picture show roles remain minimal , with only a few major liberation . or else , Spader focus on tv set now . He followed upThe Practicewith theleading the principal casting in its spin - offBoston Legal , remove a dead reckoning at starring inThe Office , and enjoyed thegreatest winner of his career with the lead character onThe Blacklist , proving his second life history as a star actor could pass by a great first one-half but in a very different medium .

25Dream Lover (1993)

An Erotic Thriller About A Man Entrapped By A Woman Who Is Not Who She Claims

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Dream Lover ( 1993 ) is a psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of a seemingly pure marriage , ultimately reveal distressing secrets and manipulative magic . Through mysterious and chilling twist , the film explore stem of trust and identity within inner relationships .

Dream Loveris an erotic thriller about a man name Ray ( James Spader ) who meets a woman and quickly wed her , leading to them starting a family together . However , as their marriage continue , he begins to suspect she is consist to him and then realizes she is not who she claims to be . Mädchen Amick ( Shelly Johnson fromTwin Peaks ) stars as the adult female , Lena Mathers , and the two end up in a game of true cat and mouse , one that has a horrifyingly tragic ending .

The moving-picture show take in mixed to positive critical reassessment , although the consultation was not as enamor . However , Amick was praised for her carrying into action as Lena , earning a Best Actress nomination from the Academy of Science Fiction , Fantasy , & Horror Films at the 1995 Saturn Awards . While he was disappointed with the finish , Roger Ebert give the moving-picture show three stars , calling it a " deadly plot of romanticist cat - and - shiner " that is " deserving seeing . "

Ben Affleck as Christian drumming his hand on the table while talking to Cynthia Addai-Robinson’s Marybeth in The Accountant 2

24Critical Care (1997)

A Sidney Lumet Satire About The American Healthcare System

Critical Care , released in 1997 , follows new infirmary resident Werner Ernst as he navigates a complex legal engagement between two half - sister over their comatose father ’s attention and his $ 10 million estate , all while dealing with his outre supervisor ’s requirement to prioritize fully insured patient .

James Spader asterisk in the Sidney Lumet 1997 comedy that took aim at the American medicine manufacture . Spader was only part of an incredible cast that included Kyra Sedgwick , Helen Mirren , Anne Bancroft , Albert Brooks , Jeffrey Wright , and many more . Spader plays Werner Ernst , a doctor who come up himself involved in a fight between two half - sistersFelicia ( Kyra Sedgwick ) and Connie ( Margo Martindale ) about the guardianship of their ill father . One want the hospital to pull the wad , and the other desire him saved .

Spader turned in a great across-the-board - eyed carrying out as a doctor who wants to do trade good in a wellness industry that only cares about money .

How Rachel Zegler’s

At the same time , his mentor ( Albert Brooks ) also warns him only to assist mass with skillful indemnity . As a dark comedy , this movie differs from many of Spader ’s other undertaking , which tended to be thrillers and drama with an erotic inclination . However , Spader turned in a great wide-eyed - eyed performance as a doctor who wants to do good in a health industry that only cares about money . Steven Schwartz realise an Independent Spirit Award nominating address for Best First Screenplay .

23Less Than Zero (1987)

A Man Returns From College To Learn His Best Friends Have Become Drug Addicts

A college scholarly person returns to Los Angeles for a vacation at the asking of his ex-husband - girlfriend , but chance upon that his former best friend has an out - of - controller drug habit .

James Spader asterisk alongside Jami Gertz ( The Lost Boys ) and Robert Downey Jr. inLess Than Zero . In this film , Andrew McCarthy asterisk as Clay , a college neophyte who returns home for Christmas only to get hold his two closest friends , Blair ( Gertz ) and Julian ( Downey ) , have become drug addicts . Spader stars as Rip , a former classmate who Julian owe $ 50,000 . Rip has ram Julian to become a virile prostitute to help pay it off and keeps him addicted to drugs to ensure his complicity .

Less Than Zerois base on Bret Easton Ellis ’s first novel .

Sidious, Tyranus, Maul, and Vader.

When corpse tries to help oneself Julian get clean-living , Rip is the villain who refuses to take into account this to happen . Based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis , decisive receipt was mixed , with many admitting that Ellis ’s tarradiddle would have been impossible to sell if kept with its nihilistic tone . Critics also say the changes to make it more crowd - friendly cease up " sanitise " the tarradiddle . However , critics also praise Downey ’s performance as " desperately moving , " and Ellis also praised Downey and Spader as Julian and Rip ( viaHillZoo ) .

22Bad Influence (1990)

James Spader Plays A Yuppie Encouraged To Explore His Dark Side

Bad Influence is a psychological thriller directed by Curtis Hanson . The film star Rob Lowe as Alex , a charming but menacing drifter , and James Spader as Michael , a meek and unassertive businessman . Alex ’s influence draws Michael into a web of manipulation and crime , jeopardizing his career and relationship . The movie explores themes of identity , power , and the dark side of human nature .

Directed by Curtis Hanson ( L.A. Confidential),Bad Influencewas the first script that David Koepp received lonesome screenplay citation for . In this film , James Spader play a socially ungainly humankind named Michael , someone who is often used and pushed around by everyone from co - worker to his fiancé . However , this all changes after he meets a mysterious man named Alex ( Rob Lowe ) . Alex before long sucks Michael into a hedonic lifestyle , which include breaking off his troth , snipe a co - doer , and even taking part in an armed robbery .

By the time Michael realize how abstruse he has gotten and stress to get out of the toxic family relationship with Alex , it is too late . Critics present the film mixed to positive reviews , with a 65 % Rotten Tomatoes score . critic praised Koepp for his hand and Curtis Hanson ’s counselling . deplorably , the plastic film was mostly dismiss at the time thanks to Rob Lowe ’s sexual practice tape dirt that hit at the same time , but it stay a hearty thriller noir that deserves a 2nd look .

Blended image of James Spader in various movies and TV shows

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21Baby Boom (1987)

A Woman Receives A Toddler As An Inheritance

Baby Boom follows the life of J.C. Wiatt , a successful New York businesswoman , whose career is disrupted when she unexpectedly inherits a baby from a upstage relative . The flick explores how J.C. navigate the challenge of balance her professional ambition with her new use as a PCP .

Baby Boomis a Diane Keaton fomite write by Nancy Meyers ( Father of the Bride ) . Keaton star as J.C. Wiatt , a Manhattan management consultant charge to her eminent - visibility line . She lives with her boyfriend ( Harold Ramis ) , and neither is concerned in take minor . However , her animation is turned upside down when her cousin-german dies , and her inheritance is the woman ’s 18 - calendar month - old orphan toddler , Elizabeth . J.C. ab initio plans to put the child up for adoption but then grows attach and seek to become a working mama .

James Spader play Ken Arrenberg , J.C. ’s protégé at her job . It is Ken who makes a series of decisions without consult her first and soon take over her spot in the companionship when they choose him over her . Arrenberg is a modest opposer here , a vernal piece who will step on anyone to get to the top in a film that establish companies will always take care for the next big matter and push out anyone reaching a certain historic period . The film received positive revaluation and earned nominations for Best Motion Picture Comedy or Musical and Best Actress at the Golden Globes .

Dream Lover (1993) - Poster

Dream Lover (1993) is a psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of a seemingly perfect marriage, ultimately uncovering disturbing secrets and manipulative deceptions. Through mysterious and chilling twists, the film explores themes of trust and identity within intimate relationships.

202 Days In The Valley (1996)

James Spader Leads The Ensemble Of This Dark Comedy

The movie follow a pair of bull , a pitiless hitman , and a former Olympian who detect themselves colliding on a tearing odyssey in Los Angeles . James Spader gets the juiciest and most vicious purpose in a movie populate by nefarious characters . As Lee Woods , the lethal hitman , Spader get a menacing nip to the role . He is also join by the like of Teri Hatcher , Jeff Daniels , and Charlize Theron in her acting debut .

19White Palace (1990)

Spader And Susan Sarandon Star In The Romance Drama

White Palace is a amorous drama directed by Luis Mandoki . The celluloid stars Susan Sarandon as a working - form waitress and James Spader as an affluent young widower . Their life become interlace in an unexpected romance , gainsay social norms and their personal impression . The film explores idea of dearest , red , and the complexness of relationships across socio - economical divides .

James Spader has starred in a few unorthodox romanticism stories in his life history , withThe White Palacebeing one of the most underrated . Spader stars as a yuppie advertising professional in his 20 who has a chance run into with a sheer workings - social class womanhood in her 40s , play by Susan Sarandon . They cursorily take shape an intense connection and embark on a love social function that is both passionate and complicated .

There have been many flick about theromance between an former woman and a younger humans , butThe White Palaceoffers something good than most in the genre by being about the character rather than the age gap . Spader and Sarandon have unbelievable chemical science together , while the moving-picture show ’s script is tight , funny , aphrodisiac , and clever . It is a thrill pick up these two voyage their relationship as the rest of the world judges .

Headshot Of James Spader In The NBC Network’s 2015-16

18The Music Of Chance (1993)

Spader Leads The Gambling Thriller

The Music of Chance ( 1993 ) is a play that observe an ex - fire-eater who teams up with a vagabond , hire in a high-pitched - stakes poker game . Events take a turn as they find themselves indebted to a pair of eccentric millionaire , resulting in a serial of unexpected and wakeless consequence .

James Spader detect himself among a stiff supporting players of actors in the intense and sour dramaThe Music of Chance . Mandy Patinkin stars as a newly wealthy homo on a road tripper across the country who happens to meet an eccentric professional gambler ( Spader ) . The two men team up for a high - stake poker plot against two rich and sinewy men . However , when Spader lose , they are prevent imprisoned on the fertile serviceman ’s estate and forced to work as indentured handmaid to pay off off their debt .

17Bob Roberts (1992)

James Spader Cameos In The Political Satire

Bob Roberts is a satiric mockumentary pen and directed by Tim Robbins , pore on a folksinging U.S. Senate nominee . The film offers brainwave into political media manipulation as it follows the campaign of Bob Roberts , whose songs review social issues like benefit and liberalism .

Bob Robertsis a hilarious and clever political satire that stay a relevant and insightful bit of commentary more than 30 days later . This mockumentary - corresponding clowning stars Tim Robbins as a phratry singer and politician who manipulates the indigence of the citizenry and apply fiery rhetoric to grow an increasingly popular campaign for the U.S. Senate . The film is a behind - the - scenery take care at Roberts ' campaign as well as the chemical reaction from the country about the controversial humankind .

James Spader is part of this large tout ensemble as a local news reporter compensate Bob ’s campaign .

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The movie is filled with big names in small cameo roles , including Giancarlo Esposito , John Cusack , and Jack Black . James Spader is part of this great tout ensemble as a local word reporter covering Bob ’s safari . Spader brings a fun bit of to a fault eager energy to the comedic office . The moving picture itself is a very funny drive but is also thought - chevy in its messages , teeter on the edge of outlandish but always remaining grounded .

16Wall Street (1987)

Spader Appears In Oliver Stone’s Drama About Modern Greed

Wall Street , directed by Oliver Stone , follows the story of Bud Fox , a young stockbroker uncoerced to do anything to get to the top , including trading on illegal privileged information . Michael Douglas stars as the ruthless corporate raider Gordon Gekko , who mentor Fox in the high - stakes human race of finance . The film scrutinizes the ethical dilemmas and moral corruption underlying in the by-line of riches and winner in 1980s America .

Along with starring in some of the most definitive eighties movies of all clip , James Spader also look in a film that spoke to a specific culture of the earned run average . Oliver Stone’sWall Streetis an examination of the raise of the fiscal pro on Wall Street and the polish of avaritia they were at the centre of . Michael Douglas starsas Gordon Gekko , a legendary Wall Street player who takes young Bud Fox ( Charlie Sheen ) under his wing and corrupts him in the name of making money .

Spader has a small but efficient role as Roger Barnes , a attorney who is friends with Bud and who he eventually use to get insider information . Douglas won an Oscar for his thrilling lead execution , while Stone proved himself a compelling filmmaker once more with his ability to target the audience in a obscure and disturbing earth where morality and ethics are constantly in doubt .

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Critical Care, released in 1997, follows young hospital resident Werner Ernst as he navigates a complex legal battle between two half-sisters over their comatose father’s care and his $10 million estate, all while dealing with his eccentric supervisor’s demand to prioritize fully insured patients.

Headshot Of Kyra Sedgwick In The New York Women In Film & Television (NYWIFT) 44th Annual Muse Awards

Headshot Of Helen Mirren

Headshot Of Albert Brooks In The Annual MOCA Gala

Less Than Zero

A college student returns to Los Angeles for a vacation at the request of his ex-girlfriend, but discovers that his former best friend has an out-of-control drug habit.

Headshot Of Andrew McCarthy In The NBC Universal Experience Upfront

Headshto Of Jami Gertz

Headshot Of Robert Downey Jr. In The 10th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony

Bad Influence_Movie_Poster

Bad Influence is a psychological thriller directed by Curtis Hanson. The film stars Rob Lowe as Alex, a charming but menacing drifter, and James Spader as Michael, a meek and unassertive businessman. Alex’s influence draws Michael into a web of manipulation and crime, jeopardizing his career and relationships. The movie explores themes of identity, power, and the dark side of human nature.

Headshot Of Rob Lowe In The 2024 ESPY Awards

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Baby Boom follows the life of J.C. Wiatt, a successful New York businesswoman, whose career is disrupted when she unexpectedly inherits a baby from a distant relative. The film explores how J.C. navigates the challenges of balancing her professional ambitions with her new role as a caregiver.

Headshot Of Diane Keaton

Headshot Of Harold Ramis

Headshot Of Danny Aiello

Headshot of Jeff Daniels

White Palace (1990) - Poster

White Palace is a romantic drama directed by Luis Mandoki. The film stars Susan Sarandon as a working-class waitress and James Spader as an affluent young widower. Their lives become entwined in an unexpected romance, challenging societal norms and their personal beliefs. The film explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of relationships across socio-economic divides.

Headshot Of Susan Sarandon

Headshot Of Jason Alexander In The Project Angel Food Lead with Love Five Year Anniversary Special

Headshot Of Kathy Bates In The CBS Fall Schedule Celebration At Paramount Studios

The Music of Chance (1993) - Poster

The Music of Chance (1993) is a drama that follows an ex-fireman who teams up with a drifter, engaging in a high-stakes poker game. Events take a turn as they find themselves indebted to a pair of eccentric millionaires, resulting in a series of unexpected and profound consequences.

Headshot Of Mandy Patinkin

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Bob Roberts is a satirical mockumentary written and directed by Tim Robbins, focusing on a folksinging U.S. Senate candidate. The film offers insight into political media manipulation as it follows the campaign of Bob Roberts, whose songs critique societal issues like welfare and liberalism.

Headshot Of Tim Robbins

Headshot Of Alan Rickman In The

Headshot Of Ray Wise In The premiere of ‘God’s Not Dead 2’

Wall Street (1987) Official Poster

Wall Street, directed by Oliver Stone, follows the story of Bud Fox, a young stockbroker willing to do anything to get to the top, including trading on illegal inside information. Michael Douglas stars as the ruthless corporate raider Gordon Gekko, who mentors Fox in the high-stakes world of finance. The film scrutinizes the ethical dilemmas and moral corruption inherent in the pursuit of wealth and success in 1980s America.

Headshot Of Charlie Sheen In The  Project Angel Foods' 28th

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