‘Casino,’ Home Alone,’ and 18 Other Joe Pesci Movies Ranked by IMDb Score
Joe Pesci is an actor known for his intense and memorable performances. For decades, he has brought a unique energy to the screen, playing everything from fearsome gangsters to unlikely comedic heroes. His career is filled with critically acclaimed films and beloved classics, showcasing his versatility as a performer. Many of his movies have been recognized for their quality, not just by critics, but by audiences around the world, as reflected in their IMDb scores.
This article will rank his films based on those audience ratings from IMDb. The list provides a look at the wide range of movies Pesci has been a part of, from iconic crime dramas to family-friendly comedies. Each film is listed with its release year and IMDb score, offering a straightforward guide to his most celebrated work according to viewers.
The Death Collector (1976) – 4.5
This low-budget crime film was one of Joe Pesci’s first credited movie roles. He plays a young man trying to make a name for himself in the local mob, starting out as a debt collector. The film follows his attempts to rise through the ranks of the criminal underworld.
It was his performance in this film that caught the attention of Robert De Niro, who then recommended him to Martin Scorsese for “Raging Bull.” This early role was crucial in launching Pesci’s career.
Gone Fishin’ (1997) – 4.9
This comedy pairs Joe Pesci with Danny Glover as two bumbling, lifelong friends who win a fishing trip to Florida. Their simple vacation quickly turns into a series of misadventures involving a boat thief, stolen treasure, and a string of bad luck.
The film relies on the comedic chemistry between its two leads, who were well-known for their work together in the “Lethal Weapon” series. It is a lighthearted and slapstick adventure.
8 Heads in a Duffel Bag (1997) – 5.4
In this dark comedy, Joe Pesci plays a mobster tasked with transporting a bag of severed heads across the country as proof of a successful hit. When his bag is accidentally switched with that of a young tourist, a frantic and chaotic search ensues.
The film’s humor is derived from the absurd and morbid situation. Pesci’s character grows increasingly frustrated as he tries to recover the evidence without drawing attention.
The Super (1991) – 5.7
Joe Pesci stars as Louie Kritski, a slumlord who is sentenced by a court to live in one of his own dilapidated apartment buildings until it is brought up to code. The comedy follows his experience of living in the squalid conditions he once ignored and his interactions with the building’s tenants.
The film is a story of a selfish man who learns to care about others through a forced change in perspective. It offers a comedic look at social issues and personal transformation.
Moonwalker (1988) – 6.1
This anthology film stars Michael Jackson and is a collection of music videos and short films. Joe Pesci plays the villain, Mr. Big, in the centerpiece of the film, a long-form music video for the song “Smooth Criminal.” In this segment, he is a ruthless drug lord hunting down Jackson’s character.
“Moonwalker” is a unique project that showcases Michael Jackson’s music and dance. Pesci’s role as the over-the-top villain provides a narrative thread through the fantastical “Smooth Criminal” sequence.
With Honors (1994) – 6.1
In this drama, a driven Harvard student loses his thesis and it falls into the hands of a homeless man named Simon, played by Joe Pesci. Simon agrees to give the thesis back one page at a time in exchange for food and shelter, and in the process, teaches the student and his roommates important life lessons.
Pesci takes on a more dramatic and sympathetic role in this film. The movie explores themes of friendship, education, and the value of life experience over academic success.
Lethal Weapon 4 (1998) – 6.6
In the final film of the series, Riggs and Murtaugh, along with Leo Getz and a new detective played by Chris Rock, face off against a ruthless Chinese Triad leader. The movie brought back the core cast for one last adventure.
“Lethal Weapon 4” delivered the action and comedy that fans had come to expect from the franchise. Pesci’s character, Leo Getz, once again finds himself in the middle of the chaos, providing comic relief throughout the story.
Lethal Weapon 3 (1992) – 6.7
Pesci returned as the talkative Leo Getz in the third installment of the action-packed series. This time, Riggs and Murtaugh, with Leo’s help, take on a former police lieutenant who is now an illegal arms dealer.
By this point, Leo Getz had become a firm part of the “Lethal Weapon” team. The film continued the successful formula of high-octane action and comedic banter between its main characters, proving to be another box office hit.
The Good Shepherd (2006) – 6.7
Directed by Robert De Niro, this film tells the story of the early history of the Central Intelligence Agency through the eyes of one of its top agents. Joe Pesci has a supporting role as Joseph Palmi, a character based on real-life mafia boss Santo Trafficante Jr., who is recruited to assist the agency.
“The Good Shepherd” is a slow-burning and complex espionage thriller with a large ensemble cast. The film explores the moral compromises and personal sacrifices made by those in the world of intelligence.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) – 6.8
Pesci reprised his role as the bumbling burglar Harry in this successful sequel. A year after the first film, Kevin McCallister is accidentally separated from his family again and ends up in New York City. As he enjoys his freedom, he once again crosses paths with Harry and his partner Marv, who are plotting a new heist.
The film follows a similar formula to the original, with Kevin setting up a new series of painful and elaborate traps for the two criminals. The familiar slapstick humor and the New York City setting made it another holiday favorite for many fans.
Lethal Weapon 2 (1989) – 7.2
Joe Pesci joined the popular “Lethal Weapon” franchise in its first sequel, playing the fast-talking federal witness Leo Getz. Detectives Riggs and Murtaugh are assigned to protect Getz, who is set to testify against a group of South African diplomats involved in drug smuggling.
Pesci’s energetic and talkative character provided a new comedic dynamic to the action-packed series. His interactions with Mel Gibson and Danny Glover were a highlight for audiences, and he became a recurring character in the subsequent films.
Home Alone (1990) – 7.6
In this iconic Christmas comedy, Joe Pesci plays Harry, one half of the “Wet Bandits,” a pair of bumbling burglars who target the McCallister home. Unbeknownst to them, the family has accidentally left their young son, Kevin, behind, and he is prepared to defend his house with a series of elaborate traps.
“Home Alone” became a massive box office success and a holiday staple. Pesci’s performance as the comically inept and increasingly frustrated burglar provides many of the film’s biggest laughs, showcasing his ability to play a villain who is both menacing and hilarious.
My Cousin Vinny (1992) – 7.6
Showcasing his comedic talent, Joe Pesci stars as Vinny Gambini, an inexperienced, loudmouthed lawyer from Brooklyn who must defend his cousin in a murder trial in rural Alabama. The film is a classic fish-out-of-water comedy, with much of the humor coming from the clash between Vinny’s abrasive personality and the conservative Southern town.
“My Cousin Vinny” is celebrated for its sharp writing and the comedic chemistry between Pesci and Marisa Tomei, who won an Academy Award for her role as Vinny’s fiancée. The film is also noted by legal experts for its surprisingly accurate depiction of courtroom procedure.
The Irishman (2019) – 7.8
After a long absence from the screen, Joe Pesci returned for this epic crime film directed by Martin Scorsese. He plays Russell Bufalino, a quiet and powerful mob boss who takes a truck driver, Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro), under his wing. The film follows Sheeran’s life as a hitman and his involvement with Teamster leader Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino).
Unlike his more explosive roles, Pesci’s performance in “The Irishman” is subdued and calculated, earning him another Academy Award nomination. The film is a long and reflective look at crime, loyalty, and the consequences of a life of violence, using digital de-aging technology to show its characters over several decades.
A Bronx Tale (1993) – 7.8
In this coming-of-age story directed by Robert De Niro, a young boy is torn between his honest, hardworking father and a charismatic local mob boss. While Joe Pesci’s role is a small cameo, the film itself has become a beloved classic.
The movie explores themes of loyalty, respect, and making the right choices in a racially divided neighborhood in the 1960s. It is praised for its strong performances and compelling story, adapted from Chazz Palminteri’s one-man play.
JFK (1991) – 8.0
In this political thriller directed by Oliver Stone, Joe Pesci plays David Ferrie, a key figure in New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison’s investigation into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The film presents a complex and controversial theory about a conspiracy to kill the president.
“JFK” is known for its fast-paced editing, blending historical footage with reenactments to build its case. Pesci’s performance as the eccentric and paranoid Ferrie is a memorable part of the film’s large ensemble cast.
Raging Bull (1980) – 8.1
In another collaboration with Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci earned his first Oscar nomination for his role as Joey LaMotta, the brother and manager of boxer Jake LaMotta. The film is a biographical drama that explores the self-destructive rage and jealousy that fueled Jake’s success in the ring and ruined his life outside of it.
Shot in black and white, “Raging Bull” is celebrated for its stunning cinematography and intense, raw performances. Pesci’s portrayal of the loyal but long-suffering brother provides a crucial emotional anchor to the film.
Casino (1995) – 8.2
Reuniting with director Martin Scorsese and actor Robert De Niro, “Casino” features Pesci as the ruthless and hot-tempered mob enforcer Nicky Santoro. The film is set in Las Vegas and details the mob’s control over the gambling industry during the 1970s and 1980s. Pesci’s character is the muscle for his childhood friend, a casino executive played by De Niro.
“Casino” is a stylish and sprawling epic, showcasing the glamour and the extreme violence of that world. The film is praised for its detailed depiction of the inner workings of a mob-run casino and the destructive relationships between its main characters.
Once Upon a Time in America (1984) – 8.3
This epic crime drama from director Sergio Leone spans several decades in the lives of a group of Jewish gangsters from New York City. Joe Pesci plays Frankie Minaldi, a significant figure in the criminal underworld. The film is known for its ambitious and non-linear narrative, exploring themes of friendship, betrayal, and the passage of time.
Though its initial American release was heavily cut and poorly received, the restored full-length version is now considered a masterpiece. Its beautiful cinematography, haunting score by Ennio Morricone, and powerful performances have earned it a place as a classic of world cinema.
Goodfellas (1990) – 8.7
Topping the list is “Goodfellas,” one of the most celebrated gangster films ever made. The movie follows the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill, with Pesci playing the volatile and terrifying Tommy DeVito. His performance is a standout in a film full of powerful acting and earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, is praised for its fast-paced storytelling, stylish direction, and unforgettable dialogue. “Goodfellas” provides a gripping look into the world of organized crime, showing both its appeal and its brutal consequences. It remains a fan favorite and a landmark film in the genre.
