The Top 5 Robert Benton Movies

To me, Robert Benton is one of the unsung heroes in Hollywood history. He was a writer and a director who worked on some of the greatest movies of his generation. His character-driven narratives and his significant contributions to the New Hollywood era of filmmaking.Sadly, Robert Benton passed away this week. And I've spent the last few days rewatching his directorial work and revisiting his screenplays. Today, I wanted to give you what I think are my favorite movies that Benton directed. I mean, this is a guy who worked on the screenplays of so many famous movies, so that would have to be another list. Let's dive in. 1. Kramer v. KramerThis is one of those movies you put on because you can't remember how good it is, and then like 15 minutes in you're mind is blown and you realize it swept the Academy Awards, winning Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay for Benton, as well as acting Oscars for Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep. And all of it was earned and deserved. At the time, the film was lauded for its sensitive and groundbreaking portrayal of divorce and its effects on a family, particularly a father's evolving relationship with his son. And even today, all those things are true. It's a miracle of a movie. 2. Nobody's FoolI'll be upfront, I know this movie is not as good as Kramer, but this is my favorite Benton movie. I really love everything about it. It has so much tender care for the people in the movie, and there are so many poignant moments and heartbreaking glances. This critically acclaimed film earned Paul Newman an Oscar nomination for Best Actor and Robert Benton a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. The dialogue in this movie can stand next to any movie ever made. It's a character-driven dramedy that focuses on coming to terms with life and responsibilities. And when you watch it, it makes you want to be better. 3. Places in the HeartAnother major critical and awards success for Benton, this film earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and a Best Actress Oscar for Sally Field. Set in his Texas hometown during the Great Depression, it's a deeply personal story of a widow's struggle to save her farm and family. 4. Bad CompanyThis was Benton's directorial debut, which he also co-wrote with David Newman (whom he had worked with on Bonnie and Clyde). It's a revisionist Western starring Jeff Bridges and Barry Brown that offers a grittier and more cynical take on the western genre. The film was lauded for its realistic portrayal of young men trying to evade the Civil War by heading West and the harsh realities they encounter. It established Benton as a capable director with a distinct voice and a point of view.5. The Late ShowThis neo-noir detective comedy-drama, written and directed by Benton, earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The guy is one of the greatest writers ever. The movie stars Art Carney and Lily Tomlin; the film was praised for its sharp writing, engaging performances, and affectionate nod to classic detective films.Summing It All Up I really love Robert Benton's dramatic and comedic touch. It's so gentle and brings so much realism into his films. These are movies that you really should seek out. Benton is like one of Hollywood's unsung heroes, and I'm so happy we have these movies to stay with us forever. Let me know what you think in the comments.

May 15, 2025 - 06:00

To me, Robert Benton is one of the unsung heroes in Hollywood history. He was a writer and a director who worked on some of the greatest movies of his generation.

His character-driven narratives and his significant contributions to the New Hollywood era of filmmaking.

Sadly, Robert Benton passed away this week. And I've spent the last few days rewatching his directorial work and revisiting his screenplays.

Today, I wanted to give you what I think are my favorite movies that Benton directed. I mean, this is a guy who worked on the screenplays of so many famous movies, so that would have to be another list.

Let's dive in.

1. Kramer v. Kramer

This is one of those movies you put on because you can't remember how good it is, and then like 15 minutes in you're mind is blown and you realize it swept the Academy Awards, winning Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay for Benton, as well as acting Oscars for Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep.

And all of it was earned and deserved. At the time, the film was lauded for its sensitive and groundbreaking portrayal of divorce and its effects on a family, particularly a father's evolving relationship with his son. And even today, all those things are true. It's a miracle of a movie.

2. Nobody's Fool

I'll be upfront, I know this movie is not as good as Kramer, but this is my favorite Benton movie. I really love everything about it. It has so much tender care for the people in the movie, and there are so many poignant moments and heartbreaking glances.

This critically acclaimed film earned Paul Newman an Oscar nomination for Best Actor and Robert Benton a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.

The dialogue in this movie can stand next to any movie ever made. It's a character-driven dramedy that focuses on coming to terms with life and responsibilities. And when you watch it, it makes you want to be better.

3. Places in the Heart

Another major critical and awards success for Benton, this film earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and a Best Actress Oscar for Sally Field. Set in his Texas hometown during the Great Depression, it's a deeply personal story of a widow's struggle to save her farm and family.

4. Bad Company

This was Benton's directorial debut, which he also co-wrote with David Newman (whom he had worked with on Bonnie and Clyde). It's a revisionist Western starring Jeff Bridges and Barry Brown that offers a grittier and more cynical take on the western genre. The film was lauded for its realistic portrayal of young men trying to evade the Civil War by heading West and the harsh realities they encounter. It established Benton as a capable director with a distinct voice and a point of view.

5. The Late Show

This neo-noir detective comedy-drama, written and directed by Benton, earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The guy is one of the greatest writers ever. The movie stars Art Carney and Lily Tomlin; the film was praised for its sharp writing, engaging performances, and affectionate nod to classic detective films.

Summing It All Up

I really love Robert Benton's dramatic and comedic touch. It's so gentle and brings so much realism into his films.

These are movies that you really should seek out. Benton is like one of Hollywood's unsung heroes, and I'm so happy we have these movies to stay with us forever.

Let me know what you think in the comments.