A Legendary Filmmaker’s Passing The film industry mourns the loss of William Friedkin, who passed away at the age of 87 due to heart failure and pneumonia in Los Angeles.
Despite his departure, Friedkin’s cinematic legacy, from To Live and Die in LA to The Exorcist, will continue to captivate audiences for generations.
Fans Reflect on His Work
A fan-based ranking, derived from IMDb ratings, offers insights into how his creations have resonated with audiences.
An Illustrious Career
Friedkin’s prolific Hollywood journey spanned 20 films, encompassing various genres, alongside contributions to TV shows, documentaries, and TV movies since the 1960s.
The following list compiles his work, highlighting their IMDb ratings.
The Birthday Party
Friedkin’s earliest work The Birthday Party, and the gripping war drama Rules of Engagement both earned IMDb ratings of 6.4.
The Birthday Party, a passion project, explores the eerie encounters of a lodger during a party, while Rules of Engagement presents a trial of conscience and loyalty.
The Brink’s Job
The crime comedy The Brink’s Job and the enigmatic Cruising garnered IMDb ratings of 6.5.
The former recounts a historic robbery’s repercussions, while the latter delves into the underground gay subculture as a detective seeks a serial killer.
Killer Joe
Killer Joe, a dark thriller starring Matthew McConaughey, secured sixth place with an IMDb rating of 6.7.
The film follows an assassin’s sinister mission and contributes to McConaughey’s transformative McConaissance.
To Live and Die in LA
To Live and Die in LA seized fifth place with an impressive IMDb rating of 7.3.
This noir masterpiece follows a determined secret service agent on a quest for vengeance, impacting Hollywood’s action genre.
The Boys in the Band
The Boys in the Band, exploring queer representation, proudly claims fourth place with an IMDb rating of 7.6.
This groundbreaking film delves into the complexities of personal identity during a birthday gathering.
The French Connection
Both Sorcerer and The French Connection share the second spot, boasting IMDb ratings of 7.7.
Sorcerer presents a tense journey of transporting hazardous cargo, while The French Connection propels audiences into a gripping NYPD pursuit of drug smugglers.
The Exorcist
Friedkin’s most iconic creation, The Exorcist, dominates the top spot with an IMDb rating of 8.1.
This horror masterpiece, featuring a chilling possession narrative, etched its mark on the genre and garnered Academy Award nominations.
A Timeless Legacy As we bid farewell to a cinematic giant, William Friedkin’s remarkable films, captivating narratives, and groundbreaking contributions remain a testament to his enduring influence on filmmaking.
His work continues to inspire and intrigue audiences worldwide.