5 greatest James Earl Jones movies of all time 

James Earl Jones was an American actor and Primetime Emmy Award winner. On September 9, 2024, he passed away at home in New York, at the age of 93.

Throughout his long-reigning career, the actor featured in multiple movies and also recorded several songs including The Morning Report (1994) and The Flood (1990) among many more. He had a commanding onscreen and offscreen presence and was known for voicing characters such as Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise and Mufasa in Lion King (2019).

Following his departure, the renowned actor and voice actor will always be remembered and his legacy will live on through his works. This brings us to our list of the top 5 James Earl Jones films ever.

Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed in the article belong solely to the author.

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Five James Earl Jones films that will continue to honor his legacy

1) The Great White Hope (1970)

The Great White Hope (Image by 20th Century Studios)

This 1970 film was originally adapted from the play of the same name, which was written by Howard Sackler in 1967. The plot of this romcom dealt with a heavyweight boxer named Jack Jefferson, a black man, portrayed by James Earl Jones.

Apart from boxing his opponents, Jefferson also had to struggle and keep fighting against racism and discrimination. Although being the champ inside the ring, the fans of the sport hoped for a white boxer, who could come and defeat the legendary Jefferson.

The film also starred Jane Alexander, Chester Morris, and Lou Gilbert among others.

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2) The Lion King (2019)

The Lion King (Image by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Loosely based on the story of Hamlet, The Lion King is about Simba, the lion prince. After Simba's father, Mufasa, is killed by his uncle Scar, he moves to Africa, to start a journey of his own. However, with time, Simba learns of his legacy and what he truly deserves and desires. Hence he returns to his kingdom to take back what is rightfully his and avenge his father's death.

In the CGI film, actor James Earl Jones voiced the iconic Mufasa for the second time. Earlier he had voiced Mufasa in the 1994 The Lion King, which was directed by Rob Minkoff and Roger Allers, and also in The Lion King II: Simba's Pride (1992).

Apart from Jones, The Lion King (2019) also starred Beyoncé, Donald Glover, and Seth Rogen among others.

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3) Warning Shot (2018)

A still from Warning Shot (Image by Apple TV)

Warning Shot is a 2018 film that starred Tammy Blanchard as Audrey, David Spade as Bobby, Bruce Dern as Calvin, and Guillermo Diaz as Rainy another others. The official synopsis of the film reads as follows:

"A struggling single mother and her young daughter inherit a farmhouse. When a family business rival sends armed men to take the water rights to the farm's creek by force, the situation spirals out of control"

Former actor James Earl Jones starred as Mr. Pendleton in this film.

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4) Summer’s End (1999)

A still from Summer’s End (Image by Temple Street Productions)

The story of this family drama starts with Jamie and his brother, who move to their summer cottage after their father’s demise. Next to their cottage, Jamie meets a black doctor named Bill, who has been facing racial discrimination in the town of Georgia. After Jamie gets closer to Bill, chaos erupts in the town.

James Earl Jones starred as Dr William Bill Blakely, the black doctor who becomes friendly with Jamie (played by Jake LeDoux). The film also starred Brendan Fletcher, and Wendy Crewson among many others.

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5) The Road to Freedom: The Vernon Johns Story (1994)

The Road to Freedom: The Vernon Johns Story (Image by WGN network)

This 1994 biopic drama is about a pastor named Vernon Johns, who was also the father of the civil rights movement. The official synopsis of the film as per Rotten Tomatoes reads as follows:

"This biopic follows the life of Vernon Johns (James Earl Jones) -- now known as the father of the civil rights movement -- during the years he preceded Martin Luther King Jr. as minister of the Dexter Avenue Baptist ....his wife (Mary Alice), who fears he'll lose his pulpit; and his children, who fear he will lose his life."

James Earl Jones starred as the protagonist, Vernon Johns, who was a controversial pastor in the film. Apart from Jones, the film also starred Mary Alice, Cissy Houston, and Tommy Hollis among others.

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Which is your favorite James Earl Jones movie of all time? Let us know in the comments below.