The 25+ Best Edward Burns Movies

Ranker Film
Updated June 13, 2024 26 items
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182 voters
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List of the best Edward Burns movies, ranked best to worst with movie trailers when available. Edward Burns's highest grossing movies have received a lot of accolades over the years, earning millions upon millions around the world. The order of these top Edward Burns movies is decided by how many votes they receive, so only highly rated Edward Burns movies will be at the top of the list. Edward Burns has been in a lot of films, so people often debate each other over what the greatest Edward Burns movie of all time is. If you and a friend are arguing about this then use this list of the most entertaining Edward Burns films to end the squabble once and for all.

If you think the best Edward Burns role isn't at the top, then upvote it so it has the chance to become number one. The greatest Edward Burns performances didn't necessarily come from the best movies, but in most cases they go hand in hand.

List films include Wild and Woolly, Sidewalks of New York and more.

"This list answers the questions, "What are the best Edward Burns movies?" and "What are the greatest Edward Burns roles of all time?"
Most divisive: Wild and Woolly
Over 100 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 25+ Best Edward Burns Movies
  • The Brothers McMullen
    1
    Jack Mulcahy, Michael McGlone, Edward Burns
    43 votes
    When you're a good Irish Catholic, you choose one person to be with for the rest of your life. But how can you be sure you've found "the one"? Each of the three brothers McMullen turns up a different answer to that question in this warm-hearted romantic comedy about the reality of true love and familial bonds. "The Brothers McMullen" is not about flash or style; it's about the basic connections people pursue every day as they struggle with family, relationships and personal identity.
  • Saving Private Ryan
    2
    Tom Hanks, Edward Burns, Tom Sizemore
    31 votes
    Saving Private Ryan, a war film directed by Steven Spielberg, is a harrowing depiction of World War II. Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks), a hardened yet compassionate soldier, leads a group of eight men from the 2nd Ranger Battalion of the United States Army through enemy lines. Their mission? Find and safely return paratrooper Private James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon), whose three brothers have been killed in combat. Set against the backdrop of the brutal Normandy invasion, this gripping tale won five Academy Awards, including Best Director for Spielberg. It explores themes of sacrifice and duty, leaving its mark as an unforgettable cinematic experience.
  • She's the One
    3
    Jennifer Aniston, Maxine Bahns, Edward Burns
    35 votes
    The lives -- and relationships -- of married brothers Mickey and Francis Fitzpatrick are disrupted by the presence of Heather, Mickey's ex-girlfriend. Heather has just reentered Mickey's life, but at the same time she's sleeping with Francis. Romantic entanglements, marital woes, and sibling rivalries result ... and teach the brothers Fitzpatrick a few things about the game of life.
  • Sidewalks of New York
    4
    Edward Burns, Rosario Dawson, Dennis Farina
    18 votes
    The film follows the marital and dating lives of three men and three women who unknowingly form a tangled web of relationships. Interspersing "man on the street" interviews with scenes from the six characters' lives, the film weaves a humorous and biting commentary on the game of love -- easy to start, hard to finish.
  • Confidence
    5
    Edward Burns, Rachel Weisz, Andy Garcia
    23 votes
    In this glossy neo-noir caper, expert grifter Jake Vig (Edward Burns) inadvertently crosses volatile crime boss the King (Dustin Hoffman) and, to make it right, he must agree to con banker Morgan Price (Robert Forster). He assembles his team, including Lily (Rachel Weisz) and Gordo (Paul Giamatti), but things get complicated fast with the arrival of Special Agent Gunther Butan (Andy Garcia), who has been tracking Jake for years. As the con goes down, Jake can't say who's double crossing whom.
  • Newlyweds
    6
    Edward Burns, Caitlin Fitzgerald, Kerry Bishé
    18 votes
    Newlyweds is a 2011 comedy/drama film written and directed by Edward Burns.
  • No Looking Back
    7
    Jon Bon Jovi, Connie Britton, Jennifer Esposito
    18 votes
    No Looking Back is a 1998 American drama-genre film directed, written, produced by, and starring Edward Burns. The film centers on the relationship of Charlie and Claudia. The film had a limited theatrical release and grossed less than $250,000 domestically from its $5 million budget.
  • Looking for Kitty
    8
    Edward Burns, David Krumholtz, Max Baker
    14 votes
    World-weary and still grieving over the loss of his wife, detective Jack Stanton (Edward Burns) must accompany a high-school baseball coach (David Krumholtz) from Upstate as he combs New York City for his runaway wife. During the course of the search, the two form a common bond as each begins to influence the other's outlook on life.
  • The Groomsmen
    9
    Edward Burns, Brittany Murphy, John Leguizamo
    15 votes
    Blue-collar Paulie (Edward Burns) prepares for fatherhood and his forthcoming wedding to Sue (Brittany Murphy) by hanging out with his groomsmen. Brother Jimbo (Donal Logue), cousin Mike (Jay Mohr) and his pals fill the reunion with drinking, boys-will-be-boys antics and a few unexpected personal confessions. But, when the bonding devolves into accusations and regret, Paulie has to decide whether he's ready to tie the knot and take this big step into adulthood.
  • Nice Guy Johnny
    10
    Matt Bush, Kerry Bishé, Anna Wood
    15 votes
    An engaged man (Matt Bush) considers a career change while falling for another woman (Kerry Bishé).
  • Purple Violets
    11
    Selma Blair, Edward Burns, Debra Messing
    17 votes
    After the commercial failure of her critically acclaimed first novel, Patti Petalson (Selma Blair) takes a job in real estate. Married to unfaithful chef Chazz (Donal Logue), Patti is startled by a chance encounter with her former boyfriend, Brian Callahan (Patrick Wilson), now a best-selling author. As the two renew their interest in each other, Patti's teacher friend, Kate (Debra Messing), also rekindles her college relationship with Michael (Edward Burns), a lawyer and mutual friend.
  • The Holiday
    12
    Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law
    7 votes
    In The Holiday, Amanda Woods (Cameron Diaz), a successful workaholic from Los Angeles, and Iris Simpkins (Kate Winslet), a lovelorn society columnist from Surrey, England, decide to swap homes for the Christmas season. Their lives take an unexpected turn when they meet and fall in love with two local men: Graham (Jude Law), Iris's brother, and Miles (Jack Black), a film composer. This romantic comedy-drama, directed by Nancy Meyers, weaves together stories of self-discovery and love against the backdrop of two picturesque locations. The movie is celebrated for its heartwarming narrative and charming performances.
  • Man on a Ledge
    13
    Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Jamie Bell
    6 votes
    When disgraced ex-cop Nick Cassidy (Sam Worthington) steps onto the ledge of the highest floor of New York's famous Roosevelt Hotel, more than just his life is at risk; he threatens to bring the city to its knees. There are some very nervous people around with some very big secrets to hide. As police negotiator Lydia Spencer (Elizabeth Banks) tries to talk Nick in from the ledge, she begins to suspect that he has an ulterior motive behind his actions.
  • 15 Minutes
    14
    Robert De Niro, Edward Burns, Kelsey Grammer
    10 votes
    At the center of "15 Minutes" is a New York City double murder that must be solved. But the fast-paced story isn't so much about figuring out the truth of the murder, as following who controls that truth. This is the thriller as seen through an eye-popping new lens -- that of the media's hunt for shocking imagery, no matter the cost. In "15 Minutes," as the cops chase the murderers, the media chases the cops, and the whole thing fuels an escalating firestorm.
  • Ash Wednesday
    15
    Edward Burns, Elijah Wood, Rosario Dawson
    10 votes
    On Ash Wednesday in 1983, three years after he was supposedly killed by rival mobsters, Sean (Elijah Wood) returns to the Hell's Kitchen section of New York City, much to the dismay of those who wanted him dead. Not only does his return put his own life in danger, it also threatens the lives of his wife, Grace (Rosario Dawson), and his brother, Francis (Edward Burns). Sean's criminal past catches up with him as he works to protect Francis, Grace and the son he left behind.
  • The River King
    16
    Rachelle Lefevre, Thomas Gibson, Edward Burns
    5 votes
    The River King is a 2005 film starring Edward Burns, Rachelle Lefèvre and Jennifer Ehle as a policeman, student and teacher all searching for the truth behind the apparent suicide of a young man at a small private school. Lefevre plays Carlin Leander, the young man's only real friend, who is now haunted by memories of their increasingly difficult relationship. The film is based on a book by Alice Hoffman.
  • A Sound of Thunder
    17
    Edward Burns, Catherine McCormack, Ben Kingsley
    7 votes
    In the year 2055, greedy entrepreneur Charles Hatton (Ben Kingsley) makes a fortune with his company, Time Safari Inc., which allows millionaires to travel back to the prehistoric era to hunt dinosaurs. Strict regulations are in place so that the present is not altered. But, during one time-travel safari, a hunter steps on a butterfly and unleashes a drastic ripple effect through time. Now researcher Dr. Travis Ryer (Edward Burns) must travel back to prevent the source of the disruption.
  • 27 Dresses
    18
    Katherine Heigl, James Marsden, Malin Akerman
    11 votes
    Perpetual bridesmaid Jane Nichols (Katherine Heigl) finds herself in a fashion conundrum with 27 dresses crowding her closet, each a testament to her role in yet another wedding. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Kevin Doyle (James Marsden), a cynical journalist who secretly uses her story as his ticket to the top. Meanwhile, her sister Tess (Malin Akerman) swoops in and snags the heart of Jane's boss George (Edward Burns), whom she secretly loves. 27 Dresses is a light-hearted journey through love, self-discovery, and the occasional ugly bridesmaid dress.
  • Life or Something Like It
    19
    Angelina Jolie, Edward Burns, Tony Shalhoub
    11 votes
    Lanie Kerrigan (Angelina Jolie), a feature reporter at a Seattle television station, leads the ultimate superficial life, even though she thinks she has it all, like a superstar boyfriend, a gorgeous apartment, and a shot at a big network assignment. Her perfect world starts unraveling after a homeless street seer tells Lanie that she leads a meaningless existence, and will die the following week. When the savant's other predictions come true, Lanie begins to re-examine her life and priorities.
  • Friends with Kids
    20
    Jennifer Westfeldt, Adam Scott, Jon Hamm
    5 votes
    In the wake of their friends' marriages and eventual offspring, longtime pals Julie (Jennifer Westfeldt) and Jason (Adam Scott) decide to have a child together without becoming a couple. By becoming "time-share" parents, they reason, they can experience the joys of parenthood without significantly curbing their personal freedom. However, when Julie and Jason both become involved with others, they discover that they secretly harbor romantic feelings for each other.
  • Echelon Conspiracy
    21
    Martin Sheen, Ving Rhames, Shane West
    4 votes
    Echelon Conspiracy is a 2009 American science fiction action thriller film directed by Greg Marcks and starring Shane West, Edward Burns, and Ving Rhames.
  • The Breakup Artist
    22
    Regis Philbin, Edward Burns, Bobby Cannavale
    4 votes
    Jim is a chick magnet with a serious problem: Relationship Attention Deficit Disorder. His cure? The 'breakup' as an art form! Jim's hilarious trip down the twisted road of romance to its surprising destination is sexy, hip touching and fresh. Featuring Regis Philbin and Ed Burns, with a background of happening New York, this funky date movie is Sex and the City from a male point of view.
  • On Guard
    23

    On Guard

    Harry Semels, Cullen Landis, Gus De Weil
    3 votes
    On Guard is a 1927 American drama film serial directed by Arch Heath. It is considered to be lost.
  • One Missed Call
    24
    Shannyn Sossamon, Edward Burns, Ana Claudia Talancón
    4 votes
    When Beth Raymond (Shannyn Sossamon) witnesses the deaths of two friends, she knows there is more at work than just a tragic coincidence; days before they die, both victims hear their terrifying final moments on cell phones. Though the police think Beth is crazy, detective Jack Andrews (Ed Burns), believes her. Together the pair try to unravel the mystery behind the horrifying messages before their own phone numbers come up.
  • Beyond the Rockies
    25

    Beyond the Rockies

    Rochelle Hudson, Tom London, Ted Adams
    2 votes
    Beyond the Rockies is a 1932 Western film written by John P. McCarthy and directed by Fred Allen.
  • Wild and Woolly
    26
    Douglas Fairbanks, Eileen Percy, Charles Stevens
    2 votes
    Wild and Woolly is a 1917 American silent Western comedy film which tells the story of one man's personal odyssey from sophisticated Easterner to Western tough guy. It stars Douglas Fairbanks, Eileen Percy, Walter Bytell and Sam De Grasse. The film was adapted by Anita Loos from a story by Horace B. Carpenter and was directed by John Emerson.