When anyone talks about acting careers cut too short, one name that always comes up is River Phoenix. Just 23 years old when he passed away, he had already starred in over 10 movies. Whether he was playing the lead or a supporting character, there was just something magnetic about him. It would have been interesting to see where his career could have gone and what other roles he would have inhabited.Â
But, let’s not get too sad here, because at least we do have some of his movies to watch and appreciate, though some are admittedly much easier to find than others. Personally, I went on a River Phoenix binge in college, and luckily the college library had a good deal of his movies available to check out, being a poor college student and all. Today, we’ve broken up his films into three categories: Essential Viewing, Supporting Character Spotlight, and Obscurities.Â
Essential Viewing
Explorers (1985)
One of River's first film roles was as computer whiz Wolfgang in Explorers, a fun family flick about a trio of boys who invent a machine that takes them up to space to hang out with some goofy aliens. This movie is one of the easiest of River's to find and watch online for free.
Stand By Me (1986)
A quintessential story about childhood friendships and experiences, Stand By Me tells the story of a group of four friends who embark on a journey to see the dead body of a missing boy. Full of humor and heart, this movie has stood the test of time. Though it is rated R, it is still a movie about children and relevant for that tween-age audience.
Little Nikita (1988)
In Little Nikita, River plays a high school kid who wants to join the Air Force Academy, only to find out his parents are secret Russian spies hiding in America. The FBI agent on his parents' trail (Sidney Poitier) ends up befriending him. A fun thriller that isn't necessarily highly rated, but it's pretty entertaining nonetheless.
Running on Empty (1988)
Nominated for two Academy Awards, including a Supporting Actor nod for River, Running on Empty is the story of a boy coming of age in a family on the run from the authorities. But, he just wants to be able to have his own life free from being a fugitive. This film not only features a great performance from River, but is just a great movie in general about growing up and striking out on your own.
My Own Private Idaho (1991)
Though generally highly regarded by critics, My Own Private Idaho may be a tough film to swallow for those who aren't into more independent features. There are moments where the dialogue veers into Shakespearean territory, and indeed the story is partially based on Henry IV. The film feels like vignettes spliced into an overall story, but both River and Keanu shine, and if you like either/both of them (and how can you not), it would certainly be worth a watch.
Dogfight (1991)
A group of young men about to ship off to the Vietnam War decide to spend their last night in a competition to see who can bring the ugliest date to their "Dogfight." Of course, the lead character, Eddie, played by River, starts to actually fall for the girl he chooses. The movie is not only a love story, but also an exploration of the lives of young men shipped off to war. Dogfight didn't get much attention when released, but is certainly worth a watch.
The Thing Called Love (1993)
River's last fully completed movie, The Thing Called Love isn't anything too special, story-wise, but it does feature a good cast (Samantha Mathis, Sandra Bullock, and Dermot Mulroney all star alongside River) and decent music. Critics tend to be harsh on the movie and River's performance, but if you go in expecting more of a generic romantic drama, you won't be disappointed.
Supporting Character Spotlight
The Mosquito Coast (1986)
River plays Harrison Ford's son in The Mosquito Coast. Though Ford is the lead here as a somewhat mad and pretty unlikeable inventor who moves his family to a remote tropical location to try to create a utopia, River does have quite a sizable role as his dissenting son. Helen Mirren also stars. Not a bad movie, but not super memorable either.
Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade (1989)
The most high-profile movie on River's resume, he plays the younger version of Harrison Ford's Indiana Jones in the opening to The Last Crusade. A great and highly memorable film opening, and if you haven't seen it, not only are you missing out, but have you been living under a rock as well?
Sneakers (1992)
River plays more of a supporting role to Robert Redford in Sneakers. The movie is a lot of fun, and honestly it's nice to see him take on a lighter role. It's essentially a heist film -- the story is strong, and the rest of the cast are also all top notch, with Sidney Poitier, Dan Aykroyd, Mary McDonnell and David Strathairn rounding out the group.
I Love You to Death (1990)
River has a supporting role in I Love You to Death, a black comedy directed by Lawrence Kasdan and also starring Kevin Kline, Tracey Ullman, William Hurt, Joan Plowright, and Keanu Reeves. The story is loosely based on a true story of an attempted murder in 1983 where a woman tried repeatedly to kill her husband without success. River plays the wife's co-worker who is secretly in love with her.
Obscurities
Jimmy Reardon (1988)
The original version of this film is called A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon, however no one involved in the project seems to be very happy with how the film turned out, so in recent years the director took it upon himself to create a new cut called Jimmy Reardon - Aren't You Even Gonna Kiss Me Goodbye? Even still, the script doesn't do a great job of making the audience care and relate to River's lead character Jimmy, with the only moment that really feels genuine coming at the very end. But, if you want to see River act like an entitled teenage lothario, this is the movie to watch.
Silent Tongue (1993)
There's really no other way to say it -- Silent Tongue is weird. To be honest, it's really hard to get through. It's a mish-mash of a Western and a spiritual journey, and fairly boring and meandering at that. River plays the lead character Prescott Roe, who is grieving his Native American wife's death. Only recommended for those who really want to see all of River's work, but even then it's tough.
Dark Blood (1993)
Dark Blood was River's last film, and was never properly finished as he passed away in the middle of filming. In 2012, the director released an unfinished cut of the film, narrating over the parts that are missing. Unfortunately, the missing scenes are some of the most important for character development, so the film itself feels fragmented and a bit off. But, if you want to see River in a bit more of an antagonistic role, then this is the one to check out.
Have you seen all of River’s movies? What are your favorites? Let us know in the comments!
- River was born River Jude Bottom in Madras, Oregon. His family joined the Children of God religious group, and when they left, adopted the last name Phoenix.
- Talent agent Iris Burton spotted River, Joaquin, and their sisters Summer and Rain singing for spare change in LA when they were kids, and was so charmed by the family that she soon represented the four siblings.
- A dedicated animal-rights activist and environmentalist, River was a strict vegetarian and a member of PeTA.
- River enjoyed creating music as much as or even more so than acting, and had a band called Aleka’s Attic, for which he sang, played guitar, and wrote music.
- He was originally cast as the interviewer in Interview with the Vampire, but Christian Slater took over the role after his death and donated his salary to two of River’s favorite charities. The movie is dedicated to him.
- River was born River Jude Bottom in Madras, Oregon. His family joined the Children of God religious group, and when they left, adopted the last name Phoenix.
- Talent agent Iris Burton spotted River, Joaquin, and their sisters Summer and Rain singing for spare change in LA when they were kids, and was so charmed by the family that she soon represented the four siblings.
- A dedicated animal-rights activist and environmentalist, River was a strict vegetarian and a member of PeTA.
- River enjoyed creating music as much as or even more so than acting, and had a band called Aleka’s Attic, for which he sang, played guitar, and wrote music.
- He was originally cast as the interviewer in Interview with the Vampire, but Christian Slater took over the role after his death and donated his salary to two of River’s favorite charities. The movie is dedicated to him.
