Top five Tommy Lee Jones movies

Tommy Lee Jones can come across as a typical ornery Texan, but always delivers excellent performances in his movies. From the blockbuster action of Men in Black to the offbeat offerings of the Cohen brothers, Jones always adds something when he is on screen. This article explores his top five films.

Country road

Coal Miner's Daughter (1980)
Sissy Spacek won an Oscar for her portrayal of Loretta Lynn in this biopic, but Jones also catches the eye as the country star's husband.
Jones produces a fine performance in the difficult role of Mooney Lynn. Even if he was a hard man and a womaniser, he was also the one who recognised and encouraged Loretta's talent.
With a less talented actor than Jones in the role, the glimpse of humanity in an often unsympathetic figure would be lost. The Fugitive (1993)
The Academy recognised Jones's talent in Andrew Davis's chase thriller.
He won a best supporting actor for his performance as deputy US Marshal Sam Gerard. His character was charged with tracking down Richard Kimble, an innocent man who is on the run after having been accused of murdering his wife. Jones shows subtle, engaging talent beneath his craggy features.

Way out, then West

Men in Black (1997)
This movie is yet another blockbuster and another stellar Jones performance. Agent K (Jones) and Agent J (Will Smith) protect the Earth from the scum of the Universe in one of the funniest science-fiction comedies you could ever see.
Jones brings impressive comedic skills to the fore and he shares a great chemistry with his co-actor, Smith. The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (2005)
Stepping behind the camera, to direct as well as star, Jones plays Pete Perkins, who runs a small cattle farm on the border of Texas and Mexico.
When his ranch hand and friend Melquiades is shot and killed, Perkins fulfils his wish to be buried in his home town over the border.
The actors may have to play second fiddle to the stunning scenery at times, but Jones is right in his element. No Country for Old Men (2007)
Texas is once more the backdrop of the film , but the Cohen brothers provide a very different tale.
Jones' sheriff is the one good man all the other villains such as Javier Bardem's hit-man.
Even if he takes a back seat in some of the action, Jones' voiceover is the main element that kicks off the film. His tone and delivery is perfect.