5 Best Kevin Bacon Movies from Early Years

Kevin Bacon's journey to Hollywood stardom began in the late 1970s. However, it was his work throughout the 1980s and early 1990s that established him as one of the industry’s most versatile actors.

Before becoming the center of the famous "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon" game, Bacon delivered a series of memorable performances that showcased his range and charisma.

Here are five essential films from his early career that helped define his legacy.

1. ‘Footloose’ (1984)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Footloose has 54% from critics and 71% from viewers.
• On IMDb, Footloose has 6.6/10.

Perhaps Bacon's most iconic early role is the one in Footloose. The movie literally transformed him from a promising young actor into a bona fide movie star. Playing Ren McCormack, a Chicago teenager who moves to a small town where dancing is banned, Bacon brought both rebellious energy and surprising vulnerability to the character.

Although the film did not receive perfect reviews, it was a success with audiences. And it wasn't just because of the infectious soundtrack or the now-legendary dance sequences; it was because of Bacon's ability to make Ren's fight for self-expression feel genuinely important.

2. ‘Diner’ (1982)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Diner has 92% from critics and 77% from viewers.
• On IMDb, Diner has 7/10.

Barry Levinson's Diner launched the careers of several future stars, but Kevin Bacon's portrayal of Timothy Fenwick Jr. was particularly nuanced. Playing the troubled rich kid struggling with alcoholism and family expectations, Bacon delivered a funny yet deeply sad performance. He embraced his character’s complexity, making his portrayal raw and authentic.

The ensemble cast of the film, which included Steve Guttenberg and Mickey Rourke, offered an honest portrayal of male friendship in 1950s Baltimore. However, it was Kevin Bacon's ability to find humor in his character's suffering that made Fenwick a memorable character.

3. ‘Tremors’ (1990)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Tremors has 88% from critics and 76% from viewers.
• On IMDb, Tremors has 7.2/10.

Tremors might seem like a departure from Bacon's more serious dramatic work, but his performance as Valentine McKee showcased his comedic talent and everyman appeal. Paired with Fred Ward, Bacon created a believable blue-collar hero who must save his small Nevada town from underground monsters.

What could have been a just yet another underrated B-movie role became something special thanks to Bacon's commitment to the material and his natural chemistry with the cast.

4. ‘The River Wild’ (1994)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, The River Wild has 63% from critics and 52% from viewers.
• On IMDb, The River Wild has 6.5/10.

In this intense thriller, Bacon took on the role of Wade, a charismatic but dangerous criminal who terrorizes a family during their white-water rafting trip. Working opposite Meryl Streep, Bacon created one of his most chilling antagonists, proving he could be just as compelling as a villain.

As always, in The River Wild he created a multidimensional character. He made Wade simultaneously charming and terrifying, never letting the audience forget the genuine threat he posed. The physical demands of the role, including extensive river sequences, highlighted his commitment to his work.

5. ‘A Few Good Men’ (1992)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, A Few Good Men has 84% from critics and 89% from viewers.
• On IMDb, A Few Good Men has 7.7/10.

Though not the lead in this military courtroom drama, Bacon's role as Captain Jack Ross, the prosecuting attorney, was crucial to the film's success. Working alongside Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, and Jack Nicholson, Bacon held his own in a cast full of heavyweight performers. His portrayal of Ross was sharp and professional, creating a worthy adversary for Cruise's defense attorney character.