Every Joan And John Cusack Movie Collaboration Ranked

John Cusack and Joan Cusack are a pair of famous Hollywood siblings who have each built incredible on-screen careers for themselves. Indeed, since the 80s, both Joan and John have played some of the most iconic characters in pop culture today, from Joan’s overworked Principal Roz Mullins in School of Rock to John’s Rob Gordon in the rom-com classic High Fidelity (which happens to be on our list below).

Just like Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaal in Donnie Darko or Casey and Ben Affleck in Good Will Hunting, Joan and John officially hold the title of siblings who shared the screen with each other. The biggest difference, of course, is the frequency with which the Cusack siblings have starred in a movie together. As of this writing, there are 10 movies on the list. However, considering how talented both actors are, even after their decades-long careers, we wouldn’t be surprised if, down the line, another movie — or two — came long. Until then, here’s every Joan and John Cusack movie collaboration, ranked.

10 Grandview, U.S.A.

     Warner Bros.  

Grandview, U.S.A. was released in 1984 and stars Jamie Lee Curtis, C. Thomas Howell, and Patrick Swayze as small-towners. Tim Pearson (Howell) is set to go to college; however, everything seems to fall apart when he meets Michelle and Ernie (Swayze and Curtis, respectively). John and Joan both have smaller roles as brother and sister in this film. In fact, Grandview, U.S.A. would, for the Cusacks, mark one of the earliest roles in their film career.

9 War, Inc.

     First Look Studios  

War, Inc was released in 2008 and sees John portraying hitman Brand Hauser, who must decide between his career and his personal choices when he meets a journalist and a pop star with whom he develops personal relationships. Joan portrays his assistant Marsha Dillon, who attempts to keep him on track throughout, even though he is regularly distracted. It’s a charming film where they both shine in larger roles. Interestingly, they do not play siblings in this movie.

8 Class

     Orion Pictures  

Class was released in 1983 and sees Rob Lowe and Andrew McCarthy star opposite each other in a rom-com as two polar opposite roommates, Skip and Jonathan, respectively. They develop an unlikely friendship, which blossoms throughout the film, but ultimately results in an awkward dynamic between the two when Jonathan inadvertently has an affair with Ellen, Skip’s mother. John and Joan both have small roles in this film. What’s more, Class marked the former Cusack’s feature film debut.

7 Martian Child

     New Line Cinema  

Martian Child was a 2007 release that sees John star as a struggling novelist who has been trying for years to adopt a child with his wife, ultimately leading to him connecting with a young boy who believes he is from Mars. Their new life together is complex and confusing, and Joan stars as his supportive sister, who tries to help them both adapt in the best way she can.

6 Cradle Will Rock

     Buena Vista Pictures  

Cradle Will Rock was released in 1999 and features appearances from both John and Joan Cusack. They star alongside a very talented cast that comprises Hank Azaria, Jack Black, and Bill Murray. The film focuses on several different characters involved in the world of theater during the Great Depression, showing how their lives have been impacted by the huge change.

5 Sixteen Candles

     Universal Pictures  

Sixteen Candles was a huge success when it was released in 1984, and remains a beloved movie to many to this day. The film follows a teenager named Samantha (Molly Ringwald) who navigates high school and tries to win the affections of a boy more popular than she is. John Cusack has a small role as a nerdy friend, and Joan has an even smaller role, appearing at a high school dance. The film is very controversial when looked at from a modern lens due to some controversial subject matter.

4 Broadcast News

     20th Century Studios  

In 1987, Broadcast News was released, following a group of various employees working at a newsroom. The movie stars Holly Hunter as a news producer who is extremely sensitive, and Alber Brooks as her successful rival reporter. John Cusack has a supporting role as an employee at the newsroom, and Joan features in a small cameo as an angry messenger.

3 Say Anything

Say Anything is a 1989 movie that features John Cusack as Lloyd, a student who pines for his classmate before she travels out of the country for college. They are very different and attempt to overcome these differences through their love. Joan has a supporting role as his sister, and brings a warm, supporting affection to her character.

2 Grosse Pointe Blank

1997’s Grosse Pointe Blank features the Cusack siblings in larger roles together on-screen. John stars as a hitman on a mission to his hometown, and Joan stars as his assistant who assigned him the mission in the hopes that it would help him to relax and reconnect with himself. During his visit, he reconnects with old friends and an ex-girlfriend, and becomes confused about what direction he should take next in life.

1 High Fidelity

High Fidelity was released in 2000 and remains an enduring classic. John Cusack stars as Rob, a lovesick and music obsessed character who is navigating a breakup, resulting in him reassessing his life and decisions. He talks to the audience, breaking the fourth wall, as he figures out what went wrong in his past. Joan has a smaller role as a friend who wants to remain neutral in the break-up, and it’s definitely the best film they have done together.