Joe Carnahan: Movies, Awards & Box Office
- films
- 19
- as director
- 11
- on screen
- 1998–2026
- box office
- $342M
- nomination
- 1
- average score
- 56
- Born
- May 9, 1969 (age 57)
- Birthplace
- Michigan, United States
- Full name
- Joseph Aaron Carnahan
- Citizenship
- United States
- Occupations
- Film director, Screenwriter, Producer, Actor
- Years active
- 1995-present
- Spouses
- Christy Leis, Lisa Carnahan
- Children
- 2
The Best Joe Carnahan Movies
The highest-rated films Joe Carnahan is credited on, by the Movie Echo Score that blends critic reviews, audience ratings and lasting impact. Boss Level (2021) scores highest, at 80. The full ranking adds the biggest box office hits and the most awarded films.
Joe Carnahan's Career in Numbers
Joe Carnahan's films in numbers — as a director, not counting appearances as themselves: when they were made, the genres Joe Carnahan works in most and the milestones along the way. The filmography runs from Blood, Guts, Bullets and Octane (1998) to The Rip (2026), and the 2020s were the busiest decade.
Joe Carnahan Movies by Decade
- 1990s 1
- 2000s 3
- 2010s 3
- 2020s 5
The 2020s were Joe Carnahan's busiest decade, with 5 films.
Joe Carnahan Movies by Genre
- Action 7
- Drama 2
- Thriller 2
- Adventure 1
Action is the genre Joe Carnahan has worked in most, with 7 films, ahead of drama (2).
Joe Carnahan Career Milestones
- First film
- Blood, Guts, Bullets and Octane 1998
- Biggest box office hit
- The A-Team $177M worldwide
- Best-rated film
- Boss Level Movie Echo Score 80
- Newest film
- The Rip 2026
Joe Carnahan Filmography: Every Movie
Every film Joe Carnahan is credited on, newest first, with the role, the box office and the Movie Echo Score. 11 as director and 1 as actor. Rated films average a score of 56. Re-order the list to see the best-rated films or the biggest hits first.
Movies Directed by Joe Carnahan
11- 2026
The Rip Action Movie Echo Score: 57 - 2025
Not Without Hope Drama Worldwide box office: $236K Movie Echo Score: 42 - 2025
Shadow Force Action Worldwide box office: $5.42M Movie Echo Score: 27 - 2021
Copshop Action Worldwide box office: $6.81M Movie Echo Score: 72 - 2021
Boss Level Action Worldwide box office: $1.75M Movie Echo Score: 80 - 2014
Stretch Thriller Worldwide box office: $4.83K - 2012
The Grey Action Worldwide box office: $79.8M - 2010
The A-Team Action Worldwide box office: $177M - 2007
Smokin' Aces Action Worldwide box office: $57.2M - 2002
Narc Drama Worldwide box office: $12.6M - 2002
Ticker Adventure Worldwide box office: $380K
Joe Carnahan Movies as an Actor
1Joe Carnahan in Documentaries & Specials
7- 2021
A Journey to Sundance as Self · Documentary - 2014
Out of Print as Self · Documentary - 2008
In the Master’s Shadow: Hitchcock’s Legacy as Self · Documentary - 2008
Bernard Herrmann: Hitchcock’s Maestro as Self · Documentary - 2008
The Long Shadow of Dirty Harry as Self · Documentary - 2008
A Moral Right: The Politics of Dirty Harry as Self · Documentary - 2004
Made Men: The ‘GoodFellas’ Legacy as Self · Documentary
Joe Carnahan: Awards & Nominations
1 nomination across 1 award body. Every ceremony is listed newest first, with the category and the film.
-
18th Film Independent Spirit Awards- Joe Carnahan: Nominated Best Director Narc
Who Is Joe Carnahan?
Joe Carnahan was born in Michigan, United States in 1969 and is 57 years old. Credited on films since 1998, as a director. The background, training and the roles that shaped the career.
Joseph Aaron Carnahan, born on May 9, 1969, has built his reputation as a renowned American film director, screenwriter, producer, and actor. His portfolio boasts a variety of critically acclaimed films including 'Blood, Guts, Bullets and Octane', 'Narc', 'Smokin' Aces', 'The A-Team', 'The Grey' and 'Boss Level'. Carnahan is also recognized for his contributions to the NBC television series 'The Blacklist', where he wrote and directed several episodes. He shares a close familial relationship with notable figures in the film industry, including his brother Matthew Michael Carnahan, a commendable screenwriter, and producer Leah Carnahan.
Raised in Michigan and Northern California, Carnahan's academic journey took him from San Francisco State University to California State University, Sacramento, where he obtained his B.A. in Filmography. His early professional efforts were in the Promotions Department of Sacramento's KMAX-TV, where he produced short films and television spots. Carnahan gained recognition for his 1998 film 'Blood, Guts, Bullets and Octane' and directed other prominent films such as 'Narc'. His filmography includes diverse titles like 'Pride and Glory', 'Remarkable Fellows', and 'The A-Team'. Carnahan's directing prowess extended to thrillers such as 'The Grey' and the television series 'The Blacklist'. He is currently engaged in writing the script for Mark Millar comic book series 'Nemesis' film adaptation and is set to direct 'Killing Pablo', a book by Mark Bowden. Carnahan has also made notable contributions to NBC's 'State of Affairs' and is currently working on directing 'Shadow Force' by Lionsgate Films.
Who Joe Carnahan Makes Movies With
The actors and directors Joe Carnahan shares the most films with. Ray Liotta comes first, with 4 films together, followed by Frank Grillo (3).
Joe Carnahan: Questions & Answers
How many movies Joe Carnahan has made, the biggest hit, the best-rated film, the award record and more, answered from the filmography above.
How many movies has Joe Carnahan been in?
Joe Carnahan is credited on 19 films, from 1998 to 2026. 1 of them as an actor and 11 as a director. The filmography on this page lists every one of them, newest first, with the role and the Movie Echo Score.
What is Joe Carnahan's highest-grossing movie?
The A-Team (2010) is Joe Carnahan's biggest box office hit, with $177M worldwide, ahead of The Grey (2012) ($79.8M). Across every film with box office figures, Joe Carnahan's movies have made $342M.
Joe Carnahan's biggest hits What is the best Joe Carnahan movie?
By the Movie Echo Score, which blends critic reviews, audience ratings and lasting impact, Joe Carnahan's best-rated film is Boss Level (2021) with a score of 80, followed by Copshop (2021) (72).
Best Joe Carnahan movies, ranked Has Joe Carnahan won an Oscar?
Joe Carnahan has not been nominated for an Oscar. Across every ceremony in the awards database, Joe Carnahan has 0 wins from 1 nomination.
How old is Joe Carnahan?
Joe Carnahan is 57 years old, born on May 9, 1969 in Michigan, United States.
What is Joe Carnahan's newest movie?
The most recent film on Joe Carnahan's filmography is The Rip (2026), which Joe Carnahan directed.
Who does Joe Carnahan work with most often?
Joe Carnahan shares the most films with Ray Liotta (4 films), Frank Grillo (3 films) and Albert Hughes (3 films).
The Best Joe Carnahan Movies, Ranked
Top rated, most awarded and biggest box office hits from 19 directing credits.
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