15 Best Billy Burke Movies and TV shows Ranked

Billy Burke, a name synonymous with versatility and charisma in the entertainment industry, has carved out a remarkable niche for himself in both film and television. With a career over two decades, Burke has demonstrated an impressive range, captivating audiences with his dynamic performances. 

In film and television, Billy Burke stands out for his acting skills and ability to bring depth and authenticity to every character he portrays. Burke’s performances are always nuanced and compelling, whether playing a supportive father, a complex antagonist, or a dedicated law enforcer. His contribution to the industry goes beyond mere entertainment; he brings characters to life, creating memorable and impactful experiences for viewers.

This article will explore the “Top 15 Billy Burke Movies and TV Shows.” This curated list highlights his most acclaimed works and showcases the diversity of his roles. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his work, this journey through Billy Burke’s filmography is enlightening and entertaining.

15. Drive Angry (2011)

In this over-the-top supernatural action thriller, Billy Burke plays the villainous cult leader Jonah King. Nicolas Cage stars as John Milton, a man who escapes from hell to avenge his daughter’s death and rescue his granddaughter from King’s evil clutches. Burke chews the scenery as the charismatic but twisted antagonist, leading his devil-worshipping followers on a path of destruction. While Drive Angry is far from a cinematic masterpiece, it delivers on its promise of high-octane action, dark humor, and unapologetic B-movie thrills. Burke’s performance is a standout, showcasing his ability to portray menacing characters with a hint of charm.

14. Red Riding Hood (2011)

A reimagining of the classic fairy tale, Red Riding Hood features Billy Burke as Cesaire, the father of the protagonist Valerie (Amanda Seyfried). In this gothic romance with a werewolf twist, Valerie finds herself torn between two men while a beast terrorizes her medieval village. Burke brings a sense of gravitas to his role as a protective father figure, adding depth to the character’s relationships and motivations. While the film received mixed reviews for its uneven tone and predictable plot, Burke’s solid performance helps anchor the story and provides a touch of emotional resonance.

13. Along Came a Spider (2001)

Based on the novel by James Patterson, Along Came a Spider is a psychological thriller that sees Morgan Freeman reprise his role as Detective Alex Cross. Billy Burke appears as Ben Devine, a Secret Service agent tasked with protecting a senator’s daughter who is kidnapped by a brilliant psychopath. Burke’s character plays a crucial role in the investigation, working alongside Cross to unravel the complex web of clues and deceptions. Though his screen time is limited, Burke makes the most of his scenes, delivering a competent and believable performance as a determined agent caught in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.

12. Fracture (2007)

In this legal thriller, Billy Burke plays Lt. Robert ‘Rob’ Nunally, a police detective investigating a seemingly open-and-shut attempted murder case. Anthony Hopkins stars as the cunning defendant, while Ryan Gosling portrays the ambitious prosecutor seeking to convict him. Burke’s character is caught in the middle of their intellectual battle, providing key evidence and testimony that could swing the case either way. Fracture is a smartly crafted film that keeps audiences guessing until the very end, with strong performances from its lead actors. Burke’s supporting role is well-executed, adding another layer of complexity to the story’s moral ambiguity.

11. Untraceable (2008)

Untraceable is a crime thriller that explores the dark side of technology and the depths of human depravity. Diane Lane stars as FBI agent Jennifer Marsh, who is tasked with hunting down a serial killer that broadcasts his gruesome murders on the internet. Billy Burke plays Detective Eric Box, Marsh’s partner in the investigation. As the killer’s online popularity grows with each new victim, Marsh and Box race against time to track him down before he claims more lives. Burke’s chemistry with Lane is palpable, and their characters’ professional dynamic adds a layer of tension to the already suspenseful plot. While Untraceable can be difficult to watch at times due to its graphic content, it raises thought-provoking questions about our society’s morbid fascination with violence and the responsibility of those who consume it.

10. Feast of Love (2007)

A romantic drama with an ensemble cast, Feast of Love explores the joys and sorrows of love through the interconnected lives of several couples in a close-knit community. Billy Burke appears as David Watson, a troubled man struggling to overcome his past and find happiness with his wife Kathryn (Selma Blair). As their relationship faces challenges, David’s story intersects with those of other characters played by Morgan Freeman, Greg Kinnear, and Radha Mitchell. Burke delivers a nuanced and empathetic performance, capturing the vulnerability and complexity of a man grappling with his own demons while trying to maintain a loving partnership. Feast of Love is a poignant and bittersweet meditation on the nature of relationships, with Burke’s subplot adding depth and resonance to the overall narrative.

9. Lights Out (2016)

In this supernatural horror film, Billy Burke plays Paul, the father of protagonist Rebecca (Teresa Palmer) and her younger brother Martin (Gabriel Bateman). When Martin begins experiencing terrifying visions of a shadowy figure that only appears in the dark, Rebecca must confront the mysterious entity and uncover its connection to their mother Sophie’s (Maria Bello) troubled past. Burke’s role as Paul is pivotal to the story, as his character’s absence and eventual return shed light on the family’s dysfunctional dynamics and the origin of the malevolent presence. Lights Out is a well-crafted and genuinely scary film that makes effective use of its simple but clever premise. Burke’s performance grounds the story in a sense of emotional realism, even as the supernatural elements ratchet up the tension and terror.

8. Breaking In (2018)

Breaking In is a home invasion thriller that stars Gabrielle Union as Shaun Russell, a mother who will stop at nothing to protect her two children from a group of armed intruders. Billy Burke plays Eddie, one of the criminals who have targeted Shaun’s recently deceased father’s isolated mansion in search of a hidden safe. As Shaun fights to outwit and outmaneuver the invaders, Burke’s character emerges as a ruthless and calculating adversary, willing to use any means necessary to get what he wants. Breaking In is a taut and suspenseful film that benefits from Union’s commanding lead performance and Burke’s chilling turn as the main antagonist. While the plot may be familiar, the movie delivers on its promise of edge-of-your-seat thrills and satisfying payoffs.

7. Rizzoli & Isles (2011)

In this popular TNT crime drama, Billy Burke guest stars as FBI Agent Gabriel Dean, a recurring love interest for Detective Jane Rizzoli (Angie Harmon). The series follows Rizzoli and her best friend, medical examiner Dr. Maura Isles (Sasha Alexander), as they solve murders in Boston. Burke’s character first appears in the season one finale and continues to make appearances throughout the show’s seven-season run. As Agent Dean, Burke brings a mix of charm, intelligence, and mystery to his role, keeping both Rizzoli and the audience guessing about his true intentions. His on-screen chemistry with Harmon is a highlight of his appearances, adding a layer of romantic tension to the already engaging procedural format.

6. Fringe (2008-2009)

Fringe is a science fiction series that follows a team of FBI agents and scientists investigating unexplained phenomena and fringe science cases. Billy Burke has a recurring role in the first two seasons as Lucas Vogel, a manipulative and dangerous arms dealer with ties to the show’s central mythology. Burke’s character serves as a foil to the main cast, particularly Agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv), as they navigate the increasingly complex web of conspiracies and alternate realities. Fringe is a smart and inventive series that blends procedural elements with serialized storytelling, and Burke’s appearances add an extra layer of intrigue and menace to the overarching narrative.

5. Major Crimes (2012-2018)

A spin-off of the popular series The Closer, Major Crimes follows the detectives of the LAPD’s Major Crimes Division as they investigate high-profile cases. Billy Burke reprises his role from the parent show as Phillip Stroh, a brilliant and sociopathic defense attorney who becomes a recurring nemesis for the team. Throughout his appearances, Burke portrays Stroh as a cunning and ruthless adversary, always one step ahead of the detectives and willing to go to any lengths to maintain his power and freedom. His performance is a standout, adding a sense of personal stakes and psychological depth to the show’s procedural format. As Stroh’s crimes escalate and his obsession with the team grows, Burke’s chilling portrayal keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, making him one of the most memorable villains in the series.

4. Zoo (2015-2017)

Based on the novel by James Patterson, Zoo is a science fiction thriller that imagines a world where animals have turned against humans, launching coordinated attacks and threatening to overtake the planet. Billy Burke stars as Dr. Mitch Morgan, a veterinary pathologist who joins a team of experts to investigate the cause of the animals’ strange behavior and find a way to stop the global pandemic. As one of the show’s lead characters, Burke anchors the ensemble cast with his portrayal of the brilliant but troubled Mitch, who grapples with personal demons while racing to save humanity. Zoo is a wild and entertaining ride that blends action, suspense, and speculative fiction, with Burke’s performance providing a grounded and relatable center amidst the chaos.

3. Revolution (2012-2014)

In this post-apocalyptic science fiction series, Billy Burke stars as Miles Matheson, a former U.S. Marine and skilled swordsman navigating a world without electricity. Fifteen years after a mysterious blackout, Miles is sought out by his niece Charlie (Tracy Spiridakos) to help rescue her brother Danny (Graham Rogers) from the clutches of a ruthless militia. As the story unfolds, Miles becomes a reluctant hero, leading a ragtag group of survivors in a fight against the oppressive forces that seek to control the powerless world. Burke’s portrayal of Miles is the heart and soul of Revolution, imbuing the character with a mix of world-weariness, dry wit, and hidden depths. His chemistry with the rest of the cast, particularly Spiridakos and Giancarlo Esposito as the charismatic villain Tom Neville, is a highlight of the series. While Revolution only lasted two seasons, it developed a devoted fanbase thanks in large part to Burke’s compelling lead performance.

2. The Twilight Saga (2008-2012)

Billy Burke’s most iconic role to date is undoubtedly that of Charlie Swan, the father of protagonist Bella (Kristen Stewart), in the hugely popular Twilight film series. Based on the novels by Stephenie Meyer, the franchise follows Bella as she falls in love with the vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and becomes entangled in the supernatural world of vampires and werewolves. As Charlie, Burke provides a grounding presence in Bella’s increasingly fantastical life, offering a relatable and often humorous perspective on the story’s otherworldly events. His portrayal of a loving but sometimes overprotective father is a standout among the series’ supporting cast, and his scenes with Stewart are some of the most emotionally resonant in the films. Burke appears in all five installments of the franchise, from Twilight to Breaking Dawn – Part 2, and his performance remains a fan favorite and a key part of the series’ enduring appeal.

1. 24 (2002-2003)

In the groundbreaking real-time thriller series 24, Billy Burke delivers a chilling and unforgettable performance as abusive father and husband Gary Matheson. Appearing in the show’s second season, Burke’s character is a key figure in the subplot involving Kim Bauer (Elisha Cuthbert), the daughter of protagonist Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland). As Kim becomes entangled with the troubled Matheson family, Burke’s portrayal of Gary as a violent and unpredictable man is both disturbing and compelling, adding a layer of domestic menace to the season’s overarching terrorist threat. Burke’s scenes with Cuthbert are intense and emotionally charged, showcasing his ability to convey complex and unsettling characters with nuance and depth. Despite only appearing in a handful of episodes, Burke’s performance left a lasting impact on fans of the series, cementing his status as one of 24‘s most memorable villains and a standout in his career.

Billy Burke’s diverse body of work showcases his versatility as an actor, with standout performances across a range of genres and mediums. From his iconic role as Charlie Swan in The Twilight Saga to his chilling turn as Gary Matheson in 24, Burke has proven himself to be a talented and compelling performer, capable of bringing depth and nuance to both leading and supporting roles. His work in series like Revolution, Zoo, and Major Crimes highlights his ability to anchor ensemble casts and bring gravitas to complex characters, while his appearances in films like Lights Out, Breaking In, and Drive Angry demonstrate his skill at elevating genre fare with his presence. As he continues to take on new and challenging roles, Billy Burke remains an actor to watch, with a career that is sure to include many more memorable performances in the years to come.