The sheer size and legendary presence of André René Roussimoff, known universally as André the Giant, transcended the wrestling ring, embedding him deeply into pop culture. Often dubbed "The Eighth Wonder of the World," his charisma and unique physical stature made him a natural fit for the screen, leading to a surprising, if unconventional, complete filmography. While many remember him for a singular, iconic role, his on-screen presence extends far beyond traditional cinema, encompassing everything from early French films to music videos, and a vast collection of wrestling documentaries and archival features that continue to celebrate his unparalleled legacy.
This guide will take you through every known on-screen appearance, differentiating between his true acting roles and the myriad ways his legend has been preserved and retold through the lens of sports entertainment history.
Andre the Giant's Filmography: At a Glance
- Iconic Role: Best known as Fezzik in the beloved 1987 film The Princess Bride.
- Early Beginnings: Two lesser-known acting credits in French productions from the late 1960s and early 1970s.
- Music Video Star: Featured prominently in Cyndi Lauper's "The Goonies 'R' Good Enough" (Part 2) music video.
- Wrestling Archive Dominance: Appeared in countless WWE/WWF documentaries, anthologies, and compilations, showcasing his legendary matches and rivalries.
- Posthumous Tributes: Subject of dedicated documentaries, most notably HBO's Andre the Giant (2018).
- Video Game Icon: Featured character in modern wrestling video games like WWE 2K Battlegrounds and WWE 2K20.
- Enduring Legacy: His image and story continue to inspire, ensuring his presence remains vital in popular culture.
Andre the Phenomenon: A Gentle Giant's Unforgettable Presence
Born with acromegaly, a condition that led to his colossal growth, André René Roussimoff stood at an awe-inspiring seven feet tall and weighed over 500 pounds. From his birthplace in Molien, France, to the global stage of professional wrestling, André's journey was one of mythical proportions. He joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) and quickly became a fan favorite, captivating audiences with his immense size and surprisingly sweet nature. His epic showdown with Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania III in 1987 is etched into wrestling lore, often cited as the ultimate wrestling event of its era.
André's innate likability and unique physicality naturally paved the way for a career in acting, albeit one that was often intertwined with his wrestling persona. He wasn't just a wrestler; he was a larger-than-life character whose very presence commanded attention, making him a compelling figure for film and television producers eager to capture a piece of his magic.
The Silver Screen Giant: Andre's Feature Films and Television Roles
While the vast majority of Andre's "filmography" consists of archival wrestling footage, he did grace the silver screen in a handful of traditional acting roles, leaving an indelible mark with his most famous performance.
1. Casse-tête chinois pour le judoka (1967)
This obscure French spy-comedy marked Andre's earliest known foray into acting. At just 21 years old, he appeared as a fighter in this film, showcasing his physical presence before he became the global superstar "Andre the Giant." Details about his role are scarce, reflecting the film's limited reach outside of France, but it serves as a fascinating footnote to his career.
2. The Wrestling Queen (1973)
Another early, less-known appearance, The Wrestling Queen (also known as Moi, Tintin) saw Andre continuing to explore acting alongside his burgeoning wrestling career. These early roles provided him with initial exposure to the film world, setting the stage for his later, more prominent parts.
3. The Princess Bride (1987)
Without a doubt, this is Andre's most cherished and critically acclaimed acting role. As the kindly giant Fezzik, a member of the trio hired to kidnap Princess Buttercup, Andre delivered a performance that endeared him to millions. His memorable lines ("Anybody want a peanut?") and gentle demeanor perfectly complemented his imposing figure.
Rotten Tomatoes recognizes The Princess Bride as Andre's highest-rated cinematic endeavor, a testament to the film's enduring charm and his integral role within it. His natural warmth and gentle giant persona shone through, proving that his charisma extended far beyond the wrestling ring. The film’s director, Rob Reiner, and his co-stars often recounted Andre’s profound kindness and difficulty fitting into small spaces, making his on-set anecdotes as legendary as the film itself.
Other Notable TV Appearances
Beyond feature films, Andre made various episodic television appearances, often playing characters that leveraged his unique size. These included guest spots on popular shows where his celebrity and physical presence were a natural draw for viewers. His appearances demonstrated a willingness to explore different facets of entertainment, even if they often leaned into his established persona.
Beyond the Silver Screen: Music Videos & Special Appearances
Andre's reach wasn't confined to traditional acting; his larger-than-life persona was perfect for the burgeoning music video era.
Cyndi Lauper: The Goonies 'R' Good Enough (Part 2) (1985)
In a fantastic crossover of 1980s pop culture, Andre appeared alongside several other WWF superstars in Cyndi Lauper's music video for "The Goonies 'R' Good Enough" (Part 2). This vibrant and playful video perfectly captured the era's spirit, showcasing Andre's amiable nature outside the intense wrestling arena. His presence helped bridge the gap between music, film (The Goonies), and professional wrestling, solidifying his status as a mainstream pop culture icon.
The Wrestling Giant on Screen: Documentaries & Archival Features
The vast majority of Andre the Giant's "filmography" as listed by databases like Listal falls into the category of wrestling-related media. These are not traditional acting roles but rather archival footage, documentaries, and compilations that celebrate his career and the history of professional wrestling. It's crucial to understand that in these, Andre appears as himself, either in contemporary interviews, classic match footage, or as a focal point of historical retrospectives.
Here’s a breakdown of how these numerous entries contribute to his on-screen legacy:
Live Event Footage and Anthology Collections
Andre was a main event attraction for decades, and his most famous matches and storylines are preserved in countless WWE/WWF collections. These anthologies allow fans to relive his legendary career.
- WWF: The Big Event (1986): A landmark outdoor event featuring Andre in action.
- Summerslam (1988, 1991): Key appearances at one of WWE's "Big Four" pay-per-views.
- Royal Rumble (1990, 2014, 2015): Andre was instrumental in establishing the Royal Rumble match, even competing in the inaugural event. His presence in retrospective Rumbles highlights his enduring impact.
- WWE WrestleMania: The Complete Anthology - Vol. 1: Essential viewing for any fan of his iconic WrestleMania III match against Hulk Hogan.
- WWE: Survivor Series Anthology, Vol. 1: Features his involvement in the early days of this team-based elimination event.
- WWE: OMG! - The Top 50 Incidents in WWE History (2011): Likely includes several of Andre's memorable moments, both in and out of the ring.
These releases are critical for showcasing Andre's athleticism, character, and the sheer spectacle he brought to every wrestling event. They offer a comprehensive look at his in-ring prowess and storytelling.
Documentaries and Biographies Featuring Other Legends
Andre's career intersected with virtually every major star of his era. Many documentaries focusing on other wrestlers or the history of specific wrestling promotions inevitably feature Andre due to his prominence and impact.
- Biography: Macho Man Randy Savage (2021): Andre had a memorable rivalry and tag team with Savage early in their careers.
- Biography: Rowdy Roddy Piper (2021): Piper and Andre crossed paths often, especially during the "Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection" era.
- Nature Boy (2017) & Nature Boy Ric Flair: The Definitive Collection: Flair, a contemporary, certainly had his share of interactions with Andre, which would be covered.
- Ladies and Gentlemen, My Name Is Paul Heyman: Heyman, a renowned wrestling manager and promoter, would discuss the influence of figures like Andre.
- The Self Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior: Documentaries about complex figures often include their significant opponents, of which Andre was one.
- WWE: Macho Madness - The Randy Savage Ultimate Collection: Another compilation dedicated to Randy Savage, further highlighting Andre's shared history.
- WWE: Twist of Fate - The Matt and Jeff Hardy Story & WWE: Hardy Boyz - Leap of Faith (2001): Though from a later era, retrospective documentaries often feature historical clips for context, and Andre was foundational.
- WWE: McMahon: The story of the McMahon family and WWE history cannot be told without Andre's pivotal role.
- WWE: Jake 'The Snake' Roberts: Pick Your Poison: Roberts was another key rival and ally to Andre at various points.
- WWE: Big Show: A Giants World: As another famous "giant" in wrestling, Paul Wight (The Big Show) often spoke of Andre's influence, and comparisons were inevitable.
- Hulk Hogan: The Ultimate Anthology: Andre's rivalry with Hogan defined an era, making his appearance in Hogan's retrospectives a given.
These entries highlight Andre's integral role in shaping the narratives and careers of countless other wrestling legends. His presence underscores his central importance to wrestling history.
General Wrestling History and Thematic Documentaries
Beyond specific wrestlers, many productions delve into the broader history or specific aspects of wrestling, where Andre's story is indispensable.
- The History of WWE: 50 Years of Sports Entertainment: Andre was a cornerstone of WWE's rise to prominence.
- WWE: The Top 25 Rivalries in Wrestling History: His feud with Hulk Hogan is guaranteed to be featured prominently.
- WWE: The History of the WWE Championship: Andre held the championship, albeit briefly, and was a constant challenger.
- WWE: The Rise and Fall of WCW: While primarily a WWF/WWE star, Andre's career provided a backdrop to the entire wrestling landscape.
- WWE: Top 50 Superstars of All Time: Andre is consistently ranked among the greatest and most influential.
- The Spectacular Legacy of the AWA: Andre competed in various territories, including the AWA, before his WWF superstardom.
- Legends of the Mid-South Wrestling & Heroes of World Class: The Story of the Von Erichs and the Rise and Fall of World Class Championship (2006): These regional promotions were crucibles for many future stars, and Andre often made special appearances.
These documentaries paint a picture of Andre not just as an individual star but as a monumental force within the broader tapestry of professional wrestling.
WWE Hall of Fame Ceremonies
Andre was the inaugural inductee into the WWF Hall of Fame in 1993, a posthumous honor that cemented his legacy. Subsequent Hall of Fame ceremonies often include retrospectives or mentions of past inductees, ensuring his name and image continue to appear.
- WWE Hall of Fame (2005, 2010, 2013, 2015): Appearances in these are likely through archival footage or references during tribute segments.
Video Game Appearances
In the modern era, Andre's digital likeness ensures his continued presence in entertainment.
- WWE 2K20 & WWE 2K Battlegrounds (2020): Andre is a playable character in these video games, allowing a new generation of fans to "interact" with the legend. These appearances demonstrate his enduring appeal and iconic status within the wrestling universe.
Posthumous Tributes: Films and Documentaries About Andre
Beyond being featured in archival footage, Andre's life story itself has become the subject of dedicated productions, aiming to capture the essence of his unique existence.
Andre the Giant (2018)
This critically acclaimed HBO documentary stands out as a definitive deep dive into his life. Featuring interviews with family, friends, and wrestling peers, it explores his early life, his meteoric rise, the physical toll of his condition (acromegaly), and his gentle nature despite his intimidating size. Rotten Tomatoes lists this documentary, noting it as Andre's "Lowest Rated" in the sense that it's a documentary about him rather than him acting. However, its true value lies in its comprehensive and moving portrayal of the man behind the legend. It's an essential watch for anyone looking to understand the complexities of Andre René Roussimoff.
Deciphering Andre's "Filmography": Actor vs. Archival Subject
When reviewing a complete filmography for a figure like Andre the Giant, it's vital to distinguish between different types of on-screen appearances. A traditional "actor's filmography" typically lists feature films, television series, and direct-to-video movies where the person played a scripted role. For Andre, this would primarily include Casse-tête chinois pour le judoka, The Wrestling Queen, and crucially, The Princess Bride.
However, Andre's status as a cultural icon, particularly within professional wrestling, means his "filmography" is heavily populated by appearances as himself or through archival footage. These include:
- Documentaries and Biographies: Where his life or career is the central subject (Andre the Giant 2018) or where he is featured extensively as part of a broader wrestling history (The History of WWE: 50 Years of Sports Entertainment).
- Compilation Releases: Collections of classic matches, rivalries, or highlights from wrestling events (e.g., WWE WrestleMania Anthology, Summerslam compilations). In these, he is the subject of the footage, not acting a scripted role.
- Talk Show Appearances/Interviews: While not explicitly listed as "movies" on Listal, Andre was a frequent guest on talk shows, further cementing his public persona.
- Video Game Characters: Modern technology allows his likeness to live on in interactive media.
Understanding these distinctions helps paint a clearer picture of his multifaceted on-screen legacy, which is far richer and more complex than a mere list of acting credits. His physical presence and the larger-than-life character he embodied ensured that any footage featuring him, whether scripted or real, became part of his enduring "filmography."
Frequently Asked Questions About Andre the Giant's Movies
What is Andre the Giant's most famous movie role?
Andre the Giant is most famous for his role as Fezzik in the 1987 fantasy-comedy The Princess Bride. His performance as the gentle giant is widely beloved and critically acclaimed.
Did Andre the Giant have any other major acting roles?
Beyond The Princess Bride, Andre had two earlier, less prominent roles in French films: Casse-tête chinois pour le judoka (1967) and The Wrestling Queen (1973). His other "appearances" are primarily in wrestling documentaries, compilations, or music videos.
Was Andre the Giant in a music video?
Yes, Andre the Giant appeared prominently in Cyndi Lauper's music video for "The Goonies 'R' Good Enough (Part 2)" in 1985, alongside other WWF superstars.
Are there any documentaries about Andre the Giant?
Yes, the HBO documentary Andre the Giant (2018) is a highly regarded and comprehensive look at his life and career, featuring interviews with many who knew him. Many other wrestling documentaries also feature extensive archival footage and discussions about Andre.
Why does Andre the Giant appear in so many wrestling "movies" and compilations?
Andre was one of the most iconic and influential figures in professional wrestling history. His matches, rivalries, and interviews are central to the narrative of WWE/WWF, leading to his inclusion in countless historical compilations, biographies of other wrestlers, and thematic documentaries about the sport.
Beyond the Screen: Remembering the Eighth Wonder
Andre the Giant's life was tragically cut short on January 27, 1993, at the age of 46, due to heart failure. Yet, his influence remains immense. He was the inaugural inductee into the WWF Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to a man who redefined what it meant to be a wrestling superstar. His legacy continues to inspire, from Billy Crystal's film My Giant (1998), which was inspired by their friendship, to Shepard Fairey's iconic "Andre the Giant Has a Posse" / "OBEY" street art image, which transformed his visage into a global phenomenon.
Whether you're revisiting his classic performances in The Princess Bride, delving into the rich history of wrestling through countless archival features, or watching the powerful documentary about his life, Andre the Giant's presence on screen is a testament to his unique power. He was more than just a wrestler; he was a cultural phenomenon, a gentle giant whose story, charisma, and imposing yet kind-hearted spirit continue to captivate audiences around the world. His complete filmography offers a unique window into the life of a true legend, whose impact stretched far beyond the ropes of the wrestling ring.