Dean Martin was, without a doubt, the embodiment of effortless charm and timeless cool. With his handsome looks and that smooth, mellow voice, Dean Martin carved out a unique space in entertainment history—always staying true to his image as a quick-witted, easygoing guy who loved a good drink and lived life on his own terms. Early on, Dean Martin shared the spotlight with Jerry Lewis, playing the straight man in their comedy duo, but it wasn’t long before Dean stepped into the spotlight all on his own. As Dean Martin evolved, so did his career, transitioning from comedy partner to respected film actor—earning acclaim for performances in movies like Some Came Running (1958)—and becoming a top-selling solo recording artist.
Dean Martin’s star only rose higher when he joined forces with Frank Sinatra and the rest of the Rat Pack. In films, on records, and lighting up the stages of Las Vegas, Dean Martin became the laid-back counterpoint to Sinatra’s sharper edge, solidifying his place as a cultural icon. By the 1960s, Dean Martin wasn’t just popular—he was one of the highest-paid and most beloved entertainers in the world. He even knocked the Beatles off the charts with a hit single, starred in box office hits like the Matt Helm series, and hosted The Dean Martin Show on NBC from 1965 to 1974, a comedy-variety staple that consistently topped the weekly ratings.
Though Dean Martin slowed down a bit in the ‘70s and ‘80s, he still made memorable appearances in films such as Airport (1970) and The Cannonball Run (1981), proving that Dean Martin’s appeal crossed generations. When Dean Martin passed away in 1995, his legacy didn’t fade—it grew. A renewed interest in the Rat Pack era, sparked in part by Jon Favreau’s stylish film Swingers (1996), reintroduced Dean Martin to a new audience. Suddenly, a younger generation discovered the magic of Dean Martin—the suave delivery, the relaxed charisma, the undeniable talent.
Even Jerry Lewis, his former partner, would later call Dean Martin “the most underrated performer in the history of our business,” a sentiment that speaks volumes. But audiences during Dean Martin’s prime knew better—they adored him. And decades later, fans who never saw Dean Martin perform live have come to appreciate what those earlier crowds already knew: that Dean Martin wasn’t just a performer. He was, and always will be, an icon.
When it comes to Dean Martin’s film career, fans and critics often look at the highs and lows to get a sense of his range. Dean Martin’s highest rated movie is widely considered to be The Sons of Katie Elder from 1965—a classic Western that showcased Dean Martin alongside John Wayne, earning strong reviews and solid box office results. The chemistry between the leads and the well-crafted storyline helped make it a standout in Dean Martin’s filmography. On the other end of the spectrum, Dean Martin’s lowest rated film tends to be Something Big, released in 1971. While it had its moments, the movie didn’t resonate as well with audiences or critics, falling short in both reception and impact. So, when you look at Dean Martin’s body of work, these two films represent the peak and the lower point in terms of critical response. Dean Martin certainly had his hits, and even his less successful projects are part of what makes his legacy interesting.