Total Number of Movies Mickey Rooney Made
Mickey Rooney appeared in more than 300 films and television movies across a career spanning more than eight decades, according to public filmography databases and studio records. The count includes theatrical releases, short subjects, and made-for-television movies, but excludes uncredited cameos and stage work. The most frequently cited total in industry references is around 340 titles when combining feature films and TV movies, with the exact number varying slightly depending on how TV movies and re-releases are counted. For a detailed breakdown by decade, see the filmography section on the IMDb page for Mickey Rooney.
The bulk of his film work occurred between the 1930s and 1970s, with a sharp decline in theatrical releases after the 1960s as television became the primary medium for his later roles. His early short-subject series for studios such as MGM and Paramount are counted separately from his feature-length films, which explains why some totals differ across sources. Public records also show he continued acting into the 2000s, with his final screen appearances in television movies and direct-to-video releases.
Major Studios and Production Companies
Rooney worked primarily with MGM during the 1930s and 1940s, where he became one of the studio's most bankable stars and appeared in dozens of features and shorts. He later made films for Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox, and United Artists, and he also produced and starred in independent projects through his own companies. His long association with MGM is documented in the studio's historical archives and in biographies that detail his contract years and box-office rankings.
In the television era, he appeared in programs and TV movies produced by networks and studios such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and various independent production houses. His later career included roles in direct-to-video releases and small-studio productions, which are often excluded from traditional theatrical counts but included in comprehensive filmography totals.
Top Titles and Career Milestones
His most recognized films include Babes in Arms, Andy Hardy series entries, National Velvet, and The Black Stallion, all of which are frequently cited in retrospectives on his career. Public rankings from box-office databases and critics' lists consistently place these titles among his most influential work, and they are the films most often referenced when discussing his legacy.
Milestones in his career include being one of the first child stars to transition successfully into adult roles, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, and earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. For a full list of his awards and nominations, see the biography on the Turner Classic Movies page for Mickey Rooney.