Kanye West is not only a music icon and fashion mogul, but he has also made significant contributions to the world of movies and television. Known for his innovative music, boundary-pushing fashion, and bold personality, Kanye has extended his influence beyond the music industry into film and TV. His ventures in these fields reflect his artistic vision, making him one of the most multidimensional figures in contemporary entertainment.
In this article, we will explore Kanye West’s movies, TV shows, and his various roles in the visual media landscape.
Films
| Title | Year | Role | Type | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The College Dropout Video Anthology | 2005 | Himself | Movie (Video) | Music / Documentary |
| Dave Chappelle’s Block Party | 2005 | Himself | Movie | Documentary / Music |
| Entourage | 2005 | Himself (Cameo) | TV Show | Comedy / Drama |
| Keeping Up with the Kardashians | 2012–2021 | Himself | TV Show | Reality TV |
| Runaway (Short Film) | 2010 | Griffin (Main Role) | Short Film | Musical / Fantasy |
| The Cleveland Show | 2010–2012 | Kenny West (Voice Role) | TV Show | Animation / Comedy |
| South Park – “Fishsticks” episode | 2009 | Parody of Himself | TV Show | Animation / Satire |
| Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues | 2013 | MTV Host (Cameo) | Movie | Comedy |
| Kanye West: Jesus Is King | 2019 | Himself | IMAX Film | Musical / Visual Experience |
| Jeen-Yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy | 2022 | Himself (Documentary Subject) | TV Docuseries | Kings of Leon A Southern Rock LegacyView |
Movies Kanye West’s Foray into Cinema
Kanye West’s involvement in cinema has been marked by his desire to break the mold of traditional filmmaking and create art that challenges conventional boundaries. Below are some of the most notable films and projects Kanye has been a part of:
he College Dropout (2004)
Role: Himself (Featured in the Music Documentary)
Director: Various (Documentary)
Although The College Dropout is primarily Kanye’s breakthrough album, it had a significant visual component, including a series of music videos and behind-the-scenes footage that was made into a kind of informal documentary. This marked Kanye’s early engagement with film, offering insights into his personality, struggles, and the making of his iconic album. While not a traditional movie, the visual content surrounding The College Dropout gave fans a deeper look into Kanye’s life.
Runaway (2010)
Role: Himself (Director, Writer, Producer)
Director: Kanye West
Platform: HBO
Runaway is one of Kanye West’s most ambitious cinematic endeavors. It is a 35-minute short film that premiered on HBO and acted as a visual accompaniment to his album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The film features surreal, symbolic imagery and explores themes of love, fame, and alienation. The film starred Selita Ebanks and Kanye himself, and it showcased his creative vision, blending art, music, and fashion in a way that few other artists have done before.
The film is essentially a mix of music videos and abstract storytelling, with Kanye experimenting with visual art. Runaway is often regarded as a critical turning point in Kanye’s career, where his artistry transcended the music world and became an all-encompassing cultural experience.
Kanye West: The Dark Fantasy (2010)
Role: Himself (Documentary)
Director: Various
Platform: Various
This documentary focuses on the making of Kanye’s acclaimed My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy album. It features candid interviews and behind-the-scenes footage of Kanye during the album’s production. The documentary delves into Kanye’s creative process, personal life, and the pressures he faced in the aftermath of his infamous interruption of Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.
Jeen-Yuhs A Kanye Trilogy (2022)
Role: Himself (Subject)
Directors: Coodie & Chike
Platform: Netflix
Jeen-Yuhs is a documentary trilogy that chronicles Kanye West’s rise to fame, from his early days as a producer to his journey as a global superstar. It offers an intimate, unfiltered look at Kanye’s life, including never-before-seen footage and behind-the-scenes moments. The documentary spans over two decades of Kanye’s career, showcasing his personal, professional, and artistic evolution.
It was one of the most anticipated documentaries of 2022 and received critical praise for its in-depth portrayal of Kanye’s complex personality and the trajectory of his career. The series also touches on his personal struggles, triumphs, and controversial moments, allowing viewers to see the man behind the headlines.
The Love Guru (2008)
Role: Himself (Cameo)
Director: Marco Schnabel
Genre: Comedy, Romance
In The Love Guru, a comedy starring Mike Myers and Jessica Alba, Kanye West made a cameo appearance as himself. The film follows a self-help guru who is called upon to help a professional hockey player win back his wife. Kanye’s cameo adds to the film’s celebrity-laden cast and fits with his larger-than-life public persona at the time. While the film wasn’t a massive hit, Kanye’s appearance showcased his sense of humor and willingness to engage in mainstream comedy.
Here’s a table summarizing Kanye West’s Movies and TV Shows:
| Type | Title | Year | Role | Platform/Channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Movie | Runaway | 2010 | Director, Writer, Producer | HBO | A 35-minute short film combining music and art, serving as a visual component for My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy |
| Movie | The Love Guru | 2008 | Himself (Cameo) | Paramount Pictures | Comedy film where Kanye made a brief cameo appearance |
| Documentary | Jeen-Yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy | 2022 | Himself (Subject) | Netflix | A documentary trilogy exploring Kanye’s rise, career, and personal life |
| Movie | Kanye West: The Dark Fantasy | 2010 | Himself (Documentary) | Various | Behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy |
| TV Show | Keeping Up with the Kardashians | 2007–2021 | Himself (Recurring) | E! | Featured during his marriage to Kim Kardashian, providing glimpses into his personal life |
| TV Show | The Kardashians | 2022–Present | Himself (Cameo) | Hulu | Appeared post-divorce from Kim Kardashian, reflecting on his life and family dynamics |
| TV Show | Saturday Night Live (SNL) | Various | Musical Guest, Host | NBC | Multiple appearances, including performances and skits |
| TV Show | The Ellen DeGeneres Show | Various | Himself (Guest) | Syndicated (NBC) | Interviews on his music, fashion, and personal life |
| TV Show | David Letterman: My Next Guest Needs No Introduction | 2019 | Himself (Guest) | Netflix | A reflective, deep interview discussing Kanye’s mental health and career |
| TV Show | The National Lottery: 20 Years of a Million Dreams | 2013 | Himself | BBC One | Appeared as part of a celebration of the National |
TV Shows Kanye West on the Small Screen
While Kanye West’s primary focus has been on music and film, he has made several appearances on television, often offering viewers glimpses of his larger-than-life personality. Below are some of the notable TV shows where Kanye has appeared.
Keeping Up with the Kardashians (2007–2021)
Role: Himself (Recurring Appearance)
Network: E!
Kanye’s marriage to reality TV star Kim Kardashian brought him into the spotlight of the famous Kardashian-Jenner family’s hit reality TV show. He appeared in multiple seasons, offering fans a peek into his life as part of one of the most famous celebrity couples. Although Kanye was initially known for being a private person, his appearances on the show allowed viewers to see a more personal side of him, including his relationships, fatherhood, and moments of tension with Kim and the family.
His presence on Keeping Up with the Kardashians was often a topic of discussion, especially during the couple’s marriage, which lasted from 2014 to 2022.
The Kardashians (2022-Present)
Role: Himself (Cameo)
Platform: Hulu
Following the end of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Kanye West continued to make sporadic appearances in the Kardashian family’s spin-off show, The Kardashians on Hulu. This show continues to follow Kim and her family as they navigate their careers and personal lives. Kanye’s interactions with Kim, his family dynamics, and his life after his divorce became important aspects of the narrative in the new series.
Saturday Night Live (SNL)
Role: Musical Guest/Host
Network: NBC
Kanye West has appeared multiple times on Saturday Night Live, both as a musical guest and as a host. His first appearance as a musical guest came in 2004, where he performed songs from his debut album The College Dropout. Kanye has since returned to SNL numerous times, often performing and also engaging in humorous skits that showcase his versatility as a performer and personality.
The Ellen DeGeneres Show (Various Years)
Role: Himself (Guest)
Network: Syndicated (NBC)
Kanye West has made multiple appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where he has discussed various aspects of his life, from his music and fashion to his personal experiences and family. Known for his unpredictable and candid responses, Kanye’s interviews on Ellen have provided the audience with some unforgettable moments. One of the most memorable appearances came in 2015 when Kanye announced his intention to run for President of the United States in the 2020 elections.
The David Letterman Show (My Next Guest Needs No Introduction) (2019)
Role: Himself (Guest)
Platform: Netflix
In his appearance on David Letterman’s Netflix talk show, Kanye West had a deeply reflective and candid conversation with the late-night host. The two discussed Kanye’s mental health, his struggles, and the inspiration behind some of his most iconic projects. The interview was both emotional and enlightening, providing a more introspective view of Kanye’s life and thoughts.
Kanye’s Influence in Film and Television
Kanye West’s contributions to the world of movies and television go beyond just his appearances. He has used his platform and influence to push the boundaries of what entertainment can be, particularly through visual media. His short film Runaway, for example, was a testament to his commitment to blending music, fashion, and film into a single, immersive experience.
Beyond his creative projects, Kanye’s personal life, controversies, and relationship with the media have made him a constant subject of interest for talk shows, documentaries, and interviews. His presence in popular media has made him not only a musical legend but also a pop culture figure whose influence spans multiple industries.
Conclusion
Kanye West’s ventures into film and television have been as varied and unpredictable as his music career. Whether it’s through his avant-garde short films, his brief appearances on reality TV, or his high-profile interviews, Kanye has consistently sought to challenge the traditional confines of entertainment. His bold personality, creativity, and willingness to experiment have made him a trailblazer in every field he touches.
As Kanye continues to evolve as an artist, entrepreneur, and public figure, it’s likely we will see more of his unique vision in the world of movies and television. His journey reflects the power of media and art to shape culture, and Kanye is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures.