Every Gary Oldman Movie Ranked Worst To Best
Gary Oldman started his career in 1979, starring in multiple theater productions in the UK, before finally making his film debut in 1982's "Remembrance." But it wasn't until his defining roles in 1986's "Sid & Nancy" and 1987's "Prick Up Your Ears" that he really started being noticed. Soon, he would go on to portray a wide variety of characters ranging from historical figures like Winston Churchill and Lee Harvey Oswald to classic science-fiction villains in "Lost in Space" and "The Fifth Element."
The Oscar-winning actor is well known for his chameleon-like performances, frequently donning different accents and complex make-up to the point that he's completely unrecognizable in certain roles. Even when he's not buried in prosthetics, he is extremely adept at transforming himself into whatever character he is playing, frequently earning the praise of critics while grabbing award wins and nominations left and right.
But of all these vastly different roles over his nearly 40-year film career, which ones don't quite hit the mark and which ones are the most exciting, entertaining, and enjoyable? Read on to find out as we rank every Gary Oldman from worst to best.
58. Killers Anonymous (2019)
A mysterious figure known only as The Man (Gary Oldman) has put together a secret support group that attempts to help murderers cope with their guilt. A special meeting is called after the attempted assassination of a senator and everyone begins to question if someone in their group was responsible.
Despite lots of moody lighting and tricky camera work, 2019's "Killers Anonymous" is overloaded with uninteresting characters and nonsensical plot developments. Nothing much happens for most of the film and then everything happens all at once, leaving most viewers confused and annoyed. Critics trashed the film, bestowing it with a whopping 0% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Another infuriating aspect of the film was the marketing. The trailer and poster indicated that Jessica Alba would play a large role in the film, but only appears in the first ten minutes or so. Though getting more screen time than Alba, Gary Oldman's character is also wasted, mostly spending his time on a rooftop watching things through binoculars and drinking wine. That still honestly sounds more enjoyable than watching this film.
57. Mary (2019)
David (Gary Oldman) buys a sailing boat named Mary to take his family on a trip to Bermuda. Things are initially tense due to David attempting to reconcile with his wife Sarah (Emily Mortimer) after she had recently had an affair. Things get even more tense when the couple discover the boat is haunted by an evil witch who can possess people.
Slow-moving and riddled with cliches, 2019's "Mary" fails to take sail. The film's Rotten Tomatoes score doesn't even break double digits. While critics and audiences agree that Oldman and Mortimer give decent performances, it's not enough to raise the film above the underwhelming script and the generic jump scares.
While seeing Gary Oldman trapped out at sea attempting to survive on a haunted boat sounds like the makings of a fantastic horror movie, the real horror might just come from trying to get through this boring, predictable mess.
56. Rain Fall (2009)
John Rain (Kippei Shîna) is an assassin who makes his hits look like accidents. His latest assassination target is a public works minister, who leaves behind a flash drive full of incriminating evidence that everyone is out to get — including the CIA, headed up by William Holtzer (Gary Oldman). The minister also leaves behind a jazz pianist daughter (Kyoko Hasegawa) who Rain now feels the duty to protect.
This half-American, half-Japanese production suffers from desperately wanting to be a different movie. The coloring, the camerawork, and the music are all heavily influenced by the Bourne series, but without any thought or skill put into it. Everything is too much for the very little that's actually going on. Even Oldman was frequently cited as overacting in his role, presumably from trying to liven up the blandness of the script.
"Rain Fall" fails to be a good Gary Oldman film, while also failing to be a good Bourne ripoff. Don't fall for this one.
55. Sin (2003)
2003's "Sin" follows retired police officer Eddie Burns (Ving Rhames) as he tracks down his missing sister Kassie (Kerry Washington), who has been kidnapped by pornographer and all-around sleazeball Charlie Strom (Gary Oldman). But Eddie might have some sins of his own.
While Oldman received some positive comments about his performance, the film mostly received harsh criticism for its tired plot and stilted dialogue. However, there was no bigger critic than Gary Oldman himself. In an interview with Time Out, Oldman was quoted as saying "Oh God, that's possibly the worst movie ever made. I even felt sorry for the trees they cut down for the script paper." He further explained that he only took the role because he needed the money after his divorce.
So if you're looking for a movie to watch, you might want to skip this crime-thriller revenge story. Even Gary Oldman doesn't want you to watch this Gary Oldman movie.
54. The Courier (2019)
Ezekiel Mannings (Gary Oldman) is an evil businessman who appears to get fashion advice from Nick Fury. When he is put under house arrest for murder, he arranges for the only witness, Nick Murch (Amit Shah), to be killed. A courier (Olga Kurylenko) unknowingly delivers a bomb to his safehouse. Once the courier is aware she's being used, she makes it her mission to protect Nick Murch at any cost.
This underwhelming action film features an admirable performance by Kurylenko, but is let down in nearly every other aspect. The action is almost entirely contained to a multi-level parking garage full of generic beefy bad guys that are taken out with unconvincing choreography. Even Gary Oldman seems to be mumbling his way through the role on the way to his paycheck.
If you have the option to watch 2019's "The Courier," you might just want to return to sender.
53. The Unborn (2009)
When Casey Beldon (Odette Annable) begins to see terrifying visions of an evil child (Ethan Cutkosky) and her eyes begin to change color, she turns to her family history in search of answers. She soon discovers that her grandmother Sofi Kozma (Jane Alexander) had a twin brother who died from Nazi experimentation. An evil spirit known as a dybbuk brought her brother back to life and it's been haunting the family ever since. Casey turns to Rabbi Joseph Sendak (Gary Oldman) and Episcopal priest Arthur Wyndham (Idris Elba) to attempt to exorcize the dybbuk.
While the film attempts to breathe new life into the exorcism genre by telling the story through a Jewish lens, the beats remain formulaic and the scares are predictable and tame. 2009's "The Unborn" is another example showing that even putting the incredibly talented Gary Oldman into your generic horror film doesn't make it good.
52. Paranoia (2013)
Adam Cassidy (Liam Hemsworth) finds himself caught in a technology war between his old boss Nicholas Wyatt (Gary Oldman) and Wyatt's competitor Jock Goddard (Harrison Ford). Adam soon finds himself stealing secrets and doing dirty work for both men while trying to protect his father (Richard Dreyfuss) and date the marketing director of Goddard's company, Emma Jennings (Amber Heard).
Despite an all-star cast that also includes Embeth Davidtz, Julian McMahon, and Josh Holloway, this 2013 thriller fails to thrill. The cast and the slick production seem to be attempts to cover up a weak script that despite its seemingly intricate plot is surprisingly straightforward and underwhelming. It was also a financial disaster, debuting as the 13th highest grossing film for its opening weekend, only making $3.5 million during that time.
You might feel like you're missing out by not watching "Paranoia," but that itself is probably just paranoia. Find a better Gary Oldman film elsewhere on this list.
51. Tiptoes (2003)
Steven Bedalia (Matthew McConaughey) is shocked when his girlfriend Carol (Kate Beckinsale) tells him that she's pregnant with his child. Carol is even more shocked when it is revealed that Steven's entire family are dwarves, including his twin brother Rolfe (Gary Oldman). The couple debate whether to have the child when there is a risk the baby might also be a dwarf. Elsewhere in the film, Rolfe's French Marxist friend Maurice (Peter Dinklage) is involved in a romantic subplot with a hippy named Lucy (Patricia Arquette).
While the main cast gave solid performances, many people questioned why Gary Oldman was cast as a dwarf. This casting decision seemed to counteract any positive message the film was trying to relate. It's wildly uneven tone, jumping from dramatically sincere to crass and unfunny, did the film no favors either.
Per a retrospective on the movie by Yahoo, writer and director Matthew Bright distanced himself from "Tiptoes." He had the screenplay credited to a pseudonym, Bill Weiner. However his displeasure with the film stemmed less from the controversial casting choice and more with the fact that the studio had trimmed his two and a half hour film down to a 90 minute cheesy romcom. At the film's 2004 premiere at Sundance, Bright actively criticized the producers when introducing the film.
The extra hour of footage might have helped the film's pace and tone, but there's no tiptoeing around its biggest mistake of casting the 5'9" Gary Oldman as a 4'5" dwarf.
50. Red Riding Hood (2011)
In this update to the classic fairy tale, a village lives in fear of a dangerous werewolf. The town enlists a monster hunter, Father Solomon (Gary Oldman), to dispatch of the beast, but the fate of the village is actually in the hands of the red-hooded Valerie (Amanda Seyfried). She believes she may have a connection to the werewolf, but is it her arranged fiancé Henry (Max Irons), her true paramour Peter (Shiloh Fernandez), or someone much closer?
Helmed by "Twilight" director Catherine Hardwicke, 2011's "Red Riding Hood" tries to incorporate some of that film's DNA into the mix with less than stellar results. While critics found Oldman and Seyfried's performances to be decent, they were harsher when it came to the film's supporting cast, the underwhelming love triangle plot, and the overly serious tone applied to the ludicrous script.
If you're looking for a thrilling Gary Oldman adventure, this big bad wolf lacks bite.
49. Lost in Space (1998)
Based on the 1965 television show of the same name, 1998's "Lost in Space" follows the Robinson family (William Hurt, Mimi Rogers, Heather Graham, Lacey Chabert, Jack Johnson) and pilot Don West (Matt LeBlanc) as they venture off a dying Earth to populate a new planet. Things don't go as planned when the family's physician Dr. Zachary Smith (Gary Oldman) turns out to be a spy sent to sabotage their ship. Smith is abandoned by his co-conspirators and finds himself lost in space with the people he has betrayed.
Incorporating different plot elements from various "Lost in Space" episodes, the movie attempts to appease old fans while pulling in a new audience. The film was meant to be the beginning of a franchise that would have included both an animated and live-action television series. However, these plans were canceled after the film's poor performance. Some critics believed the movie was missing the camp of the show, while also being too silly to take seriously.
However, Gary Oldman's performance seems to be singled out as the most entertaining, with his character going through an interesting transformation in the film's finale. Also, there's a young Jared Harris that is oddly dubbed over by an American for the entire film!
48. Criminal Law (1989)
In 1989's "Criminal Law," hotshot defense attorney Ben Chase (Gary Oldman) has a reputation for getting his clients acquitted. He begins to question his career path when he helps Martin Thiel (Kevin Bacon) get clear of a murder charge, only for Thiel to kill again and pre-emptively request Chase's services. Chase accepts in order to try and sneakily get Thiel convicted, but finds it may be more difficult than he imagined.
This crime thriller features fantastic performances by Oldman and Bacon, but gets muddled by bad plotting and questionable direction. According to a review by Roger Ebert, the film uses the same jump scare technique a minimum of six times, which in and of itself should be a criminal offense.
While the movie has its share of issues, you might be able to find at least some entertainment out of watching Oldman and Bacon play a deadly cat and mouse game.
47. Guns, Girls and Gambling (2012)
After losing an Elvis impersonator contest at a Native American casino, John Smith (Christian Slater) loses all of his money playing poker with the other contestants (Gary Oldman, Chris Kattan, Tony Cox, and Anthony Brandon Wong). When a tribal mask is stolen from the casino's owner by an Elvis impersonator, John Smith is blamed. Things spiral out of control as a collection of colorful characters (Helena Mattsson, Jeff Fahey, Powers Boothe, Dane Cook, Sam Trammell, Matthew Willig) hunt down the mask and generally make Smith's life worse.
This 2012 violent crime comedy is an homage to grindhouse films and filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie. While some complained about it being a lesser version of those types of films coupled with stereotype jokes that don't land, some enjoyed the talented cast and the fun ride.
While it may not be the best movie ever, if you want to see Gary Oldman play the king of rock and roll, "Guns, Girls and Gambling" is just the film for you.
46. The Woman in the Window (2021)
The agoraphobic Anna Fox (Amy Adams) witnesses the murder of her friend Jane Russell (Julianne Moore) from her window across the street. She calls the police and accuses Jane's abusive husband Alistair (Gary Oldman) of the murder. However, she is confused when Alistair brings over his very much alive wife Jane ... who also happens to look like a completely different person (Jennifer Jason Leigh). Is Anna hallucinating, or is there a bigger conspiracy going on?
Amy Adams received lots of praise for her role in 2021's "The Woman in the Window," even though the dialogue and the direction did not. To a lesser extent, the ensemble cast (which includes Anthony Mackie, Brian Tyree Henry, and Wyatt Russell) did a fair enough job with the roles they were given. The pieces just didn't fully add up, which is kind of something you need for a murder mystery thriller.
Give the movie a view if you just want to see some good performances, or if you just want to know whether Gary Oldman's character actually killed his wife or not. Just keep your expectations low.
45. Dead Fish (2008)
After an ordinary locksmith named Abe Klein (Andrew Lee Potts) accidentally switches his cellphone with one from a professional hitman named Lynch (Gary Oldman), Abe soon finds himself on the run from even more hitmen (Billy Zane and Karel Roden) and a foul-mouthed loan shark (Robert Carlyle). Meanwhile, Lynch develops a crush on Abe's girlfriend Mimi (Elena Anaya) and considers leaving the assassination business to be with her.
This chaotic crime comedy in the style of Guy Ritchie's "Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels" and "Snatch" lets Oldman go full-on zany in his role as the lovestruck hitman. In general, critics felt like the cast gave fun performances all around, though the film's layering of seemingly inconsequential plotlines tended to be more confusing than entertaining.
While 2008's "Dead Fish" doesn't fully hold together the whole time, Oldman and company go on a violent yet wildly comedic journey that you just might enjoy.
44. Nobody's Baby (2001)
Escaped convict Billy Raedeen (Skeet Ulrich) comes across a car wreck with a baby inside and decides to raise the child himself. He is helped by a waitress, Shauna Louise (Radha Mitchell) and her trailer park neighbor Estelle (Mary Steenburgen). However, when Billy's old partner-in-crime Buford Bill (Gary Oldman) shows up, he has more financially-driven ideas in mind for the kid.
This screwball comedy in the vein of "Raising Arizona" features a delightfully weird performance by Oldman as a mutton-chopped, cowboy hat-wearing doofus who uses chapstick in ways you'd rather not imagine. The film's silliness gives way to sweetness as the film progresses, which depending on how you feel about it, either helps or harms the film. For most critics, they seemed to think it was a bad move, with not a single positive critic review on Rotten Tomatoes. However, the audience ratings are quite a bit better, even if not staggeringly great.
"Nobody's Baby" was also produced by Oldman, so presumably he thought it was a movie well worth making. Give this oddball film a chance and you might like it as well.
43. The Scarlet Letter (1995)
Very loosely based on the Nathaniel Hawthorne novel, "The Scarlet Letter" tells the story of Hester Prynne (Demi Moore) who moved from England to Massachusetts to join a colony of Puritans. When she is told her husband Roger Prynne (Robert Duvall) was killed before he could arrive to join her, she starts a passionate relationship with the local minister Arthur Dimmesdale (Gary Oldman). When it turns out Hester's husband isn't dead after all, accusations of adultery threaten to tear the new couple apart.
Sometimes referred to as the worst film of 1995, the film was largely criticized for trading in the novel's plot for something completely different and far less interesting. The steamy romance fizzled out at the box office, grossing about $10 million shy of its $46 million dollar budget. While some critics gave good reviews of Oldman's performance, Oldman himself enjoyed the movie enough to mention it being one of his personal favorites. In an interview with Peter Travers, Oldman said of the film "There's some good work in there."
Maybe you'll side with the critics and give "The Scarlet Letter" an "F," but maybe you'll find the good work Oldman mentioned and give it a solid "A."
42. Chattahoochee (1989)
When war veteran Emmett Foley (Gary Oldman) returns home and cannot find a job to support his wife (Frances McDormand), he tries to start a scene and get the police to shoot him so his wife will get the insurance money. Instead, he winds up in a mental institution. After witnessing the horrendous treatment of the patients, he teams up with a fellow inmate (Dennis Hopper) to try and reform the system.
Based on a true story, 1989's "Chattahoochee" provides an intimate look at the operating conditions of mental institutions in the 1950s. However, this factual information doesn't always lend itself to an exciting film, with many critics complaining of the film's tedium. Even so, Oldman's performance was generally praised, as was the supporting cast which also included Pamela Reed, Ned Beatty, and M. Emmet Walsh.
If you're looking for a history lesson with a great performance by Gary Oldman, then look no further than "Chattahoochee." But if you're not interested in a lecture, you might want to skip it.
41. The Space Between Us (2017)
Nathaniel Shepard (Gary Oldman) funds the first ever human voyage to Mars. Once they land, one of the astronauts, Sarah Elliot (Janet Montgomery), passes away giving birth to a child. Gardner Elliot (Asa Butterfield) is forced to live on Mars due to medical complications that would make the Earth's gravity negatively affect his heart. But with the help of his new friend, Tulsa (Britt Robertson), he finally gets to explore Earth and maybe even find out who his father is.
While some enjoy the heartwarming romantic nature of the film, 2017's "The Space Between Us" had critics keeping their distance, stating that it was cheesy, clichéd, and frequently illogical, especially in terms of the wonky science. Oldman's performance was specifically called out for seeming somewhat phoned in. However, if you're looking for a romantic sci-fi drama and can turn your brain off a little, "The Space Between Us" might just be right for you.
40. Man Down (2015)
2015's "Man Down" follows U.S. Marine Gabriel Drummer (Shia LaBeouf) throughout his military career alongside childhood friend Devin Roberts (Jai Courtney), his counseling from psychiatrist Captain Peyton (Gary Oldman) after he gets out, and the life that follows in a post-apocalyptic world that may not be real.
Some viewers found the film to be an interesting take on the effects of PTSD on soldiers – though a lot of critics felt the message was weakened by the unusual editing, the sci-fi elements, and the non-linear storytelling, leading to a film that came across as a little too gimmicky. However, praise was given to the entire cast for their dramatic heft, even if the end result was a little muddy.
Sorting out the layers to "Man Down" might not be completely satisfactory, but the message underneath. along with the powerful performances, might be reason enough to check this one out.
39. Child 44 (2015)
In Soviet Russia, Leo Demidov (Tom Hardy) loses his job of arresting dissidents after refusing to denounce his accused wife (Noomi Rapace). Demoted to working as a policeman under General Mikhail Nesterov (Gary Oldman), Leo soon uncovers a conspiracy to hide the murders of multiple children. His investigations into the conspiracy could have extreme consequences for both his family and the government.
While there is a good central mystery and strong performances by the cast, many critics thought the film was overstuffed with overly complicated subplots and digressions. Some also criticized the film for featuring a large amount of Russian characters, none of whom are played by actual Russians. The film was also banned in Russia by the Ministry of Culture, who claimed it distorted historical facts.
While 2015's historical drama "Child 44" can get bogged down in its excesses, you might still enjoy the numerous aspects of it that do work.
38. Tau (2018)
In the 2018 sci-fi thriller "Tau," Julia (Maika Monroe) is captured by a scientist named Alex (Ed Skrein). Alex locks Julia in his house and begins to experiment on her. Julia's only chance of escape is to form a friendship with Tau (voiced by Gary Oldman), the artificial intelligence program protecting the house.
While some people enjoyed the tense thriller aspects and the childlike evolution of the super powerful AI Tau, others found the story to be predictable and lacking any deeper meaning. Film critic Charles Bramesco even said Gary Oldman's participation in the film was part of a tradition of recent Oscar winners attaching themselves to terrible projects immediately afterwards.
If you're looking for a sci-fi action drama about a courageous woman fighting to save her life from a sadistic scientist and his confused creation, give Netflix's "Tau" a chance. But don't expect too much more than what's on the tin.
37. The Laundromat (2019)
Directed by Steven Soderbergh, 2019's "The Laundromat" tells the true story based of the Panama Papers scandal. Lawyers Jürgen Mossack (Gary Oldman) and Ramón Fonseca (Antonio Banderas) gleefully narrate the stories of some of the people harmed by their company, Mossack Fonseca. These people include recent widower Ellen Martin (Meryl Streep), the billionaire's daughter Simone (Jessica Allain), and Chinese businesswoman Gu Kailai (Rosalind Chao).
The all-star cast — which also includes Sharon Stone, David Schwimmer, Jeffrey Wright, Will Forte, Chris Parnell, James Cromwell, and Robert Patrick — carries the film through the comedic anthology of stories while delivering a serious message about money laundering and tax fraud. Some critics found this factual directness a little too on-the-nose, while also being incohesive as a story, ultimately resulting in the film's intended message being weakened.
While it may be a little disjointed, you might just learn a thing or two by watching Netflix's "The Laundromat."
36. Criminal (2016)
When CIA Agent Bill Pope (Ryan Reynolds) is killed in the middle of a mission, his supervisor Quaker Wells (Gary Oldman) transplants his memories into the mind of the sociopathic criminal Jerico Stewart (Kevin Costner). However, things don't go as planned when Jerico escapes and tracks down Pope's wife Jill (Gal Gadot). Will Jerico do something bad or will Pope's memories influence his way of thinking?
Despite featuring strong performances from the cast (which also includes Tommy Lee Jones and Alice Eve) and entertaining action sequences from Costner, the movie received criticism for its predictable plot and unengaging storyline. It also completely failed at the box office, grossing nearly $6 million shy of its $30 million budget.
2016's sci-fi action thriller "Criminal" might just be a movie you need to turn your brain off to enjoy. Just make sure no one goes and puts Ryan Reynolds's memories in there while you're not paying attention.
35. Romeo is Bleeding (1993)
1993's neo-noir thriller "Romeo is Bleeding" stars Gary Oldman as NYPD cop Jack Grimaldi, who frequently does favors for mob boss Don Falcone (Roy Scheider) in exchange for large bribes that he spends on his wife Natalie (Annabella Sciorra) and his mistress Sheri (Juliette Lewis). Jack's overindulgent life takes a turn for the worse when he is asked to murder a mob hitwoman, Mona Demarkov (Lena Olin). Soon, Jack and Mona are chasing and manipulating each other in a series of progressively dangerous situations.
While Gary Oldman was praised for his role as the struggling detective, the film itself was criticized for its overuse of cliches that veered the story into the realm of parody. A failure at the box office, it only grossed $3.3 million against its $10 million budget.
The cat-and-mouse chase between Oldman and Olin might be fun to watch, even if it's just to laugh at its absurdity.
34. RoboCop (2014)
A remake of the 1987 classic of the same name, 2014's "RoboCop" sees Detroit cop Alex Murphy (Joel Kinnaman) caught in a car bomb planted by a criminal he was investigating. Under the guidance of OmniCorp CEO Raymond Sellars (Michael Keaton), the remaining pieces of Murphy are put back together by Dr. Dennett Norton (Gary Oldman) into a robotic armor. With military training by Rick Mattox (Jackie Earle Haley) and some sneaky automatic drone programming, Murphy re-emerges as the cyborg police officer, RoboCop.
While not quite hitting the highs of the original film and lacking its offbeat humor and political satire, the "RoboCop" remake still manages to tell an entertaining science-fiction story — one packed with slick action sequences, real emotional stakes, and an intriguing critique of real-world politics and the media. It's difficult to top an absolute classic, the "RoboCop" reboot is a valiant effort and is worth checking out.
33. Remembrance (1982)
The rarely seen feature film debut of Gary Oldman, 1982's "Remembrance" begins with Oldman playing Daniel, a drunken sailor stumbling through the rain looking for another place to drink. He eventually finds a nightclub and strikes up a conversation that upsets the bouncer, who winds up beating Daniel into a coma. The rest of the film follows various characters as they prepare to set sail from Plymouth, some of whom try to find out more about Daniel's past.
In addition to being Gary Oldman's first role, the film features early appearances of other British stars like Timothy Spall ("Harry Potter"), John Altman ("EastEnders"), and Lisa Maxwell ("The Bill"). With the abundance of characters and storylines, the film can meander and get a bit lost, but the immense talents of the not-yet-discovered cast are captivating to watch.
Though "Remembrance" might be difficult to find, viewing Gary Oldman's first onscreen performance is well worth the effort.
32. We Think the World of You (1988)
Unlike its overly comedic trailer, 1988's "We Think the World of You" is a dramatic film about a recently imprisoned man named Johnny (Gary Oldman). He leaves his dog Evie in the care of his parents and his former lover Frank (Alan Bates). After Frank bonds with the dog, he decides he wants to take full custody and take him away from Johnny's abusive family. When Johnny gets out of prison, it becomes increasingly difficult for Frank to do so.
While the film has few reviews, most of them praise the film's plot, characters, and views on human nature and repression of sexuality through the metaphorical use of a dog. The film is slower paced than it possibly could be, but according to one review by Roger Ebert, it's a film that rewards attention.
With a great performance by Gary Oldman and a central role played by an adorable dog, "We Think the World of You" is an underseen film that you just might enjoy.
31. The Backwoods (2006)
In order to repair their marriage, Norman (Paddy Considine) and Lucy (Virginie Ledoyen) head out to the backwoods of Northern Spain to spend some time with Norman's boss Paul (Gary Oldman) and his wife Isabel (Aitana Sánchez-Gijón). While out hunting, Norman and Paul stumble across a young girl (Yaiza Esteve) chained up in a cabin. They decide to free her and take her back to Paul's home in the woods. Unfortunately, the girl's family is not too far behind.
2006's "The Backwoods" earned praise for its strong performances and tense atmosphere, though some critics compared it unfavorably to similarly themed backwoods thrillers like "Deliverance" and "Straw Dogs." But while it might not be treading new ground, the film still tells its story with solid direction and purpose.
If you're in the mood for a 70s throwback thriller starring Gary Oldman, "The Backwoods" just might be the perfect film for you.
30. Hunter Killer (2018)
When the Russian President Nikolai Zakarin (Alexander Dyachenko) is kidnapped by his defense minister Dmitriy Durov (Mikhail Gorevoy), the United States gets involved. Admiral Charles Donnegan (Gary Oldman) and US Navy Rear Admiral John Fisk (Common) send the submarine Arkansas led by Commander Joe Glass (Gerard Butler) to retrieve the imprisoned Russian President to prevent the a new war.
Critics trashed the movie, citing its overuse of cliches, unrealistic plotline, and the abundance of phoned-in performances from the entire cast (which also includes Linda Cardellini and Michael Nyqvist). "Hunter Killer" also fared poorly at the box office, grossing nearly $9 million shy of its $40 million budget. However, the film has an audience score of almost 70% on Rotten Tomatoes, due to its exciting edge-of-your-seat action sequences and blockbuster appeal.
While there may not be a lot of meat to 2018's submarine thriller "Hunter Killer," it seems to be a serviceable popcorn flick.
29. Hannibal (2001)
In the 2001 sequel to the 1991 thriller classic "The Silence of the Lambs," FBI Agent Clarice Starling (Julianne Moore) is asked to pursue the escaped cannibal Hannibal Lector (Anthony Hopkins) by one of his former victims Mason Verger (Gary Oldman). The horribly disfigured Verger secretly plans on torturing and killing Hannibal once he gets his hands on him.
Directed by Ridley Scott, the film features fantastic performances, disturbing visuals, and a sumptuous score by Hans Zimmer. Audiences seemed to love it as well, considering "Hannibal" broke several records and grossed over $350 million worldwide. The critics were a little harsher, saying the film didn't live up to the original, nor did Moore measure up to Jodie Foster. There were also complaints of trading in character interactions for stylish gore.
Gary Oldman initially went uncredited in the original release and is virtually unrecognizable under the horrific makeup he sports to portray a man who cut off his own face. It's not Oldman's first character to be transformed by amazing makeup, nor his last. However, this specific example might just be his scariest.
28. Track 29 (1988)
Originally made in 1974 as a television play called "Shmoedipus," 1988's "Track 29" sees Gary Oldman filling the role previously portrayed by Tim Curry. The film tells the story of Linda Henry (Theresa Russell), a woman who is ignored by her husband, surgeon and model train enthusiast Henry Henry (Christopher Lloyd), who is cheating on her with his nurse, Ms. Stein (Sandra Bernhard). A reminder of Linda's past comes back to haunt her when a British stranger named Martin (Oldman) rolls into town, claiming to be her son that she had given up for adoption in her teenage years. But is he really her son? Is he even a real person?
This psychological film builds to a fever pitch of chaos and surrealism that some critics found to be a little too much on the extreme side. However, some appreciated the challenge the film presented. In a review by Roger Ebert, he said that though he didn't like the film, that was because "the film is unlikable — perhaps deliberately so. But that doesn't make it a bad film, and it probably makes it a more interesting one." He went on to praise Oldman's performance and the film's commitment to providing something truly bizarre.
While you may not like "Track 29," maybe you can still appreciate the madness.
27. The Book of Eli (2010)
In this post-apocalyptic film, Denzel Washington plays Eli, a man who hears a voice telling him to deliver a book he owns to a safe place. He fights his way westward and stumbles into a town controlled by a man named Carnegie (Gary Oldman) who has been searching for Eli's book, which is revealed to be the Bible. Carnegie pursues Eli, who has teamed up with Solara (Mila Kunis), the daughter of Carnegie's blind mistress Claudia (Jennifer Beals). Together, they must protect the book and each other.
2010's "The Book of Eli" received some criticism for being too similar to recently released films like "The Road" and "Legion," while also stretching believability with its twists and turns. However, Washington and Oldman play their roles well and the action sequences are a delight to behold.
"The Book of Eli" is a fun, action packed film with a philosophical bent that maybe gets a little too bendy.
26. The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017)
When hitman Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson) agrees to testify against the dictator Vladislav Dukhovich (Gary Oldman), his life is put into danger. A bodyguard, Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds), is hired to protect him. While Bryce and Kincaid have an unpleasant history together, they must learn to work with each other to bring down Dukhovich.
2017's action comedy "The Hitman's Bodyguard" didn't fare terribly well with critics, who criticized its well-worn buddy comedy and action movie tropes. However, the film did surprisingly well at the box office, making nearly six times over its original $30 million budget.
A sequel, "The Hitman's Bodyguard's Wife," followed in 2021 with Jackson, Reynolds, Salma Hayek, and Richard E. Grant returning to portray their characters. But if you're looking for a fun Gary Oldman film, stick with the original. He does make a small appearance in the sequel, but only in footage reused from the first film.
25. State of Grace (1990)
When Terry Noonan (Sean Penn) returns to Hell's Kitchen to meet his childhood friend Jackie Flannery (Gary Oldman), he discovers that Jackie mixed up in the Irish mafia run by his older brother Frankie (Ed Harris). As an undercover cop, Terry is conflicted about whether or not to turn in his friends.
This 1990 crime drama received rave reviews for Gary Oldman's wild and unpredictable character, as well as Sean Penn's more subtle and conflicted counter performance. However "State of Grace" was overshadowed by another film released the same week that featured a more unique take on the mobster genre, Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas." The latter film towered over the former, grossing over $45 million more than the not quite $2 million "State of Grace" earned.
In addition to Oldman and Penn, this gripping drama also features Robin Wright, John Turturro, and John C. Reilly. It might not be "Goodfellas," but "State of Grace" is well worth your time.
24. Interstate 60 (2002)
2002's road trip comedy "Interstate 60" begins when Neal Oliver (James Marsden) makes a wish on his 22nd birthday that he had an answer for his life. The wish is granted by the whimsically magical and occasionally devious O.W. Grant (Gary Oldman). Neal finds himself traveling along Interstate 60 which he soon discovers doesn't actually exist. Along the way, he meets a cast of increasingly strange characters that help him realize a little bit more about himself and life in general.
Written and directed by Bob Gale ("Back to the Future") and featuring an all-star cast that includes Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Amy Smart, Chris Cooper, Kurt Russell, and Ann-Margret, "Interstate 60" is a strange and delightful moral fable. It didn't attract a lot of attention when released, but has developed a decent following with over 5,000 ratings on Rotten Tomatoes earning it a nearly 90% audience score.
If you're wishing to watch a fun, underappreciated Gary Oldman film, then watch "Interstate 60" and consider that wish granted.
23. Crisis (2021)
Juggling multiple storylines concerned with the opioid epidemic, 2021's "Crisis" sees Dr. Tyrone Bower (Gary Oldman) working on a non-addictive painkiller. When the pharmaceutical company he works for decides to release his not-yet-effective medicine, Bower must figure out how to stop them. Elsewhere, DEA Agent Jake Kelly (Armie Hammer) attempts to bring down two different drug cartels, while recovering addict Claire Reimann (Evangeline Lilly) investigates the death of her son.
This ambitious crime thriller manages to expertly weave its numerous plot threads into a satisfying package. Though hit with some backlash due to a scandal involving Armie Hammer and some critics negatively comparing it to Steven Soderbergh's "Traffic," many critics still praised the intense performances and intricate storytelling on display. Gary Oldman's performance in particular was singled out as being especially interesting, playing a man who desires to be responsible for the potential harm his works could cause.
22. Murder in the First (1995)
After being imprisoned in Alcatraz for stealing $5 from a grocery store, Henri Young (Kevin Bacon) is regularly abused by the warden Milton Glenn (Gary Oldman). After a failed escape attempt, Henri's life is made even worse when he is put in solitary for three years. When Henri is released, he kills the man who ratted him out to the warden. Henri is put on trial for first-degree murder and public defender James Stamphill (Christian Slater) is assigned to his case. Stamphill attempts to prove that the poor treatment Young received at Alcatraz drove him insane.
Based on a true story, 1995's "Murder in the First" was praised for its performances, but questioned for its legitimacy. Whether or not it's true, this historical film does its job in making you consider the questionable practices of prison systems and the treatment of those who are forced to reside in them.
If you're looking for a Gary Oldman courtroom drama, try "Murder in the First" and decide for yourself who you think is guilty.
21. Air Force One (1997)
In 1997's action thriller "Air Force One," U.S. President James Marshall (Harrison Ford) is forced to protect his family and a group of journalists when his plane is hijacked by a group of terrorists led by Egor Korshunov (Gary Oldman). Marshall manages to hide in the cargo hold when Korshunov believes he has left the plane in an escape pod. Using this to his advantage, Marshall begins to take the terrorists out one by one, while calling into the Vice President (Glenn Close) for further assistance from the ground.
This presidential "Die Hard" in a plane won over critics and audiences alike with tense action sequences and top tier performances from Harrison Ford and Gary Oldman. Though some of the plot veers into potentially silly territory, it all manages to work under the capable direction of Wolfgang Petersen. "Air Force One" was also a huge success financially as the fifth highest grossing film of the year, raking in over $300 million worldwide.
For a high-flying Gary Oldman action film, look no further than the Harrison Ford classic "Air Force One."
20. Immortal Beloved (1994)
After famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven (Gary Oldman) passes away, his friend Anton Felix Schindler (Jeroen Krabbé) searches for the beneficiary of Beethoven's estate, since it has only been bequeathed to his "immortal beloved." The potential candidates include a former student, Giulietta Giucciardi (Valeria Golino), a former lover, Anna-Marie Erdödy (Isabella Rossellini), and his brother's widow, Johanna Reiss (Johanna ter Steege).
1994's historical biography "Immortal Beloved" is also a romantic mystery. Though the film posits a solution to the identity of Beethoven's beloved, the actual answer is still unknown to this day, and the debate continues to this day. The film itself also caused debate among critics, as some disliked the slow pace and the fabrications, whereas others loved Oldman's performance of a musical maestro struggling with the loss of his hearing while continuing to write beautiful music.
See if you can solve the mystery of "Immortal Beloved" — and if you can't, at least you can enjoy the music.
19. Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
Based on the classic 1897 horror novel, 1992's "Bram Stoker's Dracula" reinvigorates the story of the world's most famous vampire Dracula (Gary Oldman) as he pursues Mina Harker (Winona Ryder), the woman he believes to be the reincarnation of his deceased wife Elisabeta. After dispatching her husband Jonathan (Keanu Reeves), all that stands in his way are the combined forces of vampire hunters Abraham Van Helsing (Anthony Hopkins), Dr. Jack Seward (Richard E. Grant), Lord Arthur Holmwood (Cary Elwes), and Quincy P. Morris (Billy Campbell).
This imaginative and extravagant classic directed by Francis Ford Coppola features one of the most definitive performances of Dracula. Sometimes times charming and seductive and other times or terrifying and horrific, Gary Oldman's portrayal of the renowned monster wowed critics and audiences as he took on the vampire's various forms with ease. The rest of the cast were also praised (save for a terribly accented Keanu Reeves), as were the impressive practical effects, all of which added up to a delightfully surreal and evocative feature film that went on to win three Academy Awards.
"Bram Stoker's Dracula" features a truly legendary Gary Oldman performance based on a truly legendary character.
18. Basquiat (1996)
1996's "Basquiat" tells the true story of Brooklyn painter Jean-Michel Basquiat (Jeffrey Wright). The film chronicles his time as a struggling artist living in a cardboard box to his eventual fame — which sees becoming close with legendary artist Andy Warhol (David Bowie), art dealer Bruno Bischofberger (Dennis Hopper), and painter Albert Milo (Gary Oldman).
Oldman's character is actually a fictional stand-in for the writer and director Julian Schnabel, who was himself a painter. As such, the film was not only a biography of Basquiat, but also a metaphorical piece of art about Schnabel as well. This artistic approach, along with an amazing cast that also includes Benicio del Toro, Claire Forlani, Parker Posey, Courtney Love, Christopher Walken, and Willem Dafoe, led to rave reviews from critics and audiences alike.
If you're looking for a true story artfully told, then "Basquiat" is the work of art for you.
17. The Contender (2000)
When the Vice President of the United States dies, current President Jackson Evans (Jeff Bridges) needs to select a replacement. While he is pushed to choose Jack Hathaway (William Petersen), a governor who recently attempted to save a drowning woman, Evans instead chooses Senator Laine Hanson (Joan Allen) so as to have the first female Vice President. This decision has to be approved by both houses of Congress and Republican Congressman Sheldon Runyon (Gary Oldman) stands in the way as he digs up dirt on the senator.
Critics loved this intriguing political drama, praising the strong acting, the interesting plot, and the increasing tension. There was some criticism that while the film mostly appeared to be as unbiased as possible, it still had a fairly liberal lean. One of those critics was Gary Oldman himself, who said in an interview with IGN that the film was originally more ambiguous and morally gray. He placed a lot of the blame on the emotionally charged music that was added in after the film was picked up by Dreamworks, which solidified his character as a villain and Joan Allen's character as a hero.
Despite the musical altercations to the 2000 political thriller, "The Contender" is still a strong contender for one of Gary Oldman's best films.
16. Mank (2020)
David Fincher's 2020 biopic "Mank" tells the true story of how Herman J. Mankiewicz (Gary Oldman) met newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst (Charles Dance) and his lover Marion Davies (Amanda Seyfried) — only to later turned their controversial lives into a revolutionary film along with famed director and co-writer Orson Welles (Tom Burke). Struggling with his alcoholism and outside concerns about how his work will be perceived, Mankiewicz powers through and manages to write one of the greatest films ever made: "Citizen Kane."
Much like "Citizen Kane" itself, the movie is filmed in black-and-white with era-appropriate sound and music, with the story being told in a non-linear fashion. This extreme attention to detail in addition to the amazing performances led to a film that critics and audiences loved, even if it sometimes fudged the historical accuracy.
The film thrives on Mankiewicz's dislike of Hearst and his later feud with Welles over screen credit. Gary Oldman perfectly embodies the character's flaws and triumphs in this Netflix original that grabbed ten Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor for Oldman.
15. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
After learning of a Soviet mole in MI6, agent Jim Prideaux (Mark Strong) is sent by Control (John Hurt) to get his name from a Hungarian general. After the mission goes south, former spy George Smiley (Gary Oldman) is called in to investigate further, receiving help from field agent Ricki Tarr (Tom Hardy) and his boss Peter Guillam (Benedict Cumberbatch). They soon find themselves in a web of intrigue that only they can unravel.
Based on the bestselling novel by John le Carré, 2011's "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" is a smart, complex spy thriller that is tense and engaging. The film earned three Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor for Oldman, whose incredible performance anchors a film already filled with tremendous star power like Colin Firth, Ciarán Hinds, and Toby Jones.
If you're looking to uncover the identity of a great Gary Oldman film, then be sure to look into "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy."
14. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
The fifth film in the series, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" sees Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) along with his friends Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) organize their own Defense Against the Dark Arts class after the official one is taken over by the horrendous Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton). Meanwhile, Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) puts together a secret order to stop the villainous Voldermort (Ralph Fiennes) from returning to power.
Based on the longest book in the Harry Potter series, writer Michael Goldenberg along with director David Yates streamlines the story to make it the second shortest film in the franchise. This results in a tight, emotionally focused movie that's packed with magical action. It still manages to introduce classic characters like Voldemort's loyal warrior Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter) and quirky student Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch), while also saying a devestating goodbye to Harry's godfather Sirius Black (Gary Oldman).
Breaking multiple records and grossing over $940 million worldwide, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" proves that sometimes the movie can be just as good as the book.
13. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (1990)
1990's "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" follows its two titular characters (Gary Oldman and Tim Roth, respectively) as they weave their way in, out, and through the William Shakespeare play "Hamlet." They question the madness of Danish prince Hamlet (Iain Glen), while also questioning their very own reality and seeming lack of free will. Aided (or hindered) by the leader of a theater troupe (Richard Dreyfuss), they must deal with destiny, fate, and a new record for coin tossing.
Tom Stoppard writes and directs this wonderful adaptation of his play of the same name, successfully blending the comedy and surrealness of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot" with one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies. The film is loaded with clever wordplay and existential discussions, delightfully delivered by the dynamic duo of Oldman and Roth.
"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead," a film based on a play about another play that features a play within a play, might not catch the conscience of the king, but it will certainly make you laugh.
12. The Fifth Element (1997)
In the year 2263, an ancient evil makes its way to Earth. The only people who can stop it are taxicab driver Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis), priest Vito Cornelius (Ian Holm), talk-show host Ruby Rhod (Chris Tucker), and the fifth element herself, Leeloo (Milla Jovovich). Standing between them and their mission to save the world are weapons dealer Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg (Gary Oldman) and a group of Mangalore mercenaries.
1997's sci-fi classic "The Fifth Element" is a bright, zany, and action-packed thrill ride that features incredible design, wonderful music, and killer performances by an all-star cast. Though it split critics for its over-the-top style that some loved and some hated, the film was a huge hit taking in over $260 million, nearly three times its $90 million budget.
Featuring Gary Oldman in one of his campiest villain roles, "The Fifth Element" is a wildly entertaining film you will not want to miss.
11. Sid & Nancy (1986)
The 1986 punk rock biopic "Sid & Nancy" tells the true story of the Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious (Gary Oldman) and how his drug-fueled relationship with groupie Nancy Spungen (Chloe Webb) broke the band apart and ultimately ended the couple's lives.
While not a financial hit, the film received rave reviews for Oldman and Webb's complex performances that render these tragic larger than life figures as incredibly human. It went on to develop a cult following, as well as appearing on many best-of lists. It was also Gary Oldman's first major role in a film and the one that skyrocketed him to stardom. Respected movie critic Roger Ebert even thought this breakout role was worthy of an Oscar, stating in an interview with Joan Rivers: "I tell you who definitely won't be nominated and should be, and that's a young British actor named Gary Oldman."
If you're looking for the first Gary Oldman role that caught the world's attention, then be sure to watch "Sid & Nancy."
10. Darkest Hour (2017)
In 2017's "Darkest Hour," Gary Oldman turns in an astounding performance as British Prime Minister Winston Churchill during the Second World War, who leads his country while refusing to back down against the threat of Nazi invasion. His commitment to his principles along with some rousing, passionate speeches inspires his country and turns the tides against Hitler.
This fantastic war drama biopic earned six Academy Award nominations, as well as netting Gary Oldman his first ever Oscar for Best Actor. Oldman gives an incredible performance that is aided by some truly impressive Oscar-winning makeup and $20,000 worth of cigars that brings back to life this amazing historical figure. Supporting Oldman is a talented cast consisting of Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily James, and Ben Mendelsohn, as well as the strong direction of filmmaker Joe Wright.
A transformative role for Gary Oldman, "Darkest Hour" is an inspiring true story you don't want to miss.
9. JFK (1991)
After President John F. Kennedy is assassinated, New Orleans district attorney Jim Garrison (Kevin Costner) begins to doubt the official story that the murder was committed by lone gunman Lee Harvey Oswald (Gary Oldman). As he investigates the national tragedy, he finds himself falling deeper and deeper into a whirlwind of conspiracy.
While much of the conspiracy present in the controversial 1991 political thriller "JFK" has been widely criticized, the film was praised for its audacity, its frenetic editing, and the incredible vision of its director Oliver Stone. Featuring a wide range of actors from heavy hitters like Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland, and Kevin Bacon to more comedic actors like John Candy, Wayne Knight, and John Larroquette, as well as Sissy Spacek, Michael Rooker, Joe Pesci, and so many more, the film is jam packed with talent.
Nominated for eight Academy Awards (and winner of two), "JFK" is a masterpiece of presidential conspiracies.
8. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
The epic conclusion to Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy, 2012's "The Dark Knight Rises" picks up eight years after the previous film "The Dark Knight." Gotham City has become a safer place after the Dent Act was passed, thanks to Police Commissioner Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and Batman (Christian Bale) agreeing to keep Harvey Dent's criminal turn as Two-Face a secret. But with the arrival of the terrifying Bane (Tom Hardy), Bruce Wayne is forced to bring Batman out of retirement. Along the way, Bruce also gets entangled with a cat burglar named Selina Kyle aka Catwoman (Anne Hathaway) and a young police officer named John Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt).
Grossing over $1 billion dollars worldwide, "The Dark Knight Rises" was a huge hit with audiences who were excited to see the end of this incarnation of the DC Comics hero. Critics also praised its complex plot, interesting characters, and satisfying conclusion. The franchise-ender made its way onto many best of lists for the decade, for best superhero movies, and just best movies of all time.
Trilogies are hard to conclude well, but "The Dark Knight Rises" is one of the few successful examples.
7. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
2014's "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" picks up ten years after 2011's "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," after the Simian Flu wiped out most of humanity while greatly evolving the world's ape population. A small group of humans led by ex-police officer Dreyfus (Gary Oldman) search for a place to call home. A subset of the group, Malcolm (Jason Clarke), his wife Ellie (Keri Russell), and his son Alexander (Kodi Smit-McPhee) attempt to negotiate with the apes' leader Caesar (Andy Serkis) for help. Unfortunately, the scheming Koba (Toby Kebbell) threatens to shatter the barely maintained peace.
Under the helm of Matt Reeves, the film surpassed its predecessor with a worldwide gross of over $700 million. Many critics said this emotional and action-packed follow-up was a huge improvement over the still surprisingly good previous film. The film's darker tone, stronger directorial hand, and nuanced performances from both the humans and the apes alike ensured another installment in the franchise: 2017's similarly acclaimed "War for the Planet of the Apes."
While Gary Oldman only appears in this middle film, the whole trilogy is well worth watching.
6. Léon: The Professional (1994)
When 12-year-old Mathilda Lando (Natalie Portman) discovers that her entire family has been killed while she was out grocery shopping, she hides out in her neighbor's apartment. She soon discovers that her neighbor, Léon (Jean Reno), is a professional hitman. She becomes his apprentice, forcing him to teach her his ways, so that she can get revenge on corrupt DEA agent Norman Stansfield (Gary Oldman) — the man responsible for her family's murder.
1994's action thriller "Léon: The Professional" features a career-defining performance from Gary Oldman, as well as the critically praised debut of Portman. Writer and director Luc Besson's first English-language film balances intense action with emotional depth while being consistently entertaining.
You might want to steer clear of the director's cut, which made American test audiences uncomfortable with its more overt sexual undertones. But if you're looking for a film that features Gary Oldman performing at the height of his abilities, you can't go wrong with "Léon: The Professional."
5. Prick Up Your Ears (1987)
1987's "Prick Up Your Ears" tells the true story of famed playwright Joe Orton (Gary Oldman) and his lover and writing partner Kenneth Halliwell (Alfred Molina). As Orton's career skyrockets and he begins exploring his sexuality more openly, Halliwell becomes more reclusive, paranoid, and jealous. When Orton gets asked to write a film for The Beatles, things begin to spiral out of control for Halliwell.
The film won Best Artistic Contribution at Cannes and earned Oldman a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor. The witty and intelligent script was highly praised, as were the incredible performances — not only by Oldman and Molina, but the secondary cast as well. Critics were particularly fond of Vanessa Redgrave as Peggy Ramsay, Orton's literary agent, who tells theatre critic John Lahr (Wallace Shawn) the story of Orton's life.
In a filmography full of fantastic biopics, "Prick Up Your Ears" might just be Gary Oldman's best.
4. Batman Begins (2005)
Exploring the origins of the popular DC Comics character, 2005's groundbreaking film "Batman Begins" follows billionaire Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) as he struggles with the death of his parents. After traveling the world training in martial arts, Batman returns to save Gotham City from a sinister plot hatched by the villainous Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy) and the man who trained Bruce, Ra's al Ghul (Liam Neeson). Aiding him in protecting the city are his butler Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Caine), police sergeant Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman), Wayne Enterprise's tech guy Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), and District Attorney Rachel Dawes (Katie Holmes).
Christopher Nolan's "Batman Begins" was a big hit, revitalizing the Batman franchise after the disappointment of Joel Schumacher's campy "Batman & Robin." The film earned praise for its more realistic take, dramatic characters, and complex storyline and earned almost $400 million worldwide.
"Batman Begins" also impacted the culture at large. As noted in a Forbes article discussing the film's ten year anniversary, "'Reboot' became part of our modern vocabulary, and superhero origin stories became increasingly en vogue for the genre. The phrase 'dark and gritty' likewise joined the cinematic lexicon, influencing our perception of different approaches to storytelling."
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
2004's "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," follows Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), who learns that the Voldemort supporter Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped from the wizard prison Azkaban and is coming for him. Badly affected by the presence of the prison guard Dementors that seek Black, Harry takes private lessons with new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher Remus Lupin (David Thewlis) who may just be keeping a few secrets from Harry.
The third Harry Potter film featured many changes that pushed the series into bold new directions. The tone was darker and moodier, while still retaining a sense of magical wonder, thanks to the imaginative work of director Alfonso Cuarón. A more mysterious Michael Gambon replaced the recently deceased Richard Harris as Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. The main cast were no longer confined to wearing only their school robes. All of these changes resulted in a superb film that broke box office records and made it the second highest rated Harry Potter film on Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, and Metacritic.
"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" is truly one of the best Harry Potter films, and one of the best Gary Oldman films as well.
2. True Romance (1993)
When sex worker Alabama Whitman (Patricia Arquette) falls in love with Clarence Worley (Christian Slater), Clarence decides to help her get away from her pimp Drexl Spivey (Gary Oldman). After dealing with Drexl and accidentally stealing a large bag of cocaine, the new couple find themselves on the run from mobsters and the police.
Written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Tony Scott, 1993's "True Romance" is incredibly violent and immensely fun. The film failed at the box office barely making back its $12 million budget, but was a critical success that has since transformed into a cult classic. Featuring an intensely iconic showdown between Christopher Walken and Dennis Hopper, Brad Pitt as stoner comic relief, and Val Kilmer as a hallucinatory Elvis mentor, "True Romance" is packed with memorable moments.
The most memorable character is quite possibly the dreadlocked and heavily scarred pimp, Drexyl, who is simultaneously terrifying and absolutely ridiculous. Being able to maintain that delicate balance makes this one of Gary Oldman's best roles.
1. The Dark Knight (2008)
An alliance forged between billionaire Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale), District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), and Lieutenant Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) to tackle Gotham's criminal elements is severely tested when an intelligent but immensely chaotic criminal known as the Joker (Heath Ledger) begins terrorizing the city.
Nominated for eight Academy Awards and posthumously winning a Best Actor Oscar for Heath Ledger, 2008's epic Batman sequel "The Dark Knight" wowed audiences and critics alike. The film earned over $1 billion worldwide and was added to the National Film Registry as a culturally significant film. Featuring one of Heath Ledger's last and best performances, "The Dark Knight" also displays a tightly constructed script, wonderful visuals, and an impressive score.
The film also sees Jim Gordon finally get promoted from Lieutenant to Commissioner and he definitely earns it. Mark Kemode of the BBC said that Gary Oldman should have also been nominated for an Oscar, calling it was the best performance in the film.
That all adds up to "The Dark Knight" being possibly one of the best comic book movies of all time and definitely the best Gary Oldman film.