Jeremy Irons is one of the most acclaimed and versatile actors of his generation. With a career spanning over five decades, he has delivered unforgettable performances on stage, television, and the big screen. Known for his distinctive voice and intense screen presence, Irons has the rare ability to completely transform himself for each role.
From villainous turns to complex dramatic portrayals, Irons elevates every project he’s involved in. He has worked with many of the greatest directors including David Cronenberg, Louis Malle, Bernardo Bertolucci, and David Lynch. Irons is one of the few actors to achieve the “Triple Crown of Acting” – winning an Academy Award, Emmy Award, and Tony Award.
His filmography is filled with modern classics and hidden gems. In this article, we’ll count down Jeremy Irons’ 20 best movies, exploring what makes each performance so special. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, there’s sure to be something on this list for you. Let’s dive in!
20. The Time Machine (2002)
Irons had a supporting role in this remake of the classic H.G. Wells sci-fi tale. He played the Uber-Morlock, the leader of a monstrous future race. While the film received mixed reviews, Irons brought his usual gravitas to the villainous part.
19. The Merchant of Venice (2004)
In this adaptation of Shakespeare’s play, Irons played the role of Antonio, the title character. He delivered his lines with great precision and emotional depth. Though not the lead, Irons made a strong impression as the complex Antonio.
18. Beautiful Creatures (2013)
Irons portrayed Macon Ravenwood, the mysterious uncle of a teenage girl, in this supernatural romance. He brought an air of danger and unpredictability to the role, making Macon one of the film’s most intriguing characters.
17. Eragon (2006)
Based on the popular young adult novel, this fantasy film cast Irons as the wise mentor Brom. He provided a sense of authority and gravitas to guide the young hero on his journey. Even in a CGI-heavy blockbuster, Irons’ talent shone through.
16. Casanova (2005)
Irons had a delightful supporting turn in this period romantic comedy as Pucci, the servant of Heath Ledger’s Casanova. He stole every scene he was in with impeccable comic timing and charm. It’s a treat to see Irons show off his lighter side.
15. Margin Call (2011)
In this tense drama set during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis, Irons played the CEO of a powerful investment bank. His character must make difficult decisions as the firm teeters on the brink of disaster. Irons perfectly captured the high-stakes pressure and moral ambiguity of the situation.
14. The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)
Irons was part of an all-star cast in this adaptation of the classic Alexandre Dumas novel. He played Aramis, one of the Four Musketeers plotting to replace the cruel King Louis XIV with his secret twin brother. Irons brought a quiet intensity to the role, his character driven by a deep sense of honor and loyalty.
13. Lolita (1997)
In Adrian Lyne’s controversial adaptation of the Vladimir Nabokov novel, Irons played Humbert Humbert, a literature professor who becomes infatuated with a young girl. It’s an incredibly challenging role that requires walking a very fine line. Irons found the humanity in Humbert while never shying away from the disturbing nature of the character’s obsession.
12. Stealing Beauty (1996)
Irons played a supporting role in Bernardo Bertolucci’s coming-of-age drama about a young American woman (Liv Tyler) who travels to Italy after her mother’s suicide. He portrayed a dying writer who becomes fascinated by the girl. Irons brought a sense of melancholy and regret to the character, hinting at a life filled with missed opportunities.
11. Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)
Irons had a blast chewing the scenery as the villain in the third installment of the Die Hard franchise. He played Simon Gruber, a terrorist with a personal vendetta against Bruce Willis’ John McClane. Irons seemed to relish the opportunity to go big and bold, delivering his threats with theatrical flair. It’s one of his most purely entertaining performances.
10. The House of the Spirits (1993)
Based on Isabel Allende’s novel, this sweeping drama follows a South American family across generations. Irons played Esteban Trueba, the family’s conservative patriarch. He brought great depth to the role, showing how Esteban’s rigid beliefs and violent temper eat away at him over the years. It’s a powerful, haunting performance.
9. Damage (1992)
In this psychosexual drama directed by Louis Malle, Irons played a British politician who begins a destructive affair with his son’s fiancée (Juliette Binoche). He fearlessly explored the character’s obsession and self-loathing, never holding back from the story’s disturbing themes. It’s a raw, emotionally brutal performance.
8. Reversal of Fortune (1990)
Irons won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Claus von Bülow, a wealthy socialite accused of putting his wife into a coma. It’s a tricky role, as von Bülow remains an enigma throughout the film. Irons played him with sly charm and ambiguity, keeping the audience guessing about his true nature.
7. Dead Ringers (1988)
In one of the most stunning dual performances ever put on film, Irons played identical twin gynecologists in David Cronenberg’s psychological thriller. As the brothers descend into madness and depravity, Irons made each one a distinct character while still maintaining their eerie connection. Watching him act against himself is a master class in screen acting.
6. The Mission (1986)
Irons co-starred with Robert De Niro in this historical drama about a Jesuit missionary in 18th century South America. He played Father Gabriel, who attempts to build a mission and convert the indigenous people to Christianity. Irons brought great sensitivity and compassion to the role, as Gabriel’s faith is tested by the harsh realities around him.
5. The French Lieutenant’s Woman (1981)
In Karel Reisz’s post-modern take on John Fowles’ novel, Irons played dual roles. He was Charles Smithson, a 19th-century gentleman engaged in an illicit affair, and Mike, the modern-day actor playing Charles in a film. Irons skillfully navigated the tricky structure, creating two fully realized characters that echo and comment on each other.
4. Moonlighting (1982)
This small-scale drama provided an early showcase for Irons’ talents. He played Nowak, a Polish builder leading a team of workers renovating a home in London. Irons captured Nowak’s quiet authority and determination, as he faces personal and professional challenges. It’s a subtle, deeply felt performance.
3. Inland Empire (2006)
Irons had a small but crucial role in David Lynch’s surreal masterpiece. He played Kingsley Stewart, a film director working on a cursed production. Irons brought a sense of world-weariness and barely concealed desperation to Kingsley, hinting at the darkness lurking beneath the Hollywood dream factory.
2. Waterland (1992)
In this underrated gem, Irons gave one of his most moving performances as Tom Crick, a schoolteacher haunted by his past. As Tom reveals his personal history to his students, Irons peeled back the layers of trauma and regret that have shaped his life. It’s a beautifully modulated portrayal of a man coming to terms with his demons.
1. The Lion King (1994)
Irons’ most iconic role is one where he doesn’t even appear on screen. As the villainous Scar in Disney’s animated classic, Irons gave one of the all-time great voice performances. He imbued Scar with a delicious mix of sarcasm, bitterness, and malevolence that made him a truly unforgettable antagonist. Irons’ vocal work alone creates a fully realized character.
From blockbusters to art house fare, Jeremy Irons always delivers a captivating performance. He has the ability to completely disappear into a role, whether he’s playing a romantic lead, a tortured soul, or a dastardly villain. Even in subpar films, Irons remains a riveting presence, elevating the material with his commitment and skill.
Watching Irons’ work is like attending an acting masterclass. He has an incredible command of his craft, able to convey volumes with a simple gesture or inflection. At the same time, he never seems to be showing off or chewing the scenery. Everything he does feels grounded in truth and authenticity.
Throughout his career, Irons has been drawn to complex, often unlikable characters. He doesn’t shy away from the dark side of human nature, exploring the twisted psyches of men consumed by obsession, ambition, and desire. Irons finds the humanity in even the most monstrous figures, forcing us to confront the shadows within ourselves.
He is also capable of great warmth and sensitivity, as seen in films like The Mission and Waterland. Irons has a gift for expressing deep wells of emotion with just a look or a line reading. He can break your heart with a glance, conveying a lifetime of pain and longing.
No matter the role, Irons always seems to be challenging himself and pushing his craft in new directions. He never takes the easy route or falls back on familiar tricks. Watching his work, you get the sense of an artist constantly striving to find fresh ways to express the human condition.
As he moves into the later stages of his career, Irons remains as vital and compelling as ever. Recent performances in films like Margin Call and series such as Watchmen and The Crown show he has lost none of his power or presence. He continues to tackle bold, daring projects with the same fearless commitment he’s always shown.
Jeremy Irons is a true icon of the acting world, a performer of unparalleled skill and versatility. His legacy is secure, thanks to a body of work that stands as a testament to the power of great acting. Whether you’re revisiting an old favorite or discovering one of his performances for the first time, Irons’ work always rewards close attention.
Here’s to many more years of unforgettable roles from one of our greatest living actors. Irons is a treasure, and his contributions to the art of film will be celebrated for generations to come. Bravo, Mr. Irons, and thank you for sharing your incredible gifts with the world.
