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’ 15 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!
15. Margin Call (2011)
In this gripping financial thriller, Jeremy Irons delivers a chilling performance as John Tuld, the ruthless CEO of an investment bank on the brink of the 2008 financial crisis. Irons masterfully portrays Tuld’s calculated and unapologetic approach to the impending disaster, showcasing the character’s cold-blooded decision-making in the face of economic turmoil. His commanding presence and icy demeanor perfectly capture the essence of a powerful man willing to sacrifice anything for the sake of his company’s survival. Irons’ portrayal is a testament to his ability to bring depth and nuance to even the most morally ambiguous characters, making “Margin Call” a must-see for any fan of his work.
14. The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)
Jeremy Irons takes on the role of Aramis, one of the legendary Musketeers, in this swashbuckling adventure based on Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel. Set in 17th century France, the film follows the Musketeers as they plot to replace the tyrannical King Louis XIV with his secret twin brother. Irons brings a sense of wisdom and nobility to Aramis, portraying him as a man driven by his unwavering loyalty to his friends and his country. His chemistry with co-stars Leonardo DiCaprio, John Malkovich, and Gérard Depardieu is a highlight of the film, as the veteran actors bring the iconic characters to life with their unique talents. While “The Man in the Iron Mask” may not be Irons’ most critically acclaimed role, it showcases his ability to excel in period pieces and hold his own among a star-studded cast.
13. Beautiful Creatures (2013)
In this supernatural romance, Jeremy Irons plays the role of Macon Ravenwood, the mysterious uncle of the film’s female lead, Lena. As a powerful caster (a type of witch), Macon is tasked with protecting Lena from the dark forces that seek to claim her powers. Irons brings a sense of gravitas to the role, imbuing Macon with an air of wisdom and authority that befits his status as a guardian of the supernatural world. His interactions with the young leads, played by Alice Englert and Alden Ehrenreich, provide some of the film’s most compelling moments, as Macon’s stern exterior gradually gives way to a more caring and protective nature. While “Beautiful Creatures” may have been overshadowed by other young adult adaptations of its time, Irons’ performance is a standout, adding depth and intrigue to the film’s fantastical world.
12. Appaloosa (2008)
Set in the American Old West, “Appaloosa” sees Jeremy Irons take on the role of Randall Bragg, a ruthless rancher who becomes the target of two lawmen played by Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen. Irons brings a sense of menace and unpredictability to the character, portraying Bragg as a man who will stop at nothing to maintain his grip on power. His confrontations with Harris and Mortensen’s characters are electric, as the three veteran actors play off each other’s strengths to create a tense and engaging dynamic. Irons’ ability to convey both charm and cruelty in equal measure makes Bragg a formidable antagonist, and his performance is a key factor in the film’s success as a modern Western.
11. Lolita (1997)
In this controversial adaptation of Vladimir Nabokov’s novel, Jeremy Irons takes on the challenging role of Humbert Humbert, a middle-aged professor who becomes obsessed with a young girl named Dolores (played by Dominique Swain). Irons brings a sense of tortured complexity to the character, portraying Humbert as a man torn between his inappropriate desires and his guilt over his actions. His interactions with Swain are unsettling and provocative, as the film explores the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of unchecked obsession. While the subject matter may be difficult for some viewers, Irons’ performance is undeniably powerful, showcasing his ability to tackle even the most challenging and morally ambiguous roles with depth and nuance.
10. The House of the Spirits (1993)
Based on Isabel Allende’s acclaimed novel, “The House of the Spirits” is an epic family saga set against the backdrop of political upheaval in Chile. Jeremy Irons plays the role of Esteban Trueba, the family patriarch whose rise to power and wealth is marked by cruelty and oppression. Irons brings a sense of intensity and volatility to the character, portraying Esteban as a man driven by his own selfish desires and unable to see the harm he causes to those around him. His interactions with the film’s impressive ensemble cast, including Meryl Streep, Glenn Close, and Antonio Banderas, are electric, as the characters navigate the complex web of relationships and power dynamics within the Trueba family. While the film may not fully capture the magic of Allende’s novel, Irons’ performance is a standout, showcasing his ability to bring depth and nuance to even the most unlikable characters.
9. M. Butterfly (1993)
In this adaptation of David Henry Hwang’s play, Jeremy Irons takes on the role of René Gallimard, a French diplomat who falls in love with a Chinese opera singer, played by John Lone. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that nothing is quite what it seems, and Gallimard’s obsession with his lover leads him down a path of deception and self-delusion. Irons brings a sense of vulnerability and naivety to the character, portraying Gallimard as a man so blinded by his own desires that he is unable to see the truth in front of him. His chemistry with Lone is palpable, as the two actors navigate the complex and often ambiguous nature of their characters’ relationship. While the film’s exploration of gender and cultural identity may not be as nuanced as the original play, Irons’ performance is a highlight, showcasing his ability to bring emotional depth and complexity to even the most challenging roles.
8. Kafka (1991)
In this surreal and atmospheric thriller, Jeremy Irons takes on the role of the titular character, Franz Kafka, a insurance clerk and aspiring writer who becomes embroiled in a mysterious conspiracy. As Kafka navigates the labyrinthine bureaucracy and shadowy figures that populate his world, Irons brings a sense of quiet intensity and growing paranoia to the character. His interactions with the film’s impressive supporting cast, including Ian Holm and Alec Guinness, are electric, as Kafka’s search for the truth leads him deeper into a web of secrets and lies. While the film’s abstract and often confusing narrative may not be for everyone, Irons’ performance is a standout, showcasing his ability to bring depth and nuance to even the most enigmatic and inscrutable characters.
7. Damage (1992)
In this erotic thriller, Jeremy Irons plays the role of Dr. Stephen Fleming, a successful politician who becomes embroiled in a passionate and destructive affair with his son’s fiancée, played by Juliette Binoche. Irons brings a sense of tortured intensity to the character, portraying Fleming as a man torn between his desire for Binoche’s character and his sense of duty to his family and career. His chemistry with Binoche is electric, as the two actors navigate the complex and often volatile nature of their characters’ relationship. While the film’s exploration of sexual obsession and moral corruption may be uncomfortable for some viewers, Irons’ performance is a highlight, showcasing his ability to bring depth and nuance to even the most morally ambiguous characters.
6. The Mission (1986)
Set in 18th century South America, “The Mission” tells the story of a Jesuit missionary, played by Jeremy Irons, who becomes embroiled in a conflict between the church and the colonial powers over the fate of the indigenous people. Irons brings a sense of quiet intensity and moral conviction to the character, portraying him as a man driven by his faith and his desire to protect the people he has come to love. His interactions with the film’s impressive supporting cast, including Robert De Niro and Ray McAnally, are electric, as the characters navigate the complex web of political and religious tensions that threaten to tear their world apart. With its stunning cinematography and powerful performances, “The Mission” is a must-see for any fan of historical dramas, and Irons’ portrayal of the conflicted missionary is a standout.
5. Dead Ringers (1988)
In this psychological thriller, Jeremy Irons takes on the dual roles of Beverly and Elliot Mantle, identical twin gynecologists whose lives become increasingly intertwined and disturbed. Irons brings a sense of eerie intensity to both characters, portraying them as men driven by their own obsessions and desires, even as they begin to lose touch with reality. His ability to differentiate between the two characters through subtle changes in body language and vocal inflection is a testament to his skill as an actor, and his chemistry with co-star Geneviève Bujold is electric. While the film’s exploration of identity and duality may be unsettling for some viewers, Irons’ performance is a tour de force, showcasing his ability to bring depth and nuance to even the most complex and disturbing characters.
4. Reversal of Fortune (1990)
In this legal drama based on a true story, Jeremy Irons takes on the role of Claus von Bülow, a wealthy socialite accused of attempting to murder his wife, played by Glenn Close. Irons brings a sense of icy detachment and ambiguity to the character, portraying von Bülow as a man whose true motives and actions remain a mystery throughout the film. His interactions with Close and Ron Silver, who plays von Bülow’s lawyer, are electric, as the characters navigate the complex web of evidence and testimony that surrounds the case. With its sharp writing and powerful performances, “Reversal of Fortune” is a must-see for any fan of legal dramas, and Irons’ portrayal of the enigmatic von Bülow is a standout, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
3. The French Lieutenant’s Woman (1981)
In this adaptation of John Fowles’ novel, Jeremy Irons plays the dual roles of Charles Smithson, a Victorian-era gentleman, and Mike, an actor playing Smithson in a modern-day film adaptation. Irons brings a sense of repressed passion and longing to both characters, portraying them as men torn between their desires and the constraints of their respective societies. His chemistry with co-star Meryl Streep is palpable, as the two actors navigate the complex and often ambiguous nature of their characters’ relationships. With its innovative structure and powerful performances, “The French Lieutenant’s Woman” is a must-see for any fan of period dramas, and Irons’ portrayal of the conflicted Smithson is a standout.
2. Moonlighting (1982)
In this early film role, Jeremy Irons takes on the lead as Nowak, a Polish contractor hired to renovate the London home of a wealthy writer, played by Eugene Lipinski. As political tensions rise back in Poland, Nowak and his crew become increasingly anxious about the fate of their families and their own futures. Irons brings a sense of quiet desperation and resilience to the character, portraying Nowak as a man torn between his loyalty to his homeland and his desire for a better life. His interactions with Lipinski and the rest of the cast are understated but powerful, as the characters navigate the complex web of political and personal tensions that threaten to tear them apart. With its grounded, realistic approach and strong performances, “Moonlighting” is a showcase for Irons’ early talent and a must-see for any fan of his work.
1. The Lion King (1994)
While not a live-action role, Jeremy Irons’ voice performance as the villainous Scar in Disney’s animated classic “The Lion King” is simply too iconic to ignore. Irons brings a sense of silky menace and barely-contained rage to the character, imbuing Scar with a sense of Shakespearean grandeur that elevates him above the typical Disney villain. His musical numbers, particularly the showstopping “Be Prepared,” are a masterclass in vocal performance, as Irons imbues every line with a sense of malevolent glee. While “The Lion King” may be a departure from Irons’ usual fare, his performance as Scar is a testament to his versatility as an actor and his ability to bring depth and nuance to even the most larger-than-life characters. For many fans, Irons’ Scar is the definitive portrayal of the character, and a highlight of an already beloved film.
From his early days as a stage actor to his current status as a Hollywood legend, Jeremy Irons has proven time and again that he is one of the most talented and versatile performers of his generation. Whether playing tortured lovers, enigmatic villains, or everything in between, Irons brings a sense of depth and nuance to every role he takes on, elevating even the most mundane material with his magnetic presence and undeniable skill. These 15 films represent just a small sampling of his incredible body of work, but they stand as a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest actors of our time. If you haven’t seen them all, what are you waiting for? Dive into the incredible world of Jeremy Irons and discover the magic for yourself!
