Read update
- With two Oscars to his name and a number of iconic roles, Anthony Hopkins has earned a reputation as one of the greatest living actors. Fans will be thrilled to see him return to the screen in his latest project, Armageddon Time, which looms to be yet another movie among his most critically acclaimed. From the big-name projects fans love to the little-known gems that earned love from the critics, there are plenty more top-reviewed movies from Anthony Hopkins' legendary career.
Anthony Hopkins is an actor whose name is synonymous with excellence. For decades, he has been regarded as one of the greatest working actors and has delivered some of the most iconic performances of all time.
To date, Hopkins has won two Oscars and been nominated four other times. He has been a part of some huge films as well as smaller intimate stories. He has the ability to be funny and charming in one role, then become terrifying and intimidating in the next. Given his incredible talent, it's no surprise that he's been a part of some highly-acclaimed films on Rotten Tomatoes.
Updated on October 30, 2022 by Colin McCormick:
With two Oscars to his name and a number of iconic roles, Anthony Hopkins has earned a reputation as one of the greatest living actors. Fans will be thrilled to see him return to the screen in his latest project, Armageddon Time, which looms to be yet another movie among his most critically acclaimed. From the big-name projects fans love to the little-known gems that earned love from the critics, there are plenty more top-reviewed movies from Anthony Hopkins' legendary career.
15 Armageddon Time (2022) - 79%
- Now in theaters
Hopkins' latest performance is earning his Oscar buzz once again. Armageddon Time is a coming-of-age story inspired by filmmaker James Gray's own childhood. It centers around a young boy growing up in a Jewish American family in the 1980s, and Hopkins plays the boy's caring and ive grandfather.
Critics are praising the movie for its performances that also includes acclaimed actors like Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway. It is also being called a touching and personal story that avoids the obvious nostalgia route.
14 The World's Fastest Indian (2005) - 82%
- Available on Hoopla and Kanopy
Hopkins is often best ed for some of his more intense roles, so it is nice to see him embrace truly fun roles from time to time. The World's Fastest Indian is one such movie, as it tells the story of an older New Zealand man who sought to break the land-speed record in the 1960s.
Critics acknowledged that the movie is fairly formulaic and will likely not surprise too many viewers with its story. However, they also found that it was a crowd-pleasing adventure that is further elevated by an endearing performance from Hopkins.
13 The Mask of Zorro (1998) - 83%
- Available on Hulu
Hopkins is not the first person many would think of to play the iconic masked hero, but The Mask of Zorro proves a thrilling revival of the character. Antonio Banderas plays an outlaw on a path of revenge who meets the elder Zorro (Hopkins) who trains him to take up the mantle.
Critics praised the movie for delivering exactly what a movie like this should, a fun, action-packed swashbuckling adventure. Banderas was also praised for his performance in the lead role, with many fans wishing the movie with only one sequel would become a trilogy.
12 Magic (1978) - 86%
- Available on Roku, Tubi, Kanopy, DIRECTV, Crackle and Plex
Hopkins has made a number of horror movies throughout his legendary career, but Magic might be his most underrated entry in the genre. He plays a failed magician who begins a ventriloquist act with a dummy named Fats. But Fats soon seems to take on a mind of his own.
The premise sounds a bit campy and silly, though many critics ire those aspects of the movie. However, it is also a terrific showcase for Hopkins' talents as he delivers a complex and mesmerizing performance.
11 The Two Popes (2019) - 89%
- Available on Netflix
The Two Popes earned Anthony Hopkins an Oscar nomination. The film stars Hopkins as conservative Pope Benedict XVI who meets with the liberal Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (Jonathan Pryce) who would go on to become Pope Francis. The two very different men spend a few days together talking about the Catholic Church and their roles in it.
Pryce and Hopkins lead the film with excellent and well-matched performances. Critics enjoyed seeing these two accomplished actors spar on-screen over thought-provoking and engaging conversations.
10 The Lion In Winter (1968) - 90%
- Available to rent on Apple TV
Hopkins is one actor who feels right at home in a costumed drama like The Lion in Winter. Peter O'Toole stars as King Henry II who gleefully holds on to the throne without naming a successor. Soon, his wife and three sons begin plotting against him. Hopkins plays Prince Richard.
Critics appreciated that the film was willing to be more adventurous and witty than most period pieces. The intriguing plot is elevated by fantastic performances from O'Toole, Katherine Hepburn, and Hopkins in his big-screen debut.
9 King Lear (2018) - 91%
- Available on Prime Video
Shakespeare's King Lear is a difficult role to take on in any medium, but Hopkins proves more than up to the challenge in this 2018 film version of the famous piece. Hopkins stars as the titular aging king who looks to his daughters to take over the throne.
Another great movie adaptation of a Shakespeare play is bolstered by the amazing ensemble that brings the prose to life. Hopkins gives a commanding performance in the legendary role while Emma Thompson, Emily Watson, and Florence Pugh are stunning as his daughters.
8 The Elephant Man (1980) - 92%
- Available on Hoopla and Pluto TV
The Elephant Man is a gripping drama and character study from acclaimed director David Lynch. Hopkins stars as Victorian-era doctor who rescues a heavily disfigured man (John Hurt) from his tortured life as a "freak show" attraction.
Despite some of Lynch's more "out-there" films, this is a fairly straight and restrained look at a tragic figure. With outstanding performances from Hopkins and Hurt, the film is a comionate look at a mistreated man trying to find acceptance in the world.
7 Thor: Ragnarok (2017) - 93%
- Available on Disney+
Hopkins seemingly gives his last performance in the MCU Thor: Ragnarok. After returning to Asgard, Thor finds his home once again threatened by the all-powerful Hela. The God of Thunder must unite with old allies and new friends on a cosmic journey to stop her.
After a few lackluster entries in the Thor franchise, Taika Waititi was brought in to breathe some new life into the series. The sequel is a fresh, colorful, and hilarious adventure that helps make Thor one of the most entertaining Avengers.
6 Howard's End (1992) - 94%
- Available on Tubi and Pluto TV
Hopkins stars in another acclaimed period piece with 1992's Howard's End. The film explores the relationships between three separate families all divided by class during the early part of the 20th Century. Hopkins plays Mr. Wilcox, the head of the wealthy elite family.
Critics praised the film as a beautiful and engrossing adaption of E.M. Forster's novel. Its exploration of the class divide and the central message make for a compelling drama. The cast, which also includes Emma Thompson and Helena Bonham Carter, all give tremendous performances.
