With Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness hitting the theaters, Benedict Cumberbatch is back in the spotlight of the big screen. The anticipated sequel of the superhero film highlights his impact in the MCU, offering a wonderful opportunity for viewers to revisit or discover more of the filmography of the man behind Stephen Strange.
Besides several projects in theatre and television, the British actor has had numerous successful movies, some of which have the best ratings on Letterboxd. From a genius artist to the fan-favorite doctor in the Marvel universe, Cumberbatch has proven his brilliant acting range time and time again.
The Power Of The Dog (2021) - 3.71
Stream On Netflix
The fact that this movie has the lowest rating of his best films says nothing about Cumberbatch's performance or the impact that this Western had. An adaptation of the novel of the same name by Thomas Savage, The Power of the Dog focuses on the arrogant-yet-sensitive Phil Burbank, played by Cumberbatch.
Given the complexities of being a closeted gay man in the toxic environment of 1920s Montana, Cumberbatch's magnificent portrayal is essential to the film, making it a must-watch option for every cinema fan. His performance led to an Academy Award nomination.
Van Gogh: Painted With Words (2010) - 3.73
Stream On BritBox
Before receiving universal acclaim, the actor was a rising star in the UK and was part of many films and theatrical projects. Painted With Words is a drama-documentary where Cumberbatch played Vincent Van Gogh, reenacting his mannerisms and breaking the fourth wall to explain the paintings to the viewers.
The actor offers a genuine performance of the legendary painter, and this was a relevant project that led him to this breakthrough.
The Imitation Game (2014) - 3.75
Stream On Netflix
After his breakthrough as Sherlock, the British actor moved on to participate in his most famous biopic, The Imitation Game. Playing Alan Turing, the actor showed how he is suitable for historical dramas and got to explore the life of one of the world's most important mathematicians.
Although the movie received negative reviews due to its lack of commitment to depicting more of Turing's homosexuality, this project still demonstrated that Turing was the man responsible for England's victory in WWII and didn't receive any recognition for his work at the time.
Four Lions (2010) - 3.79
Stream On Amazon Prime
Four Lions is one of Cumberbatch's most unique films, and it's one that not many movie-goers are aware of. This quirky British satire focuses on three men from Sheffield who decide to become suicide bombers.
Starring Riz Ahmed, Cumberbatch only plays a side character in this project, but as usual, the actor delivers an excellent portrayal. For fans of the actor or those interested in an unusual comedy, this choice is optimal.
Avengers: Endgame (2019) - 3.93
Stream On Disney+
After three seasons of Sherlock where he played the world's most popular detective, Cumberbatch was ready to play another compelling protagonist. Introduced in Doctor Strange, the actor's character had an enthralling origin story on his own and soon gained a crucial role in the entirety of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
While Strange a key part of the MCU.
Atonement (2007) - 3.94
Stream On HBO Max
Atonement is one of the most traditional projects in the actor's filmography. Still a few years before his breakthrough in the UK, Cumberbatch played a side character in this period drama.
Directed by Pride & Prejudice's Joe Wright, this film involves the troubles caused by a teenager who wrongly accuses her older sister's lover of a crime. The actor delivers a great performance, even though he doesn't have as much screentime as his co-stars Keira Knightley and James McAvoy.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018) - 3.99
Stream On Disney+
2018's Avengers: Infinity War is the beginning of the end of this Marvel phase. Fighting alongside the ensemble of superheroes against Thanos, Strange is again a vital piece in the equation as he becomes acquainted with Tony Stark.
This project takes place after his solo movie, and it helped settle the British actor's place in the MCU and made him famous across the globe. Coincidentally, the film features the encounter between two of the most popular portrayals of Sherlock Holmes, as Cumberbatch and Robert Downey Jr. share the screen.
12 Years A Slave (2013) - 4.07
Stream On HBO Max
Starring for the first time alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cumberbatch plays a slave-owner in this honest depiction of the horrifying slavery system in the US. Directed by Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave is an acclaimed picture that tells the true story of Solomon Northup, a man who was kidnapped to become a slave.
As it should be, Benedict Cumberbatch and Michael Fassbender play only side characters since this is Solomon's story. Cumberbatch received this role mid his popularity in BBC's Sherlock, with his portrayal making him more recognizable in the industry.
1917 (2019) - 4.08
Rent On Apple TV
One of the 1917 is a poignant depiction of the horrors of war through the mainly-individual perspective of a British soldier. Being one of the actors that make the cast of this film stellar, the British actor steals the scene with his chilling performance.
Cumberbatch also s former co-stars Colin Firth (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) and Andrew Scott (Sherlock) in the list of characters who have few scenes in the film but whose actions influence the story immensely.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) - 4.13
Rent On Vudu
With his position settled in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the actor's portrayal of Doctor Strange took the character to the next level, making him an essential asset to the franchise. Unsurprisingly, Spider-Man: No Way Home has the highest rating on Letterboxd.
While the movie focuses on Tom Holland (and previous versions of Spider-Man), Stephen Strange is there to offer guidance to Peter Parker, but not without Cumberbatch's demonstration of his excellent comedy timing. After all, from comedy to drama, from period pieces to modern-age films, Benedict Cumberbatch shows that his acting range maintains a pattern of excellence.
