Colin Farrell has had one of the more interesting Hollywood careers in recent memory with 2022 alone showing his remarkable talents with the likes of The Banshees of Inisherin. He exploded onto the scene as the hottest young actor around but his career as a Hollywood leading man never quite took off the way people expected. However, Farrell quickly reinvented himself as a much more interesting character actor.
This unique career path has resulted in some unforgettable films as well as a few hidden gems still waiting to be discovered. From his early roles which showcased his promising talents to his versatile and challenging roles later in his career, these are Colin Farrell's best movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Tigerland (2000) - 77%
- Available on Hulu
Farrell was still an up-and-coming actor when he secured the lead in this small independent drama from Joel Schumacher. Farrell stars as a young rebellious man who arrives at basic training to prepare to serve in Vietnam. As he challenges the authority of this new existence, he develops a skill at finding loopholes for his fellow recruits to escape deployment.
The movie is a small and intimate take on the war genre with the story focusing on the psychology of preparing for war. Farrell makes for a compelling and charismatic lead, creating a grounded character that still shows off his movie star charm.
The Beguiled (2017) - 78%
- Available on Netflix
Farrell was once touted as the next big leading man in Hollywood but now seems more comfortable acting in ing roles or as part of an ensemble. He ed the stellar cast of Sofia Coppola's The Beguiled alongside the likes of Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning. The Civil War-set drama is set in an all-girls boarding school in the south that takes in an injured Union soldier, playing by Farrell.
The gothic feel of the story adds a great sense of foreboding doom throughout the engrossing tale. It is shocking, funny, and sexy while also featuring excellent performances from the great cast.
Saving Mr. Banks (2013) - 79%
- Available on Disney+
In Saving Mr. Banks, Farrell once again proves to be one of the more memorable parts of the movie while in a ing role. The film stars Emma Thompson as P.L. Travers, the creator of Mary Poppins, and the story of the tumultuous relationship between her and Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) as they attempt to bring her character to the big screen. Farrell appears in flashbacks as Travers' loving but troubled father.
The movie is a charming and interesting behind-the-scenes story of the making of a beloved film. Hanks and Thompson are great and the scenes with Farrell as some of the most powerful in the film.
The Killing Of A Sacred Deer (2017) - 80%
- Available on Showtime, Hoopla and DIRECTV
The Killing of a Sacred Deer is the second collaboration between Farrell and filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, and it proves to be another solid teaming. Farrell stars as a surgeon who makes a mistake during surgery which ends up having consequences far greater than he could have imagined.
Like most of Lanthimos' films, The Killing of a Sacred Deer is filled with dark humor, sharp writing and intense moments. The performances are also impressive with Farrell, Nicole Kidman and Barry Keoghan specifically standing out.
Seven Psychopaths (2012) - 83%
- Available on Hoopla
Martin McDonagh is another filmmaker who has collaborated with Farrell to great success on more than one occasion. Seven Psychopaths is their second film together and stars Farrell as an alcoholic screenwriter struggling with his latest project when he and his friends become the targets of several dangerous figures.
The movie is a darkly funny story filled with gruesome violence and colorful characters. Farrell once again shows his comedic talents while backed by an incredible cast including Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken, and Woody Harrelson.
The War Zone (1999) - 84%
- Available on Roku and Tubi
With his first movie role, Farrell ed the harrowing and disturbing drama The War Zone. The movie focuses on a young boy who makes a shocking discovery within his family which leads everyone down a dark path. Farrell has a small ing role as a local boy who strikes up a friendship with the boy's sister.
Undoubtedly, the movie is very difficult to watch and deals with subject matter that may be too much for many audiences to handle. But it is also a powerful movie that was praised by critics for its performances and intensity.
In Bruges (2008) - 84%
- Available to rent on Apple TV
In Bruges was the first time Farrell teamed with Martin McDonagh and it's an even better example of their talents. The film stars Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as two Irish hitmen who are ordered to hide out in Bruges, Belgium after a job goes wrong.
McDonagh immediately made a name for himself as a unique voice in cinema with dark, hilarious and sharp dialogue. Farrell and Gleeson make for a wonderfully mismatched pair while Ralph Fiennes steals the show as their rage-filled boss. It is an oddly beautiful crime-comedy filled with some of the wittiest movie characters that has grown in popularity over the years.
The Batman (2022) - 85%
- Available on HBO Max
Though there are a number of superhero roles fans could imagine Farrell playing himself, he chose to step into an unexpected villainous role in The Batman. Robert Pattinson takes on the iconic role of the Caped Crusader as he tries to stop the deadly Riddler who unravels the dark past of Gotham City.
Farrell has a scene-stealing role as Penguin with the actor nearly unrecognizable in the villain role. The movie was praised for bringing a dark detective noir vibe to the story, making it feel like its own take on Batman and his world.
Thirteen Lives (2022) - 87%
- Available on Prime Video
Another one of the several high-profile movies Farrell has out this year is the real-life rescue drama Thirteen Lives. The drama is directed by Ron Howard and tells the story of a dire rescue mission to save a ground of boys stuck in an underwater cave.
Farrell plays one of the divers alongside the likes of Viggo Mortensen and Joel Egerton making for grounded heroes. The movie was seen as an intense and gripping of the real events that took place in 2018 in Thailand.
The Lobster (2015) - 87%
- Available on Showtime, Hoopla and DIRECTV
The first collaboration between Farrell and Yorgos Lanthimos was a strange, dark romantic comedy. Farrell stars as a lonely sad sack man in a dystopian society in which people have 45 days to find a romantic life partner or be turned into an animal of their choice.
The movie features an all-star cast including Rachel Weisz, John C. Reilly, and Olivia Colman, all giving stellar and funny performances. It is certainly an odd and unconventional tale filled with wild moments, but it is also a charming story about true love.
