Not many actors in Hollywood catch the interest of audiences like Benedict Cumberbatch. Since the 1990’s, Cumberbatch has become an icon. Whether it’s innovators, slave owners or legendary detectives, Cumberbatch has portrayed several characters. Given the number of movies he has made, making a list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies of an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Sherlock
Sherlock Holmes is a legendary literary character that my father has always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a father that loved the detective with courage. He would always appreciate seeing the grim crimes that the world-famous detective sought to investigate. Fond of a legendary literary character, he always spoke fondly about a detective he came to treasure. Through his love for Sherlock Holmes, my father inspired me to make my film criticism dreams come true. In 2010, Benedict Cumberbatch did an extraordinary job of portraying the legendary detective in his iconic series “Sherlock”. In the greatest role of his career, Cumberbatch embodies a world-famous detective investigating murders that are a burden to bear. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in the most iconic role of his career. Cumberbatch is one of those actors that has always excelled at playing highly intelligent characters, and “Sherlock” showcased his strengths as a performer. Working alongside Martin Freeman who is also excellent, Cumberbatch embodies the intelligence of Sherlock Holmes. For instance, the scene in which Sherlock Holmes investigates his first murder with Watson in the “A Study in Pink” is one of the most memorable moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Sherlock” Benedict Cumberbatch’s greatest role is its universal appeal. It’s one of those rare shows everyone would enjoy regardless of whether they are fans of Sherlock Holmes. It delivers a universal message about friendships which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular tribute towards a famous detective seeking to investigate crimes that are destructive, it’s a breathtaking reminder about an actor whose memorable movies audiences consider to be incredibly effective.
2. The Imitation Game
Alan Turing is a legendary mathematician that my grandfather has always found inspiring. Several years ago, I formed a bond with a grandfather that considered Alan Turing a hero. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather that was fascinated with an innovator that had courage. He would often tell stories about a legendary mathematician that shaped his identity. As someone treasuring memories of a grandfather that loved a mathematician achieving fame, I adored “The Imitation Game”. Released in 2014, Benedict Cumberbatch’s Oscar-winning movie did an extraordinary job of bringing Alan Turing’s life to the big-screen. In the greatest role of his career, Cumberbatch embodies an eccentric innovator that designed a machine to prevent WWII warfare. It’s challenging to portray an iconic innovator in history, but Cumberbatch succeeded. For instance, the scene in which Alan Turing finally gets his computer to work breaking the Nazi Enigma Code is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Imitation Game” Benedict Cumberbatch’s best movie is its message. The film delivers a commemorated message about the importance of dreams which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the history of the commemorated machine to appreciate it. 80 years after Alan Turing constructed a groundbreaking machine preventing a war that was frightening, it’s a breathtaking reminder about an awe-inspiring actor whose movies are definitely without a doubt worth celebrating.
3. 12 Years a Slave
Slavery is a sensitive subject that shaped my friend’s identity. Years ago, I formed long-lasting relationships with a friend taking great interest in slavery. He made great effort to educate people about the slave trade. He believed movies were an art form which could never capture a historical tragedy that tore lives apart. Few films I’ve seen have captured the slave trade as powerfully as “12 Years a Slave”. Ever since its release in 2013, Benedict Cumberbatch’s movie has stood the test of time as a masterpiece. In the most complex role of his career, Benedict Cumberbatch embodies a slave owner treating his slaves in ways that are fair. Cumberbatch has always excelled at conveying emotions through body language, and his talents are evident in “12 Years a Slave”. For instance, the scene in which Ford offers a violin to Solomon as a reward for his hard work is one of the most memorable moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “12 Years a Slave” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about freedom which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular portrait of slavery in American history that caused lives of slaves to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor whose timeless movies audiences appreciate.
4. The Power of the Dog
Bullying has a negative impact on people’s well-being. At an early age, I often faced severe bullying that caused damage. During high school, I was often picked on by bullies which were cruel. No matter how hard I tried, I could never stand up against bullies that pushed me aside. Few movies I have seen have captured bullying as powerfully as “The Power of the Dog”. Released in 2021, Benedict Cumberbatch’s western offered a powerful depiction of consequences faced by cowboy ranchers that bully. In the most unlikeable role of his career, Cumberbatch embodies an aggressive cowboy rancher with a tendency to bully people evoking fear. Cumberbatch has spent most of his career playing heroic characters with sympathetic personalities. With “The Power of the Dog”, however, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by portraying an unlikeable bully. For instance, the scene in which Phil bullies the new kid on his ranch Peter is one of the best moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Power of the Dog” a great movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about bullying which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of painful consequences of bullying causing lives of cattle ranchers to crumble, it’s a remarkable reminder about an actor whose movies audiences consider to be special.
5. Star Trek: Into Darkness
Star Trek is a spectacular science-fiction franchise that shaped my teacher’s identity. Years ago, I formed a strong bond with a teacher that loved a series about galaxies. A huge fan of Star Trek, he would always love to discuss a franchise about galaxies that aliens that trek. Through his love for Star Trek, my teacher inspired me to make my film criticism dreams come true. As someone treasuring fond memories of a teacher that loved a franchise about galaxies with darkness, I adored “Star Trek: Into Darkness”. Released in 2013, Benedict Cumberbatch’s movie celebrated the iconic science-fiction series. In the most villainous role of his career, Cumberbatch embodies a terrorist that evokes fear. Cumberbatch excels using his voice to portray characters with authority, and “Star Trek: Into Darkness” showcased his strengths. For instance, the scene in which Khan reveals his identity to members of the Starfleet is one of the best moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Star Trek: Into Darkness” a great Star Trek film is its appeal. The film tackles relatable themes everyone would relate to regardless of whether they are fans of Star Trek. A spectacular tribute towards a science-fiction franchise shrouded in darkness, it’s a sensational reminder about a commemorated actor that has become an icon in the entertainment business.
6. 1917
Over the past decade, the war movie genre has declined in quality. With their loud battle sequences, poor storytelling and cartoonish characters, most war movies have become a chore to sit through. However, “1917” is an exception. Released in 2019, Benedict Cumberbatch’s movie did an extraordinary job of recreating the battle of 1917 in World War I. In the most commanding role of his career, Cumberbatch embodies a war general issuing orders in warfare. Despite his limited screen-time, Cumberbatch leaves a strong impression in the role. It’s a larger-than-life role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his commemorated aptitude for playing powerful characters with authority. A breathtaking recreation of the battle of 1917, it’s a brilliant reminder about an actor whose movies always deserve to be seen on the big-screen.
7. The Mauritanian
When it comes to shocking cases of wrongful conviction in American history, it’s worth discussing Mohamedou Ould Slahi. A Mauritania native, Slahi spent 14 years in Guantanamo Bay without charges of crime. Not only did Slahi’s mistreatment violate constitutional rights, but it exposed the CIA’s wrongdoings. In 2021, Benedict Cumberbatch captured Slahi’s wrongful conviction in his film “The Mauritanian”. In the most methodical role of his career, Cumberbatch embodies a Colonel that discovers wrongful conviction causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his aptitude for playing characters in positions of power. Nearly 30 years after a prisoner was wrongfully convicted in Guantanamo Bay, it’s a riveting reminder about an actor whose memorable movies are worth celebrating today.
8. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Benedict Cumberbatch has always been one of those actors with a powerful voice. Ever since his career began years ago, Cumberbatch has always excelled at using his voice to create characters that are compelling. Cumberbatch’s aptitude for using his voice to create strong characters is evident in “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”. Released in 2012, Peter Jackson’s LOTR blockbuster found the actor playing a dragon posing danger. In the most frightening role of his career, Cumberbatch embodies a menacing dragon that evokes fear. As Smaug, Cumberbatch did an excellent job of reimagining a commemorated dragon through his voice. As strong as Bilbo’s desire to defeat a dangerous dragon experiencing desolation, it’s a dazzling reminder about an actor whose movies are definitely worthy of celebration.
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9. Doctor Strange
Few comic-book heroes that are strange are as beloved as Doctor Strange. Since his 1960’s comic-book introduction, Doctor Strange is a spectacular sorcerer that has achieved a huge following. In 2016, Benedict Cumberbatch did an amazing job of portraying the strange doctor in his film “Doctor Strange”. In the most heroic role of his career, Cumberbatch embodies a courageous doctor learning magic to conquer his fear. Cumberbatch has always been one of those actors with a sharp sense of humour, and it is clearly evident in “Doctor Strange”. As Stephen Strange, Cumberbatch showcased a comical side to himself audiences hadn’t seen before. As unforgettable as the spells cast by Doctor Strange, it’s a spectacular reminder about a commemorated actor with emotional range whose movies audiences love to arrange.
10. Avengers: Endgame
It’s challenging to bring a franchise to satisfying conclusions. Most film franchises begin on a high note. However, franchises rarely achieve closures. The final film in a franchise rarely ever sticks the landing creating satisfying endings. That being said, in 2019 Benedict Cumberbatch pulled it off when he made his final Avengers film “Avengers: Endgame”. In most solemn role of his career, Cumberbatch embodies a superhero facing despair. Cumberbatch brought an emotional vulnerability to Doctor Strange in “Endgame” that audiences hadn’t seen before. Despite limited screen-time, Cumberbatch left a lasting impression. A fantastic farewell towards a famous superhero team, it’s a fabulous reminder about a supreme actor whose timeless movies I will forever treasure for inspiring me to pursue my filmmaking dream.
The Film Buff 