Martin Freeman’s Greatest Movies Ranked

Not many actors in Britain have achieved recognition of Martin Freeman. Since the 1990’s, Freeman has become an icon. Whether it’s fantastical ring-bearers, conflicted lovers or doomsday survivors, Freeman has portrayed many strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actor that deserves to be appreciated.

1. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

The Lord of the Rings is a fantastic fantasy series that shaped my grandfather’s identity. At an early age, I formed bonds with a grandfather that appreciated a series about dark rings causing damage. Drawn towards rings that were dangerous, he loved a fantasy series that held a place in his heart that was precious. I remember every summer looking forward to spending quality time with my grandfather watching LOTR movies in the theatre. As someone treasuring a grandfather that loved books about rings causing tragedy, I adored “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”. Released in 2012, Martin Freeman’s best movie offered a beautiful adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved fantasy series. In the greatest role of his career, Freeman portrays a courageous hobbit embarking on grim journeys to discover a ring causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Freeman has spent most of his career playing comical characters in British comedies. With “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”, however, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by playing a legendary literary character. Working alongside Ian McKellen who is also amazing, Freeman honoured a series about rings that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Bilbo Baggins solves riddles in the dark with Gollum causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” Martin Freeman’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most LOTR movies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about addiction which would resonate with everyone. 70 years after the publication of a classic fantasy book about brave hobbits carrying a precious ring with powers that are terrifying, it’s a riveting reminder about a fantastic actor that has made films which are definitely without a doubt worth celebrating.

2. The World’s End

Doomsday scenarios are disasters that always fascinated my mother. At an early age, my mother would love discussing doomsday tragedies causing damage. She would fear the day that world would face a doomsday with a price to pay. As someone treasuring a mother that feared the world’s end, I appreciated “The World’s End”. Released in 2013, Martin Freeman’s comedy offered a hilarious depiction of a doomsday disaster tragedy. In the most comical role of his career, Freeman embodies a businessman that becomes victim of a doomsday disaster causing despair. With “The World’s End”, Freeman showcased his flair for British comedy that he has established throughout his career. Working alongside Rosamund Pike who is also amazing, Freeman created a doomsday disaster comedy that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Oliver reunites with his friends several years after separation that caused despair is one of the funniest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The World’s End” a comedy classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about doomsday disasters, it tackles strong themes of friendship that would resonate with everyone. A hilarious depiction of doomsday disasters which are dangerous, it’s a fantastic reminder of a famous actor that has made memorable movies audiences consider to be precious.

3. Black Panther

Black Panther is a beloved comic-book character my friend grew up to treasure. I recall with nostalgia memories of a friend appreciating the kingdom of Wakanda. A comic-book nerd, he always spoke fondly about a hero that made him feel heard. Being a member of the African-American community, he adored a hero impacting his identity. In 2018, Martin Freeman honoured the legendary comic-book character in his movie “Black Panther”. In the most heroic role of his career, Freeman portrayed an agent becoming involved in the world of Black Panther causing despair. With “Black Panther”, the actor took steps out of his comfort zone making his first ever comic-book movie. Working alongside Chadwick Boseman who is also amazing, Freeman honoured an iconic comic-book character. For instance, the scene in which Everett summons the courage to participate in warfare in Wakanda causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Black Panther” a commemorated comic-book classic is its bold appeal. Unlike most Marvel blockbusters targeted towards comic-book fans, it discusses commemorated themes everyone would relate to. As precious as the kingdom of Wakanda, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor with charisma that makes timeless movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.

4. Captain America: Civil War

Captain America is a captivating comic-book character that always impressed my teacher. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of an English teacher that adored Captain America. He would always speak fondly about a hero with a shield that shaped his identity. In 2016, Martin Freeman honoured the character facing a war in his movie “Captain America: Civil War”. In the most authoritative role of his career, Freeman portrayed an agent seeing superheroes engaging in warfare causing despair. Freeman has an aptitude for playing characters in positions of power, and “Captain America: Civil War” showcased his strengths. Working alongside Chris Evans who is also amazing, Freeman honoured a character that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Everett meets Captain America for the first time to engage in civil warfare is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Captain America: Civil War” a comic-book classic is its message. The film delivers a bold message about friendships that will resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of superheroes engaging in a civil war, it’s a riveting reminder of a celebrated actor that has become a well-known star making timeless films that raise the bar.

5. Love Actually

Childhood crushes are lovers that rarely last forever. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl in school with dreams of marriage. However, immigration ended bonds forever. When my family immigrated to Canada, I lost touch with a girl that I had once appreciated. As someone treasuring fond memories of a childhood crush I loved dearly, I adored “Love Actually”. Released in 2003, Martin Freeman’s movie depicted romantic relationships between British couples. In the most provocative role of his career, Freeman portrayed a pornographic actor pursuing a romantic affair. It isn’t easy to portray a pornographic actor that performs sex scenes for a living but Freeman succeeded. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to take a step out of his comfort zone playing a sexual character. For instance, the scene in which John seeks to prepare a sex scene with Judy is one of the funniest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Love Actually” a great romantic comedy is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about relationships which would resonate with everyone. A captivating depiction of couples celebrating the Christmas season, it’s a bold reminder of an actor producing movies that deserve appreciation.

6. Shaun of the Dead

Over the past decade, the zombie movie genre has declined in quality. With their cheap jump scares, wooden characters and lack of surprises, most zombie movies have become a chore to sit through. In a genre that has become dead, it’s worth praising “Shaun of the Dead”. Released in 2004, Martin Freeman’s movie revived the zombie genre. In the most absurd role of his career, Freeman portrayed the survivor of a zombie apocalypse causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his aptitude for playing comical characters with a sharp sense of humour. Working alongside Simon Pegg who is also amazing, Freeman created a zombie movie that’s compelling. A spectacular portrait of scary zombies causing disaster, it’s a superb reminder of an actor that has made memorable movies which audiences treasure.

7. Cargo

The COVID-19 Pandemic was a disaster that had an impact on the world which was tragic. In 2020, the world was affected by a painful pandemic which left people isolated. In 2017, Martin Freeman captured a pandemic causing sorrow with eerie similarities to COVID in his movie “Cargo”. In the most emotional role of his career, Freeman portrayed a courageous father seeking to protect his family from a virus causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing an emotionally disturbed character. Freeman showcased flair for conveying strong emotions he hadn’t shown before in his career. A powerful portrait of a pandemic causing consequences that are tragic, it’s a terrific reminder of a commemorated actor that has made movies which have always captivated the public.

8. Hot Fuzz

Martin Freeman has always excelled at playing comical characters facing tension. Freeman has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing funny characters with a sharp sense of humour. Freeman’s strength for playing comical heroes causing a buzz is clearly evident in his movie “Hot Fuzz”. Released in 2007, Edgar Wright’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most hilarious role of his career, Freeman portrayed a police-officer engaging in corruption causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his comedic talents. Working alongside Bill Nighy who is also amazing, Freeman created a cop comedy that’s compelling. A hilarious portrait of barriers faced by police that are British, it’s a brilliant reminder of an actor that has manufactured memorable movies which audiences always cherish.

9. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

When it comes to the greatest sci-fi books ever written about a galaxy, it’s worth discussing The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Since its introduction in 1978, Douglas Adams’ sci-fi series has earned a huge following. In 2005, Martin Freeman honoured the series about a galaxy in his movie “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”. In the most eccentric role of his career, Freeman portrayed a man that embarks on an adventure across the galaxy causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a sci-fi character that’s well-known. Working alongside Sam Rockwell who is also amazing, Freeman honoured a science-fiction book. A great adaptation of a book about galaxies in space, it’s a grand reminder of a commemorated actor that has made memorable movies which audiences embrace.

10. Miller’s Girl

Martin Freeman hasn’t always made great movies earning appreciation. While most movies that the actor has made have been appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Miller’s Girl” falls into the latter category. Released in 2024, Jade Bartlett’s movie was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Freeman portrays a professor that engages in an illicit affair with a younger student causing despair. Freeman brought wisdom to a sensitive role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Miller’s Girl” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Freeman’s legacy. As strong as Miller’s bond with his student, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor with powerful commitment towards his craft whose unforgettable movies I will forever treasure for motivating my passion for writing about entertainment.