My Favourite John Hurt Movies of All-Time

Not many actors built a legacy as strong as John Hurt. Since the 1980’s, Hurt became an icon. Whether it’s men with facial disorders, magical teachers or alien survivors, Hurt portrayed many compelling characters. However, in 2017 his career came to closure when he passed away from Cancer. His death was a huge loss for the industry. Listed below are my favourite films made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.

1. The Elephant Man

Facial deformities shaped my classmate’s identity. Several years ago, I witnessed a poor classmate in school suffering from severe facial deformities which caused sorrow. I remember that he was a bright kid that had dreams of becoming a theatre actor. Due to his disturbing appearance, he was an easy target for mean school bullies that would ruin self-confidence. Few films I’ve seen have captured how grim facial deformities can destroy the lives of people as powerfully as “The Elephant Man”. Released in 1980, John Hurt’s best movie captured the struggles of men with facial deformities. In the greatest role of his career, Hurt portrayed a facially deformed man suffering from severe physical features causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, emotional and vulnerable in his most memorable role. Hurt has spent most of his career playing romantic heroes in British period pieces. With “The Elephant Man”, however, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by playing a facially deformed man. Working alongside Anthony Hopkins who is also outstanding, Hurt created a portrait of facial deformities that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which John Merrick protests against crowds of people humiliating him in public by saying that he is a human being causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Elephant Man” John Hurt’s best movie is its timeless appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles strong themes that remain relevant today. It delivers a meaningful message about disability which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about men with frightening facial deformities seeking acceptance in a society that’s unforgiving, it’s a riveting reminder of a celebrated actor that constructed a long-lasting legacy by manufacturing movies which are worth celebrating.

2. Alien

Aliens are creepy creatures which always scared me. With their frightening eyes, painful claws and creepy bodies, aliens always terrified me. I would often be afraid to sleep alone at night in the fear I would be attacked by dark aliens that were a shocking sight. My lifelong fear of aliens first began when I watched “Alien”. Released in 1979, John Hurt’s science-fiction classic captured aliens evoking terror. In the most frightening role of his career, Hurt portrayed the captain of a spaceship invaded by terrifying aliens causing despair. With “Alien”, the actor showcased a rare aptitude for horror he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Sigourney Weaver who is also amazing, Hurt created a science-fiction film about aliens that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Kane first becomes aware that the spaceship has been invaded by aliens causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Alien” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about aliens, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a heartwarming message about teamwork which would resonate with everyone. As powerful as aliens in space, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that created an impressive career by manufacturing movies which audiences embrace.

3. Contact

Alien invasions are frightening disasters that fascinated my teacher. At an early age, I developed a bond with a teacher that had lifelong fear of alien invasions causing damage. He would often fear the day that the Earth would be invaded by aliens with a price to pay. As someone treasuring fond memories of a teacher afraid of extra-terrestrial contact, I loved “Contact”. Released in 1997, John Hurt’s movie captured astronomers seeking to communicate with aliens. In the most methodical role of his career, Hurt portrayed a scientist investigating aliens causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role. Working alongside Jodie Foster who is also amazing, Hurt created an alien movie that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Hadden assists Arroway with interpreting radio signals of aliens causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Contact” a sci-fi classic is its message. The film delivers a strong message about communication which resonates with everyone. A captivating portrait of astronomers seeking to make extra-terrestrial contact, it’s a bold reminder about an actor whose timeless movies have had a massive impact.

4. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Harry Potter is a magical book series that shaped my identity. The story about misunderstood boys who lived has always been part of my childhood. I recall memories of reading J.K. Rowling’s book series during my childhood influencing my identity. I immediately fell in love with a magical series about wizards casting a powerful spell with timeless stories to tell. In 2001, John Hurt honoured the magical series that’s well-known in his movie “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. In the most magical role of his career, Hurt portrayed a wand-maker that assists Harry prepare for a school where he faces warfare. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing wise mentor characters in positions of power. Working alongside Daniel Radcliffe who is also outstanding, Hurt honoured a series about wizards that’s spellbinding. For instance, the scene in which Mr. Ollivander first gifts Harry his wand seeking to prepare him for Hogwarts is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most movies in the Harry Potter franchise, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A marvellous beginning of a series about wizards that are magical, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor that made movies which audiences consider special.

5. Hellboy

Hellboy is a legendary superhero whose stories my brother would always enjoy. Several years ago, my brother was once a huge fan of the hellish superhero. Fond of Hellboy, he would always speak fondly about a hero that gave him joy. He adored a comic-book character that put lives in hellish danger. In 2004, John Hurt honoured the iconic hero with joy in his movie “Hellboy”. In the most thoughtful role of his career, Hurt portrayed a troubled scientist seeking to participate in warfare. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing mentors with intelligent nature. Working alongside Ron Perlman who is also outstanding, Hurt honoured a superhero that’s awe-inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Professor Bloom becomes aware that Hellboy has been committing crimes causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Hellboy” a classic is its appeal. Unlike most movies about heroes, it tackles commemorated themes everyone would relate to. A heartfelt tribute to Hellboy, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that always manufactured movies which audiences enjoy.

6. V for Vendetta

When it comes to the greatest comic books ever written about politicians facing a dilemma, it’s worth discussing V for Vendetta. Since its publication in 1982, Alan Moore’s series has become literature readers value. In 2005, John Hurt honoured the comic book series about messiahs with a vendetta in his movie “V for Vendetta”. In the most political role of his career, Hurt portrayed a politician seeking to save a doomed city facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase emotional range he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Natalie Portman who is also amazing, Hurt honoured a legendary comic-book series. A wonderful tribute to a comic series about vengeful men with a vendetta, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor with charisma whose movies attracted audiences to the Cinema.

7. Snowpiercer

Trains are compelling settings that often make for engaging movies. Ever since detectives solved murders on the orient express, trains are larger-than-life setting which have often been used in movies with success. In 2013, John Hurt captured the enduring appeal of trains facing disaster in her movie “Snowpiercer”. In the most authoritative role of his career, Hurt portrayed a powerful political leader seeking control on a train facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing wise mentors in positions of power. Working alongside Chris Evans who is also amazing, Hurt created a portrait of trains that’s compelling. As precious as the Snowpiercer train, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that managed to gain a massive following by making movies which entertain.

8. Midnight Express

Drug trafficking is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often avoided addressing a serious issue that’s misunderstood. In an industry avoiding drug trafficking causing stress, it’s worth praising “Midnight Express”. Released in 1978, John Hurt’s movie offered a powerful portrait of drug trafficking. In the most provocative role of his career, Hurt portrayed a criminal engaging in drug trafficking causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing troubled characters under intense pressure. Working alongside Brad Davis who is also amazing, Hurt created a portrait of drug trafficking that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of drug trafficking causing lives to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that made great movies which audiences appreciate.

9. The Hit

John Hurt always excelled at playing emotional characters whose feelings are hurt. Hurt build an image of being an actor that thrived at playing characters facing damage. Hurt’s strength for playing conflicted characters that are hit by emotions is clearly evident in his movie “The Hit”. Released in 1984, Stephen Frears’ movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most conflicted role of his career, Hurt portrayed a troubled gangster engaging in a life of crime causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing characters under pressure. Working alongside Terence Stamp who is also outstanding, Hurt created a portrait of gangsters that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of gangsters facing damage, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that never lost his abilities to make great movies that engage.

10. Hercules

John Hurt hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Hercules” falls into the latter category. Released in 2014, Brett Ratner’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Hurt portrayed a majestic king facing despair. Hurt brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Hercules” is a bad movie, it honoured Hurt’s commemorated legacy. As strong as Hercules’ desire to become a warrior that’s heroic, it’s a fantastic reminder of an iconic actor that built a terrific legacy manufacturing unforgettable movies I will forever treasure for inspiring me to become a film critic several years after his heartbreaking death which proved tragic.