Not many actors possess the charisma of Daniel Kaluuya. Since the 2000’s, Kaluuya has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s political leaders, courageous ranchers or black warriors, Kaluuya has portrayed several 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 a commemorated actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Get Out
Racism is a devastating problem that shaped my friend’s identity. In high school, I formed friendships with an African-American classmate enduring frightening racism. A victim of racism, he always believed he was treated poorly by the education system. He would commonly complain about being treated poorly by bullies causing pain. No matter how hard he tried, my friend couldn’t overcome racism barriers leaving him terrified. Few films I’ve seen have captured hardships African-American men have facing racism causing doubt as powerfully as “Get Out”. Released in 2017, Daniel Kaluuya’s best movie offered portraits of racism causing tragedy. In the greatest role of his career, Kaluuya played a man that becomes a victim of grim racism by white families causing despair. Kaluuya has spent most of his career playing courageous heroes with strong personalities. With “Get Out”, however, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by playing a victim of racism. Working alongside LaKeith Stanfield who is also outstanding, Kaluuya created a portrait of racism that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Chris is aware that he is being tricked by his racist spouse who is planning his demise causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Get Out” Daniel Kaluuya’s best movie is its bold appeal. Unlike most horror movies, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about racism which would resonate with everyone. Nearly a decade after the release of a groundbreaking horror film about black men seeking to get out of their white spouse’s racist houses causing doubt, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has produced memorable movies which deserve to be talked about.
2. Judas and the Black Messiah
Fred Hampton is a legendary African-American politician that earned my friend’s appreciation. I remember a close classmate that was fascinated with the black political leader. He would always speak fondly about a messiah that fought racism during the segregation era. In 2021, Daniel Kaluuya honoured the iconic black politician that became a messiah in his movie “Judas and the Black Messiah”. In the most political role of his career, Kaluuya portrayed a renowned political leader that sought to prepare a nation during a time of despair. Kaluuya has always excelled at playing strong leaders in positions of power, and “Judas and the Black Messiah” showcased his strengths as an actor. Working alongside LaKeith Stanfield who is also outstanding, Kaluuya created a portrait of a politician that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Fred Hampton delivers a rousing speech seeking to prepare the black community for warfare is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Judas and the Black Messiah” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with African-American history to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about leadership which would resonate with everyone. A powerful tribute towards a black leader with charisma that changed America, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that has made movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
3. Nope
Alien invasions are frightening disasters that always fascinated my teacher. At an early age, I developed a strong bond with a teacher that had lifelong fear of UFO alien invasions causing damage. He would often fear the day that the Earth would be invaded by UFOs with a price to pay. As someone treasuring fond memories of a teacher discussing UFO invasions without hope, I adored “Nope”. Released in 2022, Daniel Kaluuya’s science-fiction movie captured UFO invasions causing tragedy. In the most anxious role of his career, Kaluuya portrayed a rancher seeking to protect his farm from a UFO invasion causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing strong characters in positions of power. Working alongside Keke Palmer who is also amazing, Kaluuya created an alien invasion movie that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which OJ becomes aware of the flying saucer on his ranch causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Nope” a sci-fi classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most UFO movies, it tackles strong themes that would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of frightening UFO invasions causing lives of ranchers to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a great actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences appreciate.
4. Black Panther
Black Panther is a beloved comic-book character that my friend grew up to treasure. I recall with nostalgia memories of a friend that adored the kingdom of Wakanda. A member of the African-American community, he adored a hero that shaped his identity. He would always speak fondly about an African-American hero that shaped his identity. In 2018, Daniel Kaluuya honoured the iconic comic-book character in his film “Black Panther”. In the most villainous role of his career, Kaluuya portrayed a fierce warrior that turns against his king in a kingdom causing despair. Kaluuya has spent most of his career playing likeable heroes with sympathetic personalities. With “Black Panther”, however, the actor showcased a rare aptitude for playing villains that he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Chadwick Boseman who is also outstanding, Kaluuya honoured an iconic comic-book hero that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which W’Kabi betrays T’Challa in Wakanda causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Black Panther” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about leadership which would resonate with everyone. As precious as Vibranium, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that has achieved stardom playing characters with wisdom.
5. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Spider-Man is a spectacular superhero that always inspired my brother. Several years ago, my brother was once a huge fan of the web-swinging superhero. He would always speak fondly about a hero whose great powers came with great responsibility. In 2023, Daniel Kaluuya honoured the iconic comic-book character with a strong verse in his movie “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”. In the most animated role of his career, Kaluuya portrayed a variation of Spider-Man seeking recognition in a multi-verse causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for creating compelling animated characters through his powerful voice. Working alongside Mahershala Ali who is also outstanding, Kaluuya honoured an iconic hero that’s swinging. For instance, the scene in which Spider-Punk is first introduced clashing with Miles Morales causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Spider-Man movies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about the importance of finding one’s identity which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular tribute towards a superhero, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has manufactured movies giving audiences dreams to follow.
6. Widows
When it comes to the greatest television series ever made about feminist heroes, it’s worth discussing Widows. Aired during the 1980’s, Lynda La Plante’s show built a lasting legacy. In 2018, Daniel Kaluuya honoured the series about feminist widows in his movie “Widows”. In the most menacing role of his career, Kaluuya portrayed a ruthless gangster engaging in a criminal lifestyle causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a despicable villain without humanity. Working alongside Viola Davis who is also amazing, Kaluuya celebrated a television series that’s captivating. As powerful as crimes committed by widows, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured an impressive career by making memorable movies about heroes.
7. Queen & Slim
Daniel Kaluuya has always excelled at playing conflicted characters that face trauma. Kaluuya has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing heroes facing emotional damage. Kaluuya’s strengths for playing heroes facing situations that are grim is clearly evident in his movie “Queen & Slim”. In the most conflicted role of his career, Kaluuya portrayed a criminal that engages in a life of crime with his girlfriend causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional characters under intense pressure. Working alongside Jodie Turner-Smith who is also outstanding, Kaluuya created a crime drama that’s compelling. As powerful as Slim’s love for Queen, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made unforgettable movies which demand to be seen on the big-screen.
8. Sicario
Drug trafficking is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often avoided telling stories of drug cartels that are misunderstood. In an industry that often ignored drug trafficking causing sorrow, it’s worth praising “Sicario”. Released in 2015, Daniel Kaluuya’s movie depicted drug cartels facing catastrophe. In the most authoritative role of his career, Kaluuya portrayed a commanding army officer investigating drugs in a state facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing leaders in positions of power. Working alongside Emily Blunt who is also outstanding, Kaluuya created a compelling portrait of drug trafficking. As strong as Kate’s desire to stop drug trafficking, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that thrives playing heroes in movies that are worth celebrating.
9. Johnny English Reborn
Few film franchises are British spies are as beloved as Johnny English. Since its creation in 2003, Rowan Atkinson’s spy franchise has earned a huge following. In 2011, Daniel Kaluuya honoured the franchise about English spies that are reborn in his movie “Johnny English Reborn”. In the most comical role of his career, Kaluuya portrayed a reckless agent that assists Johnny English complete a mission causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase aptitude for comedy he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Rowan Atkinson who is also outstanding, Kaluuya created a portrait of spies that’s compelling. As memorable as missions completed by Johnny English, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies with timeless themes which audiences cherish.
10. Chatroom
Daniel Kaluuya hasn’t always made great movies attracting audiences to the Cinema. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Chatroom” falls into the latter category. Released in 2010, Hideo Nakata’s movie was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, the actor portrayed a teenager participating in chat rooms causing despair. Kaluuya brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Chatroom” is a bad movie, it honoured Kaluuya’s commemorated legacy. As precious as chatrooms troubled teenagers use, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has produced memorable movies achieving revenues which I will forever treasure for inspiring my passion for writing movie reviews.
The Film Buff 