Jesse Plemons’ Greatest Movies Ranked

Not many actors have built a legacy as strong as Jesse Plemons. Since the 1970’s, Plemons has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s FBI officers, corrupt gangsters or frustrated fathers, Plemons has portrayed several interesting 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. The Power of the Dog

Bullying is a harmful activity that shaped my identity. At an early age, I lacked courage to stand up against mean bullies in my high school that caused emotional damage. In high school, I was often mistreated by big bullies that were cruel. Mean girls became a big part of my routine at age thirteen. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stand up against bullies leaving me terrified. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the smog faced by individuals that experience bullying as powerfully as “The Power of the Dog”. Released in 2021, Jesse Plemons’ best movie captured the lives of bullying Western ranchers. In the greatest role of his career, Plemons portrayed a rancher that is bullied by his older brother on a farm facing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Plemons has spent most of his career playing strong leaders in positions of authority. With “The Power of the Dog”, however, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by playing a victim of bullying. Working alongside Benedict Cumberbatch who is also amazing, Plemons created a portrait of bullying that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which George is bullied by Phil when he refuses to obey his orders causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Power of the Dog” Jesse Plemons’ best movie is its bold appeal. Unlike most westerns, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about effects of bullying which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking portrait of tension that western ranchers enduring bullying are experiencing, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made movies which are worth celebrating.

2. Killers of the Flower Moon

Indigenous communities shaped my friend’s identity. I remember forming relationships with a close friend that grew up to treasure Aboriginal people. He always held strong associations with his Aboriginal community. In 2023, Jesse Plemons honoured Indigenous communities underneath the moon in his movie “Killers of the Flower Moon”. In the most thoughtful role of his career, Plemons portrayed an FBI agent that investigated genocide of Aboriginal tribes causing despair. Plemons has always had an aptitude for playing emotional characters under intense pressure, and “Killers of the Flower Moon” showcased his strengths as an actor. Working alongside Robert De Niro who is also outstanding, Plemons created a portrait of Aboriginal people that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which White becomes aware of Aboriginal murders causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Killers of the Flower Moon” a masterpiece is its appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be members of the Aboriginal tribes to appreciate it. As precious as the Osage community’s oil, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor that excels playing villains facing turmoil in memorable films that make movie-goers’ blood boil.

3. 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, Jesse Plemons honoured the iconic black politician that became a messiah in his movie “Judas and the Black Messiah”. In the most authoritative role of his career, Plemons portrayed a real-life FBI agent that sought to investigate a Black movement causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor an opportunity to showcase his talent for stealing the show as a supporting character. Working alongside LaKeith Stanfield who is also amazing, Plemons honoured an African-American politician that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Agent Mitchell interrogates Bill about his role in Fred Hampton’s life causing despair 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 history to appreciate it. A powerful tribute towards a black leader with charisma that changed America, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured movies throughout his career attracting audiences to the Cinema.

4. The Irishman

Aging is a painful process that causes seniors to face stress. As far back as I can remember, I’ve always shared a strong bond with a grandfather I treasure. An inspiring person with a love for movies, he passed on to me a passion for filmmaking. However, aging ended our relationship forever. As someone treasuring fond memories of a grandfather that faced aging destruction, I adored “The Irishman”. Released in 2019, Jesse Plemons’ movie captured the lives of aging gangsters facing tragedy. In the most thoughtful role of his career, Plemons portrayed a real-life hitman that engages in a life of crime causing despair. With “The Irishman”, the actor showcased rare emotional range he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Robert De Niro who is also amazing, Plemons created a portrait of aging gangsters that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Chuckie defends Jimmy Hoffa in court when he is attacked with a gun causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Irishman” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about aging which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrayal of aging causing the lives of gangsters to crumble, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured great movies audiences consider special.

5. Black Mass

Gangsters are grand figures that have always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a grandfather that loved gangsters causing damage. An offer he couldn’t refuse, he would always love watching movies about gangsters that shaped his worldviews. As someone treasuring fond memories of a grandfather that adored gangsters carrying mass appeal, I appreciated “Black Mass”. Released in 2015, Jesse Plemons’ movie depicted the true story of a renowned gangster. In the most mischievous role of his career, Plemons portrayed a ruthless hitman working for a menacing mobster causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a renowned gang member that’s well-known. Working alongside Johnny Depp who is also amazing, Plemons honoured a gangster that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Kevin Weeks accompanies Whitey Bulger committing murder causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Black Mass” a crime classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most gangster movies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about consequences of crimes which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years after Whitey Bulger became a frightening gangster committing murder, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has manufactured timeless movies audiences treasure.

6. Vice

When it comes to the most controversial vice presidents in American history, it’s worth discussing Dick Cheney. Elected under the Bush administration, Cheney was a politician whose decisions didn’t please everyone. In 2018, Jesse Plemons honoured the vice-president on the big-screen in his film “Vice”. In the most political role of his career, Plemons portrayed a renowned veteran that participated in Dick Cheney’s campaign causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a figure that’s well-known. Working alongside Christian Bale who is also amazing, Plemons honoured a president that’s inspiring. 30 years after the election of a controversial vice-president, it’s a captivating reminder of an actor with commitment whose movies have stood the test of time as beloved entertainment.

7. The Master

Jesse Plemons has always excelled at playing emotional characters facing tensions. Plemons has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing emotional characters facing damage. Plemons’ strength for playing emotional characters under pressure is evident in his movie “The Master”. Released in 2012, Paul Thomas Anderson’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most conflicted role of his career, Plemons portrayed the tormented son of a religious cult leader facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase vulnerability he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Joaquin Phoenix who is also amazing, Plemons created a drama that’s compelling. A masterful depiction of a cult facing consequences that terrify, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor making great movies that satisfy.

8. I’m Thinking of Ending Things

Few screenwriters in Hollywood have earned recognition of Charlie Kaufman. With their compelling themes, strong storytelling and phenomenal acting, Kaufman’s movies have earned a fan following. In 2020, Kaufman showcased his strengths as a filmmaker when he cast Jesse Plemons in his movie “I’m Thinking of Ending Things”. In the most mysterious role of his career, Plemons portrayed a husband trapped in a broken marriage 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 Jessie Buckley who is also outstanding, Plemons created a romance that’s engaging. A powerful portrait of hardships that couples in broken relationships face, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that produces movies audiences embrace.

9. Civil War

Politics is a sensitive subject which is rarely easy to depict in movies. Hollywood has often shied away from politics. Filmmakers often avoid tackling politics in movies because it has potential to upset viewers. In an industry afraid of discussing politics causing a war, it’s worth praising “Civil War”. Released in 2024, Jesse Plemons’ most recent movie depicted a political civil war. In the most unlikeable role of his career, Plemons portrayed a racist army commander engaging in crime causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a detestable character without humanity. Plemons showcased bravery making a movie that could have caused controversy. A powerful portrait of civil war that’s dangerous, it’s a bold reminder of a great actor whose movies audiences consider to be precious.

10. Battleship

Jesse Plemons hasn’t always made great movies audiences love dearly. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Battleship” falls into the latter category. Released in 2012, Peter Berg’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Plemons portrayed an army commander on a battleship facing warfare. Plemons brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a disastrous movie. Although “Battleship” is a bad movie, it honoured Plemons’ enduring legacy. As powerful as battleships facing disasters that are catastrophic, it’s a fantastic reminder of an actor that has created an iconic legacy manufacturing unforgettable movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to accomplish dreams of being a film critic.