Derek Jacobi’s Greatest Movies Ranked

Not many actors have built a legacy as strong as Derek Jacobi. Since the 1960’s, Jacobi has become a beloved British icon. Whether it’s ancient Roman gladiators, political leaders or frustrated fathers, Jacobi 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 an actor that deserves to be celebrated.

1. Gladiator

Gladiators are great figures that have shaped my grandfather’s identity. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a grandpa that appreciated gladiators in the ancient Roman era. I remember bonding with a grandfather that took interest in ancient Roman gladiators. My grandfather often believed that movies were an art that couldn’t honour gladiators holding a precious place in his heart. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the lives of gladiators that faced danger during the medieval era as powerfully as “Gladiator”. Released in 2000, Derek Jacobi’s best movie captured the lives of gladiators during the Ancient Roman century. In the greatest role of his career, Jacobi portrayed a wise mentor seeking to prepare gladiators for warfare. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Jacobi has often had an aptitude for playing strong leaders in positions of power, and “Gladiator” showcased his strengths as an actor. Working alongside Russell Crowe who is also amazing, Jacobi created a historical drama about gladiators that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Proximo first meets Maximus seeking to prepare the gladiator for warfare is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Gladiator” my favourite film made by Derek Jacobi of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies about ancient Roman gladiators, it tackles bold themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with ancient Roman history to appreciate it. It delivers a bold message about the dangers of vengeance which would resonate with everyone. 30 years after the release of a groundbreaking classic about Roman gladiators that changed the world forever, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has made movies audiences treasure.

2. The Day of the Jackal

Spies facing danger always fascinated my father. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a father that adored spies with courage. He would always speak fondly about spies facing adversity that shaped his identity. My father would always cherish spies seeking impossible missions to accomplish. As someone treasuring memories of a father that considered spies special, I admired “The Day of the Jackal”. Released in 1973, Derek Jacobi’s movie captured spies facing adversity. In the most mysterious role of his career, Jacobi portrayed a spy embarking on a dangerous mission causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes under pressure. Working alongside Edward Fox who is also engaging, Jacobi created an espionage thriller that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Caron becomes aware of the dangers posed by spy warfare is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Day of the Jackal” a commemorated classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully. As strong as the Jackal’s desire to become a successful spy, it’s a sensational reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout his career which haven’t lost abilities to satisfy.

3. Gosford Park

Housekeepers are powerful figures that shape families. At an early age, I developed a strong bond with a housekeeper that delivered an inspiring message. As someone treasuring fond memories of a housekeeper with a bright spark, I appreciated “Gosford Park”. Released in 2001, Derek Jacobi’s movie captured housekeepers facing murder investigations. In the most conflicted role of his career, Jacobi portrayed the housekeeper of a wealthy mansion whose owner is murdered causing despair. It’s a movie that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Michael Gambon who is also amazing, Jacobi created a murder mystery that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Probert first becomes aware that a murder has been committed in his household causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Gosford Park” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about social class resonating with everyone. As precious as Gosford Park, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor with a bright spark that manufactured memorable movies throughout his career leaving a lasting mark.

4. The King’s Speech

King George VI is a legendary figure of the royal family that impressed my father. At an early age, I formed a strong relationship with a father that admired a king with speech impediments causing damage. In 2010, Derek Jacobi honoured the legendary king with speech disabilities in his movie “The King’s Speech”. In the most historical role of his career, Jacobi portrayed a real-life archbishop of a church that sought to assist a king with speech disability causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a legendary historical figure that’s well-known. Working alongside Colin Firth who is also amazing, Jacobi created a portrait of a king that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Cosmo gives King George VI valuable advice is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The King’s Speech” a classic is its appeal. Unlike most movies about the royal family, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about the value of therapy which would resonate with everyone. As strong as King George VI’s desire to overcome his speech impediment, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor making commemorated entertainment.

5. My Week With Marilyn

Marilyn Monroe is a legendary actress that inspired my mother years ago. Several years ago, my mother was once a huge fan of Marilyn Monroe. She would always speak fondly about an actress that’s dressed to impress. Drawn towards Hollywood’s Golden Age, she would always praise an actress that she felt never lost abilities to engage. As someone treasuring fond memories of a mother that adored Marilyn Monroe, I appreciated “My Week With Marilyn”. Released in 2011, Derek Jacobi’s movie celebrated the legacy of a legendary movie-star. In the most supportive role of his career, Jacobi portrayed a personal assistant that formed a close friendship with an actress facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a historical figure that’s well-known. Working alongside Michelle Williams who is also outstanding, Jacobi honoured an actress that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Sir Owen offers Marilyn valuable advice seeking to prepare her for a big meeting is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “My Week With Marilyn” a great biopic is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Marilyn Monroe to appreciate it. A marvellous tribute towards Marilyn Monroe, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor making movies giving audiences dreams to follow.

6. Cinderella

When it comes to the greatest movies ever made in the animated genre, it’s worth discussing Cinderella. Since its release in 1950, Walt Disney’s iconic movie has become a beloved classic. In 2015, Derek Jacobi reimagined the classic animated film for a modern era in his movie “Cinderella”. In the most fantastical role of his career, Jacobi portrayed a majestic king seeking to prepare for a ballroom dance causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing strong leaders in positions of power. Working alongside Lily James who is also amazing, Jacobi honoured an animated movie that’s inspiring. A captivating tribute towards Cinderella, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor with charisma that has manufactured great movies which attract audiences to the Cinema.

7. Dead Again

Derek Jacobi has often excelled at playing emotional characters facing adversity. Jacobi has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing emotional heroes facing damage. Jacobi’s strength for playing emotional heroes facing pain is clearly evident in his movie “Dead Again”. Released in 1991, Kenneth Branagh’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most emotional role of his career, Jacobi portrayed a hypnotist grieving loss of a loved one causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes under pressure. Working alongside Kenneth Branagh who is also amazing, Jacobi created a drama about grief that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of grief causing families to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a great actor making movies which audiences appreciate.

8. Hamlet

It isn’t easy to adapt a celebrated Shakespeare play on the big-screen today. Arguably the most celebrated author in English literature, Shakespeare penned timeless plays. Making an adaptation of Shakespeare poses certain challenges for actors. That being said, in 1996 Derek Jacobi pulled it off successfully in his movie “Hamlet”. In the most poetic role of his career, Jacobi portrayed a soldier seeking to prepare for warfare.  It’s a role that gave the actor opportunities to showcase his aptitude for delivering complex Shakespeare monologues. Working alongside Kenneth Branagh who is also amazing, Jacobi created a Shakespeare adaptation that’s compelling. An astonishing adaptation of an iconic Shakespeare play, it’s a strong reminder about an actor that has made commemorated movies which deserve to be celebrated today.

9. Murder on the Orient Express

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about murders causing stress, it’s worth discussing Murder on the Orient Express. Since its publication in 1934, Agatha Christie’s book has become a literary classic. In 2017, Derek Jacobi honoured the iconic book about murders with success in his movie “Murder on the Orient Express”. In the most suspicious role of his career, Jacobi portrayed a wealthy butler that becomes suspect of murder on a train facing despair. It’s a movie that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role. Working alongside Olivia Colman who is also amazing, Jacobi honoured a book about murders. As precious as the Orient Express train, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has managed to gain a huge following making movies which entertain.

10. Underworld: Evolution

Derek Jacobi 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, “Underworld: Evolution” falls into the latter category. Released in 2006, Len Wiseman’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Jacobi portrayed a vampire engaging in warfare. Jacobi brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Underworld: Evolution” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Jacobi’s legacy. As powerful as the underworld Selene seeks to explore, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to soar making memorable movies I will forever treasure for opening the door for me to accomplish my dreams of film criticism I adore.