Not many actors have made movies audiences enjoy like James McAvoy. Since the 2000’s, McAvoy has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s magnetic professors, fantastical creatures or troubled soldiers, McAvoy has portrayed many strong characters. Given the 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. Split
Individuals with split personality disorder always fascinated my teacher. Several years ago, my teacher was fascinated with a mental disorder that caused sorrow. I remember a psychology professor that was fascinated with multiple personality disorder. He always sought to educate his students about a painful disorder that caused lives of people to deteriorate. My teacher always believed that movies were an art that couldn’t capture a disorder which tore lives of people apart. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured struggles faced by people with split personality disorder as powerfully as “Split”. Released in 2016, James McAvoy’s best movie captured the life of a psychotic killer with split personality disorder. In the greatest role of his career, McAvoy portrayed a killer with severe split personality disorder that commits murders causing despair. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. McAvoy has spent most of his career playing honourable heroes in British period pieces. With “Split”, however, the actor took a huge step out of his comfort zone playing an individual with multiple personalities. Working alongside Anya Taylor-Joy who is also amazing, McAvoy created a portrait of split personality disorder that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Casey becomes aware that she is the victim of a killer with split personality disorder causing despair is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Split” James McAvoy’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about mental disorders, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular portrait of split personality disorder causing serial killers to deteriorate, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a celebrated actor that has always manufactured movies which audiences appreciate.
2. X-Men: Days of Future Past
X-Men is an excellent franchise my grandfather has always loved dearly. I remember a grandfather that loved the X-Men franchise. A comic-book nerd, he adored movies that made him feel heard. A fan of the Wolverine, he loved movies he enjoyed watching on the big-screen. In 2014, James McAvoy honoured the iconic franchise about heroes facing past in his movie “X-Men: Days of Future Past”. In the most conflicted role of his career, McAvoy portrayed an emotionally disturbed professor seeking to embark on dangerous missions causing despair. With “Days of Future Past”, the actor brought emotional vulnerability Charles Xavier that audiences hadn’t seen before. For instance, the scene in which Xavier has a tense argument with Magneto over the acknowledgements of mutants causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Days of Future Past” an extraordinary comic-book masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a commemorated message about teamwork which would resonate with everyone. An extraordinary tribute towards a superhero team that’s excellent, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor with bold commitment towards his craft that has become an icon in entertainment.
3. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Chronicles of Narnia is a fantasy fantasy series that shaped my friend’s persona. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a girl that adored a series about lions with courage. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a girl that loved the fantastical world of Narnia. She grew up to adore a series about a wardrobe door leading to a land ruled by lions with a loud roar. In 2005, James McAvoy honoured the iconic book series with charisma in his movie “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. In the most fantastical role of his career, McAvoy portrayed a creature seeking to explore a magical world facing warfare. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for creating compelling characters through stunning motion-capture technology. For instance, the scene in which Mr. Tumnus first meets Lucy in the world of Narnia seeking to prepare her for warfare is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Chronicles of Narnia” a classic fantasy film is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about relationships between siblings which would resonate with everyone. As precious as the world of Narnia, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated actor with charisma that has manufactured movies which always attract audiences to the Cinema.
4. Atonement
Wrongful conviction has shaped my personality. During my childhood, my life changed when I was wrongfully accused of cheating on a science-fair project. Throwing a tantrum, a girl in my class accused me of plagiarism. As someone haunted by memories of a lie that caused resentment, I adored “Atonement”. Released in 2007, James McAvoy’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about wrongful conviction. In the most tragic role of his career, McAvoy portrayed a soldier wrongfully accused of a crime he didn’t commit causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional characters under pressure. Working alongside Keira Knightley who is also amazing, McAvoy honoured a book that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Robbie is arrested for a crime he hasn’t committed causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Atonement” one of James McAvoy’s best movies is its message. The film delivers a profound message about wrongful conviction which would resonate with everyone. An inspiring adaptation of a book about wrongful conviction, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor whose movies are worthy of celebration.
5. Arthur Christmas
Christmas is a cheerful season that my friend always considered to be precious. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a girl that adored a season with courage. She would always love to discuss Christmas. Fond of Santa Claus, she appreciated a season she always gave a loud round of applause. As someone treasuring fond memories of a girl that adored Christmas, I appreciated “Arthur Christmas”. Released in 2011, James McAvoy’s animated movie celebrated the Christmas season. In the most colourful role of his career, McAvoy portrayed a young man seeking to prepare to Christmas. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for creating strong animated characters through his voice. Working alongside Bill Nighy who is also amazing, McAvoy created an animated movie about Christmas that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Arthur delivers Christmas presents to people seeking to prepare for the season is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Arthur Christmas” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Christmas, it tackles commemorated themes which everyone would relate to. A captivating tribute towards Christmas, it’s a compelling reminder of a world-famous actor that has always manufactured movies which audiences consider to be precious.
6. The Last King of Scotland
When it comes to the most controversial presidents in Ugandan history, it’s worth discussing Idi Amin. A powerful dictator, Amin guided the nation during a time of terror. In 2006, James McAvoy honoured the king’s legacy in his movie “The Last King of Scotland”. In the most brutal role of his career, McAvoy portrayed a Scottish doctor that assisted a dictator prepare for warfare. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by honouring a historical figure that’s well-known. Working alongside Forest Whitaker who is also outstanding, McAvoy honoured the Ugandan dictator’s controversial legacy. Nearly 40 years after Idi Amin became a powerful Ugandan dictator, it’s a rousing reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.
7. The Last Station
Few authors have written stories that readers enjoy as much as Leo Tolstoy. A renowned Russian writer, Tolstoy forever changed literature. His timeless stories which were published centuries ago continue to be cherished today. In 2009, James McAvoy honoured the iconic author with dedication in his movie “The Last Station”. In the most poetic role of his career, McAvoy portrayed the personal secretary of a renowned writer that experienced despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing charismatic historical figures. Working alongside Helen Mirren who is also amazing, McAvoy honoured a renowned writer that’s inspiring. As precious as books published by Leo Tolstoy, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has always manufactured memorable movies which audiences enjoy.
8. Filth
James McAvoy has always excelled at playing pessimistic characters that feel little joy. McAvoy has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing characters facing emotional damage. McAvoy’s strengths for playing characters facing filth is clearly evident in his movie “Filth”. Released in 2013, Jon S. Baird’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most shocking role of his career, McAvoy portrayed a filthy detective engaging in a life of crime causing 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 Jamie Bell who is also outstanding, McAvoy created a crime comedy that’s compelling. As strong as Detective Bruce’s desire to solve his case, it’s a captivating reminder of an actor that has made unforgettable movies which audiences embrace.
9. Atomic Blonde
Women are rarely given chances to shine in action movies. Hollywood has often denied women fair opportunities to play heroines in action movies. In a genre of which audiences are no longer fond, it’s worth praising “Atomic Blonde”. Released in 2017, James McAvoy’s movie offered a fantastic feminist action blockbuster. In the most heroic role of his career, McAvoy portrayed a field agent seeking to assist a female spy prepare for warfare. It’s a character that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role. Working alongside Charlize Theron who is also amazing, McAvoy created a feminist action movie that’s captivating. As strong as Lorraine’s desire to become a spy, it’s a spectacular reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured memorable movies which always satisfy.
10. X-Men: Dark Phoenix
James McAvoy hasn’t always made great movies that audiences enjoy. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “X-Men: Dark Phoenix” falls into the latter category. Released in 2019, Simon Kinberg’s comic-book blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, McAvoy portrayed a troubled professor facing despair. McAvoy brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Dark Phoenix” is a bad movie, it honoured McAvoy’s commemorated legacy. As strong as Xavier’s desire to save the X-Men from catastrophe, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a magnetic actor that has built a powerful legacy making memorable movies I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 