Not many actors have made movies audiences treasure like David Harbour. Since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Harbour has become an American icon. Whether it’s gangsters, police officers or team members, Harbour has portrayed several strong characters. Given the number of movies he has made, making a 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Thunderbolts
Teamwork is one of those skills that has never come naturally to me. As far as I can remember, I have often had trouble to work within big groups that face disaster. I recollect bad memories of tense university group projects that left me upset. No matter hard I tried, I could never work well within teams that left me terrified. Few films I’ve seen have captured teams facing revolts as powerfully as “Thunderbolts”. Released in 2025, David Harbour’s best movie honoured legacy of a legendary superhero team. In the greatest role of his career, Harbour portrayed a superhero working within a team that becomes a burden to bear. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Harbour has spent most of his career playing likeable characters in period dramas. With “Thunderbolts”, however, the actor took a huge step out of his comfort zone by playing a comic-book character that’s well-known. Working alongside Florence Pugh who is also amazing, Harbour created a portrait of teams that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Alexei becomes aware that his team is in grave danger causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Thunderbolts” David Harbour’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies targeted towards comic-book fans only, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A bold tribute towards a commemorated superhero team seeking to collaborate, it’s a riveting reminder of a bold actor with strong presence that has manufactured movies throughout his career which audiences appreciate.
2. Revolutionary Road
Divorce is a devastating process that causes stress. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt experience a broken marriage causing damage. I recall the night when she had a tense fight with her husband which was a shocking sight. Following the separation, it was hard for my aunt to move on. As someone haunted by a marriage on a doomed road, I adored “Revolutionary Road”. Released in 2008, David Harbour’s movie captured a doomed marriage facing tragedy. In the most tragic role of his career, Harbour portrayed a conflicted husband trapped in a broken marriage 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 Kate Winslet who is also amazing, Harbour created a portrait of doomed marriages that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Shep first meets the Wheelers becoming aware of their strange intentions as a couple is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Revolutionary Road” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about marriage which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking portrait of a marriage, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to engage by manufacturing unforgettable movies that deliver a heartwarming message.
3. Brokeback Mountain
Gay people are rarely treated with respect in movies today. Years ago, I witnessed hardships faced by a gay cousin seeking acceptance in Toronto. Fond of women’s attire, he was a person my family would admire. Unaware he was queer, I bonded with a cousin about whom I came to care. As treasuring memories of a gay cousin, I adored “Brokeback Mountain”. Released in 2005, David Harbour’s movie depicted the lives of gay cowboys facing adversity. In the most provocative role of his career, Harbour portrayed a closeted queer cowboy keeping his sexual identity a secret causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Jake Gyllenhaal who is also amazing, Harbour created a gay romance that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Mallone reveals he is queer to Jack causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Brokeback Mountain” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about the LGBTQ community, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a strong message about the dangers of extramarital affairs which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of cowboys that are queer, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor building an illustrious career by manufacturing great movies about which audiences care.
4. 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, David Harbour’s movie honoured a real-life gangster’s enduring legacy. In the most methodical role of his career, Harbour portrayed a dedicated FBI agent seeking to resolve crimes in a city facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional men under intense pressure. Working alongside Johnny Depp who is also amazing, Harbour honoured a gangster that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Morris becomes aware of crimes Whitey Bulger has committed 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 commemorated movies audiences treasure.
5. Black Widow
Black Widow is a wonderful heroine that inspired my friend years ago. I remember a friend that adored the character. A comic-book nerd, he spoke fondly about a heroine that made him feel heard. My friend would always love a superhero he considered to be a strong symbol of feminism. As someone treasuring a companion that loved Black Widow years ago, I admired “Black Widow”. Released in 2019, David Harbour’s movie celebrated a feminist heroine’s legacy. In the most comical role of his career, Harbour portrayed a father struggling to care for heroine daughters facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase comedic timing he hadn’t shown before. Working alongside Scarlett Johansson who is also amazing, Harbour honoured a heroine that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Alexei reunites with his daughters following years of separation causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Black Widow” a great comic-book movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about sibling rivalry which would resonate with everyone. A bold tribute towards a symbol of feminism, it’s a spellbinding reminder of an actor that has manufactured movies which have achieved stardom.
6. The Equalizer
When it comes to the greatest television series ever made about cops facing danger, it’s worth discussing The Equalizer. Since its creation in the 1980’s, Michael Sloan’s TV series has built a lasting legacy. In 2014, David Harbour honoured the iconic series about cops facing danger in his movie “The Equalizer”. In the most villainous role of his career, Harbour portrayed a gangster committing crimes in a city causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase talent for playing villains he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Denzel Washington who is also outstanding, Harbour honoured a series that’s inspiring. As strong as Robert’s desire to defeat the Russian mafia, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor manufacturing engaging movies which attract audiences to the Cinema.
7. Gran Turismo
Few video-games about cars created years ago are as beloved as Gran Turismo. Since its creation in 1997, the PlayStation game about cars has earned a huge fan following. In 2023, David Harbour honoured the iconic game about race car drivers facing sorrow in his movie “Gran Turismo”. In the most physically demanding role of his career, Harbour portrayed a racing coach seeking to prepare teenagers for races causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing supporting characters with a compassionate nature. Working alongside Orlando Bloom who is also outstanding, Harbour honoured a commemorated game about racing. A remarkable tribute towards a legendary game about cars that race, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences embrace.
8. No Sudden Move
David Harbour has often excelled at playing emotional characters under pressure. Harbour has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing emotional heroes facing damage. Harbour’s strength for playing emotional heroes on the move is clearly evident in his movie “No Sudden Move”. Released in 2021, Steven Soderbergh’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most conflicted role of his career, Harbour portrayed a family man that becomes involved in a life of crime causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes in danger. Working alongside Don Cheadle who is also amazing, Harbour created a crime drama that’s engaging. As strong as Matt’s desire for a criminal lifestyle, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor with style whose movies are always worthwhile.
9. Violent Night
Santa Claus is an iconic figure that is beloved in America. A captivating symbol of Christmas, Santa has always held a place in hearts of American people that’s precious. In 2022, David Harbour honoured the bright Christmas figure in his movie “Violent Night”. In the most violent role of his career, Harbour portrayed a menacing Santa committing crimes on Christmas causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a commemorated violent character without humanity. Working alongside John Leguizamo who is also outstanding, Harbour honoured Santa Claus’ enduring legacy. A captivating tribute towards Santa Clause, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor which has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout his career which deserve a round of applause.
10. Suicide Squad
David Harbour hasn’t always made great movies that audiences treasure. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Suicide Squad” falls into the latter category. Released in 2016, David Ayer’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, the actor portrayed an FBI agent seeking to prepare a supervillain team facing despair. Harbour brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Suicide Squad” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Harbour’s enduring legacy. As strong as bonds between the suicide squad team, it’s a riveting reminder of a supreme actor making commemorated movies appealing towards mainstream audiences which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking dream.
The Film Buff 