Not many actors have made movies that bloom like Orlando Bloom. Since the 1990’s, Bloom has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s magical sorcerers, pirate warriors or political leaders, Bloom has portrayed several strong characters. Given the massive number of movies that he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by a great actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
The Lord of the Rings is a fantastic fantasy series that shaped my grandfather’s identity. At an early age, I developed relationships with a grandfather appreciating a series about rings causing damage. Drawn to power of big rings that were dangerous, he loved a series that held a place in his heart that was precious. In 2001, Orlando Bloom honoured the iconic franchise about a frightening ring in his movie “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”. In the greatest role of his career, Bloom portrayed a brave elf warrior that seeks to prepare for warfare causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Bloom has spent most of his career playing strong heroes in historical dramas. With “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”, however, the actor took a huge step out of his comfort zone by playing a legendary literary character that’s well-known. Working alongside Ian McKellen who is also outstanding, Bloom honoured a franchise about rings that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Legolas becomes aware of the danger posed by the ring causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” Orlando Bloom’s best movie is its bold appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the fantasy books to appreciate it. 70 years following the creation of a fantasy book about brave hobbits carrying a frightening ring with powers that are terrifying, it’s a riveting reminder about a bold actor that manufactured memorable movies which are definitely worth celebrating.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl
Pirates of the Caribbean is a fantastic franchise about dark pirates that earned my cousin’s appreciation. Several years ago, I formed strong bonds with a cousin that was a huge fan of Jack Sparrow. In 2003, Orlando Bloom honoured the iconic franchise about pirates that unfurl in his movie “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”. In the most adventurous role of his career, Bloom portrayed a pirate seeking to embark on a dangerous adventure causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing adventurous heroes with a charismatic nature. Working alongside Johnny Depp who is also amazing, Bloom created a pirates movie that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Will Turner first meets Jack Sparrow becoming aware of his reckless behaviour is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl” a fantasy classic is its appeal. Unlike most movies in the pirates franchise, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. 20 years after the release of an iconic film about pirates crossing seas that deteriorate, it’s a bold reminder of an actor whose movies haven’t lost abilities to captivate.
3. Kingdom of Heaven
Jerusalem is an ancient city that my grandfather always loved dearly. I remember my grandfather once adored a beautiful city with wisdom that he considered a kingdom. He would always strive to educate my family about the history of an ancient city he had grown to appreciate. As someone treasuring fond memories of a grandfather that considered Jerusalem a heaven, I admired “Kingdom of Heaven”. Released in 2005, Orlando Bloom’s medieval epic captured the beauty of Jerusalem. In the most religious role of his career, Bloom portrayed a medieval warrior in Jerusalem during a time of warfare. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing strong leaders in positions of power. Working alongside Liam Neeson who is also outstanding, Bloom created a portrait of Jerusalem that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Balian first becomes aware that his mother has died causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Kingdom of Heaven” a timeless classic is its appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with Jerusalem’s history to appreciate it. A powerful portrait of Jerusalem, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made unforgettable movies achieving immense stardom.
4. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
The Hobbit is a legendary fantasy book that my teacher always loved dearly. I remember an English teacher that was a huge fan of a classic book he considered timeless literature. Fond of Bilbo Baggins, he would always love discussing a book that gave him dreams to follow. In 2013, Orlando Bloom honoured the iconic book in his movie “The Hobbit: the Desolation of Smaug”. In the most conflicted role of his career, Bloom portrayed an elf warrior seeking to prepare for warfare. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show as a supporting character with limited screen-time. Working alongside Martin Freeman who is also amazing, Bloom honoured a book about rings that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Legolas seeks to prepare for warfare is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” a fantasy classic is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the fantasy book to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about teamwork which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Smaug’s fire, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has produced memorable movies that audiences always admire.
5. Gran Turismo
Race car driving is an activity that I’ve never found appealing. At an early age, I became afraid of stepping foot into cars posing the risk of damage. I would always feel a strong sense of terror whenever I had to get behind the wheel. As someone that developed a fear of race cars years ago, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed “Gran Turismo”. Released in 2023, Orlando Bloom’s movie celebrated a legendary video-game about race cars facing tragedy. In the most athletic role of his career, Bloom portrayed a coach seeking to prepare race car drivers causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing heroes under pressure. Working alongside David Harbour who is also amazing, Bloom created a compelling portrait of race car driving. For instance, the scene in which Danny seeks to prepare Jann for his first race is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Gran Turismo” a classic is its message. It delivers a meaningful message about following one’s dreams which would resonate with everyone. A remarkable tribute towards a legendary game about cars that race, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor making memorable movies throughout his career which audiences embrace.
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6. Black Hawk Down
Over the past decade, the war movie genre has declined in quality. With their loud battle sequences, poor storytelling and cartoonish characters, most war movies have become a chore to sit through. However, “Black Hawk Down” is an exception. Released in 2001, Orlando Bloom’s movie offered a powerful portrait of the Battle of Mogadishu. In the most courageous role of his career, Bloom portrayed a veteran seeking to prepare for warfare. 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 Ewan McGregory who is also amazing, Bloom created a commemorated war movie that’s engaging. As precious as the Black Hawk war helicopter, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has always manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences commonly treasure.
7. Elizabethtown
Orlando Bloom has always excelled at playing emotional characters facing sorrow. Bloom has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing emotional characters facing damage. Bloom’s strength for playing heroes whose lives are turned upside down is clearly evident in his movie “Elizabethtown”. In the most romantic role of his career, Bloom portrayed a lonely bachelor engaging in a doomed love affair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase comedic timing he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Kirsten Dunst who is also amazing, Bloom created a commemorated romantic comedy that’s engaging. As strong as designer shoes designed by Drew, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout his long-lasting career audiences value.
8. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
It isn’t easy to bring a beloved fantasy franchise to a satisfying conclusion. Most film franchises start on a high note but end with a whimper. However, “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” is an exception. Released in 2003, Orlando Bloom’s movie brought the LOTR franchise to a satisfying conclusion. In the most emotional role of his career, Bloom portrayed an elf warrior seeking to prepare for warfare causing despair. It gave the actor a rare chance to showcase emotional range as Legolas he hadn’t shown in previous movies. Working alongside Ian McKellen who is also amazing, Bloom honoured a franchise about a ring. As strong as rings that are dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured memorable movies throughout his illustrious career that audiences consider to be highly precious.
9. Troy
When it comes to ancient medieval tales that people enjoy, it’s worth discussing the legend of Troy. The ancient story of Troy has often been made into memorable movies. In 2004, Orlando Bloom honoured the commemorated city of Troy in his movie “Troy”. In the most historical role of his career, Bloom portrayed a medieval warrior embarking on a dangerous journey causing despair. It’s a commemorated role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a legendary medieval character that’s well-known. Working alongside Brad Pitt who is also outstanding, Bloom honoured an ancient story that’s inspiring. As precious as the city of Troy, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has built a lasting legacy manufacturing memorable movies throughout his impressive career which audiences always enjoy.
10. The Three Musketeers
Orlando Bloom hasn’t always made great movies that bloom. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “The Three Musketeers” falls into the latter category. Released in 2011, P W.S. Anderson’s film was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Bloom portrayed a courageous musketeer. Bloom brought charisma to the commemorated role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “The Three Musketeers” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Bloom’s commemorated legacy. As strong as D’Artagnan’s desire to join a musketeer team, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that manufactured great movies throughout his impressive career with mainstream appeal which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve my lifelong film criticism dream.
The Film Buff 