My Favourite Karl Urban Movies of All-Time

Not many actors in Hollywood have earned appreciation of Karl Urban. Since the 1990’s, Urban has become a beloved Australian icon. Whether it’s medieval warriors, space scavengers or police-officers, Urban 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. Star Trek

Star Trek is a legendary science-fiction franchise that earned my grandfather’s appreciation. I fondly remember a great grandfather that was once a fan of a franchise about galaxies facing danger. A huge sci-fi nerd, he would always speak fondly about a bold sci-fi series that made him feel heard. My grandfather often believed that movies were an art form that could never honour a science-fiction franchise that held a precious place in his heart. In 2009, Karl Urban honoured the iconic franchise about galaxies people trek in his movie “Star Trek”. In the greatest role of his career, Urban portrayed a space scavenger embarking on dangerous missions involving warfare causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Urban has spent most of his career playing likeable heroes in dramas. With “Star Trek”, however, the actor took a huge step out of his comfort zone by playing a legendary-sci-fi character that’s well-known. Working alongside Chris Pine who is also captivating, Urban honoured a franchise about galaxies that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Leanord is first introduced seeking to prepare for space warfare is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Star Trek” Karl Urban’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Star Trek, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 20 years following the release of a classic sci-fi film about galaxies in space, it’s a bold reminder about a commemorated actor that has made strong movies throughout his career which audiences embrace.

2. Thor: Ragnarok

Thor is a legendary comic-book character that always inspired my teacher. I remember an English teacher that was fascinated with the comic-book character. A huge comic-book nerd, he would always speak fondly about a superhero that made him feel heard. As someone treasuring a teacher that would always flock to the theatre to see Thor, I adored “Thor: Ragnarok”. Released in 2017, Karl Urban’s movie celebrated the legendary comic-book character’s legacy. In the most villainous role of his career, Urban portrayed a medieval warrior seeking to destroy a kingdom 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 Chris Hemsworth who is also amazing, Urban honoured a comic-book hero that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Executioner becomes aware of Hela’s plan to destroy Asgard causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Thor: Ragnarok” a masterpiece is its bold appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies, it tackles themes that would resonate with everyone. As precious as Thor’s hammer, it’s a bold reminder of a great actor that has made timeless movies which audiences treasure.

3. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

The Lord of the Rings is a legendary fantasy franchise that my mother always loved dearly. I remember my mother was once a huge fan of a franchise about rings causing disaster. She would always speak fondly about a precious franchise about rings that were dangerous. In 2003, Karl Urban honoured the franchise about a frightening ring in his movie “The Lord of the Rings: the Return of the King”. In the most heroic role of his career, Urban portrayed a medieval warrior that embarks on an adventure of warfare causing despair. Urban has always excelled at playing emotional heroes under intense pressure, and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” showcased his strengths as an actor. Working alongside Viggo Mortensen who is also amazing, Urban honoured a fantasy series about a precious ring. For instance, the scene in which Eomer seeks to prepare for tense warfare is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the LOTR franchise, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about leadership which would resonate with everyone. As precious as the ring, it’s a riveting reminder of a celebrated actor making engaging movies which are worth absolutely appreciating.

4. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

Addiction is a painful process putting people under stress. As far as I remember, I have always been addicted to smartphones. At an early age, I became addicted to using my smartphone without concern for the damage. As precious as the ring, my phone became an object I was always using. As someone experiencing addiction causing dangers, I adored “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”. Released in 2002, Karl Urban’s movie offered a towering sequel in the LOTR trilogy. In the most conflicted role of his career, Urban portrayed a medieval warrior that participates in warfare causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase rare emotional range he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Ian McKellen who is also amazing, Urban created a fantasy epic that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Eomer becomes aware that his kingdom is in grave danger causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary book series to appreciate it. The film delivers a profound message about addiction everyone would relate to. As precious as rings sought by Gollum, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor manufacturing commemorated movies achieving stardom.

5. The Bourne Supremacy

Jason Bourne is a legendary spy that always earned my father’s appreciation. I remember my father was once enamoured by a spy putting his life in grave danger. He would always enjoy watching timeless movies about a spy with abilities to satisfy. In 2004, Karl Urban honoured the iconic spy’s legacy in his movie “The Bourne Supremacy”. In the most mischievous role of his career, Urban portrayed a spy that engages in warfare 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 Matt Damon who is also outstanding, Urban honoured Jason Bourne’s legacy. For instance, the scene in which Kirill becomes aware that Jason Bourne is still alive causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Bourne Supremacy” an espionage classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the Jason Bourne franchise, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. As memorable as murders committed by Jason Bourne, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor whose memorable movies audiences commonly adorn.

6. The Chronicles of Riddick

Few science-fiction franchises are as iconic as Riddick. Since its introduction in 2000, Ken Wheat’s sci-fi franchise has earned a huge following. With its engaging storytelling, mesmerizing special effects and phenomenal acting, the series has earned a following. In 2004, Karl Urban honoured the iconic sci-fi franchise in his movie “The Chronicles of Riddick”. In the most authoritative role of his career, Urban portrayed a medieval warrior that embarks on an adventure of warfare causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing heroes in positions of power. Working alongside Vin Diesel who is also outstanding, Urban honoured a science-fiction series that’s awe-inspiring. As strong as weapons used by Riddick, it’s a fantastic reminder of an actor making commemorated movies that are commonly iconic.

7. Dredd

Karl Urban has often excelled at playing emotional heroes facing tension. Urban has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing emotional heroes facing outrage. Urban’s strength for playing emotional heroes experiencing dread is clearly evident in his movie “Dredd”. Released in 2012, Pete Travis’ sci-fi movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most complex role of his career, Urban portrayed a criminal engaging in a life of crime causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a comic-book character that’s well-known. Working alongside Lena Headey who is also amazing, Urban honoured a character that’s inspiring. As memorable as murders judge Dredd has committed, it’s a captivating reminder of an actor making movies that deserve to be absolutely appreciated.

8. Pete’s Dragon

When it comes to the greatest animated movies ever made earning appreciation, it’s worth discussing Pete’s Dragon. Since its release in 1977, Don Chaffey’s movie has become an animated classic. In 2016, Karl Urban honoured the animated classic about a dragon in his live-action movie “Pete’s Dragon”. In the most magical role of her career, Urban embodied a hunter that becomes aware of mystical dragons that exist causing fear. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Wes Bentley who is also amazing, Urban honoured the legacy of a legendary animated movie. An awe-inspiring remake of an animated classic about dragons that are powerful, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has produced movies audiences consider to be extremely special.

9. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Sometimes, the sign of a great actor comes across when they steal the show in a supporting role. Karl Urban has always had the rare ability to leave a strong impression in a small role with limited screen-time. Urban’s strength for stealing the show in movies in roles of a small nature is clearly evident in his movie “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”. Released in 2019, J.J. Abrams movie gave the actor a scene-stealing opportunity. In the briefest role of his career, Urban portrayed a conflicted stormtrooper that engages in warfare causing despair. It’s a role giving the actor an opportunity to showcase his strong screen presence. Despite being a supporting role with limited screen-time, Urban stole every scene he’s in. As strong as Rey’s desire to become a jedi, it’s a spectacular reminder of an actor whose memorable movies satisfy.

10. Priest

Karl Urban hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Priest” falls into the latter category. Released in 2011, Scott Stewart’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Urban portrays a priest that engages in a life of crime causing despair. Urban brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a disastrous movie. Although “Priest” is a bad movie, it honoured Urban’s commemorated legacy. As precious as nieces the priest seeks to rescue, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to captivate audiences manufacturing memorable movies I will forever value for inspiring me to make my film criticism dreams come true.