Not many actors in Hollywood possess the class of Lukas Haas. Since the 1980’s, Haas has become an American icon. Whether it’s political leaders, dreamers or rebellious teenagers, Haas has portrayed several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies he has made in his career, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actor that deserves to be appreciated.
1. Inception
Dreams have always fascinated my mother. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a mother that was fascinated with dark dreams that caused damage. She would often love to share her dreams with my family which she often recalled clearly. Sometimes, her dreams were joyous events about which she had came to care. However, she also had vivid nightmares that would cause her to face fears. Few science-fiction films I’ve ever seen have captured how dreams can cause destruction as powerfully as “Inception”. Released in 2010, Lukas Haas’ best movie captured a team of thieves investigating dreams causing adversity. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Haas has spent most of his career playing serious characters in intense dramas. With “Inception”, however, the actor took a huge step out of his comfort zone by making his first science-fiction movie. Working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio who is also outstanding, Haas created a sci-fi blockbuster that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Haas becomes aware that he is trapped in a dream state causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Inception” Lukas Haas’ best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most science-fiction films, it tackles relatable themes that everyone would identify with. It delivers a meaningful message about guilt which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 15 years following the release of a groundbreaking science-fiction film about thieves seeking to make dreams come true, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor audiences value.
2. The Revenant
Movies about survival have always resonated with me. At an early age, my family faced a grim bombing in Saudi Arabia that caused damage. Through my parent’s strong drive to survive, I miraculously made it out of the bomb blast without a single scratch alive. As someone recalling grim memories of surviving a dark disaster with commitment, I adored “The Revenant”. Released in 2015, Lukas Haas’ movie captured fur traders surviving catastrophe. In the most emotional role of his career, Haas portrayed a brave fur trader seeking to survive in dark wilderness causing despair. It’s a physically demanding role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing an ancient fur trader. Working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio who is also outstanding, Haas created a survival drama that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Jones becomes aware that Hugh Glass has been attacked by a bear is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Revenant” a masterpiece is its bold appeal. Unlike most survival movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. As strong as Hugh Glass’ desire for survival, it’s a bold reminder of a great actor that has made strong movies in his career which audiences consider special.
3. Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln is a legendary American president that always earned my cousin’s appreciation. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of a cousin that adored the political leader in America. He would often praise a president that changed America with a strong sense of commitment. In 2012, Lukas Haas honoured the iconic American politician in his movie “Lincoln”. In the most political role of his career, Haas portrayed an American soldier that participated in warfare causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a political figure that’s well-known. Working alongside Daniel Day-Lewis who is also amazing, Haas created a political drama that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which the First White soldier receives orders from Lincoln to prepare for warfare is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Lincoln” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about presidents, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with American history to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about leadership which would resonate with everyone. An extraordinary tribute towards a legendary American president, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a celebrated actor with commendable commitment.
4. First Man
Neil Armstrong is a strong astronaut that always inspired my mother. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a mother that adored a great astronaut that broke barriers for NASA. I remember my mother would swoon over an astronaut that achieved the feat of landing on the moon. In 2015, Lukas Haas honoured the first man to land on the moon in his movie “First Man”. In the most historical role of his career, Haas portrayed a renowned astronaut that embarked on adventures to the moon causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes under intense pressure. Working alongside Ryan Gosling who is also amazing, Haas honoured an American astronaut that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Mike becomes aware that his space mission is in grave danger causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “First Man” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most movies set in space, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with NASA to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about teamwork which would resonate with everyone. 60 years after Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated actor making great movies which won’t be forgotten soon.
5. Babylon
Drug addiction is a misunderstood issue that affects celebrities in Hollywood. During my childhood, I formed a friendship with a kid addicted to drugs. His addiction to weed put him on a path to fail rather than succeed. Nevertheless, I got along well with a student fascinated by drugs casting a magical spell. As someone treasuring fond memories of a companion with drug addiction, I loved “Babylon”. Released in 2022, Lukas Haas’ movie captured drug addiction affecting celebrities in Hollywood during the 1920’s. In the most tragic role of his carer, Haas portrayed a drug-abusing celebrity that experiences severe addiction 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 Margot Robbie who is also amazing, Haas created a portrait of drug addiction that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which George faces a drug overdose causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Babylon” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Hollywood, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about drug addiction which would resonate with everyone. A dazzling depiction of drug addiction that impacts celebrities lacking life direction, it’s a dazzling reminder about an actor whose memorable movies are definitely deserving of immense appreciation.
6. Brick
Lukas Haas has always excelled at playing emotional characters that are adventurous. Haas has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing emotional heroes facing damage. Haas’ strength for playing tragic characters is clearly evident in his movie “Brick”. Released in 2005, Rian Johnson’s thriller showcased the actor at his best. In the most villainous role of his career, Haas portrayed a teenage drug lord engaging 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 under immense pressure. Working alongside Joseph Gordon-Levitt who is also outstanding, Haas created a drug trafficking movie that’s captivating. As precious as the brick of heroin, it’s a fantastic reminder about a great actor whose memorable movies have built a legacy that’s undeniably iconic.
7. Jobs
Steve Jobs is an iconic entrepreneur that has always inspired me. Through his passion, intellect and relentless drive, he introduced the world to technology. In 2013, Lukas Haas honoured the legendary entrepreneur that did his jobs effectively in his movie “Jobs”. In the most technical role of his career, Haas portrayed a renowned technician that collaborated with Jobs to prepare phone hardware. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a tech genius that’s well-known. Working alongside Ashton Kutcher who is also amazing, Haas honoured an entrepreneur that’s inspiring. A spectacular tribute towards a legendary entrepreneur doing his jobs effectively that designed technology, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor whose movies are regarded highly in the entertainment industry.
8. Witness
Murder mysteries are interesting events that have often made for engaging movies. Since the 1970’s, stories of murder mysteries have been centre of memorable movies. With their compelling storytelling, strong acting and engaging plot twists, murder mysteries have earned a following. In 1985, Lukas Haas captured the enduring appeal of the genre in his movie “Witness”. In the first breakthrough role of his career, Haas portrayed a young boy that witnesses grim murder causing despair. It’s the role that established the actor as a successful star with a bright future. Working alongside Harrison Ford who is also amazing, Haas created a murder mystery that’s captivating. As memorable as murders Samuel is forced to witness, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has become a beloved icon in the entertainment business.
9. Widows
It’s challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Years ago, my uncle passed away causing my family to face sorrow. His sad passing left my family mourning. As someone that has witnessed the lows of losing loved ones, I adored “Widows”. Released in 2018, Lucas Haas’ movie captured widows grieving loss of husbands in tragedies. In the most reckless role of his career, Haas portrayed a businessman that has a doomed romantic affair with a widow 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 Elizabeth Debicki who is also amazing, Haas created a crime drama that’s captivating. As precious as robberies planned by teams of hard-working widows, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has excelled at playing strong heroes.
10. Red Riding Hood
Lukas Haas hasn’t always made great movies that are precious. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have often left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Red Riding Hood” falls into the latter category. Released in 2011, Catherine Hardwicke’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Haas portrayed a villager seeking to protect his home town from warfare. Haas brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Red Riding Hood” is a bad movie, it honoured Haas’ legacy. As strong as Valerie’s desire to protect her village from werewolves causing destruction, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor with strong dedication that has manufactured unforgettable movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 