Not many actors in Hollywood transfix audiences like Joaquin Phoenix. Following stardom during the 1980’s, Phoenix has become an icon in the entertainment industry. Whether it’s maniacal Roman emperors, villainous comic-book characters or world-famous singers, Phoenix has proven that he can portray a wide range of characters. Given the number of films Phoenix has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my personal picks for the best movies of an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Her
Technology has always been a pivotal part of my identity. As far as I remember, I’ve been a heavy technology user. In an attempt to feel less alone, I’ve often turned towards using my phone. My addiction to technology is fuelled by simple desire for human connection I can’t find in reality. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured my emotions as a technology user as powerfully as “Her”. Released in 2013, Joaquin Phoenix’s great masterpiece offered an engaging examination of the impact that technology has on romantic relationships. In arguably the greatest role of his career, Phoenix embodies the burden a bold technology addict has to bear. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever him in the past: intense, emotional and vulnerable in his most revealing role. It’s a compassionate role that allows the actor to showcase a sensitive side to himself audiences have rarely seen. For instance, the scene where Theodore breaks down in tears after learning that he can’t meet with Samantha anymore is one of the most emotional performances the actor has ever given. Ultimately, what makes “Her” Joaquin Phoenix’s greatest film is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about technology addiction, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message which would resonate with anyone that has become addicted to technology at an early age. A powerful portrait of the struggle faced by people addicted to tech, it’s a bold reminder of an actor that thrives playing vulnerable characters in timeless movies building legacy.
2. Walk the Line
Few musicians whose melodies carry a dash of hope are as celebrated as Johnny Cash. A world-famous country singer, Cash dominated the music scene of the 1950’s. With his larger-than-life presence, charisma and beautiful voice, Cash gained a huge fan following. However, his big rise to recognition was ruined by grim drug addiction. His personal troubles with his family affected his ability to compose memorable melodies. In 2005, Joaquin Phoenix did an extraordinary job of bringing Johnny Cash’s life story to the big-screen in his film “Walk the Line”. In his first ever musical role, Phoenix poured his heart and soul into capturing the strong personality of a legendary musician that had a goal. It’s a role that gives the actor a rare opportunity to showcase his talent for singing, acting and playing musical instruments. Not only does Phoenix capture Johnny Cash’s personality, but he proves skilled at singing melodies. It’s a great performance that pays tribute to the legacy of a legendary musician in history. A soul-stirring tribute towards a legendary musician crossing the ring of fire that built a strong musical empire, it’s a bold reminder of a bold actor that excels at playing characters facing hardships which are dire whose timeless movies which haven’t lost their abilities to inspire audiences will forever undeniably admire.
3. The Master
One of the characteristics that makes Joaquin Phoenix an amazing actor is his approach of method acting. Phoenix is one of those dedicated actors that fully commits himself to each role by transforming into each unique character. Phoenix’s masterful strength as an actor that excels at method acting is clearly evident in “The Master”. Released in 2012, Paul Thomas Anderson’s movie found the actor creating a compelling character through his unique approach of method acting. As Freddie Quell, Phoenix completely transforms into a disturbed WWII veteran through method acting. From his strange facial tics to his jumbled speech, Phoenix does an incredible job of using method acting to create a character that’s utterly fascinating. It’s a challenging role that requires an intense degree of commitment, but Phoenix pulls it off effortlessly. Through his unique style of method acting, the actor creates a strong character that’s compelling. Ultimately, what makes “The Master” stand out in the actor’s illustrious career is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about religious cults, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a powerful message about the dangers of addiction with which everyone would engage. A powerful portrait of mental health struggles veterans are facing, it’s a masterful reminder of a commemorated movie-star that thrives playing compelling characters that are vulnerable through method acting.
4. Joker
Few villains in popular culture are as iconic as the Joker. Ever since was introduced in the 1940’s, the Clown Prince of Crime has been portrayed several times in movies. With his maniacal smile, mischievous personality and villainous nature, the Joker has stood the test of time as a compelling character. I’m a big fan of the Joker and admire all the actors that have portrayed the villainous character. However, Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal may be my favourite. In 2019, Phoenix did an extraordinary job of bringing the iconic villain to the big-screen in “Joker”. In the role for which he finally won an overdue Oscar, Phoenix embodied the personality of an iconic comic-book character with a villainous nature. It isn’t easy to follow in the footsteps of the great Heath Ledger who previously played the iconic villain in “The Dark Knight”. However, Phoenix pulled it off effortlessly. Ultimately, what makes “Joker” a standout film in the comic-book genre is its message. The movie delivers a meaningful message emphasizing the importance of mental health. As someone with mental health issues, I identified deeply with the movie. A captivating tribute to a celebrated comic-book villain with a mischievous nature, it’s a compelling reminder of a committed actor that thrives playing complex characters whose commemorated movies audiences will forever treasure.
5. Gladiator
When it comes to the greatest medieval movies ever made, it’s worth discussing “Gladiator”. Released in 2000, Ridley Scott’s Oscar-winning movie did an extraordinary job of educating audiences about a forgotten era in Roman history. One of the main reasons why the film was so successful was because of its leading actors. In the most iconic performance of his career, Joaquin Phoenix did an excellent job of capturing the maniacal personality of an evil emperor evoking fear. Commodus is a larger-than-life character that gives Phoenix the opportunity to showcase his emotional range as an actor. Whether he’s given the thumbs down to gladiators in the arena or giving orders with charisma, Phoenix uses his commanding presence to create one of the most iconic villains in the history of Cinema. It isn’t easy to portray the emotions of an ancient emperor in Roman history, but Phoenix succeeds tremendously. Phoenix successfully uses his voice evoking terror to create an evil emperor. It’s a phenomenal performance that honours legendary emperors in Ancient Roman history. Ultimately, what makes “Gladiator” a masterpiece is its message. It delivers a meaningful message about vengeance which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of iconic medieval movie about Ancient Roman gladiators seeking vengeance, it’s a phenomenal reminder of an actor that thrives playing strong villains.
6. Inherent Vice
Drug addiction is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has shied away from substance abuse.Thankfully, though, Joaquin Phoenix avoids stereotypes in his film “Inherent Vice”. Released in 2014, Paul Thomas Anderson’s underrated movie found the actor playing a drug addict that’s conflicted. In the most trippy role of his career, Phoenix captures the heavy burden drug addicts bear. With his droopy eyes, mumbled speech and zoned out expression, Phoenix embodies an individual with drug addiction. It’s a role that gives the actor the chance to showcase rare comic timing. An insightful depiction of consequences posed by drug addiction that comes with a sacrifice, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that thrives playing characters that aren’t nice whose decisions to abuse substances come with a painful price.
7. Irrational Man
Joaquin Phoenix has built an image of being an actor that plays dark characters. Throughout his illustrious career, Phoenix has commonly played disturbed characters that evoke a sense of fear. In a career filled with dark characters that face doubt, “Irrational Man” is a film that stands out. Released in 2015, Woody Allen’s underrated movie found the celebrated actor playing a perfectly normal character that wasn’t tormented. In the most realistic role of his career, Phoenix embodies a simple-minded teacher without any issues causing despair. It’s refreshing to see an actor that has spent his career playing disturbing characters taking a step out of his comfort zone to play a person that’s normal. A remarkable romantic drama about men that are irrational, it’s a phenomenal reminder of an actor making movies that are unforgettable.
8. Parenthood
Being an effective parent is challenging. Whether it’s taking care of children, managing household finances or maintaining stable employment, parents face barriers that affect their abilities to be caregivers. A challenging process, parenting can cause stress. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured parenthood as effectively as “Parenthood”. Released in 1989, Ron Howard’s movie introduced Joaquin Phoenix on the big-screen. In one of his first ever roles, Joaquin Phoenix is extraordinary as a conflicted child without goals. Most child actors often struggle in their first films, but Phoenix is exceptional. As strong as Gil’s desire to become a positive parent, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor with strong commitment that has stood the test of time as an icon whose films audiences treasure as precious modern-day entertainment.
9. The Village
The woods are a setting that have always terrified me. Ever since I was a young child, I’ve always been afraid of entering woods that are wild. This fear of woods I wouldn’t have courage to enter began when I first watched “The Village”. Released in 2004, M. Night Shyamalan’s movie found Joaquin Phoenix showing a subtle side to his acting audiences hadn’t seen before. In his first horror role, Phoenix excelled at playing a character keeping emotions under control. Despite lack of dialogue, the actor proved skilled at entertaining audiences through meaningful expressions. Working alongside Bryce Dallas Howard who is also outstanding, Phoenix created a horror movie that’s captivating. As strong as fear felt by inhabitants of a village, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to engage in movies that deliver a strong message.
10. Joker: Folie a Deux
Joaquin Phoenix hasn’t always made movies that are successful at the box-office. While most movies the actor has made have been celebrated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Joker: Folie a Deux” falls into the latter category. Released in 2024, Todd Phillips’ blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Phoenix portrayed a supervillain facing despair. Phoenix brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Joker: Folie a Deux” is a bad movie, it honoured Phoenix’s enduring legacy. As strong as the Joker’s desire to become a stand-up comedian, it’s a spectacular reminder of an actor with strong dedication that has built a legendary reputation whose commemorated movies I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 