Not many actors have earned the appreciation of Stellan Skarsgard. Since the 1990’s, Skarsgard has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s powerful political leaders, university professors or space scavengers, Skarsgard has portrayed many strong characters. Given the 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. Good Will Hunting
Therapists are inspiring figures that impacted my identity. At an early age, I developed a bond with a strong therapist that gave an inspiring message. When I was diagnosed with grim anxiety, I began to see a bold psychologist that offered strong therapy. An inspiring role model, he often made me believe that it was possible to achieve the goals that I was hunting. His inspirational words of wisdom motivated me to cope with grim challenges of the education system. Few films I’ve seen have captured the inspiring roles that therapists play guiding people as powerfully as “Good Will Hunting”. Released in 1997, Stellan Skarsgard’s best movie captured the lives of therapists guiding individuals facing adversity. In the greatest role of his career, Skarsgard portrayed a university professor that forms a friendship with a great therapist facing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Skarsgard has spent most of his career playing villains in science-fiction films. With “Good Will Hunting”, however, the actor showcased emotional range he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Robin Williams who is also outstanding, Skarsgard created a portrait of therapists that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Professor Lambeau first becomes aware that Will Hunting is a mathematical genius that solved his equation causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Good Will Hunting” Stellan Skarsgard’s best movie is its message. It delivers a meaningful message about the value of pursuing dreams which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a classic film about janitors forming bonds with therapists to achieve goals they are hunting, it’s a bold reminder of an actor that is worth absolutely celebrating.
2. Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia! is a beloved Broadway play that my father adores today. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a father that adored a musical about ABBA. He would always marvel at a stage play about women facing a price to pay. In 2008, Stellan Skarsgard honoured the classic musical about women with charisma in his movie “Mamma Mia!”. In the most theatrical role of his career, Skarsgard portrayed a middle-aged man attending the wedding of a friend’s daughter causing despair. With “Mamma Mia!”, the actor showcased flair for singing melodies he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Meryl Streep who is also outstanding, Skarsgard honoured a classic musical. For instance, the scene in which Bill becomes aware that he is Sophie’s father at her wedding causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Mamma Mia!” a musical masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Broadway adaptations, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about motherhood which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking adaptation of a beloved Broadway play about courageous women facing a price to pay, it’s a brilliant reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured memorable movies which are worth appreciating today.
3. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Lisbeth Salander is a legendary feminist character my mother has always loved dearly. I remember a mother that deeply admired the feminist character. An avid reader, she was always a huge fan of “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” book series that she would treasure. In 2011, Stellan Skarsgard honoured the iconic book about girls with a tattoo in his movie “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”. In the most villainous role of his career, Skarsgard portrayed a psychotic killer that commits murder causing despair. Skarsgard has always had a flair for playing villains that put lives in danger, and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” showcased his strengths as an actor. Working alongside Daniel Craig who is also outstanding, Skarsgard honoured a classic book that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Martin Vanger reveals that he committed the murders causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. A beautiful adaptation of a book about girls with a bold dragon tattoo, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has manufactured movies audiences value.
4. Dune
The Middle East is a country that shaped my identity. I recall with nostalgia joyous memories of growing up in Saudi Arabia. Whether it’s the gorgeous desert landscapes or prosperous oil economy, I grew up to value a country that I regarded highly. I have often believed movies in Hollywood have rarely captured the beauty of a country that’s misunderstood. As someone treasuring memories of a prosperous country I won’t forget about soon, I adored “Dune”. Released in 2021, Stellan Skarsgard’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved science-fiction book about Arab culture. In the most transformative role of his career, Skarsgard portrayed an evil space lord seeking to control a dying planet facing despair. Skarsgard has an aptitude for playing villains that evoke terror, and “Dune” showcased his strengths as an actor. For instance, the scene in which the Baron tortures the Duke seeking questions about his resource of spice causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Dune” a classic is its depiction of Middle East. Unlike most movies depicting the Middle East as a land of terrorism, the film honoured Arab countries. A dazzling adaptation of a book about dusty dune planets that glimmer beneath the moon, it’s a rousing reminder of a commemorated actor making great movies which won’t be forgotten soon.
5. The Avengers
The Avengers is a spectacular superhero team that shaped my teacher identity. I remember a high school teacher admiring an iconic team in popular culture. A huge comic-book nerd, he adored heroes that made him feel heard. His classroom was always decorated with large posters of a superhero team he appreciated. In 2012, Stellan Skarsgard honoured the iconic team in his movie “The Avengers”. In the most intellectual role of his career, Skarsgard portrayed a scientist assisting the Avengers saving the world from aliens causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by making his first comic-book movie. Working alongside Robert Downey Jr. who is also amazing, Skarsgard honoured an iconic superhero team that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Erik assists the Avengers defeat Loki and his army in a city causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Avengers” a commemorated comic-book classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies, it tackles strong themes of teamwork that would resonate with everyone. As strong as the Avengers’ desire to defeat Thanos, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a courageous actor that has created a successful career manufacturing commemorated movies that are extremely precious.
6. Breaking the Waves
Stellan Skarsgard has always excelled at playing conflicted characters facing tension. Skarsgard has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing characters facing emotional damage. Skarsgard’s strength for playing characters facing waves of tension is clearly evident in his movie “Breaking the Waves”. Released in 1996, Lars Von Trier’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most emotional role of his career, Skarsgard portrayed a paralyzed man facing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing disturbed characters. Working alongside Emily Watson who is also amazing, Skarsgard created a powerful portrait of paralysis. A powerful portrait of body damage causing romances to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made movies which audiences commonly appreciate.
7. Cinderella
When it comes to the greatest movies ever made in the animated genre, it’s worth discussing Cinderella. Since its release in 1950, Walt Disney’s iconic movie has become a beloved classic. In 2015, Stellan Skarsgard reimagined the classic animated film for a modern era in his movie “Cinderella”. In the most fantastical role of his career, Skarsgard portrayed a majestic king seeking to prepare for a ballroom dance causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing strong leaders in positions of power. Working alongside Lily James who is also amazing, Skarsgard honoured an animated movie that’s inspiring. A captivating tribute towards Cinderella, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor with charisma that has manufactured great movies which attract audiences to the modern-day Cinema.
8. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
Few film franchises about pirates travelling Caribbean seas are as beloved as Pirates of the Caribbean. Since its introduction in 2003, Gore Verbinski’s franchise has gained a following. In 2006, Stellan Skarsgard’s honoured one of the world’s best franchises in his movie “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”. In the most technical role of his career, Skarsgard transformed into a pirate facing warfare causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for creating strong characters through motion-capture technology. Working alongside Johnny Depp who is also amazing, Skarsgard honours a series about pirates that are frightening. As precious as Davy Jones’ chest, it’s a breathtaking reminder about one of the world’s best actors whose movies always leave audiences commonly impressed.
9. Thor
Thor is a legendary superhero with a magical hammer that has built a lasting legacy. Since his creation in the 1960’s, the demigod with a hammer has appeared in many movies. With his strong presence, charisma and sharp personality, Thor has built a lasting legacy. In 2011, Stellan Skarsgard honoured the iconic hero in his movie “Thor”. In the most conflicted role of his career, Skarsgard portrayed a scientist that becomes witness of a demigod 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 Natalie Portman who is also amazing, Skarsgard honoured a comic-book hero that’s inspiring. As powerful as Thor’s hammer, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.
10. Goya’s Ghosts
Stellan Skarsgard hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most movies the actor has made have been appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Goya’s Ghosts” falls into the latter category. Released in 2006, Milos Forman’s period piece about the life of a renowned painter was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Skarsgard portrayed a depressed painter facing despair. Skarsgard brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Goya’s Ghosts” is a bad movie, it honoured Skarsgard’s commemorated legacy. As precious as Goya’s muse, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has made unforgettable movies making headline news which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong passion of writing movie reviews.
The Film Buff 