Not many actors that achieved fame years ago are as beloved as Willem Dafoe. Since the 1980’s, Dafoe has become an icon. Whether it’s lighthouse keepers, comic-book villains or world-famous painters, Dafoe 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 picks for the best movies of an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a spectacular superhero that shaped my teacher’s identity. Several years ago, I formed powerful bonds with a school teacher that was a huge fan of the web-swinging superhero. A comic-book nerd, he always deeply admired a bold superhero that made him feel heard. He would always speak fondly about a hero whose great powers came with great responsibilities shaping his identity. In 2002, Willem Dafoe did extraordinary jobs of bringing the iconic superhero to the big-screen in his movie “Spider-Man”. In the greatest role of his career, Dafoe embodies a psychotic villain evoking fear that causes Spider-Man to face despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, menacing and emotional in his most memorable role. Dafoe has spent most of his career by playing likeable heroes with sympathetic personalities. With “Spider-Man”, however, the actor took tremendous steps out of his comfort zone by showcasing a villainous side to himself that audiences hadn’t seen before. Working alongside Tobey Maguire who is also excellent, Dafoe embodied a legendary comic-book villain fans admire. As the Green Goblin, Dafoe did an exceptional job of portraying a legendary comic-book villain. For instance, the scene in which Norman Osborn becomes aware that Peter is Spider-Man causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Spider-Man” Willem Dafoe’s greatest movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most comic-book movies, it tackles universal themes that would resonate with everyone. Nearly 20 years following the release of a comic-book film about a superhero whose great powers come with great responsibilities that are challenging, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that has constructed legacy through manufacturing groundbreaking movies worth celebrating.
2. Poor Things
Feminist women with strong personalities have always inspired me. Several years ago, I bonded with a girl in school that had dreams to become a feminist hero. I grew up to value a girl with a feminist worldview that inspired me to make my dreams come true. In a prejudiced country that pushed women aside, she always showcased a sense of pride. As someone treasuring a girl that gave me greater understandings of women, I adored “Poor Things”. Released in 2023, Willem Dafoe’s Oscar-winning movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a fantastic feminist book. In the most strange role of his career, Dafoe embodies a renowned surgeon that designs a child-like woman. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a facially deformed neurosurgeon. For instance, the scene in which Godwin bids tearful goodbyes to Bella causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Poor Things” a literary masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book to appreciate it. A fantastic adaptation of a famous feminist book about curious women facing obstacles that are dangerous, it’s a strong reminder of a great actor making movies audiences consider precious.
3. Nosferatu
Vampires are frightening creatures that my friend always found inspiring. I recall with nostalgia memories of a girl that appreciated Dracula. As attractive as a vampire, she was a girl that every boy in my entire school would admire. As someone treasuring fond memories of a girl that grew up to value vampires making her dreams come true, I admired “Nosferatu”. Released in 2024, Willem Dafoe’s most recent movie offered a beautiful remake of a beloved classic about vampires. In the most frightening role of his career, Dafoe portrayed an aristocratic man that witnesses his wife transform into a vampire causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase talent for horror he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Nicholas Hoult who is also amazing, Dafoe honoured a classic film about vampires which are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Albin becomes aware that Nosferatu has attacked his wife causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Nosferatu” a masterpiece is its commemorated appeal. Unlike most movies about vampires, it tackles themes that everyone will relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about sexual identity which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular tribute towards a vampire, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured great movies which audiences commonly tremendously admire.
4. The Lighthouse
Isolation has impacted my identity. At an early age, I faced isolation with severe consequences causing emotional damage. Several years ago, I was locked up in a room for injuring my cousin in fights causing sorrow. Driven towards insanity, I couldn’t cope with isolation affecting my ability to function effectively. Few films I’ve seen have captured the terror of being isolated in a house as powerfully as “The Lighthouse”. Released in 2019, Willem Dafoe’s movie captured isolation faced by lighthouse keepers in the 19th Century. In the most psychotic role of his career, Dafoe embodies a lighthouse keeper facing isolation causing despair. Dafoe has always had an aptitude for delivering monologues in movies, and “The Lighthouse” showcased his talents. Working alongside Robert Pattinson who is also excellent, Dafoe creates a compelling portrait of isolation. For instance, the scene in which Wake delivers a comical monologue accusing Thomas of being fond of his lobster is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Lighthouse” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a powerful message about isolation which would resonate with everyone. An incredible portrait of hardships faced by lighthouse keepers that are isolated, it’s a strong reminder of an actor whose movies deserve to be absolutely celebrated.
5. The Grand Budapest Hotel
Hotel managers are figures that always fascinated my mother. I remember my mother was once interested in the lives of hotel managers seeking to manage apartments under pressure. She would often love observing the way managers controlled a hotel. As someone treasuring memories of a mother that adored the functioning of a hotel, I admired “The Grand Budapest Hotel”. Released in 2014, Willem Dafoe’s movie captured the life of a hotel manager facing tragedy. In the most comical role of his career, Dafoe portrayed a detective seeking to investigate a hotel murder causing despair. 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 Ralph Fiennes who is also amazing, Dafoe created a movie about hotels that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Jopling becomes aware that a robbery has been committed in the hotel causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Grand Budapest Hotel” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most Wes Anderson movies, it tackles themes everyone relates to. It delivers a meaningful message about friendship which would resonate with everyone. As precious as the hotel Gustave seeks to manage, it’s a bold reminder of an actor whose movies deliver a meaningful message.
6. American Psycho
Few books written about psychotic killers several years ago are as beloved as American Psycho. Since its publication in 1991, Bret Easton Ellis’ novel has become a celebrated piece of literature. In 2000, Willem Dafoe honoured the book about psychotic killers in his movie “American Psycho”. In the most psychotic role of his career, Dafoe portrayed a dedicated detective seeking to catch a serial killer evoking fear. It’s a movie that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Christian Bale who is also outstanding, Dafoe honoured a book about serial killers that are frightening. As memorable as murders that Patrick Bateman has committed, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated actor that has made timeless movies which deserve to be absolutely celebrated.
7. The English Patient
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about English soldiers are patient, it’s worth discussing The English Patient. Following publication in 1992, Michael Ondaatje’s book has become legendary literature readers value. In 1996, Willem Dafoe did commendable jobs of adapting the beloved book about patient soldiers in his Oscar-winning movie “The English Patient”. In the most tragic role of his career, Dafoe embodies a vengeful Canadian operative that’s tortured for a crime he didn’t commit causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor an opportunity to showcase emotional vulnerability he hadn’t shown in his career before. A beautiful adaptation of a book about patient English soldiers whose dreams vanish, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor whose memorable movies audiences commonly cherish.
8. Mississippi Burning
When it comes to the most disturbing murders in American history, it’s worth discussing the burnings of Mississippi. In 1964, the murder of three civil rights workers affected Mississippi. A cruel crime committed, it left Mississippi devastated. In 1988, Willem Dafoe captured the shocking burning in her movie “Mississippi Burning”. In the most tragic role of his career, Dafoe embodies a detective impacted by burnings causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase emotional vulnerability he hadn’t shown in his career before. Working alongside Gene Hackman who is also extraordinary, Dafoe honoured a killing that occurred years ago. A magnificent portrait of a real-life murder that occurred in Mississippi, it’s a marvellous reminder of a commemorated actor whose celebrated movies audiences love commonly dearly.
9. Platoon
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, “Platoon” is an exception. Released in 1986, Willem Dafoe’s movie offered a powerful portrait of the Vietnam War. In the most conflicted role of his career, Dafoe portrayed a troubled soldier participating in intense warfare causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing strong leaders in commemorated positions of power. Working alongside Charlie Sheen who is also amazing, Dafoe created a war movie that’s captivating. As precious as the platoon, it’s a riveting reminder about an actor that has made great movies throughout his long-lasting career which won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
10. Speed 2: Cruise Control
Willem Dafoe hasn’t always made great movies achieving stardom. While most movies the actor has made have been successful, a few have proven to be disappointing. Unfortunately, “Speed 2: Cruise Control” falls into the latter category. Released in 1997, Jan de Bont’s sequel was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Dafoe portrayed a psychotic sea captain embarking on dangerous cruise causing despair. Dafoe brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Speed 2” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Dafoe’s enduring legacy. As strong as Annie’s desire to control her ship cruise, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that has made unforgettable films earning tremendous revenues which I will forever treasure for inspiring my passion for writing movie reviews.
The Film Buff 