Jason Momoa’s progression from television newcomer to global phenomenon has been defined by bold choices, unwavering energy, and the ability to leave a lasting impression in each project. This list explores the best Jason Momoa roles from Aquaman to Game of Thrones, showcasing how he carved out a remarkable niche in the entertainment world with a blend of strength, warmth, and captivating charisma in every performance.
Renowned for his magnetic screen presence and powerful portrayals, Momoa has crossed genres from fantasy to action and drama, captivating audiences and shaping pop culture with memorable roles. Here is a detailed ranking of his ten most defining roles, evaluated not just for critical acclaim or box office success but for their enduring cultural significance and unique impact.
1. Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones
Momoa’s portrayal of Khal Drogo in the fantasy phenomenon created by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss quickly became synonymous with intimidating power and enigmatic allure. As the Dothraki warlord whose marriage to Daenerys Targaryen sparks a multi-layered saga, Drogo’s story is punctuated by brutality and vulnerability. While his time on the series was brief, the character’s influence reverberated through Daenerys’s transformation, propelling her on the path to leadership. Khal Drogo remains one of Momoa’s most recognized and unforgettable characters, marked by a powerful mixture of ferocity and a rapidly deepening bond with Daenerys. This performance cemented Momoa’s reputation in popular culture, thanks in part to its evocative narrative and significant plot ramifications.
With an 89% Rotten Tomatoes rating and an IMDb score of 8.4, the show is available for streaming on HBO Max, making it easily accessible for fans old and new.
2. Aquaman and Rex Dangervest in The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part
In a playful twist away from live-action dramas, Momoa’s turn as both Aquaman and the bravado-filled Rex Dangervest in this animated adventure directed by Mike Mitchell and Trisha Gum showcases his comedic range. Tasked with bringing levity and swagger to the intergalactic escapades in Bricksburg, Momoa’s dual roles add dimension to the chaotic rescue mission triggered by a LEGO DUPLO invasion. These characters allow him to embrace comic timing, infusing the story with both energetic humor and a reminder that heroism often requires teamwork and creativity. The vibrancy and speed of the film are punctuated by his performance, underlining his adaptability as an actor.
The LEGO Movie 2 scored 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and holds a 6.6 rating on IMDb. Viewers can watch it via HBO Max as well as through rental or purchase on major platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
3. Duncan Idaho in Dune
Under Denis Villeneuve’s direction, Momoa delivered a standout performance as Duncan Idaho, the trusted swordmaster to Paul Atreides, on the harsh planet Arrakis. Amidst a backdrop of war and treachery, Duncan’s unswerving loyalty to his house and his close relationship with Paul provided much-needed emotional balance to the film’s high-stakes narrative. Even within a supporting role, Momoa’s charm and gravity made Duncan Idaho a compelling figure, capable of delivering both light-hearted moments and gut-wrenching action. This part displayed his ability to command attention within an ensemble cast of established stars, proving he could hold his own in even the most dense and sprawling science fiction tales.
Dune’s critical acclaim is reflected in its 83% Rotten Tomatoes rating and 8.0 IMDb score. It is currently available for streaming on HBO Max and for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
4. Joe Braven in Braven
Stepping into the role of Joe Braven, Momoa led this survival-action thriller directed by Lin Oeding. Joe is a modest logger whose search for tranquility at a family retreat is interrupted when he stumbles upon drug smugglers hiding out in his secluded cabin. The ensuing battle for survival places Joe at the story’s intense heart, demanding grit and resourcefulness to protect his loved ones. This low-budget movie stood out thanks to Momoa’s physicality and emotional investment, offering a blend of suspense and heart that made the single-location premise truly engaging.
Braven is rated 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 5.9 on IMDb, with streaming options on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV for those interested in a grounded action experience.
5. Declan Harp in Frontier
Frontier, created by Rob Blackie and Peter Blackie, features Momoa as Declan Harp, a vengeful antihero navigating the perilous fur trade of eighteenth-century North America. Declan’s campaign against the Hudson’s Bay Company’s iron grip on commerce is depicted with brutality and unwavering determination. Momoa pours intensity into this character, using his formidable screen presence to embody the brutality and danger of the era while exposing profound themes of justice and vengeance. The role magnified his capacity to deliver complex antiheroes driven by principle and passion.
With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 75% and a 7.1 IMDb score, Frontier is available to watch on Netflix, allowing fans of gritty historical drama to see another side of Momoa’s talent.
6. Arthur Curry/Aquaman in Zack Snyder’s Justice League
Returning as Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman, in Zack Snyder’s ambitious director’s cut, Momoa explores the duality and internal struggles of a reluctant hero burdened by his heritage. The stakes in this four-hour epic are personal and global, as Aquaman joins Batman, Wonder Woman, and others to revive Superman and defend Earth from Steppenwolf’s invasion. Momoa’s portrayal goes beyond action, offering internal conflict, resolve, and a sense of responsibility, reshaping Aquaman into a grounded figure whose heroism transcends Atlantis. His nuanced take on the role highlights his ability to express vulnerability alongside strength, contributing to the ensemble dynamic central to the narrative’s scale.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League received a 71% Rotten Tomatoes score and 7.9 on IMDb, streaming exclusively on HBO Max.
7. Phillip Kopus in The Red Road
Momoa’s portrayal of Phillip Kopus in this crime drama directed by Aaron Guzikowski presented an opportunity to explore a deeply conflicted, morally ambiguous character. Centered around a fraught relationship between a Native American tribe and law enforcement in a New Jersey town, Kopus’s dark backstory and complex motivations set him apart from typical action archetypes. The series’s narrative unfolds with an emphasis on secrets, loyalty, and uneasy alliances, providing Momoa with the platform to showcase his dramatic range in a thoughtful, character-driven scenario. Despite limited mainstream recognition, The Red Road demonstrated the depth and sensitivity he brings to challenging, nuanced roles.
The Red Road holds a 67% Rotten Tomatoes rating with a 7.3 IMDb score and can be found on Peacock and select regional Amazon Prime Video offerings.
8. Arthur Curry/Aquaman in Aquaman
While Game of Thrones launched Momoa into the spotlight, Aquaman directed by James Wan solidified his international star status and stands as a milestone in his career. As the titular hero, half-human and half-Atlantean, Arthur Curry is charged with uniting the underwater kingdoms to secure his place as king. The film’s vibrant underwater settings, large-scale action, and Momoa’s charismatic performance rewrote the image of Aquaman from comic relief to commanding superhero. His dynamic portrayal brought humor, emotion, and thrilling energy, helping the movie surge past the billion-dollar mark at the box office and affirming Momoa’s credentials as a leading man capable of headlining massive franchises.
Aquaman is rated at 66% on Rotten Tomatoes with a 6.8 IMDb rating and available on HBO Max as well as through rental and purchase platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
9. Baba Voss in See
The science fiction series See, created by Steven Knight, immerses audiences in a future where sight has become a myth and survival is dictated by instinct. As Baba Voss, Momoa plays a fiercely protective tribal leader determined to shield his children—gifted with the rare ability to see—from a ruthless queen and the dangers that follow. The combination of heart-pounding action and layered family drama is anchored by Momoa’s nuanced, forceful depiction. His work in the show underscores both the physical prowess and emotional intelligence required to anchor such a high-concept series, reinforcing his reputation for embodying strong, principled characters navigating impossible odds.
With a 63% Rotten Tomatoes rating and a 7.6 IMDb score, See can be streamed on Apple TV+.
10. Dante Reyes in Fast X
Momoa’s role in Fast X as Dante Reyes marked a dramatic shift into villainy. Operating with a wild and unpredictable style, Dante is a vengeful antagonist who sets his sights on Dom Toretto and his crew. Under the direction of Louis Leterrier, Momoa injects eccentricity and near-manic delight into every scene, delivering a performance that reinvigorates the Fast & Furious franchise. The energetic chaos that Dante brings represents an opportunity for Momoa to exude an unrestrained, even comedic, menace, a stark contrast to his previous more stoic roles. This change in direction showcased his capacity for risk-taking and added a new type of flair to his filmography.
Fast X is rated at 57% on Rotten Tomatoes with a 5.7 IMDb score, available on Peacock and for rental or purchase on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
The Legacy and Impact of Jason Momoa’s Iconic Roles
From the sands of Arrakis and the battlefields of Westeros to the wild frontiers and futuristic realms, Jason Momoa’s journey as an actor has been marked by daring choices and the ability to captivate audiences with every role. The best Jason Momoa roles from Aquaman to Game of Thrones are a testament to his versatility, relentless commitment, and his talent for infusing characters with raw emotion and layered complexity. Each role, whether in ensemble casts or as the lead, has reinforced his enduring status as a beloved fixture in contemporary cinema and television, leaving fans eager to see where his career will venture next.
