Colin Farrell has built a distinguished film career over several decades, finally receiving significant recognition with his first Oscar nomination in 2022 and two Emmy nominations for his role in The Penguin. Despite being a frontrunner for the Emmy for Best Actor in a Limited Series, predictions did not favor him, as Stephen Graham won for Adolescence. Farrell’s recent acclaim highlights a body of work that includes a range of genres and captivating performances, firmly establishing him as an actor to watch.
Looking ahead, Farrell’s upcoming projects like A Big Bold Beautiful Journey and Ballad of a Small Player promise to elevate his standing further within the industry. Although his critical acknowledgment is relatively recent, his extensive filmography offers many outstanding films that showcase his versatility and promise to satisfy a variety of audience tastes.
Here are the 10 best Colin Farrell movies that deserve attention, especially after his recent Emmy disappointment.
A Dramatic Tale of Friendship on a Remote Irish Island
The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) stands out as one of Colin Farrell’s most acclaimed collaborations with writer-director Martin McDonagh. The story centers on two close friends, Pádraic and Colm, living isolated lives on a small island off the coast of Ireland. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Colm abruptly ends their friendship, triggering a series of events with far-reaching and tragic consequences.
Premiering at the Venice Film Festival, this film is Farrell’s highest-rated project on Rotten Tomatoes, earning 96% positive reviews. This success garnered him his first Oscar nomination, alongside eight additional nods for the movie. The film was widely praised for its darkly comedic approach, unpredictable plot, and profound exploration of male friendship, ranking it as one of the top-rated films of 2022, second only to Top Gun: Maverick.
The Breakout Dark Comedy About Hitmen in Belgium
In Bruges (2008) marked the beginning of Farrell’s fruitful working relationship with Martin McDonagh. The film follows two hitmen who must hide out in the picturesque city of Bruges after a botched assignment. Throughout their time in the city, they confront their own existential struggles while navigating the consequences of their violent profession.
This film was Farrell’s first major comedy role and revealed his exceptional comedic talent. His skillful delivery of McDonagh’s witty script ignited some of the most memorable comedic sequences of the decade. Blending absurd humor with poignant reflections on identity, In Bruges earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay and remains a high point in Farrell’s comedic career.
A Dark Comedy That Redefines Crime and Filmmaking
Seven Psychopaths (2012) is McDonagh’s second feature film collaboration with Farrell. The plot centers on a screenwriter caught in a chaotic criminal underworld when his friends kidnap a gangster’s dog. The film mixes dark humor with violent crime elements, offering a meta-commentary on the filmmaking process itself.
This film’s tone and style evoke comparisons to Quentin Tarantino’s influential work, such as Reservoir Dogs and Jackie Brown, but with McDonagh’s distinctive voice making it stand apart. Farrell’s ability to deliver outlandish dialogue while adding emotional depth to his character makes it a unique entry in Farrell’s filmography, even if it did not receive as widespread acclaim as some of McDonagh’s other films.
A Sci-Fi Thriller Showcasing Spielberg’s Vision and Farrell’s Strength
Minority Report (2002), directed by Steven Spielberg, is a complex blend of science fiction, action, mystery, and thriller genres, adapted from a Philip K. Dick story. Tom Cruise stars as a police officer working for a futuristic organization called Precrime, which uses psychic technology to stop crimes before they happen. Farrell plays a detective who becomes an ally as the protagonist is framed for a future murder.
This film is one of Spielberg’s most ambitious efforts, praised for its fast-paced action and thoughtful exploration of morality and technology. Farrell’s performance as the detective adds a much-needed balance, embodying a character who seeks truth amid the powerful forces at work. The movie received an Oscar nomination for Best Sound Editing and solidified the successful creative partnership of Spielberg and Cruise during the 2000s.
Iconic Comedy with Farrell’s Memorable Supporting Role
Horrible Bosses (2011) became a hit comedy featuring Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, and Charlie Day as friends plotting to murder their oppressive bosses. Colin Farrell plays one of these notoriously awful bosses, joining a cast of well-known actors including Jennifer Aniston, Jamie Foxx, and Kevin Spacey.
Though his screen time is limited, Farrell makes a lasting impression as the snarky and self-centered boss, injecting humor and personality that enhance the film’s overall dynamic. The chemistry among the leads and the supporting cast helped Horrible Bosses succeed at the box office and maintain its popularity, even spawning a sequel that did not quite match the original’s impact.
A Heartfelt Science Fiction Drama Exploring Technology and Family
After Yang (2021), marking Farrell’s first collaboration with director Kogonada, explores a quiet, melancholic sci-fi world where technology intersects with human emotions. Farrell plays Jake, a father trying to repair his daughter’s malfunctioning android. Through this process, he reflects on his strained family relationships and the meaning of connection.
The film highlights Farrell’s vulnerability and emotional range, portraying a father wrestling with loss and hope. His chemistry with Justin H. Min, who plays the android, helps ground the story in intimacy. While the themes are explicitly conveyed, the film resonates as a touching meditation on love, loss, and reconciliation.
A Subtle Music Drama About Resilience and Relationships
Crazy Heart (2009) features Jeff Bridges in an Oscar-winning role as a fading country singer. The story follows his journey toward personal redemption and romance with a younger reporter played by Maggie Gyllenhaal. Farrell plays another country singer who is both a rival and a complicated figure in Bridges’s character’s life.
The film focuses less on the music and more on the interplay between its characters, exploring themes of envy, respect, and growth. Farrell’s performance adds depth to the story by portraying a nuanced relationship rather than a simple rivalry, contributing to the film’s emotional weight and multiple Oscar wins.
A Dark Psychological Thriller Marking Farrell’s Collaboration with Lanthimos
The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) is a psychological thriller by Yorgos Lanthimos featuring Farrell as Steven, a heart surgeon whose life spirals after a disturbing relationship with a troubled young man named Martin. The film also stars Nicole Kidman, Barry Keoghan, and Alicia Silverstone.
The movie’s eerie tone and satirical examination of an upper-class family’s disintegration highlight Lanthimos’s unique style. While Farrell delivers a compelling performance caught in moral turmoil, Barry Keoghan’s chilling role as Martin garnered widespread acclaim, catapulting him to international recognition and an Oscar nomination. This unsettling movie leaves a strong and lasting impression on viewers.
A Powerful Heist Drama Tackling Grief and Corruption
Widows (2018), directed by Steve McQueen, follows four widows who band together to complete a heist planned by their deceased husbands. The film features an impressive ensemble cast that includes Viola Davis, Liam Neeson, Cynthia Erivo, and Robert Duvall. It delves into the complex themes of violence, loss, and systemic corruption.
Highly anticipated after McQueen’s acclaimed 12 Years a Slave, Widows blends thrilling action with meaningful commentary on human resilience. The film’s stylish direction and intense pacing underscore McQueen’s reputation as a skilled filmmaker who combines entertainment with thoughtful storytelling.
A Grounded, Dark Detective Thriller Featuring Farrell as the Penguin
The Batman (2022) offers a gritty and realistic take on Gotham City’s vigilante, with Robert Pattinson portraying Bruce Wayne. Farrell takes on the role of The Penguin, a nightclub owner entangled in the city’s criminal underworld. The plot follows Batman as he investigates a series of politically motivated murders by the Riddler, uncovering widespread corruption.
Critically acclaimed, the film received three Oscar nominations, an uncommon achievement for a comic book adaptation. Farrell’s transformation into The Penguin, aided by impressive makeup and a tense performance, ranks among the most memorable interpretations of the character. With a sequel already in development, The Batman stands as one of the decade’s most powerful comic book films.
“I was predicted to win the Emmy for Best Actor in a Limited Series on numerous sites, including The Guardian and Deadline, but was overtaken by Stephen Graham for his work on Adolescence.” ? Stephen Graham, Actor
“Colin Farrell leaves a big impact on the film, wonderfully portraying the snarkiness and selfishness of his character to an effective degree.” ? Film Critic
