<pOver the course of his enduring career, Ethan Hawke has established himself as one of the most talented actors of his generation, with a variety of memorable roles. To celebrate the release of Black Phone 2, here are the best Ethan Hawke movies that showcase his remarkable range and skill.
A Glimpse of a Genetically Engineered Future in ‘Gattaca’ (1997)
In the dystopian world of Gattaca, genetic engineering creates an unfair divide where individuals like Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke), born naturally, face discrimination, while genetically enhanced people like his brother Anton (Loren Dean) enjoy greater freedoms. Desperate to achieve his dream of space exploration, Vincent partners with Jerome Eugene Morrow (Jude Law), a disabled athlete, to assume his identity. This risky deception becomes jeopardized when the head of Gattaca is murdered shortly before a major launch, putting Vincent under intense scrutiny, especially from the investigating officer—his brother Anton. Failure to stay ahead could expose Vincent not only as a fraud but also as a murder suspect. Gattaca remains a compelling mix of science fiction and thrilling suspense.
Confronting Corruption in ‘Training Day’ (2001)
Training Day follows LAPD Officer Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) as he undergoes a grueling evaluation under Detective Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington). Washington’s portrayal earned him an Oscar, while Hawke’s intense performance also garnered a nomination. During this one-day ride-along, Hoyt witnesses the dark underbelly of Los Angeles law enforcement, uncovering systemic corruption embodied by Harris, whose pursuit of power comes at any cost. This film’s tension and moral complexity portray a gritty urban world where loyalty and justice clash violently. Training Day offers a disturbing yet unforgettable look at police culture and ambition.
Family Betrayal and Tragedy in ‘Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead’ (2007)
Director Sidney Lumet crafted a haunting crime thriller with Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead, weaving a non-linear narrative around two brothers, Henry ‘Hank’ Hanson (Ethan Hawke) and Andrew ‘Andy’ Hanson (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Both men face desperate financial situations and hatch a plan to rob their parents’ jewelry store, hoping the insurance will cover their losses. Their scheme spirals into chaos when violence erupts, ultimately leading to death and a tightening noose of guilt and suspicion. The film explores themes of family loyalty, downfall, and the irreversibility of bad decisions, solidifying it as one of Lumet’s last great works before his passing in 2011.
Spiritual Crisis and Radicalization Explored in ‘First Reformed’ (2017)
First Reformed features one of Ethan Hawke’s most intense performances as Reverend Ernst Toller, a man wrestling with his faith and conscience. When Toller is asked by parishioner Mary Mensana (Amanda Seyfried) to support her husband Michael (Philip Ettinger), who is reluctant to raise their unborn child, tragedy strikes as Michael takes his own life. Attempting to shield Mary from further pain by destroying Michael’s belongings, Toller instead discovers the environmental activism that Michael advocated. This revelation pushes him toward radical choices as he confronts the gravity of ecological destruction and personal despair. The film offers a gripping and somber meditation on faith, morality, and desperation.
The Night That Changed Everything in ‘Before Sunrise’ (1995)
Before Sunrise marks the beginning of director Richard Linklater’s beloved trilogy and remains a standout in Ethan Hawke’s career. It tells the story of Jesse (Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy), two strangers who meet on a train and decide to spend one night walking across Vienna together. The film captures their deepening connection through candid conversations and growing intimacy, inviting the audience to experience the vulnerability and uncertainty of fleeting love. The natural performances and richly drawn characters make this more than just a romance—it’s an exploration of human connection. Hawke and Delpy reprised their roles in later sequels, further developing Jesse and Céline’s evolving relationship.
“Ethan Hawke gave one of the most sinister performances of his career in 2021’s The Black Phone, and he’s reprising his role as The Grabber later this week in Black Phone 2.” – Source
“Denzel Washington is an overwhelming force of nature in Training Day, the film that finally netted him an Oscar for Best Actor.” – Source
“Legendary director Sidney Lumet had one last great crime thriller in him, and Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead was hailed as one of his best before he passed away in 2011.” – Source
Ethan Hawke’s ability to embody complex characters across genres—from sci-fi and thriller to drama and romance—demonstrates why he remains a compelling figure in cinema. Each of these five films highlights different dimensions of his talent, from the charismatic to the deeply troubled. As Black Phone 2 arrives, audiences can expect more of the compelling performances that have defined his career. These movies serve as essential viewing for anyone eager to witness the breadth of Ethan Hawke’s acting achievements and his unmatched versatility.
