Jacob Elordi has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most dynamic young talents, showcasing his versatility in a range of standout roles across film and television. From genre-defining TV dramas to imaginative big-screen transformations, the best Jacob Elordi roles reveal his depth and growing reputation as a leading actor.
As audiences anticipate each new addition to Elordi’s resume, his performances in fan-favorite series and acclaimed movies continue to demonstrate that his rise in the industry is no accident. This list explores his top 10 must-see roles, highlighting the breadth and excitement of his career to date.
10. Intrigue and Danger in “He Went That Way” (2023)
Jacob Elordi’s flair for complex “bad boy” characters is explored in the crime drama “He Went That Way,” a film inspired by the chilling real-life crimes of Larry Ranes. The story centers on celebrity animal trainer Jim Goodwin (Zachary Quinto), who embarks on a road trip accompanied by his chimpanzee, only to pick up Elordi’s Bobby Falls, a cunning young serial killer masquerading as an ordinary hitchhiker. As the odd duo navigates the desolate landscape, both wrestle with their private demons, creating a strange and suspenseful dynamic.
While the movie’s tone mixes true crime with noir-esque quirkiness, it is the charismatic and disruptive presence of Elordi that elevates the film. As Bobby, Elordi is energetic and unpredictable, channeling both the familiar edge of his earlier performances and hints of new complexity. “He Went That Way” stands out as a pivotal project, marking Elordi’s move toward more nuanced and challenging roles.
9. “Oh, Canada” (2024): Diving into the World of Memory and Myth
In “Oh, Canada,” Jacob Elordi shares the role of Leo Fife with legendary actor Richard Gere, playing the character’s younger self during formative decades. The film, directed by Paul Schrader, reflects on a dying filmmaker’s legacy, with Leo confessing to fabrications and the emotional damage caused by his choices. As past and present intertwine, Elordi’s segments probe the illusions people create about their own histories.
The film’s unique structure employs shifting visual styles to highlight different time periods, deepening its introspective atmosphere. Elordi and Gere work in tandem, enabling viewers to grasp the development and decline of one man’s reputation. The result is a meditation on self-image, regret, and the passage of time—a poignant showcase for Elordi’s skill in handling emotionally charged material.
8. Forbidden Passions in “On Swift Horses” (2024)
Set in the shadow of the Korean War, Shannon Pufahl’s adaptation “On Swift Horses” weaves together romance, secrecy, and personal awakening. Elordi takes on the role of Julius, a charismatic gambler whose return disrupts the lives of his brother Lee (Will Poulter) and Lee’s wife, Muriel (Daisy Edgar-Jones). When Julius flees to Las Vegas and gets involved with a fellow casino worker, Henry (Diego Calva), Muriel becomes entangled with both horse racing and Julius himself, while her neighbor Sandra (Sasha Calle) brings a dramatic twist to Muriel’s world.
This historical drama immerses viewers in forbidden desire and breaking social taboos, offering a sensitive look at longing from multiple perspectives. Elordi’s portrayal of Julius adds a delicate vulnerability to his expanding range, shedding his typecast image and signaling his readiness for leading man status in more emotionally nuanced stories.
7. Early Stardom in “The Kissing Booth” (2018)
Elordi’s rise to stardom began with Netflix’s teen romantic comedy “The Kissing Booth.” Based on Beth Reekles’ popular novel, the film stars Elordi as Noah Flynn, the charismatic but troubled high school senior who becomes the object of Elle’s (Joey King) affection. The romance develops as Elle’s friendship with Noah’s brother Lee (Joel Courtney) is tested by her growing feelings, all framed by a lighthearted, energetic high school setting.
Though critics were harsh—evident in its Rotten Tomatoes score—audiences latched onto the movie’s appeal and the chemistry of its young cast, making it a streaming phenomenon that spawned two sequels. Elordi himself has described the series as “ridiculous,” but the film served as a springboard to his more substantial later roles. As evidenced in his subsequent projects, “The Kissing Booth” was only the start of a much broader acting journey.
6. Reimagining Icons in “Priscilla” (2023)
Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla” revisits the legendary relationship between Priscilla Presley (Cailee Spaeny) and music icon Elvis Presley, played by Elordi. Unlike Baz Luhrmann’s larger-than-life “Elvis,” this biopic brings an intimate perspective, focusing on Priscilla’s life and the complicated nature of fame and personal agency. Elordi’s Elvis is both commanding and nuanced, providing a fresh angle on the mythic figure.
With his voice and appearance echoing the real-life Elvis Presley, Elordi commands attention in this understated and emotionally complex retelling. He captures the tension of celebrity and vulnerability, despite the generational gap between actor and subject. The performance widened Elordi’s appeal, reinforcing his ability to handle historical and larger-than-life material.
5. Seduction and Suspense in “Deep Water” (2022)
Elordi takes on the supporting character Charlie De Lisle in Adrian Lyne’s psychological thriller “Deep Water,” an adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel. The film explores a dangerously open marriage between Vic (Ben Affleck) and Melinda Van Allen (Ana de Armas), finding drama in jealousy, suspicion, and murder. Charlie, Melinda’s latest lover and a piano teacher, becomes a catalyst for the story’s tension after his mysterious drowning implicates Vic.
Though “Deep Water” was released during the pandemic and became overshadowed by its predecessors in the erotic thriller genre, Elordi’s role allowed him to step into a more mature, suave persona. The film’s chilling atmosphere is heightened by his charm and presence, demonstrating his adaptability to adult-oriented narratives and high-stakes storytelling.
4. Layers of Trauma in “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” (2025)
In the Australian miniseries
“The Narrow Road to the Deep North,”
Elordi stars as Dorrigo Evans, a character enduring profound hardship across three different life stages: before, during, and after World War II. Adapted from Richard Flanagan’s award-winning novel, the story follows Dorrigo from his forbidden love affair with his aunt Amy (Odessa Young), through harrowing experiences as a prisoner of war, to the long-term effects of trauma and survival.
The drama stands out due to its intense emotional depth and character focus. Elordi transformed physically and emotionally for the role, reportedly losing 20 pounds to embody Dorrigo’s suffering and resilience. Critics praised the series and Elordi’s powerful portrayal, which deepened his reputation for taking on difficult and challenging material. The chemistry between Elordi and Young is often cited as one of the show’s highlights, underscoring the emotional core of this under-the-radar gem.
3. Monstrous Humanity in “Frankenstein” (2025)
Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of “Frankenstein” brings a new interpretation to Mary Shelley’s immortal tale. Oscar Isaac plays the obsessive Victor Frankenstein, while Elordi steps into the formidable role of The Creature. The film’s visual splendor, under del Toro’s guidance, immerses viewers in gothic horror while remaining faithful to the spirit of the original novel.
Elordi’s performance as The Creature is marked by a blend of imposing physicality and profound vulnerability. His transformation, enhanced by makeup artist Mike Hill’s grotesque designs, enables Elordi to express the innate suffering and loneliness of Shelley’s creation. Scenes with Mia Goth’s Lady Elizabeth Harlander and David Bradley’s Blind Man stand out for their emotional intensity, suggesting Elordi’s work could be worthy of major awards consideration. Del Toro’s reimagining positions Elordi at the forefront of genre cinema.
2. Breakout Performance in “Euphoria” (2019–)
For many, Jacob Elordi became a household name thanks to HBO’s provocative series “Euphoria.” The show, set in the fictional town of East Highland, California, follows a group of teens navigating the challenges of addiction, mental health, and turbulent relationships. Elordi’s Nate Jacobs is initially portrayed as a classic football star and bad boy, but as the series unfolds, layers of anger, insecurity, and family dysfunction are revealed.
Nate’s volatile dynamic with Maddy Perez (Alexa Demie) and his relationship with his father Cal (Eric Dane) add depth to his character, incorporating themes of toxic masculinity and emotional damage. Elordi’s intense performance is crucial in making Nate believable as both villain and tragic byproduct of circumstance. The ongoing narrative continues to push Elordi’s range, building anticipation for how his portrayal will evolve in future seasons.
1. Aristocratic Excess in “Saltburn” (2023)
The black comedy “Saltburn,” written and directed by Emerald Fennell, became an instant cultural phenomenon upon release. The story tracks Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan), a new student at Oxford, as he becomes infatuated with Felix Catton (Elordi), an effortlessly privileged aristocrat. Felix’s invitation to Oliver sets off a summer mired in excess, obsession, and unexpected twists, with the Catton family’s eccentric estate serving as a backdrop for the unfolding chaos.
Elordi’s depiction of Felix is captivating, blending entitled charm with glimpses of inner turmoil. The notorious bathtub scene sparked viral attention, cementing his status as an actor willing to embrace risk and complexity. “Saltburn” not only spotlighted his ability to make even privileged characters interesting but also demonstrated the synergy possible with high-level ensembles like Keoghan’s. The movie stands as one of Elordi’s most accomplished and talked-about performances to date.
Why These Roles Define Jacob Elordi’s Rising Star
From the deceptive calm of “Saltburn” to the tragic depths of “Frankenstein” and the stormy adolescence of “Euphoria,” Jacob Elordi continues to add breadth and intensity to every role he takes on. Audiences and critics alike have recognized his skill at lending humanity, vulnerability, and complexity to a diverse roster of characters. This mix of emotionally charged and highly intense storytelling has not only diversified his career but positioned him as one of the brightest and most versatile talents of his generation.
The future promises even greater challenges for Elordi, with high-profile filmmakers and writing talents—from Guillermo del Toro and Paul Schrader to Sofia Coppola and Emerald Fennell—eager to cast him in new, boundary-pushing projects. As fans and newcomers revisit these best Jacob Elordi roles, it is clear his journey is just beginning, and that anticipation for his next performance is well-deserved.
