With Jeff Goldblum’s latest film “Wicked: For Good” now in theaters, fans are eager for opportunities to revisit the Jeff Goldblum best movies that showcase the full scope of his charismatic and idiosyncratic screen presence. Although “Wicked: For Good” gives him only a limited turn as the Wizard of Oz, Goldblum’s remarkable career features numerous standout roles across varied genres and decades.
Jeff Goldblum Shines as the Wizard in ‘Wicked: For Good’
Goldblum plays the Wizard of Oz in “Wicked: For Good,” the cinematic adaptation of the second act of the iconic Broadway musical. This act takes a darker and more reflective tone, with introspective songs and fewer lighthearted moments—but among the film’s memorable scenes is a performance of “Wonderful,” where Goldblum’s Wizard attempts to justify himself to Glinda and Elphaba, played by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, respectively. Despite his central role as the story’s villainous magician-king, Goldblum appears only occasionally, with much of the narrative centered on the two female leads. Still, his portrayal brings charm and cunning to the role, and Goldblum fans may find themselves wishing for more screen time. In recent years, he’s also had a notable, albeit subtle, presence in “Asteroid City” and contributed guest vocals alongside Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo on his jazz album.
Exploring the Broad Range of Goldblum’s On-Screen Characters
After the more reserved “Wicked: For Good,” audiences craving classic Goldblum can look back at his filmography for performances that offer more of his distinctive persona. From the charming oddball to the complex villain, his performances have spanned comedy, science fiction, crime, and drama, helping define both cult favorites and major blockbusters. Goldblum’s role choices, punctuated by his trademark delivery and presence, have left a strong impact on popular culture.
1. ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ (2017) – The Grandmaster at His Wildest
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Thor: Ragnarok,” Jeff Goldblum plays the flamboyant Grandmaster, wielding power over a gladiator arena on a distant planet. His portrayal is a whirlwind of charisma and improvisational humor, perfectly matched to the film’s energetic pace directed by Taika Waititi. As Thor (Chris Hemsworth) arrives on the planet and finds himself pitted against Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), the Grandmaster’s scenes deliver some of the film’s funniest and most memorable moments. Goldblum balances eccentricity with controlled menace, embodying the role of a bizarre overlord with gusto, and his performance has become one of the defining comedic highlights of the Marvel series in recent years.
2. ‘Igby Goes Down’ (2002) – The Complicated Guardian
In Burr Steers’ darkly comedic drama, Goldblum delivers a standout supporting performance as D.H. Banes, the wealthy, hypocritical godfather to troubled teenager Igby, portrayed by Kieran Culkin. Temporarily acting as Igby’s guardian, Goldblum navigates the character’s shortcomings and contradictions, exposing the flaws and affectations of adulthood to the film’s sardonic lens. Though his screen time is limited, Goldblum’s presence is unforgettable, making D.H. both despicable and oddly likable. The ensemble cast—Amanda Peet, Bill Pullman, and Claire Danes—rounds out the story of familial dysfunction and teenage rebellion, making Goldblum’s role a key part of the film’s lasting appeal.
3. ‘Deep Cover’ (1992) – Breaking Bad in Neo-Noir
Stepping into an unusually dark role, Goldblum is Robert, a lawyer who becomes entangled in the world of drug trafficking alongside Laurence Fishburne’s undercover cop. Directed by Bill Duke, “Deep Cover” is a stylized neo-noir that eschews erotic thriller conventions in favor of a classic crime saga. Goldblum’s turn as a criminal is both credibly menacing and deeply human, showing his range beyond comedy and quirkiness. The chemistry between Fishburne and Goldblum breathes life into the tense partnership at the heart of the story, making this entry a must-watch for those seeking a different side of Goldblum’s cinematic skills.
4. ‘The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou’ (2004) – Rivalry and Wit
Among his multiple appearances in Wes Anderson’s films, Goldblum’s role as Allistair Hennessey in
“The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou”
stands out. He plays the well-heeled nemesis to Bill Murray’s oceanographer, Steve Zissou, bringing wit and biting humor to each scene. With Anderson’s trademark offbeat style, Goldblum creates moments of both absurdity and vulnerability—most memorably in scenes involving his rivalry with Zissou, his interactions with the three-legged dog, and scenes with Anderson’s recurring cast. His dry comedic delivery heightens the film’s unique tone and demonstrates how much an actor can do, even with limited screen time, to enrich a highly stylized world.
5. ‘Jurassic Park’ (1993) – The Iconic Dr. Ian Malcolm
Goldblum’s portrayal of Dr. Ian Malcolm in Steven Spielberg’s “Jurassic Park” is one of the actor’s defining roles and among his most recognized across the world. As the chaos theorist brought to Isla Nublar, Malcolm delivers skeptical warnings about genetic engineering and the folly of playing god. Audiences remember him for both his scientific insight and his laid-back charm, including the much-discussed scene where he lounges shirtless, injured by a dinosaur attack—a moment as iconic as his dry delivery of dire predictions. Returning in “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” and reprising his role in later franchise entries, Goldblum helped turn Dr. Malcolm into the archetypal Sexy Science Nerd. Blockbusters like “Jurassic Park” and “Independence Day” have made Goldblum one of the world’s highest-grossing actors, with his movies together earning billions globally.
yes, this time without the oops
– Jeff Goldblum as Dr. Ian Malcolm
6. ‘The Fly’ (1986) – A Peak in Horror and Humanity
David Cronenberg’s “The Fly” features what many critics regard as Goldblum’s most powerful performance. As scientist Seth Brundle, Goldblum gradually transforms from a shy, hopeful researcher into a tormented mutant after the unintended merging of human and housefly DNA in his experimental teleportation device. The physical and emotional demands of the role were immense, with Goldblum donning extensive prosthetics and makeup, which won an Oscar. Although the Academy overlooked his work for a nomination, his haunting portrayal stands as an all-time great in the horror genre. The film also features Geena Davis as Brundle’s girlfriend, bringing genuine emotional stakes to the gruesome and terrifying transformation. “The Fly” endures as a classic, with Goldblum at its core—a testament to his commitment to deeply layered and challenging characters.
Why Goldblum’s Roles Continue to Captivate Audiences
From playing quirky scientists to intense villains and oddball mentors, Jeff Goldblum’s best movies cut across genres and decades, drawing in audiences with a mix of humor, depth, and unpredictability. His presence in recent projects like “Wicked: For Good” serves as a reminder of both his versatility and his unique place in cinematic history. As platforms like Peacock and Netflix continue to feature his work, new generations are discovering and revisiting his classics. For fans and newcomers alike, Goldblum’s filmography offers a rich journey through the past and present of popular cinema, highlighting why his contributions remain so widely celebrated.
