Colin Farrell is 48: best movie roles

Colin Farrell has had an incredible career, with numerous award nominations and accolades following his breakout role in Steven Spielberg’s Minority Report (2002). Whether he’s playing a superhero villain or a sensitive, kind-hearted, and innocent character, the Irish native is one of the most versatile actors of his generation, and has delivered some incredible performances since then. After starring in blockbusters, Farrell has made his way into the world of independent film, which has further propelled his career. In recognition of the actor’s undeniable talent, here’s a look back at his best films.

Thirteen Lives (2022)

Farrell's underrated film is based on a true story about a team of young athletes who were rescued from underwater caves in Thailand. Colin gives a believable performance as one of the heroic scuba divers who set out to find the boys. The impressive plot and performances make this one of the best films on the actor's list.

The Gentlemen (2019)

A Guy Ritchie film that only he could have made – an energetic, stylish action movie with a specific humor and wild characters. Star cast – in addition to Farrell, Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Jeremy Strong and Henry Golding starred. A fantastic story about a former American patriot who decided to sell an “empire” of psychotropic substances with interesting results.

“Widows” (2018)

Steve McQueen's neo-noir heist thriller, based on the 1983 British TV series of the same name, centers on four Chicago widows (Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, and Cynthia Erivo) who are left with the debts of their criminal husbands after they are killed in a bombing. Farrell plays politician Jack Mulligan. The film explores themes of loss, sexism, and race.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)

The most original film in Farrell's filmography, and all because the director's chair was occupied by the "master of surrealism" Yorgos Lanthimos. The thriller with elements of horror tells the story of charismatic surgeon Steve (Farrell). His life begins to fall apart because of an inadequate teenager (Barry Keoghan), whom he took under his wing.

"Minority Report" (2002)

The first Hollywood role of yesterday's participant of Irish TV series. In Spielberg's film, Colin played an agent checking the hero of Tom Cruise to see if he fulfills his duties to prevent crimes. The role is negative, provocative. And Farrell did an excellent job with it. The young actor was taken "into work" by major Hollywood studios.

"After Young" (2021)

A return to his roots almost 20 years after Minority Report. Japanese director Konogada's philosophical sci-fi thriller is one of the most provocative in Farrell's filmography. The near-future story follows a family who are faced with the loss of their AI-powered home assistant. Visually polished and atmospheric, the film raises the issue of humankind's interaction with machines.

Batman (2022)

Another work where Farrell appears in a negative role. Fortunately, his acting arsenal allows him to be very different. This time, he, as they say, surpassed himself and appeared on the screen in the image of Gotham's main gangster Penguin completely unrecognizable. Hours of makeup, a suit that makes his figure thicker, and disgusting manners made Colin's character the "perfect villain".

"The Lobster" (2015)

The first example of collaboration between Farrell and Lanthimos. Colin played David, who, like everyone else in this dystopia, must move into the Hotel and find his beloved within 45 days. And if he doesn’t find her? He will have to turn into an animal, by his own choice. “The Lobster” is perhaps the most understandable film by the Greek director, but at the same time not without “oddities” and signature techniques.

“In Bruges” (2007)

Lanthimos' film, of course, cannot be compared with Martin McDonagh's sparkling, absurdist comedy. In it, Farrell worked with Brendan Gleeson for the first time, and their acting duo earned not only praise from viewers, but also from critics. The film even gained an army of fans, and it itself was included in the list of the best crime comedies of all time. The plot is simple - London hitmen Ray and Ken are waiting for orders from their boss in Bruges, Belgium, after they "screwed up" with his assignment. For this work, Colin received his first Golden Globe.

"Banshee of Inisherin" (2022)

Another masterpiece from McDonagh, Farrell and Gleeson. They were also joined on set by Barry Keoghan. They made a touching comedy drama about two friends living on a sparsely populated Irish island and going through hard times in communication. For his transformation into the simple and rude Podrick, Colin received his first Oscar nomination. And I want to believe, not his last.