Willem Dafoe's Best Movie Roles

An actor of incredible range, Willem Dafoe is a true master of his craft. Having started out in the theater in his native Wisconsin before moving to New York, he is now in demand in both big-budget franchises and blockbusters, and in smaller, but acclaimed independent films. With hundreds of different films under his belt, ranking Dafoe's best works is not so easy. But in this review, we will try.

"Spider-Man" (2002)

Perhaps Dafoe's best role, for many fans of the superhero franchise, was his sinister portrayal of Norman Osborn, aka the Green Goblin, Spider-Man's arch-nemesis. The Goblin's iconic suit of armor was made up of 580 individual plates. To put it on, the actor had to spend an hour and a half in the wardrobe department every day of filming. But the "suffering" was worth it, as the film earned $100 million on its opening weekend.

John Wick (2016)

In John Wick, Dafoe plays Marcus, a seasoned member of the old guard of assassins and something of a father figure to Wick. The actor commented on the film: “The action is a great mix of martial arts and gunplay. You have this reverence for the characters’ body control, but then the gun goes off…”

The English Patient (1996)

In the film, Dafoe portrays David Caravaggio, a mysterious character with an even more mysterious plan. Even against a cast of high-caliber actors, Willem does not lose his cool, but manages to rise up with an intense performance that hints at the source of the character’s emotions and pain. The performance is nuanced and goes beyond his usual repertoire, while also containing emotional depth, showing the evolution of Caravaggio.

“Born on the Fourth of July” (1989)

Dafoe plays the supporting role of Charlie, a veteran buddy of the protagonist Ron (Tom Cruise) who views the war through a similar lens. Dafoe's moving and intimate performance is memorable for its desperation and vulnerability. His growing appeal leads to frustration on the part of Cruise's character. The film was a critical and commercial success, becoming Dafoe's first blockbuster.

The Poor Poor (2024)

Yorgos Lanthimos' recent hit is an eccentric and strange story about a woman who receives a brain transplant from her unborn child. Dafoe plays Dr. Godwin Baxter, the author of this mind-blowing operation. According to the plot, he is caring, frank and inquisitive, which prompts him to conduct strange experiments. And he also has such a paternal persuasiveness that you can't help but feel for his patient Bella Baxter (Emma Stone). For this authenticity, Dafoe was nominated for various awards as best supporting actor.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Dafoe portrayed Jay G. Jopling, a sinister and fearless killer who enjoys doing dirty work, in this Wes Anderson epic. The chameleon-like actor's presence added a dark edge to the film that contrasted perfectly with the director's colorful and flamboyant world. Dafoe's dangerous hero is unpredictable, making him an unforgettable movie villain.

Antichrist (2009)

Director Lars von Trier is no stranger to controversy. Among his controversial works is Antichrist, a psychological thriller about a married couple dealing with the death of their son. The wife, played by Charlotte Gainsbourg, slowly goes mad and becomes aggressive not only towards herself but also towards her husband. While her husband, played by Dafoe, is more rational and analytical, working as a psychologist and trying to control his sadness and anxiety. The admiration for his acting comes from his fearlessness in delving into a psychologically complex character. The provocative narrative, brilliant performances and violent scenes that play out between the couple make the film a perfect example of a noir drama.

The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)

Another difficult film in Dafoe's career, directed by Martin Scorsese. This is an author's version, "looking" into the inner world of Jesus Christ, his passions and fears, his desire to live the life of an ordinary person. Despite a satisfying home life with Mary Magdalene (Barbara Hershey) and other joys, Jesus accepts his fate and ends his life in suffering on the cross. Dafoe put in a lot of effort to get this role. And he did not lose, winning recognition from critics and viewers for his performance.