In recent times, superhero films are among the most popular. Marvel Studios probably represents the most successful IP in the world, and DC as far behind as they are considered to be, have managed to show their importance in some other way. We’re not getting into the basics of cinematic universes, but no one can deny DC has shown prominence in the acting part of their movies.
While the other side goes for formulaic iterations of their characters, DC has snatched Oscars. First, the late Heath Ledger got one for his performance as the Joker in the Nolan-verse of Batman. And in 2019,Joaquin Phoenixfinally proved why the Joker is the most complex character in superhero films and got himself an Oscar for playing Arthur Fleck also known as the Joker, as well.
We can sayPhoenix elevated the action-adventure subgenreto a whole other level. But Phoenix’s immersion in the character was already something everyone expected. We all knew his role was not going to be simple because he’s far from a simple performer. He’s always been able to observe the many layers of interpretation that his characters require, and Phoenix’s entry into the superhero world seemed like a consequence of the talent display he had accomplished in the past.
With amazing performances in his career, becoming a master of physical transformation, and a playful attempt at retiring already, Joaquin Phoenix is one of the best actors in modern cinema, and definitely one that can drastically change your experience at the cinema. We took a look at how Rotten Tomatoes ranks his best movies and put together a list for you to enjoy. Ironically,Jokerisn’t part of his best films according to critics on the famous site.
15Signs (2002) - 75%
Few secondary roles are as important as Phoenix’s Merrill in M. Night Shyamalan’s sci-fi dramaSigns. In the film, a family is spooked by aliens on a remote farm. The leader is Graham Hess, a former priest who left the priesthood after his wife and mother of their children died. Since then, Merrill has come to live with his brother and nephews. At a certain point,Merrill plays the comedy relief, but he may hold the key for the family’s defense against the invading monsters.
Related:10 Major Roles Joaquin Phoenix Turned Down or Didn’t Get
14Quills (2010) - 75%
In the fascinating Philip Kaufman filmQuills, Phoenix plays the Abbé du Coulmier, the man in charge of keeping the Marquis de Safe “quiet” while he’s confined to an asylum and can’t stop writing scandalous stories. The Abbé falls in love while he deals with the powerful man behind bars. This represented a big step for Phoenix as the director insisted he had to play the role instead of the other more familiar faces that had auditioned.
13Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot (2018) - 76%
Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Footis a Gun Van Sant film that’s weirdly uplifting, considering the rest of Van Sant’s films. Phoenix’s portrayal of John Callahan is essential to the good nature of the movie about a cartoonist who becomes a paraplegic after a car accident and right then decides he must quit drinking and start a new drawing style.
12Gladiator (2000) - 80%
In Ridley Scott’sGladiator, the villain is an essential part of Maximus Decimus Meridius' journey for avenging the deaths of his familyand the former emperor. Commodus (Phoenix in one of his greatest roles) is a psychopath who murders his father the Emperor when he’s told someone else will inherit the throne. This was Phoenix’s first Oscar nomination.
11Walk the Line (2005) - 82%
Five years afterGladiator, Phoenix would come back to the spotlight, and get a second Oscar nomination, when he played Johnny Cash inWalk the Line. The film tells the story of Cash rising to the country music scene in the ’50s, and becoming a star haunted by drug addiction. Reese Witherspoon plays his partner June Carter, but sadly only she would win the Oscar that year.
10Two Lovers (2008) - 82%
InTwo Lovers, Phoenix plays Leonard, a suicidal man whose family believes meeting a new woman will make him fall in love and forget all his issues. The thing is Leonard, as willing as he is, is attracted to one of his neighbors, who’s very volatile and “dangerous” in the eyes of his family. This is a very underrated romantic drama.
9The Master (2012) - 85%
With Paul Thomas Anderson’sThe Master, Phoenix got his third Oscar nomination and this time we were sure he was going to win. However, the Academy had other plans as Daniel Day-Lewis was also on the ballot, and we all know how that always turns out. Playing Freddie Quell, Phoenix displays every bit of his range.Quell represents PTSDand the erratic views of a war veteran who finally finds solace in a cult led by a very intelligent and powerful man who harbors the broken man and remodels every bit of his spirit.
Related:The 30 Greatest Actors of Our Time
8The Immigrant (2013) - 85%
One of the Phoenix’s most underrated performances, James Gray’sThe Immigrantconfirms drama is his territory. He plays Bruno Weiss, a clever man who finds Ewa’s talents to be good enough to use her to gain some money. Ewa (Marion Cotillard) is under the impression that he will reunite her with her sister and start a new life after having immigrated from Poland. Luckily, an illusionist enters the picture and represents hope for Ewa.
7The Sisters Brothers (2018) - 87%
The Sisters Brothersis the 2018 Western that nobody saw, and those who saw it, remember little of it. In the film, Phoenix masterfully plays Charlie Sisters, part of the duo of assassins that try to get ahold of clues that lead to the gold that’s being sought by another group. Don’t be mistaken by its poor reception,The Sisters Brothersis actually a very good modern western film.
6You Were Never Really Here (2017) - 89%
WhenYou Were Never Really Herewas released, we all thought this was the year that Phoenix would finally win an Oscar. His role as Joe, the violent assassin for hire whose latest mission involves saving a child, is impressive. For some, this is actually his best performance to date. Lynne Ramsay’s film is awfully tense and unnerving as at some point it becomes a great rendering of Joe’s emotional breakdown. The curious thing is the film was absolutely absent from the Oscars that year.
