Ralph Fiennes is one of those actors who can seemingly do anything. He caught people’s attention with stunning performances in powerful dramas and gained a reputation as an actor in prestige films. However, as his career went on, Fiennes continued to show he could not be typecast.
He has the ability to hold the audience’s attention with fear in his villainous roles, through power with his headlining performances, or through laughs with his comedic works. His versatility makes him a joy to watch in any project. Here are the best Ralph Fiennes movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
The Lego Batman Movie (2017) - 90%
Fiennes has one of those voices that simply exudes class and sophistication, so he was a perfect choice to voice Alfred Pennyworth in The Lego Batman Movie. A spin-off of the popular Lego Movie, this version of the Batman story finds a lonely Bruce Wayne’s life turned upside down when he takes in a young orphan.
The movie maintains the wild mayhem of the Lego world while also giving a surprisingly solid Batman story. Filled with beloved characters and a great voice cast, it is a hilarious and fun family adventure showing the lighter side of the Caped Crusader.
A Bigger Splash (2015) - 90%
Fiennes has proven to be a skilled actor with drama and comedy, so a role that mixes the two feels like a perfect fit for him. A Bigger Splash stars Tilda Swinton as a famous rock star on vacation with her boyfriend which is interrupted by the sudden arrival of her eccentric old friend (Fiennes).
The film is a unique story that keeps you guessing as the intimate drama unfolds. Director Luca Guadagnino creates a gorgeous look for the film and the very talented cast brings further power to the story with their great performances.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) - 91%
Fiennes doesn’t always get to show off his comedic side but when he does it’s a reminder of how versatile he is as an actor. In The Grand Budapest Hotel, Fiennes stars as a dedicated and eccentric concierge at an upscale hotel who becomes embroiled in a murder conspiracy surrounding a priceless painting.
The Wes Anderson film is filled with the filmmaker’s unique and charming qualities along with a fairly ambitious story. Fiennes is hilarious in the lead role, and he is supported by a wonderful cast who help to bring the colorful and entertaining adventure to life.
Skyfall (2012) - 92%
Fiennes lent his authoritative screen presence to the iconic James Bond franchise in one of its best installments. Daniel Craig returns as 007 who, after falling off the grid, is brought back in when a madman begins targeting M (Judi Dench). Fiennes plays a government official who meets Bond on his mission.
Sam Mendes took over directing duties for this epic take on the classic hero. Craig gives his best Bond performance to date while Javier Bardem makes for a brilliant villain. It is a beautiful and exciting action film that explores the famous character a little deeper.
Coriolanus (2011) - 92%
If Fiennes’ talents in front of the camera weren’t impressive enough, he also proved himself to be an excellent director with his debut, Coriolanus. Based on the William Shakespeare play, Fiennes plays a decorated army general who is banished from his home and allies himself with a former enemy to take revenge.
Despite the difficult content, Fiennes not only successfully brings the story to the big screen but recontextualizes it in a modern setting with interesting results. It is a visually powerful and engrossing take on classic material.
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit (2005) - 95%
The Wallace & Gromit cartoons have been beloved by children and adults for decades now, and The Curse of the Were-Rabbit was the characters’ successful leap to feature-length films. The stop motion animated film follows the titular inventor and his loyal dog as they set out to catch the mysterious creature behind the disappearance of the town’s vegetables. Fiennes lends his voice to an arrogant hunter.
With the lovable characters at the center of the story and some truly breath-taking sequences, this family-friendly adventure was hailed as touching and unique by critics.
Quiz Show (1994) - 96%
As Fiennes’ profile in Hollywood rose, he got the chance to work with acclaimed filmmakers, including Robert Redford in Quiz Show. The drama is set in the 1950s and stars Fiennes as a man who becomes a national celebrity on a popular television quiz show while a lawyer investigates if the show was fixed.
Redford uses the unique premise of the film to explore important issues. The story also makes for a surprisingly entertaining drama with an incredible cast all delivering stellar performances.
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows - Part 2 (2011) - 96%
Fiennes has a talent for playing dynamic villains, and likely his most famous baddie is Voldemort in the Harry Potter series. This conclusion of the massively popular franchise finds Harry leading the forces of Hogwarts against Voldemort and his army in one epic final showdown.
With huge expectations to finish the series on a satisfying note, critics largely agreed that the film delivered. It is an emotional, exciting and thrilling end to the story in a suitably epic fashion. Fiennes also gets special mention for his iconic villain role.
Schindler’s List (1993) - 97%
Fiennes came to the attention of many with his unsettling role in Steven Spielberg’s harrowing Holocaust drama Schindler’s List. The film tells the true story of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a factory owner in German-occupied Poland who used his influence to save thousands of Jews from the Nazi regime. Fiennes plays a ruthless and sadistic Nazi officer.
The film was praised as a masterpiece from Spielberg, who managed to blend the horrors of this period in time with a story of humanity. Neeson and Fiennes were also praised for their incredible performances in a film that is not easy to watch but nonetheless an unforgettable experience.
Kubo And The Two Strings (2016) - 97%
Fiennes once again lent his voice to an inventive and acclaimed animated film. Kubo and the Two Strings follows a young boy on a journey to find a magical suit of armor that can be used to defeat his evil grandfather (Fiennes) who seeks to destroy the boy.
Critics loved the beautiful and stunning animation of the film from the amazing talents at Laika Studios. The story was also praised for being emotional, exciting and powerful while still being accessible to all audiences.
