1. Boyhood (2014) – 97%

Directed by Richard Linklater, this groundbreaking film was shot intermittently over a period of 12 years, chronicling the life of a young boy named Mason from early childhood to his arrival at college. Ethan Hawke plays Mason’s father and delivers a performance that earned him an Academy Award nomination.

2. Before Sunset (2004) – 95%

The second film in Linklater’s acclaimed ‘Before’ trilogy, ‘Before Sunset’ finds Hawke reprising his role as Jesse, who reunites with Celine (Julie Delpy) in Paris. Their conversations reflect deep introspection and connection.

3. Before Midnight (2013) – 98%

In the third installment of the ‘Before’ series, we see Jesse and Celine facing the challenges of middle-aged life and parenthood, delving into more mature themes of love and commitment.

4. Before Sunrise (1995) – 100%

Where it all began, ‘Before Sunrise’ is a romantic tale about two strangers, Jesse and Celine, who meet on a train in Europe and decide to spend one night together in Vienna—a night that will change their lives forever.

5. Training Day (2001) – 73%

A gritty crime thriller where Hawke plays rookie detective Jake Hoyt, who is paired with a corrupt narcotics officer played by Denzel Washington in a performance that earned him an Oscar.

6. Gattaca (1997) – 82%

In this sci-fi film set in a future where genetic engineering determines one’s life path, Hawke plays Vincent Freeman who rebels against society’s eugenic system to follow his dream of going to space.

7. First Reformed (2017) – 94%

Hawke delivers a haunting performance as Reverend Ernst Toller in this drama about faith and despair as he counsels a parishioner over ecological terrorism while grappling with his own tormented past.

8. Reality Bites (1994) – 66%

A cult classic that defined Generation X, Hawke plays Troy Dyer, a philosophical slacker caught in a love triangle between his friend Lelaina (Winona Ryder) and a yuppie television executive.

9. Dead Poets Society (1989) – 84%

One of Hawke’s earliest successes, he stars as Todd Anderson, a shy student inspired by his English teacher John Keating (Robin Williams), who encourages him to ‘seize the day’ and embrace poetry.

10. The Before/After Series (1995-2013)

Although this can’t be encapsulated into one ranking score as it spans three movies (‘Before Sunrise,’ ‘Before Sunset,’ and ‘Before Midnight’), the series as a whole is critically acclaimed and showcases Hawke’s growth as both an actor and character across nearly two decades.

(Note: The percentages are fictional and used for illustrative purposes only.)