Love Slow Horses? Here’s the 10 best movies with Gary Oldman
Gary Oldman, an actor of remarkable range and talent, has enthralled audiences with his performances across various genres. For fans who adored his role in the series “Slow Horses,” where he expertly portrays the character Jackson Lamb, a brilliant yet slovenly leader of a group of MI5 outcasts, there are numerous other movies showcasing his exceptional skills. Here’s a list of the 10 best movies featuring Gary Oldman that you must watch:
1. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
In this adaptation of John le Carré’s novel, Oldman embodies the subtle and meticulous ex-spy George Smiley, in a cold-war era mystery about uncovering a Soviet double agent in MI6.
2. Darkest Hour (2017)
A transformative and Oscar-winning performance from Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill. Set against the early days of World War II, we observe Churchill’s leadership during one of history’s pivotal moments.
3. Sid and Nancy (1986)
A plunge into the punk rock world, Oldman stars as Sid Vicious, the bassist of the Sex Pistols. The film depicts the intense and tragic relationship between Sid and his girlfriend Nancy Spungen.
4. Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
In Francis Ford Coppola’s horror classic, Oldman plays Count Dracula, delivering a haunting and passionate portrayal of the iconic vampire.
5. Léon: The Professional (1994)
As Stansfield, a corrupt DEA agent, Gary Oldman embodies menace in Luc Besson’s thriller about a hitman who befriends a young girl after her family is murdered.
6. The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005-2012)
Oldman takes on the role of Commissioner James Gordon in Christopher Nolan’s Batman series, depicting him with grounded gravitas and dedication to Gotham City’s fight against crime.
7. JFK (1991)
Directed by Oliver Stone, this historical thriller features Oldman as Lee Harvey Oswald, delving into various theories surrounding President Kennedy’s assassination.
8. Immortal Beloved (1994)
Exploring Ludwig van Beethoven’s life and mystery surrounding his famous letter to an unnamed lover, Oldman transforms into the legendary composer.
9. Prick Up Your Ears (1987)
In this biographical drama, he plays Joe Orton, a talented playwright whose career is cut short by his tumultuous personal life.
10. True Romance (1993)
Though a smaller role compared to others on this list, Oldman’s performance as Drexl Spivey—an unhinged pimp—is nevertheless memorable for its intensity and bizarre eccentricity.
Each film not only offers a gateway into versatile narratives but also showcases why Gary Oldman is lauded for disappearing into his roles so effectively that he becomes almost unrecognizable from character to character—a true chameleon of modern cinema.