Anthony Hopkins is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation, known for his remarkable range, depth, and ability to bring characters to life with authenticity. With a career spanning over six decades, Hopkins has consistently delivered standout performances in various genres, from historical dramas to psychological thrillers. His captivating presence and ability to embody both heroic and villainous figures have made him a beloved and respected figure in the film industry.
Throughout his illustrious career, Hopkins has portrayed iconic characters such as the chilling Dr. Hannibal Lecter and historical figures like Richard Nixon and John Quincy Adams. His dedication to his craft and ability to convey complex emotions have earned him numerous awards, including two Academy Awards for Best Actor. In this article, we explore ten of Anthony Hopkins’ best films—performances that have left an indelible mark on cinema and solidified his legacy as a master of the art.
1. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of the terrifying and brilliant Dr. Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs is legendary. Though his screen time is minimal (just over 16 minutes), his performance is so powerful that it earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. As a cannibalistic psychiatrist who assists FBI trainee Clarice Starling (played by Jodie Foster) in catching a serial killer, Hopkins delivers a masterclass in chilling intensity and psychological manipulation. His delivery of Lecter’s polite, but menacing demeanor has become a hallmark of cinematic villainy, elevating the film to a cultural phenomenon.
The film itself, directed by Jonathan Demme, remains one of the few to win all five major Academy Awards (Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay), and Hopkins’ portrayal of Lecter has forever etched the character into the annals of pop culture. The interplay between Hannibal Lecter and Clarice Starling keeps viewers on edge, making The Silence of the Lambs one of the most gripping psychological thrillers ever made.
2. The Remains of the Day (1993)
In The Remains of the Day, Anthony Hopkins stars as Stevens, a deeply reserved butler serving in an English manor house in the years leading up to World War II. Stevens is the epitome of dignity and professionalism, even as he suppresses his own emotions and desires. The film, adapted from Kazuo Ishiguro’s Booker Prize-winning novel, explores themes of duty, regret, and missed opportunities.
Hopkins’ performance is heartbreaking in its subtlety. His restrained portrayal of a man who sacrifices his own happiness for the sake of his employer and duty is a showcase of his remarkable ability to convey deep emotion without outward expression. The emotional distance between Stevens and Miss Kenton (Emma Thompson), a housekeeper with whom he has a deeply repressed affection, is at the heart of the story. Hopkins’ masterful restraint in portraying this emotional suffocation leaves a lasting impression, making The Remains of the Day a poignant and timeless film about love, regret, and the human condition.
3. Nixon (1995)
Hopkins took on the role of one of the most controversial figures in American politics—President Richard Nixon—in Oliver Stone’s Nixon. The film explores Nixon’s rise and fall, delving into his paranoia, insecurities, and the Watergate scandal that eventually led to his resignation. Hopkins’ portrayal of Nixon was not an impersonation, but rather an interpretation of the former president’s troubled inner life.
What makes Hopkins’ portrayal stand out is how he humanizes a figure often depicted as cold and calculating. Through his performance, viewers gain insight into the personal torment Nixon faced—his desire for acceptance, fear of failure, and feelings of inadequacy. Hopkins earned an Academy Award nomination for his role, and the film remains a compelling political drama, offering a nuanced view of Nixon’s presidency and personal struggles.
4. The Elephant Man (1980)
In The Elephant Man, Hopkins plays Dr. Frederick Treves, a compassionate surgeon who discovers and cares for John Merrick, a severely deformed man referred to as “The Elephant Man.” Directed by David Lynch, the film is based on the true story of Merrick’s life in Victorian England, and it highlights the cruelty he faced due to his appearance.
Hopkins’ role as Dr. Treves is one of quiet dignity. His character is the moral center of the film, advocating for Merrick’s humanity in a society that views him as a sideshow freak. Through Hopkins’ gentle and empathetic performance, the film explores themes of compassion, dignity, and the nature of humanity. His interactions with John Hurt, who plays Merrick, form the emotional core of the film, and Hopkins’ subtle performance complements Lynch’s haunting direction.
5. The Father (2020)
In The Father, Anthony Hopkins delivers one of the most harrowing performances of his career as a man suffering from dementia. The film, directed by Florian Zeller and adapted from his own play, provides an immersive portrayal of a man’s deteriorating mind, as seen from his own perspective. Hopkins’ character, also named Anthony, is a proud and independent man struggling to understand the changes happening around him and within himself.
Hopkins’ performance is a devastatingly accurate depiction of cognitive decline, capturing the confusion, fear, and frustration that accompany the disease. His portrayal is both heartbreaking and terrifying, making the audience experience the disorienting effects of dementia alongside him. His role in The Father earned him his second Academy Award for Best Actor, over 30 years after his first win for The Silence of the Lambs. The film is a moving exploration of memory, identity, and family, anchored by Hopkins’ deeply emotional and vulnerable performance.
6. Legends of the Fall (1994)
In Legends of the Fall, Hopkins plays Colonel William Ludlow, a stern but loving father to three sons in early 20th-century Montana. The film, directed by Edward Zwick, is an epic tale of love, war, and betrayal, with Hopkins’ character serving as the emotional anchor for the tumultuous events that unfold.
Hopkins’ performance as the patriarch of the Ludlow family is filled with warmth, wisdom, and a deep sense of loss. As his sons experience the horrors of World War I and the ensuing personal tragedies, Ludlow struggles to keep his family together. Hopkins’ portrayal of a man watching his family unravel around him is both touching and tragic. His performance adds gravitas to the sweeping melodrama of the film, making Legends of the Fall a poignant family saga.
7. The Two Popes (2019)
In The Two Popes, Hopkins plays Pope Benedict XVI, opposite Jonathan Pryce’s Pope Francis, in a fictionalized account of the conversations between the two leaders of the Catholic Church before Pope Benedict’s resignation. Directed by Fernando Meirelles, the film is a thoughtful exploration of faith, leadership, and change within the Church.
Hopkins brings a sense of introspection and humility to the role of Pope Benedict, portraying him as a man grappling with his own beliefs and the weight of his position. The dialogue between Hopkins and Pryce is sharp, intellectual, and often humorous, as the two men debate theological and philosophical issues. Hopkins’ performance as a pope coming to terms with his limitations is deeply human, and the film’s exploration of faith and redemption resonates well beyond its religious context.
8. Hannibal (2001)
Returning to his iconic role as Dr. Hannibal Lecter in Ridley Scott’s Hannibal, Hopkins once again embodies the chilling brilliance of the cannibalistic psychiatrist. Set ten years after the events of The Silence of the Lambs, the film follows Lecter as he is pursued by both law enforcement and those seeking revenge.
Though Hannibal is more of a thriller than its predecessor, Hopkins’ performance retains the same eerie charm and intellectual menace that made Lecter a standout character. His portrayal of Lecter as an unrepentant, refined villain continues to fascinate and horrify audiences. While the film itself received mixed reviews, Hopkins’ return to the role of Hannibal Lecter was widely praised, further cementing his legacy as one of cinema’s most memorable villains.
9. Amistad (1997)
In Steven Spielberg’s historical drama Amistad, Hopkins plays former U.S. President John Quincy Adams, who defends a group of enslaved Africans who have taken over a Spanish ship. The film is based on the true story of the 1839 mutiny aboard the slave ship La Amistad and the subsequent legal battle over the fate of the captives.
Hopkins’ portrayal of Adams is powerful, particularly in the courtroom scenes where he delivers stirring speeches about justice and human dignity. His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, and his role in the film serves as a reminder of his ability to bring gravitas to historical figures. Amistad is a compelling film about the fight for freedom, and Hopkins’ role as John Quincy Adams is a highlight.
10. The World’s Fastest Indian (2005)
In The World’s Fastest Indian, Hopkins plays Burt Munro, a New Zealander who spent years building a motorcycle in his shed, which he then took to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah to set the land-speed record. Directed by Roger Donaldson, the film is a heartwarming and inspiring story of perseverance, passion, and following one’s dreams.
Hopkins’ portrayal of Munro is full of charm and warmth, capturing the eccentricity and determination of the real-life figure. His performance is both humorous and touching, as Munro overcomes obstacles and challenges to fulfill his lifelong dream. The World’s Fastest Indian is an uplifting film, and Hopkins’ performance as the lovable and determined Burt Munro is one of his most endearing roles.
Anthony Hopkins’ body of work is vast, and these ten films are just a glimpse into the brilliance he brings to the screen. From chilling villains to complex historical figures, his range as an actor is unparalleled. Whether you are a longtime fan or just beginning to explore his filmography, these movies are essential viewing for anyone who appreciates great acting.