15 Must-Watch Joaquin Phoenix Movies, Ranked Best to Worst

Joaquin Phoenix shines in every role. Here we have listed his 20 best movies, ranked by best to worst. Check out his best works for an amazing movie night.

By Khushi Srivastava

Updated on Jul 28, 2023 | 04:29 AM IST | 3.7M

joaquin phoenix movies

Joaquin Phoenix is a former child star who became an Oscar-winning actor known for his dark and eccentric roles in movies like Gladiator and The Master. He has been in the industry since the 1980s and received several Oscar nominations, including Best Actor for Walk the Line. His recent win was for Best Actor in Joker.

With upcoming films like Beau is Afraid (premiering on April 21) and Ridley Scott's Napoleon (coming out on November 22), Phoenix continues to take on challenging and unconventional characters. Throughout his career, he has portrayed many impressive roles, some of which have received high praise on Rotten Tomatoes.

For those looking to appreciate his talent, Joaquin Phoenix's best movies are definitely worth watching at least once.

1. Gladiator (2000)

Genre: Action/Adventure
Star Cast: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris
Director: Ridley Scott
Writer: Ridley Scott
Run time: 2h 35m
Year of release: 2000
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 8.5/10

Gladiator, directed by Ridley Scott, is a famous historical drama. It follows General Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe), who faces betrayal from the wicked Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the emperor's treacherous son. Commodus murders his father to seize the throne, forcing Maximus into slavery. Determined to seek justice, Maximus rises as a gladiator in the arena, facing countless challenges.

As the antagonist, Joaquin Phoenix brilliantly portrays the annoying and selfish nature of Commodus. He is a superb villain, driven by arrogance and a ruthless desire for power.

2. Walk the Line (2005)

Genre: Musical/Drama
Star Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Robert Patrick, Dallas Roberts, Dan John Miller, Larry Bagby, Shelby Lynne.
Director: James Mangold
Writer: James Mangold
Run time: 2h 16m
Year of release: 2005
OTT Platform: Apple TV
IMDb rating: 7.8/10

Step into the world of country legend Johnny Cash as he prepares to perform at Folsom State Prison, reminiscing on his life's highs and lows. From a farmer's son to a rebel in country music, Cash recalls key moments that shaped his journey: the loss of his brother, his battle with addiction, and the fateful meeting with the love of his life, June Carter.

Witness the remarkable biopic "Walk the Line," where Joaquin Phoenix's stunning portrayal of the Man in Black earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. This accolade came just years after his first-ever nomination for Ridley Scott's "Gladiator." Feel the passion and grit of Johnny Cash's life in this captivating tale of trials and triumphs.

3. Two Lovers (2008)

Genre: Romance/Drama
Star Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Anne Joyce, Elliot Villar, Craig Walker, Carmen M. Herlihy, Donald John Hewitt, Christian Albrizo, Isabella Rossellini.
Director: James Gray
Writer: James Gray
Run time: 1h 50m
Year of release: 2008
OTT Platform: NA
IMDb rating: 7/10

"Two Lovers" is a hidden gem of a romantic comedy from the 2000s. The movie revolves around Leonard Kraditor (played by Joaquin Phoenix), who is dealing with a recent heartbreak. He finds himself caught in a love triangle between two women: the sensible Sandra (Vinessa Shaw) and the manipulative Michelle (Gwyneth Paltrow). The story is based on Fyodor Dostoyevsky's 1848 short story "White Nights" and beautifully portrays the messy and funny situations the characters face.

Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Leonard is truly captivating. He's torn between a stable and traditional life with Sandra or a thrilling but uncertain one with Michelle. The movie skillfully delves into Leonard's internal struggles, adding a fresh perspective to a familiar tale of love.

4. The Master (2012)

Genre: Drama
Star Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Price Carson, Mike Howard, Sarah Shoshana David, Bruce Goodchild, Matt Hering, Dan Anderson, Andrew Koponen.
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Writer: Paul Thomas Anderson
Run time: 2h 18m
Year of release: 2012
OTT Platform: NA
IMDb rating: 7.1/10

Freddie, a WWII veteran, struggles with war trauma and fitting back into society. He meets Lancaster Dodd, a charming leader of a religious movement, and joins the group. As Freddie tries to follow their teachings, he forms a close bond with Dodd, which worries the followers.

"The Master" is a slow-burning psychological thriller directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, known for "There Will Be Blood" and "Boogie Nights." Anderson based Hoffman's character partly on the lives of author John Steinbeck and Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Amy Adams all received Oscar nominations for their outstanding performances in this intricate drama.

5. The Immigrant (2013)

Genre: Drama/Romance
Star Cast: Marion Cotillard, Joaquin Phoenix, Jeremy Renner, Dagmara Dominczyk, Jicky Schnee, Elena Solovey, Maja Wampuszyc, Ilia Volok.
Director: James Gray
Writer: James Gray
Run time: 2 hours
Year of release: 2013
OTT Platform: NA
IMDb rating: 6.6/10

After World War I, Ewa and her sister Magda leave Poland for New York City's Ellis Island. Sadly, they get separated as Magda must quarantine, leaving Ewa alone. Fortunately, she meets Bruno, a kind man who offers to help her.

"The Immigrant" reunites Phoenix and director James Gray, who previously worked together on "We Own the Night." The movie is based on Gray's grandparents' experiences when they arrived in the US in 1923. It was specially written with Phoenix and Cotillard in mind, and according to IndieWire, without them, the film might never have been made.

6. The Sisters Brothers (2018)

Genre: Western/Drama
Star Cast: John C. Reilly, Joaquin Phoenix, Jake Gyllenhaal, Riz Ahmed, Rebecca Root
Director: Jacques Audiard
Writer: Jacques Audiard
Run time: 2h 2m
Year of release: 2018
OTT Platform: NA
IMDb rating: 6.9/10

Brothers Charlie and Eli, played by John C. Reilly, are gunslingers hired to find and kill a chemist with a new way to pan for gold. As they travel to California, they face dangerous challenges and shady characters that test their bond.

"The Sisters Brothers" is a neo-Western film that didn't do well at the box office, but critics praised the performances and unique story. Phoenix and Reilly are an unlikely but charming duo. Reilly mentioned in an interview with the National Post that they prepared for the movie by spending a lot of time together before and during filming.

7. To Die For (1995)

Genre: Thriller/Crime
Star Cast: Nicole Kidman, Matt Dillon, Joaquin Phoenix, Casey Affleck, Illeana Douglas
Director: Gus Van Sant
Writer: Gus Van Sant
Run time: 1h 46m
Year of release: 1995
OTT Platform: NA
IMDb rating: 6.8/10

"To Die For," a dark comedy directed by Gus Van Sant, Suzanne (played by Nicole Kidman) is a local weather reporter with big dreams of becoming a famous news anchor. However, her husband wants her to spend more time at his restaurant and start a family. Feeling trapped, Suzanne begins planning to get rid of him. She targets a high school student and persuades them to kill her husband.

The movie is based on a novel with the same title and was inspired by the true story of Pamela Smart. She was a teacher's aide who manipulated one of her students into murdering her husband in 1990. "To Die For" was a significant film for Joaquin Phoenix as it marked his return to a leading role in a major movie since his appearance in "Parenthood."

8. You Were Never Really Here (2017)

Genre: Thriller/Drama
Star Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Judith Roberts, Ekaterina Samsonov, John Doman, Dante Pereira-Olson
Director: Lynne Ramsay
Writer: Lynne Ramsay
Run time: 1h 35m
Year of release: 2017
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 6.7/10

Meet Joe, a skilled mercenary who rescues girls and punishes their captors. His new mission: find a senator's kidnapped daughter from a major trafficking network. But as he digs deeper, he uncovers corruption and abuse of power that he can't ignore.

"You Were Never Really Here" is an intense neo-noir thriller directed by Lynne Ramsay. Joaquin Phoenix's haunting performance portrays a character reminiscent of Travis Bickle from "Taxi Driver." Like Travis, Joe is haunted by his military past. To find purpose, he takes on a noble but perilous cause that might cost him his life.

9. Hotel Rwanda (2004)

Genre: Drama/War
Star Cast: Don Cheadle, Sophie Okonedo, Joaquin Phoenix, Xolani Mali
Director: Terry George
Writer: Terry George
Run time: 2h 1m
Year of release: 2004
OTT Platform: NA
IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Paul and his wife run a hotel in Rwanda with their children. Their happiness is shattered when ethnic cleansing begins. They open their home to thousands of refugees but must protect them when the United Nations forces leave. "Hotel Rwanda" is based on the true story of Paul and Tatiana Rusesabagina during the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Phoenix plays an American journalist named Jack who copes with the trauma by using alcohol.

10. Parenthood (1989)

Genre: Comedy/Drama
Star Cast: Steve Martin, Joaquin Phoenix, Dianne Wiest, Jason Robards, Rick Moranis, Tom Hulce, Martha Plimpton, Keanu Reeves
Director: Ron Howard
Writer: Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel, Ron Howard
Run time: 2h 4m
Year of release: 1989
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 7.1/10

In the movie "Parenthood," directed by Ron Howard, a perfectionist dad struggles to accept his kids' flaws. Meanwhile, his siblings are facing their own family problems, like divorces and surprise pregnancies. With patience and support, each family works together to solve their issues and learns the importance of loving each other, no matter what. Joaquin Phoenix, in his first major movie role, plays Wiest's quiet son and gets a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Young Actor in a Motion Picture. He's fortunate to work with stars like Steve Martin, Dianne Wiest, and Rick Moranis.

11. Her (2013)

Genre: Romance/Sci-fi
Star Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Scarlett Johansson, Rooney Mara, Lynn Adrianna Freedman
Director: Spike Jonze
Writer: Spike Jonze
Run time: 2h 6m
Year of release: 2013
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 8/10

Her, directed and written by Spike Jonze, follows Theodore, a sensitive writer of heartfelt letters. After his marriage ends, he finds solace in Samantha, an A.I. operating system. As they talk more, Theodore falls in love with Samantha.

Spike Jonze and Joaquin Phoenix in mind for the role of Theodore from the beginning. Phoenix stars alongside Scarlett Johansson, who lends her voice to Samantha. The movie also features Chris Pratt and Rooney Mara, who later became Phoenix's partner. Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, and Brian Cox also lend their voices to characters in this modern romance.

12. C'mon C'mon (2021)

Genre: Drama/Black-and-white
Star Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Gaby Hoffmann, Woody Norman, Scoot McNairy, Molly Webster
Director: Mike Mills
Writer: Mike Mills
Run time: 1h 48m
Year of release: 2021
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 7.4/10

Meet Johnny, a radio journalist who's struggling emotionally. He travels across the country to talk to kids about their dreams. Things change when he takes care of his nephew, Jesse. Together, they journey from state to state, and Jesse's fresh outlook on life starts to touch Johnny's heart in ways he never knew. "C'mon C'mon" is a touching A24 film written and directed by Mike Mills, featuring Phoenix after his success in "Joker." The movie premiered at the 48th Telluride Film Festival in Colorado, earning praise from both audiences and critics as one of Phoenix's finest performances ever.

13. Joker (2019)

Genre: Crime/Drama
Star Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen
Director: Todd Phillips
Writer: Todd Phillips
Run time: 2h 2m
Year of release: 2019
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 8.4/10

"Joker" (2019) is a movie about a troubled man named Arthur Fleck. He dreams of becoming a comedian. However, his life takes a dark turn as he faces rejection, loneliness, and mistreatment. Gradually, he descends into madness and becomes the infamous Joker. Joaquin Phoenix portrays the character brilliantly, earning critical acclaim. The film explores themes of mental illness and societal neglect, offering a unique perspective on the iconic villain. With a gripping story and powerful acting, "Joker" is a thought-provoking and intense cinematic experience that leaves a lasting impact on audiences.

14. We Own the Night (2007)

Genre: Crime/Drama
Star Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Eva Mendes, Danny Hoch, Alex Veadov, Oleg Taktarov, Dominic Colón
Director: James Gray
Writer: James Gray
Run time: 1h 57m
Year of release: 2007
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 6.8/10

"We Own the Night" (2007) is an intense crime drama. It's set in New York City and follows the story of two brothers, a nightclub manager and a police officer. They face a dangerous drug lord. The movie is full of suspense, action, and family conflict. The cast includes Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg, and Eva Mendes. It's a gripping and thrilling ride from start to finish, making it a must-watch for fans of crime films. Get ready to be on the edge of your seat as you join the battle between good and evil in the city that never sleeps.

15. Irrational Man (2015)

Genre: Romance/Comedy
Star Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Joe Stapleton, Nancy Carroll, Allie Gallerani
Director: Woody Allen
Writer: Woody Allen
Run time: 1h 36m
Year of release: 2015
OTT Platform: NA
IMDb rating: 6.6/10

Irrational Man tells the story of a troubled philosophy professor who finds a new reason to live when he becomes involved with a student. The movie explores themes of morality, existentialism, and the choices we make in life. Directed by Woody Allen, it stars Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone. The plot takes unexpected twists and leads to a morally ambiguous ending. The film received mixed reviews, but Joaquin Phoenix's performance was praised. "Irrational Man" provokes thought on the complexities of human nature and the consequences of our actions.

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