With his recent Emmy-nominated performance in so convincing it creeped out his co-stars, Colin Firth is back in the spotlight again for good reason. Even early in his career, Firth firmly held the screen opposite Rupert Everett, Kenneth Branagh, and legendary stage actor Laurence Olivier.
Whether it be romantic comedies, period pieces, or flashy spy flicks, Firth's charming energy elevates many projects he appears in. With over 90 credits to his name, here are his best roles according to IMDb ratings.
Shakespeare In Love (1998) - 7.1
Set in Elizabethan England, Shakespeare In Love tells the fictional tale of a love affair between William Shakespeare and Viola de Lesseps, the daughter of a wealthy merchant. However, Viola is betrothed to Lord Wessex, a jealous aristocrat played by Firth.
As the film's antagonist, Firth shines as a man who stands in the way of true love. While the film was well received, it became controversial following an aggressive awards campaign led by Harvey Weinstein that saw it win Best Picture over Saving Private Ryan at the Oscars.
The Staircase (2022) - 7.2
Based on the 2004 docies of the same name, The Staircase depicts the life of Michael Peterson, a writer convicted of his wife's murder after she's found at the bottom of a staircase in their home. Firth plays Peterson opposite Toni Collette, who plays Michael's wife, Kathleen.
For many, Firth's ability to transform physically, vocally, and emotionally was jarring, given his previous popular work in romance and comedy films. Despite its retelling of events covered already in the documentary, critics agreed Firth's performance brought a fresh perspective to the mystery.
The English Patient (1996) - 7.4
The English Patient is told from the perspective of Hungarian cartographer Count László de Almásy during the final days of World War II, as he recounts his expedition in Africa during the late 1930s. Firth plays Geoffrey Clifton, the husband of Katharine Clifton with whom Almásy falls in love.
Another character caught in a love triangle, Firth's understated portrayal of a man who can't stand being a disappointment to his wife blends seamlessly into the complex narrative laid out by director Anthony Minghella. The cumulative effort resulted in a Best Picture win at the Oscars.
A Single Man (2009) - 7.5
Against the backdrop of 1960s Los Angeles, A Single Man follows Firth as George Falconer, a gay university professor struggling to cope with the sudden death of his partner, Jim, eight months earlier.
Opposite Juliane Moore in one of her best roles, Firth carries the picture as a man consumed by grief who's trying to hold it together for those around him. Directed by fashion designer Tom Ford, A Single Man netted Firth his first Oscar nomination for Actor in a Leading Role.
Conspiracy (2001) - 7.6
A dramatization of the Wansee Conference in 1942, Conspiracy depicts the events surrounding how the Nazis determined the way to carry out the horrific "Final Solution to the Jewish Question." Firth plays Wilhelm Stuckart, a State Secretary and lawyer who co-authored the infamous Nuremberg Laws.
As one of the film's more intellectual characters, it's chilling to see the exasperated Firth challenge the feasibility of the proposal, not as a voice of humanitarian reason, but because of its complex logistics. For his irritated role, Firth nabbed his first Emmy nomination.
Love Actually (2003) - 7.6
Told through 10 different stories that interweave together leading up to Christmas, Love Actually jumps between the relationships of several different subjects. Firth plays Jamie, a British man who falls for a Portuguese housekeeper after he discovers his girlfriend cheating on him with his brother.
With an ensemble cast that includes Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, and Kiera Knightley, Firth's Jamie stands out as one of the more likable characters. Using his signature charm, Firth clumsily sings his way into the audience's hearts in one of the film's many tender moments.
Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014) - 7.7
In the world of espionage, Kingsman: The Secret Service focuses on Eggsy (Taron Egerton), a street kid with potential who's recruited into the training program of a secret spy agency. Firth plays Harry Hart, Eggsy's mentor who, despite having a moral com, isn't afraid to get messy to defend his principles.
Fighting against one of the spy genre's most evil villains, Kingsman showcased Firth's action abilities while maintaining a morally complex character. In addition to creating infamous sequences like the church scene, Kingsman launched the career of Taron Egerton and began a franchise that's expanding to this day.
The King’s Speech (2010) - 8.0
The King's Speech follows Firth as King George VI, who rises to the throne in 1936 after his brother's abdication. Suffering from a stammer, George works with unconventional speech therapist Lionel Logue to overcome it, culminating in a broadcast declaration of war on in 1939 announced by the king.
Chock full of political pressure, personal struggles, and familial tension, Firth's portrayal of the unsure monarch paints a compelling image of perseverance in the face of unpromising odds. For his efforts, Firth won his first Oscar for Actor in a Leading Role, in addition to leading the film to win Best Picture, as well.
1917 (2019) - 8.2
Set in the titular year during World War I, 1917 tracks two British lance corporals as they attempt to traverse the battlefield and deliver a message to call off an attack. Firth appears early in the film as General Erinmore, the officer who orders the two soldiers to carry out their mission.
As part of the larger ensemble, Firth plays the role with utmost stakes, convincing the viewer of the life and death circumstances of the situation. Shot to look like one continuous take, the film won legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins his second Oscar.
Pride And Prejudice (1995) - 8.8
Based on the Jane Austen novel of the same name, Pride And Prejudice follows the courting of four Bennett sisters in 19th century England, most prominently that of the second eldest, Elizabeth (Jennifer Ehle). In a role that made him a household name, Firth portrayed Mr. Darcy, the haughty suitor who wins her over.
Universally praised for his performance of a snobby man falling in love despite himself, Firth found himself becoming a star in his mid-30s. With some convincing, Firth played a similar character in Bridgit Jones's Diary, as it allowed him to be self-referential and liberate himself from the role for the rest of his career.
