Idris Elba first caught people's attention with his role as the business-minded yet still-deadly criminal Stringer Bell on the amazing HBO series The Wire. Since then, Elba's star has been steadily on the rise with more and more high-profile projects that show off his range and charisma as an actor.
Whether playing the hero or the villain, the lead, or a ing role, Elba is always an interesting actor to watch. There are no doubt even bigger projects in his future, but we also have a lot of acclaimed work from him to enjoy right now. Here are Idris Elba's best movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Updated on August 18th, 2022 by Colin McCormick: Idris Elba continues to be one of the hardest working actors in Hollywood with two new movies to close out the summer. With the animal-attack adventure Three Thousand Years of Longing, these new projects show the incredible diversity Elba has with his work. And fans can check out some more of his most acclaimed projects after checking out his latest efforts.
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (2022) - 69%
- Available on Paramount+, Epix and DIRECTV
Elba has taken on a number of voice roles throughout his career with the latest being the video game sequel Sonic the Hedgehog 2. The movie finds Sonic teaming up with his new friend Tails to save the day when Dr. Robotnik returns with his own new ally, Knuckles (Elba).
Though the sequel didn't quite recapture the surprising charm of the first movie, many critics found it to be a fairly fun family adventure. Elba was also seen as a terrific new addition to the franchise as the iconic Sonic character.
28 Weeks Later (2007) - 72%
- Available on HBO, HBO Max and DIRECTV
Given how huge of a star Elba is now, it is fun finding those earlier projects in which he plays a smaller ing role. 28 Weeks Later is the horror sequel to 28 Days Later which begins with the world being somewhat restored following the outbreak. Elba plays the commanding officer of a protected community that soon comes apart as the virus spreads through the people.
While many critics preferred the smaller and more gripping original movie, they found this sequel to be a worthy follow-up. It delivers thrills and terror while also featuring a strong cast, including Jeremy Renner and Rose Byrne.
Pacific Rim (2013) - 72%
- Available on HBO, HBO Max and DIRECTV
In 2013, Idris Elba appeared in the Guillermo Del Toro movie Pacific Rim. In the film, Elba was Marshal Stacker Pentecost, the commanding officer in the Pan Pacific Defense Corps. He is a former Jaeger pilot who is dying of radiation poisoning but sets out to bring back one of his best pilots when he learns of a way to possibly finally end the war with the Kaiju monsters attacking the cities around the world.
The film was a success, making over $400 million worldwide and spawning a sequel in which Star Wars actor John Boyega plays the son of Elba's character. Elba became the film's most famous character due in large part to a memorably epic speech he delivers near the end.
Prometheus (2012) - 73%
- Available on Hulu
Elba has been a part of some huge franchises over the years, and he was even lucky enough to one of the most beloved sci-fi series of all time in returned to the Alien universe for this prequel that followed a group of scientists who travel to a distant alien planet to learn the secrets of humanity's creation.
The movie didn't quite answer all the questions fans might have expected and some of the characters made appalling stupid decisions. However, critics called this an ambitious epic from Scott that explored interesting ideas and featured a stellar performance from Michael Fassbender.
Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015) - 76%
- Available on Disney+
Heimdall was best known for his role in the Thor movies, the golden-clad guardian of Asgard standing at the entrance and seeing all. His role in Avengers: Age of Ultron was small, but he appeared nonetheless in a scene that was an important moment in Thor's journey in that movie.
In the scene that Idris Elba appears in as one of Thor's best friends Heimdall. In a vision, Thor has a vision, and Heimdall declares that it is Thor that will destroy Asgard, a clear foreshadowing of Thor's decision in Thor: Ragnarok.
Second Coming (2014) - 77%
- Available on Peacock, Peacock , Tubi, Roku, Kanopy, Redbox, Pluto TV and Plex
In 2014, Idris Elba headlined a British drama movie called Second Coming. A first-time director directed the film. Longtime playwright debbie tucker green (she spells her name in all lower case letters), won the BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer.
In the film, a married couple who are no longer intimate become concerned when the wife becomes pregnant. The film was a festival darling, debuting at the Toronto International Film Festival before getting a limited release in the United States.
Thor (2011) - 77%
- Available on Disney+
Elba ed the still brand new MCU in the very first solo Thor film. The movie introduced the world to Chris Hemsworth, who played the God of Thunder, an arrogant Asgardian warrior who is stripped of his powers and sent to Earth to prove he is worthy to be king. Elba plays the all-seeing gatekeeper of Asgard, Heimdall.
The movie is not usually considered top-tier Marvel, but critics found a lot to recommend in the fun superhero epic. Director Kenneth Branagh managed to mesh the fantasy world with the Earth-bound adventures effectively, and Hemsworth proved to be a natural superstar bringing humor, charm, and strength to the role.
Concrete Cowboy (2020) - 80%
- Available on Netflix
The modern western Concrete Cowboy tells a unique father-son story with Elba giving a terrific grounded performance. Stranger Things star Caleb McLaughlin plays a young boy sent to live with his estranged father (Elba) for the summer and is introduced to a community of Black city cowboys.
Critics were impressed with the movie's fascinating exploration of a little-known part of American culture. It was also praised as a classic and uplifting story of a father and son, portrayed wonderfully by the two main actors.
American Gangster (2007) - 80%
- Available on Peacock , AMC+ and DIRECTV
Before he was getting leading man roles of his own, Elba was still giving memorable turns in smaller roles. American Gangster stars Denzel Washington as real-life drug kingpin Frank Lucas who controlled much of the heroin trade in New York City in the 1070s. Elba plays a rival gangster to Lucas.
Director Ridley Scott handles the sweeping crime story wonderfully, hooking us to Lucas' rise to power. Washington delivers another commanding performance that helps to carry the engrossing and violent saga.
Molly's Game (2017) - 82%
- Available on Netflix
Many actors would love a chance to play with Aaron Sorkin's dialogue on the big screen. Elba got that chance with Sorkin's directorial debut Molly's Game, which tells the true story of Molly Bloom (Chastain), a former Olympic athlete who makes a new name for herself by hosting high-stakes poker games. Elba plays a lawyer representing Bloom.
Sorkin once again crafts a compelling and entertaining script while also proving himself a skilled director. Chastain is excellent in the complex lead role, while the film itself draws you into this interesting world filled with humor and danger.
