Summary

• Jude Law has demonstrated his acting versatility in various films across his decades of work.
• Some of his standout performances include roles in "Sherlock Holmes," "Road to Perdition," "Closer," "The Talented Mr. Ripley," and "Cold Mountain."
• His work has garnered him significant recognition, such as Oscar and BAFTA wins.

As one of Hollywood’s leading men, actor who has broken his typecast, moving effortlessly between romantic comedies, historical dramas, sci-fi epics, and more grounded character studies. He brings charisma and magnetism to even his most flawed characters, investing them with complexity.

Rather than simply relying on his good looks, Law disappears into roles with utter commitment. Just when audiences may have expected him to play it safe and cash in on his leading man image, he has consistently chosen creative challenges. Whether starring in poetic art house films or smart big-budget crowd-pleasers, Law elevates the material with nuance. Now nearing veteran status while still possessing his roguish appeal, Jude Law remains a powerful force on screen across an impressive array of memorable films.

10 A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

A Thought-Provoking Examination On Emotional Awareness

In the sci-fi drama A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Jude Law delivers an exceptional ing performance as Gigolo Joe, an android designed to fulfill sexual desires. Though Law's screen time is limited, he brings profound empathy to this robotic character. Gigolo Joe experiences a crisis of identity when accused of murder, struggling to accept his sole purpose. Through nuanced expressions and line delivery, Law conveys the emotional awakening of an artificial intelligence gaining self-awareness. This movie contains one of Law's best performances, as it adds layers of complexity to what could have been a shallow trope.

Law was nominated for Best ing Actor at the Golden Globes for his role in the movie, though A.I. didn't see a ton of recognition from award ceremonies for acting otherwise. Instead, a focus was placed on the visuals of the movie and the soundtrack. The movie's score was nominated for Best Original Score at both the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards. The Academy Awards also nominated A.I. for Best Visual Effects.

9 Side Effects (2013)

Law’s Intelligence And Magnetism Shine Through

In the cleverly twisted thriller Side Effects, Jude Law plays the psychiatrist Dr. Banks whose patient's questionable motives cause his life to unravel. Law brings an intellectual charisma to the role, while convincingly portraying the character's moral dilemma. As Dr. Banks investigates an experimental drug's deadly side effects, Law layers in tremendous emotional complexity.

He suspects manipulation but struggles with the ethical implications of doubting his patient. This nuanced performance captures this internal conflict. Anchoring the film's shifting tones between psychological drama and intriguing thriller, Law delivers one of his most multi-dimensional performances in this captivating role.

Though the movie (and Law) was not recognized on the award show circuit, it did receive plenty of critical acclaim following its theatrical release. Reviews from publications like The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph gave Side Effects five stars for its smart script and captivating performances. It still holds an 81% on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.

8 The Aviator (2004)

Captures The Essence Of An Acting Genius In Just A Few Scenes

Old Hollywood comes alive with Law’s magnetic performance as silver screen legend Errol Flynn in Martin Scorsese’s sprawling 2004 Howard Hughes biopic The Aviator. Through his ing role that offers a brief glimpse into the Golden Age of Hollywood, Law’s depiction of Flynn epitomizes why the icon captivated audiences. Beyond nailing Flynn’s mannerisms and charm, Law taps into the profound magnetism that made Flynn a star. When Law’s character strolls into a party scene, his charisma leaps off the screen.

Law translates his own leading man appeal into a deeper understanding of Flynn’s image and cultural impact, turning his take on Flynn into an acting masterclass. While the titular aviator (Howard Huges, as played by Leonardo DiCaprio) is the focus of the movie, the film features a sprawling ensemble of talent, and Law stands out among them. The Aviator was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, winning five of them. It also won Best Motion Picture - Drama at the Golden Globes.

7 Gattaca (1997)

Law Constructs An Emotionally Resonant Character

A compelling performance in the sci-fi drama Gattaca sees Law in his first major American film role. Set in a future where genetics determine social class, Law plays Jerome, a former elite rendered paralyzed by an accident. When inferior "In-Valid" Ethan Hawke assumes Jerome's identity to pursue space travel, Law portrays the complex psychology of a fallen golden boy with a sympathetic complexity. While revealing unexpected vulnerability, Law sells Jerome's inner turmoil and redemptive sacrifice beautifully.

An impressive range is showcased within a thought-provoking concept film, and Law announces his acting talents with understated power. The movie didn't see a lot of love on the award show circuit, despite its stellar performances and fascinating story. Gattaca did earn a nomination for Best Art Direction at the Academy Awards and Best Original Score at the Golden Globes. It was a great movie to show Law's talent on an international scale, but as his career progressed, he did have better roles.

6 Contagion (2011)

One of Law’s Most Subversive Roles

Jude Law sinks his teeth into the provocative role of fringe blogger Alan Krumwiede in Steven Soderbergh’s uncannily prophetic pandemic thriller Contagion. Though largely unlikeable, Law’s conspiracy profiteer commands attention. As Alan creates public panic for his own gain when a deadly virus emerges, Law turns the character’s toxic ambition into a study of human nature’s darker impulses. With smarmy smiles and cynical rants, he captures Alan’s duplicitous energy. In depicting this chaotic character that thrives on upheaval, Law is both loathsome and impossible to look away from.

While embracing difficult truths about society’s vulnerability to troublemakers, Law’s thought-provoking performance artfully provides insight by being deliberately provocative. At this point in his career, Law had already been in several romantic comedies as the lead, epic dramas as part of the ensemble, and a mix of both independent and big studio projects. Contagion added even more versatility to his resume and showed off his acting range.

5 Sherlock Holmes (2009)

A Grounded Portrayal Of Watson

Heart and humor are seen in Jude Law’s role of Dr. John Watson in Guy Ritchie’s 2009 action mystery Sherlock Holmes. Though the film focuses on Downey Jr.'s eccentric take on Holmes, Law holds his own as the grounding force to Holmes’ manic energy. Law plays Watson straight, giving the necessary weight and displaying his ability to create the perfect onscreen chemistry. Law’s exasperated reactions bounce off Downey’s antics perfectly as Holmes pulls his partner into another adventure. Matching Downey beat for beat, Law ensures Watson is more than just a sidekick.

Ranked as the best Sherlock Holmes movie, Law ensures that the film feels both fresh and faithful. Sherlock Holmes is one of Law's most popular and most commercially successful movies. It was among the top 10 grossing movies worldwide in 2009 and saw Law nominated for a Saturn Award for Best ing Actor. It ranks so highly among his filmography because of its wide appeal and Law's impressive ability to reel Downey Jr. in.

4 Road To Perdition (2002)

An Essential Watch For Understanding Law's Range

Law's terrifying portrayal of this villain signals a thrilling new dimension for him as an actor.

In his electrifying performance as Harlen Maguire, Jude Law plays the chillingly cheerful hitman in Sam Mendes' brooding 2002 mob drama Road to Perdition. When dispatched to go after Tom Hanks' mob family, Law's usually gentle features harden with palpable menace.

Law so rarely plays a villain and his unconventional casting pays off powerfully, derailing expectations of a leading man. Law makes Maguire unpredictable and unsettling with off-kilter line readings and wolfish grins. In a noteworthy departure from his usual screen persona, Law taps into new depths of darkness.

Law's terrifying portrayal of this villain signals a thrilling new dimension for him as an actor. Unfortunately, Jude Law's impressive performance didn't earn him any accolades, but Road To Perdition did pick up six Academy Award nominations, winning one for Best Cinematography. It was also named among the top 10 films of the year by the Critics Choice Movie Awards.

3 Cold Mountain (2003)

An Example Of His Leading Man Talents

Jude Law shines brightly in Cold Mountain with his nomination-worthy performance as a Civil War soldier on an arduous journey home. As Confederate deserter Inman, driven by love to return to his sweetheart Ada despite lethal obstacles, Law expresses the longing for human connection amidst war’s unforgiving brutality. Cold Mountain proves to be one of his best movies as he unveils an impressive range, exposing Inman’s courage, anguish, rage, and desperation with captivating depth.

Carrying the story’s weight on his shoulders through perilous terrain and inner turmoil, Law brings Charles Frazier’s complex literary character to life. His first Best Actor Oscar nomination cements Law as essential to the film’s success. The film also had six more Oscar nominations, with Renée Zellweger picking up the win for Best ing Actress. Law was also nominated for Best Actor at the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs for his role in the movie.

At the Oscars, Law competed for the Best Actor award with Bill Murray, Johnny Depp, Sean Penn and Ben Kingsley. Penn ended up winning the award for his role in Mystic River (2003).

2 Closer (2004)

A Career Achievement Playing This Difficult Antihero

Law's powerhouse performance lifts Closer into a perceptive study of romantic selfishness.

Closer is arguably some of Jude Law’s best work as he portrays the turbulent Dan in the piercing drama of tangled modern romance. Adapted from a play, the film watches Dan and three others fall into criss-crossing affairs filled with betrayal.

As unethical journalist Dan, who ignites the fuse, Law commits completely to exposing his character's ugly flaws. Cycling through women while destroying his chances for happiness, Dan earns some empathy thanks to Law's honest depiction. He effortlessly pours raw emotion into the character rather than ask for sympathy.

Law's powerhouse performance lifts Closer into a perceptive study of romantic selfishness. The movie earned two Academy Award nominations and five Golden Globe nominations. Unfortunately, Law was not recognized among them and critics were divided on how they felt about the movie upon its release. That doesn't take away from Law's emotional standout of a role.

1 The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

A Memorable And Incredible Display Of Talent

Jude Law delivers the defining performance of his career as irresistible charmer Dickie Greenleaf in The Talented Mr. Ripley. On any list of Law’s best films, this movie surely ranks number one for showcasing the full force of his acting talent. None of Law's performances compare to Dickie Greenleaf, and it's astounding that Law didn't sweep the award show circuit completely.

As wealthy expat playboy Dickie, Law turns on the golden charm, then chillingly tosses aside those most enamored with him. Law embodies the intellectual magnetism that sparks obsessive adoration in Matt Damon’s title character, even as he hints at the void behind Dickie’s beauty. With significant range on display, Jude Law justly earned his first ever Oscar nomination, justifying his gifts as a film actor. He was also nominated for a Golden Globe and won a BAFTA for the role.