Timothée Chalamet’s Best Roles

Timothée Chalamet has quickly become one of the most exciting actors of his generation. From his early roles in smaller independent films to his recent blockbuster leads, he has consistently delivered captivating and nuanced performances. His ability to portray complex emotions and inhabit a wide range of characters has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated global fanbase. Chalamet’s career trajectory shows a thoughtful approach to selecting roles that challenge him and resonate with audiences.

His filmography is diverse, spanning historical dramas, science fiction epics, and intimate coming-of-age stories. Each performance showcases a different facet of his talent, whether it is the vulnerability of a young man in love or the fierce determination of a reluctant leader. He has worked with some of the most respected directors in the industry, further cementing his status as a formidable talent. Exploring his best roles offers a look at the evolution of a modern movie star.

‘Hot Summer Nights’ (2017)

This stylish crime thriller is set on Cape Cod during a hot summer in the early 1990s. The story follows Daniel Middleton, an awkward teenager sent to live with his aunt for the summer. He soon falls in with a rebellious local drug dealer and gets drawn into the lucrative and dangerous world of selling marijuana to wealthy tourists. As their business grows, Daniel finds himself in over his head, navigating a secret romance and the increasing threats from rival dealers and law enforcement.

Timothée Chalamet plays Daniel, a young man who transforms from a shy outsider into a confident but reckless drug kingpin. His journey is complicated by his relationship with the sister of his business partner, which adds a layer of romantic tension and risk to the story. The film captures the hazy, dreamlike quality of summer while charting Daniel’s descent into a world of crime and consequence, driven by a desire for excitement and acceptance.

‘Miss Stevens’ (2016)

The film centers on a high school English teacher who chaperones three of her students to a weekend drama competition. The trip becomes a journey of self-discovery for both the teacher and the students as they confront their personal struggles and form an unlikely bond. The story explores themes of grief, loneliness, and the challenges of navigating the transition from adolescence to adulthood. It’s a character-driven piece that highlights the small but meaningful connections people can make.

In this film, Chalamet portrays Billy, a talented but troubled student with behavioral issues. He develops a complex connection with his teacher, Miss Stevens, as they both grapple with their own emotional turmoil. Billy’s passion for acting serves as an outlet for his feelings, and his performance of a monologue from ‘Death of a Salesman’ becomes a pivotal and emotionally charged moment in the film. The role showcases his ability to convey deep vulnerability and inner conflict.

‘Bones and All’ (2022)

This unconventional film blends elements of a road movie, a romance, and a horror story. Set in the 1980s, it follows Maren, a young woman with an uncontrollable urge to consume human flesh, as she travels across the country in search of her mother and a sense of belonging. Along the way, she meets other “eaters” and learns to navigate a world where she is both a predator and an outcast. The story is a raw and often graphic exploration of identity, love, and survival on the fringes of society.

Chalamet plays Lee, a disenfranchised and intense young eater who becomes Maren’s companion and romantic interest. He teaches her how to survive while grappling with his own traumatic past and the moral implications of their nature. His character is both dangerous and tender, embodying the film’s central conflict between monstrous instincts and the human desire for connection. Together, he and Maren embark on a journey that tests the limits of their love and their ability to find a place in the world.

‘The French Dispatch’ (2021)

This film is presented as a collection of stories from the final issue of a fictional American magazine based in France. The movie brings to life three different articles, each with its own distinct visual style and narrative. It is a tribute to journalism and the eccentric writers who craft compelling stories. The film is known for its meticulous visual composition, quirky humor, and an ensemble cast that brings the magazine’s world to life.

Timothée Chalamet appears in the segment titled ‘Revisions to a Manifesto’, where he plays Zeffirelli, a student revolutionary leading a protest movement. His character is a passionate and articulate young idealist who finds himself in a complicated relationship with a journalist covering his story. Chalamet captures the earnest and slightly pretentious energy of a young intellectual, adding a layer of humor and charm to the chaotic student uprising depicted in the story.

‘Wonka’ (2023)

This musical fantasy film serves as a prequel, exploring the origin story of the eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka. The story follows a young Willy as he arrives in a new city with dreams of opening his own chocolate shop. However, he quickly runs into trouble with the powerful “Chocolate Cartel,” a group of rival chocolatiers who will stop at nothing to crush their competition. The film is a whimsical and heartwarming adventure about the power of imagination and perseverance.

Chalamet takes on the titular role of Willy Wonka, portraying him as a clever and optimistic inventor with a passion for creating magical sweets. He brings a youthful energy and charm to the character, showing the early days of the genius who would later become the master of a chocolate factory. The film details his journey from a penniless dreamer to a beloved creator, as he befriends a young orphan and battles the forces that try to stifle his creativity.

‘Don’t Look Up’ (2021)

This satirical science fiction film tells the story of two low-level astronomers who discover a comet on a direct collision course with Earth. They embark on a giant media tour to warn mankind of the impending apocalypse but are met with apathy, political maneuvering, and a public more interested in celebrity gossip than their own survival. The film serves as a commentary on modern society’s response to urgent crises, using dark humor to highlight the absurdity of the situation.

Chalamet plays the role of Yule, a young shoplifter and evangelical skateboarder who becomes an unexpected ally to one of the astronomers. He joins the main characters in the final act, offering a sense of sincerity and humanity amidst the chaos. His character represents a segment of the youth who are disaffected but still capable of finding faith and connection as the world faces its end.

‘Hostiles’ (2017)

Set in 1892, this gritty Western follows a legendary Army captain who, after years of fighting Native Americans, is ordered to escort a dying Cheyenne war chief and his family back to their tribal lands. The journey is perilous, forcing the captain to confront his own deep-seated prejudices and the brutal realities of the American West. Along the way, they are joined by a grieving widow whose family was killed in a Comanche attack, and together the group must navigate a hostile landscape and their own shared history of violence.

In this film, Timothée Chalamet has a supporting role as Private Philippe DeJardin, a young French immigrant serving in the U.S. Army. He is part of the detail assigned to the escort mission. His character serves to highlight the diverse group of individuals brought together on this difficult journey. Although his screen time is limited, his presence adds to the ensemble that portrays the harsh and morally complex world of the frontier.

‘Beautiful Boy’ (2018)

Based on a pair of memoirs, this drama chronicles the heartbreaking and inspiring experience of survival, relapse, and recovery in a family coping with addiction over many years. The film provides a dual perspective, showing the story through the eyes of both a father who watches his son struggle with drug addiction and the son himself as he battles his demons. It offers an unflinching look at the impact of addiction on family relationships and the long, difficult road to sobriety.

Chalamet delivers a powerful performance as Nic Sheff, a young man whose life spirals out of control due to his addiction to methamphetamine. He portrays the character’s charm and intelligence, as well as the desperation and self-destruction that come with his illness. The role required him to convey a wide range of emotions, from moments of hope and clarity to the depths of despair, painting a raw and honest portrait of addiction.

‘The King’ (2019)

This historical drama is an adaptation of several of William Shakespeare’s plays, collectively known as the “Henriad”. The film follows Hal, a wayward prince who turns his back on royal life to live among the common people. After his tyrannical father dies, Hal is reluctantly crowned King Henry V and is forced to navigate the palace politics, war, and chaos his father left behind. The movie focuses on his transformation from a carefree youth into a mature and decisive leader.

Timothée Chalamet stars as Hal, the young King Henry V. His performance captures the character’s internal conflict as he struggles with the weight of the crown and the moral complexities of leadership. He portrays Hal’s journey from a disillusioned prince to a formidable monarch who must lead his country into battle against France. The role showcases his ability to command the screen and convey both the strength and vulnerability of a young ruler.

‘Lady Bird’ (2017)

This coming-of-age story is set in Sacramento, California, in the early 2000s. It follows Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, an artistically inclined high school senior who navigates a strained relationship with her strong-willed mother while dreaming of escaping her hometown for a more cultured life on the East Coast. The film is a witty and heartfelt look at the turbulent bond between mothers and daughters, as well as the universal experiences of adolescence, friendship, and first love.

Chalamet plays Kyle Scheible, a cool, pretentious musician who becomes Lady Bird’s second love interest. He is often seen reading dense books and speaks with an air of intellectual detachment. His character represents a certain type of teenage rebellion and intellectualism that Lady Bird finds herself drawn to. Their relationship is a key part of her journey of self-discovery, highlighting her desire to be part of a world she perceives as more sophisticated.

‘Little Women’ (2019)

This adaptation of the classic novel tells the beloved story of the four March sisters growing up in the aftermath of the Civil War. The film is structured with a non-linear timeline, weaving together scenes from the sisters’ youth with their adult lives. It explores their ambitions, romantic entanglements, and the unbreakable bond they share as they each try to find their own way in the world. The story is a timeless celebration of family, love, and the pursuit of artistic and personal fulfillment.

In this film, Timothée Chalamet portrays Theodore “Laurie” Laurence, the charming and wealthy neighbor who becomes a close friend of the March family. He develops a deep and complicated relationship with Jo March, the fiercely independent second sister. Chalamet brings a playful energy and a poignant vulnerability to the role, capturing Laurie’s youthful exuberance and his heartbreak. His chemistry with the other actors makes him an integral part of the film’s emotional core.

‘Call Me by Your Name’ (2017)

Set in the summer of 1983 in northern Italy, this romantic drama tells the story of Elio Perlman, a precocious 17-year-old who spends his days in his family’s villa transcribing music and reading books. His life is forever changed when Oliver, a charming American scholar, arrives to work as his father’s annual summer intern. Over the course of a sun-drenched summer, Elio and Oliver discover the intoxicating beauty of awakening desire that will alter their lives forever.

Chalamet earned widespread critical acclaim for his role as Elio. He masterfully portrays the confusion, excitement, and pain of first love, capturing the character’s intellectual curiosity and emotional vulnerability. His performance is subtle and deeply moving, culminating in a powerful final scene that showcases his incredible talent. The role established him as a leading actor and remains one of his most iconic performances.

‘Dune’ (2021)

This epic science fiction film is the first part of a two-part adaptation of the celebrated novel. The story is set in the distant future and follows Paul Atreides, the young heir of a noble family tasked with ruling the dangerous desert planet Arrakis. Arrakis is the only source of “spice,” the most valuable substance in the universe, which makes it a place of great conflict. Paul must navigate political intrigue, betrayal, and a harsh new environment to protect his family and his people.

Timothée Chalamet stars as the protagonist, Paul Atreides. He portrays Paul’s journey from a privileged and somewhat sheltered young nobleman to a man forced to confront a destiny he did not choose. Chalamet effectively conveys the weight of Paul’s burgeoning psychic abilities and the burden of leadership that is thrust upon him. His performance grounds the massive scale of the film with a relatable human story of a young man coming into his own.

‘Interstellar’ (2014)

In the near future, Earth has been devastated by drought and famine, causing a global food crisis. When humanity is on the brink of extinction, a group of explorers must travel through a newly discovered wormhole in space to find a new planet for mankind. The film is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant journey that explores themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit against the vast backdrop of space and time.

In one of his earlier film roles, Chalamet plays the younger version of Tom Cooper, the son of the main character, a former NASA pilot who leads the mission. He appears in the first part of the film, establishing the family dynamics and the emotional stakes of his father’s journey. Although a supporting role, it was an early opportunity for him to work on a large-scale production with a celebrated director, hinting at the major career that was to come.

‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)

This film continues the epic saga, picking up immediately after the events of the first movie. It follows Paul Atreides as he unites with the Fremen people of the desert planet Arrakis to wage a war of rebellion against the galactic emperor and the forces that destroyed his family. The story delves deeper into Fremen culture and mythology, as Paul grapples with his role as a prophesied messiah and the immense power he now wields.

Chalamet reprises his role as Paul Atreides, showcasing a significant character transformation. He portrays Paul’s evolution from a reluctant heir to a confident and formidable leader, fully embracing his destiny. His performance captures the internal conflict between his love for the Fremen people and the dangerous path of holy war he must walk. The film solidifies his status as the central figure in this grand science fiction narrative.

What is your favorite Timothée Chalamet performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below.