11 Best Joaquin Phoenix Movies, Ranked

Joaquin Phoenix brings an electric edge to every role, whether he’s a brooding loner, a manic villain, or a soulful dreamer. His raw intensity and fearless choices have earned him an Oscar and cemented him as one of the most unpredictable actors working today.

I’ve ranked his eleven best movies based on the power of his performances and their lasting resonance. Each film highlights his ability to burrow into complex characters and leave a mark that’s hard to shake.

11. ‘The Immigrant’ (2013)

Phoenix plays Bruno Weiss, a manipulative pimp in 1920s New York who exploits a Polish immigrant, played by Marion Cotillard. His unsettling mix of charm and cruelty makes this quiet drama gripping.

Bruno’s predatory nature comes alive through Phoenix’s intense stares and subtle menace. He balances the character’s sliminess with flashes of vulnerability, adding depth to a story of survival and betrayal.

10. ‘Inherent Vice’ (2014)

As Larry ‘Doc’ Sportello, a stoned private eye in 1970s LA, Phoenix delivers a quirky, heartfelt performance in this trippy Paul Thomas Anderson comedy. His dazed humor anchors the sprawling mystery.

Phoenix nails Doc’s foggy charm with mumbled lines and sleepy eyes, making him oddly endearing. Surrounded by a wild cast, including Josh Brolin, he keeps the film’s chaotic vibe grounded and fun.

9. ‘Two Lovers’ (2008)

In this understated romance, Phoenix plays Leonard, a heartbroken man torn between two women, played by Gwyneth Paltrow and Vinessa Shaw. His quiet pain and indecision drive the film’s emotional core.

Phoenix captures Leonard’s inner turmoil with soft-spoken delivery and nervous tics. The film’s intimate feel and his tender performance make it a hidden gem in his career.

8. ‘Signs’ (2002)

Phoenix shines as Merrill Hess, a former baseball player grappling with faith and fear during an alien invasion. His warm, grounded performance balances the sci-fi thriller’s eerie tension.

Merrill’s humor and protective instincts come through in Phoenix’s easy charm and soulful glances. Alongside Mel Gibson, he adds heart to M. Night Shyamalan’s suspenseful family drama.

7. ‘The Master’ (2012)

Phoenix is Freddie Quell, a volatile drifter drawn into a cult-like movement led by Philip Seymour Hoffman’s charismatic figure. His raw, physical performance earned him an Oscar nod.

Freddie’s pent-up rage and lost-soul energy explode through Phoenix’s hunched posture and wild outbursts. His chemistry with Hoffman creates a tense, fascinating dynamic, making this a haunting study of control.

6. ‘You Were Never Really Here’ (2017)

As Joe, a haunted veteran rescuing trafficked girls, Phoenix delivers a brutal yet tender performance. His silent intensity and explosive violence make this lean thriller unforgettable.

Phoenix conveys Joe’s trauma through heavy silences and weary eyes, making every hit feel personal. The film’s raw style and his restrained power create a stark, gripping portrait of a broken man.

5. ‘Walk the Line’ (2005)

Phoenix embodies Johnny Cash, capturing the music legend’s grit, passion, and demons in this biopic. His soulful singing and raw energy earned him a Best Actor Oscar nod.

He nails Cash’s swagger and vulnerability, especially in scenes with Reese Witherspoon as June Carter. Phoenix’s performance makes the love story and redemption arc feel earned and electric.

4. ‘C’mon C’mon’ (2021)

In this black-and-white drama, Phoenix plays Johnny, a radio journalist bonding with his young nephew. His warm, introspective performance makes this quiet film a heartfelt gem.

Johnny’s patience and inner struggles come alive through Phoenix’s gentle tone and attentive gaze. His natural chemistry with Woody Norman creates a tender, authentic portrait of connection.

3. ‘Gladiator’ (2000)

As the twisted Emperor Commodus, Phoenix steals scenes in this epic historical drama. His chilling mix of insecurity and malice earned him his first Oscar nomination.

Phoenix makes Commodus both pathetic and terrifying with his sneering delivery and desperate eyes. Opposite Russell Crowe’s hero, he creates a villain whose weakness fuels his cruelty, adding depth to the spectacle.

2. ‘Her’ (2013)

Phoenix plays Theodore Twombly, a lonely writer who falls for an AI voiced by Scarlett Johansson. His gentle, aching performance makes this sci-fi romance feel deeply human.

Theodore’s longing and quiet joy shine through Phoenix’s soft voice and wistful smiles. He carries the film’s emotional weight, turning a futuristic love story into something raw and relatable.

1. ‘Joker’ (2019)

Phoenix’s Oscar-winning turn as Arthur Fleck, the broken man who becomes the Joker, is a tour de force. His chilling descent into madness drives this dark, divisive comic book origin story.

Phoenix’s gaunt frame, manic laugh, and haunted eyes make Arthur’s pain and rage visceral. He transforms a familiar villain into a tragic, terrifying figure, cementing this as his career-defining role.

Which Joaquin Phoenix movie hits hardest for you, or did I miss a favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments!