Anthony Hopkins is 87 years old and still has an active career in cinema and TV (Image: Getty)
Few actors have carved out a career as formidable and enduring as Sir Anthony Hopkins. Trained at RADA, knighted by the Queen, and honoured with two Academy Awards, Hopkins has worked across six decades in everything from Shakespearean stage plays to blockbuster franchises.
Below, we take a look of his 12 highest-ranked essential films, in order of their Letterboxd ratings, spotlighting the performances, productions, and legacies that defined his extraordinary filmography.
12. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
3.7/5
Hopkins returned as Odin for the third time in Marvel’s Thor series, reprising his role as the Allfather of Asgard. Though his screen time is limited, the performance shows Odin as he prepares to pass on his legacy to his sons, Thor and Loki. Ragnarok was the most successful of the trilogy, praised for its bold stylistic shift and humour, and grossed over $850 million worldwide.
11. A Bridge Too Far (1977)
3.7/5
This World War II epic was based on Cornelius Ryan’s book and chronicled the real-life Operation Market Garden, a failed Allied attempt to capture bridges in the Netherlands in 1944. Hopkins played Lieutenant Colonel John Frost, a real British officer who defended the Arnhem bridge against overwhelming German forces. The film featured an all-star cast including Sean Connery, Michael Caine, and Robert Redford, and was praised for its large-scale battle scenes and historical detail.
10. Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
3.7/5
Hopkins starred as Professor Abraham Van Helsing in this visually rich adaptation of Dracula, which also featured Gary Oldman in the title role, Winona Ryder, and Keanu Reeves. The film won three Academy Awards (for costume design, sound editing, and makeup) and was notable for its use of practical effects and theatrical style.
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9. Howards End (1992)
3.7/5
An adaptation of E.M. Forster’s 1910 novel, Howards End explored class divisions and romantic entanglements in Edwardian England. Hopkins played Henry Wilcox, a wealthy, emotionally distant businessman. The film co-starred Emma Thompson and Helena Bonham Carter and won three Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Thompson and Best Adapted Screenplay. It was a critical and commercial success, often cited as one of Merchant Ivory’s greatest achievements.
8. One Life (2023)
3.7/5
Based on the true story of Nicholas Winton, One Life casts Hopkins as the older Winton, a British stockbroker who helped rescue 669 children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia in 1939. The younger Winton is portrayed by Johnny Flynn. The film debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023 and received acclaim for its poignant storytelling and restraint.
7. 84 Charing Cross Road (1987)
3.7/5
This transatlantic drama is based on the real-life correspondence between American writer Helene Hanff (played by Anne Bancroft) and London bookseller Frank Doel (Hopkins). Spanning over 20 years, the film captures a changing post-war era through letters, books, and unspoken affection. The film was warmly received and remains a beloved gem among audiences.
6. The Remains of the Day (1993)
4/5
Adapted from Kazuo Ishiguro’s Booker Prize-winning novel, the film follows butler Stevens (Hopkins), whose lifelong devotion to duty leaves him emotionally stunted and alone. Emma Thompson played the housekeeper Miss Kenton. The film was nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Picture, Actor, and Actress.
5. The Lion in Winter (1968)
4/5
In this historical drama set during Christmas 1183, Hopkins played Richard the Lionheart in his first major film role. Starring opposite Peter O’Toole as King Henry II and Katharine Hepburn as Eleanor of Aquitaine, Hopkins was part of a powerhouse ensemble. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay, and is widely regarded as a classic of political and familial drama.
4. Love, Antosha (2019)
4.1/5
A documentary tribute to the late Anton Yelchin, Love, Antosha includes interviews with friends, family, and colleagues. Hopkins features in both narration and testimonial, offering insight into Yelchin’s talents and sensitivity. The documentary was produced by Yelchin’s parents and premiered at Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim. Hopkins’ presence adds a deeply personal touch to a moving story of youth and loss.
3. The Elephant Man (1980)
4.3/5
Based on the life of Joseph Merrick, a severely deformed man in 19th-century London, The Elephant Man starred John Hurt as Merrick and Hopkins as Dr. Frederick Treves, the surgeon who rescues and befriends him. Shot in black and white and produced by Mel Brooks, the film received eight Academy Award nominations and was pivotal in launching David Lynch’s mainstream career.
2. The Father (2020)
4.3/5
Adapted from director Florian Zeller’s own stage play, The Father stars Hopkins as a man suffering from dementia, with Olivia Colman as his daughter. Told from the protagonist’s disoriented perspective, the film used clever set design and editing to reflect his mental state. Hopkins won the Academy Award for Best Actor – his second win – and became the oldest actor ever to receive the honour. The film also won Best Adapted Screenplay and was widely praised for its sensitive depiction of memory loss.
1. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
4.3/5
Arguably his most famous role, Hopkins played Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a cultured cannibalistic psychiatrist, opposite Jodie Foster’s Clarice Starling. The film swept the “Big Five” Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Hopkins only appears on screen for 16 minutes, but his performance redefined psychological thrillers and launched a franchise, including Hannibal (2001) and Red Dragon (2002).