As Stephen Graham continues to captivate audiences with his latest performance in Adolescence (2025 – Present) on Netflix, it’s clear that his career is as dynamic as ever.
Whether he’s playing the troubled antihero or a quiet, understated figure, Graham brings depth and authenticity to every role. With the series receiving critical acclaim, now is the perfect time to look back at his career.
From gripping crime dramas to emotional character-driven stories, here are the five best Stephen Graham films and TV shows, ranked by Rotten Tomatoes’ critics’ ratings.
5. The Virtues (2019) – 100% (Rotten Tomatoes)
The Virtues, a drama miniseries created by Shane Meadows, earned widespread critical acclaim for its sensitive and raw portrayal of trauma and redemption. The series follows Joseph (played by Stephen Graham), a man who is forced to confront the dark secrets of his past after a series of life events lead him to revisit painful memories. Graham’s performance is central to the success of the series, as he gives an emotionally charged portrayal of a man haunted by the ghosts of his childhood.
The series is a difficult but rewarding watch, as it explores issues such as abuse, guilt, and the struggle for personal redemption. Critics praised Graham’s raw and unflinching performance, which anchored the series’ exploration of deep emotional pain and the quest for healing. With a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, The Virtues is considered one of the finest examples of Graham’s work, and it remains one of the standout TV shows of 2019.
4. Save Me (2018 – Present) – 100% (Rotten Tomatoes)
In Save Me, Stephen Graham is part of an ensemble cast that includes Lennie James and Suranne Jones, in a gripping crime thriller centered around the disappearance of a young woman. The series follows Nelson (James), who is wrongfully accused of being involved in the crime, and his desperate search to uncover the truth and clear his name. Graham plays a key supporting role as a morally ambiguous character caught in the web of deceit and intrigue.
The series has received widespread praise for its tightly woven narrative, strong performances, and exploration of social issues. Graham’s portrayal of a complex character caught in the moral grey area of the story was particularly noted for its depth and nuance.
3. Adolescence (2025 – Present) – 100% (Rotten Tomatoes)
Adolescence has already garnered a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising it for its raw and honest exploration of teenage life. The series follows a 13-year-old who was accused of murder, and the circle of people around him, navigating the complexities of growing up, dealing with issues such as identity, peer pressure, and mental health.
Stephen Graham’s performance as a father grappling with his relationship with his troubled teenage son is one of the show’s standout elements, adding an emotional depth to the series.
2. Boiling Point (2023 – Present) – 100% (Rotten Tomatoes)
The 2023 series Boiling Point has garnered significant praise for its relentless pace and tense atmosphere. Set in the high-pressure world of a London restaurant, Boiling Point follows head chef Andy Jones (played by Stephen Graham) as he navigates an increasingly chaotic workday filled with difficult customers, staff issues, and personal turmoil. Shot in real time, the show creates an immersive experience that feels like a high-stakes thriller. With a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, Boiling Point has been lauded for its exceptional writing, its depiction of life in the restaurant industry, and Graham’s standout performance.
1. Help (2021) – 100% (Rotten Tomatoes)
Help is a highly impactful drama set during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Stephen Graham delivering one of his most powerful performances. The film, which first aired on Channel 4 in 2021, focuses on the relationship between a care home worker (played by Jodie Comer) and an elderly resident (played by Ian Hart) as they navigate the challenges brought on by the pandemic. Graham portrays a sinister character, Tony, in this emotionally charged film that explores the devastating impact of the pandemic on vulnerable individuals and healthcare workers.