Best Anthony Hopkins Movies of All Time

One of the most iconic and a living legend in the last few decades has been Anthony Hopkins. Not only is he extraordinary in delivering iconic roles effortlessly, but he is also good at playing ordinary men. TechTrends made a list of the best Anthony Hopkins movies of all time.

Anthony Hopkins’ name is synonymous with excellence for his many amazing movies. He has been known and regarded as one of the most iconic actors of all time for decades. Not only is he extraordinarily talented, but he has a relentless commitment to each and every role he is given as an actor, making him unforgettable. He has reached a level of respect in the world of movies that his presents in the films themselves are a pretty good reason for people to go watch the movie. The 84-year-old’s most referenced work is his significant role in The Silence of the Lams, the last movie in history to have earned all Big Five Oscars. Hopkins also won his first Academy Award for Best Actor following his role in this epic 1991 thriller/horror.

He once again received the Best Actor in the Academy Awards following his magnificent performance in the movie The Father. There are a lot of great movies from the actor, and narrowing it down was not an easy task. Nevertheless, TechTrends made a list of the best Anthony Hopkins movies of all time.

Best Anthony Hopkins Movies of All Time

Anthony Hopkins is known as one of the most revered actors in history. He has done movies for decades, and his level of success was so high that TechTrends could not include some of his gems on the list. However, we have done our best. Here are the best Anthony Hopkins movies of all time.

Legends of the Fall 1994

Source: www.greatnetwork.com
  • Genre: Drama/Western
  • Director: Edward Zwick
  • Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Brad Pitt, Julia Ormond, Aidan Quinn, Karina Lombard, Henry Thomas
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 58%, IMDb 7.5

One of the best Anthony Hopkins movies of all time is Legends of the Fall. He plays the role of Colonel William Ludlow, who is the patriarch who made a life for himself with his three sons. They live in the Montana wilderness in the 1900s. Moreover, they go through heavy losses, deep love emotions, terrible betrayal, and war. His three sons are Alfred (Aidan Quinn), Samuel (Henry Thomas), and Tristan (Brad Pitt). Moreover, the Legends of the Fall movie is a mixed bag. Despite the incredible production design and visuals, it is somehow doll, with a reasonable runtime that feels like a lifetime.

Notwithstanding the mixed reviews, it got from critics, it was still showcased as one of the best films that melodrama has offered. Moreover, Hopkins is amazing in the movie, and according to Roger Ebert, it was “one of those strange Anthony Hopkins performances that steal every scene with its air of brooding, motionless menace.”

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Thor 2011

Source: www.theguardian.com
  • Genre: Action/Fantasy
  • Director: Kenneth Branagh
  • Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba, Ray Stevenson, Rene Russo
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 77%, IMDb 7

Another one of the best must see Anthony Hopkins performances comes in the Marvel movie Thor as he acquired the sort of gravitas that let him slot effortlessly into his stint as Odin. He was the king of Asgard and Thor’s father. He is the one-eyed ruler of the Asgard, and in an interview, Hopkins said, “I’m a little like Odin myself.”

As Odin, he was part of the highly successful Marvel franchise that had sequels in 2013 and 2017. Despite his role being a small one in this enormous universe, Hopkins’ performance is memorable as the father of his hotheaded successor Thor, portrayed by Chris Hemsworth, and adopted son Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston. The three actors played amazingly together, showing honesty and depth in their delivery of sibling rivalry and fatherly love. This is indeed one of the best Anthony Hopkins movies of all time.

The World’s Fastest Indian 2005

  • Genre: Drama/Sport
  • Director: Roger Donaldson
  • Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Aaron James Murphy, Diane Ladd, Christopher Lawford, Tessa Mitchell
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 82%, IMDb 7.8

Anthony Hopkins is also known for featuring in dark dramas. However, his role in The World’s Fastest Indian was kind of more lighthearted, and TechTrends strongly recommends it. It is based on a true story and it is one of the best Anthony Hopkins movies of all time. Although this movie might not be as critically acclaimed as other movies by Hopkins, he gave an outstanding performance as Burt Munro. Moreover, this real-life New Zealand man is trying to break a world record with his classic Indian motorcycle, which is his prized possession. Despite his doctor’s refusal, Burt decides to make the journey. If you are looking to restore your faith in humanity, this is the movie to watch. This is one of the best Anthony Hopkins films of all time.

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Magic 1978

  • Genre: Drama/Horror
  • Director: Richard Attenborough
  • Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Ann-Margret, Burgess Meredith, Ed Lauter, Jerry Houser
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 86%, IMDb 6.8

Richard Attenborough believed that Hopkins was “the greatest actor of his generation” and directed him in five of his films. One of those movies was Magic, which was a creepy character study about a stage magician Corky that was hopeless. He became a hit when he developed a ventriloquist act with a foul-mouthed dummy names Fats. Also, Corky Withers is mentally disturbed and is a combination of a magician and ventriloquist, who is controlled by his jealous dummy Fats in the movie. Moreover, Hopkins got BAFTA and Golden Globe Best Actor nominations for this movie. Therefore, this is one of Anthony Hopkins greatest movie roles.

84 Charming Cross Roads 1987

Source: hk.flixboss.com
  • Genre: Drama/Romance
  • Director: David Jones
  • Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Anne Bancroft, Judi Dench, Jean De Baer, Maurice Denham
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 87%, IMDb 7.4

The movie 84 Charming Cross Roads is an adaptation of Helene Hanff’s memoir, which was a bestseller. It is about her 20-year correspondence with a London bookshop manager. A love for books results in a pen pal-type friendship between Frank Doel, played by Anthony Hopkins, the owner of the bookstore, and Helen Hanff, featured by Anne Bancroft, who is a poet. Moreover, Hopkins was able to showcase his ability by delivering emotions with only his eyes and expressions. So, this is one of the best Anthony Hopkins films ever.

The Elephant Man 1980

  • Genre: Drama/Historical Drama
  • Director: David Lynch
  • Stars: Anthony Hopkins, John Hurt, Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud, Freddie Jones
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 93%, IMDb 8.2

The Elephant Man is one of the best movies by legendary director David Lynch. This is a compassionate, aching, and amazingly shot look at the life of John Merrick, featured by John Hurt. He is a Victorian man who has to deal with severe deformities in his life. He is on exhibit in a freak show, imprisoned, and abused. It is then that he attracts the attention of Surgeon Frederick Treves, who is played by Anthony Hopkins. Also, this Victorian-era doctor is keen on studying Merrick and rescuing this heavily disfigured man.

Anthony Hopkins pulled off an outstanding performance alongside Hurt, making it a compassionate look at a man who was mistreated and tried to find acceptance in the world. The movie is based on a true story, and it was nominated for eight Academy Awards, such as Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture. Therefore, this is one of the best Anthony Hopkins movies ever.

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Shadowlands 1993

Source: IMDb.com
  • Genre: Romance/Drama
  • Director: Richard Attenborough
  • Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Debra Winger, Leigh Burton-Gill, Andrew Seear, Abigail Hopkins, Joseph Mazzello
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 97%, IMDb 7.4

Shadowlands follows the story of The Chronicles of Narnia author C.S. Lewis, played by Anthony Hopkins, and American poet Joy Davidman, played by Debra Winger. Moreover, with their friendship growing stronger, Lewis’s Christian faith is put to the test, with their relationship turning into love. In addition, this bittersweet love story is one of the best Anthony Hopkins movies of all time. The two explore the emotion and conflict only to find that she is diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Hopkins performs masterfully as C.S. Lewis in this elegant and full of emotion movie called Shadowlands. Aside from being a tragic romance, this movie is a tale of how necessary it can be to allow your heart to take the lead sometimes. When you start loving someone, you put yourself open to a lot of suffering, but Shadowlands emphasized how taking that risk makes Jack (Hopkins) more human.

The Dresser 2015

  • Genre: Drama
  • Director: Richard Eyre
  • Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Ian McKellen, Vanessa Kirby, Emily Watson, Sarah Lancashire
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 100%, IMDb 6.7

Another one of the best Anthony Hopkins films of all time, in which he partnered with Ian McKellen, is The Dresser. The movie was set in 1941. And it is based on a play that has the same name. Also, it tells the story of an aging actor, played by Hopkins, and his assistant, portrayed by McKellen. The two are getting ready for a performance of King Lear. Moreover, the two legends’ performance in this rich and compelling movie was a masterclass.

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Howard’s End 1992

  • Genre: Romance/Drama
  • Director: James Ivory
  • Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham Carter, Vanessa Redgrave, Ismail Merchant
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 94%, IMDb 7.4

The next one on the list of the best must see Anthony Hopkins performances is Howard’s End. The movie describes the relationships between three families that were divided by class in the 20th century. Hopkins plays the role of Mr. Wilcox, who is the head of a wealthy family. In addition, the movie got a lot of praise and it is an adaptation of E.M Foster’s novel. This masterfully crafted movie explores the class divide and when Ruth Wilcox, played by Vanessa Redgrave, decides to leave her home to Margaret, Emma Thompson, the social classes collide. Moreover, the movie got nine Oscar awards nominations, and it won three.

Vincent Canby with The New York Times said, “Mr. Hopkins is splendid and easy as the Edwardian era’s equivalent to a corporate raider, outwardly tough and willful but, at heart, almost fatally fragile.”

King Lear 2018

Source: IMDb.com
  • Genre: Drama/History
  • Director: Richard Eyre
  • Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, Emily Watson, Jim Broadbent, Florence Pugh, Andrew Scott
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 91%, IMDb 6.1

Shakespeare’s King Lear is definitely not an easy role to take on, but Anthony Hopkins does it effortlessly. He plays the titular aging king who wants her daughters to take over the throne. Furthermore, this is one of the best Anthony Hopkins films ever, in which he performed outstandingly alongside Emma Thompson, Emily Watson, and Florence Pugh, who were his daughters. So, you don’t want to miss this most Shakespearean film by Hopkins. It seems like it was the role he was meant to play.

Moreover, productions like this one, being adapted creatively and having an amazing cast, prove that it is always a great reason to return to Shakespeare, as the classics never get old.

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The Two Popes 2019

  • Genre: Drama/Comedy
  • Director: Fernando Meirelles
  • Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Jonathan Pryce, Anthony McCarten, Sidney Cole, Juan Minujín
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 89%, IMDb 7.6

Another one of the best Anthony Hopkins movies of all time is Fernando Meirelles’ The Two Popes. Furthermore, this was one of the most acclaimed movies of 2019. Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins played Pope Francis and Pope Benedict, respectively. Also, in the movie, these two popes try to come together and pave a future for the Catholic Church. Moreover, the movie received three nominations for Academy Award, Best Actor for Pryce, Best Supporting Actor for Hopkins, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

The Remains of the Day 1993

  • Genre: Romance/Drama
  • Director: James Ivory
  • Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, Christopher Reeve, Ismail Merchant, Hugh Grant, Ben Chaplin
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 95%, IMDb 7.8

Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson are amazing co-stars and critically acclaimed actors. With the two playing in The Remains of the Day, their chemistry was outstanding in this emotional work. In addition, like many of the movies Hopkins appeared in, The Academy expressed their appreciation for the project, as the movie received eight Oscar nominations, including Best Actor (for Hopkins), Best Actress (for Thompson), and Best Picture.

Hopkins plays the role of Stevens, who is a servant at Darlington Hall, and in the twilight of his life. Also, this is one of the best Anthony Hopkins movies ever that you don’t want to miss.

The Father 2020

Source: IMDb.com
  • Genre: Drama
  • Director: Florian Zeller
  • Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Olivia Colman, Imogen Poots, Rufus Sewell, Olivia Williams
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 98%, IMDb 8.3

Florian Zeller’s The Father is an exquisite and unflinching story of an old man whose mind the slipping away. The 84-year-old plays the role of Anthony and the audience are inside his agonizingly malleable perspective. The movie became incredibly successful because of Anthony Hopkins’ all-time best performance as the story evokes his state of mind. A lesser actor would not have been able to perform this well as he would be lost in the role, unlike Hopkins.

After his extraordinary performance in the movie The Father, Anthony Hopkins got the 2020 Best Actor Oscar. Despite coming closer to the end of his career, he has rarely been better than this. The Father is indeed one of the best Anthony Hopkins movies of all time.

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The Silence of the Lambs 1991

Source: IMDb,com
  • Genre: Thriller/Horror
  • Director: Jonathan Demme
  • Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster, Ted Levine, Frank Seals Jr., Brooke Smith
  • Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 95%, IMDb 8.6

By far the best Anthony Hopkins movie is The Silence of the Lambs, where he plays Dr. Hannibal Lector. Hopkins plays alongside Jodie Foster in this thriller/horror that is one of the greatest movies ever. Moreover, the two actors won their first Academy Award for Best Actor and Best Actress for this movie and their performance. In addition, the movie won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Clarice Starling, played by Foster, is a top student at the training academy of the FBI. She is asked to interview Dr. Hannibal Lector, who is a brilliant psychiatrist who is also a violent psychopath. Moreover, he is behind bars as he committed acts of murder and cannibalism. In addition, Starling wants to draw Lector out to give an insight into a case.

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