Benedict Cumberbatch has established himself as one of the most popular actors in the industry. He has quickly become one of the best as well as he appeared in many big franchises. TechTrends decided to make a list of the best Benedict Cumberbatch movies of all time for those interested in his work.
Benedict Cumberbatch is one of the most well-liked actors in the world. Many have come to him in the classic detective series Sherlock, but he has gone on to star in many acclaimed and blockbuster movies over the years. For more than 20 years, the British actor has brought joy, pain, laughter, and sorrow to the stage, TV, and cinema. He is able to perform in different genres, from comic-book action movies to WWII-era biopics, taking audiences on very wild rides. Although we would like to write about his best TV roles, such as Sherlock, or his theatre roles, like Frankenstein, for now, we will concentrate on his best films. So, without further ado, let’s jump into the best Benedict Cumberbatch movies of all time. Moreover, the list is in reverse-chronological order.
Best Benedict Cumberbatch Movies of All Time
The British actor has made a name for himself as one of the best actors of his generation. Cumberbatch is mostly known for his roles as Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Strange. However, he does have a diverse range of amazing movies on his resume. Moreover, he has long been praised for his talent in acting and has won many awards. Here are the best must-see Benedict Cumberbatch performances.
Doctor Strange Film Series 2016, 2022
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Directors: Scott Derrickson, Sam Raimi
Doctor Strange 2016
- Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, Mads Mikkelsen, Tilda Swinton, Benedict Wong, Zara Phythian
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 89%, IMDb 7.5
Benedict Cumberbatch’s first dive into the Marvel Cinematic Universe came in the 2016’s Doctor Strange. He plays the role of a brilliant neurosurgeon who gets involved with mysticism. When he had a car crash and a near-death experience, he came across the world of hidden dimensions and powers that were magical. In 2016, the MCU had many audiences accustomed to the Avengers’ regular members. Before the franchise could lead to Infinity War and Endgame, some new characters had to be introduced to complete the team. In addition, casting Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange was brilliant, and he goes on to perform extraordinarily. Therefore, Doctor Strange is one of the best Benedict Cumberbatch movies of all time.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness 2022
- Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Patrick Stewart, benedict Wong
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 74%, IMDb 7
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is the next one on TechTrends’ article of the best Benedict Cumberbatch movies of all time. Many MCU fans have keenly anticipated this next Marvel movie. Aside from Benedict Cumberbatch leading the cast as Doctor Strange, the sorcerer Elizabeth Olsen featuring as Scarlet Witch has attracted a lot of attention. Doctor Strange’s reliable friend and new sorcerer supreme Wong, portrayed by Benedict Wong, also appears in the film. Scarlet Witch and Doctor Strange are going to team up to encounter many dangers since the multiverse is breaking down. Then, the journey brings them to a new adversary, and it turns out to be Wanda/Scarlet Witch. The Darkhold possesses her as she wishes to be with Billy and Tommy. Therefore, she goes on a killing spree. However, this doesn’t indicate her character being killed off as she may redeem herself.
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The Power of the Dog 2021
- Genre: Western/Romance
- Director: Jane Campion
- Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Thomasin McKenzie
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 94%, IMDb 6.8
The Power of the Dog presents one of Benedict Cumberbatch’s greatest movie roles. The story revolves around a stubborn character that does not want to change with the times. It is not a heroic cowboy movie but rather a psychological one that showcases an insightful look into Phil Burbank, played by Cumberbatch. This might be a very different role from his others, but he performs as great as always. His characters are mostly very gentlemanly; in this movie, however, he belittles other people without considering their feelings. Cumberbatch embraces a different character and does his magic to mesmerize the audience and get them to sympathize with him.
The Electrical Life of Louis Wain 2021
- Genre: Drama/Romance
- Director: Will Sharpe
- Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Claire Foy, Aimee Lou Wood, Taika Waititi
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 70%, IMDb 6.8
Cumberbatch played the roles of many real-life characters but none of them were as eccentric as Louis Wain, the artist who popularized illustrations of cats in popular culture. Cumberbatch is praised for how he takes an oddball character and makes it relatable. With his impressive talent and skill, he showcases a dynamic performance as artist Louis Wain in the 2021 movie. He is The Illustrated London News’ journalist but has a hard time making ends meet while supporting his five sisters. He starts an unusual pursuit in art, painting extravagant pictures of cats.
Back in 1880s, the idea of raising a cat was not as popular, but Wain was fond of his feline friends, with his art demonstrating the happiness they bring him. And, many considered him an outcast except his wife, Emily Richardson, played by Claire Foy. Moreover, there is humor in Wain’s befriending cats, and the movie shows the depth of his talent. The Electrical Life of Louis Wain is one of the best Benedict Cumberbatch movies of all time.
Read more: Best Drama Movies of All Time
The Mauritanian 2021
- Genre: Drama/Legal drama
- Director: Kevin Macdonald
- Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Shailene Woodley, Jodie Foster, Tahar Rahim, Zachary Levi
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 75%, IMDb 7.4
The Mauritanian revolves around accounts of injustice, brutality, and moral reckoning after the 9/11 terrorist attack. The movie is based on the book “Guantanamo Diary”, and it tells the true story of Mohamedou Ould Salahi, who was taken to prison. The movie was directed by Kevin MacDonald, and the most worthwhile aspects of the movie were the amazing performances of the cast. Among them were the Academy Award-winning actress Jodie Foster, Shailene Woodley, Tahar Rahim, and for sure, Benedict Cumberbatch, with their incredible portrayals. After being tortured and imprisoned for six years, the prisoner finally confesses to terrorism crimes. When a defense attorney decides to defend him, she understands a deep conspiracy happening.
Cumberbatch portrays the role of Marine prosecutor Stuart Couch. Although the movie follows Salahi’s journey, it is Couch’s role that carries the story. This is indeed one of the best Benedict Cumberbatch movies ever.
Read more: Best Shailene Woodley Movies of All Time
The Courier 2020
- Genre: Thriller/Drama
- Director: Dominic Cooke
- Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Merab Ninidze, Rachel Brosnahan, Jessie Buckley
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 85%, IMDb 7.1
The next one on the list of the best Benedict Cumberbatch movies of all time is Courier, which is inspired by real events. Cumberbatch plays the role of a man who passes messages to a Russian spy in the 60s. Greville Wynne is a businessman, and the reason behind him being picked was that intelligence officers believed using a ‘regular person’ is better than a spy as no one would suspect it. Wynne ends up in prison in Russia for the messages and has to keep his innocence. The Courier is a psychological drama, and we strongly recommend it to those who are a fan of the genre.
1917 2019
- Genre: War/Drama
- Director: Sam Mendes
- Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Richard Madden, Claire Duburcq, Mark Strong
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 88%, IMDb 8.2
One of the most anticipated WWI movies was 1917, and critics praised the film, naming it one of the best. It also impressed audiences quite largely. Benedict Cumberbatch plays the supporting role of Colonel Mackenzie. However, most of the movie focuses on two young soldiers who try to get a message to him. 1917 is one of the best Benedict Cumberbatch films of all time. So, make sure you add it to your watchlist if you haven’t already.
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Avengers Films Series 2018, 2019
- Genre: Adventure/Action
- Directors: Joss Whedon, Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Avengers: Infinity War 2018
- Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Sebastian Stan, Scarlett Johansson, Elizabeth Olsen, Tom Holland, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Pratt
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 85%, IMDb 8.4
The Avengers’ struggles with Thanos begin in Avengers: Infinity War. Tony Stark, Doctor Strange, Sider-Man, and some of the Guardians began fighting the Mad Titan in his homeworld. In this movie, all cast members performed amazingly. Moreover, Doctor Strange has his first appearance alongside the Avengers in the Infinity War. Benedict Cumberbatch continues the role of Stephen Strange brilliantly.
With the help of Peter Parker, Iron Man was able to defeat one of the stronger pawns of Thanos, who kidnapped Dr. Strange. Also, Thanos is believed to be the Avengers’ most powerful enemy yet, who is on the mission to get all six Infinity Stones. And, he wants to use it to realize his twisted wish.
Avengers: Endgame 2019
- Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Brie Larson, Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson, Elizabeth Olsen, Tom Holland, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Pratt
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 94%, IMDb 8.4
The movie Avengers: Endgame starts with Iron Man in space for three weeks after Thanos’ Snap wiped out half the universe’s population. However, they get saved by Captain Marvel later in the movie. The rest of the Avengers, on the other hand, have to find out a way to bring their lost ones back. In the beginning, Tony Stark was not willing to do anything. However, when he remembered Peter Parker, he decided to help them bring everyone back. Although Doctor Strange did not appear on screen as much, he still shone as Doctor Strange and played his role with grace. Avengers: Endgame was, without a doubt, one of the best Benedict Cumberbatch movies of all time. In addition, it is arguably one of the biggest superhero films ever made that can never be matched.
Read more: Best Marvel Cinematic Universe Movies of All Time
Black Mass 2015
- Genre: Crime/Drama
- Director: Scott Cooper
- Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Johnny Depp, Dakota Johnson, Joel Edgerton, Jesse Plemons
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 73%, IMDb 6.9
Black Mass is a true story that features Johnny Depp as famed South Boston mobster James “Whitey” Bulger. With incredible prosthetic makeup, Depp could disappear into the character’s persona. Benedict Cumberbatch plays the role of his strait-laced brother. Moreover, he is a more prominent politician and became President of the Massachusetts senate. One of the best Benedict Cumberbatch films ever is Black Mass.
The Imitation Game 2014
- Genre: War/Drama
- Director: Morten Tyldum
- Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Mark Strong, Charles Dance
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 90%, IMDb 8
Benedict Cumberbatch gave one of his most emotionally gutting and outstanding performances in the movie The Imitation Game. He even got his only Oscar nomination to date for his role in this movie as Best Actor. The movie follows the tale of Alan Turing, who is a mathematician that cracked the Enigma code of the Germans in WWII. However, because of his homosexuality, he was mistreated by his own country. The movie also showcases the tragedy of inequality and dives deep into the mind and tale of a man who is extraordinary and a hero of his time. The British actor was able to bring some levels of arrogance and nervousness to the role, which is still one of his most captivating displays. Therefore, it has made it to the list of the best Benedict Cumberbatch movies of all time.
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12 Years a Slave 2013
- Genre: Drama/History
- Director: Steve McQueen
- Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong’o, Brad Pitt, Sarah Paulson
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 95%, IMDb 8.1
12 Years a Slave got nine Oscar nominations for its story of a free black man captured and then sold to be a slave in the pre-civil war south. Benedict Cumberbatch portrays the role of William Ford, the first plantation owner to buy the leading character Solomon Northup, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor. He is kind to the slave, but he has to sell him to another in order to save the slave’s life. The story is riveting, beautiful, and emotional, and at the same time, it is taxing, brutal, and harrowing. This is because the film portrays slavery in the most accurate and horrifying way. Therefore, this is one of the best Benedict Cumberbatch movies of all time, and we strongly recommend it.
Star Trek into Darkness 2013
- Genre: Sci-fi/Action
- Director:J. Abrams
- Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldaña
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 84%, IMDb 7.7
When revealed that Benedict Cumberbatch was going to be a villain in Star Trek into Darkness, everyone expected him to play the role of Khan, despite it not being confirmed. He did not let anyone down with his portrayal of the role. The story revolves around Captain James Kirk, played by Chris Pine, as well as the Starship Enterprise crew when they track down Khan after a devastating terrorist attack on Starfleet headquarters. Khan and Kirk finally encounter in the most satisfying way, and much of it is courtesy of Cumberbatch’s amazing delivery that makes the audience fear and admire him at the same time. This is indeed worth a watch as it is one of the best Benedict Cumberbatch movies of all time.
Read more: Best Sci-fi Movies of 2022
Atonement 2007
- Genre: Romance/Drama
- Director: Joe Wright
- Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Saoirse Ronan, Romola Garai
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 83%, IMDb 7.8
Atonement tells the tale of young lovers Robbie Turner and Cecilia Tallis, played by James McAvoy and Keira Knightley, respectively, while being torn apart by her little sister, Briony, played by Saoirse Ronan. Ronan’s character is eager to be a writer, but she is naïve when it comes to the world around her and how things work. When she sees her sister having a romantic relationship with the housekeeper’s son, she misinterprets it. It is due to the fact that she sees the world around her with a filter, creating a predicament than might end badly. Briony thinks she saw Robbie raping her cousin Lola when in fact, it was Paul Marshal, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch. Paul is a disgusting upper-class member who thinks he is better than everyone.
Cumberbatch brings the character to life in a way that no one else could. Despite the role being a horrible man, it is hard to get enough of the actor’s performance. Atonement showcases another one of the best Benedict Cumberbatch movies of all time.