The bestJoel Edgertonmovies and TV shows highlight the Australian actor’s remarkable versatility and depth across various genres. Born in Blacktown, New South Wales, in 1974, Joel Edgerton’s career spans over two decades, during which he has evolved from supporting roles to leading performances, earning critical acclaim and industry recognition. Joel Edgerton’s breakout role came in the Australian crime dramaAnimal Kingdom, which opened doors to Hollywood projects.
While he’s perhaps best knownfor portraying Owen Lars inStar Wars,Joel Edgerton’s talent has been acknowledged with nominations for prestigious awards, including a Golden Globe nod for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama for his role in 2016’sLoving. Beyond acting, he has showcased his skills as a writer and director, further cementing his status as a multifaceted artist in the entertainment industry. Many of the best Joel Edgerton movies and TV shows see him both in front of and behind the camera, solidifying his status as a dynamic creative presence.
Joel Edgerton co-wrote and starred in 2008’sThe Square,directed by his brother, Nash Edgerton. The neo-noir thriller delves into the consequences of an adulterous affair between Raymond Yale (David Roberts) and Carla Smith (Claire van der Boom), who plot to steal a bag of cash from Carla’s husband. Edgerton plays Billy, a shady arsonist hired to cover their tracks, leading to a series of unforeseen and deadly events.
As a character, Billy injects the majority of the tension and unpredictability into the narrative ofThe Square, and is a solid showcase of Joel Edgerton’s ability to embody morally ambiguous characters. The intricate plot and dark themes ofThe Squarewere well-received, earning it an 86% Tomatometer Score (critical rating) onRotten Tomatoes.The Squarestands as a testament to Joel Edgerton’s early prowess in screenwriting and acting within the crime thriller genre.
Directed by Trey Edward Schultz, the psychological horrorIt Comes at Nighttapped into many of the sides of Joel Edgerton seen in 2011’sThe Thing,only now much more refined. Joel Edgerton portrays Paul, a father determined to protect his family from a mysterious, deadly contagion. The story unfolds in a secluded cabin where Paul, his wife Sarah (Carmen Ejogo), and their son Travis (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) live in isolation. Their precarious existence is disrupted when another family seeks refuge, leading to escalating tension and paranoia.
Joel Edgerton’s performance anchors thesometimes-divisiveIt Comes at Night, capturing Paul’s stoic resolve and underlying vulnerability as he grapples with moral dilemmas to ensure his family’s survival.The movie’s atmospheric storytelling and Edgerton’s compelling portrayal of Paul was celebrated by critics, andIt Comes at Nightstands as one of the best Joel Edgerton movies and TV shows due to allowing him to explore complex human emotions in situations of intense stress.
Boy Erasedis a poignant drama directed by Joel Edgerton, who also plays a significant role as Victor Sykes, the head of a gay conversion therapy program. The film follows Jared Eamons (Lucas Hedges), the son of a Baptist pastor, who is coerced into attending the program after being outed to his parents. Edgerton’s portrayal of Sykes is both unsettling and nuanced, reflecting the internal conflicts within programs like the fictional “Love in Action” inBoy Erased.
As the director ofBoy Erased, Joel Edgerton approaches the sensitive subject matter with empathy and restraint, allowing the emotional performances, particularly by Hedges and Nicole Kidman (who plays Jared’s mother), to resonate deeply. Both due to his acting performance and work as director and screenwriter,Boy Erasedunderscores Edgerton’s commitment to telling challenging and socially relevant stories, solidifying its place among the best Joel Edgerton movies and TV shows.
10 Coming-Of-Age Movies You Probably Haven’t Seen
The coming-of-age film genre is one that is ever-expanding and one that remains popular. Here are 10 coming of age films you probably haven’t seen.
Zero Dark Thirty
Cast
Zero Dark Thirty chronicles the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden following the September 2001 attacks, culminating in his death by Navy SEAL Team 6 in May 2011.
In Kathryn Bigelow’sZero Dark Thirty, Joel Edgerton plays a pivotal role as Patrick Grayston, the leader of the Navy SEAL team tasked with capturing Osama bin Laden. The 2012 political action thriller provides a gripping account of the decade-long manhunt following the 9/11 attacks, focusing on the relentless efforts of CIA analyst Maya (Jessica Chastain).
Joel Edgerton’s gritty portrayal of Patrick adds no shortage ofrealism toZero Dark Thirty’s portrayalof the intense and meticulously planned operation. Its realistic depiction of military procedures and Edgerton’s convincing performance contribute to its critical success, earning a 91% Tomatometer score onRotten Tomatoes.Zero Dark Thirtynot only showcases Edgerton’s ability to embody real-life figures but also highlights his versatility in high-stakes, ensemble casts.
2015’sThe Giftis especially noteworthy among the best Joel Edgerton movies and TV shows, as it marks his directorial debut. Joel Edgerton wrote, directed, and starred inThe Gift, a psychological thriller that delves into the unsettling reappearance of a past acquaintance. Edgerton plays Gordo, who reconnects with Simon (Jason Bateman) and his wife Robyn (Rebecca Hall), bringing with him a series of mysterious gifts and a hidden agenda.
Joel Edgerton’s first attempt at helming a movie was incredibly well-received.His direction received critical acclaim for its suspenseful pacing and character development, and his acting stands among his strongest performances too. Edgerton’s portrayal of Gordo is both enigmatic and disturbing, keeping audiences on edge as the story unravels.The Giftexemplifies Edgerton’s multifaceted talent and stands as a significant entry among the best Joel Edgerton movies and TV shows.
In the 2016 science fiction thrillerMidnight Special, Joel Edgerton plays Lucas, a state trooper who aids his friend Roy (Michael Shannon) in protecting Roy’s son, Alton (Jaeden Martell), a boy with extraordinary abilities. As they evade government agents and a religious cult determined to control Alton, the film blends emotional depth with high-concept sci-fi, exploring themes of faith, destiny, and parental devotion. Directed by Jeff Nichols,Midnight Specialwas widely praised for its thought-provoking storytelling and atmospheric tension.
Joel Edgerton’s performance as Lucas is a standout in his career. He skillfully provided viewers with a grounded and compassionate perspective amidstMidnight Special’s more fantastical elements.Edgerton conveys a mix of skepticism and belief with subtle precision, and while the movie didn’t dominate the box office, its critical reception was strongand ithas since gained a loyal following.
Joel Edgerton earned a Golden Globe nomination for his deeply affecting role inLoving, a historical drama based on the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple who fought against anti-miscegenation laws in 1960s America. Directed by Jeff Nichols, the movie is a restrained yet powerful portrayal of the couple’s legal battle that led to the landmark Supreme Court caseLoving v. Virginia. Rather than focusing on courtroom dramatics,Lovingemphasizes the personal struggles and quiet resilience of its protagonists.
As Richard Loving, Edgerton delivers a performance of remarkable subtlety, embodying a man of few words whose love for his wife (played by Ruth Negga) speaks volumes. His portrayal avoids melodrama, instead capturing the weight of oppression through physicality and facial expressions.The 2016 movie was lauded by critics and nominated for multiple awards, solidifyingLovingas one of the best Joel Edgerton movies and TV shows, and demonstrating his ability to anchor a film with understated yet deeply moving performances.
Baz Luhrmann’slavish adaptation ofThe Great Gatsbyfeatured Joel Edgerton in the role of Tom Buchanan, the wealthy and arrogant husband of Daisy (Carey Mulligan). Opposite Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jay Gatsby, Edgerton brought a menacing presence to the screen, capturing Tom’s brutish entitlement and barely concealed insecurities. His performance added a layer of complexity to a character often depicted as a one-dimensional villain.
While Luhrmann’s visually extravagant take on the classic novel divided critics,The Great Gatsbywas a commercial success, grossing over $350 million worldwide(viaBox Office Mojo). Joel Edgerton’s portrayal of Tom was often singled out and praised in reviews ofThe Great Gatsby, earning him recognition alongside an A-list cast. As one of the best Joel Edgerton movies and TV shows,The Great Gatsbyhelped solidify his status in Hollywood, proving he could command attention in a major studio production while sharing the screen with some of the biggest names in the industry.
Almost topping our list of the best Joel Edgerton movies and TV shows isWarrior, an emotional and physically demanding drama that cemented his place in Hollywood. Directed by Gavin O’Connor,Warriorfollows estranged brothers Brendan (Edgerton) and Tommy (Tom Hardy) as they prepare to face off in a high-stakes mixed martial arts tournament. While sports dramas often rely on familiar tropes,Warriorrises above thanks to its heartfelt storytelling and powerhouse performances.
As Brendan, a high school teacher and former fighter struggling to provide for his family, Joel Edgerton delivers a deeply empathetic performance. His physical transformation and dedication to the role were widely praised, and the emotional depth he brings to the character makes the film’s climactic battle all the more gut-wrenching. ThoughWarriorwas not a major box office hit upon release, it has since been recognized as one of the best sports dramas of the 21st century.Edgerton’s performance remains one of his finest, proving his ability to lead a movie while bringing intense vulnerability and strength to the screen.
Based on Blake Crouch’s 2016 novel of the same name, the Apple TV+ original sci-fi showDark Matterexplores the complexities of alternate realities and personal identity. Joel Edgerton stars as Jason Dessen, a physicist and family man who is abducted into an alternate version of his life, propelling him on a harrowing journey to return to his original reality and protect his family. Dark Matterstands out in Joel Edgerton’s career, showcasing his ability to lead a high-concept narrative while delivering a performance that resonates on both emotional and intellectual levels.
Joel Edgerton’s portrayal of Jason is both intense and nuanced, capturing the character’s desperation and determination as he navigates the multiverse’s unpredictable landscapes.His performance anchors the series, bringing depth to the emotional and existential dilemmas faced by his character.The success ofDark Matterand Joel Edgerton’s performance further cements its status as the bestJoel EdgertonTV show or movie, and so far nothing displays anywhere near as much of his range.
