Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson has quietly become one of the most versatile and compelling actors of his generation. With a career spanning indie dramas, big-budget franchises, and critically acclaimed genre films, Gleeson has carved out a unique space for himself in the current movie landscape. IMDb provides a glimpse into where users rank the different projects Gleeson has been a part of, and which of his movies have made the biggest impact on audiences.
Some of Gleeson’s best movies highlight how adaptable he is, and how comfortable he is playing different roles in different genres. Some of Gleeson’s movies see him in a leading role, and showcase how well he’s able to create chemistry with anyone he shares the screen with. Other movies emphasize how well he’s able to take a smaller role and make it essential to the story. The best Domhnall Gleeson movies demonstrate just how wide his range as an actor is.
10
‘American Made’ (2017)
IMDb Score: 7.1/10
American Made chronicles the true story of Barry Seal (Tom Cruise), a pilot who’s recruited for a secret mission for the CIA. Seal finds himself involved in increasingly dangerous missions as he becomes a drug runner for the Medellín Cartel. Seal has to navigate increasingly blurred lines as he finds himself in the middle of a dark web of government operations, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling. Gleeson plays Monty Schafer, a fictionalized version of the CIA agent who recruits Seal.
Although Gleeson doesn’t play the lead in American Made, his role in the movie is an essential one to understand Seal and his motivations. Gleeson’s performance is subtle but impactful, and adds complexity and a sense of moral ambiguity to the government’s role in the story. He gives a sly and convincingly bureaucratic performance, serving as a calm counterbalance to Cruise’s often wild energy.
9
‘Calvary’ (2014)
IMDb Score: 7.4/10
Calvary is an Irish drama starring Brendan Gleeson as Father James, a good-hearted Catholic priest who receives a death threat during confession from an anonymous parishioner. This threat includes the accusation that the parishioner was abused by another priest. Father James is given a week to get his affairs in order. In this time, he reflects on the pain and cynicism that exist in his small coastal community. Domhnall Gleeson plays Freddie Joyce, an imprisoned cannibal who is unremorseful about his crimes.
Calvary is another example of a movie where Gleeson’s role is a supporting one. However, it makes sense that this would be considered one of his best movies because his scene is one of the most emotionally impactful moments in the story. This scene, between Domhnall and his real-life father, Brendan Gleeson, is riveting. As a character, Freddie Joyce invites viewers to consider the question: Can anyone be forgiven?
8
‘Brooklyn’ (2015)
IMDb Score: 7.5/10
Brooklyn introduces Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan), a young Irish woman who immigrates to 1950s Brooklyn in search of a better life. While still filled with hope, she struggles with feeling homesick, and agonizes over whether she has made the right decision as she tries to make the most of her new start in America. Gleeson plays Jim Farrell, an Irishman from Eilis’ hometown. Eilis’ friend tries to set these two up, not knowing that Eilis got married in America.
Gleeson’s character is an essential one to Eilis’ story, because he represents the path not taken. While he’s a perfect gentleman, and indicates that he wants Eilis to stay in Ireland and marry him, it’s clear that Eilis has already started establishing her life in America. Although Jim would be a reasonable choice, he doesn’t fit in with the future Eilis is building for herself. Gleeson could have so easily made this character a villain. Instead, he brings emotional nuance for a man who’s simply not right for the story’s heroine.
7
‘True Grit’ (2010)
IMDb Score: 7.6/10
True Grit is a Western drama that introduces Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), a determined 14-year-old girl who hires a tough, alcoholic U.S. Marshal named Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to help her track down Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), the man who murdered her father. As they set out on their mission, they’re joined by LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), an arrogant Texas Ranger. Gleeson plays Moon, also known as “The Kid”, who’s a wounded and somewhat pitiful outlaw hiding out in a cabin.
True Grit stands out as one of the greatest Western remakes of all time, and Gleeson holds his own in an ensemble cast overflowing with talent. This is an early look at Gleeson’s talent just before he hit the mainstream. True Grit is one of Gleeson’s best movies because it’s an example of him bringing depth and unpredictability to a role that could have otherwise been forgettable. Although his screen time is limited, Gleeson delivers a performance that’s eerie, twitchy, and emotionally layered.
6
‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1’ (2010)
IMDb Score: 7.7/10
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is the penultimate movie in the Harry Potter franchise. This movie chronicles the beginning of the end of Harry Potter’s (Daniel Radcliffe) quest to finally defeat Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). This chapter of Harry’s story sees him and his friends, Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson), live their lives on the run as they’re being hunted by Voldemort, who continues to consolidate power. Gleeson plays Bill Weasley, Ron’s oldest brother.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is one of Gleeson’s best movies since it represents his breakout role. Gleeson appears alongside his father, who plays Professor “Mad Eye” Moody. Although Bill Weasley’s character is even more minor in the movies than it is in the books, Gleeson embodies this character perfectly. He’s able to bring a character to life who had a larger role in the source material. Gleeson’s Bill Weasley is worth waiting for.
5
‘Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens’ (2015)
IMDb Score: 7.7/10
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens is the first installment of the sequel trilogy, set decades after the original trilogy. The movie follows Rey (Daisy Ridley), a scavenger on the desert planet Jakku. She finds herself pulled into a new conflict brewing between the Resistance and the sinister First Order, rising from the ashes of the fallen Empire. Gleeson plays General Hux, the commander of the First Order’s Starkiller Base.
The Force Awakens beyond a shadow of a doubt that Gleeson is able to stand out in a major blockbuster. Gleeson fully leans into the character’s intensity, arrogance, and fanaticism, which makes this character unforgettable in a franchise known for some amazing villains. It makes sense that this would be considered one of Gleeson’s best movies, since this is one of his most theatrical roles that he completely commits to.
4
‘Ex Machina’ (2014)
IMDb Score: 7.7/10
Ex Machina is a science fiction thriller that introduces Caleb (Gleeson), a young programmer who wins a company contest to spend a week at the secluded home of his reclusive CEO, Nathan (Oscar Isaac). There, Caleb is tasked with evaluating Ava (Alicia Vikander), an advanced humanoid robot, to determine if she possesses true consciousness. As Caleb interacts with Ava, he becomes emotionally attached and begins to question Nathan’s ethics and the nature of free will.
Ex Machina is a chance for Gleeson to showcase his ability to create emotionally rich characters. He embodies the movie’s ethical and moral dilemmas. Through his character, Gleeson invites viewers to consider topical issues, like what the role of AI should be in the lives of human beings. Ex Machina is a movie that was ahead of its time, and Gleeson presents an accessible character through whom viewers can consider these complex philosophical questions.
3
‘About Time’ (2013)
IMDb Score: 7.8/10
About Time is a sci-fi romantic comedy that follows Tim Lake (Gleeson), who learns that the men in his family can travel back in time in their own lives. Tim uses this gift to improve his future by fixing awkward moments, pursuing love, and ultimately winning over Mary (Rachel McAdams), who he eventually marries. While trying his best to manage every moment of his life with his abilities, Tim ultimately realizes that the secret to living a happy life is to live fully in the present moment.
About Time is one of Gleeson’s best movies because it gives him a chance to shine as a leading man. He paints Tim as a relatable, awkward, and ultimately lovable character. This never feels forced, and makes Tim’s emotional journey feel more authentic. About Time is also one of Gleeson’s best movies because it showcases his ability to create chemistry with his co-stars. Although his chemistry with McAdams is notable, his chemistry with Bill Nighy, who plays Tim’s father, is even more emotionally impactful.
2
‘The Revenant’ (2015)
IMDb Score: 8/10
The Revenant is a gritty Western and survival epic that’s based on true events. The movie follows Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio), a frontiersman and fur trapper in the 1820s who is left for dead after being mauled by a bear and betrayed by members of his hunting team. Glass struggles through brutal conditions to survive, and he seeks revenge against the man who abandoned him. Gleeson plays Captain Andrew Henry, the upright and level-headed leader of the fur trading expedition.
While The Revenant is another example of Gleeson making the most of a supporting role, it stands out as one of his best movies because he creates a character who embodies order and honor in an otherwise chaotic story. His role is important in framing the ethical contrast between Hugh Glass and the more brutal characters, particularly Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). Gleeson’s calm and authoritative performance grounds the movie, and adds emotional weight to the story.
1
‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2’ (2011)
IMDb Score: 8.1/10
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is the epic finale of the Harry Potter saga. As Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue their quest to destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes, they return to Hogwarts, where a final, all-out war erupts between Voldemort’s forces and the defenders of the school. Gleeson returns as Bill Weasley. Bill and his wife Fleur (Clémence Poésy) help the trio recover after they escape from Malfoy Manor, and have to bury Doby (Toby Jones).
Gleeson’s return as Bill Weasley in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 proves that he was always meant to play this character. By using his limited screen time to provide Harry with some much-needed older brother advice and wisdom, he elevates a character who could have otherwise fallen through the cracks. This stands out as Gleeson’s best movie because it showcases how effectively Gleeson can play in a large ensemble and make an impact in a franchise project.
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