Timothee Chalamet seems to be the go-to actor nowadays. He may still be a young heartthrob at this early stage in his career, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that he’s one of the best talents working today. In every film he does, he dives deeply into his characters to deliver the best performance possible. Per Acting Magazine, Konstantin Stanislavski once said there are no small parts, just small actors. For Chalamet, this is certainly true because he makes the most of everything he does.
It was only a matter of time before everyone in the film industry knew what kind of talent they had on their hands. The Oscar-nominated actor has been lighting up the screen with his charisma, emotion, and range from a young age, and proving his capabilities to be one of the all-time greats. In just a small period, Chalamet has wowed audiences again and again and has become a household name, and he’s still just getting started. He has plenty of exciting upcoming projects he’s working on, including a Willy Wonka prequel, which is expected to hit theaters this year. The sky is the limit for Timothee Chalamet, but until we see what he does next, here is a ranking of his finest roles to date.
Update: If you are a Timothee Chalamet fan, you’re in luck. This article was updated with new content by Dakota Mayes on January 10, 2023.
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13 Hostiles
Waypoint Entertainment
Hostiles is by far the most brutal film Chalamet has been in. This Scott Cooper film depicts the true harshness of the old west and is an intriguing and emotional story. Chalamet isn’t the main character in this movie, but as always, he gives it his all in every scene. This is a very different movie from what he is used to, and he definitely showed his versatility, despite his limited screen time. Cooper should keep an eye out for this young actor in any future films.
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12 Bones and All
Vision Distribution and United Artists Releasing
This past year, Chalamet starred as a wandering young cannibal in Luca Guadagnino’s Bones and All. This role sees Chalamet as the young Lee, who takes fellow cannibal Maren under his wing after she is forced to leave home. Lee is a closed-off person who has been alone for a long time due to his affliction because he doesn’t want to hurt anyone, but also because he fears he will lose any happiness he finds. Chalamet never fails to portray the outsiders of society, and he plays this character beautifully through his sincerity. The story in this movie is as heartbreaking, and it is grim, but it’s also beautiful in its own way, which is why it’s a must-see.
11 Don’t Look Up
Netflix
Don’t Look Up is a brilliant black comedy that skillfully satirizes the global climate crisis. Chalamet plays Yule, a rebellious young gamer with a strong, yet clandestine sense of faith. It’s this faith that brings about a beautiful yet harrowing final scene, which according to Variety, is what brought Chalamet on board. The actor had initially turned down the role, but it was this fantastic character and Adam Mckay’s story writing that changed his mind. He may not be featured in a starring capacity, but as always, Chalamet owns every scene he is in.
10 Hot Summer Nights
Imperative Entertainment
Hot Summer Nights is a 2017 coming-of-age drama that tells the story of Daniel (Chalamet), a sheltered teenager who spends a summer in Cape Cod selling drugs to gangsters and falling in love. First-time director Elijah Bynum created a beautiful movie filled with drugs, romance, and Summer nostalgia. The film was produced by A24, and even though it received mixed reviews, Chalamet’s performance was praised.
9 A Rainy Day in New York
Gravier Productions
In 2019, Chalamet got the chance to star in this romantic comedy written and directed by Woody Allen. Chalamet acts opposite Elle Fanning, and they play a couple who spends a weekend in New York City, resulting in an unexpected and prolific journey. A Rainy Day in New York is a love letter to New York City and is a good blend of drama and comedy. The film also stars Selena Gomez, Liev Schreiber, and Jude Law.
8 The French Dispatch
American Empirical Pictures
Wes Anderson’s latest film received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Like all of Anderson’s films, The French Dispatch is visually stunning, original, and profound. Chalamet takes the role of Zeffirelli, a student revolutionary, alongside a brilliant cast including Owen Wilson, Tilda Swinton, and Bill Murray. Chalamet could be Anderson’s next pick for recurring actors in his movies.
7 Miss Stevens
Beachside Films
This great film saw Chalamet star in one of his earliest film roles. In Julia Hart’s directorial debut, Miss Stevens, we see a teacher who goes on a road trip with three of her high school students to attend a drama competition. Chalamet plays Billy, a character full of teen angst that also struggles with a behavioral disorder. Not unlike the actor who plays him, Billy proves himself to be quite gifted at acting. Being a comedic drama, this movie is full of laughs and heartfelt moments, and Chalamet shines in one of his earliest leading roles.
6 The King
Chalamet plays the role of King Henry V with ease in this Netflix film. It is not an easy role to pull off, but Chalamet delivers a powerful performance as the young King who must navigate wars, politics, and betrayal. The film received positive reviews, with a 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The King also stars Robert Pattinson, Lilly Rose-Depp, and Sean Harris.
5 Little Women
Columbia Pictures
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of the beloved novel deservedly received six Academy Award nominations. The classic tale follows the lives and adventures of the March sisters, who navigate love, family values, and tragedy. Chalamet takes the role of the charming Laurie, who finds himself romantically involved with Jo March (Saoirse Ronan). Every cast member of Little Women shines, and Gerwig proved herself once again as a brilliant filmmaker.
4 Lady Bird
IAC Films
Although Chalamet’s role in Gerwig’s directorial debut Lady Bird may not get a lot of screen time, he still makes it his own. The coming-of-age film tells the story of Lady Bird (Ronan) trying to find her path through high school, love, and family. Chalamet plays Kyle, a dark and self-involved love interest of Lady Bird. The film is Rotten Tomatoes’ best-reviewed movie of all time.
3 Beautiful Boy
Based on the memoir Beautiful Boy: A Fathers Journey Through His Son’s Addiction by David Sheff, Beautiful Boy tells an honest and brutal story about the effects of drug addiction. Chalamet plays Sheff in a masterful performance depicting the torments of drug use. The story highlights the relationship between Nic and his father David (Steve Carell), who is desperate to save him. Although it can be hard to watch at some points, the film should be seen by all. It is a story of love, fatherhood, and desperately trying to overcome personal demons. Author David Sheff praised Chalamet’s performance as his son Nic in an interview with The Guardian.
2 Dune
Warner Bros. Pictures
Chalamet gives a subtle yet powerful performance as Paul Atreides in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune. The epic science fiction film was a game-changer in special effects and takes you on a journey through the cosmos. Chalamet shines in every scene and proves he has what it takes to be a leading man. The film left many cliffhangers, but the second installment of the story is set to be released in 2023.
1 Call Me By Your Name
Sony Pictures Classics
Luca Guadagnino’s 2017 film Call Me By Your Name tells the story of a young man named Elio (Chalamet) who falls in love with an American student, Oliver (Armie Hammer), during a summer in Italy in the 1980s. The film not only showcases the beauty of Italy, but it also tells you an honest story of young love and heartbreak. Chalamet deservingly earned an Oscar nomination for his brilliant performance. The final shot of the film is a long take of Elio’s face looking upon a fire thinking about Oliver and the time they had together. Chalamet says so much while saying nothing at all, proving that he has what it takes to be one of the greats. The film has been heralded by The New Yorker as an “erotic Triumph”.
