23 Best Alfred Molina Movies: The Artistry of a Versatile British-American Actor

Alfred Molina is a British actor known for his versatility and range. He has starred in a wide variety of films, from period dramas to superhero blockbusters.

Best Alfred Molina Movies

Molina is also a respected stage actor and has received numerous awards and nominations for his work on stage and screen. In this list, we will explore some of the best Alfred Molina movies, highlighting his most memorable performances and diverse range as an actor.

1. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

“Raiders of the Lost Ark” is a 1981 action-adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Harrison Ford as the iconic archaeologist Indiana Jones.

Alfred Molina has a small but memorable role in the film as Satipo, a guide who accompanies Indy on his quest to find the Ark of the Covenant.

Molina’s performance adds a layer of humor and tension to the early scenes of the film, as Sarpino’s loyalty and motives are called into question.

Despite his limited screen time, Molina’s performance is a standout in the film and helped launch his career in Hollywood.

2. Ladyhawke (1985)

“Ladyhawke” is a 1985 fantasy film directed by Richard Donner and starring Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Alfred Molina.

The film follows a cursed knight named Navarre (Hauer) and his lover, Lady Isabeau (Pfeiffer), who are transformed into a wolf and a hawk, respectively, by the evil Bishop of Aquila (Molina).

Molina delivers a memorable performance as the villainous Bishop, who is determined to capture and kill Navarre and Isabeau.

His performance is both menacing and comical, as he spouts religious platitudes and indulges in hedonistic pleasures. Despite being overshadowed by the film’s romantic leads, Molina’s performance as the villain adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to the story.

3. Maverick (1994)

“Maverick” is a 1994 Western comedy film directed by Richard Donner and starring Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, and James Garner. Alfred Molina plays the role of Angel, a Mexican bandit who frequently clashes with the film’s protagonist, Bret Maverick (Gibson).

Molina’s performance as Angel is both hilarious and intimidating, as he switches between moments of slapstick comedy and genuine menace.

His character serves as a formidable opponent for Maverick and adds a layer of tension and excitement to the film’s numerous action sequences. Molina’s comedic timing and physicality shine in the role, making Angel one of the most memorable characters in the film.

4. The Steal (1995)

“The Steal” is a 1995 British crime film directed by John Hay and starring Alfred Molina, Helen Slater, and Peter Bowles. The film follows career criminal Nick (Molina) and his partner Karen (Slater) as they plan a heist on a London jeweler.

Molina delivers a standout performance as Nick, a charming and cunning thief who is struggling to balance his criminal lifestyle with his desire for a normal life.

His performance is nuanced and multifaceted, bringing depth and complexity to a character who could have easily been one-dimensional.

Molina’s chemistry with Slater is also a highlight of the film, as their characters navigate the tricky waters of love and crime. Despite being lesser-known than some of Molina’s other roles, “The Steal” showcases his talent as a leading man and character actor.

5. Species (1995)

“Species” is a 1995 science fiction horror film directed by Roger Donaldson and starring Natasha Henstridge, Ben Kingsley, and Alfred Molina.

The film follows a team of scientists who create a genetically engineered alien-human hybrid named Sil (Henstridge), who escapes from captivity and begins a killing spree.

Molina plays the role of Dr. Stephen Arden, a member of the team of scientists who created Sil. His character is initially sympathetic and well-meaning, but he becomes increasingly obsessed with studying Sil and capturing her for scientific purposes.

Molina’s performance is subtle and nuanced, bringing depth and complexity to a character who could have easily been a one-dimensional villain. His interactions with Sil and the other characters add a layer of tension and moral ambiguity to the film’s already suspenseful plot.

6. Before and After (1996)

“Boogie Nights” is a 1997 drama film written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and starring Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, and Burt Reynolds. Alfred Molina has a memorable cameo in the film as Rahad Jackson, a drug dealer who throws a wild party at his mansion.

Molina’s performance as Rahad is both hilarious and terrifying, as he rants and raves while under the influence of drugs and brandishes a dangerous firecracker.

His character serves as a symbol of the excess and decadence of the 1970s porn industry that the film portrays. Molina’s performance in the scene is a testament to his ability to steal a scene with his energy and charisma, making his appearance in the film one of its most memorable moments.

7. Boogie Nights (1997)

“The Man Who Knew Too Little” is a 1997 comedy film directed by Jon Amiel and starring Bill Murray, Joanne Whalley, and Alfred Molina. The film follows Wallace Ritchie (Murray), an American tourist who becomes unwittingly embroiled in a spy plot while visiting London.

Molina plays the role of Boris “The Butcher” Blavatsky, a Russian mobster who is one of the film’s main villains.

Molina’s performance as Boris is both humorous and menacing, as he switches between moments of slapstick comedy and genuine threat.

His character serves as a foil to Murray’s bumbling protagonist, and their interactions provide some of the film’s most memorable moments. Molina’s comedic timing and physicality make him a standout in the film’s talented cast.

8. The Man Who Knew Too Little (1997)

“The Man Who Knew Too Little” is a 1997 comedy film directed by Jon Amiel and starring Bill Murray, Joanne Whalley, and Alfred Molina.

The film follows Wallace Ritchie (Murray), an American tourist who becomes unwittingly embroiled in a spy plot while visiting London.

Molina plays the role of Boris “The Butcher” Blavatsky, a Russian mobster who is one of the film’s main villains.

Molina’s performance as Boris is both humorous and menacing, as he switches between moments of slapstick comedy and genuine threat.

His character serves as a foil to Murray’s bumbling protagonist, and their interactions provide some of the film’s most memorable moments. Molina’s comedic timing and physicality make him a standout in the film’s talented cast.

9. Magnolia (1999)

“Magnolia” is a 1999 ensemble drama film written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and starring an ensemble cast including Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Alfred Molina has a memorable role in the film as Solomon Solomon, a TV game show host who delivers a powerful monologue about regret and forgiveness.

Molina’s performance in the scene is a standout moment in the film, as he delivers a deeply emotional and heartfelt speech that resonates with the film’s themes of redemption and forgiveness.

His performance is both vulnerable and intense, showcasing his range as an actor. Molina’s brief appearance in the film is a testament to his ability to make a lasting impression with even the smallest of roles.

10. Chocolat (2000)

“Chocolat” is a 2000 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Lasse Hallström and starring Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp, and Judi Dench.

Alfred Molina plays the role of Comte de Reynaud, the conservative mayor of a small French village who is opposed to the arrival of a free-spirited chocolatier named Vianne (Binoche).

Molina’s performance as the Comte is both comedic and sympathetic, as he struggles to balance his strict morals with his growing attraction to Vianne’s unconventional ways.

His character serves as a foil to Binoche’s Vianne, highlighting the tension between tradition and change in the village.

Molina’s performance is nuanced and layered, adding depth to a character who could have easily been a one-dimensional antagonist. His interactions with the other characters in the film add a layer of tension and intrigue to the film’s central conflict.

11. Texas Rangers (2001)

“Texas Rangers” is a 2001 Western action film directed by Steve Miner and starring James Van Der Beek, Dylan McDermott, and Alfred Molina. Molina plays the role of Sgt. John King Fisher, a notorious outlaw who is the primary antagonist of the film.

Molina’s performance as King Fisher is both intimidating and charismatic, as he brings a sense of danger and unpredictability to the role of the film’s primary villain.

His character serves as a foil to the film’s titular Texas Rangers, and his interactions with the other characters in the film are both tense and engaging.

Molina’s performance is a standout in the film’s talented cast, and his portrayal of a legendary outlaw adds an element of excitement and danger to the film’s classic Western tropes.

12. Frida (2002)

“Frida” is a 2002 biographical drama film directed by Julie Taymor and starring Salma Hayek as Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Alfred Molina plays the role of Diego Rivera, a prominent Mexican artist and Kahlo’s husband.

Molina’s performance as Rivera is a standout in the film, as he brings charm and complexity to a character who was known for his tempestuous relationships and political activism.

His chemistry with Hayek is palpable, and their on-screen relationship is both passionate and tumultuous.

Molina’s portrayal of Rivera captures both his larger-than-life personality and his vulnerabilities, making him a compelling character in his own right. His performance earned critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

13. Identity (2003)

“Identity” is a 2003 psychological thriller film directed by James Mangold and starring John Cusack, Ray Liotta, and Amanda Peet.

Alfred Molina plays the role of Dr. Malick, a psychiatrist who is stranded at a hotel with a group of strangers during a storm.

Molina’s performance in “Identity” is understated and intense, as he tries to uncover the mysteries behind the characters’ connections to one another.

His character serves as a catalyst for much of the film’s tension and intrigue, and Molina’s performance adds depth to a role that could have easily been forgettable.

His interactions with the other characters in the film are both intriguing and unsettling, and his presence on screen adds a layer of intellectualism to the film’s genre trappings.

14. The Da Vinci Code (2006)

“The Da Vinci Code” is a 2006 mystery thriller film directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, and Ian McKellen.

Alfred Molina plays the role of Bishop Manuel Aringarosa, a member of the conservative Catholic organization Opus Dei who becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving the Holy Grail.

Molina’s performance as Aringarosa is both intense and nuanced, as he grapples with the moral complexities of his role within the church and his own beliefs.

His character serves as a foil to the film’s protagonist, Robert Langdon (Hanks), and their interactions provide some of the film’s most intriguing moments.

Molina’s performance adds depth and complexity to a character who could have easily been a one-dimensional villain, and his presence on screen is commanding and memorable.

15. The Hoax (2006)

“The Hoax” is a 2006 drama film directed by Lasse Hallström and starring Richard Gere, Alfred Molina, and Marcia Gay Harden.

The film tells the story of Clifford Irving (Gere), a struggling writer who cons his way into a book deal by claiming to have exclusive access to reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes.

Molina plays the role of Richard Suskind, a publisher who is initially skeptical of Irving’s claims but becomes increasingly invested in the book’s success.

Molina’s performance as Suskind is both comical and sympathetic, as he grapples with his own moral ambiguities and the pressures of the publishing industry.

His interactions with Gere’s character add a layer of tension and intrigue to the film’s central conflict, and his performance is a standout in the film’s talented cast.

16. An Education (2009)

“An Education” is a 2009 coming-of-age drama film directed by Lone Scherfig and starring Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, and Alfred Molina.

The film follows a teenage girl named Jenny (Mulligan) in 1960s London, who is seduced by a charming older man named David (Sarsgaard) and drawn into a world of wealth and sophistication.

Molina plays the role of Jack Mellor, Jenny’s father, who initially disapproves of David’s relationship with his daughter but is eventually won over by David’s charm and wealth.

Molina’s performance is both humorous and poignant, as he navigates the tensions between his desire to protect his daughter and his own aspirations for social status.

His character provides a sense of groundedness and authenticity to the film’s portrayal of 1960s London, and Molina’s performance is a standout in the film’s talented cast.

17. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

“Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” is a 2010 action-adventure film directed by Mike Newell and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, and Alfred Molina.

Molina plays the role of Sheik Amar, a comedic and opportunistic merchant who becomes an unlikely ally to the film’s protagonist, Prince Dastan (Gyllenhaal).

Molina’s performance as Sheik Amar is both entertaining and memorable, as he provides much of the film’s humor and levity.

His character is a shrewd businessman who is not afraid to bend the rules to get what he wants, but he also has a heart and a sense of loyalty to his friends.

Molina’s comedic timing and physicality are on full display in the role, and he adds depth and complexity to a character who could have easily been a caricature.

18. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)

“The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” is a 2010 fantasy film directed by Jon Turteltaub and starring Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, and Alfred Molina. Molina plays the role of Maxim Horvath, a former ally turned antagonist of the film’s protagonist, Balthazar Blake (Cage).

Molina’s performance as Horvath is both menacing and entertaining, as he brings a sense of energy and charisma to the role of the film’s primary villain.

His character is a former apprentice of the legendary sorcerer Merlin and has a personal vendetta against Balthazar, which adds a layer of tension and intrigue to the film’s central conflict.

Molina’s performance is a standout in the film’s talented cast, and his character serves as a worthy opponent to Cage’s eccentric sorcerer.

19. Secret in Their Eyes (2015)

“Secret in Their Eyes” is a 2015 mystery thriller film directed by Billy Ray and starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Nicole Kidman, and Julia Roberts. Alfred Molina plays the role of Martin Morales, an FBI agent who is investigating a murder case with the film’s protagonist, Ray Kasten (Ejiofor).

Molina’s performance in “Secret in Their Eyes” is understated and effective, as he portrays a character who is both sympathetic and suspicious.

His interactions with Ejiofor’s character add a layer of tension and intrigue to the film’s central mystery, and his character’s involvement in the case becomes increasingly complicated as the story unfolds.

Molina’s performance is a testament to his ability to deliver nuanced and compelling performances even in supporting roles, and his presence on screen adds depth and complexity to the film’s talented cast.

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20. Little Men (2016)

Little Men is a 2016 American drama film directed by Ira Sachs. The film follows two 13-year-old boys, Jake and Tony, who become friends when Jake’s family moves into a building in Brooklyn owned by Tony’s mother.

As their friendship grows, tensions rise between their families as they become embroiled in a dispute over rent.

The film stars Greg Kinnear, Jennifer Ehle, Paulina García, and newcomers Theo Taplitz and Michael Barbieri in the lead roles.

Little Men received positive reviews from critics for its thoughtful portrayal of adolescent friendship and nuanced examination of gentrification and class conflicts in urban neighborhoods.

Overall, Little Men is a well-crafted and affecting drama that explores themes of friendship, family, and social class in a way that is both subtle and emotionally resonant.

21. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016)

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is a 2016 American biographical war comedy-drama film directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, and written by Robert Carlock.

The film is based on the memoir “The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan” by journalist Kim Barker.

The film stars Tina Fey as Kim Baker, a fictionalized version of Barker, who leaves her comfortable life as a television news writer in New York City to become a war correspondent in Afghanistan.

The film follows Baker as she navigates the challenges of reporting in a war zone while trying to make sense of the complex political and cultural dynamics of the region.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot also stars Margot Robbie, Martin Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton, and Alfred Molina in supporting roles. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for Fey’s performance but criticism for its uneven tone and portrayal of the war in Afghanistan.

Overall, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is an entertaining and thought-provoking film that offers a unique perspective on the realities of war journalism and the experiences of those who cover conflicts in far-flung regions of the world.

22. Message from the King (2016)

Message from the King is a 2016 American action thriller film directed by Fabrice du Welz and written by Oliver Butcher and Stephen Cornwell.

The film stars Chadwick Boseman as Jacob King, a South African man who travels to Los Angeles to investigate the disappearance of his sister.

As Jacob delves deeper into the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, he discovers a web of corruption and violence that involves a powerful drug lord and his criminal associates.

With the help of a sympathetic social worker (played by Teresa Palmer), Jacob sets out to seek revenge for his sister’s death.

The film also features performances from Luke Evans, Alfred Molina, and Tom Felton in supporting roles.

Message from the King received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Boseman’s performance and the film’s stylish visuals, but others criticizing its uneven pacing and cliched storyline.

Overall, Message from the King is a solid action thriller that benefits from Boseman’s strong lead performance and the film’s gritty atmosphere, but falls short in terms of its generic plot and lack of originality.

23.A Family Man (2016)

A Family Man is a 2016 American drama film directed by Mark Williams and written by Bill Dubuque. The film stars Gerard Butler as Dane Jensen, a high-powered recruitment executive who is ruthless in his pursuit of success and wealth.

Dane’s priorities are called into question when his young son falls ill and he is forced to confront his work-life balance and the impact his career has had on his family.

As he struggles to maintain his professional ambitions while also being there for his family, Dane begins to reevaluate his priorities and make changes in his life.

The film also stars Gretchen Mol, Alison Brie, Willem Dafoe, and Anupam Kher in supporting roles. A Family Man received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for Butler’s performance but criticism for the film’s formulaic plot and lack of depth.

Overall, A Family Man is a well-acted and emotionally affecting drama that offers a relatable portrayal of the challenges faced by working parents.

While it may not break new ground in terms of its storytelling or themes, the film succeeds in its exploration of the complex tensions between career ambition and family responsibilities.

3 Reasons To Watch Alfred Molina Movies

Here are three reasons to watch Alfred Molina movies:

Versatility: Alfred Molina is a highly versatile actor who has played a wide range of roles throughout his career.

From villainous characters in films like Spider-Man 2 and The Da Vinci Code to more comedic roles in movies like Boogie Nights and An Education, Molina has proven his ability to inhabit a diverse range of characters with depth and nuance.

Acting Talent: Molina is widely regarded as one of the most talented actors of his generation, with numerous award nominations and critical acclaim to his name.

His performances are often characterized by their intensity, emotional range, and ability to capture the nuances of complex characters.

Filmography: Molina has appeared in a number of critically acclaimed films throughout his career, including Frida, Chocolat, and Magnolia.

His filmography also includes a mix of popular blockbusters and indie films, making him a versatile actor who appeals to a wide range of audiences.

Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or a thought-provoking drama, chances are Molina has a film that will suit your tastes.

Best Alfred Molina Movies – Wrap Up

Here are some of the best Alfred Molina movies that are definitely worth watching:

Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Frida (2002)

Chocolat (2000)

Magnolia (1999)

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Boogie Nights (1997)

The Da Vinci Code (2006)

An Education (2009)

Prick Up Your Ears (1987)

The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

These movies showcase Molina’s versatility as an actor and his ability to bring complex and memorable characters to life on screen.

From his villainous turn as Doctor Octopus in Spider-Man 2 to his nuanced performance as Diego Rivera in Frida, Molina has demonstrated time and again why he is one of the most talented actors of his generation.