David Thewlis is a British actor known for his ability to bring depth and complexity to his performances.
He has appeared in numerous acclaimed films throughout his career and has established himself as one of the most talented actors of his generation.
From his breakthrough role in “Naked” to his more recent work in blockbuster franchises like “Harry Potter” and Wonder Woman.
Thewlis has consistently delivered standout performances that have garnered critical and popular acclaim.
Best David Thewlis Movies
In this guide, we will explore some of the best David Thewlis movies, highlighting his impressive body of work and his contributions to the film industry.
1. Damage (1992)
“Damage” is a British-French film directed by Louis Malle, which stars Jeremy Irons, Juliette Binoche, and David Thewlis.
The film tells the story of a British politician who becomes involved in a passionate and destructive affair with his son’s fiancée.
Thewlis plays the role of Martyn, the son of the politician’s mistress who becomes a key player in the affair.
Thewlis’s performance is intense and disturbing, as he plays a manipulative and unpredictable character who is a catalyst for the film’s events.
“Damage” is a provocative and emotionally charged film that explores themes of love, obsession, and betrayal.
Thewlis’s portrayal of Martyn adds an element of danger and unpredictability to the story, making it a standout performance in the movie.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Jeremy Irons, Juliette Binoche, Miranda Richardson (Actors)
- Louis Malle (Director) - David Hare (Writer) - Louis Malle (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
2. Naked (1993)
“Naked” is a British film directed by Mike Leigh, which stars David Thewlis in the lead role.
The film follows a young man named Johnny who travels to London and becomes embroiled in a series of intense and disturbing encounters with various people.
Thewlis’s performance as Johnny is raw and intense, as he portrays a complex character who is both cruel and vulnerable.
He brings a sense of unpredictability to the role that is both captivating and unsettling, making it one of the most powerful performances of his career.
“Naked” is a challenging and thought-provoking film that explores themes of alienation, loneliness, and despair.
Thewlis’s portrayal of Johnny is the heart of the film, making it a standout performance that has cemented his place as one of the most talented actors of his generation.
![Naked [DVD] [1993]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/516eb-4nz-L.jpg)
- English (Subtitle)
If you like David Thewlis’s performances, on our sister site AuteurGraph we have a profile page, a visual film timeline, and a ratings page that gives a tonne of info and data about their career in a visualized form.
3. Black Beauty (1994)
“Black Beauty” is a family drama film directed by Caroline Thompson, which stars Sean Bean, David Thewlis, and Alan Cumming.
The film is an adaptation of the classic novel of the same name by Anna Sewell and follows the story of a horse named Black Beauty and his various owners throughout his life.
Thewlis plays the role of Jerry Barker, one of the kind-hearted owners who treats Black Beauty with love and respect.
Thewlis’s performance is warm and compassionate, conveying the character’s deep connection to the horse and his empathy for all animals.
“Black Beauty” is a heartwarming and emotional film that appeals to audiences of all ages.
Thewlis’s portrayal of Jerry adds a layer of depth and sensitivity to the story, making it a standout performance in the movie.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Jim Carter, Peter Davison, Alun Armstrong (Actors)
- Caroline Thompson (Director) - Caroline Thompson (Writer) - Robert Shapiro (Producer)
- English, Spanish, Portuguese (Playback Languages)
- English, Spanish, Portuguese (Subtitles)
4. Restoration (1995)
“Restoration” is a historical drama film directed by Michael Hoffman, which stars Robert Downey Jr., Sam Neill, and David Thewlis.
The film is set in 17th century England and follows the story of a young doctor named Robert Merivel who is summoned to the court of King Charles II.
Thewlis plays the role of John Pearce, Marvel’s loyal friend and assistant. Thewlis’s performance is charming and humorous, as he brings a sense of wit and levity to the film’s otherwise heavy subject matter.
“Restoration” is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging film that explores themes of love, loss, and redemption.
Thewlis’s portrayal of John Pearce adds a sense of warmth and humanity to the story, making it a standout performance in the movie.
![Restoration [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51K6DGGDZKL.jpg)
- Robert Downey Jr., Sam Neill, David Thewlis (Actors)
- Michael Hoffman (Director) - Rose Tremain (Writer)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
5. DragonHeart (1996)
“DragonHeart” is a fantasy adventure film directed by Rob Cohen, which stars Dennis Quaid, Sean Connery, and David Thewlis.
The film follows the story of a dragon who forms an unlikely alliance with a knight to stop an evil king from taking over the kingdom.
Thewlis plays the role of King Einon, the villainous ruler who seeks to conquer the kingdom and destroy the dragon.
Thewlis’s performance is menacing and compelling, as he portrays a character who is both ruthless and conflicted.
“DragonHeart ” is a visually stunning and entertaining film that combines elements of fantasy, action, and adventure.
Thewlis’s portrayal of King Einon adds an element of danger and complexity to the story, making it a standout performance in the movie.
![Dragonheart [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41x+wlgB9bL.jpg)
- Factory sealed DVD
- Dennis Quaid, Sean Connery, David Thewlis (Actors)
- Rob Cohen (Director) - Raffaella De Laurentiis (Producer)
- English, Spanish, French (Subtitles)
- English (Publication Language)
6. The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996)
“The Island of Dr. Moreau” is a science fiction horror film directed by John Frankenheimer, which stars Marlon Brando, Val Kilmer, and David Thewlis.
The film is based on the novel of the same name by H.G. Wells and follows the story of a man who becomes stranded on a remote island where a mad scientist is conducting bizarre experiments on animals.
Thewlis plays the role of Edward Douglas, the protagonist who becomes embroiled in the twisted and dangerous world of Dr. Moreau.
Thewlis’s performance is intense and gripping, as he portrays a character who is both curious and terrified by the events unfolding around him.
“The Island of Dr. Moreau” is a visually striking and disturbing film that explores themes of morality, power, and control.
Thewlis’s portrayal of Edward adds an element of humanity and relatability to the story, making it a standout performance in the movie.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Marlon Brando, Val Kilmer, David Thewlis (Actors)
- John Frankenheimer (Director) - Ron Hutchinson (Writer) - Edward R. Pressman (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
7. American Perfect (1997)
“American Perfekt” is a neo-noir thriller directed by Paul Chart, which stars Amanda Plummer, Robert Forster, and David Thewlis.
The film follows the story of a criminal on the run who becomes involved in a twisted game of cat-and-mouse with a pair of seemingly innocent travelers.
Thewlis plays the role of Santini, a mysterious and enigmatic character who is revealed to have a connection to the criminal on the run.
Thewlis’s performance is intense and intriguing, as he brings a sense of danger and unpredictability to the film.
“American Perfekt” is a suspenseful and atmospheric film that explores themes of morality, identity, and obsession. Thewlis’s portrayal of Santini adds an element of mystery and tension to the story, making it a standout performance in the movie.
No products found.
8. Seven Years in Tibet (1997)
“Seven Years in Tibet” is a historical drama film directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, which stars Brad Pitt and David Thewlis. The film is based on the true story of Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian mountaineer who becomes friends with the young Dalai Lama while in Tibet.
Thewlis plays the role of Peter Aufschnaiter, Harrer’s fellow mountaineer and travel companion.
Thewlis’s performance is understated and subtle, as he portrays a character who is initially resentful of Harrer but eventually learns to respect and admire the Tibetan culture and people.
“Seven Years in Tibet” is a visually stunning and emotionally moving film that explores themes of culture, friendship, and spirituality.
Thewlis’s portrayal of Aufschnaiter adds an element of authenticity and depth to the story, making it a standout performance in the movie.
- Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
9. The Big Lebowski (1998)
“The Big Lebowski” is a crime comedy film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, which stars Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, and Julianne Moore.
The film follows the story of Jeff Lebowski, a laid-back slacker who becomes embroiled in a bizarre and confusing kidnapping plot.
Thewlis plays the role of Knox Harrington, an eccentric artist and filmmaker who is only briefly seen in the film.
Thewlis’s performance is quirky and offbeat, as he portrays a character who is both odd and entertaining.
“The Big Lebowski” is a cult classic that has gained a devoted following over the years.
Thewlis’s portrayal of Knox Harrington adds a sense of humor and absurdity to the film, making it a standout performance in the movie.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Sam Elliott, David Thewlis, John Goodman (Actors)
- Joel Coen (Director) - Joel Coen (Writer) - Ethan Coen (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
10. Gangster No. 1 (2000)
“Gangster No. 1” is a British crime thriller directed by Paul McGuigan, which stars Malcolm McDowell, Paul Bettany, and David Thewlis.
The film tells the story of a gangster known only as “Gangster” who rises through the ranks of the criminal underworld in 1960s London.
Thewlis plays the role of Freddie Mays, the leader of a rival gang who becomes a target of Gangster’s violent and obsessive behavior.
Thewlis’s performance is intense and chilling, as he portrays a character who is both charismatic and ruthless.
“Gangster No. 1” is a stylish and brutal film that explores themes of power, violence, and masculinity.
Thewlis’s portrayal of Freddie Mays adds an element of danger and unpredictability to the story, making it a standout performance in the movie.
- Malcolm McDowell, David Thewlis, Paul Bettany (Actors)
- Paul McGuigan (Director) - Johnny Ferguson (Writer)
- English, Spanish (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
11. Timeline (2003)
“Timeline” is a science fiction action-adventure film directed by Richard Donner, which stars Paul Walker, Gerard Butler, and David Thewlis.
The film is based on the novel of the same name by Michael Crichton and follows the story of a group of historians who travel back in time to medieval France to rescue their professor.
Thewlis plays the role of Robert Doniger, the eccentric billionaire who finances the time-traveling project.
Thewlis’s performance is quirky and entertaining, as he portrays a character who is both brilliant and eccentric.
“Timeline” is a fun and entertaining film that combines elements of science fiction, action, and adventure.
Thewlis’s portrayal of Robert Doniger adds a sense of humor and wit to the story, making it a standout performance in the movie.
- Factory sealed DVD
- Paul Walker, Frances O'Connor, Gerard Butler (Actors)
- Richard Donner (Director)
- English (Publication Language)
- Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
12. Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
“Kingdom of Heaven” is a historical epic film directed by Ridley Scott, which stars Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, and David Thewlis.
The film is set during the Crusades and follows the story of a blacksmith who becomes a knight and travels to Jerusalem to defend the city against the invading forces of Saladin.
Thewlis plays the role of Hospitaler, a wise and respected knight who serves as a mentor and guide to the protagonist. Thewlis’s performance is understated and grounded, as he brings a sense of dignity and honor to the character.
“Kingdom of Heaven” is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that explores themes of religion, war, and humanity.
Thewlis’s portrayal of Hospitaler adds an element of wisdom and compassion to the story, making it a standout performance in the movie.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, Liam Neeson (Actors)
- Ridley Scott (Director) - William Monahan (Writer) - Ridley Scott (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
13. The New World (2005)
“The New World” is a historical drama film directed by Terrence Malick, which stars Colin Farrell, Q’orianka Kilcher, and David Thewlis.
The film is a retelling of the story of Pocahontas and her relationship with John Smith during the early colonial period in Virginia.
Thewlis plays the role of Sir Thomas West, the governor of the Jamestown colony.
Thewlis’s performance is subtle and nuanced, as he portrays a character who is conflicted between his duty to the colony and his personal feelings about the treatment of the native people.
“The New World” is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that explores themes of love, identity, and cultural clash.
Thewlis’s portrayal of Sir Thomas West adds an element of complexity and depth to the story, making it a standout performance in the movie.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Colin Farrell, Christopher Plummer, Christian Bale (Actors)
- Terrence Malick (Director) - Terrence Malick (Writer) - Toby Emmerich (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
14. The Omen (2006)
“The Omen” is a supernatural horror film directed by John Moore, which stars Liev Schreiber, Julia Stiles, and David Thewlis.
The film is a remake of the 1976 film of the same name and follows the story of a couple who discovers that their son is the Antichrist.
Thewlis plays the role of Keith Jennings, a photographer who becomes involved in the supernatural events surrounding the family.
Thewlis’s performance is intense and gripping, as he portrays a character who is both skeptical and terrified by the unfolding events.
“The Omen” is a suspenseful and chilling film that explores themes of good and evil, religion, and the occult.
Thewlis’s portrayal of Keith Jennings adds an element of skepticism and rationality to the story, making it a standout performance in the movie.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Julia Stiles, Liev Schreiber, Mia Farrow (Actors)
- John Moore (Director) - Dan Mcdermott (Writer) - John M. Moore (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
15. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)
“The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” is a war drama film directed by Mark Herman, which stars Asa Butterfield, Vera Farmiga, and David Thewlis.
The film is based on the novel of the same name by John Boyne and follows the story of a young German boy who befriends a Jewish boy in a concentration camp during World War II.
Thewlis plays the role of Father, the boy’s father who is a high-ranking Nazi officer.
Thewlis’s performance is complex and nuanced, as he portrays a character who is both loyal to the Nazi cause and conflicted by the atrocities being committed.
“The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” is a powerful and emotional film that explores themes of innocence, friendship, and the horrors of war.
Thewlis’s portrayal of Father adds an element of moral ambiguity and complexity to the story, making it a standout performance in the movie.
No products found.
3 Reasons To Watch David Thewlis Movies
Versatile Acting Range: David Thewlis is a highly skilled actor with an impressive range, capable of portraying a diverse range of characters, from intense and disturbing roles to comedic and lighthearted characters.
He brings a depth and complexity to his performances that make them truly memorable.
Compelling Performances: Thewlis has delivered several standout performances in his career that have earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards.
His performances are often intense and emotionally charged, making them captivating and compelling to watch.
Diverse Filmography: Thewlis has appeared in a wide variety of films across different genres, from historical dramas and period pieces to science fiction and fantasy films.
This diversity in his filmography ensures that there is something for everyone, making him an actor worth watching for any movie lover.
Best David Thewlis Movies – Wrap Up
David Thewlis has had a prolific career in film, delivering several powerful performances that have made him a highly respected and acclaimed actor.
From intense dramas to light hearted comedies, he has showcased his versatility and range as an actor. Some of his best movies include “Naked,” “The Big Lebowski,” “Kingdom of Heaven,” and “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.”
Whether you are a fan of drama, comedy, or action, there is something for everyone in his filmography. Thewlis’s unique acting style and powerful performances make him an actor worth watching in any role he takes on.
