Jeremy Irons is a British actor known for his distinctive voice, brooding presence, and chameleon-like ability to disappear into a wide range of characters. He has had a prolific career in film, television, and theater, and has won numerous awards for his performances.
Best Jeremy Irons Movies
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best Jeremy Irons movies, spanning a variety of genres and showcasing his incredible range as an actor.
1. The French Lieutenant’s Woman (1981)
“The French Lieutenant’s Woman” is a 1981 romantic drama film directed by Karel Reisz, based on the novel of the same name by John Fowles.
Jeremy Irons stars as Charles Smithson, a wealthy Victorian gentleman who becomes involved in a scandalous affair with a mysterious woman named Sarah (played by Meryl Streep).
Irons’ performance in “The French Lieutenant’s Woman” is a standout, as he brings a sense of nuance and complexity to the role of Charles.
He portrays the character as a conflicted and tormented man, torn between his desire for Sarah and his societal obligations as a member of the upper class.
The film itself received critical acclaim, and is now considered a classic of romantic drama cinema.
![The French Lieutenant's Woman [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5190DY4ZGKL.jpg)
- Meryl Streep, Jeremy Irons, Hilton McRae (Actors)
- Karel Reisz (Director) - Harold Pinter (Writer)
- Spanish, French (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
2. The Mission (1986)
“The Mission” is a 1986 historical drama film directed by Roland Joffé, set in 18th century South America. Jeremy Irons stars as Father Gabriel, a Jesuit missionary who attempts to protect a tribe of Guarani people from enslavement by Spanish colonizers.
Irons’ performance in “The Mission” is a standout, as he brings a sense of gravitas and compassion to the role of Father Gabriel.
He portrays the character as a man of great faith and conviction, who is willing to risk his own safety to protect the vulnerable people under his care.
The film itself was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards including the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and is now considered a classic of historical drama cinema.
![The Mission [DVD] [1986]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51EEcJsk-qL.jpg)
- The Mission (1986)
- The Mission (1986)
- Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, Ray McAnally (Actors)
- Roland Joffe (Director) - The Mission (1986) (Producer)
- Italian, English, French (Subtitles)
3. Dead Ringers (1988)
“Dead Ringers” is a 1988 psychological thriller film directed by David Cronenberg, based on the novel “Twins” by Bari Wood and Jack Geasland
. Jeremy Irons stars as identical twin gynecologists Beverly and Elliot Mantle, whose lives spiral out of control when they become involved with the same woman.
Irons’ performance in “Dead Ringers” is a tour-de-force, as he brings a sense of nuance and complexity to both of the Mantle twins.
He portrays the characters as both deeply connected and yet completely distinct, capturing the subtle differences in their personalities and mannerisms.
The film itself was praised for its unsettling and haunting atmosphere, and is now considered a classic of psychological horror cinema.
- Claire Niveau is in love with Beverly. Or does she love Elliot? It's uncertain because brothers...
- Jeremy Irons, Geneviève Bujold, Heidi von Palleske (Actors)
- David Cronenberg (Director) - David Cronenberg (Writer) - Marc Boyman (Producer) - Bari Wood...
- English, Spanish, French (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
4. Reversal of Fortune (1990)
“Reversal of Fortune” is a 1990 biographical drama film directed by Barbet Schroeder, based on the book of the same name by Alan Dershowitz.
Jeremy Irons stars as Claus von Bülow, a wealthy socialite who is accused of attempting to murder his wife.
Irons’ performance in “Reversal of Fortune” is a standout, as he brings a sense of complexity and ambiguity to the role of Claus von Bülow.
He portrays the character as a man who is difficult to read, leaving audiences uncertain about his guilt or innocence.
The film itself was praised for its smart script, strong performances, and its exploration of the American legal system. Irons won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in the film.
![Reversal of Fortune [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51BD-bU-BhL.jpg)
- Jeremy Irons, Glenn Close, Ron Silver (Actors)
- Barbet Schroeder (Director) - Alan M. Dershowitz (Writer)
- English, French (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
5. Damage (1992)
“Damage” is a 1992 erotic drama film directed by Louis Malle, based on the novel of the same name by Josephine Hart.
Jeremy Irons stars as Dr. Stephen Fleming, a British politician who becomes involved in a passionate and destructive affair with his son’s fiancée (played by Juliette Binoche).
Irons’ performance in “Damage” is a standout, as he brings a sense of intensity and passion to the role of Dr. Stephen Fleming.
He portrays the character as a man who is deeply conflicted, torn between his love for his family and his desire for the young woman who threatens to destroy his life.
The film itself was praised for its strong performances and its frank exploration of sexuality and desire.
![Damage [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51WJ0KVDKVL.jpg)
- Jeremy Irons, Juliette Binoche, Miranda Richardson (Actors)
- Louis Malle (Director) - David Hare (Writer) - Louis Malle (Producer)
- English, Spanish, French (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
6. The House of the Spirits (1993)
“The House of the Spirits” is a 1993 drama film directed by Bille August, based on the novel of the same name by Isabel Allende.
Jeremy Irons stars as Esteban Trueba, a wealthy landowner in Chile who becomes involved in political turmoil during the early 20th century.
Irons’ performance in “The House of the Spirits” is a standout, as he brings a sense of complexity and nuance to the role of Esteban Trueba.
He portrays the character as a man who is both brutal and vulnerable, shaped by his experiences and driven by his desire for power and control.
The film itself was praised for its strong performances and its sweeping portrayal of Chilean history and culture.
![The House of the Spirits [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51C3KRXE23L.jpg)
- Jeremy Irons, Meryl Streep, Glenn Close (Actors)
- Bille August (Director) - Bille August (Writer)
- German (Publication Language)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
3 Reasons To Watch Jeremy Irons Movies
Versatility: Jeremy Irons is a versatile actor who can seamlessly transition between different genres, from drama to comedy to action. He has played a wide variety of roles throughout his career, showcasing his range and skill as an actor.
Depth of Performance: Irons is known for his ability to bring complex characters to life on screen. He brings a sense of depth and nuance to his performances, creating fully realized and compelling characters that audiences can connect with.
Filmography: Irons has appeared in a number of critically acclaimed and popular films over the years, spanning several decades.
From his breakout role in “The French Lieutenant’s Woman” to more recent films like “Their Finest” and “Night Train to Lisbon,” Irons has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. His filmography is a testament to his talent and enduring appeal as an actor.
Best Jeremy Irons Movies – Wrap Up
Jeremy Irons has had a long and successful career in film, with many standout performances across a wide range of genres.
Some of his most notable movies include “The French Lieutenant’s Woman,” “Dead Ringers,” “Reversal of Fortune,” “The Mission,” “Lolita,” and “The Lion King.”
Irons’ versatility and depth of performance make him a compelling actor to watch, and his filmography is a testament to his enduring talent and appeal.
