Viggo Mortensen is a Danish-American actor, producer, musician, author, and photographer who has been active in the entertainment industry for several decades.
He has appeared in numerous films and has received critical acclaim for his performances in various genres, including drama, action, and thriller.
Some of his notable works include the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “Eastern Promises,” “A History of Violence,” “Captain Fantastic,” and “Green Book.”
Best Viggo Mortensen Movies
In this guide, we will explore some of the best Viggo Mortensen movies that have showcased his versatility as an actor and contributed to his successful career in the industry.
1. Green Book (2018)
“Green Book” is a biographical comedy-drama film that was released in 2018. The film was directed by Peter Farrelly and starred Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali.
The story follows an Italian-American bouncer named Tony Lip (played by Mortensen) who becomes the driver and bodyguard of an African-American classical pianist named Dr. Don Shirley (played by Ali) as he travels through the racially segregated South during the 1960s.
The film received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali’s performance.
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2. Captain Fantastic (2016)
“Captain Fantastic” is a drama film released in 2016 that was directed and written by Matt Ross. The movie stars Viggo Mortensen, who plays the lead role of Ben Cash, a father raising his six children in the Pacific Northwest forests.
The film explores the unique lifestyle and beliefs of the Cash family, who live off the grid and follow a rigorous physical and intellectual regimen.
The story follows Ben and his children as they journey to attend the funeral of their mother, who had been hospitalized for bipolar disorder.
The film was critically acclaimed for its performances, screenplay, and direction, and Mortensen’s performance was particularly praised, earning him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor.
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3. Appaloosa (2008)
“Appaloosa” is a western film released in 2008, based on the novel of the same name by Robert B. Parker.
The movie was directed by and stars Ed Harris, and also stars Viggo Mortensen, Renée Zellweger, and Jeremy Irons.
Mortensen plays the character of Everett Hitch, the loyal deputy of Virgil Cole (played by Harris), who are hired to clean up a lawless town ruled by a ruthless rancher named Randall Bragg (played by Irons).
The film was praised for its strong performances, particularly by Mortensen and Harris, as well as for its cinematography and direction.
It was a commercial success and received positive reviews from both audiences and critics.
4. A Perfect Murder (1998)
“A Perfect Murder” is a thriller film released in 1998, directed by Andrew Davis and based on the play “Dial M for Murder” by Frederick Knott.
The movie stars Viggo Mortensen, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Michael Douglas. Mortensen plays the role of David Shaw, the young lover of Emily Taylor (played by Paltrow), who is married to wealthy businessman Steven Taylor (played by Douglas).
Steven discovers his wife’s affair and plots to kill her, but things don’t go as planned.
The film was praised for its strong performances, particularly by Douglas and Mortensen, as well as for its suspenseful storyline and direction. It was a commercial success and remains a popular thriller movie from the 1990s.
5. A History of Violence (2005)
“A History of Violence” is a crime thriller film released in 2005, directed by David Cronenberg and based on the graphic novel of the same name by John Wagner and Vince Locke. The movie stars Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, and Ed Harris.
Mortensen plays the role of Tom Stall, a mild-mannered family man living in a small town who becomes a local hero after thwarting a robbery at his diner.
However, his newfound fame attracts the attention of dangerous criminals from his past, and he is forced to confront the violent and traumatic events that shaped his life.
The film was critically acclaimed for its performances, screenplay, and direction, and Mortensen’s performance was particularly praised.
The film received several award nominations and won the National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actor for Mortensen’s performance.
6. Crimson Tide (1995)
“Crimson Tide” is a submarine thriller film released in 1995, directed by Tony Scott and starring Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington.
Viggo Mortensen also appears in the film as Lieutenant Peter “Weps” Ince, a weapons officer on the submarine USS Alabama.
The movie follows the conflict between Captain Frank Ramsey (played by Hackman) and his executive officer, Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter (played by Washington), as they receive conflicting orders during a tense nuclear missile crisis.
Mortensen’s character is caught in the middle of the power struggle between the two officers.
The film was a critical and commercial success and is considered one of the best submarine thrillers ever made. Mortensen’s performance received positive reviews, and the film was nominated for three Academy Awards.
7. G.I. Jane (1997)
“G.I. Jane” is an action drama film released in 1997, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Demi Moore, Viggo Mortensen, and Anne Bancroft.
The movie follows the story of Jordan O’Neil (played by Moore), a woman who is chosen to be the first female candidate for the U.S. Navy Special Warfare Group.
Mortensen plays the role of Master Chief John Urgayle, the tough and demanding drill instructor who trains O’Neil and the other candidates.
The film explores issues of gender equality and women’s rights in the military and features intense training sequences and action scenes.
The film received mixed reviews from critics but was a box office success, grossing over $97 million worldwide.
8. American Yakuza (1993)
“American Yakuza” is an action thriller film released in 1993, directed by Frank Cappello and starring Viggo Mortensen and Ryo Ishibashi.
The movie follows Nick Davis (played by Mortensen), a former Marine and a mechanic, who is recruited by a Japanese gang to infiltrate their rival gang, the Yakuza.
Nick becomes involved in a dangerous world of crime and violence, but also forms a close relationship with the Yakuza leader’s daughter, Akiko (played by Mako).
The film received mixed reviews from critics but has gained a cult following among fans of the action genre.
Mortensen’s performance was praised for its intensity and physicality, and the film features several intense action sequences.
“Albino Alligator” is a crime thriller film released in 1996, directed by Kevin Spacey and starring Matt Dillon, Faye Dunaway, and Viggo Mortensen.
The movie follows three small-time crooks, Dova (played by Dillon), Milo (played by Gary Sinise), and Law (played by William Fichtner), who accidentally stumble into a bar that turns out to be a front for the Mafia.
The trio takes the patrons hostage, including a group of police officers outside the bar. Mortensen plays the role of Guy Foucard, a mysterious and dangerous customer in the bar who may have ties to the Mafia.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, but Mortensen’s performance was praised for its intensity and unpredictability. The film also marked Kevin Spacey’s directorial debut.
10. Boiling Point (I) (1993)
“Boiling Point” is a crime drama film released in 1993, directed by James B. Harris and starring Wesley Snipes and Dennis Hopper.
Viggo Mortensen also appears in the film as Ronnie, a small-time criminal who gets involved with a drug dealer named Red Diamond (played by Hopper).
The movie follows the story of Jimmy Mercer (played by Snipes), a U.S. Treasury agent who is determined to catch Red Diamond and bring him to justice.
Mortensen’s performance was praised for its intensity and unpredictability, and the film features several tense and violent scenes.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, but it is notable for being the first collaboration between Snipes and Harris, who would go on to work together on several other projects.
11. The Prophecy (1995)
“The Prophecy” is a supernatural horror film released in 1995, directed by Gregory Widen and starring Christopher Walken, Eric Stoltz, and Viggo Mortensen.
The movie follows the story of Thomas Daggett (played by Stoltz), a police detective who discovers that angels are waging war against each other on Earth, and that a second war between heaven and hell is imminent.
Walken plays the role of the archangel Gabriel, who is trying to find a soul that will tip the balance of power in his favor.
Mortensen appears in the film as Lucifer, the fallen angel who is seeking to regain his power and influence.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, but has gained a cult following among fans of horror and supernatural films.
Mortensen’s performance as Lucifer was praised for its intensity and dark charisma. The film spawned several sequels, but Mortensen did not appear in any of them.
12. Eastern Promises (2007)
“Eastern Promises” is a crime thriller film released in 2007, directed by David Cronenberg and starring Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts, and Vincent Cassel.
The movie follows the story of Anna Khitrova (played by Watts), a midwife who becomes involved in the Russian mafia in London when she tries to identify a teenage girl who dies in childbirth.
Mortensen plays the role of Nikolai Luzhin, a ruthless and mysterious member of the mafia who becomes embroiled in Anna’s investigation.
The film received critical acclaim for its performances, screenplay, and direction, and Mortensen’s performance was particularly praised.
He received several award nominations and won the Best Actor award at the British Independent Film Awards for his portrayal of Nikolai.
The film features several intense and violent scenes and explores the themes of loyalty, identity, and redemption.
13. Hidalgo (2004)
“Hidalgo” is an epic adventure film released in 2004, directed by Joe Johnston and starring Viggo Mortensen, Omar Sharif, and Zuleikha Robinson.
The movie is based on the true story of Frank Hopkins (played by Mortensen), a horse rider who participated in the Ocean of Fire, a 3,000-mile race across the Arabian Desert in 1891.
The film follows Frank as he travels to Arabia with his horse Hidalgo to compete in the race, facing numerous obstacles and challenges along the way.
The film received mixed reviews from critics but was a box office success. Mortensen’s performance as Frank Hopkins was praised for its charisma and authenticity, and the film features several impressive horse riding and action sequences.
Sharif also received positive reviews for his role as Sheikh Riyadh, the host of the race.
14. Young Guns II (1990)
“Young Guns II” is a western film released in 1990, directed by Geoff Murphy and starring Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, and Lou Diamond Phillips.
Viggo Mortensen also appears in the film as John W. Poe, a notorious outlaw and member of Billy the Kid’s gang.
The movie follows the story of Billy the Kid (played by Estevez) as he and his gang evade law enforcement and seek revenge for the death of their mentor, John Tunstall.
Mortensen’s character, Poe, is a complex and intriguing figure who is torn between his loyalty to Billy and his desire for a better life.
The film features several action sequences and explores themes of loyalty, brotherhood, and justice.
The film received mixed reviews from critics but was a commercial success. Mortensen’s performance as Poe was praised for its depth and complexity, and the film remains a popular western movie from the 1990s.
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15. The Road (I) (2009)
“The Road” is a post-apocalyptic drama film released in 2009, directed by John Hillcoat and starring Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee.
The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Cormac McCarthy and follows the story of a father (played by Mortensen) and his young son (played by Smit-McPhee) as they journey across a desolate and dangerous landscape in search of a better life.
The film explores themes of survival, hope, and the bond between a father and son in a world where humanity and morality have been stripped away.
The film received positive reviews from critics for its performances, direction, and faithfulness to the source material. Mortensen’s performance as the father was particularly praised, as he conveyed a sense of weariness, desperation, and determination.
16. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” is an epic fantasy film released in 2003, directed by Peter Jackson and based on the novel of the same name by J.R.R. Tolkien.
The movie is the final installment in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and stars Viggo Mortensen, Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, and a large ensemble cast.
Mortensen plays the role of Aragorn, the reluctant king of Gondor, who leads the forces of men against the armies of Sauron in the final battle for Middle-earth.
The film received critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, and performances, and won eleven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor for Sean Astin’s performance as Samwise Gamgee.
Mortensen’s performance as Aragorn was praised for its intensity, nobility, and emotional depth. The film remains one of the most successful and beloved fantasy films of all time.
17. Everybody Has a Plan (2012)
“Everybody Has a Plan” is a crime thriller film released in 2012, directed by Ana Piterbarg and starring Viggo Mortensen in a dual role.
The movie is set in Argentina and follows the story of Agustín (played by Mortensen), a disillusioned pediatrician who assumes the identity of his estranged twin brother, Pedro, after his death.
Agustín soon becomes embroiled in his brother’s criminal underworld and must navigate dangerous situations and confront his own identity crisis.
The film received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for its atmosphere and Mortensen’s performances in both roles. Mortensen’s portrayal of both Agustín and Pedro was praised for its nuance and complexity.
The film is a tense and atmospheric thriller that explores themes of identity, family, and morality.
18. The Two Faces of January (2014)
“The Two Faces of January” is a psychological thriller film released in 2014, directed by Hossein Amini and starring Viggo Mortensen, Kirsten Dunst, and Oscar Isaac.
The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Patricia Highsmith and is set in Greece in the early 1960s.
Mortensen plays the role of Chester MacFarland, a wealthy American businessman who is traveling in Greece with his wife Colette (played by Dunst) when they meet a tour guide named Rydal (played by Isaac).
The three become embroiled in a tense and dangerous situation when Chester’s past catches up with him and they are forced to flee from the authorities.
The film received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for its performances and atmosphere.
Mortensen’s portrayal of Chester MacFarland was praised for its charm and complexity, as he portrayed a character who is both likable and dangerous. The film is a stylish and suspenseful thriller that explores the themes of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of one’s actions.
19. Good (2008)
“Good” is a historical drama film released in 2008, directed by Vicente Amorim and starring Viggo Mortensen, Jason Isaacs, and Jodie Whittaker.
The movie is based on the stage play of the same name by C.P. Taylor is set in Nazi Germany in the 1930s.
Mortensen plays the role of John Halder, a literature professor who becomes entangled with the Nazi Party and rises through the ranks as a result of his writing.
The film explores the gradual descent of Halder into a morally compromised position, as he becomes increasingly complicit in the atrocities of the regime. The film received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for its performances and direction.
Mortensen’s portrayal of Halder was praised for its sensitivity and nuance, as he portrayed a character who is conflicted and struggling to maintain his ideals in a rapidly changing world.
The film is a sobering reminder of the dangers of fascism and the importance of standing up for one’s values.
20. The Indian Runner (1991)
“The Indian Runner” is a drama film released in 1991, directed by Sean Penn and starring Viggo Mortensen, David Morse, and Valeria Golino.
The movie is loosely based on the Bruce Springsteen song “Highway Patrolman” and follows the story of two brothers, Frank (played by Morse) and Joe (played by Mortensen), who are estranged due to their different worldviews and lifestyles.
The film explores themes of family, loyalty, and the consequences of one’s actions.
Mortensen’s performance as Joe was praised for its intensity and complexity, as he portrayed a character who is troubled and searching for meaning in his life.
The film received mixed reviews from critics but was noted for its strong performances and emotional depth.
“The Indian Runner” marked Sean Penn’s directorial debut and is considered to be a powerful and thought-provoking drama.
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3 Reasons To Watch Viggo Mortensen Movies
Versatile Acting Skills: Viggo Mortensen is known for his wide range of acting skills and his ability to portray complex and nuanced characters.
He has played a variety of roles throughout his career, from a mafia hitman to a heroic king, and has consistently delivered powerful and compelling performances.
Engaging Screen Presence: Mortensen’s charismatic and captivating screen presence draws viewers into his movies, and his performances often leave a lasting impression.
He has a unique ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, making his characters feel relatable and human.
Diverse Filmography: Mortensen has appeared in a wide range of films, from dramas and thrillers to action and fantasy movies.
His diverse filmography offers something for every viewer, and his performances are often a highlight of the films he appears in.
Whether you’re a fan of intense dramas or epic adventures, there is likely a Viggo Mortensen movie that will appeal to you.
Best Viggo Mortensen Movies – Wrap Up
Viggo Mortensen is a versatile and talented actor who has appeared in a variety of films throughout his career. From intense dramas to epic fantasies, he has delivered memorable performances that have captivated audiences around the world.
Some of his best movies include “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “Eastern Promises,” “A History of Violence,” “Captain Fantastic,” and “Green Book,” which won him the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Mortensen’s engaging screen presence, versatile acting skills, and diverse filmography make him one of the most respected actors in the industry today.
Whether you’re a fan of action, drama, or fantasy films, there is likely a Viggo Mortensen movie that will capture your imagination and leave a lasting impression.
