Top 10 Anthony Hopkins Performances

While Hopkins has carved a clear reputation for period pieces and playing the villain, he has consistently proven his immense versatility with roles like this. Starring as Odin, Thor’s father and ruler of Asgard, he marches into the Marvel Cinematic Universe and delivers a kingly performance. His godly son may be the one with the hammer, but Odin always has the final word, even exiling Thor for the good of the realm. Ruling Asgard is a tiring business, but Hopkins has it down to a tee, at least until an ambiguous ending to the series’ sequel “The Dark World”… Loki, what did you do?

As one of the world’s most cherished children’s authors, it’s difficult to think of C. S. Lewis and not instantly transport through the wardrobe into Narnia. But the writer’s own life story is subject for our next film, which sees Hopkins star as ‘Jack’ Lewis himself. “Shadowlands” explores the relationship between Lewis and the American poet Joy Davidman (played by Debra Winger), serving as a frank and heart-breaking account of love and loss. A poignant story set in and around Oxford University in the 1950s, Hopkins’ portrayal sheds new light on the affections, conflicts and motives behind the man responsible for one of literature’s greatest ever fantasies.

A presidential outing which earned Hopkins a Best Actor nomination at the 68th Academy Awards, but he might never have played the part at all. The likes of Tom Hanks, Jack Nicholson, Gene Hackman and Warren Beatty were reportedly all sounded out for the role before director Oliver Stone settled with the Welshman, convinced in part by his performance in “Shadowlands”. What a good choice he turned out to be. Balancing between a determined world leader and a man at the very end of his tether, Hopkins uncovers unknown sides to the scandal-hit Commander in Chief. The infamous Republican mostly made headlines for all the wrong reasons, but this performance earned praise from all corners.

The historic Mutiny on the Bounty has been given the big screen treatment on many an occasion, with Clark Gable, Marlon Brando and Richard Harris all starring in earlier versions, but Hopkins leads an all-star cast in Roger Donaldson’s 1984 film. He plays Commanding Lieutenant William Bligh opposite Mel Gibson’s Fletcher Christian, leader of the mutineers. A typically complex Hopkins character, the actor sails between harsh leader and heroic seaman for a film which, framed by a court martial hearing, tells the story of how the HMS Bounty was lost and explores where the blame should lie.

Much is often made of the apparent loneliness in Hopkins’ characters, a trait perhaps most present in “The Remains of the Day”. A movie told in a series of flashbacks as Hopkins embarks on a nostalgic road trip, he plays the dutiful butler Stevens, who served an English lord in the years leading up to World War Two. However, while going about his business he remains blind to what’s around him, including growing Nazi sympathies within the household and, most pivotally to the story, an emerging romance with another housekeeper, played by Emma Thompson. The film was nominated for eight Oscars but came away without a single win. As if the love lost Stevens hadn’t seen enough disappointment already.

As we’ve already seen, Hopkins is a man adept at bringing major cultural icons to the silver screen, but how about one of the movie industry’s most pioneering figures? In 2012 he stepped out as the legendary director and ‘Master of Suspense’, Alfred Hitchcock, a role which seemed custom-made for his talents. While the movie did receive mixed reviews from critics, Hopkins was once again lauded for his part, as was Helen Mirren as Hitchcock’s wife and collaborator Alma Reville. A biopic which focuses on the filming of “Psycho”, it hits on Hitch’s meticulous approach and highlights how Hopkins can make any role his own.

When a fabled vampire rocks up in London more than four centuries after denouncing God and embracing darkness, you really do need the right people in your corner. In Francis Ford Coppola’s retelling of Bram Stoker’s blood-sucking romance, it’s Anthony Hopkins as Van Helsing who wages a gloriously gothic fight against Gary Oldman’s Count Dracula. Always on hand with a ring of fire, crucifix and a matter-of-fact attitude, he keeps a calm head when all about him are most definitely losing theirs. But even more impressive than his slaying of the recently turned? Here’s yet another worldly accent which Hopkins makes light, wondrous work of.

An actor well-versed in playing charismatic, enigmatic and imposing roles, Hopkins was in his element as Robert Ford, creator and director of Westworld. A major player in this hit HBO series, he controls every detail of the eponymous, android-filled amusement park. And while his character’s methods and motives are increasingly questionable, Sir Anthony is a lynchpin for the show. And, not to spoil anything but, as more and more is revealed about Ford’s character and his secrets, we see what a subtle, complex performance Hopkins has given us. But can he maintain power over his machines? Not if Dolores has anything to do with it.

While the excellent John Hurt takes the title role in David Lynch’s look at the life of a disfigured Victorian freak show attraction, Hopkins stars as the one person willing to give the Elephant Man a chance. Doctor Treves invests a professional interest in John Merrick at first, given his unique appearance, but the pair soon develop a personal connection as Treves invites John to live alongside him. However, John’s former circus isn’t willing to relinquish its prised asset so easily, and Treves struggles not to turn his patient into a spectacle under his own watch. Another Hopkins picture which was nominated for eight Academy Awards but won none, Hurt truly deserves his plaudits but Hopkins’ performance is key.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Don Diego de la Vega
“The Mask of Zorro” (1998)

Corky
“Magic” (1978)

Adolf Hitler
“The Bunker” (1981)

In terms of iconic movie characters, today’s winner has a lifelong seat at the topmost table; just make sure he sticks to the set menu. The brilliant doctor turned brutal cannibal, Hannibal Lecter may spend much of his time behind bars in a high security prison, but he can still get inside your head. Especially if you’re a trainee FBI agent, a la Jodie Foster. A serial killer with a taste for tasting his victims, Hopkins brings him to life by continually toeing between intellect and insanity, remaining just as unhinged for prequels and sequels too. Today’s winner, Lecter is Hopkins’ most famous role and a part which did earn him a Best Actor Oscar. Bravo sir, Bravo!