Mostly regarded for unconventional dark roles, Joaquin Phoenix has starred in a number of movies since the year of 1982. His films have both come out as popular and have been acclaimed by critics.
This article lists the most notable roles in which the “Joker” actor has starred.
List of Films in which Joaquin Phoenix has been cast:
Parenthood (1989)-
This family comedy-drama cast fifteen years old Phoenix in the role of Gareth Buckman-Lampkin.
To Die For (1995)-
Gus Van Sant directed this satirical black comedy movie starring Phoenix as Jimmy Emmett along with Nicole Kidman in the lead role of Suzanne Stone-Maretto.
Gladiator (2000)-
This is the first movie that garnered Phoenix his first Academy Award nomination. It is an epic historical drama by Ridley Scott and starred Phoenix in the role of an amoral and power-hungry Roman Emperor Commodus who is the son of Marcus Aurelius, played by Richard Harris in the film.
Quills (2000)-
Philip Kaufman directed this period drama that cast Phoenix to portray the role of Abbé du Coulmier co-starring with Geoffrey Rush and Kate Winslet.
Buffalo Soldiers (2001)-
In this black comedy war movie, Phoenix acted as a primary cast member in the role of Specialist Ray Elwood.
Signs (2002)-
This is a sci-fi horror film directed by M. Night Shyamalan in which Phoenix played the role of Merrill Hess who is the younger brother of Father Graham Hess, played by Mel Gibson.
Hotel Rwanda (2004)-
Terry George directed this movie that deals with the Rwandan genocide of 1994 and cast Phoenix in the role of Jack Daglish whose character is inspired by the character of Stefan Stec.
Also Read: Ryan Reynolds: Must Watch Movies and TV Shows
Walk the Line (2005)-
James Mangold has directed this biographical musical romantic drama casting Phoenix in the role of Johnny Cash co-starring with Reese Witherspoon who played June Carter.
Phoenix was nominated for an Academy Award and a British Academy Film Award under the category of Best Actor.
Two Lovers (2008)-
This romantic movie is inspired by the short story ‘White Nights’ written by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Phoenix played the leading role of Leonard Kraditor in the movie.
The Master (2012)-
Paul Thomas Anderson directed this psychological drama starred by Phoenix in the lead role of Freddie Quell. He was again nominated for the Academy Award and British Academy Film Award under the category of Best Actor for this role.
The Immigrant (2013)-
James Gray directed this movie which cast Phoenix as Bruno Weiss who co-starred with Ewa Cybulska.
Her (2013)-
Spike Jonze directed this sci-fi romantic movie in which Phoenix was cast in the role of Theodore Twombly. This role garnered him a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.
Inherent Vice (2014)-
This period neo-noir mystery comedy movie cast Phoenix in the role of Larry Sportello or Doc. He was nominated for Best Actor for Golden Globe Award for this role.
You Were Never Really Here (2017)-
This neo-noir psychological thriller was directed by Lynne Ramsay and cast Phoenix in the role of a man named Joe, a traumatized mercenary whom a politician hires to rescue his kidnapped daughter.
Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot (2018)-
Gus Van Sant’s comedy-drama is adapted from the same named memoir of American cartoonist John Callahan. Phoenix portrayed the artist in the film.
The Sisters Brothers (2018)-
Jacques Audiard directed this Western movie adapted from the same named novel by Patrick DeWitt. Phoenix played the role of Charlie Sisters with John C. Reilly playing Eli Sisters together portraying the notorious assassin brothers.
Joker (2019)-
This is the most notable role in Joaquin Phoenix’s filmography (at least for the superhero story and DC fans).
Through Phoenix portraying the renowned “madman” and antihero, the film tries to provide an origin story of Arthur Fleck aka Joker– how the impoverished and disregarded party clown and stand-up comedian turns into a nihilistic criminal.
The film became the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time. It premiered on August 31, 2019, at Venice International Film Festival and was later released on October 4 of the same year in the United States.
Phoenix won an Academy Award and British Academy Film Award for this role under the category of Best Actor. Besides Phoenix, other stars playing important roles in the film are Robert De Niro as talk show host Murray Franklin, Zazie Beetz as Arthur’s love interest Sophie Dumond, and Frances Conroy as Arthur’s mother Penny Fleck.
C’mon C’mon (2021)-
Mike Mills directed this black and white film starring Phoenix as a radio journalist Johnny. Gaby Hoffman, Woody Norman, and Scoot McNairy co-starred with him in the movie. The film premiered at Telluride Film Festival.
