Gary Oldman is one of the most iconic names in the entertainment industry. Born March 21, 1958, in London, Gary Oldman began his illustrious acting career on the British stage in 1979, debuting on film in Remembrance (1982). Known for his transformative roles, Oldman has garnered numerous awards throughout his career. In this article, we have compiled a list of the Gary Oldman movies and TV shows that are considered the best of his works.
Keep reading to explore some of his most compelling performances on screen and pick the best of Gary Oldman movies and TV shows to enjoy.
1- Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
| Genre | Adventure |
| Director | Francis Ford Coppola |
| Cast | Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins, Keanu Reeves |
| IMDb Rating | 7.4/10 |
In Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Gary Oldman plays the famous vampire Count Dracula. His performance is both scary and sad, showing Dracula as a monster but also as a lonely, tragic figure. The stunning makeup effects make Oldman’s Dracula even more unforgettable. Sharing the screen with stars like Anthony Hopkins, Winona Ryder, and Keanu Reeves, Oldman stands out, making this movie one of the best Gary Oldman movies and TV shows.
Advertisement 2- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
| Genre | Adventure |
| Director | Alfonso Cuarón |
| Cast | Daniel Radcliffe, Richard Griffiths, and Pam Ferris |
| IMDb Rating | 7.9/10 |
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, one of the best Gary Oldman movies, is an incredible watch. In this movie, Gary Oldman plays Sirius Black, a man wrongly accused of a terrible crime. It is one of the most iconic movies of Gary Oldman because of his complex character. At first, Sirius seems like a villain, but he turns out to be a kind and brave mentor to Harry Potter. Oldman’s performance adds depth and emotion to the film. It is one of the most iconic Gary Oldman characters. His portrayal of Sirius Black is beloved by fans and is one of the highlights of the movie.
3- JFK (1991)
| Genre | Drama |
| Director | Oliver Stone |
| Cast | Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau |
| IMDb Rating | 8.0/10 |
In this movie, Gary Oldman takes on the role of Lee Harvey Oswald, the man accused of assassinating President John F. Kennedy. Oldman’s portrayal of Oswald is intense and mysterious, making this movie one of the most thrilling of all Gary Oldman movies and TV shows. Though his screen time is limited, Oldman makes a strong impact, helping the film explore conspiracy theories about the assassination. His performance is a key part of what makes JFK one of Gary Oldman’s best movies.
4- Darkest Hour (2017)
| Genre | Drama |
| Director | Joe Wright |
| Cast | Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ben Mendelsohn, Lily James, Ronald Pickup |
| IMDb Rating | 7.4/10 |
Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. The film focuses on Churchill’s early days as Prime Minister during World War II, showing his determination to lead Britain through its darkest times. Oldman’s performance is powerful and inspiring, capturing Churchill’s courage and wit. The makeup and prosthetics transform Oldman into Churchill, but it’s his acting that truly brings the historical figure to life. Winston is one of the most famous Gary Oldman characters.
5- Slow Horses (2022)
| Genre | Thriller |
| Director | James Hawes |
| Cast | Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden, Kristin Scott Thomas |
| IMDb Rating | 8.1/10 |
Slow Horses is one of the most iconic Gary Oldman TV shows. In the TV series Slow Horses, Gary plays Jackson Lamb, the grumpy boss of a team of failed MI5 agents. These agents, called slow horses, have messed up their jobs and are now stuck in boring, dead-end tasks. But when they stumble into dangerous situations, they have to step up and save the day. Oldman’s character, Jackson Lamb, is rude and lazy, but also smart and experienced. His performance is both funny and gripping, making Slow Horses one of the best Gary Oldman shows.
6- True Romance (1993)
| Genre | Crime, Romance |
| Director | Tony Scott |
| Cast | Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Gary Oldman |
| IMDb Rating | 7.9/10 |
It is one of Gary Oldman’s best movies as it deals with a unique genre than his usual roles. In True Romance, directed by Tony Scott and written by Quentin Tarantino, Gary Oldman plays Drexl Spivey, a wild and dangerous pimp. Oldman is almost unrecognizable in this role, fully immersing himself in Drexl’s chaotic personality. The film is a mix of romance and crime, filled with Tarantino’s signature dark humor and violence. Even though Oldman’s role is small, he leaves a lasting impression, showing off his incredible range as an actor. True Romance is a fun and exciting film, a unique addition to Gary Oldman movies and TV shows.
7- Léon: The Professional (1994)
| Genre | Action |
| Director | Luc Besson |
| Cast | Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, Natalie Portman, Danny Aiello |
| IMDb Rating | 8.5/10 |
In Léon: The Professional, Gary Oldman plays Norman Stansfield, a corrupt DEA agent. Stansfield is a terrifying villain who murders a young girl’s family, forcing her to seek help from a hitman named Léon. Oldman’s performance is chilling and intense, making Stansfield one of the most memorable villains in movie history. His unpredictable behavior keeps viewers on the edge of their seats and makes it one of the best Gary Oldman movies. Léon: The Professional is a gripping and emotional film, with Oldman’s role as the villain being a standout.
8- Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
| Genre | Thriller |
| Director | Tomas Alfredson |
| Cast | Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, Mark Strong, Ciarán Hinds, Benedict Cumberbatch |
| IMDb Rating | 7.0/10 |
In Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Gary Oldman plays George Smiley, a retired spy brought back to find a mole in the British Secret Service. The film, based on John le Carré’s novel, is a slow-burning thriller that focuses on the quiet, tense moments of espionage. Oldman’s performance is subtle and thoughtful, capturing Smiley’s intelligence and determination. His portrayal earned him an Academy Award nomination, highlighting his ability to convey complex emotions with few words. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is one of the most iconic Gary Oldman movies and TV shows.
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Bottom Line
So, this is the list of the best Gary Oldman TV shows and movies. The wide range of Gary Oldman characters showcases his exceptional talent and versatility. From iconic villains to historical figures, Oldman’s ability to immerse himself in any role continues to captivate audiences worldwide. You can pick any movie or show from this list of the best Gary Oldman movies and TV shows and enjoy his amazing performance. Oldman remains one of the most compelling figures in contemporary cinema, with a body of work that will be celebrated for generations to come.