While it feels as though his career is just getting started, Joe Alwyn’s best movies and TV shows showcase the impressive career he has built already. The English actor arrived on the scene working for acclaimed filmmakers like Ang Lee and quickly cemented himself as a talent to watch. While there are a lot of people who will know him most for his romance with Taylor Swift, that shouldn’t distract from his great acting world so far.
Alwyn’s star is quickly on the rise with his latest movie The Brutalist earning strong reviews and early Oscar buzz out of the film festival circuit. The next few years will likely see Alwyn becoming an even bigger name in Hollywood, so now is a good time to get caught up on his work so far, with some terrific performances in Oscar-winning period pieces, intense romances, and dark comedies that show off the range of this talented up-and-coming actor.
10 Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk (2016)
As Billy Lynn
Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk 0
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Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk was directed by Ang Lee, who was responsible for iconic films like Brokeback Mountain and Life of Pi. The film revolves around a soldier from the Iraq War set to receive the Silver Star. Becoming somewhat of a celebrity, the man and his unit are able to tour the country and will be seen during the halftime show at a football game, simultaneously finding out after the game they must head back to active duty.
Director Ang Lee Release Date November 11, 2016 Cast Joe Alwyn , Chris Tucker , Kristen Stewart , Steve Martin , Tim Blake Nelson , Ben Platt , Deirdre Lovejoy , Vin Diesel , Garrett Hedlund Runtime 113 Minutes
Joe Alwyn got his big break when he was chosen as a relatively unknown actor to star in two-time Oscar winner Ang Lee’s Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk. Based on the novel of the same name, Alwyn stars in the titular role as a soldier who has returned from war and is sent on a “Victory Tour” to celebrate his achievements in battle with the American people. However, as he prepares for a halftime tribute ceremony at a football game, Billy contends with his memories of the war and his trauma.
Alwyn brings depth to the conflicted and troubled lead character, carrying a movie with a cast that includes Steve Martin, Kristen Stewart, and Vin Diesel.
It was far from Lee’s best movie, with it receiving a very mixed response from critics and failing to become the Oscar-bait film that many were assuming. However, as an introduction to Alwyn’s talents, it is a key movie in his career. Alwyn brings depth to the conflicted and troubled lead character, carrying a movie with a cast that includes Steve Martin, Kristen Stewart, and Vin Diesel.
9 The Last Letter from Your Lover (2021)
As Laurence Stirling
The Last Letter From Your Lover pg-13RomanceDrama Where to Watch
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The Last Letter From Your Lover is a romantic drama film based on a novel by Jojo Moyes, which tells the story of a journalist who discovers a collection of love letters from the 1960s and sets out to uncover the identities of the lovers. The film features Felicity Jones, Callum Turner, Shailene Woodley, Joe Alwyn, and Nabhaan Rizwan in the lead roles.
Director Augustine Frizzell Release Date July 23, 2021 Cast Ben Cross , Joe Alwyn , Shailene Woodley , Nabhaan Rizwan , Diana Kent , Callum Turner , Felicity Jones , Ncuti Gatwa Runtime 110 minutes
Joe Alwyn seems to navigate towards complicated characters, not particularly concerned about whether they are likable or not. The romance movie The Last Letter from Your Lover finds him taking on a rare villainous role in this decades-spanning drama. Felicity Jones stars as a journalist who uncovers old letters indicating a forbidden love affair between two people (Callum Turner and Shailene Woodley) and attempts to learn the full story of these two people.
In the flashback sequences, Alwyn plays Laurence Stirling, the abusive husband of Woodley’s character, Jennifer. Alwyn does a great job of bringing some threatening darkness into the story. While it might be an overly melodramatic romance for some audiences, there are others who are fans of such stories who will get swept up in the movie, with its multiple timelines reminiscent of The Notebook.
8 Stars At Noon (2022)
As Daniel DeHaven
Stars at Noon RDramaRomanceThriller Where to Watch
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Stars at Noon (2022) is a suspenseful drama film directed by Claire Denis. This film features Margaret Qualley as an American journalist stranded in Nicaragua during the ongoing political turmoil. While navigating the complexities of survival and trust, she becomes entangled with a mysterious English businessman, played by Joe Alwyn. As their relationship deepens, they must confront the dangers that surround them.
Director Claire Denis Release Date October 14, 2022 Cast Margaret Qualley , Joe Alwyn , Benny Safdie , Danny Ramirez , John C. Reilly Runtime 135 minutes
Joe Alwyn worked alongside another acclaimed auteur as well as a fellow up-and-coming star in Hollywood. Stars at Noon is directed by Claire Denis and stars Margaret Qualley as a woman visiting Nicaragua when she strikes up a passionate love affair with a mysterious man (Alwyn). As the two embark on their romance together, conflicts in the region and the arrival of several shady characters suggest her new lover is hiding something.
The mix of romance and suspense is intriguing as it seems like a more conventional story than Denis is used to telling. Indeed, the story itself is not particularly strong, but it is elevated by the visual style as well as the two central performances. Alwyn suits the part of the mysterious Daniel DeHaven, with an excellent mix of intrigue, romance, and danger.
7 Operation Finale (2018)
As Klaus Eichmann
Operation Finale PG-13BiographyDramaHistory Where to Watch
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Operation Finale is a drama film by director Chris Waltz. Fifteen years after World War II, a team of secret agents is brought together to track down Adolf Eichmann, the infamous Nazi architect of the Holocaust.
Director Chris Weitz Release Date August 29, 2018 Cast Lior Raz , Ben Kingsley , Joe Alwyn , Michael Aronov , Greta Scacchi , Mélanie Laurent , Peter Strauss , Oscar Isaac , Haley Lu Richardson , Pêpê Rapazote , Nick Kroll , Torben Liebrecht
Joe Alwyn joined a star-studded cast in a thriller based on an incredible true story. Operation Finale stars Oscar Isaac as the leader of a Mossad task force working in the 1960s to find and capture the Nazi officer Adolf Eichmann (Ben Kingsley) who managed to escape Germany following the end of World War II. When the team locates him in Buenos Aires, they set up a plan to bring him to justice as a key architect of the Holocaust.
Alwyn once again shows his willingness to play the villain as he
stars as Klaus Eichmann, the son of the Nazi officer…
Alwyn once again shows his willingness to play the villain as he stars as Klaus Eichmann, the son of the Nazi officer who is not only helping his father remain in hiding but also looking to reignite the Nazi movement. Operation Finale takes the true story of the post-war manhunt and turns it into a dark yet captivating thriller that is elevated by the outstanding cast.
6 Harriet (2019)
As Gideon Brodess
Harriet 2
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Harriet is a 2019 biographical film about the life of former slave and abolitionist Harriet Tubman, who personally helped more than 70 slaves escape to freedom via the Underground Railroad. The movie was directed by Kasi Lemmons, who also wrote the screenplay along with Gregory Allen Howard. Harriet stars Cynthia Erivo in the title role, with Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn, and Janelle Monáe in supporting roles.
Director Kasi Lemmons Release Date November 1, 2019 Cast Joe Alwyn , Tory Kittles , Vondie Curtis-Hall , Cynthia Erivo , Vanessa Bell Calloway , Antonio J. Bell , Deborah Ayorinde , Leslie Odom Jr. , Jennifer Nettles , Tim Guinee , Zackary Momoh , Janelle Monae , Omar Dorsey , Clarke Peters , Henry Hunter Hall Runtime 125 minutes Expand
Joe Alwyn stepped into another detestable role in a historical movie based on real events in Harriet. The movie stars Cynthia Erivo as American hero Harriet Tubman, who after escaping slavery and making her own way to freedom, helped to establish the Underground Railroad to help other slaves escape their unjust life of servitude, captivity, and brutality.
Brodess is a brutal and violent villain, with Alwyn not holding back on showcasing his evilness.
Alwyn stars in the movie as Gideon Brodess, the last slaver to own Harriet and the man who pursues her when she escapes. Brodess is a brutal and violent villain, with Alwyn not holding back on showcasing his evilness. The movie itself is a thrilling depiction of one of the greatest heroes in American history, transforming her story into a sweeping adventure story. However, the real highlight of the movie is Ervio’s powerful and commanding performance in the lead role.
5 A Christmas Carol (2019)
As Bob Cratchit
A Christmas Carol TV-MAFantasy
A Christmas Carol (2019) is a dark reimagining of Charles Dickens’ classic novella, adapted by Steven Knight. The three-part series stars Guy Pearce as Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly businessman haunted by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Andy Serkis, Stephen Graham, and Charlotte Riley feature in supporting roles, adding depth to this retelling that explores themes of redemption and the human spirit.
Cast Guy Pearce , Andy Serkis , Stephen Graham , Charlotte Riley , Joe Alwyn , Vinette Robinson , Johnny Harris , Jason Flemyng Release Date December 19, 2019 Seasons 1 Creator(s) Steven Knight
While there have been many versions of A Christmas Carol over the years, the 2019 miniseries from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is perhaps the darkest. Guy Pearce stars in the iconic role of Ebeneezer Scrooge, the greedy businessman who is sent on a path of redemption when a trio of ghosts show him the past, present, and future of Christmas in an effort to show him the error of his ways. Alwyn takes on the pivotal role of Scrooge’s maligned clerk, Bob Cratchit.
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It is not surprising given Knight’s other work that he embraces the darkest aspects of Charles Dickens’ novel, creating an intense ghost story. Pearce makes for a good Scrooge,
while the likes of Stephen Graham and Andy Serkis appear as some of the ghosts. However, Alwyn provides an emotional core to the movie, as the section of the story that focuses on the Cratchit family and their struggles is the most heartbreaking.
4 Kinds Of Kindness (2024)
Collectibles Appraiser 1 / Jerry / Joseph
Kinds of Kindness (2024) 1
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Kinds of Kindness is a 2024 comedy-drama film by writer-director Yorgos Lanthimos. Split across segments, Kinds of Kindness tells the stories of a man trying to reclaim his destiny, a police officer whose wife returns after being lost at sea only to seem like a different person, and a woman tasked with finding a future spiritual leader.
Director Yorgos Lanthimos Release Date June 21, 2024 Cast Emma Stone , Jesse Plemons , Willem Dafoe , Margaret Qualley , Hong Chau , Joe Alwyn , Mamoudou Athie , Hunter Schafer Runtime 164 Minutes
Joe Alwyn has been building an impressive career by working with some amazing directors, including Yorgos Lanthimos. The Greek filmmaker has cemented his distinct style of dark comedic journeys and seems to enjoy working alongside the same actors multiple times. With Kinds of Kindness being the second collaboration Alwyn has had with Lanthimos, he could become one of his frequently used actors.
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The movie is an anthology story that tells three very different but hilariously bizarre tales with the Kinds of Kindness cast, including Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, and Willem Dafoe, playing different characters in each story. Alwyn is part of the ensemble, getting the chance to show his range in three very different roles, from an antique collector to a victim of bizarre police brutality to a detestable ex-husband. The movie and its tone will not be for everyone, but those who can dial into Lanthimos’ style will find a lot of fun in seeing him explore these short stories.
3 Conversations With Friends (2022)
As Nick
Conversations with Friends TV-MADramaRomance Where to Watch
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Conversations With Friends is a TV adaptation of Sally Rooney’s novel that explores the intricate dynamics between two college students, Frances and Bobbi, and a married couple, Nick and Melissa. Their relationships evolve, intersect, and challenge their perceptions of love and friendship. Starring Alison Oliver, Sasha Lane, Joe Alwyn, and Jemima Kirke, the series delves into the complexities of modern relationships and personal identity.
Cast Alison Oliver , Sasha Lane , Joe Alwyn , Jemima Kirke , Alex Murphy , Tommy Tiernan , Justine Mitchell , Tadhg Murphy , Sallay Garnett , Caoimhe Coburn-Gray , Jafaris , Francis O’Mahony , Robert Mitchell , Kerry Fox , Roisin O’Donovan , Natalie Radmall-Quirke , Emmanuel Okoye , Sadhbh Malin , Christiane O’Mahony , Sheik Bah , Sarah Jane Seymour , Isobel O’Regan , Ciaran McGlynn , Vanessa Ifediora Release Date May 15, 2022 Expand
Following the success of Normal People starring Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones, a new series based on another novel by Sally Rooney arrived on Hulu. Conversations with Friends is another intense story of relationships, albeit with a larger cast this time around. The series follows best friends and ex-lovers, Bobbi (Sasha Lane) and Frances (Alison Oliver), who form a bond with a married couple, Nick (Joe Alwyn) and Melissa (Jemima Kirke). However, what begins as friendship leads to affairs on both sides.
The main focus of the story is the complex love affair that ignites between Nick and Frances, with Alwyn delivering a terrific and nuanced performance as the layered character. Nick is someone that the audience has shifting opinions about as the story progresses, but Alwyn always manages to keep him feeling like a grounded and authentic character.
2 The Souvenir: Part II (2021)
As Max
The Souvenir: Part II RDrama Where to Watch
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*Availability in US Director Joanna Hogg Release Date October 29, 2021 Cast Joe Alwyn , Honor Swinton Byrne , Harris Dickinson , Ariane Labed , Richard Ayoade , James Spencer Ashworth , Tilda Swinton , Charlie Heaton , Jaygann Ayeh
The Souvenir was a romantic drama from 2019 that featured a love story with a tragic ending. The sequel, The Souvenir: Part II, picks up in the aftermath of the tragedy to continue the story of love. Honor Swinton Byrne stars as film student Julie, who seeks to make her student film about the love she had previously lost while coming to terms with her future as an artist as well as dealing with the loss she has not fully come to terms with.
They share the best scene in the movie as Max shares some advice and helps Julie confront some of the feelings that she has been running from.
Joe Alwyn has a small but standout role in the movie as Max, an editor working with Julie on the movie. They share the best scene in the movie as Max shares some advice and helps Julie confront some of the feelings that she has been running from. It is an inventive bit of storytelling with a terrific lead performance and more humor than the premise might suggest.
1 The Favourite (2018)
As Samuel Masham
The Favourite 4
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Set in Britain in the early 1700s, The Favorite follows Abigail Hill, a young woman who comes to the court of Queen Anne looking for work. Her older cousin, Sarah Churchill, is the queen’s confidante and advisor, a position with Abigail covets. As Abigail begins to vie for the queen’s affections, she and Sarah descend into a bitter rivalry that threatens to destroy both women completely. Emma Stone stars as Abigail, alongside Olivia Coleman and Rachel Weisz.
Director Yorgos Lanthimos Release Date November 23, 2018 Cast Olivia Colman , Emma Stone , Nicholas Hoult , Mark Gatiss , Rachel Weisz Runtime 120 minutes
Joe Alwyn’s first collaboration with Yorgos Lanthimos is also the best movie in the director’s career so far. Based loosely on a real historical rivalry, The Favourite stars Rachel Weisz as Lady Sarah Churchill, the closest confidante of Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) who finds herself fighting for the notice and favor of the queen with the arrival of the cunning Abigail Hill (Emma Stone).
Alwyn has a standout role as Samuel Masham, a young man of promise who becomes a suitor for Abigail. The courting and relationship between Samuel and Abigail are hilariously unconventional, with Abigail seeing him as merely a means to an end and Alwyn showing a lot of comedic talent in playing Samuel as a whining and petulant man who doesn’t get his way. The movie is filled with genuinely gripping political intrigue as well as hilarious dry humor delivered perfectly by the stunning cast.