Some celebrities are rich with fame and fortune, while others are flooded with passion and legacy. Anthony Hopkins is in the latter group.
I was a 7-year-old whose family didn’t pay attention to the MPAA ratings when I first watched the psychological horror film “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991). In the Jonathan Demme classic, Hopkins portrays menacing serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter, who helps young FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) hunt another killer.
Despite my young age, I don’t remember feeling scared of Hopkins’ wicked turn. Did I recognize that he wasn’t a “good guy”? Yes. However, his smooth and calm line deliveries were hypnotic, entrancing me into his world of cannibalistic dread without creating a caricature of the character.
A critically lauded performer whose career has spanned over 60 years, Hopkins has worked alongside legends including Katharine Hepburn (“The Lion in Winter”) and Emma Thompson (“Howard’s End” and “The Remains of the Day”). In addition, he’s a bankable star in the top 100 of highest-grossing worldwide leading men, with over $4.2 billion in total ticket sales.
His big break in film came with his portrayal as Richard the Lionheart, the eldest son of Henry II (Peter O’Toole) and Eleanor of Aquitaine (Katharine Hepburn) in Anthony Harvey’s historical drama “The Lion in Winter” (1968).
Never tied to one particular genre, he has shined in horror flicks like “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” (1992) and “The Wolfman” (2010), biopics such as “Shadowlands” (1993) and “Nixon” (1995), and dabbled in the superhero space with “The Mask of Zorro” (1998) and the “Thor” franchise.
After winning best actor for “Lambs,” more acclaim from the Academy was bestowed upon him with “The Remains of the Day” (1993), “Nixon” (1995), “Amistad” (1997), “The Two Popes” (2019) and “The Father” (2021), for which he earned his second Oscar for best actor, becoming the oldest person ever to win for acting.
Hopkins is still a formidable force in the industry, coming off a year with two supporting turns in James Gray’s “Armageddon Time” and Florian Zeller’s “The Son.” Next on the docket, Hopkins will play British humanitarian Nicholas Winton, who rescued children from being murdered in Nazi Germany, in the biographical drama “One Life” co-starring Johnny Flynn, Helena Bonham Carter and Jonathan Pryce. He’ll also have a voiceover role in Zack Snyder’s anticipated “Rebel Moon” from Netflix.
To celebrate Anthony Hopkins’ birthday on Dec. 31, below Variety ranks the 19 best film performances of his career so far.
Honorable mentions: “84 Charing Cross Road” (1987), “Meet Joe Black”(1998), “Hannibal” (2001), “Red Dragon” (2002), “Bobby” (2006), “Hitchcock” (2012), “Armageddon Time” (2022), “The Son” (2022)
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Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Role: Odin
Director: Taika Waititi
Writer(s): Eric Pearson, Craig Kyle, Christopher L. Yost (based on “Thor“ by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby)
Distributor: Marvel Studios
The scene that proves it: “Stronger.”
As the King of Asgard and father to the mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hopkins gave this arm of the MCU the elevated touch it needed in “Thor” (2011) and “Thor: The Dark World” (2013). But his final outing in Taika Waititi’s refreshing “Ragnarok” (2017), which gives credence to Thor becoming the new leader of Asgard and reveals Odin’s sins with his daughter Hela (played by Oscar winner Cate Blanchett), delivers the emotional kick the storyline needed.
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The Mask of Zorro (1998)
Image Credit: ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Don Diego de la Vega/ Zorro
Director: Martin Campbell
Writer(s): John Eskow, Ted Elliott, Terry Rosario, Randall Johnson (based on “Zorro“ by Johnston McCulley)
Distributor: Sony Pictures
The scene that proves it: “Slow.”
Hopkins brings allure and pizzazz to Martin Campbell’s undeniably fun adaptation of the swashbuckler vigilante. As the aging Don Diego de la Vega seeking his long-lost daughter (played by Catherine Zeta-Jones), Hopkins extends his acting legs into the action/superhero genre opposite an equally charismatic Antonio Banderas as Joaquin, who becomes the new masked swordsman.
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The Edge (1997)
Image Credit: Everett Collection Role: Charles Morse
Director: Lee Tamahori
Writer: David Mamet
Distributor: 20th Century Fox (now 20th Century Studios)
The scene that proves it: “The panther and the rabbit.”
Watching Hopkins recite the words of acclaimed playwright and screenwriter David Mamet in the 1997 survival thriller was more of a treat than the premise suggests. As the wealthy businessman Charles Morse, who battles the elements of the wilderness after surviving a plane crash, he is much more stoic than the role likely calls on him to be. Exhibiting splendid chemistry with Alec Baldwin and helped by powerful camera work from Donald McAlpine, both Hopkins and the film have found their way to appreciation through the lens of time, even if it was a mixed bag in 1997.
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Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
Image Credit: Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Professor Abraham Van Helsing/ Priest/ Principal Narrator
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Writer(s): James V. Hart (based on “Dracula” by Bram Stoker)
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
The scene that proves it: “Vampires do exist.”
Francis Ford Coppola’s over-the-top adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic story features luscious sets and costumes, gorgeous cinematography and a riveting ensemble — notably Gary Oldman as the titular character. However, Hopkins’ eccentric yet sincere turn as Professor Van Helsing is also unforgettable, stepping into battle against the primitive vampire with passionate vibrancy.
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Howards End (1992)
Image Credit: ©Starz! Movie Channel/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Henry Wilcox
Director: James Ivory
Writer(s): Ruth Prawer Jhabvala (based on “Howard’s End” by E.M. Forster)
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
The scene that proves it: “Henry’s proposal.”
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Titus (1999)
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox Licensing/Merchandising / Everett Collection Role: Titus Andronicus
Director: Julie Taymor
Writer(s): Julie Taymor (based on “Titus Andronicus” by William Shakespeare)
Distributor: Fox Searchlight Pictures (now Searchlight Pictures)
The scene that proves it: “Die, die… Lavinia.”
The adaptation of William Shakespeare’s revenge story by writer and director Julie Taymor often gets lost in Hopkins’ stunning filmography, mostly because its bombing at the box office clouds any revisit conversations. While admittedly a bloated film, Hopkins rides the line between full-on method acting and cycling through the campy nature of its violent themes. His pledge to his craft is what pulls you through the sluggish tale.
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Amistad (1997)
Image Credit: Everett Collection Role: John Quincy Adams
Director: Steven Spielberg
Writer(s): David Franzoni (based on the book “Mutiny on the Amistad: The Saga of a Slave Revolt and Its Impact on American Abolition, Law and Diplomacy” by Howard Jones)
Distributor: DreamWorks
The scene that proves it: “The natural state of mankind.”
When director Steven Spielberg decided to make a movie based on the events of the 1839 Spanish slave ship La Amistad, it was a big swing from the filmmaker, who was coming off winning an Oscar for “Schindler’s List” (1993) and playing double-duty the same year with the sequel “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” (1998). He cast the talented Hopkins as John Quincy Adams, the former president and lawyer, who delivers an impassioned speech near the film’s end, convincing the court to confirm the judgment and release the African men. While a skillful endeavor, he brings the slightly long-winded narrative to a rousing conclusion, which earned him another nod for supporting actor (losing to Robin Williams for “Good Will Hunting”).
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The World's Fastest Indian (2005)
Image Credit: ©Magnolia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Burt Munro
Director: Roger Donaldson
Writer: Roger Donaldson
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
The scene that proves it: “I guess you are legitimate.”
You don’t think of sports films when you think of Anthony Hopkins. However, the actor’s awe-inspiring work as a speed bike racer who set records in the 1950s and ’60s wowed the independent community. While criticized for being a film about a New Zealand icon in which the actor did not employ a Kiwi accent, he nails the heart and spirit of the story.
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Fracture (2007)
Image Credit: ©New Line Cinema/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Theodore “Ted” Crawford
Director: Gregory Hoblit
Writer(s): Daniel Pyne, Glenn Gers
Distributor: New Line Cinema
The scene that proves it: “The solution.”
The year 2007 overflowed with some of the most beloved movies of the 21st century (i.e., “No Country for Old Men” and “There Will Be Blood”). However, Hopkins’ performance in the underrated thriller about an Irish engineer who kills his wife after learning she’s having an affair is a remarkable endeavor that isn’t discussed enough. Sharing the screen with Ryan Gosling, the fiery exchanges between the two only made their craft stronger, especially for the young performer coming off his inaugural nod for “Half Nelson” (2006). Unfortunately, its April release kept it out of reach for awards consideration.
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Legends of the Fall (1994)
Role: Colonel William Ludlow
Director: Edward Zwick
Writer(s): Susan Shilliday, William D. Wittliff (based on “Legends of the Fall” by Jim Harrison)
Distributor: Sony Pictures
The scene that proves it: “Don’t talk to me, boy, as if I’ve never seen a war.”
I have an unhealthy obsession with Edward Zwick’s western period drama boasting an all-star cast including Brad Pitt, Aidan Quinn, Julia Ormond, Henry Thomas and Anthony Hopkins, who plays the patriarch of a Montana family in the early 20th century. Through the breathtaking lens of Oscar-winning cinematographer John Toll, Hopkins unleashes his signature ferocity in scenes with his sons talking about going to war and laying blame upon his would-be daughter-in-law. The movie may have divided critics at the time (perhaps still even today?), but there’s so much richness and spirit to the story, with Hopkins as a clear highlight.
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Nixon (1995)
Image Credit: ©Buena Vista Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Richard Nixon
Director: Oliver Stone
Writer(s): Stephen J. Rivele, Christopher Wilkinson, Oliver Stone
Distributor: Buena Vista Pictures
The scene that proves it: “Do you ever think of death, Dick?”
Continuing Hopkins’ ownership of the ’90s cinematic acclaim, when he stepped into the shoes of Richard Nixon, he brought a riveting take on the disgraced former U.S. president. Equally charged alongside an Oscar-nominated Joan Allen, Hopkins captures the man’s mannerisms and voice intonations to a tee. Revisiting “Nixon” today, in the years following Donald Trump, gives this political thriller a new angle of timeliness.
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The Remains of the Day (1993)
Image Credit: ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Mr. James Stevens
Director: James Ivory
Writer(s): Ruth Prawer Jhabvala (based on “The Remains of the Day” by Kazuo Ishiguro)
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
The scene that proves it: “A racy book.”
Hopkins picked up his second Oscar nomination for his turn as the perfect servant and butler, which is stunningly executed. The slow burn of James’ realization of his misguided loyalty and undying love utilizes all of Hopkins’ stoic and reserved gifts without going over the top. His choices of movements and facial expressions make the film undoubtedly one of his and James Ivory’s finest. Based on the book of the same name by Kazuo Ishiguro, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala picked up her third and final Oscar nod for adapted screenplay (after winning twice previously).
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The Lion in Winter (1968)
Image Credit: Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Richard the Lionheart
Director: Anthony Harvey
Writer: James Goldman (based on his play “The Lion in Winter”)
Distributor: AVCO Embassy Pictures
The scene that proves it: “Well, that’s the mother I remember…”
Hopkins stood next to the Oscar Queen, Katharine Hepburn, and devoured each instance with a 12th-century-style familial sarcasm. A box office and critical success, the film was nominated for seven Oscars including best picture. Although Hopkins wasn’t among the mentions, he picked up his first of nine career BAFTA nods across film and television.
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Shadowlands (1993)
Image Credit: ©Savoy Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: C.S. Lewis
Director: Richard Attenborough
Writer(s): William Nicholson (based on “Shadowlands” by Nicholson)
Distributor: United International Pictures
The scene that proves it: “I’d have to love her.”
In a year where Hopkins had two great films — his Oscar-nominated turn in “The Remains of the Day” and as C.S. Lewis in “Shadowlands” — I prefer the latter. The surprise Oscar nod for his on-screen love interest, Debra Winger, felt in part due to the chemistry and beautiful inflections Hopkins bestows throughout the drama. Though Hopkins was double nominated at BAFTA, this film represents one of the rare cases where I wish the Oscars would rescind its rule about actors being double nominated in the same category.
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The Elephant Man (1980)
Image Credit: ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Frederick Treves
Director: David Lynch
Writer(s): Christopher De Vore, Eric Bergren, David Lynch (based on “The Elephant Man and Other Reminiscences” by Frederick Treves and “The Elephant Man: A Study in Human Dignity” by Ashley Montagu)
Distributor: Columbia-EMI-Warner
The scene that proves it: “Why do I do it?”
There is no “Elephant Man” without Anthony Hopkins. When people discuss the David Lynch classic, John Hurt’s transformation into a severely deformed man is often the center of discussion. However, Hurt can’t achieve greatness without Hopkins’ brilliance as the doctor who saves him from a Victorian freak show. The tender compassion that the audience feels for John Merrick rests upon the shoulders of what Frederick can convey, witness and react to in key scenes. Hopkins is the unsung hero.
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The Two Popes (2019)
Image Credit: ©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Pope Benedict XVI
Director: Fernando Meirelles
Writer(s): Anthony McCarten (based on “The Pope” by McCarten)
Distributor: Netflix
The scene that proves it: “Confession cleans the sinner’s soul.”
Before “The Father” came along, Hopkins’ turn as the illusive Pope Benedict XVI in Fernando Meirelles’ meditative drama was his finest effort in over 20 years. Hopkins carefully inserts grunts, groans and mannerisms into a man with a deep-rooted responsibility to seemingly both good and evil within a 2,000-year-old religion. His charged bursts of scene-chewing are equally sparred against Jonathan Pryce’s soft, charismatic rebuttals. Hopkins picked up his first Oscar nod in 22 years for supporting actor, losing to Brad Pitt for “Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood.”
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Magic (1978)
Image Credit: ©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Charles “Corky” Withers
Director: Richard Attenborough
Writer(s): William Goldman (based on “Magic” by Goldman)
Distributor: 20th Century Fox (now 20th Century Studios)
The scene that proves it: “I take the stupid exam.”
Hopkins is playing no tricks with his turn as aspiring magician Corky in Richard Attenborough’s psychological drama. Delivering a terrifying masterclass in acting, we see Hopkins sharing the screen with “Rocky” trainer Burgess Meredith and the “Tommy” starlet herself Ann-Margret. Hopkins received a BAFTA and Golden Globe nod for best actor but was snubbed by the Academy, pointing to another instance of failed horror recognition in history. If you want a hair-raising tale to spook your cinematic bones, revisit Hopkins’ scintillating expressions and articulations.
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The Father (2020)
Image Credit: ©Sony Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Anthony
Director: Florian Zeller
Writer(s): Florian Zeller, Christopher Hampton (based on “Le Père” by Zeller)
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
The scene that proves it: “I want my mommy.”
It’s remarkable what first-time director Florian Zeller gets out of Hopkins in the adaptation of his play “Le Père.” The ongoing Oscar debate on which of Hopkins’ Oscar-winning performances is better will be a see-saw for the rest of time. Depending on the day, the answer could change. His remarkable turn as Anthony, a man battling memory loss, brings the thespian to new limits. The Academy rewarded his efforts with the best actor statuette, in what many consider one of the most stunning upsets in history (although the award is deserved). However, at 83, he became the oldest acting winner in history.
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The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Image Credit: ©Orion Pictures Corp/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Hannibal Lecter
Director: Jonathan Demme
Writer(s): Ted Tally (based on “The Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris)
Distributor: Orion Pictures
The scene that proves it: “Anthrax island… especially nice touch.”
On paper, at any other time in history, the cannibal psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter would be the most obvious supporting role in a movie. Instead, Hopkins’ terrifying turn in Jonathan Demme’s best picture-winning classic is one of the finest wins in Oscar history for a leading man. In addition to being one of the horror genre’s few significant representations at the Academy Awards, Hopkins’ genius and commitment to the character made “Lambs” one of the three films in Oscar history to win the big five. Very few actors have created a better 24-minute collection of cinema scenes.