Known for his chameleon-like ability to embody a variety of characters, Joaquin Phoenix’s filmography is a testament to his unique talent and commitment to the craft. By winning the Best Actor Oscar, Phoenix is finally being respected and recognized for his talent, which has been criminally undervalued for years. From his role as Johnny Cash to his portrayal of a lonely man in a relationship with an operating system, these are the 20 best Joaquin Phoenix movies we can’t get enough of.
1. I’m Still Here (2010)

Director Casey Affleck i’m still here The line between reality and performance blurs as Joaquin Phoenix retires from acting and transitions into a hip-hop career as a rapper. This Fake His documentary explores the influence of celebrity, the nature of fame, and the public’s perception of Phoenix’s unconventional journey.
Phoenix’s commitment to the role is clear as he blurs the lines between fiction and reality, completely immersing himself in the role. His dedication to performance was as controversial as it was convincing, and was enough to convince people that he was crazy for the whole year of his life.
2. Buffalo Soldiers (2001)


Director Gregor Jordan buffalo soldiers ‘ is a dark comedy set in the backdrop of the US military stationed in West Germany during the Cold War. Joaquin Phoenix plays Ray Elwood, a cynical and opportunistic soldier who engages in various illegal activities. Phoenix’s performance is charismatic but morally ambiguous. He captures the essence of the characters overcoming the absurdities of military life, which adds a satirical element to the film’s exploration of corruption and boredom.
3. Unreasonable Man (2015)


Director Woody Allen, unreasonable man It delves into the complex world of Abe Lucas, a brilliant but troubled philosophy professor played by Joaquin Phoenix. Abe attended a small liberal arts college, but his reputation was as an enigmatic figure with a penchant for existential musings.
Plagued by existential anxiety and disillusionment, Abe seeks solace in his education and a new romantic relationship with Jill Pollard, a bright student played by Emma Stone. As the film unfolds, Abe’s life takes an unexpected turn as he becomes embroiled in morally ambiguous situations that challenge his philosophical beliefs.
Abe, played by Joaquin Phoenix, is characterized by a combination of intelligence and a palpable sense of existential crisis, subtly exploring the character’s inner turmoil. Phoenix brings depth to Abe’s philosophical musings, making his performance a central pillar in Woody Allen’s exploration of morality, free will, and the consequences of one’s choices.
The film challenges audiences to ponder the complexities of human psychology and the blurred line between rationality and irrationality, with Phoenix’s mesmerizing performance anchoring the story.
4. Quill (2000)


Director Philip Kaufman quill pen ‘ is a historical drama depicting the later years of the Marquis de Sade (Geoffrey Rush), who was admitted to a mental hospital. Joaquin Phoenix plays the Abbe du Courmier, a conflicted clergyman responsible for overseeing the Marquis. Phoenix brings a sense of moral conflict and vulnerability to his role as the Marquis de Sade’s foil. His performance adds layers to the film’s exploration of censorship, morality, and humanity.
5. Two Lovers (2008)


two lovers is a romantic drama directed by James Gray, starring Joaquin Phoenix as Leonard, a troubled man torn between two women. Set in Brooklyn, the film deftly examines themes of love, family, and mental health, demonstrating Phoenix’s ability to convey emotional depth.
6. Immigration (2013)


Director James Gray immigration The story follows Ewa Cybulska, played by Marion Cotillard, as she overcomes the hardships of immigration in early 20th century New York. Joaquin Phoenix plays a complex character in Ewa’s life who is both the savior and the source of her conflict, providing a moving exploration of her survival and sacrifice.
7. 8mm (1999)


In a gritty thriller 8mmDirected by Joel Schumacher, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Nicolas Cage. Phoenix plays Max California, a street-wise private investigator who assists Cage’s character in a disturbing investigation into the world of underground snuff films. This film explores the dark side of humanity and the consequences of seeking the truth.
8. Joker (2019)


Joaquin Phoenix gives a mesmerizing performance as Arthur Fleck, a mentally unstable comedian who transforms into the iconic DC Comics character, The Joker. Director Todd Phillips joker It offers a gritty and disturbing origin story that explores society’s influence on mental health and the birth of supervillains. king of comedy and Taxi driver served as a key inspiration point for the plot, and Phoenix’s incredible performance brought it to mind, ultimately earning him the Best Actor Oscar.
9. The Master (2012)


in paul thomas anderson master, Joaquin Phoenix plays Freddie Quell, a troubled World War II veteran who becomes entangled with a charismatic cult leader played by Philip Seymour Hoffman. The film explores power, control, and the complexities of the human spirit, and showcases Phoenix’s intense and transformative performance.
10. You Were Never Really Here (2017)


Lynne Ramsay directs this gripping thriller, starring Joaquin Phoenix as Joe, a traumatized veteran turned vigilante for hire. you weren’t really here Phoenix told a visceral, atmospheric story while exploring the effects of violence on the human psyche, and won critical acclaim for his portrayal of a haunted protagonist.
11. Don’t worry, he won’t go far on foot (2018)


Based on the life of cartoonist John Callahan, played by Joaquin Phoenix, this Gus Van Sant film chronicles Callahan’s journey from a life-altering accident that left him a quadriplegic to finding solace in art. The film explores themes of addiction, recovery, and redemption with humor and poignancy.
12. The Village (2004)


M. Night Shyamalan’s village Joaquin Phoenix plays Lucius Hunt, a resident of a remote village surrounded by mysterious creatures. The film is a suspenseful tale of love, deception, and challenging societal norms, as the villagers confront their fears. The chemistry between Phoenix and Bryce Dallas Howard is clear: he perfectly embodies a man of courage and honor, and when tragedy strikes, you can’t help but feel heartbroken.
13. To Die For (1995)


In Gus Van Sant’s satirical drama, Joaquin Phoenix plays Jimmy Emmett, a young man manipulated by a cunning television journalist played by Nicole Kidman. die for Phoenix gives a memorable performance as she explores the lengths people will go to for fame and the influence media has on shaping reality.
14. Inherent Vice (2014)


A film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and based on the novel by Thomas Pynchon. unique sub Joaquin Phoenix stars as Doc Sportello, a private detective caught up in a complex web of crime and intrigue in 1970s Los Angeles. The film combines noir elements with humor and showcases Phoenix’s versatility in complex and unusual roles.
15. We Own the Night (2007)


In this crime drama directed by James Gray, Joaquin Phoenix plays Bobby Green, a nightclub manager who must confront his loyalties when his family becomes involved with the Russian mob. The film explores themes of family, betrayal, and redemption against the gritty backdrop of the New York City underworld.
16. Gladiator (2000)


Ridley Scott’s epic historical drama Gladiator Joaquin Phoenix plays Commodus, the corrupt and power-hungry son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The film follows the betrayed general Maximus, played by Russell Crowe, as he exacts his revenge in the gladiator arena. Phoenix’s portrayal of the scheming villain Commodus received critical acclaim and launched his acting career.
17. Sign (2002)


Sci-fi thriller directed by M. Night Shyamalan sign Joaquin Phoenix plays Meryl Hess, a farmer who discovers mysterious crop circles on his property with his family. The film explores themes of faith and encounters with extraterrestrial life as the Hesse family grapples with the unknown in a suspenseful and atmospheric story. This is my favorite Alien movie and Shyamalan’s most underrated movie. Phoenix and Mel Gibson’s brotherly chemistry is convincing, especially in their moving confrontation regarding the former priest’s loss of faith.
18. Walk the Line (2005)


walk the line ‘ is a biographical drama depicting the exploits of music legend Johnny Cash, played by Joaquin Phoenix. The film follows Cash’s tumultuous journey, including his relationship with June Carter (Reese Witherspoon) and his battle with addiction. Phoenix’s captivating and authentic portrayal earned him an Academy Award nomination.
19. Girlfriend (2013)


Spike Jonze’s futuristic romance she, Joaquin Phoenix plays the role of Theodore, a deeply introspective and emotionally isolated man navigating the complexities of modern life. Set in near-future Los Angeles, Theodore finds solace and connection in an unexpected place, an advanced artificial intelligence operating system named Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson).
As Theodore and Samantha’s relationship evolves from mere convenience to a deep emotional bond, the film explores the transformative power of human connection, challenges social norms, and explores the ever-evolving landscape of love and loneliness. Exploring the blurred line between the tangible and the virtual. . Joaquin Phoenix’s subtle performance captures the delicate nuances of Theodore’s journey. she A thought-provoking exploration of the evolving nature of human relationships in a technology-driven world.
20. Beau is scary


In a Kafkaesque nightmare Bo is scary, Phoenix plays Bo, who has serious issues with her mother to say the least and is plagued by anxiety, making a perilous journey back home to grieve for her recently deceased mother. But getting there is itself Sisyphe’s job. Her three hours of pure horror and absurdity, combined with Phoenix’s superb performance as a mother-in-law who is frightened by the world around her (and rightfully so) and lacks agency, form an absolute masterpiece. doing.