Timothee Chalamet seems to be the go-to actor nowadays. He may still be a young heartthrob at this early stage in his career, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that he’s one of the best talents working today. In every film he does, he dives deeply into his characters to deliver the best performance possible. Per Acting Magazine, Konstantin Stanislavski once said there are no small parts, just small actors. For Chalamet, this is certainly true because he makes the most of everything he does.
It was only a matter of time before everyone in the film industry knew what kind of talent they had on their hands. The Oscar-nominated actor has been lighting up the screen with his charisma, emotion, and range from a young age and proving his abilities to be one of the all-time greats. In such a short period, Chalamet has wowed audiences repeatedly and has become a household name, and he’s still just getting started. Chalamet’s latest film, Wonka, has been a surprise hit with critics and audiences, and fans are eagerly awaiting the release of Dune: Part Two in 2024. With that in mind, these are Timothee Chalamet’s best movies.
Update December 18, 2023: This article has been updated following the release of Wonka and also with information on where each of Timothee Chalamet’s best performances are streaming.
12 Hot Summer Nights (2017)
Hot Summer Nights is a 2017 coming-of-age drama that tells the story of Daniel (Chalamet), a sheltered teenager who spends a summer in Cape Cod selling drugs to gangsters and falling in love. With some drawing comparisons between Chalamet’s off-the-wall performance with the famously unbalanced Shia LaBouef, the New Yorker carries this rather underwhelming yarn employing every inch of his charm and unrestrained, youthful energy.
Why Chalamet is Excellent in Hot Summer Nights
First-time director Elijah Bynum created a beautiful movie filled with drugs, romance, and Summer nostalgia. A24 produced the film, and even though it received mixed reviews, Chalamet’s performance was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. The film was also released the same year as both Call Me By Your Name and Lady Bird, and the combination of these three roles in the same year launched Chalamet to the top of many casting directors list. Stream on Hulu
11 A Rainy Day in New York (2019)
In 2019, Chalamet got the chance to star in this romantic comedy written and directed by Woody Allen, although Chalamet likely would want to downplay that involvement now. Chalamet acts opposite Elle Fanning, and they play a couple who spends a weekend in New York City, resulting in an unexpected and prolific journey.
What Makes Timothee Chalamet’s Performance So Impressive?
A Rainy Day in New York is a love letter to New York City and is a good blend of drama, comedy, and typical Woody Allen tropes. Chalamet slots into Allen’s whimsical world seamlessly as Gatsby Welles, an old-fashioned romantic who is obsessed with the ambiance of his birthplace. The Don’t Look Up star is great as this slightly pathetic, hopeless romantic whose charm and romanticism of the past are frequently lost on the girl he attempts to woo. Stream on Peacock, and Tubi
10 Beautiful Boy (2018)
Beautiful Boy
- Release Date
- October 12, 2018
- Director
- Felix Van Groeningen
- Rating
- R
- Runtime
- 112
Based on the memoir Beautiful Boy: A Fathers Journey Through His Son’s Addiction by David Sheff, Beautiful Boy tells an honest and brutal story about the effects of drug addiction. Chalamet plays Sheff in a masterful performance depicting the torments of drug use and the effects it has on the family and friends of the substance abuser.
Why Beautiful Boy is One of Chalamet’s Best Films
Chalamet’s performance is so deft and weirdly subtle at times, really getting to the crux of the reality of the conflicting nature of drug addiction. The story highlights the relationship between Nic and his father David (Steve Carell), who is desperate to save him. Although it can be hard to watch at some points, the film should be seen by all. It is a story of love, fatherhood, and desperately trying to overcome personal demons. Author David Sheff praised Chalamet’s performance as his son Nic in an interview with The Guardian. Stream on Prime Video
9 Miss Stevens (2016)
This great film saw Chalamet star in one of his earliest film roles. In Julia Hart’s directorial debut, Miss Stevens, we see a teacher who goes on a road trip with three of her high school students to attend a drama competition. Chalamet plays Billy, a character full of teen angst that also struggles with a behavioral disorder. Not unlike the actor who plays him, Billy proves himself to be quite gifted at acting.
What Makes Chalamet’s Display in Miss Stevens So Compelling?
Being a comedic drama, this movie is full of laughs and heartfelt moments, and Chalamet shines in one of his earliest and most challenging leading roles. Battling a behavioral disorder, naturally, comparisons were made with a similarly aged Leonardo DiCaprio’s rendition in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. Chalamet approached this complex character with the utmost sensitivity and an incredible vulnerability that is so hard to illustrate on-screen. Stream on Tubi and Pluto
8 The King (2019)
The King
- Director
- Robert Zemeckis
- Main Genre
- History
The 2019 period action drama The King documents King Henry V’s assumption of the throne following the death of his brother in 15th-century England. The film received positive reviews, with a 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Chalamet plays the role of the young King Henry V with ease in this Netflix film. The King also stars Robert Pattinson, Lilly Rose-Depp, and Sean Harris.
Why The King Contains One of the Best Chalamet Performances
In every sense of the word, a demanding role, Chalamet delivers a powerful performance as the young King who must navigate wars, politics, and betrayal while serving his country with distinction. Perhaps unfairly typecast as more of a prince than a king, the Dune prodigy demonstrates, without doubt, he has the capacity to take on a role of such magnitude. Stream on Netflix
7 Bones and All (2022)
Bones and All
- Release Date
- November 23, 2022
- Rating
- R
- Runtime
- 2hr 10min
In one of his more recent cinematic outings, Chalamet starred as a wandering young cannibal in Luca Guadagnino’s Bones and All. This role sees Chalamet as the young Lee, who takes fellow cannibal Maren under his wing after she is forced to leave home. Lee is a closed-off person who has been alone for a long time due to his affliction because he doesn’t want to hurt anyone, but also because he fears he will lose any happiness he finds.
Why Chalamet’s Performance in Bones and All is Great
Chalamet never fails to portray the outsiders of society, and he plays this character beautifully through this deep, almost heartfelt sincerity. The story in this movie is equally heartbreaking, as it is grim, but it’s also beautiful in its own, unique way, which is why it’s a must-see. Reuniting with Luca Guadagnino following their wonderful collaboration in 2017 on Call Me By Your Name, the Italian auteur seems to get the very best out of Chalamet, encouraging the actor to uncover this empathy and authentic sensitivity that is such a precious commodity among young, up-and-coming talents. Stream on Prime Video
6 The French Dispatch (2021)
Like all of Wes Anderson’s films, The French Dispatch is visually stunning, original, and profound, following the stories of a magazine publication’s selection of intriguing journalists on their final publication following their editor’s passing. Chalamet takes the role of Zeffirelli, a student revolutionary in one of the stories.
What Chalamet Does So Well in The French Dispatch
Alongside a brilliant cast including Owen Wilson, Tilda Swinton, and Bill Murray. Chalamet could be Anderson’s next pick for recurring actors in his movies, something that will come as a surprise to very few, having turned in what was a textbook Anderson display, lending his array of attributes to all the quirks, intricacies, and fanciful mannerisms required of him. Chalamet feels right at home in this fancical constructed world and hopefully he will reunite with Anderson again. Stream on Hulu
5 Wonka (2023)
Wonka
- Release Date
- December 15, 2023
- Director
- Paul King
When the announcement was made that the cinematic world’s favorite chocolatier, Willy Wonka, would be making his long-awaited return to the silver screen, there was natural speculation over who would be assuming the mantle of this mystical figure. Unsurprisingly, the big reveal that Timothee Chalamet would be the next man to sport the famous purple hat was greeted with optimism, and his performance certainly didn’t underwhelm. Paul King’s Wonka serves as a prequel to Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as it follows the tale of a young Willy Wonka prior to the opening of his world-famous chocolate factory.
Why Chalamet Was Perfect For Willy Wonka
With Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp, his tremendously esteemed predecessors, Chalamet faced the colossal task of competing with the vibrant charisma of Depp’s rendition and the more subtle yet warming display of Wilder. The in-demand actor certainly didn’t disappoint, demonstrating emphatically why he is such a hot property in the film industry. Chalamet’s dorky eccentricity was on full display throughout Wonka, effortlessly turning his hand to the demands of the role. Chalamet encapsulates the very essence of this enigmatic children’s hero with such theatrical likability, flitting between magical moments of childlike enthusiasm and seasoned wisdom. Currently Available in Theaters
4 Lady Bird (2017)
Lady Bird
- Release Date
- September 8, 2017
- Rating
- R
- Runtime
- 93
Although Chalamet’s role in Gerwig’s directorial debut Lady Bird may not get a lot of screen time, he still makes it his own. The coming-of-age film tells the story of Lady Bird (Ronan) trying to find her path through high school, love, and family. Chalamet plays Kyle, a dark and self-involved love interest of Lady Bird. The film is Rotten Tomatoes’ best-reviewed movie of all time.
What Makes Lady Bird One of Chalamet’s Best Movies?
While only reduced to a supporting role, Chalamet ensures his impact is felt profoundly throughout this exceptionally composed picture, whether that be via moments of charming hilarity or his brilliant on-screen chemistry with Saoirse Ronan. Gerwig correctly uses Chalamet’s look as an artistic-looking alternative recluse to make the ultimate bad boy persona for Lady Bird to fall in love with, only to realize how much of his cool confidence is a well-constructed act. Stream on Netflix
3 Dune (2021)
Dune
- Release Date
- October 22, 2021
- Rating
- PG-13
- Runtime
- 2hr 35min
- Main Genre
- Sci-Fi
Chalamet gives a subtle yet powerful performance as Paul Atreides in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune. The epic science fiction film was a game-changer in special effects and took you on a journey through the cosmos as House Artreides took on the governorship of Planet Arrakis. It is easily Chalamet’s biggest movie to date, as it was the adaptation of one of the most highly influential and beloved science fiction books of all time.
Why Dune is One of Chalamet’s Standout Movies
Chalamet shines in every scene and proves he has what it takes to be a leading man. The mesmerizing special effects and directorial brilliance aside, Chalamet embodies the Dune experience. He brings a contemplative mystique to his display as Paul, cutting a special figure haunted by the hand he has been dealt. The film was left on a serious cliffhanger, but with the second installment of the story set to be released in 2024, we’ll soon have answers to a number of our pressing questions. Stream on Netflix and Max
2 Little Women (2019)
Little Women
- Release Date
- December 25, 2019
- Rating
- PG
- Runtime
- 135
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of the beloved novel deservedly received six Academy Award nominations. The classic tale follows the lives and adventures of the March sisters, who navigate love, family values, and tragedy. Every cast member of Little Women shines, and Gerwig proved herself once again as a brilliant filmmaker. Chalamet takes on the role of the charming Laurie, who finds himself romantically involved with Jo March (Saoirse Ronan).
What Makes Chalamet’s Presentation as Laurie So Good?
Rounding off a stellar 2019, the burgeoning film star hands in another top portrayal in Little Women. As Laurie, Chalamet’s offering has an air of Mr. Darcy meets ’90s Hugh Grant, and he’s perfectly cast as this financially privileged, upper-class socialite with this unwavering confidence that only those who were educated in the 19th century seemed to possess. Laurie is somewhat of a dreamboat character among literary types, so Gerwig knew exactly how to use Chalemet’s looks while mixing with a cocky self-assuredness in this incredible part. Stream on Prime and Starz
1 Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Luca Guadagnino’s 2017 film Call Me By Your Name tells the story of a young man named Elio (Chalamet) who falls in love with an American student, Oliver (Armie Hammer), during a summer in Italy in the 1980s. The film not only showcases the beauty of Italy but also tells you an honest story of young love and heartbreak.
Why Call Me By Your Name is Chalamet’s Best Films
Chalamet deservedly earned an Oscar nomination for his brilliant performance. The final shot of the film is a long take of Elio’s face looking upon a fire, thinking about Oliver and the time they had spent together. Chalamet says so much while concurrently saying nothing at all, proving that he has what it takes to be one of the true greats. The film was heralded by The New Yorker as an “erotic Triumph”. While the film might have some issues that might have not have aged well in just a few short years, there is no denying that Chalamet is exceptional in it and since then has proven himself one of the best actors working today. Stream on Netflix
Watch and see how Timothee Chalamet tried to replicate one of the most famous scenes from the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in our video below:
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
