Paul Giamatti’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked

Paul Giamatti emerges as one of cinema’s most versatile and memorable actors, evident in his filmography where several films notably showcase his best work. Possessing an everyman persona while boasting an electrifying screen presence, Giamatti has proven himself a powerhouse talent across all genres. From searing dramas to quirky comedies, nuanced independent films to Hollywood blockbusters, he inhabits remarkably diverse roles with tremendous skill. Directors from Alexander Payne to Ron Howard have elicited some of Giamatti’s finest performances, though he can also steal scenes in small supporting roles for masters like Spielberg.

Lauded for crafting intense dramatic portrayals brimming with raw humanity while equally adept at delivering perfectly-timed humor, Giamatti is a captivating chameleon. Despite a laundry list of terrific performances, more career-defining triumphs may be in his future. His latest collaboration with Alexander Payne in the cast of The Holdovers, reunites the duo who created magic nearly 20 years ago with Sideways. If past successes are any indication, The Holdovers likely positions Giamatti to continue building his reputation as one of modern cinema’s most versatile talents.

10 Win Win (2011)

Paul Giamatti play Mike Flaherty

A perfect blend of drama and comedy, Win Win showcases Giamatti’s brilliance in both genres. He stars as struggling lawyer Mike Flaherty who schemes to exploit a dementia-addled client, only to have his plan upended by the client’s grandson, Kyle. Additionally, Kyle poses an unlikely savior for Mike’s floundering high school wrestling team. With irresistible warmth and humanity, this sports drama excels in melding its genres and refusing to take itself too seriously. Giamatti shines in a sensational lead performance alongside a stellar supporting cast. Win Win tells a smart story that brings out the best in its talented star.

9 Love and Mercy (2014)

Paul Giamatti plays Dr. Eugene Landy

Love & Mercy tells the overlooked story of Beach Boys frontman Brian Wilson across two eras, starring Paul Dano in one of his best movies, as well as John Cusack. Amid the star-studded cast, Giamatti plays the terrifying Dr. Eugene Landy, Wilson’s abusive psychiatrist who became his legal guardian. Despite its complex plot, the film aimed for the utmost accuracy in depicting Wilson’s life. Giamatti disappears into the role of Landy, crafting an alarming and unsettling villain. Though a supporting performance, Giamatti’s acting prowess elevates the film, capturing the abusive dynamic between Landy and Wilson.

8 Private Life (2018)

Paul Giamatti plays Richard Grimes

The beautiful film Private Life remains one of Giamatti’s standout dramatic performances. He stars with Kathryn Hahn in one of her best roles as writers struggling with infertility, desperate to become parents despite continually facing obstacles. The film excels at grounding the dark comedy in warmth and intimacy. Giamatti works magic into the role, his subtle yet complex performance capturing the quiet desperation and turmoil of his character. His authentic chemistry with Hahn anchors the film with humor and simmering pain. Subtly heart-wrenching while remaining uncompromisingly real, Giamatti’s layered acting further elevates this underseen emotional powerhouse.

7 Barney’s Version (2010)

Paul Giamatti plays Barney Panofsky

Giamatti stunned with his Golden Globe-winning performance in this overlooked gem based on Mordecai Richler’s novel. He plays the titular Barney, a difficult, but endearing man whose romantic ups and downs are chronicled across the years. Giamatti crafts a portrait of a man wrestling with his many quirks and flaws. The film gives him room to showcase his immense range, from comedy to drama. Giamatti showcases stellar work as Barney’s Version tells a quietly powerful story of love and regret through the lens of a complicated everyman. His Globe win speaks to his ability to mesmerize even in lower-profile films.

6 American Splendor (2003)

Paul Giamattie plays Harvey Pekar

Though snubbed for an Oscar nomination, Giamatti’s star-making performance as iconic cartoonist Harvey Pekar in American Splendor remains a career highlight. Bringing Pekar’s acclaimed autobiographical comics to life, Giamatti perfectly embodies Pekar’s essence. The inventive film combines animated segments of Pekar’s comics with Giamatti’s raw, emotionally complex acting, showcasing his immense range and talent even early in his career. Expertly toeing the line between comedy and drama just as Pekar did in his work, Giamatti’s revelatory performance cements this one-of-a-kind comic book film, proving his ability to encapsulate any role with charm and conviction.

5 Cinderella Man (2005)

Paul Giamatti plays Joe Gould

As James J. Braddock’s steadfast coach in Cinderella Man, Giamatti crafted an emotionally layered performance that earned him an Oscar nod. He takes on the role of Joe Gould, portraying him as unwavering in his support for the down-and-out boxer. Giamatti makes Gould leap off the screen as a consummate mentor, tough when needed, but brimming with passion and belief in his fighter. His fiery conviction adds an electrifying undercurrent to the entire film. This performance crystallized Giamatti’s ability to breathe life into any role, no matter the size.

4 12 Years A Slave (2013)

Paul Giamatti plays Theophilus Freeman

Despite only being a minor role, Giamatti’s impactful performance in the modern classic 12 Years a Slave further showcases his immense talent. As ruthless slave trader Theophilus Freeman, his work is impressive in the small, but pivotal part. Giamatti crafts an interesting look into cruelty and corruption. His performance displays the horrors of slavery, showing Freeman as calculating and cold-hearted as he manipulates and sells Solomon Northup. Without a single wasted moment, Giamatti makes his presence felt with nuance and emotional weight. His commanding acting elevates the film and proves that, even in supporting roles, he crafts a noteworthy performance.

3 Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Paul Giamatti plays Sergeant William Hill

Years before becoming an acclaimed lead, Giamatti delivered an unforgettable supporting performance in Spielberg’s WW2 epic Saving Private Ryan. He appears briefly as Sergeant William Hill, the battle-weary soldier who crosses paths with Tom Hanks’ squad. With scarcely any dialogue, Giamatti makes Hill impossible to forget. Though only on screen momentarily, he commands the audience’s attention, fully inhabiting the exhaustion and anguish of a man ravaged by war. This small role demonstrated his soon-to-be-discovered talent for dominating the screen, no matter the size of the part. Foreshadowing future triumphs, Giamatti revealed his magnetic capacity for breathing life into cameo roles.

2 Sideways (2004)

Paul Giamatti plays Miles Raymond

Giamatti is at the peak of his powers in Alexander Payne’s road trip classic Sideways. As divorced writer and wine aficionado Miles Raymond, he crafts an emotionally complex portrait brimming with nuance. Beneath Miles’ cynical exterior, Giamatti reveals a vulnerable romantic whose passion for wine mirrors his complicated feelings about life and love. Funny, melancholic and utterly human, Giamatti makes Miles relatable even when his behavior tries one’s patience. No one could have inhabited this role with such wisdom, humor and flawed humanity. Considered the most celebrated performance and the defining role of his career, Sideways showcases his tremendous talent.

1 The Holdovers (2023)

Paul Giamatti plays Paul Hunman

Nearly 20 years after their classic Sideways, Giamatti and director Alexander Payne recaptured magic with the funny and heart-wrenching The Holdovers. As gruff prep school teacher Paul Hunham, Giamatti delivers a career-defining performance in this boarding school movie. Few actors could craft such a multilayered portrait, at once curmudgeonly yet deeply hurt, ironic yet sincere. Giamatti makes Hunham three-dimensional. In Hunham, all of Giamatti’s talents coalesce at their peak: his humanity, wit and wisdom crystallize through this perfect characterization. In the role of a lifetime, The Holdovers cements Paul Giamatti as one of the all-time greats.