John Leguizamo is an American actor, who has appeared in over 100 films as well as a variety of TV and stage appearances. He even received three Tony Award nominations for his performance in Freak, Sexaholix, and Latin History for Morons. He rose to fame through his performances in films like Super Mario Bros., Carlito’s Way, and Romeo + Juliet. Leguizamo went on to receive a Primetime Emmy Award for Freak and received several nominations for Waco and When They See Us.
Needless to say that Leguizamo is a huge name in Hollywood and his face and voice are instantly recognizable. Most recently, he has starred in The Mandalorian and The Menu, and has a few films coming out in the future, including Tin Soldier. Considering the actor has been in so many films and continues to release at least one new film every year, it’s only right to look back on the best of the best. These are the best John Leguizamo movies, ranked by Rotten Tomatoes score.
10 Summer of Sam — 50%
Summer of Sam is Spike Lee’s retelling of the “Son of Sam” serial murders that took place in New York City during the summer of 1977. When playboy Vinny almost falls victim to the killer, he and his friends attempt to figure out the identity of the murderer. The film includes stars such as Spike Lee, Adrien Brody, Mira Sorvino, and Jennifer Esposito. Summer of Sam has a 50% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and earned Leguizamo the ALMA Award for Outstanding Actor in a Feature Film.
9 The Infiltrator — 71%
Starring alongside Bryan Cranston, Leguizamo plays federal agent Emir Abreu to take down the drug trafficking network and their kingpin Pablo Escobar. Based on the true story of Robert Mazur’s life as an undercover agent, The Infiltrator is a phenomenal film that shows the dangers that agents put themselves in to take down drug cartels and put money laundering and drug trafficking to a stop. The movie has a 71% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and shows off Leguizamo’s talents as an actor.
8 Romeo + Juliet — 73%
Considered one of the best adaptations of the classic Shakespearean tragedy of all time, Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet is a sight to behold. Combined with the modernization, the casting of the film was done exquisitely. Between Claire Dane as Juliet and Leonardo DiCaprio as Romeo, the entire cast of the film fits each role perfectly. Leguizamo as Tybalt is a perfect choice as he has no issues getting the character across in the most dramatic way imaginable. The film has a 73% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the only downfall being that some thought the unique approach to the classic story detracted from the plot.
7 Moulin Rouge! — 75%
Moulin Rouge! is the Baz Lurhmann masterpiece that revolves around penniless writer Christian, who falls in love with courtesan Satine at the turn of the century. Leguizamo plays the part of a Moulin Rouge regular named Toulouse Lautrec, a real-life person known for his iconic paintings of the establishment itself. Toulouse helps to bring Christian and Satine together, preaching beauty, freedom, truth, and love in a true Bohemian way.
6 Ice Age — 77%
Without a doubt, the most iconic role Leguizamo has ever taken on is the role of Sid the Sloth in the Ice Age franchise. He serves not only as comedic relief, but his character also helps to bring everyone together over shared difficulties. The original film follows Sith the Sloth, Manny the Mammoth, and Diego the Saber Tooth tiger as they travel to return a human baby to his people. While the three are very different, they soon discover that these differences are ultimately what make them so alike. While the sequels fell short, the original film released in 2002 has an approval rating of 77% on Rotten Tomatoes.
5 Carlito’s Way — 81%
The film that made Leguizamo more well-known than the original Super Mario Bros. Movie is Carlito’s Way. Carlito (Al Pacino), after his release from prison, attempts to give up the crime life, but is quickly sucked back into some shady dealings. Leguizamo plays the part of Benny Blanco, an untrustworthy gangster who has it out for Carlito. Carlito’s Way put Leguizamo on the map as a great actor, with audiences and critics finally taking him seriously as he went up against Pacino.
4 The Lincoln Lawyer — 83%
The Lincoln Lawyer tells the story of Mick Haller (Matthew McConaughey), a lawyer who does all his business out of his Lincoln sedan, as he lands the case of a lifetime defending a Beverly Hills playboy who is being charged with murder. Leguizamo plays the part of Val Valenzuela, who aids Mick in his defense case. The premise of the film was so concrete that it was recently rebooted into a TV series of the same name. The film has an 83% approval rating and is certified fresh.
3 John Wick — 86%
One of the best revenge stories of all time came to us through Keanu Reeves’ astounding performance in the action franchise John Wick. While John Wick is the focus of the film, Leguizamo graces the screen as Aurelio, a mechanic and assassin. Aurelio’s allegiances are made clear when John’s car comes to him after being stolen by the Russian mafia leader’s son, and he informs John and refuses to do anything with the car because of who it belongs to.
The Menu is a newly released film starring Anna Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult as the main characters, who get to taste the lavish menu of the acclaimed Chef Slowik, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes. Leguizamo plays the role of one of the diners at the restaurant, specifically, portraying a famous movie star. While Leguizamo’s role is small, The Menu has been subject to a great deal of praise from critics, while also doing well at the box-office. The Menu has an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is certified fresh.
1 Encanto — 91%
The film with a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, being certified fresh, is Disney’s Encanto. Revolving around the magical Madrigal family, Encanto follows Mirabel as she attempts to uncover some family secrets and save them from losing their powers forever. Leguizamo plays the part of Bruno Madrigal, the mysterious uncle and the subject of the viral song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” Leguizamo shows off his voice-acting and singing skills in this iconic musical that is arguably one of Disney’s best animated ventures.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
