The 15 best Timothée Chalamet movies, ranked

Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan in ‘A Complete Unknown,’ Paul Atreides in ‘Dune,’ and Marty Mauser in ‘Marty Supreme’
Credit: Macall Polay/Searchlight Pictures; Warner Bros. Pictures; A24

Timothée Chalamet‘s star power is unrivaled among his generation. His svelte physique, angular facial features, and onscreen intensity have given him an allure that connects with audiences at a time when Hollywood is desperate to find new movie stars.

Chalamet has wisely carved out a career that lets him to lead blockbusters like the Dune saga and Wonka, as well as awards-friendly films like Call Me by Your Name, A Complete Unknown, and Marty Supreme. Each of the latter films earned him Oscar nominations, and his electric turn in Marty Supreme scored him a Golden Globe.

As his career continues to thrive, we’re looking at the 15 best Timothée Chalamet movies — and where to stream them.

01 of 15

Hostiles (2017)

Timothée Chalamet as Pvt. Philippe Dejardin, Christian Bale as Capt. Joseph J. Blocker, and Jesse Plemons as Lt. Rudy Kidder in ‘Hostiles’
Credit: Lorey Sebastian/Entertainment Studios Motion Pictures/Courtesy Everett

ADVERTISEMENT

Chalamet in a gruff western with Christian Bale, Jesse Plemons, and Rosamund Pike? Yes, it exists, and no, it’s not the best showcase for his acting skills. But it’s still notable for casting Chalamet as his French, saccharine self in an arid drama about a U.S. Army detail escorting an ailing Cheyenne war chief home through an unforgiving terrain.

He may stand out sorely from the rough-and-tough ensemble, but that’s the point, given that his soft character is apprehensive about being there in the first place. —Eric Farwell

Where to watch Hostiles: Starz

02 of 15

Don’t Look Up (2021)

Timothee Chalamet as Yule in ‘Don’t Look Up’
Credit: Niko Tavernise/Netflix/Courtesy Everett

While Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence seem to be in two different movies about a meteor headed for Earth, Chalamet plays a quasi-unhoused youth who is loose and alive in a way the actor isn’t often allowed to be. The poise is gone, and there’s a kind of fun camaraderie with his costars in its place.

His role is small, but Chalamet makes an impression in a film that (inconceivably) has a so-so Meryl Streep, an outrageous Ariana Grande, and a livewire Tyler Perry. Don’t Look Up is as chaotic as it sounds, and Chalamet is goofy in a naive way that actually elicits a few laughs. —E.F.

Where to watch Don’t Look Up: Netflix

03 of 15

Interstellar (2014)

Timothée Chalamet as Young Tom Cooper in ‘Interstellar’
Credit: Paramount

This film excels in a way Christopher Nolan didn’t match again until Oppenheimer (2023), as it feels so completely realized and emotionally thought out. Here, Chalamet does a fine job playing a curious and moody son to a space traveler on a mission to save humanity from a raging famine.

The film is ranked low on this list since his character is so secondary and subdued, but overall, Interstellar is worth your time. Never again would Nolan figure out how to use an actress (Anne Hathaway) so well, which is a shame, because if he can do it here, it stands to reason he could do it again. Perhaps going forward, we’ll see more female characters who are not part of the dead or put-upon wife club. —E.F.

Where to watch Interstellar: Paramount+

04 of 15

Miss Stevens (2016)

Lily Rabe as Rachel Stevens and Timothée Chalamet as Billy Mitman in ‘Miss Stevens’
Credit: The Orchard/Courtesy Everett

An endlessly endearing film, Miss Stevens sees our boy working his Classic Chalamet Operating System (CCOS), playing a teenager with depression who loves theater and sort of seduces his teacher (Lily Rabe).

There are so many mutations of the Chalamet charm, but it’s rare for his characters to feel so locked in and moving independently of audience expectations. The film could have fallen emotionally flat, but it’s instead a career-best turn for Rabe and a showcase for Chalamet’s lived-in spontaneity and infectious earnestness (something we’d like to see more of in future projects). —E.F.

Miss Stevens is not available to stream

05 of 15

Lady Bird (2017)

Timothée Chalamet as Kyle Scheible in ‘Lady Bird’
Credit: A24

This is Saoirse Ronan’s film, but Chalamet is a gracious costar as a popular boy who unspectacularly takes her virginity. Greta Gerwig reliably writes the character as a bit of a cad, but the end-of-high-school setting lends everything a brightness, even Chalamet’s schmoozy, lazy lies.

She also allows him to be kind of funny, which is normally verboten in the Chalamet Acting Universe (CAU). Sure, he might host Saturday Night Live sometimes, but he’s not the most confident comedic performer. With wry dialogue and an excellent scene partner in Ronan, Chalamet lands a few jokes, maybe for the only time in his career at this point. —E.F.

Where to watch Lady Bird: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

06 of 15

The French Dispatch (2021)

Timothée Chalamet as Zeffirelli B. in ‘The French Dispatch’
Credit: Searchlight Pictures

The French Dispatch is a gorgeous (and loosely-plotted) ensemble film featuring Chalamet as a delightfully odd activist in a complicated romance with a journalist.

We might even say he recalls Jason Schwartzman in his earlier, more chaotic collaborations with Wes Anderson; he’s sad, of course, but he’s also playful as a spry student rebel. Here, Chalamet is still recognizably himself, but he gets to have a bit of fun, too. —E.F.

Where to watch The French Dispatch: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

07 of 15

Wonka (2023)

Timothée Chalamet as Willy Wonka in ‘Wonka’
Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Chalamet tries his hand at being Willy Wonka and (surprisingly) succeeds. The actor eschews the sadness of Gene Wilder’s performance, but borrows some of his quirky kindness. And, more importantly, he manages to work with kids without it feeling creepy.

In terms of humor, though, Chalamet doesn’t even come close to Wilder, but he finds his own magic in the off-kilter character. His charisma pops here in a way we haven’t previously seen, almost steamrolling the sweatier parts of the movie musical into something grand and effective. —E.F.

Where to watch Wonka: HBO Max

08 of 15

Beautiful Boy (2018)

Timothée Chalamet as Nic Sheff and Steve Carell as David Sheff in ‘Beautiful Boy’
Credit: Francois Duhamel/Amazon Studios

This ill-fated Oscar bait isn’t great, but it’s not bad either. Steve Carell co-leads as a desperate father who refuses to give up on his addict son. He’s good, but he’s been a far more effective Serious Actor in other films (see: 2006’s Little Miss Sunshine).

Chalamet’s version of a strung-out drug user is helped by his ability to be pensive and placid. That dichotomous talent has opened dozens of doors for him, but Chalamet always comes across as warm and alive. —E.F.

Where to watch Beautiful Boy: Amazon Prime Video

09 of 15

The King (2019)

Timothee Chalamet as King Henry V (center) in ‘The King’
Credit: Netflix

The King sees Chalamet star opposite Ben Mendelsohn and Robert Pattinson, who both shine brighter than his Henry V. The role of a tormented young prince who must rise to the throne isn’t wasted on Chalamet, however. He gets to utilize his stage experience in this loose but satisfyingly dramatic Shakespeare adaptation.

It’s just that Pattinson is such a brilliant weirdo that it’s hard to stand next to him; and Mendelsohn is so purely, jaw-droppingly gifted that there is no stealing focus when he’s getting one over on your character.

Still, Chalamet does a great job here, and it’s one of his best films, if only because he spars with top-notch talent and still convinces us he was the best choice for the role. —E.F.

Where to watch The King: Netflix

10 of 15

Little Women (2019)

Timothée Chalamet as Theodore ‘Laurie’ Laurence in ‘Little Women’
Credit: Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett

Greta Gerwig’s follow-up to Lady Bird is an equally beautiful film that also stars Timothée Chalamet and Saoirse Ronan. Playing Theodore “Laurie” Laurence and Jo March, respectively, the film sees the former try his best to win the affection of the latter, who rejects him. He’s incredibly good as a f—boy charmer who might discard you at any moment (though justice sees him get cut loose).

Here, he embodies the calculations behind sad-eyed contemplation, resembling something like the idea of sincerity, but rather than depth, his core is made of molten overconfidence. That duality is a delicate balance to strike, but Gerwig wisely recognizes that if she leans into Laurie’s youthful abashedness, his arrogance is almost imperceptible from his loneliness. —E.F.

Where to watch Little Women: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

11 of 15

Call Me by Your Name (2017)

Timothée Chalamet as Elio Perlman in ‘Call Me by Your Name’
Credit: Sony Pictures Classics/Courtesy Everett

The film that shot Chalamet’s career into the stratosphere sees him play a queer teen in a complicated relationship with an older adult.

The actor anchors the story by letting life swirl around him. His sad eyes may turn coy, his looks of despair may become those of longing, but he nonetheless remains steady. This finesse allows tenderness to pour in and inspires supporting characters to emotionally blossom. (Michael Stuhlbarg’s delicate way of showing Mr. Perlman’s kindness toward his possibly queer son is a thing of beauty.) It’s no wonder this film gave Chalamet a reputation for being wise beyond his years. —E.F.

Where to watch Call Me by Your Name: HBO Max

12 of 15

Bones and All (2022)

Taylor Russell as Maren Yearly and Timothée Chalamet as Lee in ‘Bones and All’
Credit: MGM/Courtesy Everett Collection

Chalamet is often cast as characters who feign their feelings, expertly playing them against expectation. But in Luca Guadagnino’s cannibal romance, he is genuinely tender and emotional as Lee, giving a performance that ranks among his best for how uniquely human and loving it is, regardless of the subject matter.

Flanked by equally mighty actors Taylor Russell and Mark Rylance, Chalamet’s Lee craves human flesh, but he also carries the weight of his conscience. He wears the shame and complexity of his compulsion almost like a shadow, creating just enough room for Russell’s Maren to break through his walls and be with him in every sense of the word (and title, IYKYK). —E.F.

Where to watch Bones and All: Tubi

13 of 15

A Complete Unknown (2024)

Edward Norton as Pete Seeger and Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan in ‘A Complete Unknown’
Credit: Macall Polay/Searchlight Pictures

Playing Bob Dylan could’ve easily fallen into caricature. Luckily, Chalamet avoids easy impressions in this biopic about the legendary singer-songwriter’s early career in the ’60s against the backdrop of great societal change.

Skillfully inhabiting Dylan’s rebellious attitude, Chalamet’s unique, punk-kid charisma is well-suited for the role, as he charts Bob Dylan’s journey from his early folk roots to his controversial decision to “go electric.” Chalamet’s performance earned him widespread acclaim, earning a Screen Actors Guild award and his second Oscar nomination. —Kevin Jacobsen

Where to watch A Complete Unknown: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

14 of 15

Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024)

Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides in ‘Dune’
Credit: Chiabella James/Warner Bros./Courtesy Everett

Bright and yearning, Zendaya’s Chani stands in contrast to the dark void that is Chalamet’s Paul Atreides. For most of the first film, he’s anxious and trying to contort himself into a put-together man. But when so many family members and friends die around him, we see his deep despair through a widening of the eyes or an extra low-shouldered meditation.

In director Denis Villeneuve’s hands, we’re given a Chalamet that is stoic, perched at the precipice of rage, heartbreak, and falling apart. This high-tension/low-simmer approach sees the actor embed himself equally well in scenes with explosions and sets with nothing but a concrete slab. It’s a difficult and technical role that looks easy because Chalamet is just that good. —E.F.

Where to watch Dune and Dune: Part Two: HBO Max

15 of 15

Marty Supreme (2025)

Timothée Chalamet as Marty Mauser in ‘Marty Supreme’
Credit: A24

In many ways, Marty Supreme feels like the movie Chalamet’s career has been building toward. As Marty Mauser, a New York City shoe salesman with big dreams of becoming a world-famous ping pong champion, Chalamet brings a restless, sharklike energy that engrosses the audience all 150 minutes.

There is a meta quality to his turn here, with Marty’s relentless ambition (and growing hubris) matching Chalamet’s own desires to be “one of the greats.” Director Josh Safdie also proves a good fit for helping channel the actor’s strangely likable dirtbag side, giving us a distinctly American story of grit and determination. —K.J.

Where to watch Marty Supreme: HBO Max

Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly