Colin Farrellhas proved, time and time again, that he is a highly talented actor who can completely transform into any character that he takes on. He has had a long and successful career that has spanned across several genres, including science fiction, romance, and action. He has a charisma that makes him a joy to watch on screenwith every film. Recently, Farrell really showed the world his capabilities when he transformed intoPenguin inThe Batman. Farrell was completely unrecognizable and gave a tour de force performance. Many fans and critics alike are hoping that Farrell will continue his role as The Penguin inTheBatmanmovies to come. Incidentally, perNME, Farrell will reprise his Penguin role in an upcoming spinoff series on HBO Max.
Farrell was born in Castleknock, Dublin and had a strong interest in performing from a very young age. He enrolled at the Gaiety School of Acting until he was cast in the BBC television series,Ballykissangel. He continued to work in television and made his feature film debut in Tim Roth’sThe War Zone. Farrell’s career began to gain momentum, and he starred in movies such asHart’s War,Phone Booth, andS.W.A.T. Since then, Farrell has worked with prominent directors such as Steven Spielberg and Michael Mann. He has proved that he is a great action star through many of his performances. Let’s look at his best action movies, ranked.
7Miami Vice
Michael Mann’sMiami Vicewas an adaptation of the classic television series of the same name. Farrell takes the role of Detective James Crockett and Jamie Foxx plays his partner, Detective Ricardo Tubbs. The film follows their undercover mission into the world of drugs and crimes. The film has amazing cinematography and visuals from start to finish. Mann proved, once again, that he has a very original and authentic directing style. It was a solid action movie that featured charismatic performances from Farrell and Foxx.
Related:These Are the Best Michael Mann Movies, Ranked
6The Recruit
The Recruitwas a spy film following a gifted and smart CIA recruit, James Clayton (Farrell), who is taken under the wing of Walter Burke (Al Pacino). The film is a very interesting look into the CIA and espionage that creates suspense from beginning to end.The Recruithas a greatplot filled with twistsand turns. At the same time, the chemistry between Farrell and Pacino was top-notch.
5Pride and Glory
Gavin O’Connor co-wrote and directed the crime filmPride and Glory, which featured a top-notch cast. The story follows a family of police officers who explore a world of corruption in Washington Heights. The film gives you an exciting look into the world of policing as well as the world of political corruption. There are several great action scenes, and the story is interesting from beginning to end. The all-star cast includes Edward Norton, Jon Voight, Noah Emmerich, and more.
The 2003 film,S.W.A.T, was an adaptation of the classic television series. The movie is a solid action film featuring a great ensemble cast and an interesting story.S.W.A.Tfollows a disgraced cop (Farrell), who is recruited with other misfits to start a new S.W.A.T.team. Eventually, they are put to the task of catching an escaped fugitive. The film has a good blend of comedy and drama, and each character brings something to the table. There are great chases and fighting scenes, as well as an in-depth look into the world of police training. The cast includes Samuel L. Jackson, Michelle Rodriguez, LL Cool J, among others.
Related:Samuel L. Jackson’s Most Iconic Movie Moments
3Minority Report
Although Farrell has a supporting role in Steven Spielberg’s science fiction masterpieceMinority Report, he is an absolute scene-stealer. Farrell pays an honest and ethical agent from the Department of Justice, who is very skeptical of the Precrime program. Farrell is charismatic and filled with intensity from beginning to end. He goes on the hunt to track down John Anderton (Tom Cruise), discovering secrets about Precrime along the way. The film, as a whole, was a cinematic gem, featuring great performances and a thought-provoking story.
2In Bruges
Martin McDonagh’In Brugesfollows two hitmen, played by Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, who go into hiding in Bruges, Belgium. The film has a lot of action, but a lot of the best parts of the film are through the interactions from the characters. McDonagh gave us a great script, and it even features many funny moments. All in all, it is a unique crime film, and it features one of Farrell’s best performances of his career. The chemistry between Farrell and Gleeson was spectacular, and Farrell delivers several great dramatic moments. Farrell, in fact, went on to win theGolden Globe Awardfor Best Actor.
1The Batman
Matt Reeves’The Batmanwas a spectacular achievement in the world of comic book films. Farrell plays Oswald Cobblepot AKA Penguin. Farrell was completely unrecognizable in the part, physically. It was a complete character transformation and Farrell was the perfect actor for the role. At the same time, Farrell transformed into Penguin emotionally with every scene. He played a ruthless villain with ease, and he also delivered some comedic moments as well.
