The Star Wars sequel trilogy's tragically torn antagonist, Kylo Ren, became many viewers' introduction to the 36-year-old, Indiana native, Adam Driver in The Force Awakens. Since then, his popularity has skyrocketed, starring in roles ranging from historical biopics to zombie comedies.
A military veteran and now twice Academy Award-nominated actor, Adam Driver's talent shines through uniquely in every performance. Only active as an actor since 2009, he has already worked with some of Hollywood's great directors, such as Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee, and Noah Baumbach. Here are his top-rated feature films - that are not Star Wars - in which he has a prominent role.
This Is Where I Leave You (6.6)
Adapted from a book that shares the same title, this ensemble cast comedy also starring Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, and Jane Fonda, centers around a family coming together after the death of their father. Adam Driver stars as the immature wild card and baby of the family, Phillip Altman. Considerably younger than the others, Phillip is consistently at odds with his older siblings and almost purposefully seems to drive a wedge between them with his childish antics from inappropriate jokes to dating his psychiatrist (Connie Britton). This Is Where I Leave You is an exploration of grief, the strength and fragility of familial bonds, and the continuous process of "growing up" (even when you're already an adult).
Midnight Special (6.6)
Directed by Jeff Nichols, Midnight Special (2016) is an intriguing science-fiction drama about a father (Michael Shannon) trying to protect his uniquely powered son, Alton, from the terrifying pursuits of both the United States government and the religious extremist cult where he was raised. Adam Driver plays Paul Sevier, a quiet, focused communications specialist for the NSA, who has been tracking the cult since he discovered that government secrets have somehow been worked into all of the leader's sermons. This sends him on a dangerous journey that has him questioning the law and his career, as he becomes further entwined in the lives of this mysterious boy and his family.
What If (6.8)
Known previously as "The F Word", What If is a charming and whimsical rom-com that centers around a perpetually heartbroken medical school dropout, Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe), who falls head over heels for a quirky artist named Chantry (Zoe Kazan). There's only one problem - she already has a serious boyfriend. Adam Driver plays Wallace's chaotic roommate and Chantry's cousin, Allan. Driver repeatedly steals the show as Wallace's over the top opposite - from his physical stature to his personality - unafraid to rush into new love regardless of the consequences, whether it be hilarious kitchen make-out sessions or rushed weddings. What If eagerly takes on the idea of the existence of soulmates and if being "just friends" is possible when it comes to love.
Logan Lucky (7.0)
Directed by Steven Soderbergh who helmed the Ocean's franchise, Logan Lucky reads like a comedic parody of the successful heist films. The concept of parodying one's own films may sound strange, but the film definitely knows what it is and isn't afraid to tell you. The press in the world of the movie even go so far as to refer to the caper as "Ocean's 7-11".
Logan Lucky follows the North Carolina born Logan family - single father Jimmy (Channing Tatum), who has just been let go from his job, his one-armed, veteran brother Clyde (Adam Driver), their sister Mellie (Riley Keough), and their haphazard plan to rob the Charlotte Motor Speedway during one of the biggest races of the year. Logan Lucky is not only smartly written with a killer cast, but it also has a lot of a heart.
Tracks (7.2)
Based on the internationally acclaimed book, Tracks tells the incredible true story of author Robyn Davidson's 1,700-mile journey across Australian deserts to the Indian Ocean. Eager for a new life and fueled by the desire to be left alone, Robyn (Mia Wasikowska) embarks on the formidable, nine-month desert trek with little more than a few bags of supplies, her dog, and four camels. Adam Driver plays Rick Smolan, an initially skeptical but willing National Geographic photographer who joins her along the way and documents her travel across West Australia. Tracks is not only an inspiring story full of beautiful cinematography, but it is also a fascinating character study of Robyn and even Rick's inward journey that takes place in time with their outward one.
Silence (7.2)
It's tempting to describe this film as "Qui-gon Jin, Second Spiderman, and Kylo Ren escape the Japanese government" to give it a more pleasant spin, but the truth is, this film is a painful, grueling story of religious persecution in 17th century Japan, and not for the faint of heart. Directed by Martin Scorsese, Silence follows the horrors of Portuguese Jesuit missionaries attempting to preach their faith while avoiding the government's notice. It is based on a novel of the same name.
This film not only features incredible performances by every cast member, but it showcases one of Adam Driver's more shocking physical transformations. The 6'3 actor lost 50lbs for the role in order to look emaciated enough to pass as the frail, starving priest, Father Garupe.
The Report (7.2)
One of Driver's most recent films, The Report, previously known as "The Torture Report", was written and directed by Scott Z. Burns, and documents the true story of Daniel J. Jones (Adam Driver). Driver stars as a young senate staffer hired by Senator Feinstein (Annette Benning) in the early 2000s to investigate the illegal destruction of CIA videotapes that documented general mistreatment and torture of prisoners. The Report is a harrowing look at the inner workings of the federal government, as well as a hopeful one. Driver excels as the idealistic and hard-working Jones, who takes on the immense job of studying 6 million documents with only a small staff of assistants and a tiny, windowless office, in order to make a case against the US government itself.
Paterson (7.4)
Directed by Jim Jarmusch, whom Driver would later team up with for the 2019 zombie comedy, The Dead Don't Die, Paterson is a much quieter, more introspective film that follows the peaceful life of a gentle man named Paterson who is named after the city he grew up in - Paterson, New Jersey.
Paterson is a bus driver who enjoys walking his dog to his local pub and writing poetry in his free time. His excitable, opposites-attract sort of wife (Golshifteh Farahani) who dreams of being a baker, country music star, and an assortment of other things, gushes over his poems and encourages him to publish them. A character study on your average, day-to-day dreamers that don't drop all of their responsibilities to pursue their art and rather ruminate in the enjoyment of them, Paterson is a sweet film that makes up for the lack of excitement with its relatability.
Blackkklansman (7.5)
Another film based on real events and the role that got Adam Driver his first Oscar nomination, Blackkklansman is exciting, thought-provoking, and funny all at once. Directed and co-written by Spike Lee, it tells the story of Ron Stallworth (John David Washington), the first African American to be hired by the Colorado Springs police department in the 1970s. He is also the first black man to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan. Adam Driver plays Flip Zimmerman, Stallworth's partner who acts as his physical stand-in during the sting. Throughout the film, both characters struggle with their cultural identities and the responsibilities that come with them - Flip with his pushed aside heritage as a Jewish man who is now a "member" of the KKK, and Ron as a black man in a racist precinct.
Marriage Story (8.0)
This movie is a tragically relatable cautionary tale of heartbreak and best intentions gone wrong as a once happy marriage dissolves into a drama-filled, coast to coast divorce. Driver stars as Charlie, a well-meaning but self-centered New York theater director. Scarlett Johansson plays the role of Nicole, an unfulfilled actress who gave up her career to be a wife, mother, and actress for her husband's theater company who is finally attempting to do something that's best for herself, with heart-wrenching accuracy. Marriage Story is Adam Driver and Noah Baumbach's 4th film collaboration, and the source of Driver's second Oscar nomination.