Even at 84 years old, Anthony Hopkins is still delivering stellar performances on his big screen. His newest project The Son, also starring Hugh Jackman and Laura Dern, recently received a limited run in theaters, before it's set to land on streaming services in January 2023. The film is a family drama that revolves around the grandson of Hopkins' character, played by Jackman.
Hopkins is a celebrated veteran actor, with a well-respected career spanning over five decades. Fans have been admiring him for a long time, with users on Letterboxd expressing love for the actor's commitment to his craft. He has got some great movies in his filmography, so, of course, most of them are highly rated.
10 A Bridge Too Far (1977) - 3.6/5
Available To Rent On Prime Video
A Bridge Too Far is the first of= Hopkins' top-rated movies with a 3.6 on Letterboxd. The movie takes place during World War II as the allies plan to capture bridges in the Netherlands.
Anthony Hopkins might be overlooked in the three-hour war epic since it has such a strong cast. He shares the screen with the likes of Michael Caine, Sean Connery, James Caan, and Robert Redford, among others. Hopkins plays a young lieutenant in the film and, as he was still an up-and-coming actor at this point in his career, he lets the other stars of the film shine. Even though he was a supporting character, this role helped him establish himself on his journey to becoming an all-time great.
9 Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) - 3.6/5
Available To Stream On Prime Video
Bram Stocker's Dracula also sits at a 3.6 on Letterboxd. The gothic horror film is about Dracula, played by Gary Oldman, as he searches for a woman who looks exactly like his dead wife. Anthony Hopkins stars as Dr. Van Helsing.
Hopkins' turn in the film followed another horror classic, The Silence of the Lambs, a year prior. Together, those films contain some of Hopkins' best horror movie moments. Bram Stoker's Dracula is a great representation of Hopkins' versatility as an actor as he can be very charming in one film, but then, in films like these, he has a way of making the audience feel very uncomfortable and uneasy with his glaring looks and distinct mannerisms.
8 Howard's End (1992) - 3.6/5
Available To Stream On Prime Video
The famous Howard's End has a 3.6 on Letterboxd. The historical, period piece drama is about interworking relationships through different social classes.
Anthony Hopkins' emotional delivery seemingly won over a lot of fans. There are many moments in the film where viewers were moved by his performance as one user, in particular, Nora, writes "when Anthony Hopkins has to physically shield his face in moments of shame and fragility...... the most important Acting of the 20th century." It might seem like a passing moment to a causal fan, but a keen eye will recognize the skill in just one movement. It is moments like these that cement Hopkins as one of the best actors of his generation.
7 84 Charing Cross Road (1987) - 3.7/5
Available To On Prime Video
84 Charing Cross Road received a score of 3.7 from fans on Letterboxd. Adapted from the novel of the same name, the film is about two adults writing back and forth to each other as the viewer sees a friendship evolve throughout the movie.
It is interesting to see such an instant connection take place over letters, especially nowadays when the medium is not widely utilized anymore. The chemistry between Hopkins and his co-star Anne Bancroft is also a major draw to this film. Letterboxd user NotASexyVamp says, "Bancroft and Hopkins are absolutely lovely in understated yet deeply felt performances." This sets a trend with Hopkins, as he is able to impress with an understated and subtle delivery.
6 The Remains Of The Day (1993) - 3.9/5
Available To Rent On Prime Video
The Remains of the Day also has a 3.9 on Letterboxd. Anthony Hopkins, who stars opposite Emma Thompson, plays a butler, Mr. James Stevens, who overlooks his employer's antisemitism and keeps his loyalty to the family. The film is one of many standout period pieces in Hopkins' career, having starred in Howard's End the year prior.
His performance in The Remains of the Day earned Hopkins an Oscar nomination, and his chemistry with Thompson is palpable throughout. It is interesting when a likable character such as James Stevens faces a moral dilemma as it forces the audience to have an opinion on the character. It's uncomfortable to see the butler side with his antisemitic employer, but they are also rooting for everything to turn out okay.
5 Thor: Ragnarok (2017) - 3.9/5
Available to Stream On Disney +
Thor: Ragnarok, the third solo outing for the titular hero, has a 3.9 on Letterboxd. Anthony Hopkins plays Thor and Loki's father, Odin, in the MCU but only has a few minutes of screen time in the highest-rated Thor film.
Ragnarok is one of the best MCU Phase 3 movies, and Odin's emotional moment with Chris Hemsworth's Thor is one of the best, not just in this particular film, but in the entire MCU. Arguably, that one conversation changed Thor's character trajectory more than anything else in his journey. While a turn in the blockbuster MCU may seem like a far cry from Hopkins' previous work in emotional period pieces and classic horror films, he brings a gravitas that is perfect for the role of Odin.
4 The Lion In Winter (1968) - 4.0/5
Available To Stream Prime Video
The Lion in Winter has a flat 4.0 on Letterboxd. This film is a historical drama about Henry II and his queen having trouble choosing an heir to the throne.
In this film, Anthony Hopkins once again proves he can perform just as well in a supporting role as he can as a leading man. Katherine Hepburn and Peter O'Toole really steal the show in the film, but Hopkins' strong performance as Richard The Lionheart also stands out. The film plays to the dysfunctional family trope but amplifies it by placing it in the setting of a medieval oligarchy. It definitely has some Game of Thrones elements to it so if viewers enjoy that show, The Lion in Winter is worth a watch.
3 The Elephant Man (1980) - 4.1/5
Available To Stream On Prime Video
The Elephant Man has a 4.1 on Letterboxd, cementing it as one of David Lynch's best films. Based on the true story of John Merrick, it follows his journey from being viewed as a sideshow freak to a human being.
Anthony Hopkins was applauded for his subtlety and how he conveyed such rigorous emotion through his facial expressions as Letterboxd user Lucy Alice comments on his eyes when she says they, "just portrayed such intensity & emotion." It makes for an interesting juxtaposition as The Elephant Man Character is very animated with his gestures and movements, while Hopkins is very reserved and subtle. Even when Hopkins features in more of a supporting role, as he does in this movie, he is able to charm the viewers.
2 The Father (2020) - 4.2/5
Available to Stream On Hulu
The Father just falls short of being Anthony Hopkins' highest-rated movie on Letterboxd with a score of 4.2. Hopkins acts opposite Olivia Coleman and plays an aging man who struggles to keep a solid handle on reality.
Hopkins' performance is one with many layers as he makes the viewer feel empathy as he loses his grip on reality, but also some anger when he ignores the help from his daughter. The film's storyline is able to connect with viewers who have elderly people in their life who sometimes refuse help from loved ones, which makes it more emotional for those viewers. His role in The Father won Hopkins his second Academy Award.
1 The Silence Of The Lambs (1991) - 4.3/5
Available To Stream On Prime Video
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The Silence of the Lambs is currently Hopkins' highest-rated film on Letterboxd as it sits at a 4.3. Hopkins plays the legendary Hannibal Lecter, a cannibal who is facing life behind bars.
This is most likely Hopkins's most impressive and iconic performance ever. The way he truly embodies the mind of a psychopath is captivating and haunting at the same time. The most interesting thing about this role was how Hopkins' was able to deliver one of the most memorable performances of all time in only 16 minutes of screen time. This role was Hopkins's first Oscar nomination and win, as the Academy, just like viewers, was awe-inspired by his performance.