Though he may not quite be a household name among the mainstream film audiences, there's little doubt that most moviegoers will recognize Alfred Molina and his considerable talents. Molina is an actor of incredible range which he has displayed in a variety of projects, from the big-budget hits to the smaller indies.
Molina pops up on the big screen as well as some notable television roles, and he is always a welcomes presence on-screen. If you're looking for more projects to get familiar with his great body of work, here are Alfred Molina's best film and television roles, according to IMDb.
An Education (7.3)
An Education is a small yet captivating period drama and coming-of-age story. Carey Mulligan stars as a young schoolgirl whose path to going to university is interrupted when she begins an affair with an older playboy. Molina plays her caring yet overbearing father.
The simple premise of the film does not stop it from being completely entertaining and moving. Mulligan is terrific in the lead role and the film features a great mix of humor and drama as well as a few surprises.
Monsters University (7.3)
Molina lent his powerful vocal talents to the world of Pixar in this animated prequel. Monsters University explores the early days of Mike and Sully who meet at university and don't quite take a liking to each other right away.
The film is a funny and clever story that should please the whole family, though it is not as good as some of the top-tier Pixar films, it does still have some of that same magic. The humor, characters, and touching moments make it worth checking out.
Identity (7.3)
Identity is an intriguing and underrated thriller with a strong cast. The film follows a group of strangers who find themselves stranded at a motel during a storm. As the guests start dying, they must find out which of them is the killer. Molina plays a psychiatrist involved in the mystery.
The film is a fairly effective mystery thriller that keeps you guessing the whole time. While many fans weren't fond of the ending, what comes before is interesting enough that it should still be a fun and dark adventure.
Spider-Man 2 (7.3)
Molina had the honor of bringing the villainous Doctor Octopus to the big screen in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 2. The film deals with Peter Parker's struggle to balance his superhero life with his desire for a normal life.
Molina makes for a wonderful and complex villain, taking part in some thrilling action sequences. Raimi continues to bring a unique spark and tone to the comic book story while delivering a surprisingly touching story.
Frida (7.4)
Molina gained a lot of attention in Hollywood with his acclaimed performance in drama Frida. Salma Hayek plays the brilliant artist Frida Kahlo in this biography that explores her struggles with a crippling injury and her fiery marriage. Molina plays her husband in the film.
Hayek gives one of her best performances as the complex lead and Molina is a fantastic second lead. The film is a funny, entertaining, and moving look at a brilliant mind that many people might not know a lot about.
Dead Man (7.6)
Molina joined acclaimed indie auteur Jim Jarmusch for one of his most popular films. Dead Man is a unique Western starring Johnny Depp as a timid accountant who is one the run after killing a man. He is taken on a strange journey where he encounters a lot of unusual characters.
The film is filled with Jarmusch's unique sense of humor and tone which makes it a very different kind of Western adventure. The film is also filled with familiar faces all giving fun performances.
Boogie Nights (7.9)
Molina joined the impressive ensemble of Paul Thomas Anderson's masterpiece Boogie Nights. The film takes a look at the porn industry in the 1970s and the strange dysfunctional family that forms from those in the industry. Molina plays an eccentric drug dealer in one of the movie's most memorable sequences.
The movie is a fun and hilarious adventure inside this unusual world filled with colorful characters. But as the story goes one, we are exposed to the darker side as well and the many falls from grace.
Magnolia (8.0)
Molina reteamed with Paul Thomas Anderson for his ambitious follow-up to Boogie Nights. Magnolia features another incredible ensemble in this story about various people living their troubled lives in Los Angeles and searching for direction.
The movie features so many great performances, including some of Tom Cruise's best work. Anderson cemented his status as one of the most talented filmmakers of his generation with this complex and spell-binding story.
Raiders Of The Lost Ark (8.4)
One of the greatest cinematic heroes of all time was introduced to the world with Raiders of the Lost Ark. Harrison Ford plays Indiana Jones, the archaeologist, and adventurer attempting to keep a powerful ancient artifact out of the hands of the Nazis.
Molina has the honor of being a part of the film's iconic opening sequence. The film itself is one of the most enjoyable adventures ever made with Steven Spielberg at the top of his game, creating some unforgettable set-pieces.
Feud: Bette And Joan (8.5)
Feud: Bette and Joan tells the story of one of the most notorious Hollywood rivalries of all time. Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange star as Bette Davis and Joan Crawford respectively, two acting legends who had an unpleasant time working together on the film What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
Molina plays the film's director who kept the two stars at each other's throats during the shoot. The limited series is a fascinating and funny look at a true Hollywood story that is captivating and entertaining from beginning to end.