There are certain actors whose presence in a film immediately inspires confidence. Chiwetel Ejiofor certainly fits into that category. Though he started out with smaller supporting roles in high profile projects, Ejiofor has since become a leading man and was nominated for an Oscar for his powerful performance in 12 Years a Slave.
Though he is mostly known for his performances in intense dramas, Ejiofor has made a name for himself in big blockbuster films as well. But whatever the size of the film he is in, Ejiofor can be counted on to deliver a powerful performance. Here are Chiwetel Ejiofor's best movies, according to IMDb.
Amistad (7.3)
In one of his first film roles, Ejiofor was cast in the Steven Spielberg period epic Amistad. The film tells the true story of a revolt onboard an illegal slave ship in 1839 and the subsequent court case that ensued over the captives. Ejiofor plays a translator helping with the defense of the captives.
Amistad is a captivating courtroom drama set in one of the turning points in American history. Spielberg handles the subject matter well and the story is further elevated by the talented cast, including Morgan Freeman, Matthew McConaughey, and Anthony Hopkins.
Doctor Strange (7.5)
Ejiofor joined the ever-growing MCU in this first solo adventure for one of its most interesting heroes. Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Stephen Strange, a brilliant surgeon who loses the use of his hands in an accident. While searching for a way to heal himself, Strange is introduced to the world of the mystic arts.
Ejiofor plays Mordo, an ally of Strange who is unwavering in his beliefs. The movie is an exciting introduction to the Sorcerer Supreme, and opens up a fun new side of the MCU with endless possibilities.
Inside Man (7.6)
Ejiofor joined acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee in one of his biggest hits to date. Inside Man is a crime story about a daring heist of a New York City bank that turns into a hostage situation. Ejiofor plays the dedicated partner of Denzel Washington's cop who attempts to end the situation peacefully.
Though a different kind of project for Lee, he delivers a fun and thrilling crime movie that keeps you guessing. The cast is impeccable, with the likes of Jodie Foster, Willem Dafoe, and Clive Owen adding to the immense fun of the film.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (7.6)
Ejiofor showed another side to his already impressive talents when he wrote and directed this inspiring drama. Based on a true story, the film is set in Malawi as a drought threatens an entire community. A young boy finds an unconventional way to bring water to the people.
Ejiofor also gives a powerful performance in the film as the young boy's father. It is the kind of uplifting and moving story that can really strike a chord with any audience. Ejiofor proves himself a skilled filmmaker as well.
Love Actually (7.6)
Ejiofor joined the huge all-star ensemble of this Christmas-themed romantic comedy from Richard Curtis. Love Actually tells various intertwined love stories set in London around the holidays. Ejiofor is part of a love story involving a newly married couple and the friend caught awkwardly in the middle.
The movie is a fun classic to revisit for the holidays. Some stories are more effective than others, but the charming cast, including Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, and Liam Neeson, add a lot of heart to the film.
American Gangster (7.8)
Ejiofor reteamed with Denzel Washington for another thrilling crime film. American Gangster is the true story of Frank Lucas (Washington), a Harlem gangster who became one of the biggest drug lords in America in the 1970s. Ejiofor plays Lucas' brother who joins the business.
The movie is a thrilling look at the gritty side of New York in the 70s. It is also a fascinating peek inside Lucas' rise to power and the police corruption that was rampant at the time. Washington gives another stellar performance as the lead.
Serenity (7.8)
The short-lived but much-beloved sci-fi series Firefly was revived for this big-screen adventure. The story finds the outlaw crew of the titular spacecraft caught up in a major conspiracy when it is revealed one of their passengers is a government secret weapon being hunted by a skilled operative (Ejiofor).
The movie is the perfect way to wrap up the series in an epic and thrilling way. Joss Whedon's writing helps make it a unique sci-fi adventure while the cast has great chemistry together. Ejiofor is another bright spot as an effective villain.
Children Of Men (7.9)
Acclaimed filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón delivered one of his best films with the sci-fi masterpiece Children of Men. The film is set in the near-future, in which no babies have been born for decades. A group of freedom fighters attempts to transport a pregnant refugee across their war-torn country.
The movie's use of long-take sequences adds to the suspense and mayhem of this world. It is a bleak and engrossing story filled with unforgettable cinematic moments and great performances from a talented cast.
The Martian (8.0)
Ejiofor signed on to another sci-fi hit with Ridley Scott's The Martian. Matt Damon plays Mark Watney, an astronaut stranded alone on Mars after a failed mission. As the people at NASA attempt to stage a rescue mission, Mark continues to find new ways to survive on the planet. Ejiofor plays one of the NASA officials.
The movie is an incredibly entertaining adventure filled with a surprising sense of humor. Damon is excellent and he is backed by an impressive supporting cast. It is also a rare movie that shows intelligence as a superpower.
12 Years A Slave (8.1)
Ejiofor had the opportunity to step into the spotlight with this intense and compelling period drama. 12 Years a Slave is the horrific true story of Solomon Northrup, a freeman who is abducted and illegally sold into slavery.
Ejiofor is brilliant in the lead role and his performance helps to take the audience on this man's harrowing journey. The film is beautifully directed by Steve McQueen and features a strong supporting cast with standout performances from Michael Fassbender and Lupita Nyong'o.