With the actor currently tackling the main role of Marvel's Moon Knight, now feels like a perfect time to explore Oscar Isaac's diverse and intriguing filmography up to this point. Alongside the several blockbuster franchises that he's a part of, Isaac has also been involved in several smaller, independent comedies and dramas.
Isaac made his acting debut in 1996 and has been climbing the ladder of Hollywood ever since. The role that finally made him a household name was that of Poe Dameron in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, where he was easily one of the standouts of the cast.
W.E. (2011)
Most famous for being directed by pop superstar Madonna, W.E. is a historical romance that follows Abbie Cornish's character Wally as she becomes obsessed with the relationship between Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson. She soon realizes, however, that the relationship may have been much for sinister and complex than it appeared.
Despite being fairly unknown and underappreciated, W.E. remains an extremely interesting film with a unique premise that definitely makes it stand out among the crowd. Isaac provides a great performance as Evgeni, but it's the mysterious and compelling story that's the film's strongest asset.
Triple Frontier (2019)
Triple Frontier is a great modern action thriller that tells the story of five former soldiers who reunite to pull of a dangerous heist in South America. But naturally, things quickly spiral out of control and the five friends are left with their strengths, weaknesses, and loyalties all tested.
The film boasts both Ben Affleck and Pedro Pascal in the lead roles, with an outstanding supporting performance from Oscar Isaac. With a cast that prolific and talented, it's impossible not to find yourself sucked into this engaging thriller from start to finish.
Operation Finale (2018)
Often described as one of the best modern World War II films, Operation Finale follows a secret team of Israeli agents as they travel to Argentina to find and capture Adolf Eichmann, the man responsible for transporting millions of Jewish prisoners to their deaths during the war.
In one of his most challenging and complex roles to date, Oscar Isaac plays the film's protagonist Peter Malkin, who constructs a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with the notorious war criminal. It's an extremely intense and unpredictable film, and one that has a lot of interesting commentary on the themes of war and conflict.
Agora (2009)
Although Agora is very much Rachel Weisz's showcase, Isaac provides a powerful supporting performance in this Spanish historical drama. The film follows the life of Greek philosopher Hypatia as she is condemned for her scientific beliefs in a world dominated by faith and religion.
Agora is cited by many as one of the best films to date about philosophy, most likely thanks to its astute commentary on science, faith, and religion. The characters are all interesting and unique, and the film constructs an extremely compelling narrative with some truly insightful messages in it.
Ex Machina (2014)
Alex Garland's iconic sci-fi thriller tells the story of young programmer Caleb Smith as he is challenged with assessing the intelligence of an artificially intelligent robot. The film explores the thin border between man and machine, raising considered questions about what this could mean for the future of humanity.
The film blends an exciting story with insightful commentary, which leads many to label the film as one of the best sci-fi movies of the last decade. Every second of the film is thrilling to watch, and the unique characters manage to hold the audience's attention throughout the entire runtime.
Dune (2021)
Based on Frank Herbert's original sci-fi novel of the same name, Dune tells the story of the royal Atreides family's occupation of a small planet, which has disastrous consequences both for the family and the wider universe. Isaac plays Leto, the patriarch and leader of House Atreides.
Dune is a sci-fi epic unlike any other of the modern era. Every single frame is meticulously crafted by sci-fi auteur Denis Villeneuve, perfectly complementing a beautiful screenplay that does a fantastic job of establishing the characters and their sweeping, epic journey.
The Nativity Story (2006)
As the title likely suggests, Catherine Hardwicke's 2006 drama documents a story that everybody already knows - the eventful birth of Jesus Christ. Keisha Castle-Hughes and Oscar Isaac play Mary and Joseph, who travel to Bethlehem together after learning that the former is pregnant with the son of God.
Despite retelling what might be the most well-known story of all time, The Nativity Story remains an extremely engaging and gripping story thanks to Hardwicke's unique direction and the outstanding performances from the two lead actors.
Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
Oscar Isaac delivers his most impressive performance to date in the beloved and critically acclaimed Coen brothers' drama, Inside Llewyn Davis. The story follows Isaac's titular character as he struggles to maintain his artistic integrity when his music is consistently rejected for more mainstream, commercial titles.
The film has loads to say about the conflict between artistry and commercialization, between integrity and conformity. It's a film that tells its story through character rather than narrative, sacrificing a linear and structured story for a more human, emotional plot.
Life Itself (2018)
Life Itself sees Oscar Isaac journey into the world of romantic comedy, telling the sweet story of a young couple preparing to bring up their first child. The story quickly develops into something much more complex and interesting, chronicling the chain of events that is set in motion by this couple's journey, affecting a set of other families worldwide.
Life Itself is an unconventional rom-com, but its intricate and interesting story manages to keep it gripping and engaging throughout. Oscar Isaac and Olivia Wilde have great chemistry together, and their story is one that many will be able to relate to.
A Most Violent Year (2014)
In A Most Violent Year, Oscar Isaac portrays an immigrant fuel supplier named Abel Morales who struggles to protect his family and business from the increasing corruption and crime in New York City. Alongside being an extremely exciting and entertaining film, it also raises plenty of important questions about the effects of both petty and organized crime on civilians and families.
Despite making a disappointing profit at the box office, J.C. Chandor's crime thriller received widespread acclaim from critics. It was praised for its unconventional storytelling and insightful screenplay, which is elevated by raw and grounded performances from Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain.