Summary
- Benedict Cumberbatch’s versatility and ability to immerse himself in any role make him one of the best actors in Hollywood.
- Cumberbatch delivers outstanding performances in a range of genres, from historical dramas to superhero movies.
- His portrayal of Doctor Stephen Strange in the MCU is particularly exceptional, showcasing his ability to bring depth and complexity to a fictional character.
Benedict Cumberbatch is an outstanding actor who has proven his abilities across a variety of complex and engaging roles. Hailing from London, England, Cumberbatch picked up his first acting credit in 2002 with a made-for-TV movie, called Fields of Gold. Following that, Cumberbatch continued to appear in small roles in several TV shows, before securing a leading role in another TV film, Hawking, in 2004. His talents were recognized and praised, but his first real breakout role was as the titular character in the BBC TV series, Sherlock, playing opposite his co-star, Martin Freeman, as John Watson in 2010.
From that point onward, his career took off, and he secured major leading roles for major franchises like Star Trek and the MCU, as well as several other standalone films. Cumberbatch is an effective chameleon as he disappears into whatever role he is assigned. Whether playing the conflicted action hero, Doctor Stephen Strange, or a giant CGI dragon in The Hobbit, he puts his all into his work. His versatility, and ability to deliver incredible emotion and meaning with his movements, his facial expressions, or even just his face continue to make him one of the best actors currently in Hollywood.
10 1917 (2019)
Colonel Mackenzie
Cumberbatch appears in 1917 as the intended recipient of the message that will call off a scheduled attack that will likely jeopardize 1,600 young soldiers due to strategic movements by the Germans. The film itself has received abundant praise and recognition. However, with Cumberbatch’s role being more of a side character than a primary protagonist, 1917 lands in tenth place among the best films in his catalog. The scenes where he does appear are deeply moving as he plays a Colonel both fearful for his troops and faithful and committed to his country, ready to act.
9 The Power Of The Dog (2021)
Phil Burbank
The Power of the Dog is an emotional story that centers on the stories of a family who own a ranch. Phil (Cumberbatch) and George (Jesse Plemons) Burbank are brothers who own the ranch and find themselves drifting apart when George falls for Rose (Kirsten Dunst), a local inn owner. Much of the drama plays out between Phil and Rose’s teenage son, Peter, played by Kodi Smit-McPhee. Cumberbatch delivers an incredible performance as the rough and tough rancher who slowly opens up to young Peter. The film also earned Cumberbatch an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
8 The Courier (2020)
Greville Wynne
Based on an incredible true story, Cumberbatch plays a businessman who is recruited by the CIA to act as a courier between themselves and a Soviet informant in Moscow in The Courier. Cumberbatch is at the heart of the action in this film, and it’s easy to see why he is entrusted with leading roles that require precision, subtlety, and strong characters in so many historical dramas. Cumberbatch delivers an outstanding performance as Wynne experiences the highs and lows of being a courier, putting his life at risk while helping to prevent nuclear war.
7 The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
Smaug
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a very different role for Cumberbatch, considering his role is to play a gigantic evil dragon named Smaug. Much more than simply providing a vocal performance and lending his voice to the character, Cumberbatch donned a motion capture suit and got down on all fours to embody the character. Rather than a CGI humanoid reflecting the movements and traits of a human actor, Cumberbatch slinked, and strutted in a fashion that instilled a swagger, arrogance, and intensity into his character. In addition to developing a unique voice that is now inseparable from the iconic Smaug.
6 Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Doctor Stephen Strange
Spider-Man: No Way Home may be a film focused on its title character, but it also includes several major scenes from Cumberbatch’s Doctor Stephen Strange. Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, Strange is attempting to get back into normal life at The Sanctuary, but when Peter Parker comes calling with a request, things take an unexpected turn. Strange has reached a point in his journey where he is confident in his abilities and capable of performing incredible feats of magic. Cumberbatch imbues the character with this confidence, as well as a level of exasperation as he tries to adjust to a new way of life after Endgame.
5 12 Years a Slave (2013)
William Ford
Another movie based on true accounts, 12 Years a Slave, follows Solomon Northup on a harrowing journey as he is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the southern United States. Cumberbatch appears as William Ford, the man who purchases Northup upon his arrival in New Orleans. Ford is a man who possesses a shred of decency in an environment that discourages people from displaying any. He treats slaves like Northup humanely and does what he can to protect and preserve them and their dignity. Cumberbatch delivers an emotional and captivating performance as Ford, alongside an incredibly talented cast.
4 Doctor Strange (2016)
Doctor Stephen Strange
Cumberbatch stars in Doctor Strange as a highly successful surgeon who loses the ability to effectively use his hands in a horrible car accident. Strange undergoes a significant change as he seeks a way to recover his former life and glory, and is humbled in the process as he learns of things beyond his limited worldview. Cumberbatch delivers an incredible performance of a man changed, with quick wit, extraordinary intelligence, and a determination to be healed. Superhero movies don’t always receive the recognition they deserve, but this is undoubtedly one of Cumberbatch’s best performances, which is made even more impressive by the fact that he also voiced and provided motion capture for the main antagonist, Dormammu.
3 Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)
Khan Noonien Singh
Again, assuming the role of a villain, Cumberbatch plays Khan in the modern Star Trek film, Star Trek Into Darkness. As a genetically engineered superhuman, Khan poses a significant threat to the crew of the Enterprise and Starfleet. He uses subterfuge and manipulation to enact plans for a takeover and to commit several heinous crimes and terrorist actions. Cumberbatch shines as a villain, creating an imposing and intimidating figure who couldn’t be further from his heroic roles in almost every way. He delivers his lines with exceptional talent and gives an old Star Trek villain new life as Khan.
2 The Imitation Game (2014)
Alan Turing
Cumberbatch again stars in a role that would see him nominated for an Oscar in The Imitation Game. Based on true historical events, Cumberbatch plays Alan Turing, the creator of the Turing machine and a man whose contributions to the study of computers and algorithms created a foundation for such technology as AI. The story of Turing’s life is harrowing and full of difficult circumstances which Cumberbatch manages to convey with exceptional gravity and grace. He captures the arrogance and eccentricities of Turing at the start of his career with the government, and goes on to deliver complex and evolving emotions as Turing softens and becomes more vulnerable, before ultimately ending his life in isolation.
1 Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Doctor Stephen Strange
Avengers: Infinity War is an ensemble film that sees the Avengers and many other heroes join together to defeat Thanos, with Doctor Strange playing an integral role throughout. As he comes face to face with the reality of a threat that will impact the entire universe, Stephen Strange guides his fellow heroes towards a course that can eventually save the world. Cumberbatch plays the role to perfection and, with the film’s outstanding box office performance, it’s clear that this is likely Cumberbatch’s most influential and far-reaching performance. His capacity to deliver dialogue with such weight and make a work of fiction into something visceral is outstanding and deserves the top spot on this list.
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