One of the most acclaimed actors of the twenty-first century, few, if any, come close to Ethan Hawke. He’s so prolific and acclaimed that it can be hard to keep track of what he’s been in, let alone what to watch. That’s why we’re here to rank and discuss the best Ethan Hawke movies, from his earliest roles to his greatest lead actor performances. We’ll cover some very familiar titles, while also mentioning lesser known works. The Hawke always makes his presence felt, and these films prove it.
Ethan Hawke movies
Introduction to Ethan Hawke’s career
Ethan Hawke began his career in his teens before really kicking things off in his early twenties. He began appearing as a leading man in films like White Fang, Alive, and Reality Bites. Around the time he starred in Before Sunrise, Hawke was beginning to branch out and be in more independent films.
Hawke was in a few mainstream films in the 2000s, with Training Day and Lord of War being highlights. But he also began to work on even more independent films, including some with his long-time collaborator Richard Linklater. By the 2010s, Ethan Hawke movies were appearing more and more, including mainstream and art house projects.
Throughout his career, Hawke has shown his ability to combine charisma with a grounded realism that makes him one of the best actors around. Easily comfortable in leading man romantic roles as he is in more dark, gritty, and villainous roles, Hawke continues to prove there’s no other actor like him.
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Ethan Hawke films list
Ethan Hawke movies ranked
Below is a chart that breaks down the core principles and purposes for our ranking of Ethan Hawke's movies. Familiarize yourself to keep aligned with our thinking on this one.
Core Principle | Purpose |
|---|---|
Defer Judgement | Encourage creative thinking and participation |
Quantity over Quality First | Maximize chances of a breakthrough |
Build on Others’ Ideas | Build momentum and create a supportive environment |
Encourage Wild Ideas | Discovering out of the box and unique ideas |
Now let's get into our list of the best Ethan Hawke movies. Consider this your training day.
Before trilogy Ethan Hawke
1. Before Sunset (2004)
Arguably the best of the Before trilogy, Before Sunset finds Hawke’s Jesse on a book tour where he is reunited with lost love Celine (Julie Delpy) in Paris. Set in real time, the two catch up and talk about life and disappointments. The direction of their conversation becomes pretty emotional. It all ends up being about what their last interaction really meant to each other.
The Before Sunrise trilogy · Best of Ethan Hawke
Eschewing a traditional narrative, the film follows the two characters as they walk around Paris, take a boat ride, and look deep inside themselves.
Before Sunset • Ethan Hawke filmography
Hawke is at his most emotionally open here, giving a naturalistic performance that comes from years and time. His chemistry with Delpy is among the very best in all of cinema, bringing a balance of heaviness and levity. Add the real time narrative, and you have a film that demonstrates why Hawke is among the best actors in cinema.
Ethan Hawke indie movies
2. Before Sunrise (1995)
Before there was a sunset, there was a sunrise. The first in the Before trilogy, Before Sunrise introduces us to Hawke as Jesse. Right away, he meets Celine (Julie Delpy) on a train to Vienna. After talking for a bit, Jesse asks Celine to spend the day with him, resulting in a carefree but extremely deep romantic adventure.
Before Sunrise • Ethan Hawke movies
Hawke exudes a true youthful energy in Before Sunrise. His character Jesse is a man with everything to gain, setting in motion the day he has with Celine that includes being vulnerable while exhibiting an intense sense of desire. His chemistry with Delpy is felt very quickly, and the film has us nearly in tears by the time it comes to a close.
Ethan Hawke drama films
3. First Reformed (2017)
Set in a snowy and desolate small town in Upstate New York, First Reformed stars Hawke as Reverend Ernst Toller, who is suffering from severe dissolution with the world, his congregation, and his own past. He begins a relationship with one of his parishioners and tries seeking solace from a pastor while dealing with these personal hardships. However, as the troubles mount, and as his mind becomes further clouded, he finds himself pushed to the very edge.
First Reformed • Ethan Hawke movies
With a fantastic script and direction–all in the boxy 4:3 aspect ratio–from Paul Schrader, Hawke is easily the star performer of First Reformed. Using narration from the Reverend’s journal, Hawke imbues the story with a coldness that reflects the icy setting. It’s a disturbing and powerful performance that stays with you long after the credits have rolled.
Best Ethan Hawke movies
4. Boyhood (2014)
Twelve years is a long time, which is why Richard Linklater’s Boyhood was such a big deal when it finally came out. Featuring a core cast of characters, Hawke plays Mason Evans Sr., the father of Mason Evans Jr. (Ellar Coltrane). Due to the long story arc, we see Hawke grow older along with his (on-screen) son, often providing words of advice and being there for Mason Jr. when he needs him.
Boyhood • film Ethan Hawke
This is probably the most unique entry on this list because it captures Hawke playing the same role in the same movie over twelve years. This not only allowed Hawke to further develop the role over time, but lets us see how he changes and evolves during the film’s runtime. All throughout, his character stays grounded and supportive in the life of his (on-screen) son.
Top Ethan Hawke movies
5. Training Day (2001)
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, with a script from David Ayer, Training Day tells the story of young rookie LAPD cop Jake Hoyt (Hawke) spending one day with Detective Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington). Working in narcotics, Alonzo decides to give Jake a “training day”, which involves going around some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Los Angeles. What Jake doesn’t know is that Alonzo is not only dirty, but willing to give Jake up at a moment’s notice if it’ll keep Alonzo free from additional trouble.
Training Day • Ethan Hawke movies
Training Day ends up being a wild ride. It leads to a climax where Hawke's character must face his partner for who he really is: a dirty cop.
Ethan Hawke indie movies
6. Before Midnight (2013)
After two other movies, the adventures of Celine and Jesse came to a close in Before Midnight. Set nine years after the last film, Jesse (Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) are a married couple with children. While on holiday in Greece, the two find themselves indulging in friends, conversation, and struggles.
Before Midnight • Ethan Hawke movies
Before Midnight finds Hawke confronting both maturity and parenthood in distinct ways. The chemistry between he and Delpy has (almost) never been better, and their struggles and problems feel as real as anything seen in this trilogy. As a finale to an acclaimed series of films, there are few better sendoffs in cinema.
Ethan Hawke filmography
7. Dead Poets Society (1989)
A truly acclaimed film since its release, Dead Poets Society was directed by Peter Weir and is about a group of boarding school students in 1959. Most notably, they have an eccentric English teacher played by Robin Williams, who teaches them to seize the day and be a fuller individual.
Dead Poets Society • Ethan Hawke movies
Even though the film stars Robin Williams, Dead Poets Society is really an ensemble, one that includes Ethan Hawke. His character–Todd Anderson–begins the film as a quiet, shy, and introverted person. However, as the film goes on, he gains confidence and becomes more open to his fellow students and school faculty. It’s not a big role, but as an early Hawke performance, it’s remarkable the way he shows both quiet sadness and a determination to stand up for what’s right.
Top Ethan Hawke movies
8. Reality Bites (1994)
Being young isn’t easy–just ask the characters in Reality Bites, a classic ‘90s romantic dramedy. Ethan Hawke plays Troy Dyer, a close friend of aspiring documentarian Lelaina Pierce (Winona Ryder). He’s the total opposite of Michael Grates (director Ben Stiller), a television executive who starts dating Lelaina, initiating a classic love triangle.
Reality Bites • actor Ethan Hawke
Reality Bites is Hawke at his charismatic slacker finest, being an ideal foil for Stiller’s uptight Grates. At the same time, Hawke’s Troy Dyer stays true to himself, providing an example of someone who never lets the world bring him down. Whether this is an attractive quality or just a great way to differentiate a love interest, Hawke easily makes the character iconic.
Ethan Hawke scary movie
9. The Black Phone (2021)
Ethan Hawke is not known for taking villainous roles, but that’s exactly what he did for The Black Phone. Playing a child serial killer coined “The Grabber”, Hawke gives off seriously creepy vibes and never being stable. Sometimes he’s acting kind, while other times he’s viciously angry.
The Black Phone • Ethan Hawke movies
All the while, the small Colorado town setting presents a cold and dangerous vibe throughout the runtime. Hawke’s Grabber is technically not the film’s main character, but his presence is felt in nearly every frame.
Ethan Hawke movies ranked
10. Gattaca (1997)
An acclaimed science-fiction classic, Gattaca is set in a near future where eugenics rule. In a world where children can be genetically ideal, Vincent Freeman (Hawke) is not “valid” enough to be a space traveler. However, former swimming champion Jerome Eugene Morrow (Jude Law) is more than happy to provide Vincent with his DNA.
Gattaca • Ethan Hawke movies
Hawke’s performance in Gattaca combines sensitivity with paranoia, since Vincent is always worried someone is going to figure out his scheme. As he develops a relationship with Irene Cassini (Uma Thurman), things only get more complicated, especially when he reunites with his genetically superior brother Anton (Loren Dean).
Ethan Hawke performances
11. Maudie (2016)
Starring Sally Hawkins, Maudie tells the story of Canadian artist Maud Lewis (Hawkins), who struggles with arthritis but has a strong creative spirit. Hawke plays her eventual husband Everett Lewis, who initially hires her as a cleaning lady for his (famously) very small house. Maud begins to paint, and soon her paintings attract the attention of buyers, catapulting her to fame.
Maudie • Ethan Hawke movies
Maudie has Hawke balancing his acting chops with the more-than-formidable Hawkins, resulting in acclaimed performances from both. Hawke, in a role that is tender and sensitive, is able to shine a light on Hawkins, showing how one strong performance can highlight an equally strong performance.
Ethan Hawke performances
12. Daybreakers (2009)
The late 2000s were a unique time in film history, since they allowed films like Daybreakers to exist. Steeped in genre love and horror fun, Daybreakers is set in a future where almost everyone on Earth is now a vampire. Hawke plays Edward Dalton, a hematologist who is sympathetic to humans, doing all he can to find blood substitutes. He later meets Lionel ‘Elvis’ Cormac (Willem Dafoe), a former vampire who found a way to become human again.
Daybreakers • Ethan Hawke vampire movie
Featuring a washed out look and high-concept premise, Daybreakers is one of the best vampire movies of all time. It has Hawke playing a quiet but determined man in a world where just about everyone stays immortal. Dafoe is often the standout in any movie he’s in, but Hawke can always hold his own. Playing a character that refuses to be consumed by the world he’s in, Hawke is able to balance out Dafoe and provide a surprising humanity to a character that desperately wants his back.
Best Ethan Hawke roles
13. Tape (2001)
A lesser known Richard Linklater film, Tape is based on a play by Stephen Belber, who wrote the screenplay for this film adaptation. The premise is simple: two old high school friends–Vince (Hawke) and Jon (Robert Sean Leonard)–reunite in a motel room and catch up. It seems simple enough, except Vince has ulterior motives, and Jon has something to confess.
![Tape Trailer [2001]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JVSUQLGoYZ0/hqdefault.jpg)
Tape • Ethan Hawke movies
Shot on early digital video and set in real time, Tape is raw and energetic, in a way only something shot on a handheld camcorder can be. This provides for a kinetic and exciting Hawke performance, one which he can bounce off his co-stars (which include Uma Thurman). It might be a smaller work in the grand Hawke oeuvre, but it is by no means a small performance.
Ethan Hawke horror movie
14. Sinister (2012)
It’s not everyday a movie gets scientifically classified as “the scariest…ever made”, but somehow Sinister managed it. Directed and co-written by Scott Derrickson, Sinister is about true crime writer Ellison Oswalt (Hawke) moving to a new town with his family so that he can write a new book. The topic of the story covers a brutal family murder, and Oswalt discovers snuff films in the house depicting several murders. Soon strange happenings occur, and Ellison’s family is under threat by something he was not prepared for.
Sinister • Ethan Hawke horror movie
Hawke is able to take the role of an everyman and make it both grounded and relatable. His role in Sinister permits him to be a very flawed human who unintentionally brings about a haunting. Even if it is a straightforward horror picture, Hawke lets his performance make everything that happens just a bit more believable.
Ethan Hawke romance movies
15. Juliet, Naked (2018)
Something a bit more quiet but still just as strong, Juliet, Naked tells the story of Annie (Rose Byrne); her long-term boyfriend Duncan (Chris O’Dowd) is obsessed with American musician Tucker Crowe (Ethan Hawke). Duncan’s obsession leads to him receiving a new collection of music from Crowe, and while he loves it, Annie does not, resulting in her writing a scathing online review that gets the attention of Crowe.
Juliet, Naked • Ethan Hawke movies
What follows is a sweet romance (and occasional love triangle) between Annie and Crowe. Years of playing disaffected men (some of whom are also musicians) makes the role of Tucker Crowe more than ideal for Hawke. From funny moments to more emotionally heartbreaking ones, Juliet, Naked finds Hawke playing a man still looking for a chance at love and redemption.
Ethan Hawke science fiction movies
16. Predestination (2014)
A twistier film on this list there couldn’t be. Based on the acclaimed science fiction short story “–All You Zombies–” by Robert A. Heinlein, Predestination stars Ethan Hawke as a time traveler tasked with apprehending a terrorist bomber. In-between it all, many different things happen, along with twists and turns we’d be better off not revealing or spoiling here.
Predestination • Ethan Hawke movies
Directed by the Spierig Brothers–who had previously worked with Hawke on Daybreakers–Predestination, while not a big financial hit, was critically well received. Since its release, it has garnered something of a following, being praised for various reasons (again, no spoilers), including Hawke’s lead performance.
Early Ethan Hawke movies
17. Explorers (1985)
Director Joe Dante is known for his fun and unique films that blend horror and adventure. Explorers is no exception, except that it kind of is. The film stars Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix–both in their feature film debuts–playing kids who manage to create a spacecraft capable of deep space exploration.
![Explorers original theatrical trailer (1985) [FTD-0145]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/D3PzxPzpaSQ/hqdefault.jpg)
Explorers • Ethan Hawke first movie
Easily the earliest Hawke film on this list, Explorers is infamously unfinished, having been released ahead of schedule by the studio (against Dante’s wishes) to compete in the summer of 1985. The film was not successful at the box office, but it did find a second life on home video, becoming a cult favorite along the way.
Ethan Hawke scary movies
18. The Purge (2013)
Once upon a time, The Purge was just a single movie starring Ethan Hawke as James Sandin. In this film, his family is threatened and under attack by a group of purgers during the annual Purge, which means any and all major crimes are legal for one night only.
The Purge • Ethan Hawke horror movie
One of the most impressive things about The Purge is its popularity. Written and directed by James DeMonaco, there are five films in the franchise, three of which were written by DeMonaco. Most interestingly, DeMonaco and Hawke had worked together before; DeMonaco wrote the Assault on Precinct 13 (2005) remake that featured Hawke. Hawke would later star in DeMonaco’s feature debut, Staten Island, released in 2009.
Ethan Hawke action movies
19. Lord of War (2005)
Written and directed by Andrew Niccol–who also made Gattaca–Lord of War remains a fan favorite (even if it got mixed reviews from critics). The film stars Nicolas Cage as Ukrainian-American Yuri Orlov, an arms dealer whom the film follows before and after the existence of the Soviet Union. All the while, Interpol agent Jack Valentine (Ethan Hawke) is hot on his trail.
Lord of War • Ethan Hawke movies
Lord of War is most famous for Cage and his opening monologue, but Hawke keeps pace with his performance. Even if he’s not the main star, his character is always noteworthy, full of bite and determination. It’s not the type of role he always plays, which makes this one all the more special.
Ethan Hawke Richard Linklater movies
20. Waking Life (2001)
Leave it to writer-director Richard Linklater to also provide the other most unique film on this list. Waking Life is an animated rotoscoped film about a man wandering around, in and out of lives and conversations, as if in a dream. The conversations revolve around various topics, including reality, life, dreams, and existentialism.
Waking Life • what movies did Ethan Hawke play in
Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy reunite in one scene as Jesse and Celine. Much like in the Before films, the two characters share a philosophical conversation about past lives. It’s a brief moment in a film full of moments, but it’s probably among the film’s most well known. If nothing else, it’s a fun treat for fans of the Before trilogy.
Ethan Hawke film performances
21. Great Expectations (1998)
It’s not always easy adapting a great work of literature, but people keep on doing it anyway. This was the case with Great Expectations, directed by Alfonso Cuaron, and starring Ethan Hawke as Finn (aka Pip). Updating Charles Dickens’ 19th century English story, this film adaptation is set in Florida and New York, following young Finn as he falls in love with Estella (Gwyneth Paltrow) and gets his heart broken.
Great Expectations • Ethan Hawke movies
Hawke was initially not interested in the role, but director Cuaron convinced him to star. It’s a role that shows off his leading man talents in the late 1990s, with plenty of brooding and vulnerability on display. It features a variety of musical artists on the soundtrack, including the hit debut single of group Mono.
Ethan Hawke drama movies
22. Alive (1993)
Based on the true story, Alive is the Hollywood telling of how an Uruguayan rugby team survived a plane crash that left them stranded in the Andes Mountains in 1972. The film stars Ethan Hawke as Nando Parrado, one of the rugby players who also served as a technical consultant for the film. Essentially acting as the head of the survivors, Hawke was able to prove his dramatic chops in this early role.
Alive • Ethan Hawke movies and tv shows
The film is technically based on a book written by Piers Paul Read, who interviewed the survivors. Decades later, a new film adaptation directed by J. A. Bayona was released. Titled Society of the Snow, it features South American actors and is entirely in Spanish, which of course is much more accurate to the real story.
Ethan Hawke crime drama
23. Brooklyn’s Finest (2009)
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Brooklyn’s Finest is a crime drama following a few different police officers. Richard Gere plays Officer Eddie Dugan, a cop who is just one week away from retirement; Don Cheadle plays Detective Clarence “Tango” Butler.
Brooklyn’s Finest • Ethan Hawke movies
Then there’s narcotics officer Detective Sal Procida, played by Ethan Hawke. A man who has maybe taken things too far (like killing a man and stealing drug money), Hawke’s role as a family man on the edge fits like a glove. While Brooklyn’s Finest isn’t the most popular (or well regarded) film out there, it proves that good performances can go a long way.
Best Ethan Hawke performances
24. Tesla (2020)
Years after directing Hamlet (2000), director Michael Almereyda reunited with Ethan Hakwe for his most high profile film in years: Tesla. Starring Hawke as Nikola Tesla, the film takes a very unique and at times anachronistic look at the life of the world famous inventor.
Tesla • Ethan Hawke movies
As far as biopics go, Tesla is definitely one of the more unique ones that has come out in a long time. Its use of anachronisms and contemporary technology are reminiscent of the Alex Cox film Walker (1987). And while the film might not appeal to everyone, critics did agree that Hawke’s performance is the standout, once again proving how a Hawke performance can really make a film work.
Top Ethan Hawke movies
25. The Northman (2022)
The Northman should read as straightforward, but it isn’t, and that’s thanks to writer-director Robert Eggers’ unique style. Based on the Scandinavian legend of Amleth (which later inspired Hamlet), The Northman follows Amleth as he goes from warrior prince to just a warrior. After seeing his father, King Aurvandill (Ethan Hawke), be killed by his uncle Fjölnir (Claes Bang), Amleth (Alexander Skarsgard) spends years finding the right time for revenge.
The Northman • Ethan Hawke new movie
Hawke is not in this movie a lot, but he makes a very strong impression. His character also is undoubtedly the most important in the film, since his death and the lessons he gave to his son motivate everything we see play out in the story. Add a large cast of characters, excellent performances, and larger than life visuals, it’s no surprise The Northman is a critical favorite.
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Ethan Hawke career highlights
Ethan Hawke’s career evolution
In a PBS interview, Ethan Hawke reaffirmed that success “keeps you stagnant”, adding “to be alive, you’ve got to change.” Hawke cannot be accused of ever being stagnant, having worked in a variety of roles for decades.
The 2010s ended up being something of a resurgence for Hawke. Since 2011, he has appeared in a large number of both big and small films. Some of those bigger films include a couple that were directed by Linklater. Hawke has also transitioned into television. He was featured in the Marvel series, Moon Knight, and has the lead role in the FX crime comedy show, The Lowdown.
Ethan Hawke A Career In Film • Ethan Hawke Movies
Early Breakthrough (1980s–1990s)
Debuting with Explorers, Hawke’s second feature, Dead Poets Society, helped kickstart his career in earnest. Throughout the 1990s, Hawke would play disaffected young men (Reality Bites, Before Sunrise), as well as determined young men (White Fang, Alive, Gattaca, Great Expectations), in addition to other roles here and there. The 1990s is also when he began to work with writer-director Richard Linklater, which included the films, Before Sunrise and The Newton Boys.
Indie Film Icon (2000s)
Hawke had already established himself in the ‘90s, and the 2000s saw him really come into his own as an indie film icon. While he did star in a few mainstream films in this decade (Training Day, Taking Lives, Assault on Precinct 13, Lord of War), Ethan Hawke movies in the 2000s were generally independent projects. In addition to his directorial debut (Chelsea Walls), the 2000s saw Hawke feature in more Linklater films (Tape, Waking Life, Before Sunset, Fast Food Nation) and other indie productions (Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead, What Doesn’t Kill You).
Career Resurgence (2010s–Present)
The 2010s ended up being something of a career resurgence for Hawke. Since 2011, he has appeared in a large number of films, both big and small. Some of those bigger films include Sinister, The Purge, The Magnificent Seven, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, The Black Phone, and The Northman. Smaller films–a couple of which were directed by Linklater–include Before Midnight, Boyhood, Born to Be Blue, Maudie, First Reformed, Tesla, Strange Way of Life, and Blue Moon. Hawke has also transitioned into television, being featured in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series Moon Knight, and having the lead role in the FX crime comedy show The Lowdown.
Best Ethan Hawke movies
Best Ethan Hawke movies by category
Since there are many Ethan Hawke movies out there, we thought it best to provide small lists that are organized by category. Included here are some of the best drama, indie, and thrillers that feature Hawke.
Best Drama Films
Drama is probably the genre Hawke is best known for. It should then come as no surprise that some of the very best Ethan Hawke movies are in this category.
- Before Sunrise
- First Reformed
- Dead Poets Society
- Gattaca
- Alive
Best Indie Movies
Next to traditional dramas, Hawke is also well known for his indie projects. Most of these are also dramas, but they carry with them an indie spirit.
- Tape
- Tesla
- Maudie
- Before Sunset
- Before Midnight
Best Thriller/Action Roles
Hawke might be a drama actor, but he’s also known for his action roles. Some of his most well known and successful movies are action/thriller films, often serving as great entry points to his career.
- Training Day
- Lord of War
- Daybreak
- Predestination
- Brooklyn’s Finest
Ethan Hawke Richard Linklater movies
Ethan Hawke and Richard Linklater: a defining collaboration
Ethan Hawke and Richard Linklater are both Texas natives (“...he was from Austin, and I was from Austin”), so it might not be too surprising that they have made movies together. This started with Before Sunrise, which is the first film in their Before trilogy, which includes Before Sunset and Before Midnight. To date, they have made nine films together, some of which are quite small scale (Tape); others, while still independent, were mainstream successes (Boyhood).
Boyhood in particular was a big deal, and not only because it was filmed over twelve years. It being filmed for over a decade is, of course, a big deal, but the way it used its actors is part of its appeal. More than that, it’s a testament to Linklater that actors like Hawke returned over the years to keep filming this daring project.
While Linklater has had a prolific career, his Before trilogy with Hawke and Julie Delpy is easily among his most acclaimed. One probably can’t talk about Linklater’s career without mentioning the Before trilogy (or at least one of the movies), and a lot of that has to do with Hawke and Delpy. In addition to excellent writing from the three, the films feature outstanding chemistry full of life.Underrated Ethan Hawke movies
Underrated Ethan Hawke movies you shouldn’t miss
You don’t get to be a prolific actor without having some underrated movies in your filmography. Ethan Hawke movies are no exception; with a long list of movies ranging in genre, mood, and style, there are bound to be some that flow under the radar.
Born to Be Blue: A movie so underrated it didn’t even make our list! Hawke plays Chet Baker (based on the actual jazz trumpeter), who gets the chance to play himself in a movie while also struggling with drug addiction. Certainly not among Hawke’s most known, the film was a critical success, with particular praise for Hawke.
Brooklyn’s Finest: While it might just look like another crime thriller, this film features major performances from notable actors, including Richard Gere, Don Cheadle, and Wesley Snipes. Hawke’s performance as an over-the-edge narcotics detective ranks among some of his most intense, providing a gritty role that has him playing somewhat against type.
Tape: A small film all around, this camcorder drama plays out like a play (which it was based off of), allowing for livewire and raw performances. Hawke in particular goes off the handle, playing a man with beef to settle with an old friend. The result is a twitchy and nervous experience, showing off Hawke’s effortless acting ability.
Tesla: A very unique and surreal biopic, Hawke plays the titular inventor in a film that does things just a little bit differently. It’s not a film for everyone, but most will agree that Hawke is fully committed to the role (in a good way).
Daybreakers: Even Hawke can appreciate a solid genre film, playing the role of a vampire in a world full of vampires. It’s not easy competing with Willem Dafoe as your co-star, but Hawke makes it work, serving as his proper opposite.
Ethan Hawke movie themes
Recurring themes in Ethan Hawke movies
For as much as he ventures out and does different things, Ethan Hawke movies can feature similar and recurring themes. In addition to so often playing a father (or father figure), relationships, the passage of time, identity, and moral conflict have all played a part in the roles and films of Ethan Hawke.
Time and Relationships
Many of Hawke’s most famous roles deal with the passage of time and the relationships his characters have. Films like the Before trilogy and Boyhood make this theme very obvious, but even films like Juliet, Naked and Born to Be Blue play with the relationships characters form over time.
Identity and Existentialism
Hawke’s roles can often play with issues of identity, showing up in some unexpected places. It can be a conversation like in Waking Life, or it can be a greater topic in a genre film like Daybreak. Sometimes it’s the point of the film, as can be seen in Reality Bites, Dead Poets Society, and even Before Sunset.
Moral Conflict
Some Hawke films play with moral conflict pretty directly, like in Brooklyn’s Finest where his character is in the midst of a moral conflict. Other films, like Tape, keep the moral conflict smaller scale, while still being a big deal for those it affects. Even bigger scale films like Sinister and The Purge deal with moral conflict, which also tie into family relationships.Ethan Hawke filmography
Best Ethan Hawke movies at a glance
With so many movies to choose from, it wouldn’t hurt to know what some of his very best are. Depending on what you’re looking for, any one of the movies mentioned below can work.
Best Overall: Before Sunset
Arguably the peak of the Before trilogy, Before Sunset is a phenomenal combination of Hawke’s charm, sensitivity, humor, and grounded realism.
Best Performance: First Reformed
Heavy and bleak, Hawke does the performance of his career in First Reformed, playing the role with such tragedy and despair that you can’t help but feel bummed out, too.
Best for Beginners: Training Day
Co-starring Denzel Washington, Training Day is a more-than-solid crime thriller, with an engaging story, electric performances, and some action along the way.
Most Underrated: Born to Be Blue
Lesser known but among his most acclaimed performances, Hawke embodies the soul and sadness of a man struggling with addiction while finding the best way forward with a big opportunity.
Ethan Hawke performances
Why Ethan Hawke is one of the most underrated actors
Even though Ethan Hawke is an acclaimed actor, he’s not exactly a Hollywood superstar.
For one thing, he’s never won a major award, having been nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards only twice (Training Day, Boyhood). Even more recently, he finally got his first ever Best Actor nomination at the Academy Awards for Blue Moon.
Hawke’s preference for lower-scale projects is probably a main reason for his underrated status. Aside from a few major films, he has mostly rejected being a major Hollywood player, preferring to work on smaller movies. This isn’t to say he hasn’t worked in major Hollywood films, but a lot of his filmography is a combination of mainstream films, smaller indies, and everything in-between. Hawke has also shown he’s willing to take a variety of roles, letting him stay versatile and take on a large swath of projects over his career.
Ethan Hawke movie list
Where to start: a beginner’s guide to Ethan Hawke movies
Need a place to start your Ethan Hawke journey? Our table below gives you the absolute best suggestions of Ethan Hawke movies you can start with, from action to drama, horror to sci-fi.
Action Movie Hawke | Training Day, Lord of War |
|---|---|
Acclaimed Drama Hawke | Boyhood, First Reformed |
Ensemble Cast Hawke | Dead Poets Society, Alive |
Young Charismatic Hawke | Reality Bites, Before Sunrise |
Horror Movie Hawke | The Purge, The Black Phone |
Sci-Fi Hawke | Gattaca, Predestination |
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Ethan Hawke movies
Quick comparison of top Ethan Hawke movies
If you need more information differentiating the many different Ethan Hawke movies out there, take a look at our table below. We categorize his most noteworthy under title, genre, runtime, and who it would be best for.
Before trilogy (1995/2004/2013) | Drama | 101 mins/80 mins/109 mins | Best for: drama fans |
|---|---|---|---|
Boyhood (2014) | Drama | 165 mins | Best for: coming-of-age fans |
Dead Poets Society (1989) | Drama | 128 mins | Best for: casual fans |
Reality Bites (1994) | Rom Com | 99 mins | Best for: casual (rom com) fans |
Gattaca (1997) | Sci-Fi | 106 mins | Best for: sci-fi fans |
Training Day (2001) | Crime | 122 mins | Best for: action crime fans |
Juliet, Naked (2018) | Rom Com | 105 mins | Best for: action crime fans |
The Black Phone (2021) | Horror | 103 mins | Best for: horror fans |
First Reformed (2017) | Drama | 114 mins | Best for: film fans |
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Frequently asked questions
Questions about Ethan Hawke movies
Ethan Hawke’s best movie is usually seen as one from the Before trilogy (Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, Before Midnight), due to their strong performances and emotional themes. Other films considered include First Reformed (super serious drama) and Training Day (mainstream crime thriller).
Ethan Hawke has been in over fifty films, covering a wide spectrum of mainstream films, independent films, experimental films, and everything in-between.
The first notable Ethan Hawke performance was in Dead Poets Society, followed by Reality Bites and Before Sunrise a few years later, proving his leading man abilities.
A few of Ethan Hawke’s most underrated movies include Tape, Daybreakers, and Born to Be Blue; these, while very different and not as recognized, showcase his range and versatility.
Ethan Hawke has been nominated for many major awards–including Best Supporting Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay twice–but has not won any yet.
Ethan Hawke and Richard Linklaker have worked together on: the Before trilogy (Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, Before Midnight), The Newton Boys, Tape, Waking Life, Fast Food Nation, Boyhood and Blue Moon.
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Best Val Kilmer Movies
Ethan Hawke isn’t the only handsome actor to have had a beloved and successful career. Take a look at the life, times, and filmography of the late great Val Kilmer. We cover his very best movies, from his biggest roles to some lesser known gems.
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