Viggo Mortensen is a celebrated actor known for his incredible range, from epic fantasy roles to intense character-driven dramas. With a career spanning several decades, Mortensen has consistently delivered memorable performances, bringing depth and authenticity to every role he plays. In this blog, we’ll dive into the 10 best Viggo Mortensen movies that highlight his ability to captivate audiences and showcase his versatility as an actor.
1. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Description: Aragorn leads the battle for Middle-earth’s future against the forces of Sauron.
Overview and Features
Directed by Peter Jackson, "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" is the epic conclusion to J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy trilogy. Viggo Mortensen stars as Aragorn, the rightful heir to the throne of Gondor, who must accept his destiny and lead the forces of men against Sauron’s armies. The film follows Aragorn’s journey from a reluctant leader to a king who inspires hope and courage in his people.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Mortensen’s portrayal of Aragorn is central to the emotional and narrative weight of the trilogy’s finale. His ability to convey both the vulnerability and strength of his character makes Aragorn one of the most compelling figures in fantasy cinema. The film’s breathtaking battles, stunning visuals, and deeply resonant themes of friendship, sacrifice, and courage make it a must-watch for fans of epic storytelling.
Unique Description: Mortensen’s iconic turn as Aragorn in this epic finale.
IMDb Score: 9.0
2. A History of Violence (2005)
Description: A small-town diner owner’s past comes back to haunt him.
Overview and Features
Directed by David Cronenberg, "A History of Violence" stars Viggo Mortensen as Tom Stall, a mild-mannered diner owner whose life is turned upside down when he thwarts a robbery. Tom’s actions draw media attention, leading to the arrival of a mysterious man (Ed Harris) who believes Tom is someone from his violent past. As Tom’s hidden history begins to unravel, he is forced to confront the darker aspects of his identity.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"A History of Violence" showcases Mortensen’s ability to portray complex, morally ambiguous characters. His performance is both intense and restrained, capturing the internal struggle of a man torn between his past and his desire for a peaceful life. The film’s gripping narrative and Cronenberg’s masterful direction make it a standout entry in Mortensen’s career.
Unique Description: Mortensen’s gripping role in Cronenberg’s intense thriller.
IMDb Score: 7.4
3. Captain Fantastic (2016)
Description: A father raising his children off the grid faces a societal clash after a family tragedy.
Overview and Features
Directed by Matt Ross, "Captain Fantastic" stars Viggo Mortensen as Ben Cash, a father who raises his six children in the wilderness, teaching them survival skills and philosophy. When a family tragedy forces them to reenter society, Ben must navigate the challenges of balancing his ideals with the realities of the outside world. The film is both a heartwarming and thought-provoking exploration of family, freedom, and individuality.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Mortensen’s portrayal of Ben Cash earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, and it’s easy to see why. His performance is nuanced, capturing the passion and flaws of a father who loves deeply but struggles with the consequences of his unconventional lifestyle. Captain Fantastic is a beautifully crafted film that raises important questions about parenting, society, and what it means to live authentically.
Unique Description: Mortensen’s heartfelt role as an unconventional father.
IMDb Score: 7.9
4. Eastern Promises (2007)
Description: A midwife’s discovery of a diary leads to a deadly confrontation with the Russian mob.
Overview and Features
In "Eastern Promises", directed by David Cronenberg, Viggo Mortensen plays Nikolai, a mysterious and ruthless driver for a powerful Russian crime family in London. When a midwife (Naomi Watts) discovers evidence linking the mob to a young girl’s death, Nikolai finds himself caught between loyalty to his employers and a moral dilemma. The film is known for its gritty realism and intense scenes.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Mortensen’s transformation into Nikolai is nothing short of astonishing. His commitment to the role, including learning Russian and undergoing physical transformation, brings a chilling authenticity to the character. The film’s brutal and raw depiction of the criminal underworld, along with Mortensen’s mesmerizing performance, makes Eastern Promises a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.
Unique Description: Mortensen’s intense, chilling performance in Cronenberg’s crime thriller.
IMDb Score: 7.6
5. Green Book (2018)
Description: A bouncer is hired to drive a renowned Black pianist on a tour through the Deep South.
Overview and Features
Directed by Peter Farrelly, "Green Book" stars Viggo Mortensen as Tony Lip, an Italian-American bouncer hired to drive Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali), a Black pianist, on a concert tour through the segregated South in the 1960s. As they navigate racial prejudice and develop an unlikely friendship, both men learn valuable lessons about acceptance and understanding.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Green Book" won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and Mortensen’s portrayal of Tony Lip earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. His chemistry with Mahershala Ali drives the film’s emotional core, making the characters’ journey of friendship and growth deeply impactful. Green Book blends humor, heart, and social commentary, making it one of Mortensen’s most widely acclaimed performances.
Unique Description: Mortensen shines as a chauffeur in this Oscar-winning drama.
IMDb Score: 8.2
6. The Road (2009)
Description: A father and son struggle to survive in a post-apocalyptic world.
Overview and Features
Based on Cormac McCarthy’s novel, "The Road" is directed by John Hillcoat and stars Viggo Mortensen as a nameless father journeying through a bleak, post-apocalyptic landscape with his young son (Kodi Smit-McPhee). Facing starvation, extreme weather, and the threat of violent scavengers, the father is determined to protect his son and maintain hope in a world devoid of humanity.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"The Road" is a hauntingly powerful film that showcases Mortensen’s ability to convey profound emotion and desperation. His performance as a father trying to maintain a sense of morality in a world stripped of it is both heartbreaking and compelling. The film’s stark, desolate visuals and Mortensen’s raw portrayal make it a gripping watch that lingers long after the credits roll.
Unique Description: Mortensen’s harrowing portrayal of survival in a desolate world.
IMDb Score: 7.2
7. Hidalgo (2004)
Description: A long-distance horse rider enters a deadly race across the Arabian desert.
Overview and Features
Directed by Joe Johnston, "Hidalgo" stars Viggo Mortensen as Frank Hopkins, a cowboy and former dispatch rider who enters a grueling 3,000-mile horse race across the Arabian desert. Riding his mustang, Hidalgo, Frank faces extreme conditions, rival riders, and dangerous challenges in a bid to prove the endurance of his American horse and his own resilience.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Hidalgo" is an adventure film that showcases Mortensen’s ability to carry an action-packed story with charisma and grit. His portrayal of Frank Hopkins captures the spirit of a rugged adventurer, and the film’s breathtaking desert landscapes and thrilling race sequences make it a visually stunning and engaging watch. Mortensen’s bond with the titular horse adds emotional depth to the story.
Unique Description: Mortensen’s thrilling adventure across the Arabian desert.
IMDb Score: 6.7
8. Crimson Tide (1995)
Description: Tensions rise aboard a nuclear submarine during a potential global crisis.
Overview and Features
Directed by Tony Scott, "Crimson Tide" is a high-stakes military thriller featuring Viggo Mortensen as Lt. Peter Ince, a young officer serving aboard a nuclear submarine. The film’s central conflict arises between the sub’s seasoned commander (Gene Hackman) and his first officer (Denzel Washington), as they clash over the interpretation of ambiguous orders during a tense standoff with a potential nuclear threat.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
While Mortensen’s role is a supporting one, his performance as Lt. Ince contributes to the film’s intense atmosphere. Crimson Tide is a gripping, claustrophobic thriller that explores themes of duty, loyalty, and the moral complexities of military decisions. Mortensen’s presence alongside powerhouse performances from Hackman and Washington adds to the film’s dramatic tension.
Unique Description: Mortensen in a tense submarine thriller with military stakes.
IMDb Score: 7.3
FAQs
1. What are the best Viggo Mortensen movies?
Some of the best Viggo Mortensen movies include The Lord of the Rings, A History of Violence, Captain Fantastic, Green Book, and Eastern Promises.
2. Has Viggo Mortensen won an Oscar?
While Viggo Mortensen has received multiple Academy Award nominations, he has yet to win an Oscar.
3. What is Viggo Mortensen’s most famous role?
Viggo Mortensen is best known for his role as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
4. Has Viggo Mortensen worked with David Cronenberg?
Yes, Mortensen has collaborated with David Cronenberg on A History of Violence and Eastern Promises, both critically acclaimed films.
5. What genre is Viggo Mortensen best known for?
Viggo Mortensen is known for his work in epic fantasies like The Lord of the Rings and intense dramas like A History of Violence and Green Book.
Viggo Mortensen’s filmography is filled with diverse roles that highlight his ability to bring depth and complexity to every character he plays. From his iconic turn as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings to his intense performance in Eastern Promises, the 10 best Viggo Mortensen movies listed here showcase his range and commitment to storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of epic adventures or intimate character studies, Mortensen’s films offer something for everyone.
