Karl Urban sprang up from virtual anonymity to become one of the most recognized actors in film, following his breakout in Peter Jackson's Lord Of The Rings trilogy. He began his career starring in a series of TV shows (including Hercules: The Legendary Journeys) before moving onto greener pastures.
Today we're looking at 10 of Karl Urban's best performances, as ranked by IMDB. It's a nod to an actor who has defied the odds, and established himself as a bonafide fan favorite.
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: RETURN OF THE KING (2003) / 8.9
As horse master Eomer of Rohan, Urban made his big screen debut and immediately became a favorite of LOTR fans. Return Of The King gave the character more screen time as Eomer helped lead Rohan's assault against the forces of Mordor at Gondor.
The Extended Edition gives Eomer more emotional weight, thanks primarily to a restored scene showing him breaking down in anguish after he believes Eowyn to be among the dead.
THE BOYS (2019) / 8.7
This Amazon breakout hit put Karl Urban in the shoes of Billy Butcher, an every-man with a serious chip on his shoulder, and a hatred of superheroes. His blunt demeanor, filthy mouth and ruthless pursuit of his goals made him a scene-stealer.
Here's to hoping that Urban's character is expanded even further in the upcoming second season of the show, but his first outing has made Urban a household favorite, as well as a silver screen icon.
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS (2002) / 8.7
The second film in the LOTR trilogy introduced Urban's character Eomer as an outcast from his own kingdom of Rohan. Though he doesn't get much screen time in this installment, it was enough to establish Eomer as a faithful force of good in a country gone mad.
Urban's spiteful hatred of Saruman and his mental takeover of King Theoden helped sell the arc of the story, and push it into a greater sphere in the next film, Return Of The King.
THOR: RAGNAROK (2017) / 7.9
It's hard to imagine another actor besides Urban taking the role of Skurge, and for good reason. Urban's gritty look and comical delivery helped make Skurge one of the most entertaining (if not entirely comic-accurate) characters of the entire film.
It's too bad Skurge checked out by the end of the film, thereby preventing audiences from seeing him return in future Marvel movies.
STAR TREK (2009) / 7.9
While audiences were torn down the middle when it came to reception of J.J. Abrams' Star Trek films, it was impossible to deny just how excellent Karl Urban was for the role of Dr. McCoy. Urban delivered a familiar, yet entirely fresh take on the grumpy Doctor that both classic Trekkers and new generations could enjoy.
Although rumors have recently surfaced that a fourth Star Trek film is in development, it remains to be seen whether Urban will reprise his role, or if the part will go to someone else.
THE BOURNE SUPREMACY (2004) / 7.7
The Bourne films remain one of the most exciting and engaging action/espionage franchises in history, and the second film built upon the strengths of the first by adding Karl Urban into the mix as FSS killer Kirill. His character makes the unfortunate mistake of killing Jason Bourne's lover during a car chase.
Urban's performance as the rugged killer was chilling, singular and focused, proving the actor could play both hero and villain alike, with total ease.
COMANCHE MOON (2008) / 7.2
Urban returned to television in 2008 to star in the CBS mini-series Comanche Moon, the prequel to Lonesome Dove. Urban played stoic Texas Ranger Woodrow Call in his younger days; a duty-bound man of honor with some major love problems.
This show marked Urban's switch from more action-oriented roles to a dramatic one, and his accurate Texan accent and rugged looks helped sell him as the younger version of Tommy Lee Jones' Lonesome Dove character.
DREDD (2012) / 7.1
Many imagined the character of Judge Dredd going to an actor with a taller, more imposing physical stature. When Karl Urban received the role however, few argued with it. Rightfully so, as Urban cranked out a truly awesome performance as sci-fi's most notorious and unforgiving lawman.
Several rumors have surfaced that a Dredd TV show might be in the works, but so far nothing concrete. Fan enthusiasm for Urban to reprise the role have been loud and clear, however.
RED (2010) / 7.0
Urban played clean-cut CIA agent William Cooper in this action/comedy caper which also starred Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman. It continued the trend of Urban's rise to become an A-List actor, as evidenced by the sheer amount of talent in the film.
The movie is remembered for a brutal, yet comical fight scene between Urban and Willis featuring suplexes, body-slams and Brazilian Ju-Jitsu arm locks, played to the tune of Aerosmith's "Back In The Saddle."
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (2004) / 6.7
Urban was fresh out of Lord Of The Rings when his Hollywood career took him towards David Twohy's Pitch Black universe. The sequel The Chronicles Of Riddick was a massive creative and narrative detour from the original, showcasing Urban as Vaako, a high-ranking member of the Necromonger army.
Urban played the character as a schemer, manipulated by his lover Dame into a plot which ends up backfiring in his face. Urban reprised his role for the sequel Riddick, leaving the character's fate uncertain. It remains to be seen if he'll return for the next Pitch Black film.