Every Movie With Heath Ledger, Ranked
- 1Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart
For Fans Of: Superhero Films, Action Thrillers, Crime Dramas
Reasons to Watch if you Love Heath Ledger: Witness the mesmerizing performance by Heath Ledger as the Joker, a role that earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and redefined comic book villains on screen. Ledger completely immerses himself in this chaotic character, showcasing his immense versatility and talent. His haunting portrayal of the anarchic mastermind has rightfully become one of the most celebrated villain performances in cinema history.In The Dark Knight, Gotham City's vigilante, Batman (Christian Bale), faces his greatest adversary yet - the Joker (Heath Ledger), a criminal mastermind with a twisted sense of humor. Under the guidance of mentor Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman) and ally Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman), Batman navigates a web of chaos spun by the Joker. The Christopher Nolan directed crime drama won two Academy Awards, including one for Ledger's posthumous performance. Brimming with high-stakes action scenes and moral dilemmas, this second installment in Nolan's Batman trilogy is a captivating exploration of heroism in times of anarchy.More The Dark Knight
- Dig Deeper...Fan Theories About Heath Ledger's Joker
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- #30 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
2Heath Ledger, Mark Addy, Rufus SewellFor Fans Of: Adventure, Comedy, Historical Drama
Reasons to Watch if you Love Heath Ledger: Showcasing Heath Ledger's incredible charisma and charm, A Knight's Tale follows the journey of a young squire who poses as a knight to compete in jousting tournaments. Ledger's captivating performance as William Thatcher propels this medieval action-romance into a truly entertaining adventure filled with wit and passion. As both an action hero and romantic lead, Ledger effortlessly demonstrates his wide-ranging acting skills throughout the film.In A Knight's Tale, William Thatcher (Heath Ledger), a low-born squire, aspires to change his stars. Disguised as a nobleman, he enters the jousting tournaments of medieval Europe. His loyal friends, Roland (Mark Addy) and Wat (Alan Tudyk), and his love interest, Jocelyn (Shannyn Sossamon), stand by him. Geoffrey Chaucer (Paul Bettany), a writer with a knack for theatrics, helps him maintain his ruse. As William competes in these violent games of nobility, he must navigate the treacherous waters of deception and rivalry. With a rock music soundtrack giving it an anachronistic edge, this comedy-adventure flick catapults viewers back to the 14th century with a modern twist.More A Knight's Tale- #129 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #19 of 80 onThe Best Period Romance Movies
- #14 of 113 onThe Best Movies Of 2001
3Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-LevittFor Fans Of: Teen Romance, Comedy, Drama
Reasons to Watch if you Love Heath Ledger: This modern adaptation of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew catapulted Heath Ledger to stardom as he took on the role of rebellious bad boy Patrick Verona. With his irresistible charm and natural chemistry with co-star Julia Stiles, Ledger easily steals every scene he is in, making 10 Things I Hate About You a quintessential teen rom-com classic not only for its humor but also for its heartfelt moments.Welcome to 10 Things I Hate About You, a modern-day Shakespearean twist that dances on the line of teen romance and biting comedy. Set in an American high school, this late-90s gem revolves around two Stratford sisters: the rebellious Kat (Julia Stiles) and her popular younger sister, Bianca (Larisa Oleynik). When Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a new student smitten by Bianca, learns of their father's strict dating rule, he hatches a plan involving bad boy Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger) to woo Kat. Amidst clever banter and unexpected romances, the characters navigate the labyrinth of teenage angst, love, and self-discovery. Noted for its memorable performances and sharp wit, this film is a charming exploration of young love and personal transformation.- #138 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #146 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #2 of 136 onThe 100+ Best Movies For Date Night
4Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, Joely RichardsonFor Fans Of: War Dramas, Historical Fiction, Action
Reasons to Watch if you Love Heath Ledger: Playing alongside Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger delivers a powerful performance as Gabriel Martin in this Revolutionary War period piece. His depiction of a young soldier torn between loyalty to family and country showcases his ability to invoke empathy from viewers while displaying intense emotional depth. The Patriot highlights another side of Ledger's acting prowess, proving him adept at tackling historical dramas with poise and conviction.In the historical drama The Patriot, Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson), a peaceful farmer in South Carolina, is thrust into the chaos of the American Revolutionary War after his family suffers a devastating loss. Driven by revenge and love for his remaining children, he forms a militia and engages the British army's brutal Colonel Tavington (Jason Isaacs). This film, directed by Roland Emmerich, weaves together moments of stark violence with nuanced family dynamics, offering an intense depiction of one man's struggle during a pivotal time in history. The Patriot earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography.More The Patriot- #23 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #268 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #51 of 308 onThe 295+ Best Movies For Guys
5Matt Damon, Heath Ledger, Peter StormareFor Fans Of: Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy
Reasons to Watch if you Love Heath Ledger: Taking on the role of Jacob Grimm, Heath Ledger expertly balances humor, adventure, and fantasy in this unique retelling of classic fairy tales. Alongside Matt Damon as Wilhelm Grimm, Ledger's dynamic performance breathes life into a character that is both intellectual and compassionate. The Brothers Grimm showcases his ability to effortlessly transition between genres while retaining the magnetic charisma that made him a beloved actor.In the film The Brothers Grimm, we follow the journey of Will and Jake Grimm, played by Matt Damon and Heath Ledger respectively. The brothers are renowned con artists who encounter real magic when they traverse into an enchanted forest to investigate a series of mysterious disappearances. Helena Bonham Carter stars as the cursed queen in this dark fantasy, directed by Terry Gilliam. This tale combines elements of well-known fairy tales with a unique twist, creating a fantastical world that blurs the lines between fiction and reality. It's a captivating adventure where classic folklore meets the supernatural.More The Brothers Grimm- #68 of 82 onThe 75+ Best Fairytale Movies
- #22 of 43 onThe Greatest Live Action Fairy Tale Movies
- #10 of 10 onThe 10 Most Twisted Fairy Tale Horror Movies Of All Time
6Heath Ledger, Abbie Cornish, Geoffrey RushFor Fans Of: Romantic Dramas, Addiction Dramas
Reasons to Watch if you Love Heath Ledger: In this dark and gritty drama, Heath Ledger stars as Dan, a talented artist battling addiction alongside his lover Candy (Abbie Cornish). His raw and unflinching portrayal of a man consumed by love and drugs highlights the depth and range of his acting abilities. Candy serves as a showcase for Ledger's fearless commitment to challenging roles that push boundaries and evoke powerful emotions from viewers.A fatherly chemistry professor (Geoffrey Rush) indulges two young lovers (Heath Ledger, Abbie Cornish) in their ever-increasing heroin habits. Eventually the pair, an artist named Candy and an aspiring poet named Dan, become caught in a harrowing downward spiral of drug dependency and failed efforts to get clean.More Candy- #47 of 97 onThe 90+ Best Drug Movies of All Time
- #21 of 37 on25+ Great Movies About Depressing Couples
- #22 of 61 onThe Greatest Australian Drama Films, Ranked
7Emile Hirsch, Victor Rasuk, John RobinsonFor Fans Of: Biographical Dramas, Sports Films, Adventure
Reasons to Watch if you Love Heath Ledger: Embodying the spirit of 1970s surf culture, Heath Ledger plays Skip Engblom, the founder of Zephyr skate team in Venice Beach. His transformative performance captures the essence of a pioneering figure who ushered in a new era for skateboarding while navigating personal struggles. Lords of Dogtown not only offers an authentic look at the rise of modern skate culture but also shines a light on another memorable character brought to life by Ledger.A drought in 1970s Southern California has an unexpected side effect: as people empty their swimming pools, a group of teen surfers from the Dogtown area of Venice Beach move in with skateboards, and a new sport is born. Based on a true story, this film follows "Z-Boys" skate team members Stacy Peralta (John Robinson), Tony Alva (Victor Rasuk) and Jay Adams (Emile Hirsch), plus manager Skip Engblom (Heath Ledger), as their fearless "pool surfing" leads to fame, fortune -- and misfortune.More Lords of Dogtown- #198 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #106 of 143 onThe Best Movies of 2005
- #146 of 207 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
8Halle Berry, Billy Bob Thornton, Heath LedgerFor Fans Of: Romantic Dramas, Social Issues Drama
Reasons to Watch if you Love Heath Ledger: In this thought-provoking drama centered around themes of racism and redemption in the American South, Heath Ledger delivers an impactful performance as prison guard Sonny Grotowski. Through his nuanced portrayal, we see his character grapple with complex relationships and moral dilemmas amidst tragedy. Monster's Ball underscores yet again how far-reaching Ledger's talent was across various genres.Hank, an embittered racist prison guard working on death row, begins an unlikely, emotionally charged sexual relationship with Leticia, a Black woman and wife of a man sentenced to death. The affair begins just after Hank oversees the capital punishment of Leticia's husband.More Monster's Ball- #267 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #27 of 55 onThe Saddest Romance Movies That Will Make You Cry
- #79 of 137 onThe 100+ Best Movies With Black Female Leads
9Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Linda CardelliniFor Fans Of: LGBT cinema, Romantic Dramas, Social Issues Drama
Reasons to Watch if you Love Heath Ledger: In one of his most celebrated roles, Heath Ledger delivers an emotionally charged performance as Ennis Del Mar, a ranch hand who shares an intimate bond with fellow cowboy Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal). This groundbreaking film challenged traditional notions of love and masculinity while showcasing Ledger's incredible range as an actor able to convey complex emotions through subtle gestures. Recognized with numerous accolades for his powerful portrayal, Brokeback Mountain remains a testament to the depth of Ledger's talent and impact on cinema.Brokeback Mountain, a captivating drama that's won three Academy Awards, is set against the sweeping landscapes of Wyoming and Texas. The film tells the story of two young men - Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal). They first meet as sheepherders in summer 1963. Over time, they forge a deep bond that spans years, marked by complex emotions and societal constraints. Ang Lee's nuanced direction coupled with Larry McMurtry's adept screenplay transforms Annie Proulx's novella into an unforgettable cinematic experience. Amidst all its raw beauty and quiet intensity, Brokeback Mountain remains a poignant exploration of love and longing.More Brokeback Mountain- #755 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #27 of 99 onThe Best Period Movies Set in the '80s
- #71 of 125 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
10Heath Ledger, Orlando Bloom, Naomi WattsFor Fans Of: Biographical Dramas, Western, Action
Reasons to Watch if you Love Heath Ledger: As the titular character in this Australian biopic, Heath Ledger embodies the legendary outlaw Ned Kelly with an intense and magnetic performance. His portrayal of the folk hero offers a nuanced look at Kelly's life as both a charismatic leader and a desperate man driven by injustice. Fans of Ledger will appreciate seeing him take on a role deeply rooted in Australian history, further showcasing his ability to captivate audiences across diverse narratives.In the face of various underhanded maneuvers by local authorities, 19th century Australian bush ranger Ned Kelly (Heath Ledger) flees to the outback with his brother, Dan (Laurence Kinlan), and two other cohorts (Orlando Bloom, Philip Barantini). As the gang's reputation grows, they take on Superintendent Francis Hare (Geoffrey Rush), while Kelly encounters a little romance in the form of Julia Cook (Naomi Watts). It all comes to a violent head in the town of Glenrowan.
11Heath Ledger, Christopher Plummer, Verne TroyerFor Fans Of: Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery
Reasons to Watch if you Love Heath Ledger: Known as his final film, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus features Heath Ledger's last on-screen appearance in the role of Tony, a mysterious man who becomes entangled with a traveling theater troupe. Despite his untimely death during production, the film was completed using Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell as alternate versions of Tony in various fantasy realms. This visually stunning tale serves as a fitting tribute to Ledger's lasting impact on cinema and showcases his unwavering dedication to creating mesmerizing characters.Dr. Parnassus (Christopher Plummer), the leader of a traveling show, has a dark secret. Thousands of years ago he traded the soul of his daughter, Valentina, to the devil. Now the devil has come to collect his prize. To save her, Parnassus must make a final wager: Whoever collects five souls first will win Valentina. Tony (Heath Ledger), a man saved from hanging by Parnassus' troupe, agrees to help collect them, with his eye on marrying Valentina.- #469 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #26 of 32 onThe Best Fantasy Movie Posters
- #12 of 17 on17 Movies Where The Whole Plot Revolves Around A Big Bet
12Heath Ledger, Wes Bentley, Kate HudsonFor Fans Of: War Dramas, Adventure, Historical Fiction
Reasons to Watch if you Love Heath Ledger: Venturing into the realm of historical epics, Heath Ledger stars in The Four Feathers as British officer Harry Faversham who is accused of cowardice for resigning from the army just before a major battle in Sudan. Embarking on a dangerous journey, he sets out to redeem himself and prove his courage amidst war-torn landscapes. With sweeping vistas and intense action sequences, this film offers a showcase for both Ledger's acting prowess and physicality throughout the story.The story, set in 1875, follows a British officer (Heath Ledger) who resigns his post when he learns of his regiment's plan to ship out to the Sudan for the conflict with the Mahdi. His friends and fiancée send him four white feathers which symbolize cowardice. To redeem his honor he disguises himself as an Arab and secretly saves the lives of those who branded him a coward.
13Heath Ledger, Sienna Miller, Jeremy IronsFor Fans Of: Historical Romance, Comedy, Adventure
Reasons to Watch if you Love Heath Ledger: In this lavish period piece set in 18th-century Venice, Heath Ledger shines as the notorious ladies' man Giacomo Casanova. His magnetic charm and undeniable charisma breathe new life into this historical figure while showcasing his comedic timing and dexterity as an actor. Casanova provides an entertaining romp through history that allows fans to witness yet another facet of Ledger's remarkable talent.With a reputation for seducing members of the opposite sex, regardless of their marital status, a notorious womanizer discovers a beauty who seems impervious to his charms. However, as he continues to pursue the indifferent lady, he finds himself falling in love.More Casanova- #98 of 143 onThe Best Movies of 2005
- #36 of 73 onThe 70 Best 18th Century Period Movies
- #30 of 50 onThe Best Romantic Comedies of 2005
14Heath Ledger, Shannyn Sossamon, Benno FürmannFor Fans Of: Supernatural Thrillers, Mystery, Drama
Reasons to Watch if you Love Heath Ledger: Reuniting with A Knight's Tale director Brian Helgeland, Heath Ledger takes on the role of Alex Bernier, a renegade Catholic priest investigating the mysterious death of his mentor. As he uncovers a supernatural conspiracy, Ledger's performance captures the internal struggle between faith and doubt, grounding this dark thriller in emotional authenticity. The Order further demonstrates his ability to inhabit diverse roles while engaging viewers with compelling characters.For centuries, a secret Order has existed within the Church. Following a series of unexplained murders, a renegade priest (Heath Ledger) begins an investigation that hurls him into a maelstrom of unimaginable evil, murder, and the knowledge that there is a fate worse than death.
15Heath Ledger, Rose Byrne, Bryan BrownFor Fans Of: Crime Comedies, Thrillers, Action
Reasons to Watch if you Love Heath Ledger: In this darkly comic crime caper, Heath Ledger stars as Jimmy, a small-time criminal who finds himself in deep trouble after losing a large sum of money meant for a dangerous gangster. His charismatic yet vulnerable performance brings depth and humor to this chaotic underworld while showcasing his early talent as an upcoming actor. Two Hands offers fans a chance to witness the beginnings of Ledger's illustrious career and enjoy his undeniable charm onscreen.Nineteen-year-old strip club promoter Jimmy (Heath Ledger) is just scraping by in the red-light district of Sydney. When local crime lord Pando (Bryan Brown) offers him a shot at working for his syndicate, Jimmy jumps at the chance to deliver a costly package. But, when Jimmy gets jacked by a couple of kids, he's indebted to the dangerous gangster for $10,000. Running out of time, he schemes to rob a bank to save himself and a beautiful girl he desires (Rose Byrne) from a gruesome demise.
16Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Marcus Carl FranklinFor Fans Of: Biographical Dramas, Music, Experimental Films
Reasons to Watch if you Love Heath Ledger: This unconventional biopic of Bob Dylan features an ensemble cast, including Heath Ledger as one of several actors portraying different aspects of the iconic musician's life and artistry. In his chapter, Ledger plays Robbie Clark, an actor whose tumultuous relationship and inner turmoil mirror elements of Dylan's own experiences. Through this mesmerizing performance that highlights both his dramatic skills and introspective nature, I'm Not There provides another example of Ledger's versatility in creating unique characters across various film genres.Several actors portray legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan at different stages in his personal life and career. In 1959 a guitar-strumming youth (Marcus Carl Franklin) rides the rails, calling himself "Guthrie." Then a man named Jack (Christian Bale) emerges in New York's Greenwich Village, followed by "Robbie (Heath Ledger)," Jude (Cate Blanchett) and other personalities.
17Heath Ledger, Bojana Novakovic, Chris HaywoodFor Fans Of: Drama, Crime, Thriller
Reasons to Watch if you Love Heath Ledger: One of Heath Ledger's early film appearances, Blackrock is an intense Australian drama centered around the aftermath of a brutal crime involving local teenagers. Though playing a supporting role as Toby Ackland, he showcases raw emotion and sincerity that foreshadowed his later acclaim in more substantial roles. Fans eager to see more of Ledger's work will find Blackrock an intriguing exploration into the beginnings of his powerful performances on screen.Blackrock is a 1997 Australian drama thriller film directed by Steven Vidler and written by Nick Enright. Marking Vidler's directorial debut, the film was adapted from the play of the same name, also written by Enright, which was inspired by the murder of Leigh Leigh. The film stars Laurence Breuls, Simon Lyndon and Linda Cropper, and also features the first credited film performance of Heath Ledger. The film follows Jared, a young surfer who witnesses his friends raping a girl. When she is found murdered the next day, Jared is torn between revealing what he saw and protecting his friends. Leigh's family opposed the fictionalisation of her murder, though protests against the film were abandoned after it received financial backing from the New South Wales Film and Television Office. Blackrock was filmed over a period of two weeks at locations including Stockton, where Leigh was murdered, a decision that was opposed by local residents who said that memories of the murder were still fresh.
18Paws
Heath Ledger, Billy Connolly, Alyssa-Jane CookFor Fans Of: Family, Fantasy, Adventure
Reasons to Watch if you Love Heath Ledger: In this family-friendly adventure film set in Australia, young Heath Ledger takes on the role of a rock musician named Oberon, who becomes entangled in a mystery involving a talking dog and stolen computer software. Paws offers an endearing glimpse of Ledger's early career, giving fans the opportunity to see his natural charm and screen presence at play in a lighthearted story that showcases his versatility as an actor.Paws is an independent 1997 Australian family film that was released on 25 September 1997 in Australia and filmed in Sydney, New South Wales. The film stars 15-year-old guitarist Nathan Cavaleri who has adventures with PC - a talking Jack Russell Terrier. The dog is computer literate- skills acquired from his former master allowing him to create a computer program that translates his words into English, with Zac subsequently designing a portable version that can be 'concealed' in a bow tie- and the pair must a stop a valuable disk from falling into bad hands.
19Heath Ledger, Van Johnson, Ernie DingoFor Fans Of: Family, Drama, Adventure
Reasons to Watch if you Love Heath Ledger: Making one of his first acting appearances, Heath Ledger plays a small role in this Australian coming-of-age drama centered around a young boy who dreams of becoming a clown despite facing various challenges. Though brief, Ledger's performance as Orphan Clown #2 demonstrates his early talent for embodying characters with sincerity and conviction that would characterize his future career. Fans looking to delve into the beginnings of Ledger's filmography will enjoy witnessing the origins of his captivating screen presence.Clowning Around is an Australian family film that was shot on location in Perth, Western Australia and Paris, France. It was based on the novel Clowning Sim by David Martin. The film was produced by independent film company Barron Entertainment Films in Western Australia and educational film company WonderWorks in the United States, was directed by George Whaley. It was distributed by Australian Broadcasting Corporation. It featured Australian actors such as Clayton Williamson, Noni Hazelhurst, Ernie Dingo, Rebecca Smart, and Jill Perryman, and also featured veteran American actor Van Johnson in his final film role, as well as French actor Jean-Michel Dagory. This film also features the first film role for Heath Ledger, who would later appear in Blackrock with Smart and Candy with Hazlehurst. Ledger's role appeared in the last ten minutes; he played an orphan clown who closes the film by delivering its final lines. His role was so minor he was not even mentioned in the film's credits. This series was followed up with a sequel entitled Clowning Around 2, which was filmed in 1992.
