The Best Ralph Fiennes Movies

Ranker Film
Updated October 17, 2023 22.2K views 52 items
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Over 300 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Ralph Fiennes Movies

List of the best Ralph Fiennes movies, ranked best to worst with movie trailers when available. Ralph Fiennes's highest grossing movies have received a lot of accolades over the years, earning millions upon millions around the world. The order of these top Ralph Fiennes movies is decided by how many votes they receive, so only highly rated Ralph Fiennes movies will be at the top of the list. Ralph Fiennes has been in a lot of films, so people often debate each other over what the greatest Ralph Fiennes movie of all time is. If you and a friend are arguing about this then use this list of the most entertaining Ralph Fiennes films to end the squabble once and for all.

If you think the best Ralph Fiennes role isn't at the top, then upvote it so it has the chance to become number one. The greatest Ralph Fiennes performances didn't necessarily come from the best movies, but in most cases they go hand in hand.

The list you're viewing is made up of a variety of different films, including Spider and Sunshine.

"This list answers the questions, "What are the best Ralph Fiennes movies?" and "What are the greatest Ralph Fiennes roles of all time?"

Ralph Fiennes has worked with many famous directors, including big names like Steven Spielberg and Brett Ratner. If you're a fan of Ralph Fiennes, then check out our lists of the best Jeremy Irons and Alan Rickman movies as well.

  • Schindler's List
    1
    Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes
    118 votes
    Schindler's List, a poignant war drama directed by Steven Spielberg, unfolds through the life of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), an unlikely hero during the Holocaust. In Nazi-occupied Poland, businessman Schindler becomes an unexpected savior, employing Jews in his factories to spare them from concentration camps. Stern (Ben Kingsley), his accountant, and Goeth (Ralph Fiennes), a sadistic camp commandant, play significant roles in this stark narrative. The film won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. It's a gripping account of humanity's resilience amidst the darkest times.
  • The English Patient
    2
    Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Willem Dafoe
    96 votes
    Set against the backdrop of World War II, The English Patient is a compelling narrative of love and loss. The central character, Count Almásy (Ralph Fiennes), is a severely burnt man who finds solace in the care of nurse Hana (Juliette Binoche). As she tends to his wounds in an abandoned Italian monastery, Almásy recounts his past life as a cartographer and his passionate affair with Katharine Clifton (Kristin Scott Thomas) in the North African desert. This film, directed by Anthony Minghella, won nine Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. With its sweeping vistas and intricate storyline, The English Patient is a poignant exploration of human connection amidst the chaos of war.
  • In Bruges
    3
    Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Ralph Fiennes
    62 votes
    In Bruges is a dark comedy-drama that treads the cobblestone streets of an ancient Belgian city. Here, two Irish hitmen, Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson), find themselves hiding out after a job goes terribly awry. Sent by their unhinged boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes), they're shadowed by guilt, existential dread, and the idyllic beauty of Bruges itself. This BAFTA-winning film weaves intricate threads of humor and tragedy into its narrative fabric, with director Martin McDonagh orchestrating a symphony of nuanced performances. It's an exploration of morality, redemption, and the unexpected places where these themes collide.
  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
    4
    Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
    65 votes
    In the epic finale of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011), Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) faces his destiny as he squares off against Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). This fantasy film is directed by David Yates, offering breath-taking visuals and gripping storytelling. The plot sees Harry, Hermione (Emma Watson), and Ron (Rupert Grint) on a desperate hunt for Horcruxes - objects containing pieces of Voldemort's soul. In their quest, secrets unravel, alliances shift, and sacrifices are made. This movie won numerous awards, including the BAFTA for Special Visual Effects.
  • Skyfall
    5
    Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem
    42 votes
    In Skyfall, the 23rd addition to the James Bond franchise, Bond (Daniel Craig) is believed to be dead after a failed mission in Istanbul. However, when M (Judi Dench), head of MI6, becomes the target of a cyber-terrorist with a personal vendetta, Bond returns from his presumed demise. He must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost. Directed by Sam Mendes, this film breathes new life into the series with its blend of classic Bond tropes and modern storytelling. Skyfall's notable achievements include winning two Academy Awards for Best Original Song and Sound Editing.
  • Quiz Show
    6
    John Turturro, Rob Morrow, Ralph Fiennes
    54 votes
    Queens-born Herbie Stempel (John Turturro) becomes an unlikely hero after winning on America's beloved game show, "Twenty One." When the network decides to bring in a more telegenic contestant, the WASP-ish Charles Van Doren (Ralph Fiennes), Stempel takes aim at the show, announcing that the game is rigged. Congressional investigator Dick Goodwin (Rob Morrow) is brought in to examine the claim that winners were given the answers. Goodwin wrote the book on which this true story is based.
  • The Constant Gardener
    7
    Ralph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz, Danny Huston
    49 votes
    Assigned to a new post, reserved British diplomat Justin Quayle (Ralph Fiennes) relocates to Kenya with his lovely young wife, Tessa (Rachel Weisz), an activist for social justice. When Tessa is found murdered out in the wilderness, circumstances point to her friend, Dr. Arnold Bluhm (Hubert Koundé), but it is soon clear that he's not the killer. Grief-stricken and angry, Justin sets out to uncover the truth behind Tessa's murder -- and in the process, he unearths some disturbing revelations.
  • The Prince of Egypt
    8
    Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer
    41 votes
    The Prince of Egypt is a captivating animated musical drama. The movie chronicles the life of Moses (voiced by Val Kilmer), a Hebrew baby adopted by Pharaoh Seti's wife, Queen Tuya (Helen Mirren). Raised as an Egyptian prince alongside his step-brother Rameses (Ralph Fiennes), Moses learns of his true heritage and embarks on a divine mission to free his people from slavery. This cinematic retelling of the Book of Exodus boasts stunning visuals and an Oscar-winning soundtrack. It explores themes of identity, faith, and destiny without sacrificing entertainment value.
  • Sunshine
    9

    Sunshine

    Rachel Weisz, Ralph Fiennes, Mark Strong
    32 votes
    Sunshine is a 1999 historical film written by Israel Horovitz and István Szabó, directed and produced by István Szabó. It follows three generations of a Jewish family during the changes in Hungary from the beginning of the 20th century to the period after the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. The central male protagonist of all three generations is portrayed by Ralph Fiennes. The film also stars the real-life mother and daughter team of Rosemary Harris and Jennifer Ehle as well as Rachel Weisz and John Neville. Although fictional, the film weaves events drawn from several real sources into the story. The Sunshine family's liquor business was based on the Zwack family's liquor brand Unicum. One of Fiennes's three roles is based at least partly on Hungarian Olympian Attila Petschauer, but also includes allusions to the early life of Miksa Fenyő and other famous Hungarians of Jewish origin who suffered from anti-Semitism and the persecution of Jews in World War II Hungary. Another role in the film which is similar to that of a historic person is the character Andor Knorr played by William Hurt which closely resembles the latter part of the life of László Rajk.
  • The Reader
    10
    Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross
    49 votes
    Michael Berg (David Kross), a teen in postwar Germany, begins a passionate but clandestine affair with Hanna Schmitz (Kate Winslet), an older woman who enjoys having classic novels read to her. Then Hanna mysteriously disappears, leaving Michael heartbroken and confused. Years later, Michael, now a law student, gets the shock of his life when he sees Hanna on trial for Nazi war crimes.
  • Strange Days
    11
    Ralph Fiennes, Angela Bassett, Juliette Lewis
    41 votes
    In the dystopian thriller Strange Days, Lenny Nero (Ralph Fiennes) is an ex-cop turned black market dealer of data-discs containing recorded memories. Set against a backdrop of millennial paranoia and social unrest, the film delves into the darkest corners of human consciousness. Angela Bassett stars as Mace, a bodyguard with a complex relationship to Nero. As they navigate through the chaos of Los Angeles on New Year's Eve 1999, they stumble upon a disc containing the death of a prostitute (Brigitte Bako), sparking a desperate race against time to uncover a deadly conspiracy. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, this film is an intense exploration of technology and morality in a world on the brink of collapse.
  • The End of the Affair
    12
    Ralph Fiennes, Julianne Moore, Stephen Rea
    46 votes
    In the years following World War II, writer Maurice Bendrix (Ralph Fiennes) has an unexpected run-in with Henry Miles (Stephen Rea) and his wife, Sarah (Julianne Moore), with whom he once shared a passionate affair. Henry, who never knew, confides in Maurice that he suspects Sarah of adultery, leading to the hiring of a detective (Ian Hart) to follow her. As Sarah never explained why she called off their affair, Maurice follows the investigation closely, his feelings for her reawakened.
  • Red Dragon
    13
    Anthony Hopkins, Ed Norton, Ralph Fiennes
    51 votes
    In Red Dragon, former FBI agent Will Graham (Edward Norton) is lured out of retirement to track down a serial killer known as The Tooth Fairy (Ralph Fiennes). Pulled into the depths of a mind twisted by madness, Graham finds himself consulting the notorious Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), his old adversary. This crime thriller, a prequel to The Silence of the Lambs, delves into the dark origins of the cannibalistic psychiatrist, painting a chilling portrait of evil. As Graham unravels the case, he becomes ensnared in a deadly game with two twisted minds at its center.
  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part I
    14
    Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
    48 votes
    In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part I, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) have left Hogwarts behind. They are now on a dangerous mission to find and destroy Voldemort's (Ralph Fiennes) Horcruxes. The trio faces grave challenges, dark forces, and an array of magical obstacles. As they uncover the existence of the Deathly Hallows, the stakes rise even higher. This film, directed by David Yates, is a blend of fantasy and adventure genres. It's part one of the epic conclusion to J.K. Rowling's globally celebrated series.
  • Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
    15
    Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
    47 votes
    In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) enters his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry under the headship of Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon). This year, Hogwarts hosts the Triwizard Tournament, a magical contest between three wizarding schools. Unexpectedly, Harry's name is drawn from the Goblet of Fire as an additional participant, plunging him into a deadly game. He battles dragons, dives underwater to rescue friends, and navigates a perilous maze. Meanwhile, the return of Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) marks a dark turn for the wizarding world. The film won a BAFTA award for Best Production Design in 2006.
  • Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights
    16
    Ralph Fiennes, Sinéad O'Connor, Juliette Binoche
    34 votes
    Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights is a 1992 feature film adaptation of Emily Brontë's novel Wuthering Heights directed by Peter Kosminsky. Paramount Pictures was forced to use the author's name in the title of the film as Samuel Goldwyn Studio owned the rights to the simple title Wuthering Heights due to the copyright on their 1939 film version of the novel. The film stars Ralph Fiennes as the tortured Heathcliff and Juliette Binoche as the free-spirited Catherine Earnshaw, in a precursor to their later, successful collaboration on The English Patient. The role of Heathcliff opened up doors for Ralph Fiennes to play Amon Goeth in Schindler's List. American director Steven Spielberg claimed he liked Fiennes for Goeth because of his "dark sexuality." This particular film is notable for including the oft-omitted second generation story of the children of Cathy, Hindley and Heathcliff.
  • The Duchess
    17
    Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes, Charlotte Rampling
    29 votes
    Though adored by the people, the Duchess of Devonshire (Keira Knightley) is not content to sit as a pretty figurehead. Determined to be a major player in affairs of state, she rises to the forefront of the Whig Party and helps usher in reform in late-1700s England. The one thing it seems she cannot do is win the heart of her husband (Ralph Fiennes).
  • The Invisible Woman
    18
    Ralph Fiennes, Felicity Jones, Kristin Scott Thomas
    19 votes
    Nelly Wharton Robinson (Felicity Jones) recalls a fateful time from her past when, as a young actress, she met author Charles Dickens (Ralph Fiennes) and secretly became his mistress and muse.
  • Onegin
    19
    Ralph Fiennes, Liv Tyler, Toby Stephens
    25 votes
    In 1820s St. Petersburg, Russia, the cynical nobleman Onegin (Ralph Fiennes) finds himself the new owner of a country estate following the death of his uncle. Deciding to abandon the fast-paced city for the leisurely countryside, Onegin takes over the estate. There, he soon befriends his neighbor Lensky (Toby Stephens), who introduces the aristocrat to his fiancee's sister, Tatyana (Liv Tyler). Onegin and Tatyana share an attraction, but Onegin's coldness threatens the relationship.
  • The White Countess
    20
    Ralph Fiennes, Natasha Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave
    24 votes
    In 1930s Shanghai, blind American ex-diplomat Todd Jackson (Ralph Fiennes) is a frequenter of the city's seamy underbelly of nightclubs and gambling houses. Todd is infatuated with Sofia (Natasha Richardson), a once-wealthy countess who has taken to dancing and prostitution in order to support herself. With earnings from a horse race, Todd opens an upscale nightclub to cater to Shanghai's wealthy elite, installing Sofia -- "The White Countess" -- as its hostess and spiritual muse.
  • Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
    21
    Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
    44 votes
    In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) grapples with his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, under the watchful gaze of a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton). As Voldemort's (Ralph Fiennes) power grows, Harry forms a clandestine group, Dumbledore's Army, to train his fellow students for the looming war. The film, part of a globally acclaimed series, expertly balances fantasy and drama, interweaving elements of friendship and rebellion. With its complex plot and compelling performances, it remains an integral chapter in the Harry Potter saga.
  • Spider
    22
    Ralph Fiennes, Miranda Richardson, Gabriel Byrne
    24 votes
    Released after decades in a sanitarium, schizophrenic Dennis "Spider" Cleg (Ralph Fiennes) moves into Mrs. Wilkinson's (Lynn Redgrave) halfway house and befriends a fellow resident, Terrence (John Neville), before retreating into personal writing and the darkness of his own haunted mind. Spider struggles to decipher murky memories of a childhood trauma involving his abusive father (Gabriel Byrne), his murdered mother (Miranda Richardson), and a prostitute who may have replaced her.
  • Oscar and Lucinda
    23
    Ralph Fiennes, Cate Blanchett, Ciarán Hinds
    34 votes
    After a childhood of abuse by his evangelistic father, misfit Oscar Hopkins (Ralph Fiennes) becomes an Anglican minister and develops a divine obsession with gambling. Lucinda Leplastrier (Cate Blanchett) is a rich Australian heiress shopping in London for materials for her newly acquired glass factory back home. Deciding to travel to Australia as a missionary, Oscar meets Lucinda aboard ship, and a mutual obsession blossoms. They make a wager that will alter each of their destinies.
  • Bernard and Doris
    24
    Susan Sarandon, Ralph Fiennes, James Rebhorn
    26 votes
    Bernard and Doris is a 2006 film directed by Bob Balaban. The teleplay by Hugh Costello is a semi-fictionalized account of the relationship that developed between socialite heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke and her self-destructive Irish employee Bernard Lafferty later in her life. The film premiered at the Hamptons International Film Festival on October 17, 2007 and was broadcast by HBO on February 9, 2008. It has been released on DVD.
  • The Hurt Locker
    25
    Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty
    26 votes
    In the gripping war film The Hurt Locker, Sergeant First Class William James (Jeremy Renner) leads a bomb disposal team during the Iraq War. The movie is a high-stakes portrayal of their perilous mission, where every moment could be fatal. This intense drama unfolds against a backdrop of chaos and conflict, with characters like Sergeant J.T. Sanborn (Anthony Mackie) and Specialist Owen Eldridge (Brian Geraghty) adding depth to the narrative. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker won six Academy Awards in 2010, including Best Picture and Best Director.
  • Maid in Manhattan
    26
    Jennifer Lopez, Ralph Fiennes, Natasha Richardson
    45 votes
    Maid in Manhattan is a charming romantic comedy that tangles love and identity in the bustling heart of New York City. Marisa Ventura (Jennifer Lopez), a hardworking hotel maid, is mistaken for a socialite by an aspiring senator Christopher Marshall (Ralph Fiennes). This unexpected encounter leads to a whirlwind romance, complicated by their disparate social statuses and Marisa's initial deception. Their love story unfolds amidst the glitz and glamour of Manhattan, reflecting on themes of class, ambition, and love's transformative power. The film showcases standout performances from Lopez and Fiennes, with compelling chemistry that captivates audiences throughout.
  • Coriolanus
    27
    Ralph Fiennes, Gerard Butler, Brian Cox
    24 votes
    Caius Martius, aka Coriolanus (Ralph Fiennes), is an arrogant and fearsome general who has built a career on protecting Rome from its enemies. Pushed by his ambitious mother (Vanessa Redgrave) to seek the position of consul, Coriolanus is at odds with the masses and unpopular with certain colleagues (James Nesbitt, Paul Jesson). When a riot results in his expulsion from Rome, Coriolanus seeks out his sworn enemy, Tullus Aufidius (Gerard Butler). Together, the pair vow to destroy the great city.
  • Chromophobia
    28
    Penélope Cruz, Ralph Fiennes, Damian Lewis
    14 votes
    Chromophobia is an ensemble film which debuted at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival in France. The film's crew was made up of a brother-sister trio - Martha Fiennes wrote and directed the film, Ralph Fiennes starred in it, and Magnus Fiennes composed the score. The film was shot entirely in Great Britain and the Isle of Man.
  • Great Expectations
    29
    Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Robbie Coltrane
    19 votes
    Great Expectations is a 2012 British drama film written by David Nicholls and directed by Mike Newell. Miss Havisham, a wealthy spinster who wears an old wedding dress and lives in the dilapidated Satis House, asks Pip's 'Uncle Pumblechook' to find a boy to play with her adopted daughter Estella. Pip begins to visit Miss Havisham and Estella, with whom he falls in love, then Pip—a humble orphan—suddenly becomes a gentleman with the help of an unknown benefactor.
  • Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
    30
    Peter Sallis, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter
    31 votes
    In the delightful stop-motion animated film Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Wallace (voiced by Peter Sallis) and his loyal dog, Gromit, run a humane pest control service. They are tasked with protecting the town's gigantic vegetables for the annual Giant Vegetable Competition. However, their mission takes a turn when they grapple with a monstrous rabbit. This charming comedy, directed by Nick Park and Steve Box, won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2005. Its unique blend of British humor, unforgettable characters, and inventive plot is sure to entertain viewers of all ages.