The Best Ethan Hawke Movies
Photo: Columbia Pictures / Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

The Best Ethan Hawke Movies

Ranker Film
Updated May 29, 2024 35.9K views 55 items
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Vote for your favorite movies, regardless of critic reviews or how big the role was.
Latest additions: Before Midnight, Leave the World Behind
Most divisive: Hamlet
Over 500 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Ethan Hawke Movies

Ethan Hawke'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 Ethan Hawke movies is decided by how many votes they receive, so only highly rated Ethan Hawke movies will be at the top of the list. Ethan Hawke has been in a lot of films, so people often debate each other over what the greatest Ethan Hawke movie of all time is. If you and a friend are arguing about this then use this list of the most entertaining Ethan Hawke films to end the squabble once and for all.

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

This list is made up of films like Training Day and Brooklyn's Finest.

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

Natalie Portman and Frank Marshall have both worked with Ethan Hawke over the years, as have plenty of other well-known directors. If you're a fan of Ethan Hawke, then check out our lists of the best Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Dern movies as well.

  • Before Sunrise
    1

    Before Sunrise

    Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Erni Mangold
    110 votes
    In the romantic drama Before Sunrise, Jesse (Ethan Hawke), an American, encounters Celine (Julie Delpy), a French woman, on a train in Europe. Struck by an inexplicable connection, they decide to disembark in Vienna. Unfolding over the course of one night, the film captures their deep conversations, flitting from philosophy to love to the meaning of life. It is a testament to director Richard Linklater's skill that this seemingly simple premise becomes a profound exploration of human connection. The movie was nominated for Best Screenplay at the 68th Academy Awards.
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  • Dead Poets Society
    2

    Dead Poets Society

    Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke
    122 votes
    In the captivating drama, Dead Poets Society, English teacher John Keating (Robin Williams) introduces his students at the conservative Welton Academy to the world of poetry. His unconventional teaching methods, centered around the motto Carpe Diem - seize the day, inspire his pupils to challenge the status quo and explore their individual identities. The narrative unfolds as Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard), an aspiring actor, grapples with his authoritarian father's expectations. This 1989 Peter Weir-directed film was nominated for four Academy Awards, winning Best Original Screenplay.
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  • Gattaca
    3

    Gattaca

    Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law
    124 votes
    In the not-so-distant future, Gattaca unfolds a tale of genetic discrimination. Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke), naturally born, aspires to travel into space despite his society's preference for genetically engineered humans. He strikes an unlawful pact with Jerome Morrow (Jude Law), a genetically superior individual, crippled by an accident. As Freeman impersonates Morrow to secure a place in the Gattaca Aerospace Corporation's mission to Saturn's moon, Titan, he finds love in Irene Cassini (Uma Thurman). However, a murder investigation threatens to expose his identity. This 1997 science fiction film directed by Andrew Niccol explores themes of destiny and free will.
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  • Before Sunset
    4

    Before Sunset

    Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Vernon Dobtcheff
    96 votes
    A sequel to "Before Sunrise," this film starts nine years later as Jesse (Ethan Hawke) travels across Europe giving readings from a book he wrote about the night he spent in Vienna with Celine (Julie Delpy). After his reading in Paris, Celine finds him, and they spend part of the day together before Jesse has to again leave for a flight. They are both in relationships now, and Jesse has a son, but as their strong feelings for each other start to return, both confess a longing for more.
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  • Training Day
    5

    Training Day

    Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Scott Glenn
    129 votes
    In the gritty urban drama Training Day, Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke), an idealistic rookie cop, embarks on his first day with the narcotics squad of the LAPD. His training officer, Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington), is a seasoned detective with questionable methods and a blurred moral compass. Throughout the day, Hoyt is exposed to the harsh realities of law enforcement, navigating a world where right and wrong aren't always distinguishable. Denzel Washington's gripping performance garnered him an Academy Award for Best Actor. The film delves into police corruption, exploring its impact on those who uphold the law and those they protect.
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  • Boyhood
    6

    Boyhood

    Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke
    75 votes
    Boyhood, a coming-of-age drama, is an extraordinary cinematic journey that spans over 12 years in the life of Mason (Ellar Coltrane), starting from age six to eighteen. Directed by Richard Linklater, the film also stars Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke as Mason's parents. Uniquely filmed over a 12-year span, it captures the subtle shifts and seismic upheavals of growing up. Punctuated with life's joys and sorrows, it explores relationships, adolescence, and the passage of time. A winner of multiple awards, including an Oscar for Patricia Arquette's performance, Boyhood stands as a groundbreaking achievement in filmmaking.
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  • Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
    7

    Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

    Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Marisa Tomei
    50 votes
    Andy (Philip Seymour Hoffman), a debt-ridden broker, needs some quick cash. He ropes his younger brother, Hank (Ethan Hawke), into a scheme to commit the perfect crime: to rob their parents' (Albert Finney, Rosemary Harris) jewelry store. The scheme goes horribly awry, and the family patriarch takes justice into his own hands, unaware that the criminals he is hunting are his own sons.
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  • Sinister
    8

    Sinister

    Ethan Hawke, Vincent D'Onofrio, James Ransone
    60 votes
    In the chilling horror film Sinister, true-crime writer Ellison Oswalt (Ethan Hawke) moves his family into a new home, seeking inspiration for his next novel. Unbeknownst to them, their new house was a scene of a grisly murder. As Oswalt uncovers the details of the crime through a box of old home movies, he unwittingly invites an ancient, malevolent entity into their lives. This entity, known as Bughuul (Nick King), threatens not just Oswalt's sanity, but also the safety of his wife Tracy (Juliet Rylance) and their children Ashley (Clare Foley) and Trevor (Michael Hall D'Addario). The movie skillfully intertwines elements of supernatural terror with the real-life horrors of familial discord and obsession.
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  • Alive
    9

    Alive

    Ethan Hawke, Vincent Spano, Josh Hamilton
    52 votes
    Stranded after a plane crash in the Andes mountains, individual members of Uruguay's rugby team respond differently. Group leader Nando (Ethan Hawke) tries to keep everyone's spirits up; medical student Roberto (Josh Hamilton) diligently treats cases of frostbite and gangrene; loose cannon Antonio (Vincent Spano) gradually loses his composure. Once all available food stuffs run out, the group faces a terrible dilemma: eat one or more of their deceased teammates, or die.
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  • White Fang
    10

    White Fang

    Klaus Maria Brandauer, Ethan Hawke, Seymour Cassel
    64 votes
    This adaptation of Jack London's wilderness tale focuses on young Jack Conroy (Ethan Hawke), who has arrived in Alaska to search for a gold mine. When Jack encounters White Fang, a dog/wolf hybrid who has been cruelly treated by his owner, Beauty Smith (James Remar), he rescues the canine from the jaws of death during a fight with a fierce bulldog. Aided by his friend Alex Larson (Klaus Maria Brandauer), Jack nurses White Fang back to health, and the animal becomes a close companion to the men.
  • Snow Falling on Cedars
    11

    Snow Falling on Cedars

    Ethan Hawke, James Cromwell, Richard Jenkins
    35 votes
    Fog as thick and palpable as cotton hangs suspended over San Piedro Island. On the bay, a flickering lantern signals distress from a crippled fishing boat, while elsewhere a freighter lurches blindly through the chalky mist. By morning, sea and sky are clear, but the tranquil village of fisherman and berry farmers will forever be changed. For one man has lost his life, and another -a childhood friend- has been charged with taking it. An investigation is launched. The trial begins.
  • Assault on Precinct 13
    12

    Assault on Precinct 13

    Ethan Hawke, Laurence Fishburne, John Leguizamo
    47 votes
    While en route to prison, a bus carrying criminals Marion (Laurence Fishburne), Beck (John Alberto Leguizamo) and Anna (Aisha Hinds) is rerouted to Detroit's soon-to-be-closed Precinct 13 because of a dangerous winter storm. All communications with the outside world are cut off, and Jake (Ethan Hawke), an emotionally volatile police sergeant who is haunted by his past, is forced to work with the criminals in order to survive an attack on the precinct by a group of armed men.
  • Great Expectations
    13

    Great Expectations

    Ethan Hawke, Gwyneth Paltrow, Hank Azaria
    53 votes
    Loosely based on the Charles Dickens' classic novel, "Great Expectations" is a sensual tale of a young man's unforgettable passage into manhood, and the three individuals who will undeniably change his life forever. Through the surprising interactions of these vivid characters, "Great Expectations" takes a unique and contemporary look at life's great coincidences.
  • First Reformed
    14

    First Reformed

    Ethan Hawke, Amanda Seyfried, Philip Ettinger
    33 votes
    The pastor of a small church in upstate New York spirals out of control after a soul-shaking encounter with an unstable environmental activist and his pregnant wife.
  • Before Midnight
    15

    Before Midnight

    Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick
    1 votes
    On the last night of their idyllic Greek vacation, longtime lovers Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) reminisce about their lives together and what different choices might have brought.
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  • Tape
    16

    Tape

    Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard, Uma Thurman
    44 votes
    A three-character ensemble piece set within the confines of a tawdry motor lodge in Lansing, Michigan. After 10 years apart, three disparate people come together to play out the unresolved drama of their final days in high school. Intrigued, we watch as layers of denial are slowly peeled away. Suspense builds as each character is provoked into revealing his or her true nature and motivation. Mesmerized, we are drawn into their lives as they choose which cards to play and which cards to hold.
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  • Reality Bites
    17

    Reality Bites

    Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, Ben Stiller
    69 votes
    In the heart of the 90s, Reality Bites blooms as a romantic comedy-drama, capturing the spirit of Generation X. Lelaina Pierce (Winona Ryder), an aspiring documentarian, grapples with post-college life alongside her roommate Vickie Miner (Janeane Garofalo). Their lives intertwine with Troy Dyer (Ethan Hawke), a brooding musician, and Michael Grates (Ben Stiller), an executive at an MTV-like network. As Lelaina documents their struggles and successes, love triangles emerge and friendships are tested. Directed by Ben Stiller, this film encapsulates the angst and uncertainty of young adulthood while offering sharp social commentary on the era's pop culture.
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  • Juliet, Naked
    18

    Juliet, Naked

    Ethan Hawke, Rose Byrne, Chris O'Dowd
    20 votes
    Annie breaks up with her longtime boyfriend Duncan -- a teacher who's obsessed with former 1990s rocker Tucker Crowe. She soon develops an unexpected bond with Tucker when he visits his pregnant daughter in London.
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  • The Hottest State
    19

    The Hottest State

    Michelle Williams, Alexandra Daddario, Ethan Hawke
    32 votes
    The Hottest State is a 2006 drama film directed and written by Ethan Hawke, which he based on the novel of the same name that he had written and published ten years earlier, in 1996. The film debuted at the Venice Film Festival on September 2, 2006, and received a limited theatrical release in the United States on August 24, 2007. It ran for 5 weeks and grossed $137,341 internationally. The film was subsequently issued on DVD in December 2007.
  • The Woman in the Fifth
    20

    The Woman in the Fifth

    Ethan Hawke, Kristin Scott Thomas, Joanna Kulig
    21 votes
    In Paris, an American writer (Ethan Hawke) falls under the sexual spell of a mysterious widow (Kristin Scott Thomas) who sets strange rules to their twice-weekly meetings.
  • Daybreakers
    21

    Daybreakers

    Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe, Claudia Karvan
    63 votes
    In Daybreakers, a chilling twist on the vampire genre, society has been overrun by bloodsuckers. Edward Dalton (Ethan Hawke), a conflicted vampire hematologist, is caught in the struggle between human survivors and the vampire ruling class. The vampires face extinction due to dwindling human blood supply. Enter Lionel 'Elvis' Cormac (Willem Dafoe), a former vampire with a potential solution. As they navigate this dystopian world, Dalton's loyalties are tested. Can they save both species from total annihilation? The film challenges traditional vampire lore, weaving an intriguing narrative of survival and redemption.
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  • Brooklyn's Finest
    22

    Brooklyn's Finest

    Richard Gere, Don Cheadle, Ethan Hawke
    32 votes
    A massive drug operation changes the lives of three conflicted New York cops. Burned-out vet Eddie Dugan (Richard Gere) is close to retirement; narcotics cop Sal Procida (Ethan Hawke) faces the difficult task of caring for his large family on his ordinary salary; undercover officer Clarence "Tango" Butler (Don Cheadle) finds his loyalties beginning to shift toward a powerful drug dealer. Over seven chaotic days, the three men are drawn toward a fateful crime and destiny.
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  • A Midnight Clear
    23

    A Midnight Clear

    Ethan Hawke, Peter Berg, Kevin Dillon
    25 votes
    In the winter of 1944, American soldiers led by Will Knott (Ethan Hawke) are assigned to capture a small squad of German soldiers posted in France's Ardennes forest. Tired of war, the Americans have already lost half their division and discover that their German enemy is equally unwilling to fight. With Jewish soldier Stan Shutzer (Arye Gross) interpreting, the Germans and Americans agree on a plan that will let the former surrender without violence -- but then, tragedy strikes.
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  • The Newton Boys
    24

    The Newton Boys

    Matthew McConaughey, Skeet Ulrich, Ethan Hawke
    22 votes
    The Newton Boys is a captivating blend of crime, action, and drama. It spins the tale of four brothers - Willis (Matthew McConaughey), Jess (Ethan Hawke), Joe (Skeet Ulrich), and Dock Newton (Vincent D'Onofrio) - who become one of the most successful bank robbers in history. Set in the early 20th century, it delves into their audacious exploits across America. As the plot unfolds, their brotherhood is tested by law enforcement pressure and personal conflicts. This real-life inspired spectacle, directed by Richard Linklater, offers an intriguing exploration of morality within the thrilling context of a high-stakes criminal life.
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  • Dad
    25

    Dad

    Jack Lemmon, Ted Danson, Olympia Dukakis
    37 votes
    Businessman John Tremont (Ted Danson) has never had to worry about his father, Jake (Jack Lemmon). But, when his mother dies, John suddenly realizes that the defiant, proud and aging man needs someone to look after him. Initially uneasy about taking Jake in, John begins to reevaluate his own life as he cares for his father. The time with his dad makes John realize, among other things, how important it is that he mend his crumbling relationship with his own son (Ethan Hawke).
  • Explorers
    26

    Explorers

    Ethan Hawke, River Phoenix, Jason Presson
    31 votes
    In Explorers, a sci-fi adventure movie, three young boys - Ben Crandall (Ethan Hawke), Wolfgang Müller (River Phoenix), and Darren Woods (Jason Presson) - stumble upon the blueprints of a spaceship. Intrigued by the discovery, they construct an operational spacecraft from scratch. Their unorthodox invention takes them on an unexpected journey into the cosmos, leading to encounters with alien life forms and astonishing interstellar experiences. The film is helmed by director Joe Dante, known for his distinct blend of humor and science fiction. It's a tale of youthful curiosity, friendship, and the uncharted territories of outer space.
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  • The Kid
    27

    The Kid

    Ethan Hawke, Dane DeHaan, Jake Schur
    13 votes
    In 1879 Rio and his teenage sister go on the run across the American Southwest to escape from their violent uncle. Along the way, Rio encounters the infamous outlaw Billy the Kid and the legendary lawman Pat Garrett. He soon finds himself caught in the crossfire as Billy and Garrett square off in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
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  • Quiz Show
    28

    Quiz Show

    John Turturro, Rob Morrow, Ralph Fiennes
    38 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.
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  • Lord of War
    29

    Lord of War

    Nicolas Cage, Jared Leto, Bridget Moynahan
    56 votes
    The 20-year arms dealing career of Queens, N.Y., outcast Yuri Orlov (Nicolas Cage) serves as a window onto the end of the Cold War and the emergence of worldwide terrorism. He finds himself reassuring his more ethically challenged younger brother, Vitaly (Jared Leto), while adeptly sidestepping the pursuit of federal agent Jack Lawrence (Ethan Hawke). The globetrotting arms dealer also pursues the woman of his dreams, supermodel Ava Fontaine (Bridget Moynahan).
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  • Waking Life
    30

    Waking Life

    Wiley Wiggins, Trevor Jack Brooks, Lorelei Linklater
    20 votes
    Transcending the boundaries of technology and imagination, "Waking Life" is a revolutionary breakthrough in film animation. In "Waking Life," Wiley Wiggins ("Dazed and Confused") travels through a series of encounters and observations in a world that may or may not be reality. It is this surreal existence, flourishing with endless ideas and possibilities, that ultimately leads to the question -- Are we sleep-walking through our waking state or wake-walking through our dreams?