The 40+ Best Ray Winstone Movies

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Updated March 7, 2024 33.7K views 49 items
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Over 300 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 40+ Best Ray Winstone Movies

The fascinating career of renowned British actor Ray Winstone spans various genres, showcasing his remarkable talent and versatility on screen. With a plethora of memorable roles under his belt, discerning the best Ray Winstone movies can be a challenging feat. Indeed, his riveting performances, from explosive action flicks to emotional dramas, leave audiences captivated time and time again. This comprehensive overview delves into an array of exemplary films, each a testament to Winstone's technique and magnetic presence.

Within the outstanding filmography of Ray Winstone, viewers are treated to the finest examples of his acting prowess. Each film highlights Winstone's ability to embody unique characters, elevating the narratives and enhancing the viewer experience. The range of roles portrayed showcases not only his remarkable talent but also the immense skill and dedication with which he approaches every project. These movies with Ray Winstone truly represent the pinnacle of his illustrious career.

In notable films like Scum, Sexy Beast, and Nil by Mouth, Ray Winstone's captivating performances exemplify the best of his storied career. In Scum, Winstone's portrayal of an unruly young offender resonates deeply, vividly capturing both the character's defiance and vulnerability. Similarly, his performance as a menacing gangster in Sexy Beast earned him critical acclaim, establishing Winstone as a tour de force in the crime genre. The gritty drama Nil by Mouth further spotlights his exceptional skills as an actor, navigating complex relationships and emotions with profound intensity. These films, among others, exemplify the caliber of work that defines Ray Winstone's filmography.

As a testament to Ray Winstone's immense talent and charisma, his extraordinary body of work continues to captivate audiences and shape the realm of cinema. From visceral portrayals of troubled characters to thrilling action sequences, Ray Winstone's films offer an unparalleled viewing experience. His exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and captivating charisma will continue to enthrall audiences for generations to come, solidifying his legacy in the annals of cinematic history.

  • Scum
    1
    Ray Winstone, Mick Ford, Julian Firth
    64 votes

    In this brutal depiction of the harsh realities of life in a British borstal, Ray Winstone gives a powerful performance as Carlin, a young offender who quickly learns how to navigate and dominate the violent and corrupt institution. Winstone's raw and compelling portrayal of Carlin catapulted his career and established him as a force to be reckoned with in the world of acting. The success of the film rests on its unflinching portrayal of a brutal system, driven by Winstone's breakout performance, and the haunting imagery that lingers with viewers long after the credits roll.

  • Sexy Beast
    2
    Ray Winstone, Ben Kingsley, Ian McShane
    87 votes

    A stylish, darkly comic crime thriller, this film showcases Winstone as Gal Dove, a retired, sun-soaked London gangster whose idyllic life in Spain is shattered by the arrival of a menacing former associate. Winstone's tense, nuanced performance contrasts perfectly with Ben Kingsley's unhinged villain, creating a dynamic and unforgettable on-screen partnership. The film expertly balances tension, black comedy, and character study, making it one of the most unique and celebrated entries in the British gangster genre.

  • Quadrophenia
    3
    Phil Daniels, Mark Wingett, Philip Davis
    38 votes

    This cult classic explores the tense rivalry between Mods and Rockers in 1960s London, with Winstone taking on the role of Kevin, a young Rocker caught up in the turbulent cultural clashes. While not a leading role, his convincing performance adds a sense of realism and authenticity to the social unrest portrayed in the film. A defining feature of the movie is its iconic, evocative soundtrack by The Who, which, combined with outstanding performances and an engaging story, contributed to its lasting impact and status as a cultural touchstone.

  • Nil by Mouth
    4
    Ray Winstone, Kathy Burke, Charlie Creed-Miles
    38 votes

    Depicting the bleak and gritty lives of a working-class South London family struggling with addiction, abuse, and poverty, this film sees Winstone in the challenging role of Ray, a violent and abusive husband. Winstone's harrowing portrayal is both disturbing and captivating, revealing the darkness underlying the character's aggressive exterior. Directed by Gary Oldman, the film was lauded for its raw, authentic portrayal of life on society's fringes, with Winstone's powerhouse performance at the heart of its emotional impact.

  • Love, Honour and Obey
    5
    Jude Law, Ray Winstone, Jonny Lee Miller
    41 votes

    This offbeat British crime comedy stars Winstone as Ray, a small-time crime boss whose crew of misfits finds themselves in over their heads when a heist goes wrong. With his signature blend of charm and menace, Winstone brings depth to the quirky, often ridiculous world of the film, grounding it with an air of danger. The movie's success can be attributed to its humor and unique style, as well as the strong chemistry among its ensemble cast, which includes many other notable British actors.

  • The Departed
    6
    Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson
    48 votes

    In Martin Scorsese's star-studded crime thriller about loyalty and betrayal, Winstone takes on the role of Mr. French, a loyal enforcer to Jack Nicholson's Irish mob boss. Winstone's precise and menacing performance contributes to the film's atmosphere of tension and paranoia. The Departed's complex, intricate plot and top-notch performances from its all-star cast led to a Best Picture Oscar win and further solidified Winstone's reputation as a versatile and talented actor.

  • Bouncer
    7
    Ray Winstone, Paddy Constantine, Shaun Parkes
    13 votes

    In this intense short film, Winstone plays a nightclub bouncer who becomes embroiled in an escalating series of conflicts with a group of menacing patrons. His commanding presence and simmering hostility make for a memorable and engaging protagonist in this tightly-paced thriller. The film's success lies in its ability to convey a sense of mounting tension and dread within a brief time frame, perfectly showcasing Winstone's talent for conveying deep emotion through subtle, understated performances.

  • The War Zone
    8
    Ray Winstone, Tilda Swinton, Lara Belmont
    13 votes

    As a father hiding dark secrets in this harrowing family drama, Winstone delivers a chilling performance that's both restrained and intensely unsettling. His ability to convey menace and vulnerability in equal measure helps the film navigate its disturbing subject matter with sensitivity and nuance. The bleak cinematography and slow-burn pacing further enhance the film's unrelenting atmosphere of tension and dread, resulting in a deeply affecting and unforgettable cinematic experience.

  • Face
    9
    Robert Carlyle, Ray Winstone, Steven Waddington
    26 votes

    In this British crime thriller, Winstone stars as Ray, a small-time crook whose life spirals out of control after a failed heist leads to betrayal and paranoia among his crew. His commanding screen presence and compelling portrayal of a man on the edge elevate the film's tense, gritty atmosphere. The movie's strong supporting cast and well-crafted action sequences contribute to its lasting appeal, establishing it as a noteworthy entry in the pantheon of British crime dramas.

  • Edge of Darkness
    10
    Mel Gibson, Ray Winstone, Danny Huston
    20 votes

    This tense, conspiracy-laden thriller stars Winstone as Jedburgh, a shadowy operative whose loyalties remain uncertain throughout the film's many twists and turns. His enigmatic, captivating performance keeps viewers guessing right up until the gripping conclusion. The film's taut pacing and clever plotting, combined with strong performances from Winstone and Mel Gibson, make it an edge-of-your-seat viewing experience.

  • The Proposition
    11
    Guy Pearce, Ray Winstone, Emily Watson
    24 votes

    Set in the Australian outback in the late 1800s, this gritty, brutal western sees Winstone as Captain Stanley, a lawman grappling with the moral complexities of frontier justice. His conflicted, nuanced performance is a standout in this morally ambiguous tale of revenge and survival. The film's striking, desolate landscape and haunting soundtrack, alongside its superbly acted exploration of the human capacity for violence, make it a standout entry in the modern western genre.

  • The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
    12
    Tilda Swinton, Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes
    24 votes

    This adaptation of C.S. Lewis's beloved children's novel features Winstone as the voice of Mr. Beaver, a wise and steadfast talking animal who aids the Pevensie children in their battle against the evil White Witch. His warm, comforting vocal performance adds a depth of character to the CGI-animated creature, making him instantly endearing and memorable. The film itself is a dazzling display of visual effects and beautifully realized fantasy landscapes, with Winstone's performance as one of many standout elements that contributed to its massive success.

  • Last Orders
    13
    Michael Caine, Bob Hoskins, Tom Courtenay
    16 votes

    This touching drama about friendship and loss stars Winstone as Vince, a London car dealer haunted by his past as he and his friends come together to scatter the ashes of a deceased friend. His heartfelt, emotionally raw performance lends the character an air of vulnerability beneath his tough exterior. With its stellar ensemble cast and rich, emotionally resonant storytelling, the film serves as a poignant exploration of the bonds that tie us to one another.

  • Black Widow
    14
    Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour
    38 votes

    This fast-paced thriller sees Winstone as a private detective tasked with uncovering the truth about a beautiful woman accused of killing her rich husbands for their fortunes. His dogged, world-weary portrayal adds depth and complexity to the engaging mystery at the heart of the film. The film's taut pacing and clever plotting, combined with Winstone's compelling performance, make for an entertaining and suspenseful viewing experience.

  • Cold Mountain
    15
    Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, Renée Zellweger
    22 votes

    This Civil War-era drama sees Winstone as Teague, a vicious, opportunistic figure who terrorizes the residents of a small North Carolina town. His menacing presence and brutal performance heighten the film's already palpable sense of danger and uncertainty. With its sweeping cinematography, emotional storytelling, and powerful performances from a star-studded cast, Cold Mountain has secured its place as an acclaimed period epic.

  • Sweeney Todd
    16
    Tom Hardy, Ray Winstone, David Warner
    17 votes

    This adaptation of the grisly musical about a vengeful barber and his murderous quest for justice features Winstone in the title role, delivering a powerful, brooding performance. His haunting, tormented portrayal of the iconic character adds an extra layer of depth to the film's dark, Gothic atmosphere. The captivating visuals, memorable songs, and standout performances from a strong ensemble cast make this a must-see for fans of horror and musicals alike.

  • London Boulevard
    17
    Keira Knightley, Colin Farrell, Ray Winstone
    19 votes

    In this stylish neo-noir crime drama, Winstone plays a ruthless gangster who is determined to reclaim a former employee recently released from prison. His chilling, menacing performance adds an undercurrent of danger to the film's glamorous, atmospheric world. The sleek visuals and strong performances from an all-star cast, including Keira Knightley and Colin Farrell, contribute to the film's status as a modern noir classic.

  • Beowulf
    18
    Ray Winstone, Anthony Hopkins, Angelina Jolie
    23 votes

    In this groundbreaking motion-capture fantasy epic, Winstone takes on the role of Beowulf, the legendary hero who battles monsters and dragons to save his kingdom. His fierce, larger-than-life performance brings the ancient hero to life in stunning detail, making full use of the film's cutting-edge technology. The film's eye-catching visuals and thrilling action sequences, bolstered by strong voice work from an all-star cast, establish it as a landmark achievement in the world of animation.

  • Snow White and the Huntsman
    19
    Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth
    24 votes

    In this dark, visually stunning retelling of the classic fairy tale, Winstone plays one of the seven dwarfs who aid the titular heroine in her quest to defeat the evil queen. His gruff, no-nonsense portrayal of the dwarf Gort adds emotional resonance to the film and manages to stand out among the star-studded ensemble cast. The movie's lush, atmospheric visuals and captivating performances make for a thrilling, imaginative reimagining of the beloved story.

  • King Arthur
    20
    Clive Owen, Keira Knightley, Ioan Gruffudd
    28 votes

    This gritty reimagining of the Arthurian legend features Winstone as Bors, a rough-and-tumble knight loyal to Clive Owen's King Arthur. His boisterous, charismatic performance injects humor and warmth into the film's dark, dramatic atmosphere. The movie's intense battle scenes and innovative take on a familiar story make it a unique and memorable entry in the canon of historical epics.

  • Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
    21
    Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Shia LaBeouf
    22 votes

    In the fourth installment of the iconic adventure franchise, Winstone plays Mac, a duplicitous mercenary with undefined allegiances. His charismatic turn provides both comic relief and intrigue as he continually switches sides throughout the film. The movie's thrilling action sequences, nostalgic callbacks, and engaging story make it a welcome addition to the beloved series.

  • Compulsion
    22

    Compulsion

    Ray Winstone, Parminder Nagra, Ben Aldridge
    12 votes

    In this psychological thriller, Winstone delivers a captivating turn as Don, a wealthy businessman whose encounter with a mysterious woman leads him down a dark and twisted path. His measured, enigmatic portrayal keeps viewers on edge throughout the film's many twists and turns. The movie's atmospheric visuals and intricate plotting make it an engrossing watch, anchored by Winstone's magnetic screen presence.

  • All in the Game
    23
    Idris Elba, Ray Winstone, Danny Dyer
    9 votes

    This gritty television drama stars Winstone as a corrupt football manager willing to do whatever it takes to achieve success in the high-stakes world of professional soccer. His intense, commanding performance perfectly captures the ruthless nature of the character, making for a gripping and compelling viewing experience. The film's realistic portrayal of the dark side of sports and Winstone's standout performance make it a must-watch for fans of sports dramas.

  • Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
    24
    Logan Lerman, Brandon T. Jackson, Alexandra Daddario
    19 votes

    Based on the popular fantasy book series, this film features Winstone as Ares, the Greek god of war, who becomes an antagonist for the young demigod Percy Jackson. His imposing presence and powerful line delivery make his portrayal of the war god a worthy adversary in this fantastical adventure. The film's engaging plot, eye-catching special effects, and strong supporting cast ensure it remains a favorite among fans of the source material.

  • Hugo
    25
    Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Asa Butterfield
    13 votes

    In Martin Scorsese's beautifully realized adaptation of Brian Selznick's historical novel, Winstone takes on the role of Uncle Claude, the uncaring guardian of the titular orphan boy. His brief but effective performance adds a sense of menace to the film's lavish, fantastical world. Hugo's success can be attributed to its stunning visual effects, compelling story, and strong performances from an ensemble cast that breathes life into a bygone era of cinema.

  • Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll
    26
    Naomie Harris, Ray Winstone, Andy Serkis
    13 votes

    This biographical drama chronicles the tumultuous life of punk icon Ian Dury, with Winstone playing Dury's loyal friend and roadie. His heartfelt, understated performance adds a sense of depth and authenticity to the film's wild, anarchic world. The movie's success lies in its energetic performances and atmospheric recreation of an era-defining musical movement.

  • Breaking and Entering
    27
    Jude Law, Juliette Binoche, Robin Wright
    12 votes

    This critically acclaimed drama features Winstone as a police detective investigating a series of burglaries perpetrated by a young Bosnian immigrant. His sympathetic, nuanced performance brings depth to the film's complex portrayal of immigration and class struggle in contemporary London. The movie's strong storytelling and powerful performances create an emotionally resonant and thought-provoking viewing experience.

  • Tracker
    28
    Ray Winstone, Temuera Morrison, Jed Brophy
    13 votes

    Set in New Zealand in the early 1900s, this period action-drama sees Winstone as a British soldier tracking down a Maori fugitive accused of murder. His brooding, intense performance adds weight to the film's exploration of cultural tension and historical conflict. The movie's stunning locations and thoughtful storytelling make it a standout entry in the historical adventure genre.

  • Final Cut
    29
    Jude Law, Ray Winstone, Sadie Frost
    10 votes

    In this provocative psychological thriller, Winstone stars as one of several friends confronted by the repercussions of their past actions when a homemade snuff film surfaces. His performance expertly balances vulnerability and menace, creating a compelling and complex character. The film's ability to keep viewers guessing until its chilling conclusion, combined with strong acting from its ensemble cast, make it a gripping and unsettling cinematic experience.

  • 13
    30
    Mickey Rourke, 50 Cent, Emmanuelle Chriqui
    10 votes

    In this high-stakes thriller, Winstone stars as one of several desperate men participating in a deadly game of Russian roulette. His intense, paranoid performance adds an extra layer of tension to the nail-biting, suspenseful atmosphere. The claustrophobic setting, relentless pacing, and strong ensemble cast make for a tense and unforgettable cinematic experience.