Viggo Mortensen's Best Movies

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Updated April 1, 2024 25.7K views
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List of the best Viggo Mortensen movies and shows, ranked best to worst. Viggo Mortensen's highest grossing movies have received many accolades over the years, earning millions around the world. The order of these top Viggo Mortensen movies and shows are decided by how many votes they receive, so only highly rated movies and shows will be at the top of the list. Viggo Mortensen has been in a lot of films and shows, so people often debate each other over his greatest role of all time is. If you and a friend are arguing about this then use this list of the most entertaining Viggo Mortensen films and shows to end the squabble once and for all.

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

The list you're viewing has a variety of films, like Daylight and A History of Violence, in it.

"This list answers the questions, "What are the best Viggo Mortensen movies and shows?" and "What are the greatest Viggo Mortensen roles of all time?"

Brian De Palma and Ridley Scott are among those who have directed Viggo Mortensen at one point or another during their careers in the film industry. If Viggo Mortensen movies are your thing, then check out the greatest movies by Vincent Cassel and Christopher Plummer too.

Most divisive: Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III
Over 500 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Viggo Mortensen's Best Movies
  • The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
    1
    Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler
    139 votes
    In The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, a young hobbit, Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), is entrusted with an ancient ring. This ring, darkly powerful and coveted by the malevolent Dark Lord Sauron, must be destroyed to save Middle-earth. Guided by the wise wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and joined by a diverse group of companions, Frodo embarks on a perilous journey towards Mount Doom, the only place where the ring can be unmade. This epic fantasy film won four Academy Awards and launched one of cinema's most celebrated trilogies.
  • The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
    2
    Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler
    128 votes
    Venturing deeper into the world of Middle-earth, the second installment of the award-winning epic fantasy series delves into the escalating battle between good and evil. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers presents viewers with an enthralling narrative, as it follows the journey of separated fellowship members, each facing their own challenges. Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) forge alliances to defend the besieged Rohan, while Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) encounter the treacherous Gollum (Andy Serkis) in their quest to destroy the One Ring. With unforgettable performances and breathtaking visuals, this cinematic masterpiece continues to enchant audiences worldwide.
  • The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
    3
    Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler
    143 votes
    In The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin) press on towards Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring. Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), rightful heir to the throne, marshals the forces of good for an epic battle against Sauron's evil army at Minas Tirith. This third installment in the fantasy trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson, won a record-breaking 11 Academy Awards including Best Picture. It's a tale of bravery, friendship, and the enduring struggle between good and evil.
  • A History of Violence
    4
    Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, William Hurt
    133 votes
    In the film A History of Violence, Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen) is an unassuming diner owner whose peaceful small-town life in Millbrook, Indiana spins out of control following a brutal act of self-defense. His violent past, as mob hitman Joey Cusack from Philadelphia, surfaces and haunts him. Intrigue ensues with the arrival of Carl Fogarty (Ed Harris), a scarred gangster who recognizes Stall's true identity. This 2005 crime thriller, directed by David Cronenberg, weaves a complex tale of identity crisis and the aftermath of violence, earning two Academy Award nominations for its compelling narrative and performances.
  • Eastern Promises
    5
    Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts, Vincent Cassel
    136 votes
    Nikolai (Viggo Mortensen), who is both ruthless and mysterious, has ties to one of the most dangerous crime families in London. He crosses paths with Anna (Naomi Watts), a midwife who has come across potentially damaging evidence against the family, which forces him to set in motion a plan of deceit, death and retribution.
  • Green Book
    6
    Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini
    84 votes
    In the multi-award-winning film Green Book, Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen), a bouncer from an Italian-American neighborhood in the Bronx, is hired to drive Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali), a world-class African-American pianist, on a concert tour across the Deep South in 1962. The mismatched pair navigate their way through racial tension and societal norms using the Green Book - a travel guide for safe travel through America's racial segregation. Their journey unfolds into an unexpected camaraderie that transcends their differences, offering a poignant snapshot of an era riddled with prejudice. With its compelling narrative and exceptional performances, Green Book won the Best Picture at the 91st Academy Awards.
  • Hidalgo
    7
    Viggo Mortensen, Omar Sharif, Louise Lombard
    107 votes
    Rugged cowboy Frank Hopkins (Viggo Mortensen) is an expert horseman who performs in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. When affluent Sheik Riyadh (Omar Sharif), piqued by tales of Hopkins' talent, challenges Hopkins to prove himself in a treacherous long-distance horse race called the Ocean of Fire, Hopkins is forced to oblige. In the Middle East with his American mustang, he must race against thoroughbred horses ridden by the best riders in the world with his reputation -- and his life -- at stake.
  • Appaloosa
    8
    Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen, Renée Zellweger
    50 votes
    Virgil Cole (Ed Harris) and his longtime friend and partner Everett Hitch (Viggo Mortensen) travel the 1880s Southwest, bringing justice to lawless towns desperate enough to hire them. In the mining town of Appaloosa, malevolent rancher Randall Bragg and his cronies ride roughshod over the frightened citizens. As Cole and Hitch work to end Bragg's reign of terror, an unconventional widow (Renee Zellweger) arrives, complicating the job and threatening their bond.
  • The Road
    9
    Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Charlize Theron
    83 votes
    In the bleak, post-apocalyptic movie The Road, a father (Viggo Mortensen) and his son (Kodi Smit-McPhee) traverse an ashen landscape. Their world, ravaged by an unspecified cataclysm, is devoid of civilization. The pair press on in their journey towards the coast, clinging to hope. They encounter scarce resources and dangerous nomadic gangs, their survival hinging on their wits and the strength of their bond. Directed by John Hillcoat, this adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer-winning novel presents a stark exploration of humanity's struggle for existence in a devastated world.
  • The Reflecting Skin
    10
    Viggo Mortensen, Lindsay Duncan, Jeremy Cooper
    45 votes
    Growing up in the 1950s in small-town Idaho, 8-year-old Seth (Jeremy Cooper) and his friends play a prank on the town recluse, a widow named Dolphin Blue (Lindsay Duncan). When his friends start disappearing, Seth becomes convinced Dolphin is a vampire, stealing the souls of the neighborhood children one by one. After his brother, Cameron (Viggo Mortensen), returns home and takes a liking to Dolphin, Seth feels it's up to him to save Cameron from his friends' fate.
  • Everyone Has a Plan
    11
    Viggo Mortensen, Soledad Villamil, Javier Godino
    34 votes
    Everyone Has a Plan is a 2012 Crime & Drama film written by Ana Piterbarg and Ana Cohan and directed by Ana Piterbarg.
  • Witness
    12
    Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis, Alexander Godunov
    51 votes
    In the 1985 film Witness, a young Amish boy, Samuel Lapp (Lukas Haas), becomes the sole witness to a brutal murder in Philadelphia. Detective John Book (Harrison Ford) is assigned to investigate but soon finds himself hiding within the boy's Amish community from corrupt police officers looking to silence them both. This crime-thriller directed by Peter Weir navigates the stark contrast between two worlds while exploring themes of love and duty. The film garnered multiple Academy Awards nominations, winning two for Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing.
  • G.I. Jane
    13
    Demi Moore, Viggo Mortensen, Anne Bancroft
    54 votes
    In response to political pressure from Senator Lillian DeHaven (Anne Bancroft), the U.S. Navy begins a program that would allow for the eventual integration of women into its services. The program begins with a single trial candidate, Lieutenant Jordan O'Neil (Demi Moore), who is chosen specifically for her femininity. O'Neil enters the grueling training program under the command of John James Urgayle (Viggo Mortensen), who unfairly pushes O'Neil until her determination wins his respect.
  • Crimson Tide
    14
    Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, George Dzundza
    50 votes
    Crimson Tide, a gripping drama set against the backdrop of global conflict, explores the tension-filled relationship between two naval officers aboard a U.S. nuclear submarine. The seasoned Captain Frank Ramsey (Gene Hackman) and his new executive officer Lt. Commander Ron Hunter (Denzel Washington) find themselves in a bitter power struggle as a potential nuclear disaster looms. As the world teeters on the brink of war, the fate of humanity rests in their hands. This film is a riveting exploration of leadership, duty, and the harrowing reality of war beneath the sea. It garnered multiple award nominations, cementing its place in cinematic history.
  • Good
    15
    Viggo Mortensen, Jason Isaacs, Mark Strong
    33 votes
    Good is a film based on the stage play of the same name by C. P. Taylor and starring Viggo Mortensen, Jason Isaacs and Jodie Whittaker. It was directed by Vicente Amorim and was first shown at the Toronto International Film Festival on 8 September 2008.
  • Vanishing Point
    16
    Viggo Mortensen, Jason Priestley, Keith David
    25 votes
    Vanishing Point is a 1997 television remake of the 1971 cult film that aired on the Fox television network. The film stars Viggo Mortensen, Jason Priestley, Peta Wilson, Christine Elise and Keith David and the same model 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T as in the original, and was directed by Charles Robert Carner.
  • The Passion of Darkly Noon
    17
    Viggo Mortensen, Ashley Judd, Brendan Fraser
    32 votes
    The Passion of Darkly Noon is a 1995 film written and directed by Philip Ridley, starring Brendan Fraser in the title role, and co-starring Ashley Judd and Viggo Mortensen.
  • The Indian Runner
    18
    David Morse, Viggo Mortensen, Valeria Golino
    56 votes
    After getting into trouble with the law, violence-prone Frank Roberts (Viggo Mortensen) seeks help from his brother Joe (David Morse), an even-tempered policeman. Frank hopes to start fresh, and his brother has faith that he can do it. So Joe agrees to let Frank stay -- despite the admonitions of his wife, Maria (Valeria Golino), who would rather not have Frank in the house. And though he performs well at first, Frank's inner turmoil eventually erupts, creating chaos in their once tranquil home.
  • A Perfect Murder
    19
    Michael Douglas, Gwyneth Paltrow, Viggo Mortensen
    63 votes
    Wall Street baron Steven Taylor (Michael Douglas) discovers that his pretty young wife, Emily (Gwyneth Paltrow), is cheating on him. But what concerns him more than her infidelity is the hope of profiting from her untimely death. Emily has millions, and Steve's own financial empire is collapsing before his eyes. He hires her lover, David (Viggo Mortensen), to murder her. The plan -- to stage a break-in that will look like a random murder -- turns out to be far from perfect.
  • A Dangerous Method
    20
    Keira Knightley, Viggo Mortensen, Michael Fassbender
    35 votes
    In 1904 a Russian woman named Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley) arrives at Carl Jung's (Michael Fassbender) clinic, seeking treatment for hysteria. Jung is eager to test Sigmund Freud's (Viggo Mortensen) theories on Sabina and, in fact, successfully treats her. Two years later Jung and Sabina meet Freud in person, and Jung takes over the treatment of Otto Gross, whose influence leads Jung to begin an affair with Sabina, contributing to a rift with Freud.
  • A Walk on the Moon
    21
    Diane Lane, Viggo Mortensen, Liev Schreiber
    64 votes
    Unfulfilled housewife Pearl Kantrowitz (Diane Lane) suffers in quiet misery as the tumultuous events of the summer of 1969 unfold on the surface of her television screen. But, when Kantrowitz invites hunky traveling salesman Walker Jerome (Viggo Mortensen) into the safety of her living room for the live broadcast of the historic moon landing, they begin a passionate affair that threatens to destroy her marriage to her straight-laced high school sweetheart, Marty (Liev Schreiber).
  • 28 Days
    22
    Sandra Bullock, Viggo Mortensen, Dominic West
    43 votes
    The story of Gwen Cummings (Sandra Bullock), a successful New York writer living in the fast lane and everyone's favorite party girl -- until she gets drunk with boyfriend Jasper (Dominic West), borrows her sister's (Elizabeth Perkins) wedding limo and earns herself a stay in court-ordered rehab.
  • Alatriste
    23
    Viggo Mortensen, Elena Anaya, Nacho Pérez
    37 votes
    Alatriste is a 2006 Spanish historical film directed by Agustín Díaz Yanes, based on the main character of a series of novels written by Arturo Pérez-Reverte, The Adventures of Captain Alatriste. The film, which stars Viggo Mortensen, is the second most expensive Spanish language film ever made in Spain; only preceded by Agora. It portrays Spain of the 17th century using both fictional and real characters. Twentieth Century Fox has bought the rights to the film.
  • Carlito's Way
    24
    Al Pacino, Sean Penn, Penelope Ann Miller
    47 votes
    A free man after years in prison, Carlito Brigante (Al Pacino) intends to give up his criminal ways, but it's not long before the ex-con is sucked back into the New York City underworld. Reconnecting with his dancer girlfriend, Gail (Penelope Ann Miller), Carlito gets entangled in the shady dealings of his friend Dave Kleinfeld (Sean Penn), who also serves as his lawyer. When Carlito and Kleinfeld run afoul of shifty gangster Benny Blanco (John Alberto Leguizamo), it sets them on a dangerous path.
  • The Prophecy
    25
    Christopher Walken, Elias Koteas, Virginia Madsen
    40 votes
    Evil angel Gabriel (Christopher Walken) has come to earth to strengthen his powers by claiming the wicked spirit of a psychotic veteran. The benevolent angel, Simon (Eric Stoltz), want to stop that from happening, so hides the man's spirit where Gabriel would least expect to find it: in a little girl (Moriah Shining Dove Snyder). Caught in a cosmic battle in which even Lucifer (Viggo Mortensen) plays a part, a liturgically minded cop (Elias Koteas) moves heaven and earth to protect the child.
  • The Portrait of a Lady
    26
    Nicole Kidman, John Malkovich, Barbara Hershey
    26 votes
    Ms. Isabel Archer (Nicole Kidman) isn't afraid to challenge societal norms. Impressed by her free spirit, her kindhearted cousin writes her into his fatally ill father's will. Suddenly rich and independent, Isabelle ventures into the world, along the way befriending a cynical intellectual (Barbara Hershey) and romancing an art enthusiast (John Malkovich). However, the advantage of her affluence is called into question when she realizes the extent to which her money colors her relationships.
  • Daylight
    27
    Sylvester Stallone, Amy Brenneman, Viggo Mortensen
    29 votes
    A group of armed robbers fleeing the police head for the New Jersey Tunnel and run right into trucks transporting toxic waste. The spectacular explosion that follows results in both ends of the tunnel collapsing and the handful of people who survived the explosion are now in peril. Kit Latura is the only man with the skill and knowledge to lead the band of survivors out of the tunnel before the structure collapses.
  • Young Guns II
    28
    Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips
    25 votes
    En route to Mexico from the United States, Billy the Kid (Emilio Estevez) and his associates are pursued by federal agents hell-bent on bringing them to justice. But when Billy, Doc (Kiefer Sutherland) and Chavez (Lou Diamond Phillips) prove too difficult to track down, the frustrated authorities enlist an old friend of theirs, reformed outlaw Pat Garrett (William Petersen), to take down the elusive gunslinger. But Billy has a head start, and his crew of outlaws is growing by the minute.
  • Albino Alligator
    29
    Matt Dillon, Faye Dunaway, Gary Sinise
    18 votes
    When a robbery in New Orleans ends in disaster, the mercurial burglar Dova (Matt Dillon) escapes with his cohorts to a seedy, nearby bar. Capturing all those inside, the criminals trade barbs with the establishment's feisty bartender Janet Boudreaux (Faye Dunaway). The pub becomes highly volatile, however, when the police encircle it; as it turns out, they were already there surveilling another of the bar's patrons, a suspected illicit arms trafficker named Guy Foucard (Viggo Mortensen).
  • Prison
    30
    Viggo Mortensen, Lane Smith, Kane Hodder
    19 votes
    Prison is a 1988 horror film starring Viggo Mortensen. It was filmed at the Old State Prison in Rawlins, Wyoming, with many of its residents on the cast and crew.