Philip Seymour Hoffman's Best Movies

Ranker Film
Updated April 15, 2024 36.5K views 54 items
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Vote for your favorite Philip Seymour Hoffman movies, regardless of critic reviews or how big the role was.

Movie fans of all kinds have gathered to vote on the best Philip Seymour Hoffman movies. The late actor's performances in cinema history are truly unforgettable and his ability to fully embody every character he portrayed was unmatched. His emotional depth captivated audiences, leaving them moved long after the credits rolled.

From Capote and Doubt, to more lighthearted fare like The Big Lebowski and Almost Famous - there is something for everyone on this list! It's a great way to pay homage to one of Hollywood's brightest stars so be sure to show your appreciation by voting up your favorites.

No matter what draws you back time and time again, these exceptional films featuring Philip Seymour Hoffman will not disappoint. So why not sit down with some popcorn, indulge in a few classic movies and enjoy some of the best that cinema has ever offered?

Most divisive: When a Man Loves a Woman
Over 500 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Philip Seymour Hoffman's Best Movies
  • Capote
    1
    Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Clifton Collins
    192 votes
    Reading of the murder of a Kansas family, New York City novelist Truman Capote (Philip Seymour Hoffman) decides to cover the story himself, and travels to the small town with his childhood friend, aspiring novelist Harper Lee (Catherine Keener). When Perry Smith (Clifton Collins Jr.) and Dick Hickock (Mark Pellegrino) are arrested and charged, Capote forms an emotional bond with Smith during his jailhouse interviews despite the young criminal's apparent guilt.
  • Boogie Nights
    2
    Mark Wahlberg, Burt Reynolds, Julianne Moore
    194 votes
    In the vivid, pulsating world of 1970s California pornography, Boogie Nights tells the tale of Eddie Adams (Mark Wahlberg). A young man with big dreams and an even bigger talent, Eddie is discovered by industry veteran Jack Horner (Burt Reynolds), who christens him 'Dirk Diggler'. As Dirk, Eddie ascends stardom's dizzying heights but soon learns that fame comes at a steep price. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, this drama delves into the dark underbelly of the golden age of adult entertainment. The film earned three Oscar nominations, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Reynolds.
  • Almost Famous
    3
    Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson
    146 votes
    Almost Famous is a semi-autobiographical comedy-drama directed by Cameron Crowe. It follows the journey of 15-year-old William Miller (Patrick Fugit), an aspiring rock journalist who gets his big break when he lands an assignment for Rolling Stone magazine. He goes on tour with emerging band Stillwater, led by charismatic frontman Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup) and experiences the highs and lows of the '70s rock scene. The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and features a breakout performance from Kate Hudson as groupie-with-a-heart-of-gold, Penny Lane.
  • The Big Lebowski
    4
    Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore
    167 votes
    In the quirky comedy The Big Lebowski, Jeff Lebowski (Jeff Bridges), also known as The Dude, gets unwittingly entangled in a complex kidnapping case. A case of mistaken identity lands him in hot water when two thugs mistake him for a millionaire with the same name. John Goodman portrays his volatile bowling buddy, Walter Sobchak, who takes it upon himself to solve the convoluted mystery. Julianne Moore plays a pivotal role as Maude Lebowski, adding an artistic and eccentric twist to the plot. The film, directed by the Coen brothers, is an offbeat blend of satire, slapstick humor, and crime drama that won a British Academy Film Award.
  • Moneyball
    5
    Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman
    140 votes
    Moneyball is a sports drama that dives into the world of American baseball. Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) is the general manager of the Oakland Athletics, a team struggling with financial constraints. With his conventional methods failing him, Beane turns to Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), a Yale economics graduate with radical ideas about assessing players' value. Together, they challenge traditional baseball recruitment strategies using statistical analysis and data-driven decisions. This unique approach sparks controversy but ultimately revolutionizes the game. Based on a true story, Moneyball earned six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Pitt, and Best Supporting Actor for Hill.
  • The Talented Mr. Ripley
    6
    Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law
    147 votes
    In The Talented Mr. Ripley, a psychological thriller, Tom Ripley (Matt Damon), a man of modest means, is sent to Italy to bring back the wayward son of a wealthy businessman. Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law), the playboy heir, and his girlfriend Marge Sherwood (Gwyneth Paltrow) introduce Ripley to a world of elegance and luxury he's never known. As he becomes more entwined in their lavish lifestyle, Ripley resorts to deceit, fraud and even murder to maintain it. Directed by Anthony Minghella, this film earned five Oscar nominations.
  • Magnolia
    7
    Jason Robards, Julianne Moore, Tom Cruise
    138 votes
    Magnolia, a dramatic film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, is an intricate tapestry of interconnected stories. It features characters like Jimmy Gator (Philip Baker Hall), a beloved game show host with a dark secret, and Claudia Wilson Gator (Melora Walters), his estranged daughter struggling with addiction. As their stories intertwine with others, such as Frank T.J. Mackey (Tom Cruise), a motivational speaker with his own hidden past, the narrative explores themes of redemption and forgiveness. The movie was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Tom Cruise's standout performance. This complex and emotionally charged drama is renowned for its unique storytelling style and compelling performances.
  • Charlie Wilson's War
    8
    Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman
    141 votes
    In Charlie Wilson's War, the spotlight shines on Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks), an unassuming Texas congressman. His life takes a turn when socialite Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts) pulls him into the covert world of Afghanistan's freedom fighters, battling Soviet forces in the 1980s. Guided by rogue CIA agent Gust Avrakotos (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Wilson embarks on a mission that changes the course of history. This political drama, based on a true story, won Hoffman an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor and is a vivid portrayal of power-play and diplomacy gone awry.
  • Twister
    9
    Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton, Cary Elwes
    175 votes
    Twister is a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled ride through the world of storm chasing. Bill Harding (Bill Paxton), a seasoned meteorologist, teams up with his estranged wife Jo (Helen Hunt), an equally passionate and fearless tornado researcher. Their mission? To deploy their revolutionary weather research device right in the heart of dangerously unpredictable cyclones. The movie, directed by Jan de Bont, delivers a gripping tale of science, nature's fury, and human resilience. Aided by an ensemble cast that includes Philip Seymour Hoffman and Alan Ruck, Twister is an action-packed thriller where the weather is the ultimate antagonist.
  • The Master
    10
    Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams
    111 votes
    Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) is a troubled, boozy drifter struggling with the trauma of World War II and whatever inner demons ruled his life before that. On a fateful night in 1950, Freddie boards a passing boat and meets Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman), the charismatic leader of a religious movement called the Cause. Freddie tries hard to adhere to Dodd's weird teachings and forms a close bond with his mentor, even as other members of Dodd's inner circle see him as a threat.
  • Scent of a Woman
    11
    Al Pacino, Chris O'Donnell, James Rebhorn
    127 votes
    In the stirring drama Scent of a Woman, Charlie Simms (Chris O'Donnell), a student from an impoverished background, takes a thanksgiving job to care for blind, cantankerous retired Army Ranger Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade (Al Pacino). Unforeseen adventure ensues as Slade leads them to New York City, introducing Charlie to life's finer pleasures. The film, notable for Pacino's Oscar-winning performance, skillfully intertwines themes of integrity and redemption while subtly highlighting the struggles of disability and class disparity. It's a compelling exploration of unlikely friendships, personal growth, and the power of second chances.
  • Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
    12
    Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Marisa Tomei
    115 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.
  • Doubt
    13
    Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams
    120 votes
    In 1964 the winds of change are sweeping through Sister Aloysius' (Meryl Streep) St. Nicholas school. Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman), a charismatic priest, is advocating reform of the school's strict customs, and the first black student has just been accepted. When a fellow nun (Amy Adams) tells Sister Aloysius that Father Flynn may be paying too much personal attention to the student, Sister Aloysius begins a personal crusade against the priest -- despite her lack of evidence.
  • Punch-Drunk Love
    14
    Adam Sandler, Emily Watson, Philip Seymour Hoffman
    87 votes
    In the offbeat romantic comedy Punch-Drunk Love, Barry Egan (Adam Sandler), a small-business owner with seven sisters, leads an unremarkable life of loneliness. Unexpectedly, his world spins into chaos when he falls for Lena Leonard (Emily Watson). Concurrently, he becomes embroiled in a peculiar scheme involving pudding and frequent flyer miles. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, this film won the Best Director award at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival. A narrative that weaves love, anxiety and accidental crime together; it's an unusual tale that defies typical romance tropes.
  • The Ides of March
    15
    Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman
    85 votes
    As Ohio's Democratic primary nears, charming Gov. Mike Morris (George Clooney) seems a shoo-in for the nomination over his opponent, Sen. Pullman (Michael Mantell). Morris' idealistic press secretary, Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling), believes in his candidate's integrity and the democratic process. But Meyers' meeting with Pullman's campaign manager (Paul Giamatti) and a dalliance with a young intern (Evan Rachel Wood) set in motion events that threaten Morris' election chances.
  • Red Dragon
    16
    Anthony Hopkins, Ed Norton, Ralph Fiennes
    90 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.
  • The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
    17
    Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth
    100 votes
    The sequel to The Hunger Games further explores the dystopian world of Panem. Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) return as victors of the 74th Hunger Games, only to be thrust back into the arena for the Quarter Quell, a special edition of the deadly competition. As they fight against new adversaries and old allies alike, elements of rebellion start to simmer in the districts. The movie won accolades for its visual effects and engrossing storyline, while marking a significant step forward in the franchise's narrative arc. The film is a potent mix of action, adventure, and political intrigue that keeps viewers on edge throughout its runtime. Despite facing an even darker reality, Katniss remains resolute in her quest for survival and justice.
  • Mission: Impossible III
    18
    Tom Cruise, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ving Rhames
    102 votes
    Mission: Impossible III is an adrenaline-fueled action thriller, the third installment in the globally acclaimed franchise. The film pivots around super-spy Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise), who is pulled back into action after a period of semi-retirement. Hunt's mission, should he choose to accept it, involves stopping a ruthless arms dealer named Owen Davian (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Amidst high-stakes espionage and heart-stopping stunts, Hunt must also protect his beloved Julia Meade (Michelle Monaghan) from danger. Directed by J.J. Abrams, this movie adds a layer of personal stakes to the usual explosive spectacle that defines the Mission: Impossible series.
  • Synecdoche, New York
    19
    Philip Seymour Hoffman, Samantha Morton, Michelle Williams
    71 votes
    Life is looking pretty bleak for theater director Caden Cotard (Philip Seymour Hoffman). His wife and daughter have left him, his therapist is more interested in plugging her new book than helping him with his problems, and a strange disease is causing his body to shut down. Caden leaves his home in Schenectady, New York, and heads to New York City, where he gathers a cast of actors and tells them to live their lives within the constructs of a mock-up of the city.
  • Flawless
    20
    Robert De Niro, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Barry Miller
    80 votes
    A former security guard, Walt Koontz (Robert De Niro), experiences a severe stroke, and must begin physical therapy after leaving the hospital. Part of Walt's recovery program includes regaining his speech by taking singing lessons, and he gets paired with Rusty (Philip Seymour Hoffman), a vocal instructor and neighbor. Walt, however, is extremely homophobic, and Rusty is flamboyantly gay and awaiting gender reassignment surgery, so the two don't have an easy start to their relationship.
  • 25th Hour
    21
    Ed Norton, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Barry Pepper
    67 votes
    In New York City in the days following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Monty Brogan (Edward Norton) steels himself for a lengthy jail term. Brogan is a convicted drug dealer about to start a seven-year prison sentence, and his final hours of freedom are devoted to hanging out with his closest buddies (Philip Seymour Hoffman, Barry Pepper) and trying to prepare his girlfriend, Naturelle Riviera (Rosario Dawson), for his extended absence.
  • Happiness
    22
    Jane Adams, Dylan Baker, Lara Flynn Boyle
    80 votes
    This dark ensemble-comedy is centered on the three Jordan sisters. Joy (Jane Adams) moves through lackluster jobs with no sense of purpose. Now employed teaching adults, she is dating a student, Russian taxi-driver Vlad (Jared Harris). Helen (Lara Flynn Boyle) is an esteemed poet who becomes amused by her perverted neighbor, Allen (Philip Seymour Hoffman). And eldest sister Trish (Cynthia Stevenson) is married to Bill (Dylan Baker), a psychiatrist with a very disturbing secret life.
  • Owning Mahowny
    23
    Philip Seymour Hoffman, Minnie Driver, Maury Chaykin
    62 votes
    Toronto bank employee Dan Mahowny (Philip Seymour Hoffman) seems like an honest man to his coworkers and loving girlfriend, Belinda (Minnie Driver). None of them realize that he is actually a compulsive gambler who steals from the bank's accounts to pay off his bookie, Frank (Maury Chaykin), and fund regular trips to casinos. Sleazy casino boss Victor (John Hurt) encourages Dan to amass more and more debt, until the missing money becomes hard to hide, and Dan's life spirals out of control.
  • Along Came Polly
    24
    Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, Philip Seymour Hoffman
    118 votes
    Actuary Reuben Feffer (Ben Stiller) is so aware of the risks inherent in all situations that he is unable to risk anything. His bride, Lisa Kramer (Debra Messing), seems perfect but cheats on him during their honeymoon. Back home in New York City, his best friend, former child star Sandy (Philip Seymour Hoffman), urges him to attend a party. There he meets an ex-classmate, Polly Prince (Jennifer Aniston), whose spirited ways spark his adoration but confound his neuroses.
  • Patch Adams
    25
    Robin Williams, Daniel London, Monica Potter
    98 votes
    In the heartwarming drama Patch Adams, Robin Williams portrays Hunter Patch Adams, a man who refuses to be just another cog in the impersonal machinery of medical care. Instead, he reinvents himself as a doctor with a difference, one who treats patients with laughter and unconventional methods. Set against the backdrop of a rigid medical institution, Patch challenges the status quo with his unique approach. This film is an exploration of one man's unorthodox but effective take on healthcare, highlighting the power of humor and humanity in healing.
  • The Boat That Rocked
    26
    Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Rhys Ifans
    39 votes
    In 1966, BBC radio broadcasts less than an hour of pop music a day, forcing pirate DJs to take up the slack from boats anchored outside British waters. Quentin (Bill Nighy) is the commander of such a pirate station, overseeing a host of seedy, lusty and dope-smoking DJs, including the Count (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and Dave (Nick Frost), who makes it his personal mission to see to it that Quentin's newly arrived godson (Tom Sturridge) loses his virginity.
  • Cold Mountain
    27
    Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, Renée Zellweger
    90 votes
    Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, Cold Mountain is a riveting drama starring Inman (Jude Law), an injured Confederate soldier. Struggling with the harsh realities of war, he embarks on a perilous journey back to Cold Mountain, North Carolina. Ada Monroe (Nicole Kidman), a preacher's daughter and Inman's love interest, strives to maintain her deceased father's farm in his absence. Aided by Ruby Thewes (Renée Zellweger), an earthy woman who helps her survive, Ada awaits Inman's return. The film won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress (Zellweger). It weaves a tale of love, survival, and resilience amid conflict.
  • Mary and Max
    28
    Toni Collette, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Eric Bana
    39 votes
    A lonely Australian girl (Toni Collette) and an elderly Jewish man (Philip Seymour Hoffman) in New York develop an unlikely friendship through letters.
  • A Most Wanted Man
    29
    Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel McAdams, Grigoriy Dobrygin
    28 votes
    An escaped militant's (Grigoriy Dobrygin) attempt to claim an inheritance gives a German agent (Philip Seymour Hoffman) the chance to lay a trap for a well-regarded Muslim scholar who is suspected of financing terrorists.
  • Nobody's Fool
    30
    Paul Newman, Jessica Tandy, Melanie Griffith
    52 votes
    Donald "Sully" Sullivan (Paul Newman) is an expert at avoiding adult responsibilities. At 60, he divides all his time between a local bar and the occasional construction job. When his estranged son, Peter (Dylan Walsh), arrives in town, bringing with him a son of his own and a sob story about his failed marriage, Sully finds himself assuming the roles of both father and grandfather. After a life of unchecked self-indulgence, he wonders if he is up to the task.