Sam Claflin has appeared in a wide variety of films over the last ten years. While the 33-year-old British actor made his television debut in 2010, it was only a year later that he had his first big film performance in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Soon, Claflin was starring in romantic dramas, horror films, fantasies, and even one of the biggest dystopian series to ever hit the big screen — but let's not get ahead of ourselves quite yet. To celebrate Claflin's successful career so far, we thought it was time to look back at his greatest films to date. To do this, we'll be turning to Rotten Tomatoes.
The review aggregation website has given every Claflin film a Tomatometer percentage rating based on the positive and negative reviews of critics. Those with the highest scores will be showing up here. With the logistics discussed, it's time to look back at Claflin's impressive resume; Here are his best films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Me Before You (2016): 56%
Based on Jojo Moyes' novel of the same name, Me Before You follows a quirky English girl named Louisa who becomes the caregiver of a paralyzed young banker named Will. Though the pair’s relationship is at first strained due to Will’s depression and cynicism, Louisa’s cheerful attitude starts to breakthrough. Will it be enough to stop Will from the drastic decision he plans to make?
Though some critics felt that the dark subject matter could have been handled more delicately, the charisma of the leads could not be ignored. While Emilia Clarke played Louisa, Claflin starred as Will.
The Riot Club (Posh) (2015): 66%
This 2014 British drama, based on Laura Wade’s play Posh, tells of a couple of new Oxford University students who enter a secret society — the Riot Club — after learning about the fragility of reputation. Claflin plays a student that joins this group in the shadows of his brother, Sebastian.
The film’s dark humor and layered themes kept viewers entranced.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (2014): 69%
Claflin starred as District 4 Hunger Games victor Finnick Odair throughout the film adaption of Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games trilogy. In Mockingjay - Part 1, Katniss finds herself inside the underground District 13, which she previously believed had been destroyed. Here, she and rebel leader President Coin scheme to take down The Capitol — but first, they must find a way to bring Peeta Mellark home from captivity.
In this installment, Finnick struggles with the news that his lover Annie is being held prisoner at The Capitol with Peeta. The gradual character development present in Mockingjay - Part 1 helped lead to the even better finale.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 (2015): 70%
In the epic conclusion to The Hunger Games, Katniss, Peeta, Gale, Finnick, and the rest of their District 13 team head to the Capitol to assassinate President Snow. Before this happens, however, Finnick weds the love of his life in a beautiful ceremony far away from the hardships of war.
Mockingjay - Part 2 was both poignant and exciting, bringing long-running Hunger Games series to the compelling end it deserved. Though no firm release date has been announced, The Hunger Games will be receiving a theatrical prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, in the future.
Adrift (2018): 70%
Claflin teamed up with Shailene Woodley for this romantic drama based on the true story of a couple — Tami and Richard — who set sail for a relaxing adventure together only to get caught up in a catastrophic hurricane. With Richard injured, it’s up to Tami to guide their wrecked ship back to safety.
Adrift struck the ideal balance between love and survival. The performances of the leads were also commended.
My Cousin Rachel (2017): 76%
Based on the 1951 novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier, My Cousin Rachel follows an Englishman named Philip, who learns that his cousin Ambrose has died. Believing that Ambrose’s wife Rachel has something to do for it, Phillips sets out for revenge. However, after meeting Rachel, he becomes allure by her charm.
While Rachel Weisz played Rachel, Claflin took on the role of Philip. The captivating performances and stunning cinematography were applauded by critics.
The Nightingale (2019): 87%
Set in the British colony of Van Diemen’s Land, The Nightingale follows a female convict who wants to track down the British officer that traumatized her family. Aisling Franciosi stars in this lead role while Claflin plays Lieutenant Hawkins, the man she hopes to take down. The role proved that Claflin could play a villain just as well as he could play a hero.
Though the film faced its fair share of controversy due to its graphic nature, many critics felt that the story was nonetheless impactful and entrancing.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013): 89%
2013’s Catching Fire was the film that introduced Claflin’s Finnick to audiences. In the second Hunger Games installment, Katniss and Peeta celebrate their victory by touring the districts. However, President Snow tries to get revenge on the pair for the stunt they pulled in the arena by sending the previous victors into a new Hunger Games competition.
Finnick is one of the former victors who is set to enter the arena again. He chooses to make an alliance with Katniss and Peeta. The bold direction, thought-provoking narrative, and compelling performances made this one the best of the series.
Their Finest (2017): 90%
This British comedy-drama, inspired by Lissa Evans’ novel Their Finest Hour and a Half, tells of two screenwriters — one of which is married — who start to fall for one another while creating a propaganda piece about the military evacuation of Dunkirk. This leads to complications in both their personal and professional lives.
Gemma Arterton and Claflin play the couple engaged in a forbidden romance. The entrancing film was given additional interest with a strong twist ending.
Journey’s End (2018): 93%
Crowning the list as Sam Claflin’s highest-rated film to date is the 2017 British war film Journey’s End. Based on the 1928 play of the same name by R. C. Sherriff, the movie follows British soldiers, who hide in a dugout as World War I comes to a conclusion. With their leader Captain Stanhope on the brink of breaking down, however, getting to the end will be a struggle.
Claflin plays the group’s disheveled leader with power. Critics additionally loved the thrill and urgency of the plot.