Josh O'Connor delivers one memorable performance after another in everything he tackles, making him one of the most enthralling actors of our generation. Plus, one of his favorite movies is Ratatouille (2007), and if that's not a man with excellent taste, then I don't know what is. O'Connor's range is truly sensational and so indescribable that one minute he can play a character you'll loathe with your whole chest, while the next film, you'll want to protect his character with everything in you. And that, my friends, is called range. Brilliant, inimitable range.
From Emma (2020) to a whole bunch of hidden gems, we've compiled a list of the best Josh O'Connor movies, ranked, as well as how you can watch them on platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, and more.
7. Emma (2020)
My first introduction to Josh O'Connor was in Autumn de Wilde's Emma, and what a gift that is for someone who did her dissertation on Jane Austen. And while Mr. Elton is one of the most insufferable characters in any book that's out there, how O'Connor embodies him makes him a bit more tolerable. Mostly, he's hilarious, and it's glorious to watch him in every scene he is in.
This version of Emma might not be the most accurate adaptation of Austen's longest story, but it's certainly the funniest and most stylistically directed. It's entertaining all the way through, and the entire cast brings their A-game through performances that are both heartfelt and delightfully whimsical, making the adaptation unique on all fronts. If you only watch one movie version of Emma, let it be this one. But if you want an accurate version, BBC's Emma (2009) is the one to top. If only O'Connor were also in that.
6. La Chimera (2023)
La Chimera is proof that Josh O'Connor pours his heart and soul into every role he embodies. It's proof that his talents are limitless, and he can take us through any sort of odyssey. The film is quietly contemplative at times, and achingly harrowing in others, while simultaneously providing enough levity to keep us invested. It's gorgeously shot, and the screenplay delivers something profoundly memorable to sit with. Perfect for anyone who loved the thematic beats in The Dig (2021).
As we follow O'Connor's Arthur through uncovering his own chimera—an imaginary monster compounded by incongruous parts, which is the definition—we understand something bigger about ourselves. We see something moving about humanity and artifacts and preservation. It's the type of movie that'll end with you wanting to do more research to understand just how much goes into every frame and every narrative decision. If you want something that'll make you think about excavations and human connections, this one's a must.
5. Aisha (2022)
Like La Chimera, Aisha is a quieter movie and one that unfortunately flew under the radar. Still, it's a heartfelt depiction of what immigration looks like and how lonely the entire process can be. Led by Letitia Wright as the titular character, it's a beautiful account of finding home away from home and the people who look out for you. It's not an easy film to watch, but O'Connor's performance is a warmth that reminds us how there are always good people out there who'll look out for those in need.
He may not be the key player here, but everything he delivers continues to showcase how much range he's capable of and how he's the type of chameleon actor we need to pay closer attention to. It's a tender, deeply moving watch, and while it's not the best film ever made, it's still something lovely that's worth watching at least once.
4. God's Own Country (2017)
At times, God's Own Country is a challenging film to watch because the probabilities of what can happen in a small town, in a contained space, generally lead to not-so-comforting outcomes. Yet amid its heartbreaking moments, it's a beautiful exposure of finding oneself and protecting the world around you, shot beautifully with picturesque shots from director Francis Lee.
It's not exactly the happiest of romances, given the time period, but it's still hopeful. O'Connor is simply breathtaking in his embodiment of Johnny, a character who goes from deeply dejected and shut off to someone who finds longing and levity. The relationship between Johnny and Gheorghe feels raw and heartfelt, adding an extra layer of heart to a film that would've otherwise been too melancholic to watch. If you appreciate scenic movies and character-driven narratives, add God's Own Country to your list.
3. The Crown (2016-2023)
Respectfully, only Josh O'Connor could make Charles, the Prince of Wales, a somewhat tolerable historical figure to watch on screen. In large part, The Crown was a success because of the actors embodying the real people, and it's especially prevalent in someone like O'Connor, who had to really dig into various emotional places to deliver something that'd land him an Emmy win.
It's likely one of the few times you'll be deeply frustrated with a character he's playing, but it's ultimately proof of just how versatile he is as an actor. When you're watching him in The Crown, it's impossible to think about any of the other characters he's played. Honestly, it's impossible to see anyone other than Prince Charles. Perfect for anyone who loves stories surrounding the royal family, no show does a better job of layering them like The Crown does.
2. Wake Up Dead Man (2025)
Between Emma and Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Story, Josh O'Connor has now played a priest of some kind twice, and with both characters being so vastly different from each other, it's undeniable evidence of what an astounding actor he is. Wake Up Dead Man is also the most compelling of the three Knives Out (2019) films so far, and dare I say, it's entirely because of O'Connor. He imbues Reverend Jud with so much goodness and so much heart that I'd happily go to church every Sunday if he were a real leader.
It's a must-watch film for anyone who loves a classic whodunnit, but more than that, it's a captivating account of how bigotry has taken over Christianity. O'Connor's performance is so mesmerizing that it makes the entire film something worthy of theological dissertations. So profound in its context that a few words simply cannot sum up the depth. But let Josh O'Connor be reason enough. He alone is worthy. And afterwards, if you want something with similar vibes, look no further than Granchester (2014).
1. Challengers (2024)
One thing about me? The person I was before Challengers and the person I am now aren't the same. It rewired my brain chemistry—full stop. It's a perfect spin on the love triangle trope and a delicious movie to watch for anyone who loves the idea of friends becoming lovers. More than that, it's a tour de force where performances are concerned, with Josh O'Connor, Mike Faist, and Zendaya each delivering unforgettable performances that span decades within the movie itself.
Patrick Zweig isn't an easy character to love, but from start to finish, Josh O'Connor ensures that we see all his heart and layers. He gives us moments that are achingly complex, which adds nuance to how we examine the film and the relationships. How each of the actors plays off one another is also something incredible to acknowledge, because really, it isn't easy for an actor to play the same character around different ages, and they each nail this art brilliantly. In other words, Challengers is a game-changer in every way.
