7 best Benicio Del Toro movies and TV shows you need to watch at least once

Benicio Del Toro movies and TV shows | Images via Hotstar, Netflix, MUBI & Prime Video
Benicio Del Toro movies and TV shows | Images via Hotstar, Netflix, MUBI & Prime Video

Benicio Del Toro is an actor and film producer from Puerto Rico. He won numerous awards, including the Academy Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe Award, Goya Award, Silver Bear, and Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor. He is famous for movies but has also made a significant impact on TV shows.

Benicio's roles are frequently odd, profound, and emotionally charged. As a criminal, a cop, a mystery, or someone, anything, he leaves something behind on the movie screen. His talent manifests differently in every film or television series. Some are dark, some are funny, and some are action-packed. These narratives are gripping and memorable. Viewers will know about the seven best Benicio Del Toro movies and TV shows from this list. You need to watch these movies & TV shows at least once if you are a fan of Benicio Del Toro.

**Disclaimer: This article is based on the author's opinions. Reader discretion is advised.**


The article will look into the 7 best Benicio Del Toro movies and TV shows you need to watch at least once:

7. Escape at Dannemora (2018)

Benicio del Toro as Richard Matt in Escape at Dannemora | Image via Hotstar
Benicio del Toro as Richard Matt in Escape at Dannemora | Image via Hotstar

Escape at Dannemora is a limited drama TV show based on the true events of the 2015 Clinton Correctional Facility escape in upstate New York. The plot is based on two imprisoned guys, Richard Matt and David Sweat, who conspire with prison worker Joyce Mitchell to flee their cell. Benicio del Toro plays Richard Matt, a deadly, deceptive murderer who is both charming and shrewd. The show is available on Hotstar.

Benicio Del Toro gives Matt dimension with his acting, making him seem genuine and strange. For example, Matt calmly manipulated Joyce with charm and quiet menace. The scene shows how Benicio can apply risk and addiction to a thoroughly disturbing act. Escape at Dannemora highlighted how desperation, errors, and human connections affect people's decisions. This magnificent TV show should be watched at least once. The series featured excellent acting performances and a riveting true crime story that depicts the true feelings of all concerned parties.


6. The Usual Suspect (1995)

Benicio del Toro as Fred Fenster (Red Shirt) in The Usual Suspects | Image via Netflix
Benicio del Toro as Fred Fenster (Red Shirt) in The Usual Suspects | Image via Netflix

The Usual Suspects is a classic crime thriller that can be viewed as a narrative of a gang of crooks coming together to do one job. It is based on a story of an investigation of a massacre and fire that took place on a ship that left only two people alive. Viewers might have been familiar with Fred Fenster (played by Benicio del Toro). He is funny and more intriguing. He is one of the crew members whose accent is complex to understand. This movie is available on Netflix.

Audiences witnessed a memorable, fruity, offbeat, and brilliant character, even though Fenster ultimately dies a bloody death. Benicio del Toro's acting approach in the film helps his representation stand out, as does the cast of characters. The film is notable for its shocks, great performances, and a spectacular twist that will go down in cinematic history.


5. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - One of the Benicio Del Toro movies | Image via MUBI
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - One of the Benicio Del Toro movies | Image via MUBI

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is an absurd and raucous adventure film adaptation of the book Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson. Dr. Gonzo, journalist Raoul Duke's unpredictable and combustible attorney, is portrayed by the peak actor Benicio Del Toro. Benicio Del Toro transforms, theatrically and mentally, into the anti-hero Dr. Gonzo, who is both a continuous mess and weirdly lovely.

This movie exposes the false world of Las Vegas through bright, scenic views and unrealistic behavior under the influence of drug abuse. The film is at least worth watching once, as Benicio Del Toro portrays a confident and strong performance. It is unusual and unforgettable, prompting us to consider consumerism, journalism, and the American Dream.


4. Sicario (2015)

Benicio del Toro as Alejandro in Sicario | Image via Prime Video
Benicio del Toro as Alejandro in Sicario | Image via Prime Video

Sicario is a violent crime thriller set amid the law-enforcement-drug-cartel war on the US-Mexican border. Alejandro is an intriguing character, and Benicio del Toro plays him convincingly. A formidable prosecutor in his youth, he now wanders down a dark road, engrossed in the shadow of the cartel. He is an enigmatic and dangerous character due to his lethal demeanor and unknown origins. Alejandro is assigned partners but works when he wants and to his own end.

Benicio del Toro is powerful and subtle in the role, using silence and minimal movement to convey menace and trauma. In the film, Alejandro asks Kate to follow orders and says,

"Nothing will make sense to your American ears, and you .........., but in the end, you will understand."

His dialogues were awe-inspiring. The movie is taut and full of bloody violence and moral ambiguities. It is necessary to watch this movie at least once. He brings truth and depth to a character caught between right and wrong in the fight against crime. The movie is available on Prime Video.


3. Snatch (2000)

Snatch - A Benicio Del Toro movie | Image via Netflix
Snatch - A Benicio Del Toro movie | Image via Netflix

Snatch is an action-packed crime comedy set in London's underground. Snatch is available on Apple TV. Its narrative begins with the character of Franky, played by Benicio Del Toro, an experienced thief and gambler. Franky gets a huge diamond and takes it to London. His stopover starts a series of problems with gangsters, boxing promoters, and fixed fights. IMDb users said,

"Guy Richie's follow-up to Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is every bit as astonishing as its predecessor."

The character of Benicio Del Toro is crucial since the story begins when Franky starts to do what he does. Instead, he is cool, smart, and inept. This makes the movie thrilling and full of suspense. Snatch is worth seeing due to its rapid dialogue, distinct style, and dynamic performance by Benicio Del Toro, who brings a lot of energy and humor to the incredibly jumpy story.


2. Traffic (2000)

Benicio Del Toro played Javier Rodriguez in Traffic | Image via Prime Video
Benicio Del Toro played Javier Rodriguez in Traffic | Image via Prime Video

Traffic is a powerful crime thriller that explores the dirty details of drug trafficking through the lens of several individuals, such as users, police, and politicians. Benicio Del Toro plays the role of Javier Rodriguez, the stubborn and honest Mexican police officer who has declared war on the cartels who deal in drugs. Benicio also earned an award for his moving and captivating portrayal. As a result, it managed to lift some spirits in the plot. Traffic is available on Apple TV+.

The film explores the role of narcotics in neighborhoods and the harsh realities of law enforcement. Viewing Traffic is worthwhile because Benicio Del Toro's character adds depth and humanity to the drug battle, highlighting how difficult it is to win. Moreover, its realistic story and strong acting make it a film that should not be missed.


1. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

Star Wars: The Last Jedi - A Benicio Del Toro movie | Image via Disney+
Star Wars: The Last Jedi - A Benicio Del Toro movie | Image via Disney+

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is an intergalactic adventure that continues the story of heroes and villains in a galaxy far, far away. Benicio Del Toro is the dark and reclusive character, the Collector, who specializes in rare and powerful collectibles. Even though he appears in the film for a little while, Benicio Del Toro's appearance lends mystique and panache to the film. You can watch this film on Hotstar. An IMDb user said,

"This cinematic catastrophe, masquerading as a continuation of the beloved Star Wars saga,... it great."

Star Wars: The Last Jedi addresses themes of hope, adversity, and heritage through breathtaking scenery and jaw-dropping conflicts. People should watch this movie at least once to see Benicio Del Toro in a deep and interesting role. It is also an important part of the Star Wars story that many fans enjoy & follow.


The following list illustrates Benicio Del Toro's brilliance in a variety of roles and memorable performances. He had multi-layered roles, full of enigma, suffering, and resentment. Each character presented something uncommon in the film or series. He burdened us with his work on crime, the allure of dreams, and the conflict between good and evil. These shows, not just the movies, were amusing. They also caused people to think and to feel. They really made me take a closer look at man and human narration.

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Edited by Debanjana