9 best John Lithgow movies and TV shows that prove he can play just about anyone

John Lithgow built his career on brains and bold choices. Trained at Harvard, then abroad to study drama in London, the perfect combination of American risk-taking and British smoothness has made him an actor capable of doing everything.

He has a full bucket of nominations as well as awards. He adds depth and surprise to every performance, whether stage or on-screen. In addition to talent, his approach to his craft is about inquisitiveness, self-control, and an enduring passion for narrative.

According to PEOPLE, he will make his debut as Dumbledore in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV series. The filming for the series started in July, and it is scheduled to be released in 2027. Fans are anticipating the series with excitement. Before the launch of Harry Potter, let us dive into some of his movies and TV shows that you should watch.

This article includes his best four TV shows (6 to 9) and his best five films (1 to 5).

Latest Update: John Lithgow plays Dumbledore in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV series!

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

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The article will explore the 9 best John Lithgow movies and TV shows that prove he can play just about anyone:

9. Dexter (2009-2013)

Dexter aired from October 1, 2006, until September 22, 2013. Arthur Mitchell served as an antagonist for Dexter for the entirety of Season 4, as well as after his death. John Lithgow portrayed Arthur Mitchell with spectacular cognizance and trepidation, establishing an uncomfortable ambience, despite his warm smiles.

Dexter thought of Arthur as a metaphor of the life he had always desired, an inspiration that also included a loving family and a peaceful home. A way to keep his dark urges separate from the people he cared about. Instead of killing Arthur quickly, Dexter follows him and tries to learn how he managed his double life.

As the season progresses, Dexter discovers the unhinged and uncontrolled nature of Arthur and the craftful manner in which he was covering his tracks as The Trinity Killer. He was cruel and dangerous, and his final act left a deep scar on Dexter’s life. That moment changed everything. His performance was so powerful that it won major awards. The Trinity Killer was not just another villain. He was the one who broke Dexter’s illusion.

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8. The Crown (2016-2023)

Created by Peter Morgan, The Crown is a drama series produced by Netflix that aired in periodic installments between 2016 and 2023. It revolves around Queen Elizabeth II's reign. Seventeen episodes of Seasons 1 through 3 were released between 2016- 2019. Seasons one and two were appreciated for their lavish settings, spectacular performances, and meticulous storytelling.

The show also takes viewers through the main events in the Queen's life, as well as the changes that the royal family underwent over the years. Lithgow played Winston Churchill in seasons one as well as two.

Winston Churchill, who feels the weight of age and heritage, can be seen sobbing as he stands in front of a portrait of himself in Season 1, Episode 9. The audience is familiar with the scene in the 44th minute of the TV show, when the painter visits Winston at his house after finishing the painting. Winston says in anger,

"How shall I paint him today? Ah, sitting on a chair, producing a stool. A broken, sagging, pitiful creature, squeezing and squeezing!"

John Lithgow portrays Churchill's internal conflict by bringing a great deal of pride and anguish to the scene. His performance is a testament to his ability to embody anyone, turning a character from history into someone deeply human and complex.

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7. Perry Mason (2020)

Perry Mason is a Los Angeles-based drama series, focusing on the life of Perry Mason, set in the 1930s. Mason begins as a private investigator, and later decides to switch gears and become a lawyer. The series explores his origin and his transformation into a popular defense lawyer.

John Lithgow is Elias Birchard, also "E.B." Mason's mentor, Jonathan (a seasoned attorney). Despite his personal and professional struggles, E.B. makes an effort to assist Mason.

There is a scene where E.B. defends Mason with deep emotion and conviction. Lithgow’s performance as the troubled, caring mentor proves he can play just about anyone. He becomes E.B. with sensitivity and prowess, proving his acumen at every stage.

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6. The Old Man (2022-2024)

The Old Man is a thriller about a retired CIA operative, Dan Chase. Chase becomes a fugitive when some of the people from his past seek to capture him. John Lithgow stars as Harold Harper, an aging but intelligent FBI agent who was a close friend of Chase for many years. Harper is smart and is in conflict between duty and loyalty.

In one episode, Harper questions a potential informant in hushed tones, not elevating his voice but dominating the room. Lithgow's Harper is layered and real; we see him switching between kindness and cold resolve effortlessly. His performance shows he can take on any role and add a palpable tension to the portrayal.

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5. Interstellar (2014)

It is a sci-fi drama in which space cruisers journey through a wormhole near Saturn in quest of a new planet for humankind. The protagonists in the movie include Joseph Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) and his daughter, Murph (Jessica Chastain), as Earth succumbs to catastrophe from crop failure.

John Lithgow stars as Donald, a gentle but wise father-in-law of Cooper. Donald performed the early scenes of the movie with humor and warmth. This is especially evident in the baseball scene, where he tries to stay positive about the family while the world is crumbling around them. In the ballgame sequence, such subtle nudging and fast one-liners demonstrate that he most definitely knows exactly how to inject warmth into a character.

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4. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

A 2023 crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese, Killers of the Flower Moon is based on the Osage Murders, as written by David Grann in his book. The film exposes the murders of Native Americans in the Osage community, who were killed so others could take their land and oil rights. The FBI initially deployed an agent to investigate the incident at the agency's request to J. Edgar Hoover. William Hale, a wealthy man and the mastermind behind the murders, is played by Robert De Niro.

Hale’s lawyer and his nephew, Ernest Burkhart, are brought before trial by John Lithgow, who portrays Peter Leaward. Ernest is played by Leonardo DiCaprio. Lithgow is opposite Brendan Fraser, who serves as the defense attorney for Hale. Their scenes in the courtroom build much tension. The film was critically acclaimed and was nominated for ten Academy Awards. It was also highly praised for its story and performances by the reviewers.

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3. Cliffhanger (1993)

Cliffhanger is an action thriller set in the Rocky Mountains. The story is based on a mountain rescuer, Gabe Walker. Walker is in a fight with a gang after the events of a plane crash. Post-crash, there are millions of dollars, essentially plundered money, scattered through the mountainsides. John Lithgow plays Eric Qualen, the merciless leader of the thieves who will stop at nothing to get his hands on the money.

Lithgow plays Qualen as having a frigid charm and an aristocratic personality, turning him into the typical bad guy. Lithgow's final bout with Sylvester Stallone on a hanging helicopter illustrates his ability to be both serious and dramatic. Transformed through a brave acting of John Lithgow, the villain becomes unforgettable.

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2. Shrek (2001)

Shrek is an incredibly well-established animated movie that revolves around an ogre named Shrek who embarks on a rescue operation for Princess Fiona. Chaperoned on the journey by a spunky donkey, they do encounter some issues. The snooty and humorous antagonist in the film was voiced by John Lithgow, who played Lord Farquaad. Lithgow gives Farquaad a funny yet authoritative tone. He is especially effective in the scene where he exclaims,

"Some of you may die, ............ I'm willing to make."

This is spoken with impeccable comic sense and authority. Furthermore, it reveals Lithgow's ability to be both threatening as well as comical. John Lithgow gives unforgettable zest to the character.

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1. Conclave (2024)

John Lithgow played a very eclectic role in the 2024 political drama Conclave. The Pope has succumbed to a heart attack, and the College of Cardinals assembled to select a successor, as the movie opens. John Lithgow portrays a prominent cardinal, Joseph Tremblay. In one particular scene, Lithgow's character grapples with power and faith while secretly speaking with another cardinal, showing great vulnerability and authority.

Lithgow's multidimensional performance adds gravitas to the character and enhances the movie's mood. The story takes a shocking turn that alters everything we've seen thus far. Conclave won Best Adapted Screenplay and was nominated for eight Oscars. Despite not being nominated, Lithgow had one of the most significant roles in the movie.

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John Lithgow has proved his range across many roles, from villains to mentors, to leaders, and to loving family members over the years.

Lithgow's each performance illustrates his deep understanding of character as well as emotion, be it drama, comedy, or action; he brings something special to the screen. His voice, expressions, and timing have made each role feel real.

Before diving into the world of Harry Potter, his filmography and his range of performances are a testament to his skill and talent as an actor.