From fantasy to psychological thrillers: Here's a list of the top 10 James McAvoy movies you shouldn't miss

Few performers of our time can keep up with the range, passion, and depth of emotion James McAvoy brings to film. From benevolent fauns in fantasy worlds to shattered minds in psychological dramas, McAvoy has become a go-to actor as a cinematic chameleon. Whether fronting high-octane blockbusters such as X-Men or plunging into risky independent projects such as Filth and My Son, his performances always have a lasting effect.

Throughout the years, McAvoy has shown that he's not afraid to get a little crazy, many times opting for parts that test him and his viewers. His talent for morphing from weak to wild in one scene has gotten him both rave reviews and award nominations, as well as a loyal following. With new projects still breaking the mold, McAvoy's career only continues to steamroll forward.

This list delves into 10 of his most vital films, each representing a distinctive aspect of his incredible talent. From intellectual thrillers to emotionally charged dramas, these choices reflect the brilliance, versatility, and risky decisions that make James McAvoy one of the most compelling actors of his generation.

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Here's a list of the top 10 James McAvoy movies you shouldn't miss

1. Split (2016)

James McAvoy amazed viewers with his spine-chilling portrayal of Kevin Wendell Crumb, a patient with dissociative identity disorder with 23 different personalities. The character was a daring departure from his previous work, highlighting his vast range. Director M. Night Shyamalan's minimalist approach provided McAvoy with the ideal platform to delve into psychological complexity. His body language, voice modulation, and unsettling shifts between personas received universal praise. Interestingly, McAvoy improvised most of the transitions between personalities, introducing raw unpredictability. With "Split" now a cult classic in psychological horror, McAvoy's performance of "The Horde" remains analyzed in academic circles for its multi-layered intensity.

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2. Atonement (2007)

In Atonement, McAvoy depicts Robbie Turner, the son of a housekeeper, whose world is shattered by a catastrophic lie. His soulful performance with Keira Knightley stole hearts and won him a Golden Globe nomination. Sweeping cinematography by Joe Wright and that historic Dunkirk tracking shot lent opulence to McAvoy's understated hopes, yearnings, and despairs. The lesser-known aspect: McAvoy studied letters written during the war extensively to provide realism to the role. With the movie experiencing a second wave of popularity on streaming services, critics are rediscovering Atonement as a contemporary classic with McAvoy's affecting performance frequently referenced as one of its most devastating aspects.

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3. X-Men: First Class (2011)

Assuming the legendary character of Professor Charles Xavier, McAvoy revamped the role with youthful energy and emotional complexity. In contrast to Patrick Stewart's stoic interpretation, McAvoy introduced charisma, humor, and internal turmoil to the forefront. He added vulnerability to Xavier, particularly in his changing dynamic with Erik Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender). Audiences loved the new dynamic between the two protagonists, and their chemistry formed the emotional center of the rebooted series. Fun fact: McAvoy shaved his head prematurely for the role, only to discover the younger Xavier would not be bald yet.

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4. Filth (2013)

Filth is a destructive dive into the brain of Bruce Robertson, a crooked, drug-addicted police detective descending into insanity, and McAvoy takes the role with reckless abandon. Based on Irvine Welsh's novel, the film gives McAvoy a chance to become embroiled in moral decay and mental instability with dark humor and revolting vulnerability. While it's filled with grotesque moments, McAvoy's complex performance exposes a man tormented by trauma. He allegedly lost more than 15 pounds for the role and worked closely with director Jon S. Baird to stage emotional breakdowns. Filth has since gained cult status in indie circles and is one of McAvoy's most daring performances.

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5. The Last King of Scotland (2006)

While Forest Whitaker took home an Oscar for playing Idi Amin, it was McAvoy's performance as fictional Scottish physician Nicholas Garrigan that anchored the film. Playing the idealistic young doctor seduced into Amin's inner circle, McAvoy's journey from wide-eyed idealist to morally troubled observer is enthralling. He went to Uganda to rehearse for the role and even learned to do minor surgery to be realistic. This movie was a watershed moment for McAvoy, and he received a BAFTA Rising Star Award. It has been almost two decades since he appeared, but his performance continues to be the standard for acting out innocence tainted by power.

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6. Glass (2019)

In Glass, McAvoy reprised the role of Kevin Wendell Crumb, continuing to build on his already riveting Split work. This time, he needed to tap into even more personas new and in development. His acting became the emotional center of an otherwise divisive movie. Offscreen, McAvoy collaborated with a movement coach to differentiate each personality through posture and rhythm. One viral behind-the-scenes video even caught McAvoy changing characters in the middle of a take without losing a beat. Although Glass was met with mixed reviews, critics were unanimous that McAvoy's electric performance was the highlight of the film.

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7. Wanted (2008)

McAvoy shed his boyish image to play this fashionable action movie helmed by Timur Bekmambetov. For the role of Wesley Gibson, a disillusioned office clerk turned killer, McAvoy indulged in bullet-curving action and biting one-liners with surprising aplomb. He had to undergo rigorous training in weapons and stunt work, most of the action scenes being handled by him. Although its premise sounds ridiculous, Wanted was a commercial success and brought McAvoy's work to global audiences. Today, with rumors of a possible sequel, the film is commonly cited for introducing McAvoy to mainstream audiences and showing that he could lead genre movies with panache.

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8. Speak No Evil (2024)

In this English-language reworking of the 2022 Danish psychological horror film, James McAvoy gives one of his most chilling performances to date. As a seemingly affable host whose demeanor becomes increasingly malevolent, McAvoy peels back the thin façade of politeness with chilling accuracy. The movie, directed by James Watkins and opening at Sundance 2024, delves into themes of social unease, repressed urges, and mounting terror. McAvoy's character demanded menace and subtlety traits that he weighs perfectly. It has been dubbed one of his darkest performances to date by critics, solidifying his reputation for taking on fearlessly complex characters. A must-see for thriller fans.

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9. Trance (2013)

Directed by Danny Boyle, Trance is a heady heist thriller that muddles the boundaries between memory and manipulation. McAvoy stars as Simon, an art auctioneer who loses a prized painting and his memory. As hypnosis and deception are set in motion, McAvoy leads the audience through a series of psychological loop-the-loops. Boyle left room for improvisation during the crucial scenes, and McAvoy seized on the uncertainty of the character vacillating between victim and villain with skill. Even though lesser-known Trance has been popular on streaming platforms for its gripping narration and robust performances. It's a gem to discover for viewers of psychological suspense and McAvoy's chameleon-like ability.

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10. My Son (2021)

In this tense thriller, McAvoy plays opposite Claire Foy, a father hunting for his disappeared child. My Son stands out for its unorthodox approach to filmmaking. McAvoy was never given a script. He improvised dialogue and response, and unbridled, raw emotion flowed free on screen. The unconventional technique provided a totally immersive, unsettling experience for both actor and viewer. The critics were at odds over the format, but universally lauded McAvoy's courage and dedication. It cemented his status as one of the brave few actors to take such unorthodox artistic risks. My Son is still an intriguing exercise in performance-driven storytelling.

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James McAvoy's filmography is a testament to his willingness to take risks in storytelling and his talent for getting into wildly disparate characters. Whether he's playing a tortured soul, a suave mutant, or a monstrous villain, McAvoy brings intensity and authenticity to each role. His selection indicates an actor who isn't simply pursuing stardom but is deeply committed to his work. As he continues to astonish audiences with every performance, one thing is for sure: McAvoy isn't merely an actor to observe; he's one to study and respect. If you haven't checked out these standout films yet, now's the ideal time to begin.