Karl Urban delivered his superhit performance with Amazon Prime’s 2019 entry The Boys. Beyond the fame as Billy Butcher, Karl Urban has an illustrious career. The Wellington-born actor has carved a niche in the industry with his wide range, starting from complex sci-fi films to comic book adaptations. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostOne moment he is flexing his sword-fighting skills in Middle-earth, and the next, he’s tackling rogue superheroes in The Boys. Urban began his career on New Zealand television. He stepped into the Hollywood big screen with Ghost Ship.His filmography includes Doom, Star Trek, and Thor: Ragnarök—films where he consistently delivered electric acting performances. Starting from Shark in the Park, Homeward Bound, and White Fang, Karl has featured in many other TV shows like Shortland Street, Riding High, and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.His notable movie entries include Chunuk Bair, Heaven, Via Satellite, The Irrefutable Truth about Demons, The Price of Milk, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The Chronicles of Riddick, The Bourne Supremacy, and Doom.5 best Karl Urban movies and TV shows that deserve a spot on your watchlistActor Karl Urban- Source: Getty1.Xena: Warrior Princess (1996–2001)Before Karl Urban featured in blockbusters, there was Xena. Urban appeared in multiple roles across the six-season-long series, including episodes connected to Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. He portrayed characters such as Cupid, Julius Caesar, and the warrior Mael.As Cupid, he embodied all the attributes of the love god, with the charming, mischievous nature with which he mediated divine disputes. Stepping in as Julius Caesar, he transformed into a ruthless Roman general and strategist who defined the story of Xena. And as Mael, he mirrored the tormented warrior.Early on, Karl Urban carved a niche for himself with his versatility.2.Ghost Ship (2002)Remember the cult horror Ghost Ship? This film delivered one of the most bone-chilling scenes of the modern era. The low-budget horror flick, produced by Dark Castle Entertainment, featured Karl Urban as Munder.Not every day do you see unsuspecting passengers getting sliced in half like apples, but Ghost Ship dared to display the carnage with its background score.In this film, Karl plays Munder, a member of a salvage crew exploring an abandoned ship in the Bering Sea. Things, as usual, do not go as expected.The film gave Urban a taste of American horror cinema and his first major paycheck from a U.S. production. He starred alongside Gabriel Byrne and Julianna Margulies. Horror fans still celebrate the movie even decades later.3.The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers & The Return of the King (2002–2003)Do not blink while watching the epic scenes in Helm’s Deep, or you might miss Éomer’s charge into the iconic battle that helped define The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and The Return of the King.In this Tolkien rendition, Karl plays the character of King Théoden’s nephew. With his acting, the much-loved character from Tolkien’s novel came alive and iconic on screen. The films presented, through Karl’s character, a fine blend of the human and the heroic.The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King earned Urban and the ensemble cast the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Acting Ensemble. Beyond the accolades, the films remain a must-watch for those who love Tolkien’s fantasy literature.4.Almost Human (2013–2014)It was in 2010 when Karl Urban attempted a different genre. With Almost Human, a sci-fi drama series by J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot, he took the stage as John Kennex.The series depicts high-tech dystopian themes with the story involving an intelligent android, Michael Ealy, and Kennex, the police detective. Almost Human explores themes of identity and human intelligence.The series lasted only one season. The reason being, it was built on a heavy budget but received very low ratings. Still, the series gave Karl Urban a stage to showcase his nuanced yet emphatic performance as Kennex. This role paved the way for him to explore more complex characters.5.The Boys (2019–present)Then came the role that completely transformed and defined Urban’s streaming-era career. Karl’s portrayal of Billy Butcher in Amazon Prime’s hit series has made him synonymous with the character. In The Boys, Urban portrays a chaotic anti-hero hell-bent on hunting corrupt superheroes.In this role, Karl’s true acting potential is brought to light. He brings a comically serious energy to Billy Butcher’s character and portrays him with his signature rage and wit.Also read: These 7 roles played by Karl Urban will make you eagerly wait for Mortal Kombat Il