Benicio del Toro's Top 10 Movies, Ranked

Introduction

In the realm of cinema, few actors possess the chameleonic abilities of Puerto Rican star Benicio del Toro. With a career spanning decades, del Toro has captivated audiences with his nuanced portrayals and transformative performances. From dark and brooding to enigmatic and beguiling, del Toro's filmography is a testament to his exceptional talent.

Born on February 19, 1967, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, del Toro was exposed to the world of acting from a young age. His mother, a lawyer, and his father, a farmer and businessman, encouraged his artistic pursuits. Del Toro's early life and upbringing in a multicultural environment shaped his acting style, allowing him to bring a unique perspective to his characters.

10. Licence To Kill (1989)

In his early career, del Toro made a mark with his portrayal of the sadistic enforcer Dario in the James Bond film Licence To Kill. Directed by John Glen, the film marked a departure from the traditional Bond formula, exploring a darker and grittier storyline. Del Toro's performance as Dario added depth to the movie's dark tone and set the stage for his future success.

Benecio del Toro as Dario in Licence to Kill

9. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

Del Toro's role as the conniving DJ in Star Wars: The Last Jedi contributed to the film's departure from the traditional Star Wars formula. Directed by Rian Johnson, the film received both critical acclaim and divided opinions from fans. Del Toro's portrayal of DJ, a morally ambiguous hacker and codebreaker, added intrigue to the storyline and elevated the movie's impact.

Split Image of Boba Fett from The Book of Boba Fett, DJ from The Last Jedi, and Mando from the Mandalorian

8. Snatch (2000)

In the crime caper Snatch, directed by Guy Ritchie, del Toro held his own among a stellar ensemble cast. The film explores the interconnected lives of various characters involved in a diamond heist. Del Toro's performance as Franky 'Four Fingers,' a jewel thief with a gambling problem, showcased his versatility and added depth to the intricate plot.

Snatch Franky 4 fingers holding cards

7. Sin City (2005)

Directed by Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller, Sin City is known for its unique visual style and its faithful adaptation of the graphic novel series by Frank Miller. Del Toro's transformation in Sin City as the corrupt police officer Jackie Boy highlighted his commitment to character. His darkly humorous portrayal added a layer of complexity to the gritty adaptation, further immersing audiences in the film's neo-noir world.

Jackie Boy

6. Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)

Directed by James Gunn, Guardians of the Galaxy marked del Toro's entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). As the enigmatic Collector Taneleer Tivan, del Toro brought intrigue to the cosmic adventures of the Guardians. His performance contributed to the film's success and expanded the MCU's universe, introducing new elements and storylines that continue to shape the overarching narrative.

Guardians of the Galaxy Collector Infinity Stones

5. No Sudden Move (2021)

In No Sudden Move, directed by Steven Soderbergh, del Toro showcased his talent in a fast-paced thriller set in 1950s Detroit. The film explores the consequences of a seemingly simple heist gone wrong. Del Toro's collaboration with Soderbergh, a frequent collaborator, resulted in a gripping performance as Ronald Russo. His role added depth to the ensemble cast and elevated the film's intensity, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

No Sudden Move Cast and character guide Ray Liotta Benecio Del Toro Don Cheadle

4. The Usual Suspects (1995)

Directed by Bryan Singer, The Usual Suspects is a neo-noir thriller known for its intricate plot and an iconic twist ending. Del Toro's portrayal of Fred Fenster, a member of a criminal gang, stood out for its unique intonation and memorable delivery. Among an ensemble cast of talented actors, del Toro's contribution added intrigue to the film's deceptive narrative, keeping audiences guessing until the very end.

The Lineup From The Usual Suspects

3. 21 Grams (2003)

Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, 21 Grams is a critically acclaimed drama that explores themes of loss, redemption, and interconnectedness. Del Toro's poignant performance as recovering addict Jack showcased his emotional range and ability to delve into complex characters. His portrayal added depth to the film's exploration of human emotions and the consequences of life-altering events, earning him critical acclaim.

Jack (Benicio Del Toro) rubs his head in 21 Grams

2. Sicario (2015)

Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Sicario is a pulse-pounding thriller that delves into the moral complexities of the drug war on the U.S.-Mexico border. Del Toro's portrayal of the vengeful Alejandro Gillick left a lasting impact on audiences. His raw emotional performance added intensity to the film's narrative, showcasing del Toro's ability to embody a character driven by a desire for justice in an unforgiving world.

Collage of Emily Blunt with a black eye and Benicio del Toro pointing a gun in Sicario

1. Traffic (2000)

Directed by Steven Soderbergh, Traffic is an award-winning drama that examines the complexities of the drug trade from multiple perspectives. Del Toro's compelling portrayal of Javier Rodriguez, a Mexican police officer caught in the crossfire of the drug war, earned him critical acclaim and accolades. His nuanced performance depicted the struggles and moral dilemmas faced by those involved in the drug trade, ultimately earning del Toro an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

Javier Rodriguez (Benicio del Toro) in Traffic

Conclusion

Benicio del Toro's top 10 movies showcase the depth and versatility of his talent as an actor. From iconic roles in franchise films to critically acclaimed dramas, del Toro's cinematic journey is a testament to his enduring impact on the world of cinema. With his ability to transform into diverse characters and embody complex emotions, del Toro continues to captivate audiences and shape the landscape of contemporary cinema. As he embarks on future projects, there is great anticipation for his continued contributions to the art of storytelling.