Ranking the Top 10 Movies and TV Shows Starring Bill Skarsgård

Bill Skarsgård, a member of the renowned Skarsgård acting family, is widely recognized as one of the most talented and versatile actors in the industry today. He first gained attention for his role in the captivating supernatural horror series Hemlock Grove. However, it was his outstanding portrayal of Pennywise the Dancing Clown in Andy Muschietti's horror sensation It that truly put him in the international spotlight, receiving both critical acclaim and widespread recognition.

While he is predominantly known for his contributions to the horror genre, Skarsgård has demonstrated his versatility across a wide range of projects. From comedic films to sci-fi adventures and even romantic dramas, he has proven his ability to excel in diverse roles. With his upcoming part in the action-packed thriller Boy Kills World, Skarsgård continues to pursue unique and challenging characters. His impressive portfolio, which includes a collection of remarkable and acclaimed performances, undeniably establishes him as one of the most gifted actors of his generation.

10. 'The Devil All the Time' (2020)

Director: Antonio Campos

Image via Netflix

Antonio Campos' psychological crime thriller, The Devil All the Time, features a stellar cast including Bill Skarsgård. The film takes place from the 1940s to the 1960s and tells multiple interconnected stories set in Southern Ohio. Skarsgård portrays the character of Willard Russell, a war veteran who returns home after serving in World War II.

The Devil All the Time is a challenging and inconsistent film that may not be considered one of Netflix's top originals. Nevertheless, Skarsgård delivers an impressive performance as the tormented Willard, bringing depth and an unsettling quality to his portrayal of regret and despair. While the movie can sometimes feel excessively dark, Skarsgård's portrayal keeps his character grounded and avoids crossing into exploitative territory.

Stream The Devil All the Time on Netflix.

9. 'Hemlock Grove' (2013-2015)

Creator: Brian McGreevy

Skarsgård rose to fame through his appearance in the popular Netflix horror series, Hemlock Grove. Adapted from the 2012 novel of the same name, the storyline revolves around the unexpected alliance between Roman Godfrey, the heir to the wealthy family in town, and Peter Rumancek, a recent arrival. As the town is shaken by a series of mysterious murders, the two protagonists join forces to uncover the truth while carefully guarding their own hidden secrets.

Hemlock Grove did not rank among the top Netflix original series, with critics frequently criticizing its tone and excessively violent approach. In fact, at times, the show made Ryan Murphy's efforts appear tasteful. Nevertheless, Skarsgård consistently shone as the bright spot, portraying the wealthy rebel, Roman, with enough rebellious fervor to captivate millions of teenagers. Hemlock Grove excels as a guilty pleasure and an impressive platform for Skarsgård's talents, even though its impact is somewhat inconsistent.

8. 'Barbarian' (2022)

Director: Zach Cregger

Zach Cregger's 2022 horror thriller, Barbarian, features an impressive cast including Georgina Campbell, Justin Long, and Skarsgård. The story revolves around Tess, a young woman who arrives at her Airbnb only to discover that it is already occupied by a mysterious young man named Keith. As Tess grows closer to Keith, she begins to unravel the alarming secrets hidden within the house.

Keith, portrayed by the talented Bill Skarsgård, portrays a captivating yet unsettling character. Although Tess and the audience cannot ignore the feeling that something is not quite right about him, Keith's allure remains intact. Barbarian cleverly utilizes Skarsgård's reputation as a horror icon to keep the true plot hidden. The actor flawlessly walks the line between creepy and endearing, delivering one of his most unexpectedly sympathetic performances in the role of Keith.

Watch on Hulu

7. 'Nine Days' (2020)

Director: Edson Oda

The 2020 fantasy drama film Nine Days features an ensemble cast, with Winston Duke leading the way. Other notable actors include Zazie Beetz, Tony Hale, Benedict Wong, and Skarsgård. The story revolves around Will, a solitary judge who must interview five souls to determine who will be granted a new life on Earth while the others will cease to exist. Skarsgård portrays Kane, one of the five candidates.

While showcasing Winston Duke's underrated dramatic talents, Nine Days also allows the supporting cast to shine. Skarsgård delivers a compelling performance as the cynical and hardened Kane, contrasting with Beetz's more idealistic character Emma. This adds depth to the film and encourages viewers to contemplate the diverse aspects of human nature. With its thought-provoking and sincere screenplay, Nine Days stands out as one of the most overlooked dramas in recent times, challenging audiences to ponder what it truly means to be alive.

6. 'Villains' (2019)

Directors: Dan Berk & Roberts Olsen

Directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, Villains is a 2019 black comedy horror film featuring Skarsgård, Maika Monroe, Jeffrey Donovan, and Kyra Sedgwick. The story revolves around two novice thieves who break into a house, only to discover that the occupants are a sadistic couple who have kidnapped a young girl. As the situation takes a drastic turn, the unsuspecting criminals find themselves fighting for their own survival.

Villains is a clever and biting horror comedy that is both morbidly funny and effectively chilling. In the film, Skarsgård gives a standout performance as Mickey, a bumbling and clumsy petty criminal who finds himself in way over his head. His portrayal perfectly captures the screenplay's fast-paced and chaotic tone, as he skillfully delivers a barrage of swear words. Despite his character's flaws, Skarsgård manages to create a lovable and endearing persona, making Mickey one of his most refreshing roles to date. Villains is a hidden gem in the horror-comedy genre of the 2010s, with Skarsgård's lead performance being a major contributing factor to its underrated status. Check it out on Prime Video.

5. 'Soulmates' (2020)

Creators: William Bridges & Brett Goldstein

The anthology series Soulmates on Prime Video is often overlooked, yet it stands as one of the most underrated miniseries from the past 5 years. Set in a future world, a groundbreaking test has been developed by a company for individuals to discover their soulmates. Throughout the show, multiple stories unfold, delving into various genres and raising intriguing inquiries about the essence of true love. In the captivating fourth episode titled "Layover," Skarsgård takes on the role of Mateo, an American tourist en route to meet his destined soulmate in Colombia. However, during a layover in Mexico, he encounters Jonah, an alluring thief who shakes his convictions about what lies ahead.

"Layover" demonstrates the exceptional talents of Bill Skarsgård in a delightful romantic comedy. In this episode, Skarsgård shines as Mateo, a charming and idealistic character. He effortlessly captures the comedic essence, creating a fantastic chemistry with his co-star Nathan Stewart-Jarrett. This performance reveals Skarsgård's potential as a leading man in romantic roles, eager for the perfect project.

4. 'John Wick: Chapter 4' (2023)

Director: Chad Stahelski

Keanu Reeves returns in Chad Stahelski's explosive action film, John Wick: Chapter 4, reprising his role as the unstoppable assassin, John Wick. The story follows John's desperate attempts to evade the High Table, all while being relentlessly pursued by a multitude of assassins sent by the Marquis de Gramont, a prominent member of the Table whose sole mission is to eliminate Wick using any means necessary.

Skarsgård delivers an exceptional performance as the Marquis, a villainous character with a penchant for stylish fashion, and one of the key factors contributing to the success of John Wick: Chapter 4. With a thick French accent and an ability to captivate the audience's attention, Skarsgård portrays the perfect adversary to Reeve's Wick, akin to a Bond villain within the John Wick universe. Menacing and detestable yet wholly entertaining, the Marquis is a contemporary action villain who is bound to leave a lasting impression and be remembered as one of Skarsgård's most enjoyable roles.

3. 'Castle Rock (2018)

Creators: Sam Shaw & Dustin Thomason

Image provided by Hulu

Castle Rock, the psychological horror series from 2018, features a talented ensemble cast that includes Jane Levy, André Holland, Melanie Lynskey, Sissy Spacek (an Oscar-winner), and Skarsgård. Taking place in the fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine, the show explores various themes from Stephen King's works, making for a captivating and immersive narrative. Skarsgård portrays the Kid, a prisoner who is released from Shawshank Penitentiary after spending 27 years confined in a septic tank.

Castle Rock is one of the top-notch Stephen King adaptations. It is a thrilling, spooky, and suspenseful show that skillfully combines King's mythology with a clever mystery. The outstanding cast brings life to intriguing and multi-dimensional characters, and the notable performance by Skarsgård as the enigmatic and strangely captivating Kid is truly unforgettable. Despite being mostly silent, Skarsgård effectively communicates through his trademark large green eyes and body language, creating a fully-realized character that stands as one of the show's greatest successes.

Stream it on Hulu.

2. 'It' (2017)

Director: Andy Muschietti

Warner Bros. Pictures presents an image in which mainstream audiences associate Bill Skarsgård with the iconic role of Pennywise the Dancing Clown, featured in Andy Muschietti's chilling horror duology It and It Chapter Two. These films expertly bring to life Stephen King's renowned novel, with the first installment focusing on the Loser's Club as young children and the second installment following their lives as adults. Pennywise emerges as a relentless force of terror in both movies, engulfing the town of Derry in a nightmarish display of colorful chaos.

1. 'Clark' (2022)

It is one of the greatest horror films of all time, and Skarsgård delivers an exceptional performance in both this movie and its sequel. It was a daunting challenge, considering how iconic Tim Curry's portrayal of Pennywise was. However, Skarsgård wisely opted not to imitate or pay tribute to Curry's performance; instead, the then twenty-seven-year-old actor took a more disturbing and less childish approach, transforming Pennywise into a demonic entity that is bound to terrify a new generation of children. If the Academy Awards acknowledged the merits of horror, Skarsgård would have been a formidable contender for the 2018 Best Supporting Actor Oscar, especially when compared to the actual winner of that year.

Director: Jonas Åkerlund

Image via Netflix

The critically underrated Netflix miniseries Clark features Skarsgård in the role of the notorious Swedish criminal, Clark Olofsson. Over the course of six gripping episodes, the show delves into Olofsson's path to infamy, showcasing his numerous criminal activities and incarcerations. Particularly noteworthy is episode four, which focuses on the infamous Normalmstorg robbery and the birth of the term "Stockholm Syndrome."

Skarsgård's portrayal of Olofsson is nothing short of extraordinary. He effortlessly transitions from charming to repulsive, sometimes within a matter of seconds. Olofsson is a larger-than-life character, and Skarsgård rises to the occasion, convincingly embodying the criminal's irresistible appeal. It's worth noting that Skarsgård's performance in Clark surpasses any of his previous work. His portrayal is multi-layered and all-encompassing, pushing the boundaries of his talent and establishing him as one of Hollywood's most versatile actors.

Editor's P/S

Bill Skarsgård is an incredibly talented actor who has starred in a wide variety of movies and TV shows. He first gained recognition for his role in the popular Netflix horror series, Hemlock Grove. However, it was his outstanding portrayal of Pennywise the Dancing Clown in Andy Muschietti's horror sensation It that truly put him in the international spotlight.

Skarsgård has demonstrated his versatility across a wide range of projects, from comedic films to sci-fi adventures and even romantic dramas. He has proven his ability to excel in diverse roles, and his upcoming part in the action-packed thriller Boy Kills World is sure to be another exciting addition to his impressive portfolio.

Overall, Bill Skarsgård is a gifted actor who continues to impress audiences with his performances. I am excited to see what he does next and I am sure that he will continue to be a major force in the entertainment industry for many years to come.