Unveiling LaKeith Stanfield's Definitive Filmography: A Journey through His Remarkable 10 Best Movies & TV Shows

Summary

LaKeith Stanfield has showcased his versatility as an actor through his diverse roles in both film and television, playing absurdly hilarious and morally ambiguous characters.

Stanfield's performances in acclaimed projects like

Short Term 12

and

Judas and the Black Messiah

have garnered critical praise and recognition, including an Oscar nomination.

From his work in popular shows like

Atlanta

to his appearances in major films like

Get Out

, Stanfield has consistently demonstrated his ability to captivate audiences and deliver powerful performances.

LaKeith Stanfield has emerged as one of Hollywood's most captivating up-and-coming stars in recent years, showcasing his versatility in both films and television. With notable roles in acclaimed indie films like Short Term 12 and major studio productions like Judas and the Black Messiah, he has proven his talent and earned an Oscar nomination. On the small screen, he has impressed audiences with his performances in Donald Glover's Atlanta and the Netflix original anime Yasuke. Since beginning his acting career in 2008, Stanfield has portrayed both hilariously absurd and morally complex characters, showcasing his immense range.

In addition to his acting prowess, Stanfield, like his Atlanta co-star Donald Glover, also explores music. This can be seen in his rap verse on "OYAHYTT" from the film Sorry to Bother You and his 2020 single "Fast Life," released under his artist alter ego HTIEKAL. As an actor, he has had the opportunity to share the screen with esteemed veterans such as Adam Sandler in Uncut Gems and Daniel Craig in Knives Out. While his appearances in these films were brief, they do not overshadow the more significant impact he has made as a lead or supporting actor in other projects throughout his versatile filmography.

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10 Yasuke (2021)

This Netflix anime is a highly fictionalized portrayal of Yasuke, the first foreign samurai who hailed from Africa and made a significant impact during Japan's feudal era. Voiced by LaKeith Stanfield, the series explores Yasuke's years of servitude and his subsequent life as a solitary warrior. The inclusion of fantasy elements adds a visually stunning dimension to the anime. While the pacing may frustrate some viewers, Yasuke demonstrates Stanfield's willingness to experiment with different storytelling formats. Moreover, it serves as redemption for Stanfield, who previously played the character L in the live-action adaptation of Death Note without leaving a lasting impression.

9 The Changeling (2023-)

New York is transformed into a whimsical fairytale realm filled with enchanted obstacles in The Changeling, a horror fantasy series on Apple TV+. Based on the novel of the same name, LaKeith Stanfield takes on the role of Apollo Kagwa, a worried father and husband on a quest to locate his mysteriously vanished wife and child. Regarded as a grown-up fairytale by numerous critics, The Changeling presents a captivating modern-day Odyssey amidst the chaotic backdrop of the Big Apple. While some viewers may find the show's ambitious scope slightly overwhelming, there is a unanimous agreement that Stanfield delivers a remarkable performance, effectively portraying the fears and concerns of a devoted family man.

8 The Photograph (2020)

In the film The Photograph, LaKeith Stanfield delivers a commendable performance, often overlooked by audiences. His chemistry with Issa Rae on-screen is truly impressive. Stanfield portrays a photojournalist determined to uncover the mysterious history of a woman who tragically passed away during a hurricane. During his quest for her identity, he encounters her daughter, a curator residing in New York. As their connection deepens and they gradually fall in love, this newfound relationship undergoes countless trials due to their troubled pasts and the physical distance between them when one of them moves to London. The Photograph differs from glamorizing the idea of modern love and instead takes a more introspective approach, exploring the intricacies and sustainability of contemporary relationships in the long term.

7 The Harder They Fall (2021)

6 Crown Heights (2017)

The cast of The Harder They Fall took inspiration from notorious real-life outlaws like Nat Love and Stagecoach Mary, while LaKeith Stanfield's character, Cherokee Bill, drew from the legendary gunslinger. This Netflix original breathes new life into the Western genre, with its thrilling pace and characters that demand emotional investment. By exploring the internal conflicts faced by black cowboys and outlaws in the Wild West, The Harder They Fall offers a fresh perspective as a revisionist Western, challenging the dominance of predominantly white ensembles in the genre. Stanfield shines alongside esteemed veterans of the craft, including Regina King and Idris Elba.

LaKeith Stanfield has consistently portrayed real-life figures, from civil rights activist Jimmie Lee Jackson in Selma to rapper Snoop Dogg in Straight Outta Compton. But it was in Crown Heights where he truly displayed his talent as a biopic lead, taking on the role of Colin Warner, a man wrongly imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit. This film delves into Warner's time behind bars and his best friend Carl King's relentless efforts to prove his innocence, portrayed by an outstanding Nnamdi Asomugha, whose performance earned him a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award. Although Crown Heights adheres to some familiar biopic conventions, Stanfield and Asomugha's exceptional portrayals, alongside the movie's ultimately hopeful message, truly make it stand out.

5 Get Out (2017)

Jordan Peele’s shocking directorial debut,

4 Short Term 12 (2013)

, opens with the abduction of LaKeith Stanfield’s character, Andre Hayworth. Andre finds himself amidst a group of movie characters who have suffered a fate more horrifying than death. Despite his limited screen time, Stanfield delivers an outstanding performance, particularly in the scene where he exclaims the chilling words, "Get Out." This moment is guaranteed to send shivers down one's spine. A thought-provoking blend of horror and dark comedy, Get Out centers around the disturbing journey of a black photographer visiting his white in-laws, marking a significant turning point in the genre. Daniel Kaluuya, Catherine Keener, and the rest of the cast deliver powerful performances, but it is Stanfield's brief yet impactful portrayal that truly stands out, capturing the attention and admiration of audiences.

Destin Daniel Cretton, who would go on to direct the Marvel hit Shang Chi, helmed the critically acclaimed film Short Term 12, which served as a launching pad for several future stars. Notably, Brie Larson took on the lead role, accompanied by emerging talents such as Rami Malek, Kaitlyn Dever, and the always impressive LaKeith Stanfield. The movie centers around a care unit for troubled teenagers, offering a captivating exploration of their experiences. Navigating the delicate balance between heart-wrenching and uplifting moments, Short Term 12 delivers a touching narrative as the characters confront their histories of abuse. Of particular note is Stanfield's breakout performance as the introverted Marcus. Through his portrayal, he skillfully conveys Marcus' emotional vulnerability, delivering poignant dialogue and even treating the audience to an acapella rap verse.

3 Sorry To Bother You (2018)

Boots Riley's audaciously ambitious satire against capitalism served as the ideal vehicle for LaKeith Stanfield to showcase his talent. In Sorry To Bother You, Stanfield portrays a black telemarketer who adopts a white accent to excel in his job. However, the film delves further than just exploring racial dynamics in the workplace. It touches upon themes such as unauthorized experiments conducted by white corporations, the state of contemporary art depicted through Tessa Thompson's character, and even modern rap, highlighting how African-American slang can be co-opted by white individuals. Adding to the film's brilliance is its unexpected twist involving horse people, solidifying its status as a surrealist masterpiece.

2 Judas And The Black Messiah (2021)

Fred Hampton's charismatic energy propelled the Black Panther Party to new heights during the civil rights movement of the 1960s. However, his powerful influence was cut short by a CIA-backed conspiracy involving an insider named William O'Neal. Breaking free from biopic clichés, director Shaka Zulu has skillfully crafted a gripping thriller that reconstructs the tragically dramatic tale of a man torn between loyalty and betrayal. "Judas and the Black Messiah" delivers outstanding performances by Daniel Kaluuya as Hampton and LaKeith Stanfield as O'Neal. Kaluuya's exceptional portrayal earned him the Best Supporting Actor Oscar, while Stanfield received his first nomination in the same category.

1 Atlanta (2016-2022)

Atlanta is a multifaceted show that tells the story of rapper Paper Boi's journey to success, guided by his cousin and manager Earl, portrayed with great depth by Brian Tyree Henry and showrunner Donald Glover. However, the show also ventures into surrealistic territory, presenting standalone episodes that satirize the music industry, race relations, and the inner workings of the entertainment complex. Atlanta has gained iconic status in current television, and its four-season run undeniably showcases LaKeith Stanfield's exceptional talent. His character Darius, with his absurdly hilarious and unexpectedly poignant moments, adds an extra layer of entertainment to the show. Whether he's randomly measuring a man's yard tree, pitching the replacement of rats with mobile phones, or pursuing the myth of a still-living Tupac, Darius's moments and quotes contribute to the overall enjoyment of Atlanta. Yet, Stanfield goes beyond portraying Darius as a stereotypical stoner, instead creating a character who exudes a laid-back charm while also revealing emotional vulnerability and innocence in unexpected moments. This is especially evident in fan-favorite episodes like the subtly intense "Teddy Perkins" and the thought-provoking "White Fashion," which critiques the whitewashing of ethnic cultures.