Last updated on: July 31, 2025
Hamish Linklater may not always be the first name you hear in Hollywood, but he’s one of those actors who quietly steals the spotlight every time he appears on screen. With a career that spans smart dramas, gripping true stories, quirky indies, and big-budget blockbusters, Linklater has proven he can do it all. Whether he’s delivering sharp lines in The Big Short or diving deep into emotional territory in The Nickel Boys, his performances are always worth watching. In this article, we’re counting down Hamish Linklater’s top 10 movies—from cult favorites to critically acclaimed hits. If you’re a fan of thoughtful storytelling and strong acting, this list is for you!
1. The Big Short (2015)
IMdb Rating: 7.8/10
In The Big Short , Hamish Linklater plays Porter Collins. He’s a quick-talking, sharp-minded trader who works with Steve Carell’s character, Mark Baum. Together, they’re part of a small group that sees the housing market crash coming—and decides to bet against the big banks.
Linklater brings fire and humor to the role. You can feel how wild the financial world is through his performance. He doesn’t just talk numbers—he makes them hit hard and sometimes even funny.
This movie tells the real story of the 2008 crash. It shows how a few smart people saw the mess before it hit. The film mixes jokes with facts so you don’t get lost in all the money talk. And somehow, it makes finance feel like an action movie.
I really think everyone should watch this one. It teaches something deep without putting you to sleep. The cast is full of big names—Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt. All of them bring something strong to the table.
The film did well too. It won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay and made more than $133 million. Not bad for a movie about loans and bad bets.
Here’s a fun part: Selena Gomez and Anthony Bourdain show up—not to act, but to explain tricky money terms. They use Jenga blocks and fish stew to make sense of it all. It sounds weird, but it works.
You can find The Big Short on Netflix or Amazon Prime. If you like movies that make you think, laugh, and maybe even learn something real, this one’s for you. I watched it with my cousin once and we talked about it for days after. Definitely worth your time.
2. 42 (2013)IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
In 42 , Hamish Linklater plays Ralph Branca. He was a real player on the Brooklyn Dodgers, and one of the few who stood by Jackie Robinson when things got rough. Linklater shows us how kindness can be strong, not soft. You see it in his eyes—he means what he says.
Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play Major League Baseball. That number 42 wasn’t just on his jersey—it became a symbol of courage. People shouted at him. Some players didn’t want him there. But he kept playing. And he played with heart.
Harrison Ford plays Branch Rickey. He’s the man who made the call to bring Jackie into the league. Together, they changed the game forever. Linklater’s part might not be the loudest, but it matters. He shows that doing the right thing doesn’t always mean standing alone—it means standing with someone else.
This film hit home for me. It’s not just about baseball. It’s about respect. About doing what’s right even when it’s hard. I watched it with my dad once, and we sat quiet for a bit after. The kind of quiet that comes from seeing something true.
It did well too—made over $97 million worldwide. People liked it because it felt honest. Not just another sports movie. A story about people. About choices.
Every year on April 15, every MLB player wears 42. Can you imagine that? One day, all the same numbers, all for one man’s legacy. That’s how big Jackie’s impact was.
You can find 42 on Amazon Prime or Apple TV. If you like stories that stick with you—if you care about justice and heroes who don’t wear capes—this one is for you. Put it on your list. You won’t regret it.
3. Nickel Boys (TBA)
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
In Nickel Boys , Hamish Linklater plays a man named Freeman. Not much is known about his character yet, but from what we’ve heard, he’s tied to the tough world of the Nickel Academy. It’s a real story. A painful one.
The film takes place in the 1960s and follows two boys—Elwood and Turner. They get sent to this reform school in Florida called Nickel Academy. Supposedly meant to help kids, but it was nothing like that. It was harsh. Unfair. Full of pain most people wouldn’t believe.
Linklater’s part sounds heavy. The kind of role that sticks with you. He doesn’t play around with emotion—he lives it. I expect this performance will be hard to forget.
What moves me about this film is that it’s not made up. This really happened. These stories need light. They need to be told. And when done right, they hit deep. My uncle once told me about places like this. Hearing about Nickel Boys brought those old talks back.
The movie comes from Colson Whitehead’s award-winning novel. That book won the Pulitzer Prize in 2020. So yeah, the story runs deep. You can feel that before the film even hits the screen.
It’s not out yet, so no streaming platforms have it. But when it drops—wherever it lands—you’ll want to watch. Don’t miss this one. It’s not just a film. It’s a mirror held up to history. And Linklater? He’ll make sure you don’t look away.
4. Live from Baghdad (2002)
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
In Live from Baghdad , Hamish Linklater plays Richard Roth. He’s a young CNN producer caught in the middle of war. Not many know his name, but his job matters. He helps bring the truth out of chaos.
The film is based on real events. It shows how a team of journalists stayed in Baghdad during the 1991 Gulf War. Michael Keaton plays Robert Wiener, a man who believed the world needed to see what was really happening. So he and his crew stayed—while others ran.
Linklater doesn’t take up much space, but you notice him. You see the worry in his face. The way he talks fast, moves fast. That’s what war does to time. It steals it, then makes you rush to catch up.
I watched this with my brother once. We didn’t say much during it. Too tense. The bombs shook the screen. You could feel the fear inside the newsroom. But you also felt purpose. These people weren’t heroes because they wanted to be—they were heroes because they didn’t leave.
This movie tells more than a story. It shows why news matters. Why truth matters. Especially when the world feels like it’s falling apart.
It got Golden Globe nods. Deserved every one. People talked about how real it felt. And for good reason—HBO used real footage from the war. Real sounds. Real sights. Made it hard to look away.
You can find Live from Baghdad on HBO Max. Maybe other places too. Either way, it’s worth your time. If you like stories that hit close to home—if you care about courage, truth, or just how far people will go to do what’s right—this one’s for you.
5. Magic in the Moonlight (2014)
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
In Magic in the Moonlight , Hamish Linklater plays Brice Catledge. He’s a rich guy with a soft heart and a silly streak. Loves Sophie, this young psychic, and isn’t shy about showing it—plays her songs on the ukulele! Linklater brings joy to the role. You can’t help but like him.
The film is set in the 1920s, along the French Riviera. Sunlight on water, fancy clothes, long dinners under the stars. Colin Firth plays Stanley, a magician who thinks Sophie (Emma Stone) is fake. He goes there to prove it—but ends up getting pulled into something bigger than tricks.
Love sneaks in. So does doubt. And wonder. That’s what makes this movie special. It’s not just romance—it’s about belief. What we want to be true versus what really is.
I remember watching this one summer evening. Sat outside with my sister, a couple of drinks, and let the story roll over us. It felt light, but deep. Like a breeze that still carries something old and real.
Linklater fits right in. His Brice is funny, kind, maybe a little too eager—but real. The kind of person who loves out loud. Makes you smile without trying too hard.
It made over $32 million worldwide. Not a huge number, but enough. People liked the costumes, the music, the way the words danced between Firth and Stone.
Woody Allen wrote and directed it. He’s known for stories that mix smart talk with soft hearts. This one’s no different.
You can find it on Amazon Prime or Apple TV. If you’re looking for something sweet, a little mysterious, and full of charm—this is your film. Let it surprise you. Like magic.
6. Groove (2000)
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
In Groove , Hamish Linklater plays David Turner. He’s a quiet guy, thoughtful in the way some people are before they find their place in the noise. Gets pulled into an all-night rave in San Francisco. Doesn’t say much, but you feel everything he’s thinking.
The movie is about one wild night. A secret party in a warehouse. Music thumping. Lights flashing. People dancing like time doesn’t exist. David’s just along for the ride—but by morning, things are different.
Linklater plays him soft, like a whisper in a loud room. Brings heart to a world that’s mostly bass and beats. Shows how even one night can shake up your whole life.
I watched this with a friend years ago. Didn’t know what to expect. Thought it was just about partying. But it’s more than that. It’s about finding connection in the strangest places. And Linklater? He gets that. You see it in his eyes—he’s not just watching the night go by. He’s feeling it.
It didn’t make big money when it came out. But over time, it found its people. Fans of underground music, indie film lovers, those who remember the early days of raves. Critics said it felt real. Not staged. Like you were there.
Real DJs are in the film. Not actors pretending. That’s why the energy feels so true. The music, the faces, the vibe—it’s alive.
You can stream Groove on Amazon Prime or Tubi. Free if you catch it right. Worth it either way. If you’ve ever stayed out too late and still called it perfect—if you like stories wrapped in music and moonlight—this one’s for you.
7. Battleship (2012)
IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
In Battleship , Hamish Linklater plays Cal Zapata. He’s a sharp, quiet thinker—a scientist dropped into the middle of a war with aliens. Doesn’t carry a gun. Doesn’t run into fire. But his brain? That’s his weapon. Linklater makes him real. Makes him matter.
The movie starts with ships on the ocean. Just another day for the Navy—until something strange shows up. Not a storm. Not another fleet. Something from outer space. What follows is loud. Fast. Full of fire and fear.
It’s Earth against an enemy no one saw coming. The Navy fights back the best they can. Big guns. Crazy tech. And some brave souls who don’t back down. It’s wild. Like watching lightning strike over water—hard to look away.
I watched this with my cousin late one night. Didn’t expect much. Thought it might be just noise and flash. But I liked it. Felt like old action movies we used to rent. Loud, sure—but fun too. Linklater stands out not because he shouts, but because he listens. Thinks. Then speaks.
He fits in a movie full of explosions. Brings calm to the chaos. You see how brains and courage both count when the world’s falling apart.
It made over $300 million. Not everyone loved it, but plenty did. Some said it was silly. Others said it was just right for what it is—a big, loud ride.
Here’s something wild: This film comes from a board game. Yeah, that one you played as a kid. The one with red and white pegs. Feels crazy, but true.
You can stream Battleship on Amazon Prime, Netflix, Apple TV. If you’re looking for a movie that hits hard and fast—if you want something loud, bold, and full of life—this one’s got your name on it. Grab some snacks, hit play, and enjoy the storm
8. Fantastic Four (2005)
IMDb Rating: 5.7/10
In Fantastic Four , Hamish Linklater plays Leonard. He’s a quiet guy with glasses and a big brain. Works in the lab with Reed Richards before all the crazy space stuff happens. Not a hero, not flashy—but he helps set things in motion.
The story is about four people who go to space, get hit by cosmic rays, and come back changed. Suddenly, they’ve got powers. Stretching. Fire. Invisibility. Rock skin. They become the Fantastic Four. Fight bad guys. Save the day. Be a team.
I saw this movie when I was younger. Sat on the couch with my brother. We talked about which power we’d want the whole next day. Me? I picked stretching. He wanted to burst into flames. That’s what this film does—it makes you dream a little.
Linklater’s part isn’t long, but it’s real. You see him think. Watch him react. Adds that smart, calm vibe that keeps the wild parts grounded.
It made over $330 million. A lot of folks loved it—especially kids and comic fans. Critics didn’t all agree, but that’s okay. Some movies are meant to be fun, not perfect.
This was one of the first Marvel superhero films. Before Iron Man. Before the Avengers. Laid a path for all that came after.
You can stream it on Disney+, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV. If you like heroes with heart, some laughs, and cool powers—this one’s for you. Throw it on a Saturday night. Grab some chips. Enjoy the ride.
9. The Future (2011)
IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
In The Future , Hamish Linklater plays Jason. He’s one of two people at the center of this quiet, strange, and deep movie. He lives in L.A. with his girlfriend, Sophie. She’s played by Miranda July, who also directed and wrote the film.
Their life changes when they find a hurt cat named Paw-Paw. They decide to take care of him. But that choice makes them both stop and think—really think—about what their lives are, and what they want them to be.
This isn’t like most movies. It gets dreamy. Even magical. At times, the cat talks. Yeah, you read that right. And that voice? That’s Miranda July again. Her style is soft but strong. Different, but real.
Jason quits his job. Wants to live better. Do more. Be more. Sophie feels stuck. Scared. Makes choices that surprise even her. Linklater plays it all with stillness. You don’t always hear what he’s feeling—you just see it. And that’s powerful.
I watched this alone on a rainy afternoon. Didn’t expect much. Thought it might be slow. And yeah—it is. But not boring. It made me sit with my thoughts. Made me ask myself if I was living how I wanted. That’s rare for a film.
It played at film festivals. Got praise for being bold in its own weird way. Not flashy. Just honest. The kind of movie that sticks with people who give it a chance.
You can stream The Future on Amazon Prime or Apple TV. If you like stories that make you feel instead of just watch—if you want something soft, slow, and full of soul—this one’s worth your time. Let it get under your skin. Like it did mine.\
10. One More Time (2015)
IMDb Rating: 5.0/10
In One More Time , Hamish Linklater plays Tim. He’s the brother of Jude, the main character. Kind of quiet. A little awkward. But full of heart. He doesn’t take up a lot of space in the movie, but every time he’s on screen, you feel the truth in what he’s doing.
Tim tries to hold things together. His dad’s got a big voice and a bigger ego—played by Christopher Walken—and his sister, Jude, is trying to find her way. Tim just wants everyone to be okay. Doesn’t ask for much. Just does what he can.
The story follows Jude, who’s done with her messy music life and even messier love life. She moves back home. Back to her dad. He used to be famous. Now he’s dreaming of one last shot at the spotlight. Their bond is real—sometimes rocky, sometimes funny, always full of care.
I liked this movie because it didn’t try too hard. It just was. Warm. Honest. You don’t always laugh out loud, but you smile. Sometimes through sadness. Sometimes because something felt just like your own life.
Linklater fits right into this quirky family. Not flashy. Just true. You believe he’s part of this group. Like he’s been there all along.
It didn’t make big waves when it came out. Didn’t need to. Critics saw the charm in it. Said the acting was strong. Walken brought that Walken magic. Amber Heard surprised people. And Linklater? He grounded it.
Here’s a fun bit: The movie used to have a different name—When I Live My Life Over Again . Sounds like a song, doesn’t it?
You can stream One More Time on Amazon Prime or Apple TV. If you like stories about family, second chances, and songs that carry feelings—this one’s for you. I watched it late one night. Didn’t expect much. Ended up staying till the end. That says something.
From heartwarming dramas to wild sci-fi adventures, Hamish Linklater has shown just how versatile and talented he truly is. Whether he’s making us laugh, think, or even tear up a little, he always brings something special to the screen. These 10 movies highlight some of his best and most memorable roles, and they’re totally worth adding to your watchlist.
Now it’s your turn!
Which Hamish Linklater movie is your favorite? Did we miss one that you love? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear what you think! Let’s talk movies! 🎬💬
