Last updated on: May 30, 2025
Australian actor Anthony LaPaglia has carved out a remarkable career with his versatility, intensity, and undeniable screen presence. From gritty dramas to quirky comedies and even animated adventures, LaPaglia’s filmography showcases a wide range of talent that has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. Whether he’s playing a conflicted detective, a troubled father, or lending his voice to a wise old owl, LaPaglia brings a depth and authenticity to every role. In this article, we spotlight ten of his most compelling performances—films that not only highlight his range but also his impact on both Australian and international cinema.
1. Road to Perdition (2002)
IMdb Rating: 6.4/10
Road to Perdition is the kind of film that sticks with you. It’s deep. It’s heavy. And it hits right in the heart. Set during the Great Depression, this movie mixes crime, family, and raw emotion. It’s not just about guns and gangs—it’s about fathers. About sons. About choices that change everything.
Anthony LaPaglia had a part in this one. He was set to play Al Capone—yes, that Al Capone. But most of his scenes got cut. Gone. Just like that. Still, knowing he stood on set with Tom Hanks and Paul Newman? That’s something special. You can catch his work on the DVD, by the way. Deleted scenes. Worth the watch.
Tom Hanks plays Michael Sullivan. He’s no ordinary man. He’s a hitman for a mob boss. But when his son sees more than he should, their world breaks wide open. They run. They fight. They try to hold onto each other in a world gone cold. It’s tough to watch at times—but real. So real.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: The cast alone will pull you in. Tom Hanks gives one of his strongest performances. Paul Newman shines in what would be one of his final roles. Jude Law adds grit and mystery. And behind the camera? The shots look like paintings. Every frame feels like it was made with care.
The film was nominated for six Oscars. Took home one—for Best Cinematography. Critics called it moving. Powerful. A story told with soul. Fans remember it for how it made them feel—not just what it showed.
Fun Fact: If you’ve got the DVD, don’t skip the extras. Anthony LaPaglia’s scenes are there. And they give more shape to the world of the film.
Streaming Availability: You can find Road to Perdition on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, though it might depend on where you live. Crime drama fan or not—this one digs deeper. It’s not just about who lives or dies. It’s about who we are to each other when everything else falls away.
And if you ask me? That’s the kind of story worth seeing.
2. Lantana (2001)
IMdb Rating: 7.0/10
Watch me tell you about Lantana. This is where Anthony LaPaglia showed us what real acting looks like.
He plays Leon Zat, a cop with heavy eyes and a heavier heart. He’s stuck in a marriage that’s gone cold. He’s making bad choices. And he knows it. But then, a woman goes missing. That sets everything off. The story pulls him—and us—into something bigger than just one man’s life.
The film doesn’t rush. It moves slow, like smoke in the wind. At first, you’re not sure how it all fits. Then, like fire catching dry leaves, things start to click. Different lives. Tied together. Secrets hidden. Truths come out. Some hurt. Some heal.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: Because this ain’t just a mystery—it’s life on screen. Real life. Messy. Painful. Beautiful.
LaPaglia won the AFI Award for Best Actor for this role. No surprise. You forget he’s acting. He is Leon. Every look. Every pause. Every word feels true.
The movie took home Best Film at the AFI Awards too. Critics said it was smart. Deep. Full of fire and silence at the same time. People who watched it didn’t just talk about the plot—they talked about how it made them feel. How it made them think.
Fun Fact: The name Lantana comes from a wild plant. Thick. Tangled. Grows fast. Just like the secrets in the movie. Hidden under pretty flowers. But if you dig deep, there’s more than meets the eye.
Streaming Availability: You can find Lantana on Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video, depending on where you live. If you like stories that stick with you—if you want to feel something real—this is your kind of movie.
It makes you sit still after the credits roll. Makes you think about your own life. Your own choices. And maybe even pick up the phone and call someone you’ve been meaning to talk to.
3. Sweet and Lowdown (1999)
IMdb Rating: 7.2/10
Sweet and Lowdown is a film that hums like a soft jazz tune. It’s got charm. It’s got style. And it’s full of moments that make you smile without even trying.
Anthony LaPaglia has a small part, but he still makes it count. He plays Al Torrio—a gangster with sharp looks and sharper words. He’s not on screen long, but when he shows up, things get interesting. You can feel the tension in the room. That’s just what LaPaglia does best.
The story is about Emmet Ray, a cocky jazz guitarist from the 1930s who believes he’s second only to Django Reinhardt. He’s good—really good—but he’s also a mess. Drinks too much. Talks too loud. Messes things up. Then he meets Hattie. She’s quiet. Doesn’t speak at all. Played by Samantha Morton with a softness that breaks your heart. Together, they’re an odd pair. Funny. Sweet. Real.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: Because it feels like a dream wrapped in old film. The music? Smooth as silk. The clothes? Sharp enough to cut glass. Sean Penn plays Emmet with swagger and sadness—he got an Oscar nod for it. So did Morton. Her silence speaks louder than most speeches.
Critics loved how Woody Allen told the story. Like it was real. Half fiction. Half pretend documentary. It felt like stepping back into a time when jazz ruled and life moved slower.
Fun Fact: A lot of folks thought Emmet Ray was a real guy. Woody Allen made him seem that real. Like you could look him up in some dusty old book. But no—he was born from imagination.
Streaming Availability: You can find Sweet and Lowdown on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV, depending on where you live. If you dig jazz, vintage style, or stories about flawed people trying their best, this one’s for you.
And hey, if you’re keeping score, it’s always a treat to spot Anthony LaPaglia—even in a small role. He’s like a spark in a quiet room. Doesn’t need much space to light things up.
4. Trees Lounge (1996)
IMdb Rating: 7.1/10
Trees Lounge is not the kind of movie that shouts. It whispers. It watches. It makes you feel something without trying too hard.
Anthony LaPaglia plays Jerry, a mechanic caught in the middle of a messy love triangle. His choices stir things up between Tommy—the main character—and Tommy’s ex-girlfriend. Jerry doesn’t mean to cause trouble, maybe, but he does. And that’s what makes his part so real.
Tommy, played and directed by Steve Buscemi, is a man stuck. He lost his job. Drinks more than he should. Hangs out at a bar called Trees Lounge like it’s the only place that knows his name. He’s trying to move forward. But life keeps pushing back. Day after day. No big drama. Just quiet pain. The kind we all know.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: Because it’s honest. Not flashy. Not loud. Just people being people. You won’t see car chases or heroes here. What you’ll get are moments that hit close to home. LaPaglia gives a strong performance—you might even find yourself mad at his character, and that just means he did his job right.
Critics said this film had heart. Said it was raw. Said it felt true. It’s one of those small movies that doesn’t get much noise. But once you see it? It stays with you.
Fun Fact: This was Steve Buscemi’s first time directing. And a lot of it came from his own life. Grew up around places like Trees Lounge. Knew these people. Maybe even was one of them.
Streaming Availability: You can rent or buy Trees Lounge on Amazon Prime Video and other platforms, depending on where you live.
If you like stories that don’t tell you how to feel—but make you feel anyway—this one’s for you. And yes, Anthony LaPaglia fits right in. Quietly powerful. Always present. Like he was meant to be there.
5. Empire Records (1995)
IMdb Rating: 6.7/10
Empire Records is the kind of movie that grabs you with music, mess, and heart. It’s wild. It’s loud. And it’s so 90s. You can feel it in the clothes. The hair. The way everyone talks over each other like they’re trying to be heard above a rock show.
Anthony LaPaglia plays Joe Reaves—the man in charge at Empire Records. He’s not just a boss. He’s more like a father figure to this bunch of wild, weird, wonderful kids who work at the store. He’s tough when he needs to be. But deep down? He cares. A lot.
The whole story happens in one day—and what a day it is! The record shop is in trouble. Some big company wants to buy them out. And these kids—they won’t let that happen without a fight. They’ve got drama. Breakups. Makeups. One guy thinks he killed someone. Another’s chasing a pop star who shows up outta nowhere. It’s chaos. Beautiful, loud chaos.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: Because it feels real—even if it’s kinda crazy. It’s about fighting for something you love. Whether it’s a place, a person, or a dream. LaPaglia keeps things grounded. He’s the calm eye in a storm of teenagers. He makes you laugh. Makes you nod. Makes you wish he was your boss too.
When it first came out, Empire Records didn’t do well. People missed it. But over time? It grew. Spread like word-of-mouth at a concert. Now it’s a classic. Kids still dress up for “Empire Records Day” every April 8th. That’s love. Real love.
Fun Fact: The movie flopped at first. Didn’t catch on. But now? Fans know every line. Sing every song. Live every moment. It’s proof that sometimes, the best things don’t shine right away—but when they do, they glow bright.
Streaming Availability: You can find Empire Records on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and maybe some other spots too. If you dig music, youth, and stories that make you smile (and maybe cry a little), this one’s yours.
And yeah—keep an ear out for Joe. Anthony LaPaglia gives him that cool, caring vibe we all need once in a while. Like a favorite song you forget you love—until you hear it again.
6. The Client (1994)
IMdb Rating: 6.8/10
The Client is a movie that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. It’s fast. It’s tense. And it’s full of secrets that could get people killed.
Anthony LaPaglia plays Barry “The Blade” Muldano, a mobster with ice in his veins and trouble on his mind. He ain’t just bad—he’s scary. The kind of guy who walks into a room and makes your skin crawl. LaPaglia gives this role everything. You believe him as a man who means business. Real business. Dangerous business.
The story starts with an 11-year-old boy named Mark. Just a kid. But he sees something he shouldn’t—something big. A lawyer tells him where a murdered senator’s body is hidden. Then that lawyer dies. Suddenly, Mark knows too much. The mob wants him quiet. The FBI wants him to talk. And all he wants is to stay alive.
A lawyer named Reggie (played by Susan Sarandon) steps in. She’s tough. She’s smart. She fights for Mark like he’s her own. Together, they take on grown-up problems that most adults wouldn’t dare touch.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: Because it keeps you guessing. Every scene feels real. Every moment matters. LaPaglia brings the heat as the villain. You feel the danger when he’s around. And Sarandon? She shines. Her performance was so good, it got her an Oscar nomination.
This movie hit hard when it came out. Big box office. Great reviews. People talked about it. Still do.
Fun Fact: To make Barry even scarier, LaPaglia wore fake teeth. Clamped down on his jaw. Made him look rougher. Meaner. And yeah—it worked. You see him coming, and you know trouble’s not far behind.
Streaming Availability: The Client lives on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and maybe a few other places if you look. If you like stories that mix crime, court drama, and heart, this one’s for you.
And hey, if you’ve never seen LaPaglia play the bad guy before—you’re in for a treat. He does it so well, you almost forget he’s acting.
7. So I Married an Axe Murderer (1993)
IMdb Rating: 4.0/10
So I Married an Axe Murderer is the kind of movie that shouldn’t work—but somehow, it does. It’s weird. It’s wild. And it’s packed with laughs that sneak up on you.
Anthony LaPaglia plays Tony Giardino—a detective who dreams of action hero glory but ends up stuck behind a desk. He’s goofy. Loyal. And always down to help his best friend Charlie, even when things get… well, bloody . His role is full of charm, clumsy moves, and lines that make you snort your drink. LaPaglia doesn’t just play funny—he is funny.
Charlie, played by Mike Myers, is a poet who falls for Harriet, a sweet, smart woman who seems perfect. But then he starts to wonder—what if she’s “Mrs. X”? The killer who marries men… and then kills them. Yikes. Suddenly, love feels like a crime scene. As Charlie flips out trying to prove the truth, Tony tries to keep him safe—and sane. Good luck with that.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: Because it mixes love, laughs, and murder in a way that only the 90s could pull off. This isn’t your usual rom-com. There’s mystery. There’s music. There’s a scene where someone sings a lullaby in a Scottish accent while hiding a body. Yep. That happened.
LaPaglia and Myers play off each other like they’ve known each other forever. Their scenes crackle with energy. You can tell they had fun making this one. And fans? They remember it. Even though it came out a while ago, people still quote lines, dress up for screenings, and say it’s one of the strangest, sweetest comedies ever made.
Fun Fact: LaPaglia gave Tony his own flavor. He watched old cop shows and added little quirks that made the character feel real—even when the story didn’t. That’s how you turn a sidekick into a legend.
Streaming Availability: You can find So I Married an Axe Murderer on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and maybe a few other spots too. If you like your romance with a side of danger (and a lot of jokes), this one’s yours.
And yeah—don’t forget about Tony. Anthony LaPaglia gives the movie heart, humor, and a little swagger. He’s not just the buddy. He’s the glue. The laugh. The guy who makes you want to watch again… just to catch all the silly bits you missed the first time.
8. Balibo (2009)
IMdb Rating: 7.0/10
Balibo is not a movie you forget. It’s heavy. It’s real. And it tells a story that needs to be heard.
Anthony LaPaglia plays Roger East, an Australian journalist who goes to East Timor in 1975. He’s not looking for fame. He’s not chasing headlines. He’s trying to find out what happened to five other reporters who vanished without a trace. What he finds? A truth far more dangerous than he ever expected.
The film takes place during a rough time—right before Indonesia invaded East Timor. Roger teams up with José Ramos-Horta, a young man fighting for his country’s voice. Together, they dig into secrets no one wants uncovered. The closer they get to the truth, the more danger closes in. And in the end, the story hits harder than you can imagine.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: Because this isn’t just a movie—it’s a lesson. A reminder of how brave some people are when speaking the truth comes at a cost. LaPaglia gives everything to this role. He’s not playing a hero. He’s playing a man who believes in doing what’s right—even when it could kill him.
This film won big awards in Australia. People called it bold. Honest. Necessary. Some said it was one of the most important films ever made about the country’s history. And they might be right.
Fun Fact: LaPaglia didn’t just act in Balibo . He helped make it happen. He believed in the story so much, he became a producer too. That’s passion. That’s purpose.
Streaming Availability: You can watch Balibo on Apple TV or rent it through other platforms depending on where you live.
If you’re ready for something deep, something true, and something that will stick with you long after it ends—this is your film. And Anthony LaPaglia? He shows us why he’s more than just an actor. He’s a storyteller. One who knows how to speak for those who can’t.
9. Nitram (2021)
IMdb Rating: 6.0/10
Nitram is not a movie that shouts. It whispers. It watches. And it digs deep into your chest.
Anthony LaPaglia plays a father trying to hold things together. His son, Nitram, is lost. Angry. Lonely. And no one quite knows how to help him. LaPaglia’s role isn’t loud. He doesn’t yell or throw fits. He just loves. Quietly. Deeply. Painfully. You can feel the worry in every look. In every pause. He’s doing his best. But sometimes, even that’s not enough.
The film follows Nitram—a young man slipping through the cracks. We watch as he moves through life, never quite fitting in. People try to reach him. Some care. Some don’t. But no one sees what’s coming. The story builds slow. Like a storm rolling in. You know something’s wrong. You just don’t know how bad it’ll get.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: Because it’s brave. Not flashy. Not for fun. But because it asks hard questions. About mental health. About guns. About the people we miss when they’re right in front of us. LaPaglia gives a performance that sticks with you. No show. No shine. Just truth.
This film won big awards in Australia—Best Film, Best Actor, and more. Critics said it was haunting. Honest. A story told with care, even though it hurt.
Fun Fact: The real name of the person this story is based on is never spoken. They chose “Nitram”—“Martin” backwards—to keep the focus off the crime and on the tragedy behind it.
Streaming Availability: You can find Nitram on Apple TV and maybe other places too, depending where you are.
It’s not easy to watch. But it’s worth it. If you want to understand. To feel. To think—then this is your film. And Anthony LaPaglia? He shows again why he’s not just an actor. He’s someone who steps into lives and makes them real. Even the ones we wish weren’t.
10. Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole (2010)
IMdb Rating: 6.9/10
Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole is a wild ride with wings. It’s full of action, magic, and owls that feel more like heroes than birds.
Anthony LaPaglia gives voice to Twilight—a big, bold warrior owl who’s as funny as he is fearless. Twilight loves to fight. Loves to fly. And loves to sing—yes, sing! LaPaglia makes him come alive with a laugh in his voice and strength in every line. You can’t miss him when he’s on screen.
The story follows Soren, a young owl with dreams bigger than his nest. He wants to join the Guardians—brave owls who protect the skies and fight evil. But things go wrong fast. Soren and his brother get caught by the Pure Ones—nasty owls who want to rule the world. Soren escapes and begins a wild journey to find the Guardians and save his friends. Along the way, he finds courage, friendship, and something bigger than himself.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: Because it flies high in every way. The animation? Sharp. Real. Every feather feels like you could touch it. The flying scenes? Big. Fast. Full of sky and wind and wonder. It’s not just for kids—it’s for anyone who still believes in stories about standing up for what’s right.
This film was directed by Zack Snyder—yeah, that Zack Snyder. The one who makes action matter. Critics said it was beautiful to look at. Said it had heart. And they were right.
Fun Fact: LaPaglia gave Twilight a fun twist. A rough voice with a smile behind it. He even added some cool moves while recording. That’s why Twilight feels so real—even when he’s cracking jokes mid-battle.
Streaming Availability: You can catch Legend of the Guardians on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or maybe another spot if you look hard enough.
If you love adventure, animals, or stories where good wins in the end—this one’s for you. And hey, Anthony LaPaglia’s owl? Yeah, he’s the kind of sidekick that makes you grin every time he shows up.
Anthony LaPaglia has given us so many amazing performances—whether he’s playing a funny detective, a heartbroken father, a wise-cracking owl, or even a scary villain. Each movie on this list shows just how talented and versatile he is. From powerful dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies and exciting adventures, there’s something here for everyone. If you haven’t seen some of these films yet, now’s the perfect time to add them to your watchlist! 🎬💫
We’d love to hear from you too—what’s your favorite Anthony LaPaglia movie? Did we miss one you think should’ve made the list? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s talk all things LaPaglia!
