Last updated on: July 26, 2025
You know what surprises me? Justin Chatwin doesn’t get nearly enough credit. Seriously. Here’s a guy who went from dodging aliens alongside Tom Cruise to quietly dominating indie dramas, and yet most people still just say, “Oh yeah, the guy from Shameless, right?”
Well, yeah. But also so much more. So today, I want to take you through a list of Justin Chatwin’s top 7 movies. Not just a bland list. But a journey—through roles that made me stop, think, and appreciate just how wide his acting range really is.
Whether you’re already a fan or you just Googled his name after seeing him somewhere and got curious, this one’s for you.
First, Who Is Justin Chatwin?
Justin Chatwin is that guy who blends into a role so well, you forget he’s acting. Born in British Columbia, he kicked off his career in the early 2000s and has been dancing between TV and film ever since.
You probably met him first as the mysterious Jimmy/Steve on Shameless, or maybe as the unexpected villain in Doctor Who. But in movies? That’s where things get even more interesting.
He’s not your typical blockbuster star. Chatwin seems drawn to stories with emotional grit—ones that twist a little deeper under the surface. And it shows.
How I Picked These Films
No fancy algorithm here. I picked these based on a mix of things:
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The impact of the story
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Chatwin’s performance
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And that gut feeling when a film just sticks
Some of these movies are well-known. Others? Total hidden gems. But each one says something unique about who Chatwin is as an actor.
Top 7 Justin Chatwin Movies
1. War of the Worlds (2005)
Picture this: the world is ending, aliens are vaporizing everything, and you’re stuck with your estranged dad. That’s basically Robbie Ferrier’s story—Chatwin’s character in Spielberg’s War of the Worlds.
He’s the angsty teenager who thinks he knows everything, but when survival’s on the line, you see the cracks and the fear.
Chatwin plays it so real. That mix of defiance and vulnerability? Spot on. Even next to Tom Cruise, he holds his own. And that moment when Robbie runs off to join the military? Gut-wrenching.
It was one of his first major roles, and it still hits hard.
2. The Invisible (2007)
Okay, imagine this: You’re a high schooler, and one minute you’re walking down the hall, and the next, you’re a ghost watching your body fade away. That’s The Invisible. And honestly? It kind of haunted me.
Chatwin plays Nick Powell, a kid caught in the space between life and death after a brutal attack. He’s invisible, literally, and desperately trying to solve his own attempted murder before time runs out.
What really stood out? The quiet pain in his performance. He’s not shouting or raging—he’s aching. Subtle, but powerful.
It’s not a perfect film, but it’s thought-provoking. And Chatwin absolutely carries it.
3. Dragonball Evolution (2009)
Now before you roll your eyes, hear me out.
Dragonball Evolution is… divisive. Fans of the original anime weren’t thrilled. But you’ve got to give credit where it’s due—Chatwin dove headfirst into this.
Playing Goku, a martial arts prodigy with superhuman powers, he trained hard, took the heat, and delivered the best he could with what he was given.
Sure, the movie had its flaws. But if you’re looking at it through the lens of early 2000s nostalgia and what it tried to be, it’s kind of a fun ride.
And for Chatwin, it was a bold swing into the world of big-budget action. That takes guts.
4. Josie and the Pussycats (2001)
This one’s a blink-and-you-miss-it moment, but I had to include it.
Josie and the Pussycats is a cult classic now—a wild, glittery satire of pop culture and consumerism. And somewhere in there, Chatwin shows up.
It’s a small role, sure. But sometimes it’s fun to spot familiar faces in old-school films, especially when you know where their careers are headed. Think of it as a time capsule.
Plus, if you haven’t seen Josie and the Pussycats, you’re missing out on some early-2000s chaos in the best way.
5. The Walk (2015)
Robert Zemeckis knows how to craft a story that makes your palms sweat.
The Walk tells the real-life tale of Philippe Petit, who walked a tightrope between the Twin Towers in 1974.
While Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays the lead, Chatwin is part of the ensemble helping to build the suspense and tension. His role might not be front and center, but it adds dimension to the story.
Kind of like the guy in a heist movie who quietly makes everything happen.
Visually stunning and emotionally grounded, The Walk is one of those films that sticks with you—not just for the story, but for the vibe. Chatwin fits in perfectly.
6. The Scent of Rain and Lightning (2017)
Now we’re in darker territory.
This indie drama is set in a small Oklahoma town, and it’s soaked in secrets, grief, and long-held anger. Chatwin plays Billy Croyle, a character who isn’t easy to pin down. And that’s what makes him fascinating.
He brings a slow-burn intensity to the role. You can see the tension simmering just under the surface. No melodrama. Just raw, quiet menace.
The film itself is beautifully shot and written, but it’s the performances that elevate it.
It’s the kind of movie you watch on a rainy night when you want something that lingers. Something with weight. And Chatwin’s performance is right at the heart of that.
7. Summer Night (2019)
Remember those summer nights that felt like they could stretch forever? That’s what this film captures.
Summer Night follows a group of friends navigating love, breakups, and the uncertainty of adulthood—all in one night.
Chatwin plays Taylor, one of the older guys in the group. He’s not just there to offer wisdom; he’s still figuring things out, too. And that makes him relatable.
He brings this quiet calm to the film that balances out the youthful chaos.
It’s not a flashy movie. But it’s real. And Chatwin’s performance makes you reflect on your own nights like that—ones filled with music, confusion, and the feeling that something is about to change.
A Few More You Should Check Out
Didn’t make the top 7, but worth your time:
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Bang Bang Baby – Retro sci-fi meets musical weirdness.
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Funkytown – A disco-era drama with some serious flair.
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No Stranger Than Love – A quirky love story with a literal hole to nowhere.
Each one shows Chatwin doing something different—stretching, experimenting, taking risks.
Where to Stream These
Quick heads-up: streaming options change a lot, but here’s where you can usually find them:
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War of the Worlds – Paramount+, Prime Video
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The Invisible – Hulu, Tubi
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Dragonball Evolution – Disney+
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The Scent of Rain and Lightning – Prime Video
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The Walk – Netflix or Apple TV
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Summer Night – Google Play, Apple TV
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Josie and the Pussycats – Tubi, rental platforms
Check your local listings or favorite service, and maybe keep a movie night list going.
Final Thoughts:
Justin Chatwin isn’t chasing the spotlight—he’s choosing stories that mean something. That challenge him. That linger in your mind.
And honestly? That makes him one of the more interesting actors out there.
So next time you scroll through your streaming apps not knowing what to watch, remember this list. Dive into something unexpected. You might just find a new favorite.
And who knows? Maybe next time someone mentions Justin Chatwin, you’ll be the one saying, “Oh, you HAVE to see him in The Invisible. Trust me.”
