You ever watch a movie and feel like the actor is speaking directly to you—not just through dialogue, but through every glance, every hesitation, every unspoken word? That’s Paul Mescal for you. He doesn’t just act. He lives inside his characters, making you feel every ounce of their joy, pain, and uncertainty.
From his breakout role in Normal People to his Oscar-nominated turn in Aftersun, Mescal has built a reputation for performances that linger in your mind long after the credits roll. He’s not your typical Hollywood star—no flashy blockbusters, no formulaic roles. Instead, he picks stories that hit deep, that challenge, that stay with you.
So, if you’re new to the Paul Mescal fan club (welcome, by the way), or just want to revisit his best work, here are his top five movies, ranked by IMDb ratings and audience votes. These films showcase everything that makes him one of the most compelling actors of his generation.
1. Aftersun (2022)
IMDb Rating: 7.7
Let’s start with the one that had everyone in tears—Aftersun. Have you ever looked back on a childhood memory and suddenly realized it wasn’t as simple as you once thought? That’s the heart of this film.
Paul Mescal plays Calum, a young father taking his 11-year-old daughter, Sophie, on a summer vacation in Turkey. On the surface, it’s a simple story—just a dad and his daughter spending time together. But through the lens of adult Sophie’s memories, you start to see the cracks. The quiet sadness in Calum’s eyes. The moments where he seems lost in thought, weighed down by something invisible to his daughter.
Mescal’s performance is devastatingly subtle. He doesn’t give you dramatic breakdowns or loud, emotional speeches. Instead, he makes you feel the weight of his emotions through the quiet moments—a hesitant smile, a pause before answering a question, a flicker of sadness quickly masked by playfulness.
This role earned him his first Academy Award nomination. If you haven’t seen Aftersun yet, be prepared—it’s going to hit you right in the heart.
2. All of Us Strangers (2023)
IMDb Rating: 7.8
Have you ever had a dream so vivid it felt more real than reality? That’s the feeling All of Us Strangers leaves you with. It’s haunting, beautiful, and deeply emotional.
Mescal stars as Harry, a mysterious, charismatic man who enters the life of Adam (Andrew Scott), a lonely writer living in an almost empty apartment building. Their romance is tender and consuming, but at the same time, Adam is dealing with something otherworldly—he starts reconnecting with his long-dead parents. It’s the kind of film that blurs the line between memory and reality, love and grief.
Mescal and Scott’s chemistry is electric. Their love story feels raw and achingly real, making this film a must-watch for those who appreciate deeply emotional storytelling.
3. The Lost Daughter (2021)
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Let’s switch gears a little. The Lost Daughter, directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, is a psychological drama that sneaks up on you. It’s unsettling, slow-burning, and full of complex emotions.
The film follows Leda (Olivia Colman), a woman on a solo beach vacation who becomes obsessed with a young mother (Dakota Johnson). Mescal plays Will, a friendly beach worker who serves as a momentary escape from the film’s heavier themes of motherhood, guilt, and regret.
His role may be small, but Mescal makes an impact. Sometimes, great acting isn’t about having the most lines—it’s about making the most of what you’re given.
4. God’s Creatures (2022)
IMDb Rating: 6.1
Not all Paul Mescal characters are lovable. God’s Creatures proves that he can play morally ambiguous, even unsettling roles just as convincingly as he plays the tender, vulnerable ones.
Set in a small Irish fishing village, the movie tells the story of Brian (Mescal), who returns home after years away. At first, he seems like a loving son, but when he’s accused of something terrible, the town—and his mother—are forced to confront difficult truths.
Mescal is chilling in this film. His performance is unpredictable—you’re never quite sure if you should believe him or fear him. The slow-burning tension makes this one of his most underrated performances.
5. Carmen (2022)
IMDb Rating: 5.9
Okay, let’s be honest—Carmen isn’t for everyone. It’s bold, experimental, and unlike anything else Mescal has done. But if you’re in the mood for something visually stunning and hypnotic, it’s worth a watch.
Inspired by the classic opera, Carmen follows a woman escaping violence in Mexico and a Marine veteran (Mescal) who helps her. Their journey is intense and dreamlike, filled with dance, music, and raw emotion.
Even though the film got mixed reviews, Mescal’s performance was widely praised. He brings a rugged yet sensitive energy to his role, making you root for him even when the film itself feels abstract.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the thing about Paul Mescal—he doesn’t choose easy roles. He gravitates toward stories that challenge both him and the audience, ones that make you think and feel deeply.
Whether he’s playing: A struggling young father, A devoted yet dangerous son, A lost soul searching for love
He gives everything to his characters.
And that’s why his movies matter. They aren’t just entertainment—they’re experiences. They stay with you, make you reflect, and sometimes even change the way you see the world.
So, if you haven’t already, grab some popcorn (and maybe some tissues) and dive into Paul Mescal’s best films.
