Best movies with James McAvoy you should watch

In Victor Frankenstein, James McAvoy takes on the titular role of the ambitious and obsessive scientist, offering a fresh perspective on the classic horror tale. This film shifts the focus to the dynamic between Victor and his assistant, Igor (played by Daniel Radcliffe), exploring their partnership and the dark consequences of their scientific endeavors. McAvoy infuses Victor with a frantic energy and a brilliant, yet dangerous, intellect, making him a compellingly flawed protagonist. While the film offers a stylized and action-oriented take on the Frankenstein mythos, McAvoy's performance is a driving force, showcasing the mad genius at the heart of the story. It's an interesting reimagining that highlights the human element behind the monstrous creation.

The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them is a unique cinematic experience, originally conceived as two separate films (Him and Her) telling the story of a couple's breakup from their individual perspectives, later combined into 'Them'. James McAvoy stars as Conor Ludlow, grappling with the aftermath of a profound loss and the dissolution of his marriage. McAvoy delivers a raw and emotionally exposed performance, exploring the complexities of grief, love, and the struggles of trying to reconnect. The film offers a deeply introspective look at a relationship in crisis, and McAvoy's portrayal is central to its emotional authenticity, making it a poignant and thought-provoking drama about human connection and separation.

Before his more intense, dramatic roles, James McAvoy charmed audiences as Mr. Tumnus, the faun, in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. This beloved adaptation of C.S. Lewis's classic novel introduced many to McAvoy's gentle and nuanced acting style. His portrayal of the conflicted faun, who initially tries to betray Lucy Pevensie but ultimately helps her, is both endearing and pivotal to the story. McAvoy brings a warmth and vulnerability to Tumnus, making him a truly sympathetic character. It's a magical family film that ignited the imaginations of many, and McAvoy's performance as the kind-hearted faun remains a highlight, showcasing his ability to inhabit fantastical roles with grace.

James McAvoy continues his tenure as Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men: Apocalypse, facing off against one of the most powerful mutants in the X-Men universe. In this installment, Xavier grapples with the immense threat posed by Apocalypse, and McAvoy brings a sense of growing responsibility and leadership to the role. The film explores the early days of the X-Men team, showcasing their development as heroes. While the action is grand in scale, McAvoy grounds the film with his portrayal of Xavier's empathy and his unwavering belief in the good of mutants, even in the face of overwhelming odds. It's an important chapter in the X-Men saga, further solidifying McAvoy's place as a beloved iteration of the iconic telepath.

James McAvoy revisits his extraordinary role as Kevin Wendell Crumb (and his many personalities) in M. Night Shyamalan's Glass, the concluding chapter of the Eastrail 177 trilogy. This film brings together the characters from Unbreakable and Split, creating a unique superhero-thriller universe. McAvoy's performance is once again the highlight, as he seamlessly transitions between a multitude of identities, each with their own mannerisms and voices. The challenge of portraying such a complex character is immense, and McAvoy rises to it with remarkable skill, making each personality feel distinct and fully formed. It's a fascinating exploration of identity, mental health, and the blurred lines between hero and villain, cemented by McAvoy's incredible range.

In the stylish, neon-drenched spy thriller Atomic Blonde, James McAvoy plays David Percival, a rogue MI6 station chief in Berlin. While Charlize Theron's Lorraine Broughton takes center stage with her incredible fight sequences, McAvoy provides a compelling and morally ambiguous counterpoint. His character adds layers of intrigue and distrust to the already complex narrative, keeping the audience guessing about his true allegiances. Set against the backdrop of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the film is a visual feast with a killer soundtrack, and McAvoy's performance adds a crucial element of unpredictability to the espionage game. He's a key player in the twists and turns that make this film such an engaging watch.

James McAvoy returns as the younger Charles Xavier in X-Men: Days of Future Past, a film that masterfully blends the original X-Men cast with their younger counterparts. Here, McAvoy portrays a much more broken and disillusioned Xavier, grappling with the trauma of past events. His journey from despair to hope, guided by Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, is a central emotional arc of the film. McAvoy's ability to convey such profound vulnerability and eventual rekindled resolve is a testament to his acting prowess. This installment is widely considered one of the strongest in the X-Men franchise, applauded for its ambitious storytelling and the seamless integration of its timelines, with McAvoy's performance being a crucial anchor.

In The Last King of Scotland, James McAvoy delivers a gripping performance as Nicholas Garrigan, a naive Scottish doctor who becomes entangled with the tyrannical Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, powerfully played by Forest Whitaker in his Oscar-winning role. McAvoy perfectly captures Garrigan's initial idealism and subsequent terrifying realization of the true nature of the regime he's serving. The film offers a chilling look into the brutal history of Uganda under Amin's rule, and McAvoy's character serves as our eyes and ears, experiencing the escalating horror firsthand. It's a powerful historical drama that highlights the dangers of unchecked power and the moral compromises faced in extreme circumstances, with McAvoy holding his own against a truly formidable co-star.

Brace yourself for Filth, a film where James McAvoy plunges into the depths of depravity as Detective Sergeant Bruce Robertson. This isn't your typical police procedural; it's a darkly comedic and disturbing journey into the mind of a corrupt, manipulative, and ultimately tortured individual. McAvoy gives an unrestrained, no-holds-barred performance, showcasing his incredible versatility as he navigates Robertson's unraveling psyche. Based on Irvine Welsh's novel, the film is a raw and unflinching portrayal of addiction, mental illness, and the consequences of one man's destructive behavior. It's a challenging watch, but McAvoy's fearless portrayal makes it an unforgettable experience that will stick with you long after the credits roll.

Ever seen a bullet curve? In Wanted, James McAvoy transforms from a mundane, anxiety-ridden office worker into an elite assassin, and it's an absolute blast to watch. This action-packed thrill ride, directed by Timur Bekmambetov, throws physics out the window in the most entertaining way possible. McAvoy's character, Wesley Gibson, is thrust into a secret society of assassins, and his journey of self-discovery (and extreme violence) is both darkly humorous and exhilarating. Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman also add star power, but it's McAvoy's transformation that drives the narrative. It's a stylish, over-the-top spectacle that's perfect for anyone looking for high-octane action and a surprisingly engaging character arc.

In Atonement, James McAvoy delivers a heartbreaking and deeply moving performance as Robbie Turner, a man whose life is irrevocably altered by a child's misunderstanding. His chemistry with Keira Knightley is palpable, creating a powerful on-screen romance that makes the subsequent tragedy all the more poignant. McAvoy masterfully conveys Robbie's intelligence, his steadfast love, and the profound injustice he suffers. The film itself is a visually stunning and emotionally rich adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel, known for its incredible cinematography and a truly unforgettable long take during the Dunkirk evacuation. McAvoy's portrayal of Robbie is central to the film's emotional impact, cementing his status as a leading man capable of immense dramatic depth. It's a true cinematic achievement.

Before the bald head and the wheelchairs, there was X-Men: First Class, a brilliant origin story that reimagined the iconic mutant team. James McAvoy steps into the formidable shoes of a young Charles Xavier, bringing a fresh, charismatic, and slightly mischievous energy to the role. Paired with Michael Fassbender's Magneto, their dynamic is the beating heart of the film, exploring the complex friendship and eventual ideological split that defines their characters. McAvoy perfectly captures Xavier's idealism and burgeoning powers, showing the man before he became the revered Professor X. It's a fantastic entry in the X-Men saga, offering a deeper look into the formative years of these beloved heroes and villains, and McAvoy's performance is a major reason why it resonates so strongly.

Prepare for a masterclass in acting! In M. Night Shyamalan's Split, James McAvoy delivers a truly extraordinary performance as Kevin Wendell Crumb and his 23 distinct personalities. It's a role that demands incredible range, and McAvoy rises to the challenge with breathtaking precision, shifting between characters like a chameleon. You'll be on the edge of your seat trying to keep up with the rapid transformations, each one fully realized and utterly convincing. This film is a psychological thrill ride that not only showcases McAvoy's immense talent but also serves as a compelling, albeit dark, character study. It's a testament to his skill that he can make you feel sympathy, fear, and even a strange sense of awe for such a complex character. Definitely a must-watch for anyone who appreciates powerful acting.