25 Greatest Colin Firth Movies Ranked Worst To Best

Colin Firth has been working as an actor since the mid-1980s, with some of his earliest projects including the 1986 miniseries "Lost Empire" and the 1988 film "Apartment Zero." However, it wasn't until 1995, when Firth starred as Mr. Darcy in the BBC miniseries adaptation of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" that he began to receive more widespread attention. From there, he went on to appear in films such as "Shakespeare in Love," "The Importance of Being Earnest," and "Love Actually." With more than 90 acting credits to his name, these titles barely scratch the surface of the work that Firth has accomplished throughout his decades-long career.

Not only has Firth appeared in a massive number of projects, but his work is also often praised. In 2010, Firth received his first Oscar nomination for "A Single Man," only to win the following year for "The King's Speech." With such a deep bench of excellent films, it can be hard to figure out which are the very best and which ones are the most worthy of your time. Look no further — here are his 25 best movies ranked.

"Mamma Mia!" — the 2008 film adaptation of the popular stage musical — may not have been a hit with the critics at the time of its release, but it has remained popular with fans over the years, becoming a cult classic. After all, it managed to earn itself an eventual sequel with 2018's "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again."

The film follows Sophie Sheridan (Amanda Seyfried), a 20-year-old bride-to-be who has been raised by a single mother, Donna (Meryl Streep), without ever knowing who her father is. After reading her mother's journal, Sophie finds out that her mother had relationships with three men around the time she got pregnant with Sophie. Determined to find out who her father is, Sophie invites all three to her wedding — without her mother's knowledge.

Firth plays Harry Bright, one of the father candidates, alongside Pierce Brosnan's Sam Carmichael and Stellan Skarsgård's Bill Anderson. Harry may not be the lead love interest to Donna, who marries Sam, but he makes a charming and capable father figure to Sophie.

One of the most famous — and divisive — Christmas films of all time, Richard Curtis' "Love Actually" features a pretty impressive ensemble cast. Alongside Firth, the film features Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley, Martine McCutcheon, and Bill Nighy, amongst many others. If you aren't familiar with the popular film, it follows ten separate storylines, all of which happen around Christmastime.

In Firth's storyline, he plays a writer who, after discovering his partner is cheating on him with his brother, retreats to a cottage in France. He meets the Portuguese housekeeper Aurélia (Lúcia Moniz), who, despite not sharing a common language, he forms a bond with and begins falling for. Back in London, after realizing his feelings for Aurélia, he begins learning Portuguese and then uses what he has learned to propose to her — only for her to answer yes in English.

"Love Actually" isn't exactly universally loved — there are plenty of cases against it — but Firth's is easily one of the stronger (and sweeter) storylines. Even the Vox article "The Case Against Love Actually" by Melinda Fakuade lists Firth's storyline as one of "the good" aspects, noting that the Jamie-Aurélia storyline represents the "typical-but-believable way of romantic comedies." Looper, meanwhile, ranked the Jamie-Aurélia storyline as the fourth-best of the film, for its heartwarming core and for Firth's charisma.

In "My Life So Far," directed by Hugh Hudson, Firth plays Edward Pettigrew, a husband and father who is hoping his mother-in-law, known as "Gamma" (Rosemary Harris), will leave the estate to him instead of his brother-in-law Morris (Malcolm McDowell). When Morris arrives at the estate with his new French wife, Heloise (Irène Jacob), the family's lives become more complicated — namely because both Edward and his young son Fraser (Robert Norman) have fallen in love with Heloise.

"My Life So Far" received mixed to positive reviews when it came out in 1999. Summing up what the critics who liked it were drawn to (as well as why it may have missed the mark for others), James Berardinelli of ReelViews wrote, "'My Life So Far' provides 90 minutes of solid entertainment that runs the gamut from outright hilarity to melodrama. The film doesn't offer many surprises or deep insights into human nature, but it possesses an easygoing charm and likability that overcomes such potential deficiencies."

Similarly, Stephen Holden of The New York Times declared that the film "offers such a muted, smoothly textured swatch of British nostalgia that you feel no qualms about languishing in its 'Masterpiece Theater' vision of a safer, saner, more shining past."

Written and directed by Rupert Everett (who also plays the lead role), "The Happy Prince" follows Oscar Wilde in the final years of his life, following his release from prison for "gross indecency." Firth plays Reggie Turner, a fellow writer and a close friend to Wilde.

The film as a whole was mostly well-received, per Rotten Tomatoes. Andrea Gronvall of the Chicago Reader wrote, "By turns melancholy, witty, brutal, and sensual, the film is distinguished by its artful weave of time and memory, and by Everett's uncompromising performance as Wilde during his final years."

Firth's on-screen presence is far less prominent than Everett's (as one would expect), but his performance as Reggie Turner does not go unnoticed. David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter wrote, "Firth, whose association with Everett stretches back to 'Another Country' in 1984, brings understated humor but also remains a peripheral figure as Oscar's close friend and protector, the writer Reggie Turner."

Directed by Anand Tucker and written by David Nicholls (based on the memoir by Blake Morrison), the drama "And When Did You Last See Your Father?" follows poet Blake Morrison (Colin Firth) as he has flashbacks to various points in his life while visiting his dying father, Arthur (Jim Broadbent). Blake has always had a fraught relationship with his father, which the film goes to great lengths to examine. A major point of contention between the father and son, for example, is the fact that, despite Blake's success in the literary world, Arthur (who was a general practitioner) never accepted this career path.

The reviews for this film were mixed to positive, with critics taking note of the fact that it's not a perfect film. However, one thing that just about every critic agreed on is the fact that the performances are excellent — Firth's included. Susan Walker of the Toronto Star even called Firth's performance "one of his best screen performances ever."

Based on the 1999 novel of the same name by Tracy Chevalier, "Girl with a Pearl Earring" was directed by Peter Webber and written for the screen by Olivia Hetreed. The film introduces Griet (Scarlett Johansson), who takes on a job working as a maid for a painter, Johannes Vermeer (Colin Firth), to take care of her recently blind father. Griet and Vermeer form a bond after she begins working there but decide to keep it to themselves (and not act on any feelings) so as to not rattle Vermeer's jealous wife, Catharina (Essie Davis). However, when a wealthy patron who is interested in Griet commissions a painting of her, Vermeer and Griet are forced to spend time together and confront their feelings for one another.

"Girl with a Pearl Earring" was very well received. Antonia Quirke of the London Evening Standard declared that the film was "shot to look like a moving Vermeer painting, effortlessly profound" and succeeded. Quirke also calls it "unforgettable."

Further, the entire plot hinges on whether or not Firth and Johannson are believable in playing two people who are drawn to each other despite all odds — and indeed they are.

In "The Mercy," directed by James Marsh and written by Scott Z. Burns, Firth plays the real-life figure of an amateur sailor named Donald Crowhurst. The film follows Crowhurst as he attempts the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race, a round-the-world yacht race, in 1968 to secure financial stability for his wife and children. Forced to sign promissory notes that would give over his company and house to his sponsor were he to lose, Donald has no choice but to do his best to win the race.

Summing up what's most intriguing about this film, Kerry Lengel of The Arizona Republic called it an "engrossing character study of an ordinary man whose extraordinary ambition proves his undoing." Turning the attention to Firth, Jeannette Catsoulis of The New York Times wrote, "Firth and his director find something quietly touching, even soulful, in the character's wretchedness."

Firth is no stranger to playing real-life figures. While "The Mercy" may not be the most memorable biopic in his filmography — "The King's Speech," after all, remains hard to top — "The Mercy" still proves compelling and entertaining, with a solid leading performance by Firth.

Firth takes on the thriller genre with "Apartment Zero," directed by Martin Donovan and featuring a screenplay co-written with David Koepp. Set in 1980s Buenos Aires, the film centers on Adrian LeDuc (Firth), who, struggling to make ends meet with his struggling movie theater business, is forced to bring in a roommate. However, that roommate, an American ex-pat named Jack Carney (Hart Bochner), may just be the mastermind behind the slew of political assassinations that have been going on within the city.

The film impressed many critics — Peter Travers of Rolling Stone, for one, declared that it was "a dazzling mix of mirth and menace, [making it a] rare find: a thriller that plumbs the violence of the mind." Travers also notes Firth's "uncommon skill" as an actor in his portrayal of Adrian. Meanwhile, Angie Errigo of Empire Magazine, who didn't love the film as a whole, complimented Firth's performance and called him a "first-rate young actor" — which serves as a reminder that "Apartment Zero" is a perfect opportunity to see Firth excel in one of his earlier roles.

It's always fun to see serious actors let loose and enter into the territory of lighter fanfare, just as Firth did with "Nanny McPhee," which is now arguably one of his most notable roles. Directed by Kirk Jones and written by Emma Thompson, the film focuses on the Brown family as they welcome Nanny McPhee (Thompson) into their lives. She is hired by Cedric (Firth), a widower who needs someone to help take care of his seven children after they have already chased away a slew of other nannies.

Many would agree that "Nanny McPhee" is a treat of a film. Jo Berry of Empire Magazine called it "frothy and fun yet deliciously dark." As for the performances, the film is clearly a vehicle for Thompson's layered performance as the stern yet compassionate magical nanny. Still, Firth gives a superb supporting performance as the in-over-his-head father who isn't afraid to reach out for help with his rambunctious kids.

Directed by Matthew Vaughn (who co-wrote the screenplay with Jane Goldman), "Kingsman: The Secret Service" sees Firth portraying suave agent Harry Hart, who takes on the young Gary "Eggsy" Unwin (Taron Egerton) as his mentee. Soon, Harry and Eggsy find themselves working toward preventing Richmond Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson) from wiping out most of humanity in his attempt to fix the climate change crisis.

Firth is no stranger to playing dapper roles, and for a good reason — he does it well. In the case of "Kingsman," Firth is simply perfect for the fit for Harry. Adam Graham of The Detroit News wrote the actor "indeed makes quite the dashing action hero."

Further, the film is a fun, compelling, and entertaining watch. This is especially so when "Kingsman: The Secret Service" is viewed as a one-off film rather than the predecessor to the sequel, or the more recent spin-off, neither of which was anywhere close to as well-received as the first.

Set in 1957 Dublin, "Circle of Friends" follows two college students and best friends Benny (Minnie Driver) and Nan (Saffron Burrows) as they navigate their love lives. While Benny falls in love with the handsome son of a doctor, Jack (Chris O'Donnell), Nan finds herself falling for the wrong man — and that wrong man is played by Firth. Firth plays Simon Westward, a man a bit older than Nan and the heir to his family's estate. Believing that Simon is in love with her, Nan sleeps with him. However, when she becomes pregnant, Simon abandons her.

Here, Firth plays a supporting but vital role. As mentioned, it's a fairly frequent occurrence to see Firth in charming roles, and Simon is no different. His charisma only makes the impact of his abandonment more poignant — just as Nan is surprised that Simon doesn't offer to marry her, so is the viewer.

All in all, though, the film was well-received. Emanuel Levy of Variety, for one, called it old-fashioned and nostalgic while noting that the film is "a familiar melodrama, as pleasant to watch as it is predictable." It also promised a bright future for Firth's career, as this proved to be just one note in his lengthy filmography.

"The Advocate" — known as "The Hour of the Pig" outside of the United States — was written and directed by Leslie Megahey. Set in 15th-century France, the film stars Firth as a young lawyer named Richard Courtois who takes a job as a public defender in a rural town to escape his life in Paris. It's not long before he takes on an unconventional case: defending a pig accused of murdering a Jewish boy. While working on the case, Richard becomes romantically involved with the animal's owner, Samira (Amina Annabi).

Not only is Courtois's case unconventional, but so is the film's plot. After all, viewers are asked to side with an animal. In an attempt to pinpoint the tone of the film, critic Roger Ebert wrote, "the movie does its curious best, too; without quite declaring itself a satire or a comedy, it works in a great deal of sly humor, as in the exchanges between Courtois and his law clerk (Jim Carter), who understands the town a great deal better than his boss does."

Directed by Michael Winterbottom (who co-wrote the screenplay with Laurence Coriat), "Genova" introduces Joe (Firth), a man grieving the death of his wife from a car accident in which their youngest daughter, Mary (Perla Haney-Jardine) was involved. To cope with the grief, he takes a teaching job in Genova, bringing along his two daughters, Mary and Kelly (Willa Holland). There, he soon finds himself with new romantic prospects.

Right in the middle of our list here, "Genova" is a solid film, with Firth giving his all portraying a bereaved husband. While not Firth's most memorable role, it certainly still packs a punch while you're watching his story unfold.

Summing up the best of what the film has to offer, Niall Browne of Movies in Focus wrote, "'Genova' is a low key but immensely fulfilling film that features strong performances and some interesting visuals that make it a cut above the norm. The cast deliver muscular if understated performances that add true emotion to the film giving the viewer a touching cinematic experience."

"Mothering Sunday," directed by Eva Husson and written by Alice Birch, premiered at Cannes 2021 before opening up in theaters a few months after. Set in 1924, the film centers on a housemaid, Jane Fairchild (Odessa Young), who is employed by Mr. and Mrs. Niven (Firth, Olivia Colman). On Mother's Day, Jane has a rare day off, which she uses to spend time alone with Paul Sheringham, a family friend to the Nivens who Jane has been having an affair with for years despite the fact that Paul is engaged to another woman.

Overall, the film was definitely well received. In a positive review, Mick LaSalle of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote, "Count 'Mothering Sunday' as a breakthrough for Young, as well as one for Husson, who deserves the international career that 'Mothering Sunday' all but guarantees." LaSalle was not the only critic to praise Young, who is captivating as the film's lead.

Firth lends himself to a supporting role, working perfectly in tandem with Colman. He may not be the center, but he shines, as usual, in the scenes that he has.

As mentioned, Firth began receiving more widespread attention after playing Mr. Darcy in the BBC adaptation of "Pride and Predjudice," which aired in 1995. Firth returned to a version of Mr. Darcy with 2001's "Bridget Jones's Diary," a modern retelling of the Jane Austen story based on the novel by Helen Fielding — and then again for two sequels, 2004's "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" and 2016's "Bridget Jones's Baby." While the first film was an absolute success (and remains a beloved film), "Edge of Reason" had less luck and earned universally terrible reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.

However, the "Bridget Jones" series had much more luck with its second follow-up film, "Bridget Jones's Baby," earning it a spot on this list. For this one, Fielding enlisted the help of Dan Mazer and Emma Thompson to write the screenplay, with Sharon Maguire acting as the director. The film sees Bridget (Renée Zellweger), now over 40 and single (after breaking up with Mark Darcy years prior), trying to focus on her career. That is until she meets and sleeps with a handsome American named Jack (Patrick Dempsey), only to reunite with Mark shortly after. When she soon finds herself pregnant, she must determine whether the father is her new guy, Jack, or the man she finds herself continuing to return to, Mark.

It's a surprisingly pleasant and remarkably well-done sequel, despite being made so many years after the original. Of course, what isn't surprising is that Zellweger and Firth are just as charming as they were in 2001, with chemistry just as strong as ever.

Another sequel to a beloved film that worked out better than some may have expected is "Mary Poppins Returns," written by David Magee and directed by Rob Marshall. Set in London during the Great Depression, the film sees Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw), a character from the original 1964 film, struggling to keep his family afloat following the death of his wife. Luckily, his childhood nanny, Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt), returns to help the family. Firth plays the villain, William "Weatherall" Wilkins, Michael's corrupt bank president boss.

With "Mary Poppins Returns," Firth is a part of another successful follow-up to a classic film. Danielle Gensburg of the Chicago Reader wrote, "As wonderful as the original, telling a new story with equally important lessons about family, love, and hope."

Firth, as the villain, is playing against type here, but it works. For instance, David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter called his performance "suitably dastardly."

It likely comes as no surprise that the Oscar-winning "1917" shows up on this list, even if Firth isn't at the center of it. Directed by Sam Mendes (who co-wrote the screenplay with Krysty Wilson-Cairns), "1917" is set during World War 1 and follows two soldiers, Lance Cpl. Schofield (George MacKay) and Lance Cpl. Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman). The pair must cross enemy territory to deliver an important message about an attack that could save over a thousand of their fellow soldiers, including Blake's brother. In a vital role, Firth plays General Erinmore, the commander who gives Blake and Schofield their orders.

Firth is very much working as a part of the supporting ensemble behind MacKay and Chapman, with other big names such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Richard Madden, and Andrew Scott making appearances. All of these actors succeed in doing their part to tell a larger tale — and the critical success of the film makes it clear that the actors' collective work (alongside that of the talented crew, of course) paid off.

Summing up much of the immense praise, Adam Graham of Detroit News wrote, "It's a tense, unnerving ride that accomplishes its goal of translating the first-person experience of war better than any war movies that have come before it. It's a level up."

There would be no "Bridget Jones's Baby" without "Bridget Jones's Diary," the sharp and funny romantic comedy that started it all. Based on the novel by Helen Fielding, "Bridget Jones's Diary" introduces our titular character, played by Renée Zellweger: a 32-year-old woman whose New Year's resolutions include quitting smoking, losing weight, and finding love. After being rejected by Mark Darcy (Firth), a family friend who Bridget's mother attempted to set her up with, Bridget soon begins dating her boss, the womanizing Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), who she has long been crushing on. However, Mark soon comes around to Bridget's charms, placing her in the middle of a complicated love triangle.

We already know that Firth excels at playing Mr. Darcy — and it proves to be no different in this modern retelling of the classic Austen tale. Firth is perfect as the reserved man who secretly harbors intense feelings for our protagonist. Plus, this is the first film in which we get to see the fantastic chemistry between Firth and Zellweger, two already charismatic actors who become even more so when in a scene together — what more could a rom-com fan ask for?

"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," the film that placed Firth into the spy thriller genre, was directed by Tomas Alfredson and adapted from the novel of the same name by John le Carré. The film follows the tense hunt for a Soviet double agent within the British secret service in 1970s England.

The ensemble film was absolutely loved by critics. Kevin Maher of The Times deemed it "sublime," while David Thompson of The New Republic wrote, "The movie is riveting in the exact sense of the word: We feel nailed to the screen in the impossible task of working out what is going on." Further, Donald Clarke of the Irish Times declared that the film can "assert a serious claim to be the best espionage film ever made."

Thus, if you're a fan of spy films, you should check out "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" just based on the acclaim alone. If you're also a fan of Firth, then his presence is an added bonus.

Written and directed by Anthony Minghella — and based on the 1992 novel by Michael Ondaatje — "The English Patient" introduces a man burned to the point that he is no longer recognizable, Almásy (Ralph Fiennes). Almásy narrates tales of his past — including his affair with a married woman — to the nurse who is tending to him, Hana (Juliette Binoche), as World War 2 comes to an end. Firth plays Geoffrey Clifton, the husband of Katherine (Kristin Scott Thomas), the woman that Almásy has an affair with.

Much like with "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," Firth's presence is a pleasant plus to an already compelling film. Addressing the film as a whole (and making a case as to why one should watch it), Rene Rodriguez of The Miami Herald wrote, "Much like the patient's memories, 'The English Patient' swirls around in your head, refusing to recede, its images lingering like snatches of a fragrance too sweet to be forgotten."

Firth received his first Oscar nomination for best actor with the period romantic drama, "A Single Man," directed by Tom Ford and co-written by David Scearce. Based on the 1964 novel of the same name by Christopher Isherwood, "A Single Man" introduces college professor George (Firth), a gay man who has been grieving the loss of his longtime partner Jim (Matthew Goode) who died in a car crash eight months prior. Convinced he won't be able to move past the grief, George plans to commit suicide that evening. However, as he goes about what he believes will be his last day, he begins to reconsider his plans after various encounters with students, colleagues, and an old friend.

Firth is exceptional in all of his roles, making it even more of a treat when he gets to take center stage, as he does with "Single Man," which was adored by critics. Communicating what many viewers feel after watching the film, Deborah Ross of The Spectator wrote, "This is an impressive debut from which I am still reeling a little, and Firth's performance is astounding."

Further making a case for Firth's performance, The Hollywood Reporter wrote, "Firth's measured performance, delivered in a clipped British accent, has just the right restraint," adding that he is the key reason the film has a "great sensitivity" at its core.

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline​ at​ 1-800-273-TALK (8255)​.

The next film on this list just so happens to be another heartbreaking story about a type of grief associated with a long-term relationship. Written and directed by Harry Macqueen, "Supernova" follows Sam (Firth) and Tusker (Stanley Tucci), who have been in a relationship for 20 years, as they travel across England in a camper van visiting friends and revisiting places of their past. The reason they decided to take such a trip is that Tusker has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia and they want to have this experience before Tusker's memory gets worse.

It's a tough film to watch, even with its many moments of tenderness, and, thus, one can imagine it is a tough one to pull off as an actor — but both Firth and Tucci are excellent in their roles. Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent wrote, "Firth and Tucci's performances are remarkable in how delicately they navigate this maze of half-truths and suppressed emotions, all crammed inside their rusty campervan." Further, Kevin Maher of The Times argued that the "real impact of the film" is directly due to Firth's and Tucci's performances.

The first film on this list to make it into the 90s with its Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, "Shakespeare in Love," was directed by John Madden with a screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard. The film presents a fictional romantic relationship between William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) and the daughter of a wealthy merchant, Viola de Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow), while the Bard was writing "Romeo and Juliet." Firth plays Lord Wessex, an aristocrat whom Viola's parents arrange for her to marry.

About the film overall, David Hunter of The Hollywood Reporter wrote, "In a little more than two hours, director John Madden, screenwriters Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard and a terrific cast and crew accomplish the miraculous." Firth is, of course, included in that cast — the actor excels at stepping into the role of the pompous rival to Shakespeare, making you hate Wessex as much as you love the story's playwright hero.

The HBO film "Conspiracy" — directed by Frank Pierson and written by Loring Mandel — is set during World War 2 and chronicles a conference of German Nazis near Berlin in 1942. At the meeting, led by SS General Heydrich (Kenneth Branagh) and Lieutenant Eichmann (Stanley Tucci), those involved discuss the "Jewish problem" and how they plan to go about executions at concentration camps. Firth plays Wilhelm Stuckart, a lawyer for the Interior Ministry and a co-author of the anti-Semitic Nuremberg Laws. The film is based on a real transcript from a Nazi meeting.

In a film full of reprehensible characters, Firth's Stuckart is no different — he and the rest of the cast play their despicable roles with precision and convincingness, making the film a difficult watch, to say the least. Summing up the success of the film, Laura Fries of Variety wrote, "'Conspiracy' stands on its own as a fly-on-the-wall glimpse of a disturbing piece of history."

You're probably not surprised to see "The King's Speech" at the top of this list — after all, it is the role that landed Firth his Academy Award win and will likely live on as one of the most iconic performances of his career. Directed by Tom Hooper and written by David Seidler, "The King's Speech" sees Firth portraying Prince Albert of England, who must take over the role as the sovereign King George VI, but struggles from a debilitating stutter. To help his impediment, Albert's wife Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) hires speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) to coach her husband. Albert and Lionel form a deep friendship, as Lionel helps Albert with his stutter using unconventional methods.

"The King's Speech" was praised up and down the board, with Firth's performance often at the center of the acclaim. Pointing to what exactly makes Firth's performance so fantastic, Kirk Honeycutt of The Hollywood Reporter wrote, "Firth doesn't just make a British king vulnerable and insecure, he shows the fierce courage and stamina beneath the insecurities that will see him through his kingship. It's not just marvelous acting, it's an actor who understands the flesh-and-blood reality of the moment and not its history."