Josh Hartnett’s 10 Best Performances, Ranked
Josh Hartnett burst onto the Hollywood scene in the late 1990s and quickly became a heartthrob and respected actor, known for his versatility and depth. From horror to drama, romance to action, Hartnett has shown an impressive range throughout his career. Here are his 10 best performances, ranked:
10.The Faculty (1998) – As Zeke Tyler, Hartnett played a rebellious high school student fighting off alien teachers in this sci-fi horror film. His charisma and screen presence firmly established him as a teen icon.
9.40 Days and 40 Nights (2002) – In this romantic comedy, Hartnett portrays Matt Sullivan, who gives up all forms of sexual activity for Lent. This performance showcased his ability to carry a film as a leading man with comedic timing.
8.Resurrecting the Champ (2007) – Playing a struggling sports reporter who discovers a former boxing champion living on the streets, Hartnett delivers a layered portrayal of ambition and moral conflict.
7.Lucky Number Slevin (2006) – As Slevin Kelevra caught in the middle of a gang war, Hartnett shows off his knack for clever dialogue and intricate plot handling in this crime thriller that keeps audiences guessing.
6.The Black Dahlia (2006) – In Brian De Palma’s neo-noir crime film, Josh Hartnett takes on the role of Officer Dwight ‘Bucky’ Bleichert, exploring an obsessed detective’s downward spiral with utmost intensity.
5.O (2001) – As Hugo Goulding in this modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello set in a high school basketball team context, Hartnett’s performance is critically acclaimed for showing early signs of his dramatic depth.
4.Pearl Harbor (2001) – Although the film received mixed reviews, Hartnett’s portrayal of Capt. Danny Walker showed that he could hold his own in epic war dramas alongside big-name stars.
3.Penny Dreadful (2014-2016) – As Ethan Chandler in this horror-drama television series, Hartnett was praised for his complex character work and for bringing emotional weight to the supernatural material.
2.Black Hawk Down (2001) – In one of Ridley Scott’s most harrowing war films, Hartnett shines as SSgt. Matt Eversmann, embodying leadership and vulnerability amidst the chaotic Battle of Mogadishu.
1.Wicker Park (2004) – Taking on the lead role of Matthew Simon searching obsessively for his lost love in this psychological thriller allowed Josh Hartnett to explore themes of love, loss, and obsession in great emotional depths, solidifying this as his top performance to date.
While Josh Hartnett may not be as prolific as some other actors from his breakout period, these performances show he’s chosen diverse and complex roles that allow him to leave an indelible mark on audiences around the world.