10 Overrated Joaquin Phoenix Movies You Might Want to Skip

Joaquin Phoenix has worked with many of the most notable directors in modern cinema and his range stretches from intimate character studies to large scale studio releases. This list rounds up ten projects that often come up in conversations about his career and gives you clear background on what each title is about along with production and release context. You will find directors, roles, awards, and performance details that help you decide what to watch next without the fluff.

Each entry sticks to the essentials. You will see who made the film, who stars in it, what story it tells, and how it landed in theaters. That way you can quickly sort the projects that match your taste while still getting the key facts that matter.

‘Joker’ (2019)

Phoenix plays Arthur Fleck, a struggling clown and aspiring stand up performer in Gotham City who falls through the cracks of social services and spirals into violence. The film was directed by Todd Phillips and features Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, and Frances Conroy, with a score by Hildur Guðnadóttir. It draws on the broader Batman mythology while functioning as a standalone origin story.

The production was shot in and around New York City and New Jersey with Lawrence Sher as cinematographer. The movie won Academy Awards for Best Actor and Best Original Score and earned more than one billion dollars worldwide, a rare milestone for an R rated release.

‘Her’ (2013)

Spike Jonze wrote and directed this near future romance in which Phoenix plays Theodore Twombly, a professional letter writer who forms a relationship with an operating system voiced by Scarlett Johansson. Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, and Olivia Wilde appear in supporting roles and the film blends live action with voice performance to explore intimacy and technology.

The production used Los Angeles and Shanghai to create the story world and features music by Arcade Fire with additional work by Owen Pallett. The film won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and received multiple other nominations, while its modest theatrical run built a strong presence through word of mouth and critical recognition.

‘Walk the Line’ (2005)

Phoenix portrays Johnny Cash from his early days through his rise as a country music icon, focusing on the artist’s personal struggles and creative partnership with June Carter played by Reese Witherspoon. James Mangold directed and both leads performed the songs themselves after extensive rehearsal and coaching.

The film’s soundtrack became a significant part of its success and Witherspoon won the Academy Award for Best Actress. Phoenix received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and the movie performed strongly at the box office across domestic and international markets.

‘Signs’ (2002)

M. Night Shyamalan directs this story of a former priest and his family confronting the unknown after crop circles appear on their farm. Phoenix plays Merrill Hess, a former minor league baseball player and the brother of the central character portrayed by Mel Gibson. The narrative follows a family in one rural location as global reports of unidentified craft escalate.

James Newton Howard composed the score and Tak Fujimoto served as cinematographer, emphasizing a restrained style that keeps attention on atmosphere and sound. The film was a major commercial success worldwide and was produced by Blinding Edge Pictures and released by Touchstone Pictures.

‘Gladiator’ (2000)

Phoenix appears as Commodus opposite Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott’s historical epic about power and revenge in ancient Rome. The story follows a Roman general forced into slavery who returns to the arena while a fragile empire struggles with succession and control. Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, and Djimon Hounsou round out the principal cast.

The production used locations in Malta, Morocco, and England along with large sets and extensive practical effects. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture and several craft categories, with Phoenix nominated for Best Supporting Actor. It was a significant global hit for DreamWorks and Universal.

‘The Master’ (2012)

Paul Thomas Anderson directs this character study about a volatile veteran named Freddie Quell played by Phoenix and a charismatic movement leader portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman. The movie examines their intense bond through a series of encounters that reveal power dynamics, personal trauma, and devotion. Amy Adams plays a key supporting role.

The film was photographed in 65 mm by Mihai Mălaimare Jr. and premiered at major festivals including Venice where Phoenix and Hoffman shared the Volpi Cup for acting. It received multiple Academy Award nominations and had a limited platform release that grew to select markets before finishing with a modest worldwide gross.

‘You Were Never Really Here’ (2017)

Lynne Ramsay adapts Jonathan Ames’s novella about Joe, a damaged veteran who rescues missing girls from violent networks. Phoenix leads the film with an intense physical performance while the story focuses on procedure and aftermath rather than extended action. The supporting cast includes Ekaterina Samsonov and Judith Roberts.

The film premiered at Cannes where Phoenix won Best Actor and Ramsay won Best Screenplay. Jonny Greenwood composed the score and Thomas Townend handled cinematography with a lean running time and tight urban locations. The movie had a limited theatrical release and later found a larger audience on streaming platforms.

‘Inherent Vice’ (2014)

Paul Thomas Anderson adapts Thomas Pynchon’s novel set in a hazy Los Angeles where private investigator Larry Doc Sportello, played by Phoenix, follows a missing person case that keeps branching into real estate schemes and fringe groups. The ensemble includes Josh Brolin, Katherine Waterston, Hong Chau, and Owen Wilson.

The production recreates period detail through costume and design with work by Mark Bridges and David Crank. The movie received Academy Award nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay and Costume Design and opened in a limited pattern before expanding to additional cities, drawing a cult audience over time.

‘Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot’ (2018)

Gus Van Sant directs this biographical drama about cartoonist John Callahan, portrayed by Phoenix, who rebuilds his life after a debilitating accident with the help of an unconventional sponsor played by Jonah Hill. The story is based on Callahan’s memoir and includes Rooney Mara and Jack Black in key roles.

The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and features music by Danny Elfman. It received a limited release through Amazon Studios, focused on specialty theaters, and emphasized performances and recovery themes through support group scenes and Callahan’s distinctive cartoons.

‘Beau Is Afraid’ (2023)

Ari Aster writes and directs this surreal odyssey that follows Beau Wassermann, played by Phoenix, as he attempts a cross country journey that becomes a series of increasingly strange episodes. The cast includes Patti LuPone, Nathan Lane, Amy Ryan, and Parker Posey, with large scale sets and imaginative practical effects.

The film was produced and released by A24 with a wide run that followed a smaller initial rollout. It features a long runtime and distinctive production design, and its theatrical earnings landed well below typical studio tentpoles, with a larger conversation continuing through home release and streaming availability.

Share your own picks for Phoenix movies to skip in the comments.