Ralph Fiennes’ Career: From ‘Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights’ to ’28 Years Later’

Ralph Fiennes is a distinguished English actor known for his work in theatre, film, and television. He began his career on the stage, gaining prominence with the Royal Shakespeare Company. His transition to film was marked by intense and powerful performances, quickly establishing him as a formidable talent capable of portraying deep and complex characters. Fiennes’s ability to disappear into a role, whether a romantic lead or a terrifying villain, has become his signature.

Throughout his extensive career, Fiennes has demonstrated remarkable versatility. He has earned critical acclaim for playing literary figures, historical icons, and some of cinema’s most memorable antagonists, such as the chilling Amon Göth and the dark wizard Lord Voldemort. At the same time, he has showcased his comedic timing and charm in lighter films, proving his range is nearly boundless. In addition to acting, he has also stepped behind the camera to direct, further expanding his artistic contributions to cinema.

‘Wuthering Heights’ (1992)

This film is an adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel about obsessive love and revenge on the desolate English moors. The story follows the passionate and destructive relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, an orphan her father brings to live with them. Their bond is tested by social class, betrayal, and the passage of time, leading to tragedy for two generations.

Ralph Fiennes plays the brooding and tormented Heathcliff. His performance captures the character’s intense love for Catherine and his subsequent transformation into a bitter and vengeful man after she chooses to marry another. It was one of his first major film roles, showcasing his powerful screen presence.

‘The Baby of Mâcon’ (1993)

This controversial film is a dark fable set in the 17th century about a town that has become sterile. When an old, ugly woman miraculously gives birth to a beautiful baby boy, the child is hailed as a miracle. However, the child’s ambitious and beautiful sister claims to be the virgin mother, exploiting the town’s desperation for her own gain.

Fiennes portrays The Bishop’s Son, a rational man who is skeptical of the supposed miracle. He challenges the girl’s claims and tries to expose the corruption and exploitation that arise from the town’s blind faith, positioning him as a voice of reason in a world descending into chaos.

‘Schindler’s List’ (1993)

This historical drama tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. Initially motivated by profit, Schindler uses his factory as a haven, protecting his Jewish workers from persecution and death in Nazi concentration camps.

Ralph Fiennes delivers a terrifying and unforgettable performance as Amon Göth, the sadistic commandant of the Płaszów concentration camp. Fiennes embodies the character’s cruelty and unpredictability, creating one of the most chilling villains in cinema history. The role earned him international acclaim and an Academy Award nomination.

‘Quiz Show’ (1994)

The film is based on the real-life scandals of the American game show ‘Twenty-One’ in the 1950s. It explores how a popular television quiz show was secretly rigged by its producers to boost ratings, deceiving both the contestants and the public. The story centers on a young lawyer who investigates the corruption.

Fiennes plays Charles Van Doren, a charming and intelligent academic from a prominent literary family who becomes a national celebrity after a long winning streak on the show. Van Doren struggles with his conscience as he knowingly participates in the fraud, and Fiennes portrays his internal conflict with great depth.

‘Strange Days’ (1995)

Set in the last two days of 1999, this science fiction thriller explores a future where memories can be recorded and experienced by others. The story follows a former cop who deals in illegal recordings of these experiences. He uncovers a dangerous conspiracy when he receives a disc containing the recording of a murder.

Ralph Fiennes stars as Lenny Nero, the slick, down-on-his-luck dealer of virtual reality-like experiences. While he mostly peddles harmless adventures, he is drawn into a dark plot that forces him to confront his own morality and the city’s corrupt power structures.

‘The English Patient’ (1996)

This romantic war drama unfolds in a series of flashbacks, telling the story of a badly burned man being cared for by a nurse in an Italian monastery at the end of World War II. The patient recounts his past as a Hungarian cartographer and the tragic love affair that led to his current state.

Fiennes plays the title role of Count László de Almássy, the mysterious and scarred patient. Through his memories, the audience learns of his passionate and forbidden romance with a married woman against the backdrop of the North African desert before the war. The performance earned him another Academy Award nomination.

‘Oscar and Lucinda’ (1997)

This film adapts the novel of the same name, chronicling the unusual love story between two misfits in the 19th century. One is a high-strung Anglican priest with a gambling addiction, and the other is a clever, independent Australian heiress with a passion for glassmaking. They form a unique bond based on their shared love of taking risks.

Ralph Fiennes stars as Oscar Hopkins, the quirky and devout priest who struggles to reconcile his faith with his compulsion for gambling. His journey takes him from England to Australia, where his fateful wager with Lucinda changes both of their lives forever.

‘The Avengers’ (1998)

Based on the 1960s British television series, this spy-fi film follows an agent of a secret organization known as ‘The Ministry’. He teams up with a brilliant scientist to stop a madman who has developed a way to control the weather and is holding the world ransom.

Fiennes plays John Steed, the impeccably dressed, quintessentially English secret agent. He embodies the charm and wit of the original character, equipped with a bowler hat and an umbrella that doubles as a weapon, as he works to thwart the villain’s diabolical plan.

‘The Prince of Egypt’ (1998)

This animated musical film tells the biblical story of Moses from the Book of Exodus. It follows Moses from his birth and adoption into the Egyptian royal family to his discovery of his Hebrew heritage and his divine mission to lead his people out of slavery.

Fiennes provides the voice for Ramesses II, the pharaoh of Egypt who grew up alongside Moses as a brother. As adults, their bond is broken when Moses demands the freedom of the Hebrews, making Ramesses his primary adversary. Fiennes’s voice work captures the character’s pride, conflict, and eventual grief.

‘Sunshine’ (1999)

This historical drama spans three generations of a Hungarian Jewish family throughout the turbulent 20th century. The story traces the family’s changing fortunes as they navigate the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the rise of fascism, the Holocaust, and the subsequent communist regime in Hungary.

Ralph Fiennes takes on the remarkable challenge of playing three different roles: Ignatz, a successful judge who assimilates for social standing; his son Adam, an Olympic fencer who faces antisemitism; and his grandson Ivan, who grapples with the family’s legacy after the war.

‘Onegin’ (1999)

This film is an adaptation of Alexander Pushkin’s classic verse novel, ‘Eugene Onegin’. The story is set in 19th-century Russia and follows a bored, cynical aristocrat from St. Petersburg who inherits a country estate. There, he rejects the love of a young, passionate woman, a decision he comes to regret years later.

Fiennes stars as the titular character, Evgeny Onegin, a man detached from life and love who carelessly destroys his own chances at happiness. In addition to playing the lead role, Fiennes also served as an executive producer on the film, bringing the tragic romance to the screen.

‘The End of the Affair’ (1999)

Set in London during and after World War II, this romantic drama explores the themes of love, jealousy, and faith. The story is told from the perspective of a novelist who runs into the husband of his former mistress two years after she abruptly ended their affair. His renewed obsession leads him to investigate why their relationship ended.

Fiennes plays Maurice Bendrix, the novelist whose love for a married woman turns to bitter jealousy and suspicion. His character’s intense passion and eventual despair drive the narrative as he uncovers the complicated reasons for the affair’s sudden conclusion.

‘The Miracle Maker’ (2000)

This stop-motion animated film depicts the life and ministry of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of a young girl. The story follows key events from the New Testament, including Jesus’s teachings, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection, presenting them in an accessible way.

Ralph Fiennes provides the voice for Jesus, bringing a sense of calm authority and compassion to the central figure. His vocal performance guides the audience through the story’s most powerful and emotional moments.

‘Spider’ (2002)

This psychological thriller centers on a mentally disturbed man who is released from an institution and moves into a halfway house in London. As he wanders the old neighborhoods of his childhood, he begins to piece together traumatic memories of a key event involving his mother and father.

Fiennes stars as Dennis Cleg, also known as “Spider,” the deeply troubled protagonist. He delivers a complex and largely non-verbal performance, conveying his character’s fragile mental state and internal turmoil through mannerisms and expressions as he navigates his unreliable memories.

‘The Good Thief’ (2002)

This crime caper is a remake of the French film ‘Bob le flambeur’. It follows an aging, down-on-his-luck gambler and thief living in the south of France. To get out of a deep hole, he plans one last, audacious heist: to rob a Monte Carlo casino during the Grand Prix.

Fiennes makes an uncredited cameo as Tony Angel, a shady art dealer. Although his screen time is brief, his character plays a part in the intricate web of criminal connections and schemes that unfold throughout the film.

‘Red Dragon’ (2002)

Serving as a prequel to ‘The Silence of the Lambs’, this thriller features retired FBI agent Will Graham, who is called back to service to hunt a new serial killer known as “The Tooth Fairy.” To understand the killer’s mind, Graham must confront his old nemesis, the brilliant and manipulative Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

Ralph Fiennes plays Francis Dolarhyde, the terrifying and deeply disturbed killer known as “The Tooth Fairy.” Fiennes portrays Dolarhyde as both monstrous and tragic, a physically powerful man who is tormented by his inner demons and a desire to transform himself.

‘Maid in Manhattan’ (2002)

This romantic comedy follows a single mother working as a maid in a luxury New York City hotel. She dreams of a better life for her and her son. Through a case of mistaken identity, she meets and falls in love with a wealthy politician who is a guest at the hotel.

Fiennes plays Christopher Marshall, the handsome and successful candidate for the U.S. Senate. He is charmed by the woman he believes to be a fellow socialite, unaware of her true identity. Fiennes brings his classic charm to the role of the romantic lead in this modern-day Cinderella story.

‘The Chumscrubber’ (2005)

This satirical black comedy explores the dark underbelly of a seemingly perfect suburban community. The story kicks off after the suicide of a teenage drug dealer, which sets off a chain of events involving a group of disaffected teenagers, their oblivious parents, and a bizarre kidnapping plot.

Fiennes plays Mayor Michael Ebbs, the quirky and somewhat inept mayor of the idyllic town of Hillside. His character is one of the many adults in the film who is completely out of touch with the reality of the teenagers’ lives.

‘Chromophobia’ (2005)

This ensemble drama examines the moral and ethical crises faced by a wealthy, dysfunctional family in London. The story delves into the lives of a successful lawyer, his insecure wife, their troubled son, and the various people connected to them, exploring themes of materialism, pretense, and emotional emptiness.

Fiennes portrays Stephen Tulloch, a gay art critic whose life is shown in stark contrast to the film’s other characters. He is a man who seems to have abandoned the materialistic pursuits that have corrupted those around him, seeking a more honest existence.

‘The Constant Gardener’ (2005)

In this political thriller, a low-level British diplomat based in Kenya begins to investigate the brutal murder of his activist wife. As he delves into her work, he uncovers a dangerous conspiracy involving corporate corruption and pharmaceutical malpractice on a global scale, putting his own life at risk.

Ralph Fiennes stars as Justin Quayle, the quiet, unassuming diplomat who transforms into a determined investigator. His journey is driven by his love for his late wife and a need to understand her passion, leading him from a mild-mannered gardener to a courageous crusader for justice.

‘Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit’ (2005)

In this stop-motion animated comedy, the eccentric inventor Wallace and his intelligent dog Gromit run a humane pest-control business. With the town’s annual giant vegetable competition approaching, they are busy protecting gardens from rabbits. However, they soon face a new, mysterious beast: the giant Were-Rabbit.

Fiennes voices the character of Lord Victor Quartermaine, a snobbish and arrogant hunter who is also trying to woo the wealthy Lady Tottington. Victor sees the Were-Rabbit as his chance to prove his prowess and get rid of Wallace, his rival for the Lady’s affections.

‘The White Countess’ (2005)

Set in 1930s Shanghai, this drama follows the relationship between a blind former American diplomat and a Russian countess who has been forced to work as a dance hall hostess to support her aristocratic family. The diplomat decides to open an elegant nightclub and asks the countess to be its centerpiece.

Fiennes plays Todd Jackson, the blind ex-diplomat who has lost his family and his career. Disillusioned with the world, he aims to create a perfect, self-contained world in his bar, with the countess as its main attraction, forming a complex bond with her in the process.

‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ (2005)

This is the fourth film in the ‘Harry Potter’ series. The story sees Harry unexpectedly selected to compete in the dangerous Triwizard Tournament, a magical contest between three wizarding schools. As Harry faces deadly challenges, a dark plot unfolds to restore the evil Lord Voldemort to power.

Ralph Fiennes makes his first full appearance as Lord Voldemort, the main antagonist of the series. After being restored to a physical body in the film’s climax, he immediately establishes his terrifying power and cruelty, setting the stage for his war on the wizarding world.

‘Land of the Blind’ (2006)

This dark political satire is set in a fictional, authoritarian country and tells the story of its tyrannical ruler and a prison guard who becomes a revolutionary. The film uses allegory to comment on power, rebellion, and the cyclical nature of political corruption, where one oppressive regime is often replaced by another.

Fiennes plays Joe, an idealistic prison guard who befriends a charismatic political prisoner. Inspired by the prisoner’s ideas, Joe helps him escape and overthrow the government, only to see him become an equally despotic leader.

‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ (2007)

In the fifth installment of the series, Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts to find that much of the wizarding world, including the Ministry of Magic, is in denial of Lord Voldemort’s return. Facing skepticism and a new, tyrannical Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Harry and his friends form a secret army to prepare for the dark battle ahead.

Ralph Fiennes reprises his role as Lord Voldemort, who remains largely in the shadows for much of the film while secretly gathering his forces. His presence culminates in a dramatic duel against Albus Dumbledore at the Ministry of Magic, revealing his return to the world.

‘In Bruges’ (2008)

This dark comedy thriller follows two Irish hitmen who are sent to the picturesque city of Bruges, Belgium, to lay low after a job goes horribly wrong. While one of them enjoys the city’s beauty and history, the other is consumed by guilt and boredom, all while they await instructions from their volatile boss.

Fiennes plays Harry Waters, the foul-mouthed and ruthless crime boss who sent the hitmen to Bruges. Despite his brutal nature, Harry operates by a strict, if twisted, moral code, which leads to a violent and unforgettable confrontation in the film’s final act.

‘The Duchess’ (2008)

This historical drama is based on the life of Georgiana Cavendish, the Duchess of Devonshire, an 18th-century English aristocrat. The film chronicles her unhappy marriage to the cold and distant Duke, her status as a fashion icon and political influencer, and her complicated romantic life, including a love affair and a close friendship with her husband’s mistress.

Fiennes portrays William Cavendish, the Duke of Devonshire. His performance captures the character’s emotional coldness and his sense of duty to produce a male heir, which puts him in constant conflict with his vivacious and forward-thinking wife.

‘The Reader’ (2008)

The film’s story unfolds in post-WWII Germany and is told in two time periods. It begins with a teenager’s secret affair with an older woman, who one day mysteriously disappears. Years later, as a law student observing Nazi war crime trials, he is shocked to discover her as one of the defendants.

Fiennes plays the older version of the protagonist, Michael Berg. He portrays Michael as a man haunted by his past and his relationship with the woman, struggling with the profound moral and emotional questions raised by her actions during the war.

‘The Hurt Locker’ (2009)

This intense war thriller provides a gripping look at the daily lives of an elite U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team operating in the Iraq War. The film focuses on the psychological toll and extreme pressures faced by soldiers who volunteer for one of the world’s most dangerous jobs: disarming live bombs in a combat zone.

Fiennes has a brief but memorable role as a Contractor Team Leader, the head of a private military company unit in Iraq. His team of mercenaries crosses paths with the EOD squad in the desert, leading to a tense and deadly firefight.

‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1’ (2010)

The first part of the epic finale sees Harry, Ron, and Hermione on a mission to find and destroy Lord Voldemort’s Horcruxes, the source of his immortality. With the Ministry of Magic fallen and Voldemort’s power growing, the trio is on the run, facing danger at every turn and testing their friendship like never before.

Ralph Fiennes returns as Lord Voldemort, now at the height of his power and in control of the wizarding world. He is relentlessly hunting for Harry Potter while also seeking the legendary Elder Wand, a powerful weapon he believes will make him invincible.

‘Cemetery Junction’ (2010)

Set in a working-class English town in the 1970s, this coming-of-age comedy-drama follows three young men who are friends and work together. One of them dreams of escaping his provincial life, while the others are more content with their predictable futures of marriage and factory jobs.

Fiennes plays Mr. Kendrick, the overbearing and smug boss at the life insurance company where the main character gets a new job. He represents the stifling, conventional world that the protagonist desperately wants to leave behind.

‘Clash of the Titans’ (2010)

This fantasy action film is a remake of the 1981 movie of the same name, drawing its story from Greek mythology. The plot follows Perseus, the demigod son of Zeus, who embarks on a perilous quest to stop the gods of the underworld from unleashing their wrath upon the world.

Fiennes plays Hades, the god of the underworld who was tricked by Zeus into ruling the dark realm. He is the film’s primary antagonist, seeking revenge on the other gods and humanity by threatening to release his monstrous creature, the Kraken.

‘Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang’ (2010)

In this family fantasy film, a magical nanny arrives to help a frazzled young mother who is trying to run the family farm while her husband is away at war. The mother is struggling to manage her own three children and their two spoiled cousins who have come to stay.

Fiennes has a supporting role as Lord Gray, an extremely important and high-ranking figure in the War Office. His character holds the key to information about the fate of the children’s father, making his brief appearance a pivotal moment in the story.

‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2’ (2011)

The final film in the series brings the epic saga to a close with the ultimate battle between good and evil. Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue their search for the remaining Horcruxes as Lord Voldemort and his forces launch a full-scale attack on Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Ralph Fiennes’s performance as Lord Voldemort reaches its devastating conclusion in this film. He leads the charge in the Battle of Hogwarts, driven by his obsession with killing Harry Potter and achieving absolute power, culminating in their final, long-awaited confrontation.

‘Coriolanus’ (2011)

This film is a modern-day adaptation of William Shakespeare’s tragic play. Set in a contemporary version of Rome, the story centers on a brilliant but scorned Roman general. After being banished from his city by manipulative politicians and a fickle public, he allies with his sworn enemy to seek revenge.

Fiennes not only stars in the title role of Caius Martius Coriolanus but also makes his directorial debut with this film. His powerful performance captures the character’s military prowess and his tragic inability to navigate the world of politics, leading to his downfall.

‘Wrath of the Titans’ (2012)

This sequel to ‘Clash of the Titans’ takes place a decade later, with the demigod Perseus living a quiet life as a fisherman. However, he is called back into action when the gods begin to lose their power and his father, Zeus, is captured by Hades and Ares, who plan to release the monstrous Titans from their prison.

Ralph Fiennes reprises his role as Hades, the god of the underworld. In a change from the first film, Hades’s motivations are more complex, as he makes a reluctant and troubled alliance with his brother Zeus to fight the rampaging Titans and save both gods and humanity.

‘Skyfall’ (2012)

In this installment of the James Bond series, the loyalty of agent 007 to M is tested when her past comes back to haunt her. After an MI6 operation goes wrong and agents’ identities are leaked, Bond must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Fiennes is introduced as Gareth Mallory, the Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee. He is initially presented as a government official who is overseeing MI6 and questioning M’s leadership, but his true role and importance are revealed as the story progresses.

‘Great Expectations’ (2012)

This film is another adaptation of Charles Dickens’s famous novel. It tells the story of an orphan boy named Pip who rises from humble beginnings to become a gentleman after an anonymous benefactor bestows a fortune upon him. His life is shaped by a number of memorable characters, including an eccentric spinster and an escaped convict.

Fiennes portrays the formidable and feared escaped convict, Abel Magwitch. He is the mysterious figure Pip encounters in a graveyard as a boy, and their connection becomes a crucial element that shapes the course of Pip’s entire life.

‘The Invisible Woman’ (2013)

This biographical drama tells the story of the secret love affair between the famous author Charles Dickens and a young actress named Nelly Ternan. The film explores their hidden relationship, which lasted for thirteen years until his death, and the profound impact it had on both of their lives.

Fiennes directs the film and stars as Charles Dickens, portraying him as a literary giant at the height of his fame. He captures the author’s charisma and energy, as well as the personal conflict he faced while leading a double life, torn between his public image and his private passion.

‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ (2014)

This whimsical comedy-drama follows the adventures of a legendary concierge at a famous hotel in the fictional Republic of Zubrowka between the first and second World Wars. When one of the hotel’s wealthiest guests dies and leaves him a priceless painting, he and his trusted lobby boy find themselves framed for murder.

Ralph Fiennes delivers a celebrated comedic performance as Monsieur Gustave H., the devoted and flamboyant concierge. He is a man who prides himself on providing impeccable service to his clients, but his charming world is turned upside down by accusations of theft and murder.

‘Two Women’ (2014)

This Russian drama is based on Ivan Turgenev’s play ‘A Month in the Country’. The story is set on a country estate in the 1840s and centers on the wife of a wealthy landowner. Her comfortable but quiet life is disrupted by the arrival of a handsome young tutor for her son, which sparks romantic tensions and jealousy within the household.

Fiennes plays the role of M.A. Rakitin, a family friend who has long been in love with the lady of the house, Natalya Petrovna. He watches with quiet despair as her affections turn towards the new tutor, and Fiennes performs all of his lines in Russian for the role.

‘A Bigger Splash’ (2015)

This psychological drama is set on a remote Italian island, where a famous rock star is vacationing with her boyfriend while recovering from throat surgery. Their peaceful getaway is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of her charismatic and provocative former lover, along with his young daughter, stirring up a storm of jealousy, passion, and danger.

Fiennes plays Harry Hawkes, the larger-than-life record producer and former lover of the rock star. He is a disruptive and energetic force of nature whose presence destabilizes the group, leading to emotional and ultimately tragic consequences.

‘Spectre’ (2015)

In this James Bond adventure, a cryptic message from the past sends 007 on a rogue mission to uncover a sinister global organization known as SPECTRE. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind the shadowy group.

Fiennes reprises his role as Gareth Mallory, who has now officially taken over the title of M, the head of MI6. He works to protect the 00-section from being shut down by the government while providing crucial, off-the-books support for Bond’s mission.

‘Hail, Caesar!’ (2016)

This comedy film is set in the 1950s and follows a day in the life of a Hollywood “fixer,” a man who works for a major studio to protect its stars and keep their scandals out of the press. His job becomes especially difficult when the studio’s biggest star is kidnapped from the set of a historical epic.

Fiennes has a humorous supporting role as Laurence Laurentz, a sophisticated and famously demanding director of high-society dramas. He is shown struggling to direct an actor who is more accustomed to Westerns, trying desperately to teach him how to deliver a single, elegant line.

‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ (2016)

This stop-motion fantasy adventure is set in ancient Japan and follows a young boy named Kubo who has a magical gift for storytelling with his shamisen. His peaceful life is shattered when he accidentally summons a vengeful spirit from the past. He must then embark on a quest to find his late father’s magical suit of armor to save himself.

Fiennes provides the voice for the film’s main villain, the Moon King, also known as Raiden. He is Kubo’s powerful grandfather who stole one of his eyes and now relentlessly hunts him and his mother to take the other one.

‘The Lego Batman Movie’ (2017)

This animated comedy focuses on the popular DC Comics hero, but with a humorous twist. The film explores Batman’s lonely life as a crime-fighting vigilante in Gotham City and his fear of becoming part of a family again. He must learn to work with others when the Joker launches his biggest attack yet.

Fiennes voices the character of Alfred Pennyworth, Batman’s loyal butler, guardian, and father figure. He provides the film’s hero with dry wit, wisdom, and emotional support, constantly encouraging him to connect with others.

‘The White Crow’ (2018)

This biographical drama, which Ralph Fiennes also directed, chronicles the life of the legendary Soviet ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev. The film focuses on his early years, his rigorous training, and his fateful trip to Paris in 1961, which culminated in his dramatic defection to the West at the height of the Cold War.

In addition to directing, Fiennes plays the supporting role of Alexander Pushkin, Nureyev’s patient and influential ballet instructor in Leningrad. Pushkin recognizes the young dancer’s immense talent and volatile temperament, shaping him into a star.

‘Holmes & Watson’ (2018)

This slapstick comedy offers a satirical take on the famous characters of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. When a murder occurs at Buckingham Palace, the brilliant but eccentric detective and his loyal companion are called in to solve the case. They must find the killer before he strikes again and threatens the Queen herself.

Fiennes appears as Professor Moriarty, the iconic arch-nemesis of Sherlock Holmes. He also plays the role of Jacob Musgrave, a man who has been surgically altered to look like Moriarty as part of a convoluted plot.

‘Official Secrets’ (2019)

Based on a true story, this political thriller tells the account of Katharine Gun, a British intelligence specialist who leaked a top-secret memo in the lead-up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The memo exposed an illegal spying operation designed to pressure UN Security Council members into sanctioning the war. Gun’s actions put her in grave legal jeopardy.

Fiennes portrays Ben Emmerson, one of the human rights lawyers who leads Katharine Gun’s legal defense team. He works to build a case that argues his client acted out of necessity to prevent widespread death and illegality.

‘The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part’ (2019)

In this sequel to ‘The Lego Movie’, the citizens of Bricksburg face a new threat from outer space. Duplo invaders have turned their city into a post-apocalyptic wasteland. When his friends are captured by a mysterious intergalactic queen, the ever-optimistic Emmet must journey into space to rescue them.

Fiennes makes a brief cameo, reprising his voice role as Alfred Pennyworth from ‘The Lego Batman Movie’. He appears alongside Batman in a scene that humorously references their established dynamic.

‘Dolittle’ (2020)

This fantasy adventure film is based on the character of Doctor Dolittle, a man who can speak to animals. After the death of his wife, the eccentric doctor becomes a recluse, hiding behind the walls of his manor with only his exotic animals for company. He is forced to set sail on an epic adventure to a mythical island to find a cure for the sick young queen.

Fiennes provides the voice for Barry, a fierce but conflicted tiger that Doctor Dolittle encounters while imprisoned. Barry has deep-seated emotional issues related to his mother, which the doctor must help him work through.

‘The Dig’ (2021)

This drama is based on the true story of the 1939 Sutton Hoo excavation. A wealthy widow hires a self-taught local archaeologist to excavate the large burial mounds on her rural estate. They and their team make one of the most important archaeological discoveries in British history on the eve of World War II.

Fiennes stars as Basil Brown, the quiet, humble, and brilliant amateur archaeologist. His performance highlights Brown’s deep knowledge of the land and his patient determination to uncover the secrets buried within it, despite being overlooked by the professional archaeological establishment.

‘No Time to Die’ (2021)

In Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond, the agent has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when his old friend from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.

Ralph Fiennes returns as M, the head of MI6. He is once again managing the agency and dealing with the fallout of Bond’s actions, navigating the complex world of international espionage and providing crucial support to the mission.

‘The Forgiven’ (2021)

This drama takes place over a weekend in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. A wealthy London couple, on their way to a lavish party at a friend’s villa, accidentally hit and kill a local teenage boy with their car. The incident sets off a culture clash with devastating consequences as they attempt to cover up the event.

Fiennes plays David Henninger, the cynical and arrogant husband. His character is forced to travel with the boy’s father to his village to account for his actions, leading to a tense and transformative journey that confronts his own moral failings.

‘The King’s Man’ (2021)

Serving as a prequel to the ‘Kingsman’ films, this movie explores the origins of the independent intelligence agency. Set during World War I, the story follows a pacifist aristocrat who must race against time to stop a cabal of history’s worst tyrants and criminal masterminds from plotting a war to wipe out millions.

Fiennes stars as Orlando, the Duke of Oxford, a man committed to pacifism who is forced to create a secret network of spies to protect the world. He trains his son in the arts of espionage, laying the groundwork for the future Kingsman agency.

‘The Menu’ (2022)

This dark comedy horror film centers on a young couple who travels to a remote island to eat at an exclusive, world-renowned restaurant. The reclusive and celebrated Chef Slowik has prepared a lavish tasting menu, but it soon becomes clear that the evening has some shocking and horrifying surprises in store for the wealthy guests.

Fiennes gives a commanding performance as Chef Julian Slowik, the brilliant but tormented culinary artist. He runs his kitchen with military precision and views his food as high art, leading his guests through a terrifying night designed to punish them for their role in corrupting his craft.

‘Conclave’ (2024)

Following the unexpected death of the Pope, the world’s cardinals gather at the Vatican for the papal conclave, the secret process of electing a new leader for the Catholic Church. As political ambitions, personal rivalries, and buried secrets come to light, one cardinal finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that could shake the foundations of the church.

Fiennes plays Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, a key figure in the conclave. His character must navigate the intricate politics and moral dilemmas that arise as the cardinals deliberate and vote for the next Pope, all while a shocking secret threatens to derail the entire process.

‘The Return’ (2024)

This film offers a gritty and visceral retelling of the final section of Homer’s epic poem, ‘The Odyssey’. After 20 years of fighting in the Trojan War and struggling to get back, King Odysseus finally returns to his home island of Ithaca. He finds it in chaos, with his palace overrun by ambitious suitors trying to force his wife, Queen Penelope, to marry one of them.

Ralph Fiennes stars as the battle-scarred hero Odysseus. He returns unrecognizable and must use his cunning and strength to confront the hostile suitors and reclaim his throne, his family, and his kingdom after two decades away.

’28 Years Later’ (2025)

This film is a long-awaited sequel to the influential horror films ’28 Days Later’ and ’28 Weeks Later’. It revisits the world devastated by the “Rage Virus,” a highly contagious infection that turns people into mindless killing machines. The story picks up almost three decades after the initial outbreak, exploring the state of humanity and the new horrors that have emerged in a world still under a strictly enforced quarantine.

Ralph Fiennes has a significant role in the film, marking his return to a major horror franchise. He joins a new cast of survivors who discover that the dangers of their post-apocalyptic world have evolved. The film follows a group living in a fortified community whose relative safety is shattered, forcing them to confront the terrifying reality beyond their walls.

Let us know which Ralph Fiennes role is your absolute favorite by sharing your thoughts in the comments section.