Christopher Plummer’s 12 Greatest Films: A Celebration of His Cinematic Legacy
Christopher Plummer, one of the most distinguished actors of the 20th and 21st centuries, left behind an extraordinary legacy in film, television, and stage. Over his seven-decade-long career, Plummer was known for his versatility, commanding presence, and ability to bring depth to a wide range of characters. From historical figures to fictional icons, his performances have left an indelible mark on cinema. Here, we celebrate Plummer’s career by ranking his 12 greatest films from worst to best.
### 12. *The Man Who Would Be King* (1975)
In this adventure film directed by John Huston, Plummer took on the role of Rudyard Kipling, the famous author whose story served as the basis for the film. Starring alongside screen legends Sean Connery and Michael Caine, Plummer added gravitas to the film, which remains a classic of its genre.
### 11. *The Insider* (1999)
Plummer’s portrayal of veteran news anchor Mike Wallace in Michael Mann’s *The Insider* earned him critical acclaim. The film, which delves into the tobacco industry whistleblower scandal, showcased Plummer’s ability to embody real-life characters with nuance and authority.
### 10. *The Exception* (2016)
In this World War II drama, Plummer played the role of Kaiser Wilhelm II, an aging monarch living in exile. His performance brought a blend of dignity and vulnerability to the character, making the film a standout in his later career.
### 9. *The Last Station* (2009)
Plummer received his first Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of the legendary Russian author Leo Tolstoy in *The Last Station*. The film, which explores the last year of Tolstoy’s life, allowed Plummer to delve deep into the complexities of the aging writer, delivering a performance that was both powerful and poignant.
### 8. *The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo* (2011)
In David Fincher’s adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s best-selling novel, Plummer played Henrik Vanger, the patriarch of a wealthy but troubled family. His performance anchored the film, bringing a sense of gravitas and mystery to the dark, thrilling narrative.
### 7. *Knives Out* (2019)
In one of his final major roles, Plummer starred as Harlan Thrombey, a wealthy novelist whose sudden death sparks a complex family investigation in *Knives Out*. Directed by Rian Johnson, the film was a critical and commercial success, with Plummer’s role being central to its intricate plot.
### 6. *The Sound of Music* (1965)
Perhaps his most iconic role, Plummer starred as Captain Georg von Trapp in the beloved musical *The Sound of Music*. Though he initially had reservations about the part, it became one of his most memorable performances, solidifying his place in Hollywood history.
### 5. *Beginners* (2010)
Plummer’s role as Hal Fields, a father who comes out as gay late in life, in *Beginners* won him his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The film, a touching exploration of love and identity, showcased Plummer’s ability to portray characters with warmth and depth.
### 4. *A Beautiful Mind* (2001)
In Ron Howard’s Oscar-winning film *A Beautiful Mind*, Plummer played Dr. Rosen, the psychiatrist who treats John Nash, the brilliant mathematician battling schizophrenia. His performance added depth to the emotional core of the film.
### 3. *Remember* (2015)
Plummer delivered a haunting performance as Zev Guttman, an elderly Holocaust survivor seeking to avenge the death of his family in *Remember*. The film, directed by Atom Egoyan, was a powerful exploration of memory, trauma, and justice.
### 2. *The Man Who Invented Christmas* (2017)
In this imaginative retelling of the creation of *A Christmas Carol*, Plummer played Ebenezer Scrooge. His portrayal was both menacing and vulnerable, adding new dimensions to the classic character.
### 1. *All the Money in the World* (2017)
Plummer’s portrayal of J. Paul Getty in Ridley Scott’s *All the Money in the World* was a tour de force. After replacing Kevin Spacey in the role, Plummer’s performance was hailed as chilling and compelling, earning him an Academy Award nomination and further cementing his legacy as one of the greats.
Christopher Plummer’s career is a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication to his craft. These 12 films represent just a fraction of his work but stand as a powerful reminder of the mark he left on the world of cinema.