Jeremy Strong’s 15 Best Movie Roles, Ranked from Worst to Best

About this gallery:

For this list, we have decided to focus only on movies where Jeremy Strong appears, no matter how small his role is. For this reason, don’t expect any of his performances in series, short films, or commercials. And remember, this list is subjective! If you think any movie is not in the right spot, share your opinion!

15. Humboldt County (2008)

Ah, the indie dramedy where Jeremy Strong plays a disillusioned medical student who stumbles into a pot-growing commune. Sounds promising, right? Well, Humboldt County has its moments of charm, but it often drifts aimlessly – much like its protagonist. Strong does his best with the material, playing Peter with the right balance of skepticism and vulnerability, but the film itself never quite figures out what it wants to be. Is it a coming-of-age story? A stoner flick? A melancholic meditation on life’s unpredictability? Maybe all of the above, but not in a particularly cohesive way. Still, if you're curious to see a young Jeremy Strong before he became Hollywood’s go-to intense guy, it’s worth a look. Just don’t expect Succession-level drama – or, frankly, much drama at all. | © Magnolia Pictures

14. Time Out of Mind (2014)

This one is a slow burn – emphasis on slow. Time Out of Mind is a deliberately quiet and introspective film about homelessness, featuring Richard Gere in a stripped-down, somber role. Jeremy Strong appears as a social worker, and while his screen time is limited, he makes the most of it. He nails that deadpan bureaucratic tone, the kind of guy who sees people in crisis daily and has become desensitized to it. The film is more about atmosphere and mood than plot, so don’t expect any grand revelations. It’s an important subject, but let’s be real – this one isn’t exactly a Friday night popcorn movie. If you’re in the mood for something bleak yet meditative, though, it might be worth a watch. Strong doesn’t get much to do, but he blends seamlessly into the film’s raw, observational style. | © IFC Films

13. Detroit (2017)

This Kathryn Bigelow-directed drama is intense, brutal, and unflinchingly real – but unfortunately, not always in a good way. Detroit tackles the horrifying real-life events of the 1967 Algiers Motel incident, and while it’s filled with powerhouse performances, the film itself is often accused of being exploitative in its depiction of racial violence. Jeremy Strong plays a lawyer, and while he doesn’t have a major role, he does bring his usual quiet authority to the screen. The problem? The movie doesn’t give him – or many of its actors – the room to breathe. It’s unrelenting, and not always in a way that serves the story. If you’re looking for a showcase of Strong’s best work, this isn’t it, but if you want a raw and disturbing look at a dark chapter in American history, Detroit delivers that in spades. Just be prepared to feel exhausted afterward. | © Annapurna Pictures

12. Parkland (2013)

Another historical drama, but this time focused on the chaotic aftermath of JFK’s assassination. Parkland tries to capture the ripple effects of that tragic day, weaving together multiple perspectives – from doctors to Secret Service agents to, in Jeremy Strong’s case, Lee Harvey Oswald’s brother, Robert. Strong is understated and compelling in the role, playing a man caught between family loyalty and the horrifying realization of what his brother has done. The movie itself, however, is a mixed bag. It’s well-acted, no doubt, but it never quite justifies its own existence. Do we really need another take on this moment in history, especially one that feels more like a history lesson than a gripping drama? Still, Strong proves once again that he can make even a small role memorable. | © Exclusive Media

11. Molly’s Game (2017)

Aaron Sorkin’s rapid-fire dialogue? Check. A fascinating real-life story? Check. Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba delivering monologues at lightning speed? Double check. Jeremy Strong plays Dean Keith, the shady hedge fund guy who introduces Molly Bloom to the high-stakes poker world. And let’s just say – he’s not the kind of guy you want handling your investments. Strong does sleazy quite well here, portraying Keith as a manipulative, self-serving opportunist who’s just charming enough to get what he wants. The movie itself is gripping, if slightly overlong, but Strong’s role, while pivotal, doesn’t give him the depth we’ve seen in some of his better performances. Still, he makes a strong impression (pun intended), proving he can hold his own in an A-list ensemble. | © STX Entertainment

10. The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

If you love courtroom drama, historical reenactments, and Aaron Sorkin’s signature rapid-fire dialogue, The Trial of the Chicago 7 is like catnip. Jeremy Strong plays Jerry Rubin, the activist and countercultural icon, and let’s just say – he’s having a blast. Decked out in hippie attire, delivering quips with that distinct Sorkin flair, and bringing a playful yet committed energy, Strong makes Rubin one of the film’s standout personalities. The film itself, while well-crafted and undeniably entertaining, sometimes feels like it's sanitizing history for maximum "rah-rah democracy" appeal. Still, Strong gets to flex his comedic timing while also delivering some genuinely emotional beats, proving once again that he can disappear into wildly different roles. Not his deepest performance, but definitely one of his most fun. | © Netflix

9. Armageddon Time (2022)

This one is a slow, melancholic character study, and Strong delivers one of his most restrained performances yet. As Irving Graff, a working-class father in 1980s Queens, he plays a man weighed down by the expectations of family, culture, and the American Dream. Unlike his usual brooding or bombastic roles, Strong here is quiet, tired, and deeply human – though he still gets one powerful, belt-it-from-the-gut monologue (because, of course, he does). Armageddon Time isn’t for everyone; it’s a slow-burn, introspective drama that favors small moments over big, dramatic turns. But for those who appreciate a deeply personal, reflective film, this is a gem. Strong proves yet again that he doesn’t need flashy dialogue or explosive scenes to make an impact – he just is the character. | © Focus Features

8. The Gentlemen (2020)

Did anyone have “Jeremy Strong playing a campy, eccentric mobster” on their 2020 bingo card? Because The Gentlemen is one of the more unexpected entries in his filmography. Here, he plays Matthew Berger, a wealthy, menacing, yet strangely soft-spoken crime lord who’s somehow just as scary in a sweater vest as he would be with a gun. Guy Ritchie’s gangster flick is packed with charismatic performances from Matthew McConaughey, Colin Farrell, and Hugh Grant, and while Strong doesn’t get the showiest role, he makes his presence felt. The movie itself is a slick, stylish, testosterone-fueled thrill ride, and Strong – known for his method acting and deep, emotional roles – seems to be enjoying the chance to just chew the scenery. It’s not his most nuanced work, but hey, who doesn’t love a little villainy? | © STX Entertainment

7. The Judge (2014)

Ah, The Judge – the movie that feels like it should’ve been made in 1995 and aired on TNT every Sunday afternoon. This is a Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall father-son legal drama, so you already know it’s got plenty of courtroom showdowns and heartfelt, emotionally charged speeches. Jeremy Strong plays Dale, the younger brother of RDJ’s character, and while he doesn’t get the meatiest role, he brings a quiet sincerity to the film. The problem? The movie itself is trying so hard to be Oscar bait that it forgets to be, well, good. It’s overly sentimental, a little bloated, and not nearly as deep as it wants to be. Strong, as always, does solid work, but this one is more about the two Roberts than anyone else. If you love a legal drama with big emotions and small surprises, though, it’s worth a watch. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

6. Lincoln (2012)

Daniel Day-Lewis may have completely embodied Abraham Lincoln, but let’s not forget that Lincoln was packed with an A-list supporting cast, including our guy Jeremy Strong. He plays John George Nicolay, Lincoln’s personal secretary, and while he doesn’t have a massive role, he fits seamlessly into Spielberg’s meticulous period piece. This movie is historical drama at its most prestige – slow, dialogue-heavy, and dripping with awards-season ambition. It’s not necessarily an exciting film, but it’s an important one, and Strong once again proves that he can disappear into a role, even when surrounded by acting titans like DDL, Sally Field, and Tommy Lee Jones. If you love history, great performances, and cinematic gravitas, Lincoln delivers. If not? Well, let’s just say you might be checking your watch. | © Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

5. The Big Short (2015)

In The Big Short, Jeremy Strong steps into the chaotic world of high finance as Vinny Daniel, one of Mark Baum's (Steve Carell) sharp-tongued team members at FrontPoint Partners. Amidst a star-studded ensemble – including Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt – Strong holds his own, delivering biting commentary with a mix of cynicism and wit. The film's frenetic pace and complex financial jargon could easily overshadow a lesser actor, but Strong ensures Vinny's skepticism resonates, grounding the audience amidst the impending economic doom. While the movie's rapid-fire editing and fourth-wall breaks might not be everyone's cup of tea, there's no denying its impact. Strong's performance adds a layer of authenticity, making the convoluted world of mortgage-backed securities just a tad more digestible. It's a wild ride through the 2008 financial crisis, and Strong is one of the compelling guides leading the way. | © Paramount Pictures

4. Robot & Frank (2012)

Before Jeremy Strong became synonymous with intense, brooding characters, he took on the role of Jake in Robot & Frank. This indie gem tells the story of Frank (Frank Langella), an aging ex-convict who forms an unlikely bond with a domestic robot. Strong portrays Jake, a victim of Frank's rekindled thieving habits, bringing a subtle blend of frustration and bemusement to the role. The film delicately balances themes of aging, technology, and redemption, with Strong's performance adding depth to the ensemble. While his screen time is limited, he makes a memorable impact, reminding us that even in a story about a man and his robot, human connections remain at the forefront. It's a quieter entry in Strong's filmography but showcases his versatility and ability to enhance a narrative without overpowering it. | © Samuel Goldwyn Films

3. Selma (2014)

In Ava DuVernay's powerful civil rights drama Selma, Jeremy Strong takes on the role of James Reeb, a Unitarian minister and activist who becomes a martyr for the cause. The film chronicles the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo). Strong's portrayal of Reeb is heartfelt and earnest, capturing the quiet determination of a man willing to risk everything for justice. While the ensemble cast delivers stellar performances across the board, Strong's depiction stands out, especially in the harrowing scenes leading up to Reeb's tragic fate. The film doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of the era, and Strong ensures that Reeb's sacrifice is both poignant and impactful. It's a testament to his ability to convey deep emotion with restraint, contributing to a film that's as educational as it is moving. | © Paramount Pictures

2. Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

Teaming up with director Kathryn Bigelow, Jeremy Strong steps into the intense world of CIA operations in Zero Dark Thirty. Portraying Thomas, a CIA analyst, Strong is part of the team relentlessly pursuing Osama bin Laden in the aftermath of 9/11. The film is a taut, edge-of-your-seat thriller that delves into the moral ambiguities of the manhunt. While Jessica Chastain's portrayal of Maya, the lead analyst, commands much of the spotlight, Strong's performance adds a layer of bureaucratic realism to the ensemble. His character embodies the analytical, often detached perspective of intelligence officers, providing a counterbalance to the emotional toll depicted throughout the narrative. It's a subtle role, but Strong's nuanced delivery ensures that the stakes feel palpably real. The film's procedural approach might feel clinical to some, but it's undeniably effective, with Strong contributing to its immersive authenticity. | © Columbia Pictures

1. The Apprentice (2024)

In The Apprentice, Jeremy Strong delivers a tour-de-force performance as Roy Cohn, the infamous attorney and mentor to a young Donald Trump, portrayed by Sebastian Stan. Directed by Ali Abbasi, the film delves into Trump's rise in the 1970s and 1980s, with Strong's Cohn serving as the puppet master behind the scenes. Embodying Cohn's ruthless charisma, Strong brings a chilling intensity to the role, capturing the moral decay and manipulative prowess that defined Cohn's career. His interactions with Stan's Trump are electric, painting a portrait of ambition and ethical compromise. The film has sparked controversy, with critics both lauding and lambasting its portrayal of historical events. Regardless of one's stance, Strong's performance has been universally acclaimed, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. It's a role that cements his reputation for immersive, transformative acting, even if the film itself leaves audiences divided. | © Briarcliff Entertainment