As Timothée Chalamet gears up for his Oscar campaign for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, now feels like the perfect time to reflect on his meteoric rise. How did he transform from an indie darling tied to directors like Luca Guadagnino and Greta Gerwig into one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, leading franchises like Dune and Wonka? His trajectory has been nothing short of astonishing.
Chalamet’s ascent can largely be attributed to his versatility and magnetic screen presence. Before turning 30, he’s seamlessly embodied a range of iconic characters, from Paul Atreides to Willy Wonka to Bob Dylan. If predictions hold, he might even join Adrien Brody as the youngest Best Actor Oscar winner in history, further cementing his place as a generational talent.
What makes Chalamet’s career so compelling is his ability to balance the blockbuster appeal of mainstream projects with the creative depth of auteur-driven films. With future roles like Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme and the inevitable Dune: Messiah on the horizon, his already impressive résumé is only going to grow.
For now, let’s look back at his journey so far. This list highlights Chalamet’s 10 best movies, factoring in his screen presence and narrative significance in each project. Here are the films that define his remarkable career to date:
10. A Complete Unknown (2024)
As a Minnesotan, I feel almost obligated to enjoy A Complete Unknown, the movie that chronicles Bob Dylan’s rise to stardom while exploring his strained relationship with music and the people who helped shape his career. Dylan is undeniably one of the most famous musicians of all time—and certainly one of the most iconic figures to emerge from the land of 10,000 lakes.
Read our review of A Complete Unknown (2024).
9. Interstellar (2014)
8. Little Women (2019)
7. The French Dispatch (2021)
6. Dune: Part One (2021)
Denis Villeneuve‘s Dune is an ambitious and visually stunning sci-fi epic that successfully brings Frank Herbert’s classic novel to the big screen. With a star-studded cast led by Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, and Zendaya, this film is a must-see for fans of the genre and those looking for a thrilling cinematic experience.
Read our review of Dune: Part One (2021).
5. Lady Bird (2017)
4. Wonka (2023)
In a surprising turn of events, Wonka emerges as one of the standout success stories of 2023, defying initial skepticism surrounding its release. Helmed by director Paul King and starring Timothée Chalamet, this imaginative take on the world of Willy Wonka offers a refreshing and delightful experience that captivates audiences from the opening title sequence to the end.
Read our review of Wonka (2023).
3. Bones and All (2022)
Although it may seem like an idea and concept that would never work, Luca Guadagnino pulls off another incredibly unique movie with Bones and All as Taylor Russell and Timothée Chalamet feed on the flesh of others and try to survive on the fringes of society.
Read our review of Bones and All (2022).
2. Dune: Part Two (2024)
There’s nothing like Dune: Part Two, which feels like it could only be conceived by Denis Villeneuve and the best crew around him possible. Everyone is working at the top of their game to create one of the best theatergoing experiences of 2024. Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya star in the science fiction movie that stands against the genre’s best.
Read our review of Dune: Part Two (2024).
1. Call Me By Your Name (2017)
