Heath Ledger’s 5 Best Movies (That Weren’t The Dark Knight)

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Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight is widely considered one of the most memorable performances in film history. Some initially doubted his ability to take on a role Jack Nicholson had famously played in the 1989 Batman movie, but those concerns quickly disappeared once the film came out. Tragically, this performance was one of Ledger’s last, as he passed away before the movie was released.

Heath Ledger’s Oscar win after his death for his role in The Dark Knight solidified the film as a career highlight, but it’s only part of what makes his short career so remarkable. He was a remarkably versatile actor, excelling in everything from serious dramas to comedies and romances, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances, including several now considered cult favorites. Here are five of his best films, aside from The Dark Knight.

5) Monster’s Ball

Though Heath Ledger’s role in the 2001 film Monster’s Ball isn’t extensive, it’s incredibly important and showcases one of his most compelling performances. The movie centers on Hank, a prejudiced prison guard played by Billy Bob Thornton, and Ledger portrays his son, Sonny, who works with him. Their relationship is strained, and after Sonny experiences a difficult moment during an execution, a fight with his father leads him to take his own life—an event that dramatically alters Hank’s life forever. Halle Berry also stars in the film and won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance.

Let’s be upfront: Thornton and Berry truly carry this film. The story centers on Hank and Leticia (Berry), and their relationship develops with Leticia being unaware that Hank played a role in her husband’s execution. It’s a complicated plot, but Ledger’s performance is outstanding. He portrays a deeply layered and emotional character, and it’s genuinely heartbreaking to watch – you completely understand his motivations and feel his pain. It’s both tragic and brilliant.

4) A Knight’s Tale

I absolutely love how different Heath Ledger is in A Knight’s Tale compared to his other roles! It’s such a fun, upbeat movie, and the way they use modern music just adds to the energy. The story of William Thatcher, a commoner who pretends to be a knight, is so inspiring – he really becomes the hero he’s pretending to be. It’s a wildly entertaining, often hilarious, and honestly, a bit goofy movie, but it’s easily one of Ledger’s best performances, in my opinion.

What really sets A Knight’s Tale apart in Heath Ledger’s career is how much it lets his comedic talent shine. Considering how intensely dramatic Monster’s Ball was – released in the same year – it really highlights Ledger’s versatility as an actor. The film also includes a romantic side, showing off another aspect of his range, and it’s simply an enjoyable movie to watch.

3) 10 Things I Hate About You

It’s surprising that 10 Things I Hate About You is only number three on this list, considering how good it is – but it really highlights Heath Ledger’s talent. Released in 1999 – a fantastic year for Ledger, as another one of his films appears on this list – this movie is a fun, modern take on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and has become a classic in its own right. The story centers on Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a new student who has a crush on Bianca (Larisa Oleynik). There’s a catch: Bianca isn’t allowed to date until her rebellious older sister, Kat (Julia Stiles), does. So, Cameron pays Patrick (Ledger) to ask Kat out, and predictably, a real romance blossoms between them.

Despite being a teen rom-com, 10 Things I Hate About You is a genuinely well-made film. It boasts a smart script and fantastic performances from the entire cast. The chemistry between Stiles and Ledger is especially strong, and Ledger truly shines, showcasing a different side of his acting talent. The movie was popular upon release and has since become a beloved classic. For those unfamiliar with Ledger’s work in The Dark Knight or other films, 10 Things I Hate About You is often the movie that introduces them to his talent.

2) Two Hands

I wasn’t kidding when I said 1999 was a fantastic year for Heath Ledger. That year also saw the release of a film many American audiences likely didn’t see: Two Hands. This Australian crime comedy centers around Jimmy, played by Ledger, who finds himself in debt to a dangerous gangster named Pando because of an error. To avoid putting himself and his girlfriend in danger, he devises a plan to rob a bank and pay off his debt.

This film is a thrilling and energetic experience, packed with unexpected action. Heath Ledger delivers what is arguably one of his finest performances, earning him Best Actor nominations from both the Australian Film Institute and the Film Critics Circle of Australia. He brilliantly portrays Jimmy, a character who finds himself in a desperate situation and is fiercely determined to protect both himself and the woman he loves, revealing a surprising vulnerability. Watching Two Hands makes it clear that Ledger was destined for stardom.

1) Brokeback Mountain

Many consider Heath Ledger’s performance in Brokeback Mountain to be his finest, perhaps even better than his work in The Dark Knight. The film showcases everything Ledger had demonstrated as an actor up to that point, while also pushing him to deliver an incredibly moving and emotionally raw performance. Released in 2005, Brokeback Mountain is based on Annie Proulx’s 1997 short story and tells the poignant story of Jack (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Ennis (Ledger), two cowboys who develop a secret love affair in the 1960s and 70s.

As a huge fan, I always thought Heath Ledger’s performance in Brokeback Mountain was absolutely stunning, and he totally deserved that Oscar nomination. He brought so much depth and feeling to Ennis Del Mar – it wasn’t flashy, but it was incredibly powerful. A lot of people love his Joker, and that’s fair, but there was something so quiet and intense about his work here. Even twenty years later, it still gets to me – it’s a truly moving performance that really stays with you.

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2025-12-15 00:15