Timothy Olyphant may not be one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, but he remains an exciting and charismatic presence in any project he appears. Olyphant has established himself as one of television’s best leading men with badass lawmen roles in Deadwood and Justified as well as comedies like Santa Clarita Diet.
As impressive as his television career has been, Olyphant’s film career is also filled with plenty of great projects. Whether he is in a lead role or a part of a larger ensemble, Olyphant has found himself in quite a few films that resonated with film audiences. Here are the best Timothy Olyphant movies, according to IMDb.
Gone In Sixty Seconds (6.5)
Jerry Bruckheimer was the producer behind some of the biggest action films of the 90s and 00s. While Gone in Sixty Seconds was not his biggest hit, it was a solid popcorn entertainment. The film stars Nicholas Cage as a former carjacker who is lured back in the business to save his little brother. Olyphant plays one of the detectives chasing Cage.
The movie isn’t the most sharply written film, but it does have fun with its high-octane premise. There is also a surprisingly stellar cast including Robert Duvall and Angelina Jolie. It’s a mindless romp perfect for action movie junkies.
This Is Where I Leave You (6.6)
Though he is usually the leading man on television, Olyphant seems to steer towards ensemble work in films. This is Where I Leave You is an all-star dramedy starring the likes of Jason Bateman, Tina Fey and Adam Driver as siblings reuniting in their hometown after the death of their father. Olyphant plays Fey’s former flame she left behind.
The movie doesn’t break any new ground in its story of a dysfunctional family, but there are some genuine laughs and moving moments to be found. The amazing cast elevates the material as well.
Missing Link (6.7)
Missing Link is a rare animated film in Olyphant’s filmography from the brilliant minds at Laika Studio. The movie is the story of an explorer who is hired by the famed missing link (voiced by Zack Galifianakis) to finds his relatives. Olyphant voices a rival explorer of small stature who serves as the film’s villain.
Like all of Laika’s projects, the movie is a wonderous and beautiful looking animated adventure. The movie is funny and family-friendly with some thrilling sequences.
The Girl Next Door (6.7)
Though Olyphant is probably best known for his heroic roles, he has proven to be a pretty great bad guy too. The Girl Next Door is a raunchy teen comedy about a high schooler (Emile Hirsch) who learns his new neighbor (Elisha Cuthbert) is a porn star. Olyphant shows off his sleazebag side as Cuthbert’s former manager who comes back in the picture.
The movie is a funny and sexy comedy with some fine performance from a solid cast. Though it might not go down as one of the genre classics, it is a fun teen comedy for its audience.
The Broken Hearts Club: A Romantic Comedy (6.9)
The Broken Hearts Club might be the least-known film on this list, but it does seem to have connected with some viewers. Olyphant leads an ensemble cast that includes Zach Braff and Billy Porter in the story of a group of gay male friends living in West Hollywood and playing on a softball team together.
The movie wasn’t a huge hit at the time and hasn’t really gained a cult following since. But fans have discovered in and enjoyed it as an honest and charming story of gay men who are depicted as normal, fun-loving and caring friends.
Live Free Or Die Hard (7.1)
Once again, Olyphant shows off his villainous skills in one of the biggest action franchises of all-time. In Live Free or Die Hard, Bruce Willis returns as John McClane who must team up with a young hacker to stop an evil tech genius (Olyphant) from taking over the United States.
While some fans of the franchise were dismayed by the tamer violence and language, many found it to be a pretty thrilling action film. Willis was still a charismatic lead and the action sequences were exciting and inventive if a little over-the-top at times.
Go (7.2)
In the early days of his career, Olyphant seemed to be on the path of a bad boy actor, such as with his role in Go. The crime comedy focuses on various storylines all cantering around a drug deal gone wrong. Olyphant is a standout as a dangerous yet charismatic drug dealer.
The title is very appropriate for this film as it is a fast-paced film that never slows down once it gets going. The young cast of talented actors are all great and the energy of the fill is exhilarating.
Rango (7.2)
Olyphant joined another strange animated film with his role in Rango. The movie is a Western-inspired adventure about a chameleon named Rango (voiced by Johnny Depp) who stumbles into a town run by outlaws and is mistaken for a hero come to save the day. Olyphant voiced a mysterious figure known as the Spirit of the West who shares more than a few similarities with Clint Eastwood.
The surreal animated adventure stands out for feeling a bit more ambitious than other kid-friendly films. Depp gives a hilarious performance as the titular “hero” and the animation is incredibly impressive.
Snowden (7.3)
Olyphant got the chance to work with one of the most controversial directors of all-time, Oliver Stone. Snowden was Stone’s look at Edward Snowden, the real-life figure who stole classified information and shared it with the public while working at NSA. Olyphant plays a CIA operative who works with Snowden.
Snowden is one of the most controversial figures in modern American history with some seeing him as a patriot and others seeing him as a traitor. Stone handles the fascinating story well, turning it into a real-life spy thriller.
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (7.8)
There are few actors who wouldn’t jump at the chance to work with Quentin Tarantino and Olyphant got the chance in Tarantino’s penultimate film. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is Tarantino’s love letter to Hollywood in 1969 and follows a television actor and his stuntman buddy trying to find their place in New Hollywood. Olyphant plays James Stacy, star of Lancer.
The movie might not be what some Tarantino fans were expecting after his more violent and epic recent films. However, the movie has the same Tarantino energy and fun with great character and sharp dialogue.