The bestJamie Dornanmovies and TV shows highlight the fact that, despite being his most widely known, theFifty Shadesfranchise is far from his greatest achievement. Born in 1982 in Northern Ireland, Dornan is not only a versatile actor, but a model and musician too. He began his career in modeling, working with prominent brands such as Hugo Boss, Dior Homme, and Calvin Klein. Transitioning into acting, Dornan’s early roles included the likes of like 2006’sMarie Antoinetteand TV shows likeOnce Upon a Time. His breakthrough came with the critically acclaimed 2014 crime drama seriesThe Fall, which earned him significant recognition and award nominations.
Of course, many viewers know Jamie Dornan for playing Christian Grey in theFifty Shades of Greyfranchise. However, this is far, far from his best work. From leading roles in romantic dramas to intense performances in historical thrillers, Jamie Dornan has established himself as a dynamic presence in the entertainment industry. The best Jamie Dornan movies and TV shows showcase his most compelling performances and reveal that he should be recognized for much more thanFifty Shades.
Fifty Shades Of Grey Cast & Character Guide
The 2015 romance movie Fifty Shades of Grey, which launched a trilogy that became a $1.3 billion box office juggernaut, centers some familiar faces.
Before Jamie Dornan became a household name,he played Sheriff Graham Humbertin the hit ABC fantasy dramaOnce Upon a Time.Initially introduced as the quiet yet authoritative sheriff of Storybrooke, it’s later revealed that Humbert is actually the Huntsman from the fairy tale realm. His tragic backstory and growing bond with Emma Swan (Jennifer Morrison) make him a fan-favorite character, despite his early exit from the series.
While Dornan’s time on the show was short-lived, his performance left a lasting impression, showcasing his ability to bring emotional depth to a fantastical setting.Once Upon a Timegave Dornan his first major television role, serving as an important stepping stone before his breakout performance inThe Fall.
In HBO’s biographical dramaMy Dinner with Hervé, Jamie Dornan stars as Danny Tate, a struggling journalist assigned to interviewFantasy Islandstar Hervé Villechaize (played by Peter Dinklage).What starts as a routine profile turns into a deep, introspective journey as the two men share their struggles with fame, self-destruction, and regret.
Jamie Dornan plays the audience’s point of view character, allowing the film to explore Villechaize’s complex legacy through his eyes. While Dinklage’s performance is the centerpiece, Dornan holds his own as a man grappling with his own demons.My Dinner with Hervédemonstrated Dornan’s ability to shine in character-driven dramas, further proving he was more than just a leading man in romance or thrillers.
Death and Nightingales
Cast
Death and Nightingales is a drama set in 1885 in the Irish countryside, where Beth, living with her oppressive stepfather Billy Winters, plans her escape on her 23rd birthday. With the aid of the enigmatic Liam Ward, she seeks freedom, inadvertently bringing old secrets to light.
In the historical dramaDeath and Nightingales, Jamie Dornan takes on the role of Liam Ward, a charismatic yet enigmatic figure who becomes the love interest of Beth Winters (Ann Skelly).Set in 19th-century Ireland, the miniseries follows Beth’s desperate attempt to escape her oppressive home life, with Liam playing a key role in her plan.
Dornan brings a layered complexity to Liam, balancing his undeniable charm with an air of unpredictability. His chemistry with Skelly adds tension to the unfolding drama, making for a gripping watch. Coming off the success ofThe Fall, this role allowed Dornan to further cement his presence in period dramas, showcasing his range in character-driven storytelling.
Based on true events,The Siege of Jadotvillestars Jamie Dornan as Commandant Pat Quinlan, an Irish UN peacekeeper leading his battalion against overwhelming odds during a siege in the Congo.The 2016, which was directed by Richie Smyth, highlights the bravery and resilience of Quinlan and his men as they fight against a much larger force, despite being abandoned by their superiors.
Jamie Dornan delivers a commanding performance, capturing Quinlan’s intelligence, strategic mind, and unwavering dedication to his soldiers. This role marked a significant shift in his career, proving he could lead an action-packed war drama with both physicality and emotional weight.The Siege of Jadotvillehelped Dornan break away from his more well-known romantic and thriller roles, demonstrating his ability to carry a historically significant, high-stakes drama.
In a surprising departure from his usual dramatic roles, Jamie Dornan shined in director Josh Greenbaum’s absurdist 2021 comedyBarb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar. He plays Edgar Paget, the lovelorn henchman of the eccentric villain Sharon Gordon Fisherman (Kristen Wiig).Tasked with carrying out his boss’s evil plan, Edgar’s mission gets derailed when he falls for one of the film’s quirky leads, played by Annie Mumolo.
TheFifty Shadesstar proved his comedic timing is impeccable, and Dornan’s unexpected musical number, “Edgar’s Prayer”, is a highlight of the film. His ability to embrace the film’s over-the-top humor proved his versatility, earning him praise from critics and audiences alike.Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Marwas a career-defining moment that allowed Dornan to show off his comedic talents, breaking free from the brooding, intense characters he’s mostly known for.
In director Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead’s sci-fi thrillerSynchronic, Jamie Dornan stars as Dennis Dannelly, a New Orleans paramedic who, alongside his best friend and partner (Anthony Mackie), stumbles upona mysterious new drugthat causes unpredictable, time-altering effects.As the film unfolds, Dennis faces personal struggles, including a strained marriage and the sudden disappearance of his teenage daughter, forcing him to confront the drug’s terrifying consequences.
Synchronicmarks Jamie Dornan’s first significant venture into sci-fi, and he brings a grounded, emotional depth to the story, balancing his character’s skepticism with genuine fear and desperation. His performance adds a human element to the film’s high-concept premise, making the sci-fi narrative feel personal and relatable.Synchronicwas an important project in Dornan’s career, reinforcing his ability to lead in complex, thought-provoking stories outside of mainstream dramas.
In 2018’sA Private War, Jamie Dornan takes on the role of Paul Conroy, a war photographer and trusted colleague of renowned journalist Marie Colvin (played by Rosamund Pike).Directed by Matthew Heineman,A Private Warchronicles Colvin’s fearless reporting from some of the most dangerous war zones in the world, highlighting the sacrifices made by journalists in pursuit of the truth.
Jamie Dornan’s portrayal of Conroy is quiet yet deeply compelling, providing a steady presence alongside Pike’s intense, emotionally charged performance. His chemistry with Pike makes their on-screen partnership feel authentic, capturing the deep camaraderie between real-life war correspondents.A Private Warwas a turning point for Dornan, proving that he could hold his own in a hard-hitting, critically acclaimed biopic. His performance helped solidify his reputation as a serious dramatic actor capable of handling emotionally demanding roles.
In the critically acclaimed 2013-2015 crime drama seriesThe Fall, Jamie Dornan delivers a chilling performance as Paul Spector, a family man leading a double lifeas a serial killer.Starring opposite Gillian Anderson’s Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson, Dornan’s portrayal is deeply unsettling, yet captivating. His ability to balance Spector’s outward charm with his sinister, predatory nature makes the character one of the most haunting in modern television.
The Fallwas a career-defining role for Jamie Dornan, proving his ability to carry a complex and psychologically intense character. His performance earned him a nomination for Best Actor at the Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTAs) and widespread critical acclaim. The series not only solidified Dornan as a serious actor but also played a key role in opening doors to more challenging and high-profile roles in movies and TV shows.
Kenneth Branagh’s semi-autobiographical 2021 movieBelfastfeatures Jamie Dornan as Pa, a working-class father trying to navigate life in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.Dornan delivers one of his most heartfelt performances, portraying a devoted yet struggling father who wants a better future for his family. His chemistry with Caitríona Balfe, who plays his wife, adds depth to the emotional core of the story.
The film received widespread critical acclaim, with Dornan’s performance praised for its warmth and authenticity. He was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award alongside the ensemble cast and won the Hollywood Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor.Belfastshowcased Dornan’s dramatic depth, proving his ability to shine in Oscar-nominated movie and marking a high point in his career.
Thevery best Jamie Dornan moviesees him once again working with Kenneth Branagh, this time as part of the actor/director’s acclaimed Hercule Poirot franchise.InA Haunting in Venice, Jamie Dornan plays Dr. Leslie Ferrier, a troubled war doctor grappling with trauma while entangled in a supernatural murder mystery.Directed by Branagh,A Haunting in Veniceis an atmospheric adaptation of Agatha Christie’sHallowe’en Party, blending psychological horror with classic detective storytelling.
Jamie Dornan’s performance as the haunted and fragile doctor adds layers of tension to the eerie narrative. This role demonstrated Dornan’s continued evolution as an actor, moving further into psychological and character-driven storytelling. His performance was widely praised for its intensity and depth, helping establish him as a serious performer in high-profile ensemble films. WithA Haunting in Venice, Dornan solidified his reputation as a versatile actor capable of thriving in multiple genres, and it’s arguably thebest Jamie Dornan movieso far.
