LaKeith Stanfield is quickly becoming one of the most interesting actors in Hollywood. No matter the size of the role in which he appears, it’s impossible not to be drawn to him and his fascinating acting choices. Most audiences probably know him best from his scene-stealing role as Darius on Atlanta, but Stanfield has been building an exciting film career over the years.
Stanfield’s versatility as an actor is quite evident when looking at his filmography to date. He takes on challenging roles both big and small in a variety of projects. Though some of his projects are smaller, many of them have made an impact on audiences. Here are Lakeith Stanfield’s best movies, according to IMDb.
Quest: The Truth Always Rises (2017) (6.9)
Stanfield started his career by taking unique roles in interesting independent films where his talents could really shine through. Quest: The Truth Always Rises is about a young boy living with his abusive father who finds a way to escape through graffiti. Stanfield plays a young man who encourages the boy in his street art.
Stanfield has always sought out those roles that subvert expectations. Here, he creates a character that is not usually seen on screen and he stands out in this small but powerful film.
Sorry To Bother You (2018) (6.9)
While Stanfield had been making a big impression in supporting roles, Sorry to Bother You was his first high-profile leading man role. It seemed like a perfect fit for Stanfield as it was a bold and inventive story in which he stars as a telemarketer who adopts a “white voice” to become a better salesman.
The movie is a modern satire that fearlessly tackles timely issues like race, housing, and economic inequality. Stanfield is a great lead for the story and is backed up by a strong supporting cast. The movie’s surreal style makes it impossible to categorize but it is a brilliantly unique experience.
Dope (2015) (7.2)
Dope is another example of Stanfield teaming with a visionary director for a stylish movie that also addresses some important topics. The film stars Shameik Moore as a brilliant high school student living in a crime-filled neighborhood who accidentally becomes the target of a drug dealer.
The movie is a funny adventure filled with unique characters and a great young cast. Stanfield once again finds nuance in what could have been a very stereotypical role. And the movie manages to say some profound things while being highly entertaining.
Snowden (2016) (7.3)
Stanfield’s talents have often led him to get noticed by renowned filmmakers, such as Oliver Stone in Snowden. Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as Edward Snowden, a man considered by some to be a patriot and others to be a traitor for leaking classified information while working for the NSA. Stanfield has a supporting role as Snowden’s colleague at the NSA.
Stone is known for tackling controversial political subjects in his films and can sometimes be criticized for a lack of subtlety. However, this film presents the story as an engaging thriller with Gordon-Levitt providing a solid lead performance.
Selma (2014) (7.5)
Ava Duvernay cemented herself as one of the most exciting filmmakers working today with her stunning film, Selma. The film depicts the real-life Civil Right march in 1965 led by Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) from Selma to Montgomery. Stanfield is part of a fantastic ensemble as Jimmie Lee Jackson, a real-life figure whose murder by police helped spur the movement.
Duvernay tells the harrowing story on a grand scale making the film feel like a true epic. The real-life heroes are brought to life in an authentic and moving way while showcasing the importance of the march and how there is still haunting similarities to today’s society.
Get Out (2017) (7.7)
Even in a relatively small role, Stanfield is unforgettable. Get Out is Jordan Peele’s brilliant social horror film about an African American man who spends the weekend visiting the family of his Caucasian girlfriend. But despite the warm reception, he begins to feel something is wrong with the situation. Stanfield plays a missing man who comes back in the story in an unexpected way.
The movie made a huge cultural impact when it was released, blowing the minds of audiences with its thought-provoking and twisted ideas. The film expertly mixed humor and horror with shocking twists around every corner. It is an endlessly rewatchable film.
Straight Outta Compton (2015) (7.9)
Music biopics have been a trend in Hollywood in recent years with Straight Outta Compton being a standout in the genre. The film followed the formation and eventual breakup of NWA, the ground-breaking rap group which introduced the world to the likes of Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, and Eazy E. Stanfield has a wonderful supporting role as none other than Snoop Dogg.
The movie successfully captures the attitude and energy of the music being depicted. The cast all do great work as these famous figures and make you invested in this thrilling music saga.
Short Term 12 (2013) (8.0)
Short Term 12 is another small independent film with Stanfield in a supporting role that showcased his talents wonderfully. Brie Larson stars as a young woman working at a facility for risk teens while dealing with the ongoing trauma of her own troubled past. Stanfield plays an older member struggling with starting life outside the facility.
The movie is packed with a talented cast, including Kaitlyn Dever, Rami Malik, and Stephanie Beatriz. Though small in scale, it packs a powerful punch, especially with Larson’s incredible lead performance.
Uncut Gems (2019) (8.1)
Uncut Gems is a very recent release for Stanfield but one that has already found a lot of fans. The movie stars Adam Sandler as a New York City jeweler desperate to make a big score while juggling numerous crises in his life.
The movie comes from the filmmaking duo of Benny and Josh Safdie, among the most exciting talents in the business right now. The movie has been hailed as one of the tensest and nerve-wracking films in recent memory with many saying it is Sandler’s best performance to date.
Knives Out (2019) (8.1)
Knives Out is another 2019 release for Stanfield that has already been warmly embraced by audiences. The Rian Johnson film is a throwback to old whodunit murder mysteries about a rich author who dies at a family gathering and his dysfunctional family members become the suspects. Stanfield plays a cop involved in the investigation.
Johnson constructed a brilliant mystery that pays homage to stories that have come before while subverting the genre. The all-star ensemble is amazing and hilarious in one of the most entertaining films of the year.
