Widely recognized as Doctor Octopus in the Spider-Man franchise, Alfred Molina has a filmography that extends far beyond the superhero cinema. Here are six of his best movies, which show his acting talent.
6. Love Is Strange – IMDb: 6.7
Directed by Ira Sachs, ‘Love Is Strange‘ (2014) is an American romantic drama that stars Molina as George Garea, a Catholic school music teacher who faces struggles due to his same-sex marriage. Screening at the Berlin International Film Festival, the film garnered widespread critical praise. It has a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 82/100 on Metacritic, lauded for the performances of John Lithgow and Molina.
5. Prick Up Your Ears – IMDb: 7.1
‘Prick Up Your Ears‘ (1987) is a British film by Stephen Frears, exploring the life of playwright Joe Orton. Molina’s performance as Kenneth Halliwell, alongside Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Orton, received high praise. With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 95% and commendations from critics like Roger Ebert, the film blends drama with noteworthy acting. Vanessa Redgrave’s supporting role also earned critical acclaim and several award nominations.
4. Enchanted April – IMDb: 7.3
In ‘Enchanted April‘ (1991), Molina joins an ensemble cast as Mellersh Wilkins, adapting Elizabeth von Arnim’s novel. The film, premiering at the London Film Festival, earned an 85% Rotten Tomatoes rating. Critical consensus praises the film for its narrative pace and strong performances, including those by Miranda Richardson and Joan Plowright.
3. Chocolat – IMDb: 7.3
Based on Joanne Harris’s novel, Lasse Hallström’s ‘Chocolat‘ (2000) features Molina in a notable supporting role as Comte de Reynaud, the mayor. Starting with a limited release, the film eventually received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. It received a mixed response from critics, with its 63% Rotten Tomatoes score and 64/100 on Metacritic, but was appreciated for its charm and Juliette Binoche’s performance.
2. An Education – IMDb: 7.3
Directed by Lone Scherfig, ‘An Education‘ (2009) is a coming-of-age drama adapted from Lynn Barber’s memoir. The film, nominated for three Academy Awards, includes Molina in its cast as Jack Mellor, Jenny’s father. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and later featured in various other festivals. With a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 85/100 on Metacritic, the film has been praised for its storytelling and Carey Mulligan’s performance.
1. Frida – IMDb: 7.3
Julie Taymor’s ‘Frida‘ (2002) chronicles the life of artist Frida Kahlo. Molina plays Diego Rivera, Kahlo’s husband, alongside Salma Hayek’s Oscar-nominated portrayal of Kahlo. The film won two Academy Awards and received positive reviews, holding a 76% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 61/100 on Metacritic. It is praised for its vivid depiction of Kahlo’s life and artistic influence.
