Whether he is using his mind powers as a mutant or being the voice of a garden gnome, James McAvoy is always incredibly entertaining in his performances. The Scotsman is a truly gifted actor, and the last decade really saw him come into his own as a performer.
However, even though the last decade saw him land some significant roles, James McAvoy got his first big opportunity in 1999. Since then, he has been turning in tremendous performances, being part of several major franchises along the way.
But what is his best movie? Well, in this list we are about to find out, as we rank James McAvoy’s 10 greatest films, according to their rating by Rotten Tomatoes.
The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe (76%)
As we mentioned, James McAvoy has been part of several major franchises throughout his career, and one of those is The Chronicles Of Narnia, which saw the famous books finally turned into major motion pictures. McAvoy stars in these movies, as the popular and loveable Mr. Tumnus.
Out of the franchise, it is unsurprisingly, The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe, which has the highest rating, scoring 76% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film does an amazing job of turning the book into reality with a wonderful and whimsical environment and a real magical feel that made this movie incredibly popular.
Split (77%)
Next on the list is Split, which is a movie that really highlights just how talented James McAvoy is as an actor. Showing his true layers as he performs as a character with split personalities, being able to perform as countless different people at the same time.
The movie forces McAvoy to play a wide variety of characters within one person, and he does an amazing job with it. Each character feels totally different and has a completely unique personality, which is clear right from the start due to his tremendous performance.
Atomic Blonde (78%)
The thriller Atomic Blonde takes place in Germany’s Berlin, set on the eve of the Berlin Wall’s collapse. Starring Charlize Theron and James McAvoy, the duo are forced to work together to undercover why an MI6 agent has just been killed, having to take down an espionage ring.
The two of them come together perfectly, unleashing all of their skills in what is an excellent thriller movie. The two actors put in strong performances in a film that is full of fantastic action as well as gripping and intense moments at the same time.
Strings (80%)
Strings is a fascinating movie that really is incredibly unique. With all of the characters in the movie being marionettes, it isn’t going to be to everyone’s taste, and it is one that many people haven’t actually seen. However, this fantasy-action movie really is tremendous.
Telling the tale of Hal Tara, the son of a slain rule who is trying to settle the score with those who dispatched his father, the movie takes viewers on an incredible journey. James McAvoy voices Hal within the movie and does a fantastic job of bringing emotion and heart to a film utilizing marionettes.
Atonement (83%)
Next on the list is Atonement, with a rating of 83% by Rotten Tomatoes. The film, which is based on a novel, is set in 1935 and is a romantic movie with Robbie (James McAvoy) declaring his love for Cecilia (Keira Knightley). However, there are complications when Briony accuses Robbie of a crime he didn’t commit.
The movie is a gripping one that sees the complications and difficulties that love can bring. The story was truly gripping and both Knightley and McAvoy were heavily praised for their performances, having excellent on-screen chemistry that only enhanced the entire movie.
X-Men: First Class (86%)
The first X-Men movie on this list was the first time that James McAvoy joined the franchise as a young Professor Charles, and it was another excellent performance from him. Seeing the character right at the beginning of his journey, learning how he ended up in his wheelchair was a fascinating story, and McAvoy did it very well.
Having to fill the shoes of Sir Patrick Stewart was always going to be difficult, yet he managed to do a great job at it. The film really did help keep the X-Men franchise alive, with X-Men: First Class being well worth its 86% rating from Rotten Tomatoes.
The Last King Of Scotland (87%)
The film The Last King Of Scotland really is a tremendous movie, but it is all about the performance of Forrest Whitaker above anything else. However, James McAvoy also has a huge role to play in this movie as he is the Scottish doctor, who is on a Ugandan medical mission.
He becomes entangled with Whitaker’s character, Idi Amin, with the two of them bringing excellent performances to this film. While Dr. Garrigan is at first pleased to be Amin’s personal physician, it quickly becomes clear that he isn’t what he seems, and Garrigan attempts to right the wrongs and escape Uganda without being murdered or trapped for life.
X-Men: Days Of Future Past (90%)
Back to the X-Men franchise now, with X-Men: Days Of Future Past, which scored 90% with Rotten Tomatoes. This movie once again saw the young versions of people’s beloved characters appear; however, this film made the smart decision of blending in the original actors as well.
Being a time travel film, Days Of Future Past is jam-packed with acting talent and some amazing characters. It is almost like the Avengers of the X-Men movies, with so many different characters blending into one action-packed and thrilling movie.
Starter For 10 (90%)
Next on the list is Starter For 10, which has a tremendous cast and brings James McAvoy together with Benedict Cumberbatch in what was a truly important performance for both of them. The movie is set around McAvoy’s character, Brian Jackson attempting to make it to the University Challenge finals.
The movie does an excellent job of tackling class boundaries in the UK and the need for people to break them down. His character becomes smitten with one of his teammates, and he does everything in his power to woo her throughout the movie.
Arthur Christmas (92%)
That’s right, out of everything he has done and all the amazing performances James McAvoy has turned in, it is a voice-over performance that helped create his best movie. The popular festive film, Arthur Christmas has an amazing 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is often called one of the best movies ever made for the holidays.
In this film, McAvoy provides the voice for the lead role, Arthur as the movie tackles the question of how Santa actually delivers every present in just one single evening. The answer behind it is Santa’s high-tech operation at the heart of the North Pole, and in this film, Arthur ends up on an urgent mission to help save Christmas!
