Timothée Chalamet’s Top 5 Films According to Critics

Timothée Chalamet has built a reputation for never sticking to just one type of role. Whether he’s fronting a coming-of-age tale or leading a blockbuster sci-fi, he’s shown a knack for picking projects that let him flex his acting chops. Since his breakout, he’s consistently delivered performances that have kept punters and critics alike keen to see what he’ll do next. Here’s a look at five of his most acclaimed films, ranked by their Rotten Tomatoes scores.

Wonka (2023) – 82%

Plenty of folks were sceptical about Chalamet stepping into the shoes of the famous chocolatier, but the film ended up winning over audiences. Directed by Paul King, this musical explores the early days of a young, hopeful Willy Wonka. Instead of focusing on the character’s oddball side, Chalamet’s take is warm and upbeat. He’s called it the most physically demanding role he’s ever tackled, saying:

I can’t say the singing and dancing comes easy. I’ve been around musical theatre my whole life, and danced a little bit in high school, but this was on a different level. It’s different doing it on film. You’ve got to keep being in the centre of the frame while dancing, you’ve got to rehearse for months, you’ve got to be on for every take—take 12 and all the other takes—and dance with professional dancers, who are icing their ankles. That’s how serious they were taking it. So it was a big challenge.

Chalamet didn’t try to copy Gene Wilder or Johnny Depp. Instead, he brought his own spin to the role, grounding the story and making Wonka’s journey feel genuine. The film’s success owes a lot to his performance.

Dune (2021) – 83%

Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic novel is a slow-burn epic, drawing viewers into the world of Arrakis. Chalamet plays Paul Atreides, a young bloke weighed down by expectations he’s only just starting to grasp. When asked if his role as Henry V in The King helped him prepare, he said:

Yes and no. Hal was a bit of a philanderer, they call him “the wh*ring fool” and he’s lived a life of immorality around the central Christian moral doctrine of the times. That’s the beginning of his arc. Paul is not starting from an amoral place. He’s starting 15, 16 years old, and he’s not totally naive or innocent. He is very much a boy, but by the end of the movie… there’s the coming of age into adulthood alongside a greater purpose.

Chalamet nails the shift from uncertainty to a sense of destiny, using subtle expressions to show Paul’s inner turmoil. The film sets the stage for a much bigger story, with Chalamet’s performance at its heart.

Dune: Part Two (2024) – 92%

The sequel ramps up the action, diving deeper into war and prophecy. Chalamet’s character faces a tough choice, as he explained:

He’s torn in two directions, one that makes sense to him from perhaps a more human perspective, a path of responsibility to Chani, of personal growth, being held accountable the way you would be if you were accepted amongst the new people and adopted in some ways. And this other path that’s almost the complete opposite, that’s assertive and destructive and messianic and all things he’s sort of reluctant to be. At some point, he’s put on a split path and has to make a choice.

Chalamet’s portrayal of Paul’s transformation is striking. He shifts from a hesitant young man to a commanding leader, with every aspect of his performance reflecting the change. The film’s finale is a standout, thanks in large part to his work.

Call Me By Your Name (2017) – 95%

Directed by Luca Guadagnino, this coming-of-age story is set in 1980s Italy. Chalamet plays Elio, whose summer romance with Oliver is both passionate and heartbreaking. The film is known for its realism and emotional restraint, with Chalamet’s understated performance earning him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. He captures Elio’s longing and vulnerability with minimal dialogue, making the character’s journey feel universal.

Marty Supreme (2025) – 95%

Though it’s yet to hit cinemas, Marty Supreme is already being talked up as one of the year’s most confident releases. Chalamet takes on the role of Marty Mauser, inspired by real-life table tennis hustler Marty Reisman. This time, he dials up the bravado, showing off Marty’s sharp tongue and obsession with winning. The promos have been a laugh, and Chalamet’s commitment to the part is clear. It’s a sports drama that digs into not just the hard work, but also the ego and legacy of its main character.

Chalamet’s Range on Display

Across these roles, Chalamet has anchored each story with authenticity and depth. He’s not just a flash in the pan, but an actor building a legacy with every new project. Which of these films do you reckon is his best?