Robert Douglas Thomas Pattinson, better known as Robert Pattinson, is an English actor who has gained worldwide fame by starring as Edward Cullen in the Twilight film series. The actor is known for taking on risky roles that stretch the boundaries of his craft.
Pattinson began his career with television movie Ring of the Nibelungs (2004) and played Cedric in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005). From working with independent directors to established names, Pattinson has experimented with all kinds of roles, genres, and settings. In 2010, he was named one of the 100 most influential people by Time magazine.
As his next movie, Mickey 17, arrives in 2025, fans can check the list below that features some of Pattinson’s best work so far.
Cosmopolis, The Rover, and other best movies of Robert Pattinson
1) The Lighthouse (2019) - Amazon Prime Video
Directed by Robert Eggers and starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, The Lighthouse, is a psychological thriller. It revolves around a young lighthouse keeper, Ephraim (Pattinson) who begins his job under the direction of senior sailor Thomas (Dafoe) and soon begins to have strange visions. The movie has received acclaim for both Dafoe and Pattinson’s acting.
In the movie, Robert Pattinson plays the character Ephraim—who has a traumatic past—with perfect sincerity. Even with few dialogues in the beginning, Pattinson is able to reflect Ephraim’s emotions beautifully, especially when he becomes maniacal as the story progresses.
2) How to Be (2008) - Amazon Video
How to Be is an independent comedy drama where Robert Pattinson gives a delightful performance. Directed by Oliver Irving, the movie follows the story of a young man named Art, who is having a quarter-life crisis.
In the movie, Art suffers a dead-end job, a heartbreak, and then moves back to his neglectful parents. As a protagonist, Robert Pattinson portrays optimism in a believable way and plays the affable character perfectly. Art’s journey towards balancing his life, therefore feels watchable and even enjoyable.
3) Cosmopolis (2012) - Amazon Prime Video
Cosmopolis is a drama film that shows the depth and breadth of Pattinson’s range and nuance. Directed by David Cronenberg, the movie has a simple premise where a billionaire, Eric (Pattinson), rides his limousine through Manhattan to get a haircut.
During this mundane ride, he comes across various incidents involving social unrest and personal strife, where Robert Pattinson delivers his misanthropic and detached comments. Even in a cynical movie like this one, Pattinson does not feel pretentious and takes on the New York persona beautifully.
4) The King (2019) - Netflix
Directed by David Michôd, The King is a historical epic based on William Shakespeare’s King Henry plays. Starring Timothée Chalamet, the movie chronicles the rise of King Henry V (Chalamet) as his father dies and leaves him behind to tackle politics and war at a young age.
Known for taking on experimental roles, Robert Pattinson portrays Louis, The Dauphin of France. Pattinson delivers one of the most arresting and dynamic performances as he plays an egoistic and eccentric character with charming ease. While the movie has received mixed reviews, Pattinson’s performance is a must-watch.
5) The Rover (2014) - Amazon Prime Video
Another film by David Michôd, The Rover is a dystopian western film that features Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson. Set in a world where there has been a global economic shutdown, the movie takes place in Australia’s desert outback.
Pearce essays the role of Eric, who has gotten his car stolen by fugitives, while Pattinson plays Rey, one of the fugitives left behind to die. As Pearce breaks all hell loose to get back his car, he and Rey form a bond of trust. Pattinson potrays the childlike and stuttering character with honesty, never turning it into something ludicrous.
6) The Lost City of Z (2016) - Amazon Prime Video
Based on a book by David Grann, The Lost City of Z is a biographical adventure film that follows the life of British explorer Percy Fawcett, who tried several times to find an ancient, lost city in Brazil. While Charlie Hunnam stars as protagonist Fawcett, Pattinson plays his fellow explorer Henry Costin.
The movie showcases Robert Pattinson’s strength in taking on supporting roles, where he is still able to steal the screen. As Fawcett’s confident aide, Pattinson lends an air of dignity to the role. As driven as Fawcett, Pattinson’s Costin knows where to draw the line and Pattinson expresses that dilemma wonderfully.
7) Good Time (2017) - Amazon Prime Video
A neo-noir crime thriller, Good Time, is directed by Josh and Benny Safdie. The plot revolves around a criminal, Connie Nikas (Pattinson), who tries to free his disabled brother from police custody while also avoiding his own arrest. Critically praised, the movie is hectic and fast-paced and Pattinson embodies that within himself.
Robert Pattinson’s role plunges morally deeper and deeper. The actor perfectly expresses the cold determination and charming connivance needed to portray such a character.
Robert Pattinson's fans must go through this list and watch his powerful performances. From playing a criminal to a suave billionaire, the seven different characters mentioned above keep the viewers hooked to the screens.