Top Daniel Day-Lewis Movies That Prove He’s Hollywood’s Greatest Actor

When it comes to method acting legends, Daniel Day-Lewis is in a league of his own. Known for disappearing into characters and giving performances that feel almost too real, Day-Lewis has left behind a filmography as rare as it is brilliant. Even though he retired from acting in 2017, his legacy is cemented through roles that won him Oscars, critical acclaim, and a loyal fanbase. Here are the Daniel Day-Lewis movies that prove why he’s considered the greatest of his generation.

1. There Will Be Blood (2007)

Day-Lewis plays Daniel Plainview, a ruthless oilman whose ambition devours everything in sight. Haunting and unforgettable, this role won him his second Academy Award for Best Actor.

2. Lincoln (2012)

In Spielberg’s Lincoln, he became the 16th President with uncanny precision. This performance earned him his third Best Actor Oscar, making history.

3. My Left Foot (1989)

As Christy Brown, an Irish writer with cerebral palsy, Day-Lewis won his first Academy Award—a performance that demanded both physical and emotional depth.

4. Gangs of New York (2002)

As Bill “The Butcher” Cutting, he created one of cinema’s most unforgettable villains, outshining even Leonardo DiCaprio.

5. Phantom Thread (2017)

His final film before retirement, where he played a perfectionist fashion designer. Subtle, layered, and mesmerizing.

6. The Last of the Mohicans (1992)

An epic romance and action drama where he starred as Hawkeye. His performance added heart and grit to Michael Mann’s sweeping historical tale.

7. The Age of Innocence (1993)

In this Martin Scorsese classic, Day-Lewis played a conflicted New York layer torn between duty and passion—a role that proved his quiet intensity was just as powerful as his louder ones.

8. In the Name of the Father (1993)

Playing a wrongfully convicted Irish man, Day-Lewis gave a devastating performance that earned him another Oscar nomination.

9. The Boxer (1997)

As a former IRA member turned boxer trying to rebuild his life, Day-Lewis delivered raw emotion mixed with steely resolve.

10. A Room with a View (1985)

One of his earliest roles, where he played Cecil Vyse, a stiff upper-class gentleman, already showcasing his ability to fully inhabit even supporting characters.

Whether you’re diving into the epics or savoring his quieter dramas, these Daniel Day-Lewis movies prove why he’s considered one of the greatest actors to ever step on screen. Three Oscars, countless unforgettable performances, and a legacy no one’s likely to top.