13 Best Robert Pattinson Movies: Pattinson’s Gritty Breakout Performances

The Robert Pattinson movies changed our definition of a vampire years ago. 

Everyone is familiar with the name ‘Edward Cullen’, the most charming and handsome vampire. From being scared of bloodthirsty creatures to drooling over the handsome pale face, let’s admit our generations got ruined by the wild imagination (not complaining though). Hey hey wait, before you start daydreaming again, let me remind you our man is more than just a handsome face now. Robert Pattinson as an actor has come a long way from being the pretty vampire to the bankable versatile actor who can be trusted with any character.

Twilight Franchise Stardom definitely helped him as he utilized his popularity to land some challenging roles and consciously decided not to get typecasted. He donned some indie classic roles for movies like The Light House and The Lost City of Z. It is a shame if you still know him as a teen heartthrob, so here are some of the best Robert Pattinson movies you must add to your watch list.

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Though the actor proved himself before 2019 if anyone had any doubt regarding Pattinson’s acting skills, his performance in The Lighthouse is the answer. The movie is shot in black and white which adds to the dark and eery theme and in the lead with Pattinson is veteran actor Willem Dafoe. The Lighthouse is counted among the best movies of Willem Dafoe’s career. 

The movie relies heavily on the actors’ capability to emote the emotions of paranoia and restlessness of two lighthousekeepers who have to stay together during the toughest hours of the night. The storyline perfectly balances between thriller, mystery, and humorous interactions between the duo. 

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 90%

This Robert Pattinson movie is part of his critical career time when the actor was busy establishing his worth beyond the tag of ‘Twilight Star.’ The crime drama Good Time definitely gave the actor a good time in his career as even after years of release the movie is counted among the best Robert Pattinson movies. 

The plot revolves around two brothers Connie Nikas and Nick Nikas, played by Pattinson and Benny Safdie respectively. They get involved in a bank robbery and Nick gets arrested. The rest of the movie follows Connie’s desperate efforts to get his brother bailed out which leads him to some dangerous and even criminal encounters. The neon-lit cinematography of the movie stands out and transports you to another cinematic universe.

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 91%

The historical drama starring Timothee Chalamet as Hal, the heir to the English throne. An actor’s skills are put to the test when they have to appear in a period drama. The movie is based on the life of King Henry V of England and how the early death of his father led to the young prince’s struggles to safeguard the throne.

Among all the movies Robert Pattinson has starred in, The King portrays him in full glory. Pattinson’s edgy character adds the much-needed dark humorous twist to Shakespeare’s adaptation. His antagonist character Louis is French and Pattinson mastered the accent for the convincing portrayal of the role. Did you notice the irony? Chalamet is French in real life and portrays the English Prince while Pattinson is English and portrays the French character.

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 71%

The sci-fi adventure movie saw Pattinson in a soft fatherly role. His character Monte is a prisoner turned astronaut who is part of a science experiment taking place far beyond our solar system. The group of criminals has been enlisted to take part in a human reproduction experiment but things start going downhill when their ship is hit by UV rays and starts going into a black hole. 

With only Monte and his toddler daughter alive, he has to safeguard them both for the sake of the innocent life before him. The character development of Monte is worth watching the movie as Pattinson did an excellent job in portraying both a convict and a loving father in the same character. Bonus points for the engaging and gripping storyline.

IMDb Rating: 5.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 82%

Robert Pattinson’s The Batman brought a more human touch to the superhero character. The actor’s casting as Batman grabbed a lot of limelight and like every new change was not welcomed wholeheartedly before the movie’s release. But Pattinson made sure to make people fall in love with him all over again with Matt Reeve’s The Batman. 

This time Bruce Wayne can be seen struggling with maintaining his dual personality. His childhood traumas start reflecting in his adult life. Among all the Batman movies, this one explored more of the detective side of Batman rather than keeping him under the cowl and cape. The Batman trended all year long and successfully made it the year of goth.

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 85%

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The movie is a multi-starrer with Charlie Hunnam and Tom Holland in the lead as Percy Fawcett and Jack Fawcett. The Lost City of Z is based on the real story of a British explorer, Percy Fawcett, played by Hunnam. The movie might not necessarily be a Robert Pattinson movie but the actor shined through his role of Henry Costin. 

Costin’s character is often found split between his choice to stay loyal to Fawcett and continue the journey or to be practical and quit the deadly expedition. Pattinson did an excellent job of portraying the character in a convincing manner. Costin’s dilemma feels relatable at various points and you will find yourself sympathizing with the character.

IMDb Rating: 6.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 86%

Damsel is one of the most underrated Robert Pattinson movies. But Pattinson seems to have become the kind of actor who just wants to be part of some good movies and not care about the numbers. The underrated gem deserves much recognition as the story is nothing like what we come across regularly. Starring opposite Pattinson’s Samuel Alabaster is Mia Wasikowska’s Penelope.

The movie has multiple twists and turns (some dark ones as well) that will keep you occupied till the last minute. Samuel is an interesting character who travels miles and even prepares gifts to propose to the love of his life, Penelope, only to be rejected by her. I am struggling to not spill any spoilers right now but you have to watch the movie not just for Pattinson but for the whole creative masterpiece. 

IMDb Rating: 6.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 86%

This Robert Pattinson movie laid the foundation for the actor’s bankability as a versatile actor. The Rover came right after Twilight when Pattinson earned a name for himself as the Twilight actor. We are now used to Pattinson playing subtle and raw characters but this is where it all started.

The movie is set in the neo-noir backdrop of Australia where the society is under the effect of a global economic collapse even after a decade. Guy Pearce plays the character of a lonely guy named Eric who is struggling in every aspect of his life. When a group of thieves steal his car, they leave behind one of their half-witted brothers, Rey, played by Pattinson. Eric decides to provide shelter to Rey and take him in as his companion to look for the stolen car.

IMDb Rating: 6.4/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 68%

The movies of Robert Pattinson always amaze us and here is another masterpiece where Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson shared screen space is the psychological crime thriller The Devil All the Time. The movie has an enchanting yet creepy gothic vibe with good-looking men with Southern accents behaving terribly throughout. The plot is well thought out and executed with even better cinematography.

In all the Robert Pattinson movies where he is not playing the lead, his acting and talent for cutting deep into the skin of any character makes him shine in the crowd. Though Pattinson’s character of Preston Teagardin is nothing different from other male characters. Preston also craves power and nothing else but Pattinson portrays the character and his emotions so well you might feel his wants are justified and sympathize with Preston. 

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 65%

The movie is emotionally draining as it depicts the life of a child, who is forced to grow up in a factory-made manner to meet the requirements of becoming a fascist leader. The movie is inspired by a short story by Jean-Paul Sartre from 1939. Though once again Pattinson was not in the lead, The Childhood of a Leader is another testimony of the actor being hungry for creative roles rather than fame. 

All the movies Robert Pattinson has been a part of got him the characters that bring depth to the story. He plays the character of Charles Marker, a family friend (maybe more than that) of the political family. He is a free spirit in a world of strictness and baseless rules. He carries the character really well and oozes undeniable charm.

IMDb Rating: 6.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 90%

Cosmopolis was just the perfect project for Robert Pattinson to break his image of the handsome vampire. He looked jaw-droppingly handsome as the young millionaire but more human this time with a wide range of emotions and real struggles. The whole movie takes place in a Limo and proceeds quickly with the story. When a seemingly normal day of a millionaire is challenged by unforeseen events, he starts questioning his principles and morality. Among all the movies of Robert Pattinson, this one is a thought-provoking journey for the viewers as well.

IMDb Rating: 5.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 67%

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This is where it all started. The Robert Pattinson movies that made him the heartthrob among the younger generation is his character of Edward. The fantasy romance cemented his presence in the industry, but his hunger for creative work as an actor made him the versatile king we see today. He very well utilized his Twilight fame to reach out for more creative work and decided not to stick to a comfort zone.

IMDb Rating: 5.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 49%

This Christopher Nolan movie is just what you would expect from a Christopher Nolan movie. The box office collection of Tenet suffered due to the pandemic and delayed release but the movie is worth every second if you are into the complex world of Nolan.

Most of the audience (including me) who watched Tenet have no idea what is happening in the movie. Is something happening? Is it something deep that only masterminds can crack? I have no idea but the story is definitely some high-end shit and should not be missed in the list of best Robert Pattinson movies. 

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 69%

Conclusion

Robert Pattinson is the prime example of not letting one’s stardom get to their head. After the overwhelming fame received after Twilight, it could have been an easy ride as an actor to stick to his comfort zone but all the Robert Pattinson movies prove his dedication as an actor. He took up even the smallest of roles if it meant to challenge his acting skills. It is not often that we are gifted with actors like Pattinson. He has two most awaited projects coming up Micky 17 and The Batman 2 and we can’t wait to witness what he brings to the table this time.

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