With Benedict Cumberbatch set to star in the highly anticipated dramatic comedy The Roses, fans are eager to see his take on a new kind of role. While he’s renowned for his portrayals of historical figures and superheroes, this film promises to showcase his ability to navigate the complex dynamics of a relationship, which releases in India on 29th August, 2025.
To get a sense of his incredible range, from dramatic intensity to comedic flair, here are five must-watch films from his career to watch before you see him on screen again.
The Imitation Game (2014): In this film, Cumberbatch delivers a career-defining performance as Alan Turing, the brilliant but socially isolated mathematician who led a team to crack the Nazi’s Enigma code during World War II. The film showcases his exceptional ability to convey deep-seated conflict and vulnerability beneath an outwardly logical and detached persona. His performance is a testament to how he can bring nuance to a character who is often at odds with the world around him.
The Power of the Dog (2021): As the cruel and charismatic rancher Phil Burbank, Cumberbatch transforms completely, embodying a character filled with simmering rage and repressed emotion. This Western drama earned him an Academy Award nomination, and it’s a stunning example of his ability to command a scene with quiet intensity and a menacing physicality. Watching this film shows his incredible range, proving he can play a truly unlikable character while still hinting at a tragic inner world.
Doctor Strange (2016): In this Marvel blockbuster, Cumberbatch brings his signature dry humor and intellectual arrogance to the role of Dr. Stephen Strange, a brilliant but self-centered surgeon. The film beautifully chronicles his journey from a man who has it all to one who must embrace humility and self-sacrifice. His sharp comedic timing and ability to portray a compelling personal arc make this a great watch.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011): While part of a phenomenal ensemble cast, Cumberbatch delivers a memorable performance as Peter Guillam, the loyal and anxious second-in-command to Gary Oldman’s George Smiley. His work in this slow-burn spy thriller is a masterclass in non-verbal acting; he conveys immense tension and anxiety through small, controlled gestures and expressions. This role highlights his skill in reacting to the performances of others and holding his own in a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere.
Atonement (2007): For an early but powerfully unsettling dramatic role. Before he was a global star, Cumberbatch played Paul Marshall in a small but pivotal part that is both memorable and chilling. His character, a creepy and predatory figure, demonstrates his ability to play a completely unsympathetic and sinister role. It’s a powerful showcase of his versatility and range, proving that he can make an impactful impression in just a few scenes.
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