The late Alan Rickman was a wonderfully talented actor. His distinct, deep, and often monotone voice is remembered through a cast of wonderful characters through which he was able to add a dimension of realism that is rare to witness. The characters that he embodied often commanded the attention of the screen, and the deliverance of his lines transcended the world of the film to hang in the air after he spoke.

This brilliant actor was born in London on the 21st of February 1946. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in the same city, and started his career by performing in live theatre productions. After a lifetime’s worth of incredible accomplishments, Rickman died of pancreatic cancer in 2016. Having been a part of so many top-tier films, it is hard to choose, but here are the very best performances by Alan Rickman, ranked.

7 Rasputin - Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny (1996)

     HBO

Acting alongside Greta Scacchi and Ian McKellen, Rickman plays the titular role of Grigori Rasputin in this HBO biopic. Rickman brings to life this complicated historical figure through a faithful recreation of his story, and his association with Emperor Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra. His portrayal won him a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film, as well as a Primetime Emmy in the same category.

6 Jamie - Truly, Madly, Deeply (1990)

     The Samuel Goldwyn Company

Truly, Madly, Deeply is a 1990 film starring Alan Rickman, Juliet Stevenson, and Jenny Howe. The film tells the story of a woman whose partner returns to live with her as a ghost after his death. The film is a comedy-drama and is both written and directed by Anthony Minghella. Rickman plays Jamie, the warm violin-playing husband who is friends with both the dead and the living. His performance got him nominated for a British Academy Film Award, and the lighter tone of his character distinguishes them from other roles he has played.

5 Sheriff of Nottingham - Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)

     Warner Bros.

This 1991 film stars Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman, and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is directed by Kevin Reynolds and tells the classic tale of the outlaw, Robin Hood, as he is faced against the drunk-with-power Sheriff of Nottingham. Rickman’s role is filled with seriousness and gravity as he portrays the infamous Sherif. The role in turn won him a British Academy Film Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

4 Colonel Brandon - Sense and Sensibility (1995)

     Sony Pictures Releasing

Sense and Sensibility is a 1995 film directed by Ang Lee, also known for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Life of Pi, and Brokeback Mountain. The film stars Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, and James Fleet, while Rickman plays a supporting role as Colonel Brandon. The romantic drama tells the story of two women and their quest for love after their descent from riches, following their exclusion from their father’s inheritance. For Rickman’s role, he was nominated for both a Screen Actors Guild Award and a British Academy Film Award.

3 Harry - Love Actually (2003)

     Universal Pictures

In Love Actually, one of the best romantic comedies of the early 2000s, Rickman is cast in this ensemble, which follows the lives and relationships of eight different couples. The film is set in London during the month leading up to Christmas, and is the brainchild of Richard Curtis, who both wrote and directed the film. The movie was nominated for Golden Globes for Best Screenplay and Best Comedy or Musical Motion Picture, and remains one of the greatest rom-coms of the past two decades.

2 Severus Snape - Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)

     Warner Bros. Pictures

Rickman’s role as Snape in the Harry Potter series is one for the record books. The character is pivotal in the progression of the narrative, and was a hugely important cast addition for the creators. Alan Rickman brought all that was needed, and much more. His sly, dark, and looming cadence makes Snape one of the most memorable characters of the entire series. His performance here solidifies his place as one of the greats.

His role is featured in all eight of the Harry Potter films, and after working with the same actors for more than ten years, the chemistry between him and the rest of the cast is second to none. Rickman was absolutely stunning in the series and his performance will continue to live on as one of the best in the incredibly successful series.

1 Hans Gruber - Die Hard (1988)

     20th Century Fox

The 1988 action film Die Hard marks Rickman’s first appearance in a feature-length film, and also one of his best. Director of Predator, John McTiernan, cast Rickman as Hans Gruber, a German terrorist who takes hostages at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles. Playing opposite Rickman in this hit-80s action flick is Bruce Willis. Rickman does a beautiful job of portraying the villain in this film, and acts as a great counter balance to the hero. His performance here helps create one of the best action movies of the ’80s, and another addition to the enormous legacy that is Alan Rickman.