When you think of the most memorable actors of all time, the first names that come to mind are probably legends like Clint Eastwood, Marlon Brando and Dame Judi Dench. While these performers have certainly left an incredible mark on the world, there’s a lot to be said about more underrated actors like Hayden Christensen.
Starting with his iconic breakout role as Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise, Christensen boasts a Grade-A collection of films under his belt. He’s proven his range, showed the world his ability to voice act ,and received critical acclaim for some of his work. While we wait to see what he brings to the table in the upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka series — the former releases May 27, while the latter recently began production — let’s look at Hayden Christensen’s best films thus far.
7 The Virgin Suicides
Via: Paramount Pictures
This devastating movie is probably the most sobering on this list, and Christensen is featured in a highly talented ensemble cast. We’re introduced to five teenage sisters who feel trapped and smothered under their extremely strict Catholic parents’ control. When one of the sisters attempts suicide, their parents crack down even harder, further isolating the girls and sending them down a path of depression and tragedy. Told from the perspective of the neighborhood boys who secretly loved them, The Virgin Suicides was doomed never to see a fairy tale ending.
6 First Kill
Via: Grindstone Entertainment
One of Christensen’s more recent works, First Kill showcases him as Will, a busy Wall Street broker and distant father and husband. When he learns that his son is being bullied at school, he takes his family to his remote hometown in Ohio for a bit of family bonding. Things quickly spiral out of control when the trio finds themselves in the crosshairs of a robbery going horribly wrong. The action simply never stops in this film, and the whole cast exudes fantastic chemistry with one another. Christensen in particular undergoes a remarkable character arc and proves himself to be a very dedicated father to his troubled son.
5 Takers
Via: Screen Gems
The intense 2010 thriller Takers saw Christensen as a member of a powerful heist crew, which specialized in huge, elaborate jobs. After their last job went south, the crew manages to reunite for a $12 million heist; however, things quickly go awry as the team is under investigation by a duo of seasoned detectives. The whole ride will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the cast’s wicked performances earned several awards and nominations. Acclaimed author Stephen King even referred to it as one of his top ten movies of the year, per EW, specifically remarking that the armored car chase was the best heist action sequence of 2010.
4 Life as a House
Via: New Line Cinema
This gripping, emotional drama follows George, a once-renowned architect who loses his job only to be diagnosed with terminal cancer shortly afterward. Upon learning that he doesn’t have much time to live, he decides to build his own custom home to reconnect with his ex-wife and distant son. While tense at first, the family gradually finds their way back together and several community members unite with them in the process. It’s every bit as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking, but Christensen portrays George’s struggles and triumphs quite aptly.
3 Jumper
Via: Regency Enterprises
Another fascinating role for the talented actor, Jumper starred Christensen as David Rice, a man with a supernatural ability to teleport via ‘jumping’. At the beginning of the film, David uses his powers to rob banks and fund his ultra-comfortable lifestyle; as the story progresses, we learn that he’s being hunted by a fanatical group that will stop at nothing to end his blasphemous existence.
2 Shattered Glass
Via: Cruise/Wagner Productions
The biographical drama Shattered Glass stars Christensen as former journalist Stephen Glass and weaves the scandalous narrative of his time with The New Republic magazine. After gaining immense popularity in the industry for his entertaining stories, Glass finds himself under speculation without evidence to back up his work. His downfall is played with beautiful authenticity by Christensen, who was nominated for a Satellite Award for the role.
1 The Star Wars Franchise
Lucasfilm Ltd.
Easily the most recognizable saga in Christensen’s repertoire, he first took to the screen as Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones back in 2002. After showing us Anakin’s difficulties with the Jedi Order and his love story with Padmé, he would reprise the role in Episode III — Revenge of the Sith. This film showed us Anakin’s transformation into the most iconic Sith Lord in history: Darth Vader. Christensen did a fantastic job showing the subdued yet furious emotional battle within his character, and his chemistry with Obi-Wan, Chancellor Palpatine, and Senator Amidala felt very natural.
