Philip Seymour Hoffman was the type of actor who could steal every scene that he was a part of. He had a gift of completely becoming each character that he took on through his emotion and physicality. No matter how minor the role was, Hoffman would give it everything he had. Case in point, Hoffman is only on-screen for less than 10 minutes in Punch-Drunk Love, and yet his intimidating, nasty, yet frumpy weasel of a character is one of the greatest parts of the Paul Thomas Anderson film with Adam Sandler.
We watched him tackle several genres of cinema throughout his career. Hoffman proved his comedic capabilities while playing the struggling actor Sandy Lile in Along Came Polly, as well as countless comic bit parts in films like State and Main, The Big Lebowski, and The Boat That Rocked. As a dramatic actor, Hoffman was untouchable. He would go on to be nominated for four Academy Awards, winning in 2006 for his performance of Truman Capote in Capote. He could even play a traditional ‘baddie’ in ways more villainous than most other performers, as attested to by Mission Impossible III.
Updated November 16th, 2022: If you’re a fan of the late and great Philip Seymour Hoffman, you’ll be happy to know that this article has been updated with additional content and titles.
Hoffman was born in Rochester, New York and had a strong passion for acting from a very young age. In 1989, Hoffman received a degree in drama from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. From there, he worked in off-Broadway theater while supporting himself with customer service jobs. Hoffman made his television debut in 1991 on Law and Orderand began to receive recognition after playing a spoiled prep school student in Scent Of A Woman. Hoffman’s career took off, and he delivered several iconic roles that will stand the test of time. Unfortunately, Hoffman passed away in 2014, but his legacy will live on as one of the greatest actors of all time. Let’s take a look at his best performances, ranked.
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9 The Ides of March
Sony Pictures Releasing
In George Clooney’s 2011 political drama The Ides of March, Hoffman is brilliant as Paul Zara, a veteran political campaigner who is hired to help Clooney’s character Governor Mike Morris run for president, competing for power and relevancy with the younger junior campaign manager Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling). The seasoned professional clashes with Meyers throughout the film despite serving as his mentor, and Hoffman delivers a scene-stealing performance as the wise and earnest man, superbly demonstrating his on-screen presence especially when he appears alongside Paul Giamatti, who portrays the opposing candidate’s campaign manager.
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Hoffman’s role as the respected spin doctor in The Ides of March was lauded by critics, and he was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. In an interview with The National, the performer expressed, “A job like this is the best of both worlds because it’s a very dramatic, character-driven thing, but with an underlying political element. On set we talked about a lot of things, but we didn’t talk about politics.”
8 The Savages
Fox Searchlight Pictures
For the black dramedy The Savages, Hoffman stars opposite Laura Linney and portrays writer and college professor Jon Savage, who along with his estranged younger sister Wendy join forces to help take care of their ailing father as he battles dementia. The dysfunctional duo must face their past emotional traumas and conflicting feelings for the difficult patriarch, whose emotional and physical abuse led to the siblings completely cutting the man out of their lives.
The multi-layered performances of Hoffman and Linney propel the film, and their chemistry and endearing banter helps lighten the heart-heavy subject matter of the drama. Linney was nominated for an Oscar for her role while Hoffman nabbed a Golden Globe nod; Time Out called the actors “wonderful — underplaying so perfectly that crumpled, bittersweet truths continue to surface.”
7 Magnolia
New Line Cinema
Hoffman was a frequent collaborator of director Paul Thomas Anderson, and in 1999, Hoffman played Phil Parma, a sympathetic nurse caring for a television executive (Jason Robards) in Magnolia. Although it was a supporting role among a vast ensemble cast, Hoffman shines throughout the film and delivered an emotional, endearing character. Parma was a caretaker who genuinely loved to help people and was put to the task of helping his patient reconnect with his estranged son (Tom Cruise).
In one scene towards the end of the film, we watch Parma break down in tears after witnessing one of the most profound moments of life. Hoffman is untouchable and completely honest during this scene, as well as the rest of the film. Anderson always got the best out of Hoffman, making them one of the greatest collaborations ever in Hollywood.
6 The Talented Mr. Ripley
Paramount Pictures
In The Talented Mr. Ripley, Hoffman showed us how a supporting character can steal every scene that they are in. Hoffman plays Freddie Miles, a privileged, womanizing menace who stands as a main threat against Tom Ripley’s plan. Hoffman completely embodies a character who is wealthy and sophisticated as well as crass and immature.
You’re not sure if you are supposed to love or hate Freddy Miles, but either way, he is a joy to watch due to Hoffman’s perfectly scummy performance. Every scene that he is in, Hoffman shines and boosts the sheer entertainment value of a sometimes placid film. His physicality and emotion is top-notch from beginning to end.
5 Doubt
Miramax Films
Doubt, based on the play of the same name, was an epic showcase of talent, a veritable duel between two titans. Hoffman plays Father Brendan Flynn, a charismatic priest who is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a child. The scenes where Flynn is up against his accuser, Sister Aloysius Beauvier (the great Meryl Streep), are extremely emotional and intense.
The chemistry between Hoffman and Streep is top-notch, and they were a joy to watch on screen. Hoffman’s performance is filled with righteous indignation and supposed wisdom, and at the same time, there is a lot behind his eyes that makes you question his actual soul. Hoffman was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
4 Charlie Wilson’s War
Relativity Media
In Charlie Wilson’s War, Hoffman portrays Gust Avrakotos, a passionate CIA operative who isn’t afraid to fight for what’s right. Hoffman’s portrayal of Avrakotos showed us a brilliant operative from a blue-collar background. Avrakotos isn’t afraid to scream at his boss, in one of Hoffman’s best scenes of the film, and shatter his office window due to his team being completely understaffed.
Hoffman is almost completely unrecognizable due to the physicality that he shows on screen. His performance is authentic and passionate as he portrays someone who is not afraid to call out injustice. Hoffman’s portrayal of Avrakotos was one of his greatest performances and earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
3 Synecdoche, New York
Sony Pictures Classics
Hoffman was seemingly the only actor who could have played Caden Cotard, a theater director who spends his entire life created a play that is truly honest, in the great Charlie Kaufman masterpiece Synecdoche, New York. Hoffman’s physically is top-notch as we watch Caden age into an old man before our eyes. The character is heart-breaking at many times as we watch him struggle with loneliness as his relationships fail.
Hoffman mixes comedic moments throughout the film, but it is high-energy, dramatic scenes that truly shine. At the same time, Hoffman portrays a character who is deteriorating due to his bad health. He completely embodies Caden from start to finish, giving us a tragic and thought-provoking character.
2 The Master
Annapurna Pictures
In Paul Thomas Anderson’s The Master, Hoffman plays Lancaster Dodd, the leader of a cult-like organization, who befriends a drifter named Freddy Quells (an amazing, feral Joaquin Phoenix). Hoffman gives a charismatic performance filled with passion and emotion. His relationship and love for Freddy, who is not a particularly likable character, is a joy to watch on screen.
Hoffman completely transforms into Dodd, and showed us a persuasive character teaching questionable methods. In one scene in particular, Dodd sings a heartbreaking song to Freddy filled with emotion. Hoffman brilliantly shows us the love that his character felt for Freddy through song.
1 Capote
It should be no surprise that Hoffman’s portrayal of Truman Capote in Bennett Miller’s film gets the #1 spot on this list; in fact, it’s often near the top of many lists chronicling the best acting performances of all time. Capote was a person with several distinctive personality and physical traits, making him a challenge for any actor to portray on screen. With that said, Hoffman completely nails his performance and, throughout Capote, you may think that you are watching the real Truman Capote.
Every line delivered by Hoffman is a joy to watch, and we feel his pain and passion as he investigates a murder and the killers involved. In one scene in particular, we watch as Capote has a final conversation with the murderers before they are executed. Hoffman gives a perfect performance in this scene as he portrays a man who is heartbroken and conflicted. Hoffman won the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, deservingly so.
