Idris Elba He has been acting for almost three decades and has been part of major franchises and independent dramas, making him one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood. Elba was born in London, England and began acting in the mid-1990s, starting with small roles on British television shows. Idris Elba first gained wider fame with his role as Russell “Stringer” Bell in the acclaimed series The thread. Since then, he has become even better known, for his role as John Luther in the police series Luther to his recent voice acting as Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog series.
Through all his popular roles in prestigious films and TV series, Idris Elba has become a household name and one of the highest-grossing stars in the film industry. Elba has also been nominated for several awards and won many of them, including a Golden Globe and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. Fortunately, several of Idris Elba's best films, along with several TV series, are now available to stream on Netflix. However, several of them will be leaving soon, so audiences should check them out before they leave the streaming service.
1
Luther: The Fallen Sun
A follow-up film to the acclaimed TV series
Luther: The Fallen Sun is a 2023 crime thriller film that serves as a sequel to Idris Elba's role as John Luther in the BBC series Luther. After being arrested for crimes he committed as a detective, Luther must find a way out of prison to investigate a serial killer who is taunting him and other detectives.. To stay out of prison, Luther must track down the serial killer and rescue his former colleague's daughter from the killer's hands.
Luther: The Fallen Sun does a great job following the program's steps, so any Luther fans will be happy to be able to watch the detective's return on Netflix. In addition to Elba's reprisal of his popular character, he is joined by Cynthia Erivo and Andy Serkis, who have showcased their talents in other performances. All in all, the film features great dramatic performances that fans of the series and other action thrillers will love.
2
Beasts without a nation
A gripping war drama
The drama of war Beasts without a nation features Idris Elba in an important but horrible supporting role. Elba's performance is moving, and his casting alongside younger men playing child soldiers shows the harsh realities of war. Following its screening at the Venice International Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, Beasts without a nation was released on Netflix and received critical acclaim. The film currently has a 91% approval rating across the board. Rotten tomatoes.
Beasts without a nation follows the experiences of a boy, Agu, who becomes a child soldier after his country descends into civil war. Idris Elba stars as the commander of the group Agu is placed into, who is brutal and willing to commit any crime necessary. The film may not be for everyone as it does not avoid graphic depictions of violencebut it's very well done and well acted.
3
The Take (out December 31st)
The action thriller will leave Netflix at the end of the month
Also known as Bastille Day, The Take is a thrilling action thriller that pairs Elba's rogue CIA agent Sean Briar with Richard Madden's reluctant and sympathetic pickpocket Michael Mason. The two are forced to team up to uncover a terrorist plot that runs deeper than either of them could have imagined, keeping the audience on edge until the film's thrilling finale.
Elba's dynamic with Richard Madden is a lot of fun to watch because even though neither character likes the other at first, they have no choice but to work together, making a better pair than anyone could have imagined.
However The take isn't Idris Elba's highest-rated action film, it certainly works to showcase his talents in the genre. Elba is very credible and fun as a CIA agent who doesn't always follow the rules. Additionally, Elba's dynamic with Richard Madden is a lot of fun to watch, because although neither character likes the other at first, they have no choice but to work together, making a better pair than anyone could have imagined.
4
Cats (coming out January 15)
The musical will leave Netflix in mid-January
Cats is certainly unique in Idris Elba's filmography. Although the star is best known for his dramatic and action roles in the film CatsElba appears as the humanoid cat, Macavity. The film was based on the stage musical of the same name. However, despite the latter's beloved reputation, the Cats the film was criticized upon release. Cats It has since been deemed so bad that it is actually crowd-pleasing, although fans of the original musical may also enjoy it as an adaptation in its own right.
Cats centers on a group of cats who are competing in Jellicle Ball to be reincarnated. There are a variety of different cats with their own personalities, led by Judy Dench's Old Deuteronomy. Idris Elba appears as the villain of the storyMacavity, who is a criminal and troublemaker. Fans of the musical should watch it while it's available, as Cats will leave Netflix on January 15, 2025.
5
Concrete Cowboy
Elba also served as producer of the dramatic film
Concrete Cowboy stars Stranger Things' Caleb McLaughlin as Cole, a teenager who moves in with his father in Philadelphia and discovers he's part of an urban riding group. Idris Elba plays Harp, Cole's father, who initially seems more concerned about his horse and the other members of the group than Cole, but the two bond when Cole starts to love horse riding too. The film is very sincere and examines the lives and problems of its characters carefully.
Inspired by the book Ghetto cowboy, concrete cowboy serves as a look at a lesser-known part of American riding culture as it highlights the importance of urban horsemanship and black cowboys. The film also received positive reviews upon its release.especially around his acting and themes. Concrete Cowboy currently holds an 80% critical approval rating on Rotten tomatoes.
6
The Dark Tower
Elba gives a great performance in the fantasy film
The Dark Tower is a film adaptation of Stephen King's series of the same name, starring Idris Elba in the lead role of gunslinger Roland Deschain. Roland is tasked with protecting the world by ensuring that the Dark Tower, a structure that keeps separate realities intact, is safe from the villain The Man in Black, played by Matthew McConaughey. Roland Deschain is accompanied by a protégé named Jake Chambers, and the two try to thwart the Man in Black's plan to rule the world from the Dark Tower and keep everyone safe.
Like many Stephen King adaptations, the complexities of The Dark Tower the series made adaptation very difficult, and as a result, the film was heavily criticized upon its release. However, despite claims that the film attempted to combine many plot points from several different books into one short film, Idris Elba's performance was one of the few aspects favorably received. Although Stephen King fans may have some criticisms about The Dark Towerthe film is still a fun way to see Idris Elba in a fantasy role that is very different from many of his other performances.
7
Molly's game
Molly's Game is based on a true story
The 2017 biopic Molly's game is based on the memoir of the same name by Molly Bloom. The film follows a woman named Molly, played by Jessica Chastain, who begins running a high-stakes poker game frequented by celebrities and sportspeople. After finding success in this job, Molly eventually moves from Los Angeles to New York and, while setting up new games, is approached by Russian mobsters who would also like to join, causing her to be investigated by the FBI. Molly ends up going to trial, but with the help of her lawyer, she avoids the worst of the punishment.
Molly's game was quite successful at the time of its release, receiving an approval rating of 82% in Rotten tomatoes with positive reviews, especially surrounding Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba's performance. Elba plays Molly's lawyer, Charlie Jaffey, who helps her avoid arrest for her illegal poker games. Although Elba has many excellent dramatic roles, Molly's game could be one of the best, and fans of tense drama will love it.
8
Buyers
A fun movie about bank robbery
Buyers sees Idris Elba show off his action skills as Gordon Crozier, the leader of a group of bank robbers. As is also evident in many of Elba's action and thriller roles, the actor is a great addition to any action film. Despite BuyersWith mostly negative reviews, the film is still a lot of fun for action fans, and the cast features several fan-favorite actors alongside Idris Elba.
The film features thrilling action sequences that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. The plot also features twists and betrayals, which help add extra layers of complexity to a plot that would otherwise be very similar to many action films. While Buyers may not be Elba's most popular performance, but it's fun because he is always so good at portraying the morally gray character that the audience can't help but root.
9
The more they fall
A great western film inspired by real life
The more they fall is a 2021 western film that gave Idris Elba another big villain role. Elba plays Rufus Buck, a real-life outlaw who clashes with Nat Love. The characters rob and attempt to take over western American towns in this fun cowboy film. In The more they fallIn the stunning conclusion Nat Love and Rufus Buck confront each other and face their pasts, creating a full circle moment.
The more they fallThe characters were also inspired by real-life cowboys and outlaws from the American West, creating an interesting portrait of figures who influenced American culture and history in centuries past and making it a perfect watch for history buffs. Elba's portrayal of Rufus Buck is very complex and eye-catchingand it gets even better knowing that the figure really existed.
10
American Gangster (out December 31st)
Elba makes an appearance in the popular crime film
Technically, Idris Elba stars American gangsterbut his role in Denzel Washington's film is pretty small, so it makes sense that audiences don't remember him. In the biographical crime film, Idris Elba appears as Tango, a drug dealer who presents a little competition to Denzel Washington's character Frank Lucas. Elba is great in the role, as always, but unfortunately, his appearance is very brief as he is killed by Lucas.
American gangster is considered one of the best crime films of all time, so it's certainly worth a watch. However, the film will be leaving Netflix at the end of December, so fans should take advantage of its availability while they can.
11
Show up Charlie
A short TV series for comedy fans
Along with the great films starring Idris Elba on Netflix, he is also the main character in the series Show up Charlie. In the series, Elba stars as Charlie Ayo, a DJ who unwillingly works as a nanny for his friend's daughter. The series is a little eccentric, but healthy and features great performances that make it a worthwhile watch for any comedy fan.
Show up Charlie serves as a great reminder that along with his dramatic and action talent, Idris Elba also has the ability to be a comedic actor, thus showcasing his range.
Although the series only received moderate reviews and was not renewed for a second season, it allows Idris Elba to return to a comedy role, which is a great continuation of his appearances on shows like In the long term and The office. Show up Charlie serves as a great reminder that along with his dramatic and action talents, Idris Elba also has the skills to be a comedic actorthus showing its impressive range.
12
Human Park
Elba narrates the Netflix documentary series
Although it may be quite different from his usual roles, Idris Elba also serves as the narrator of the Netflix documentary series Human Park. The series explores the origins of human recreation and the desire to have fun through movementincluding extreme and unusual sports, all to the satisfying tones of Idris Elba's voice.
The depiction of extreme sports and why people choose to engage in activities that can hurt them reminds viewers of the joy and joy that being alive can bring, and Idris Elba is a great narrator on the subject.
Idris Elba doesn't appear in the series, so it's not the show for viewers eager to see Elba perform. However, for fans of documentary series that explore a very interesting and fun topic, Human Park It's great. The depiction of extreme sports and why people choose to engage in activities that can harm them reminds viewers of the joy and joy that being alive can bring, and Idris Elba He's a great narrator for the subject.
Sources: Rotten tomatoes, Rotten tomatoes& Rotten tomatoes