David Oyelowo’s 10 Best Movies and TV Shows

From intense dramatic films to gripping series, David OyelowoMichael’s best movies and shows showcase his incredible career, which has been steadily growing over the years. Beginning his journey as an actor on stage, Oyelowo began appearing in films and television shows in the early 2000s. Although he was impressive in supporting roles in several projects, Oyelowo’s commanding screen presence could not be ignored, and it was not long much for him to take on more substantial roles in Hollywood.

Oyelowo has proven himself to be a true chameleon, capable of taking on any type of role in any genre, whether in the lead role or as part of a larger ensemble. He has worked for acclaimed and legendary directors like Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan, while sharing the screen with some of the world’s biggest stars like Tom Cruise and Oprah Winfrey. He has also proven that he is not afraid to take on iconic historical figures, bringing the gravitas and power necessary to this type of role.

10

Lincoln (2012)

As Ira Clark

While Lincoln is an acclaimed and Oscar-winning film, not the best demonstration of David Oyelowo’s talent, as he only appears in a single scene in the historical drama. However, it’s still a remarkable performance, as Oyelowo commands the screen against one of the greatest actors of all time and sets the stage for the entire film. Daniel Day-Lewis stars in Steven Spielberg’s film as Abraham Lincoln, which explores the United States president’s historic decision to end slavery in the country.

Oyelowo appears in the first scene of Lincoln as Ira Clark, a Union soldier who meets Lincoln when he comes to speak to the soldiers. Ira is a proud and bold soldier, and although others admire Lincoln, he challenges and perhaps inspires the president to do more. It’s a powerful scene with Oyelowo becoming incredibly memorable in such a brief role.

9

Jack Reacher (2012)

Like Emerson

Long before the Reach The series thrilled fans, Lee Child’s hero from his successful novels was brought to the big screen with Tom Cruise in the lead role. Cruise Stars Jack Reacher as the titular hero, a former army police officer who, upon learning that a former soldier he helped arrest was responsible for a horrific public attack, begins his own investigation. This leads Reacher to uncover a larger conspiracy with enemies all around him.

David Oyelowo is part of the film’s excellent supporting cast as Emerson, a local police detective who is investigating the case and has to face the rebel Reacher by conducting his own investigation. Oyelowo manages to make the simplistic character more interesting with his layered performance. Despite some controversy over the casting of Cruise in the lead role, Jack Reacher is a fun, gritty, action-packed ride, even if there are plans for a Jack Reacher the film franchise failed to take off.

8

The Butler, by Lee Daniels (2013)

As Louis Gaines

David Oyelowo joins a star-studded cast and gives one of the best performances ever. The Butler by Lee Daniels. The film is inspired by a true story and stars Forrest Whittaker as Cecil Gaines, a man who begins working as a butler in the White House during Dwight D. Eisenhower’s administration and spends more than three decades in the role. His work allows him to see the various presidencies emerging and the ways in which America changes over the years.

The film features names like Robin Williams, Alan Rickman and John Cusack in cameo roles as various presidents, but Oyelowo gets one of the most complex roles as Cecil’s son, Louis. As his father works for the people in power, Louis becomes disillusioned with the way the government treats his community, causing a strained relationship between father and son.

7

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

As Steven Jacobs

THE Planet of the Apes franchise had been dormant for a long time when Rise of the Planet of the Apes rekindled it in an exciting way. The prequel film explores the events that led to apes becoming the most intelligent creatures on the planet and the downfall of the human race. James Franco stars as a scientist working on a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, with the drug proven to increase the intelligence of apes, especially Caesar (Andy Serkis). However, Caesar soon realizes that the apes are mistreated by humans and starts a rebellion.

David Oyelowo takes on the role of the film’s main villain as Jacobsthe head of the pharmaceutical company whose greed is largely responsible for the chaos that ensues. Once again, Oyelowo elevates a rather one-dimensional role with his committed performance. The film is an exciting, intelligent and visually stunning return to the franchise, with the apes taking center stage.

6

Les Misérables (2018-2019)

As Javert

David Oyelowo has taken on several villainous roles in his career, but faced one of literature’s most notorious antagonists in the television miniseries. Les Misérables. Instead of the musical version that has become so iconic, this is a simple adaptation of Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, set in early 19th century France. Dominic West stars in the miniseries as Jean Valjean, a convict who is released from prison and seeks to start a new life while being hunted for decades by ruthless lawman Javert (Oyelowo).

Javert is one of the most fascinating villains in history and has inspired countless fictional characters.. He is a man who believes he is an instrument of justice in the world and who is punishing villains. However, his unsympathetic and uncaring opinions conflict with Valjean’s genuine attempts at redemption. The miniseries offers a comprehensive and impactful look at the story with a fantastic cast that also includes Lily Collins, Olivia Colman, Josh O’Connor and Joseph Quinn.

5

Nightingale (2014)

Like Peter Snowden

It’s an actor of rare talent who can carry a film alone, but David Oyelowo does just that in the fascinating HBO film, Nightingale. Oyelowo stars as Peter, a troubled man who begins the story by confessing to killing his mother. The film follows him throughout the day as he prepares to have a friend over for dinner and begin a new chapter in his life, all while hiding the horrific crime he just committed.

Not only is Oyelowo the center of the entire story, but he has to start with the audience already horrified by Peter and then make them care about his journey. It’s a moving examination of this complex character, with Oyelowo finding the nuances in the calmer moments as well as the moments of anger and sadness. It was hailed as a brilliant performance that earned Oyelowo an Emmy nomination.

4

Silo (2023)

Like Holston

Although David Oyelowo has been starring in movies for years, he’s also currently in one of the best sci-fi shows on television. Silo is a smart and captivating dystopian series that explores the remains of human civilization in a post-apocalyptic world. The remaining population lives in a silo that extends underground, with the community subject to a severe rule that is said to be for its own survival. Rebecca Ferguson stars as one of the silo’s engineers who begins to question the society in which she lives.

The strong cast also includes Oyelowo in one of the main roles, playing Holston Becker, the silo sheriff. Oyelowo brings gravitas and intensity to the complex role, playing a man who strives to help his community and keep it safe, which conflicts with his growing distrust of the overall system. The show is one of the great science fiction stories that uses bold and unique concepts to comment on the real world in an insightful way.

3

Lawmen: Bass Reeves (2023)

As Bass Reeves

Happening outside your yellow stone universe of shows, Lawmen: Bass Reeves is another epic Western tale from Taylor Sheridan, with David Oyelowo as the titular figure of Wild West legend. Bass Reeves became an icon in history as the first African-American U.S. Marshal. The series follows his journey from slavery to beginning his career in law and becoming one of the era’s greatest heroes.

While the film features the thrilling action and memorable dialogue that Sheridan’s projects have become known for, Oyelowo’s performance is essential to making the show work. It grounds the incredible story of Reeves’ life, making him a man who became a legend. He is reserved and stoic like the Western hero, but there is also vulnerability and tenderness to the character that makes him complete.

2

Queen of Katwe (2016)

As Robert Katende

There aren’t many movies about chess, and although it’s a subject that may seem boring to many people, Queen of Katwe uses it to tell an inspiring true story. This Disney drama follows Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga), a young woman living in the slums of Uganda. However, when introduced to the game of chess by Robert Katende (David Oyelowo), she discovers that she has an unexpected talent that gives her the opportunity to leave her life behind.

The film is a moving and moving story about a young woman who finds the confidence and strength within herself to achieve goals few thought she could. Oyelowo gives a strong performance as one of the people who convinces Phiona that she is capable of doing the seemingly impossible.. It’s an exciting trip that the whole family can enjoy.

1

Selma (2014)

Like Martin Luther King Jr.

David Oyelowo found his breakout role playing one of the most revered figures in American history. From director Ava Duvernay, Selma tells the story of Martin Luther King Jr. (Oyelowo) as he launched a civil rights campaign to secure equal voting rights. The film chronicles the movement’s behind-the-scenes efforts, as well as the violent clashes that led to the struggle, culminating in the historic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1965.

King is known as one of the greatest orators in history and a man whose influence on American history cannot be overstated. For Oyelowo to take on such a role and lead the entire production is a sign of his confidence and talent as an actor. He’s also brilliant in the film’s quieter moments, including his exploration of some of King’s flaws as a man.. It’s an epic and powerful examination of history with elements still relevant today.