David Oyelowo’s 10 Best Movies and TV Shows

From intense drama movies to exciting series, David Oyelowo‘s best movies and shows showcase his amazing career that has been steadily growing over the years. Oyelowo began his acting journey on stage, and started appearing in movies and television shows in the early 2000s. Although he was impressive in supporting roles in a number of projects, Oyelowo’s commanding presence on screen could not be ignored, and it wasn’t long before he took on more substantial roles in Hollywood.

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

10

Lincoln (2012)

Like Ira Clark

While Lincoln Is an acclaimed Oscar-winning movie, it is not the best display of David Oyelowo’s talents, as he is only in one scene in the historical drama. However, it’s still a notable performance as Oyelowo commands the screen opposite one of the greatest actors of all time and sets the stage for the entire movie. Daniel Day-Lewis stars in Steven Spielberg’s film as Abraham Lincoln, when he interrogates the president of the United States of America’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 with the soldiers. Ira is a proud and bold soldier, and while the others are in awe of Lincoln, he challenges and perhaps inspires the president to do more. It’s a powerful scene with Oyelowo making himself incredibly memorable in such a short role.

9

Jack Reacher (2012)

Like Emerson

Long before these Richer Series was thrilling fans, Lee Child’s hero of his hit novels was brought to the big screen with Tom Cruise in the main role. Cruise stars in Jack Richer As the titular hero, a former army police officer who has heard that a former soldier he helped depose is responsible for a horrific public attack, begins his own investigation. This leads Reacher to discover a larger conspiracy with enemies around him.

David Oyelowo is part of the movie’s excellent supporting cast Like Emerson, a local police detective who investigates the case and has to argue with the rebellious researcher who is conducting his own investigation. Oyelowo is able to make this simplistic character more interesting with his layered performance. Despite some controversy surrounding Cruz’s casting in the lead role, Jack Richer is a fun, gritty and action-packed ride even if plans for a Jack Richer Movie franchise failed to take off.

8

The Butler by Lee Daniels (2013)

Like Louis Gaines

David Oyelowo joins a star-studded cast and gives one of the best performances in Lee Daniels’ The Butler. The movie is inspired by a true story and stars Forrest Whittaker as Cecil Gaines, a man who starts 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 come through and the ways America changes over the years.

The movie features the likes of Robin Williams, Alan Rickman and John Cusack in cameos playing 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 grows disillusioned with the way the government treats their community, causing a strained relationship between father and son.

7

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

Like Steven Jacobs

The Planet of the Apes Franchise has long been dormant when Rise of the Planet of the Apes Reigned it in a thrilling way. The prequel movie explores the events that lead to the apes becoming the most intelligent creatures on the planet and the fall of the human race. James Franco stars as a scientist working on a cure for Alzheimer’s with the drug proven to increase the intelligence of apes, especially Caesar (Andy Serkis). However, Caesar soon realizes that the apes are being mistreated by humans and starts a rebellion.

David Oyelowo steps into the main villain role of the movie as JacobsThe boss of the pharmaceutical company whose greed is largely responsible for the mayhem that follows. Oyelowo once again elevates a rather one-dimensional role with his committed performance. The movie makes an exciting, clever and visually impressive return to the franchise with the apes in the spotlight.

6

Les Miserables (2018-2019)

Like Javert

David Oyelowo has taken on several villainous roles in his career, but he tackled one of literature’s most notorious antagonists in the television miniseries Les Miserables. Instead of the musical version that has become so iconic, this is a straightforward adaptation of Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, taking place in early 1800s France. Dominic West stars in the mini-series as Jean Valjean, a convict who is released from prison and seeks to start a new life while being hunted for decades by the ruthless lawman, Javert (Oyelowo).

Javert is one of the most fascinating villains in history and one that has inspired myriad fictional characters. He is a man who believes that he is a tool for justice in the world and that he is punishing villains. However, his unsympathetic and unnecessary views conflict with Valjean’s genuine attempts at redemption. The mini-series offers a sweeping and impressive take on 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 all on their own, but David Oyelowo does just that in the riveting HBO movie, Nightingale. Oyelowo stars as Peter, a troubled man who kicks off the story by confessing to killing his mother. The movie then follows him through his day as he prepares to have a friend over for dinner and start a new chapter in his life while hiding the horrible crime he just committed.

Oyelowo is not only the center of the whole story, but he has to start with the audience who is already scared by Peter and then make them care about his journey. It’s a gripping examination of this complex character, with Oyelowo finding the nuances in the quiet moments as well as in the moments of rage and sadness. It was hailed as a brilliant performance which Earned Oyelowo an Emmy nomination.

4

Silo (2023)

Like Holston

While David Oyelowo has been starring in movies for years, he’s also currently on one of the best sci-fi shows on TV. Silo is a clever and captivating dystopian series that explores the remnants of human civilization in a post-apocalyptic world. The remaining population lives in a silo that stretches far underground, with the community subject to a harsh rule that is said to be for their own survival. Rebecca Ferguson stars as one of the silo’s engineers who begins to question the society they are in.

The strong cast also features Oyelowo in one of the main roles, playing Holston Baker, the sheriff of the Silo. Oyelowo brings gravitas and intensity to the complex role, playing a man who strives to help his community and keep them safe, who is put in conflict with the rising distrust of the overall system. The show is one of those great sci-fi stories that uses bold and unique concepts to comment on the real world in insightful ways.

3

Lawmen: Bass Reeves (2023)

Like Bass Reeves

took place outside of his Yellowstone universe of shows, Lovemen: Bass Reeves is another epic western tale by Taylor Sheridan starring David Oyelowo as the titular figure of old western legend. Bass Reeves became an icon in history as the first African American US president. it. Marshall. The series follows his journey from being enslaved to starting his career in the law to becoming one of the greatest heroes of the era.

Although the movie features the stirring action and memorable dialogue that Sheridan’s projects have become known for, Oyelowo’s performance is essential to making the show work. He grounds the incredible story of Reeves’ life, making him a man who has become a legend. He is reserved and stoic like the Western hero, but there is also a vulnerability and tenderness to the character that makes him well-rounded.

2

Queen of Katwe (2016)

Like Robert Katende

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

The movie is a stirring and heartwarming underdog story about a young girl finding the confidence and strength within herself to achieve goals few others thought she could. Oyelowo gives a powerful performance as one of the men who convinces Fiona that she is capable of doing the seemingly impossible. It’s a heartwarming journey 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 behind-the-scenes efforts of the movement as well as the violent confrontations leading up to the fight, 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 step into such a role and lead the entire production is a sign of his confidence and talents as an actor. He’s also brilliant in the film’s quieter moments, including his exploration of some of King’s flaws as a human being.. It makes for an epic and powerful examination of history with elements still relevant today.