Ethan Hawke has been one of the most admired and celebrated actors of his generation since the late '80s, when he made his breakthrough as a young performer. He has starred in some of the most acclaimed films of all time and worked with several iconic filmmakers. Throughout his career so far, he has earned four Oscar nominations.
You might be in the mood to watch some of Hawke's best works. Here is our list of his iconic movies that are must-watch.
Dead Poets Society
Dead Poets Society follows maverick teacher, John Keating, who returns in 1959 to the prestigious New England boys' boarding school where he was once a star student, using poetry to embolden his pupils to new heights of self-expression.
This is the film that put Hawke on the map, thanks to his scene-stealing role as Todd Anderson. To this day, this is still considered one of his best works, and even at a younger age, he showed promise about his everlasting talent that audiences will admire decades after.
Where You Can Stream: Hulu, Disney+
Alive
Based on a true story, Alive follows a Uruguayan rugby team that, after crash-landing in the snow-swept Andes, has no choice but to turn to desperate measures to survive.
The film is a harrowing story that demands a talented actor like Hawke to carry it from beginning to end and make audiences invest in the story. Thanks to his performance as Nando Parrado, we managed to empathize with the main characters, despite the questionable actions they took for the sake of survival.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
Reality Bites
Reality Bites follows a documentary filmmaker and her fellow Generation X graduates as they face life after college, looking for work and love in Houston.
Throughout the years, it has gained a reputation as one of the defining Gen X films, and, to this day, people of this generation still discuss the movie. This is also the project that turned Hawke into an "adult male star" in the eyes of the audience.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video
The Before Trilogy
Richard Linklater's Before trilogy chronicles the love story of Jesse and Céline across three decades and spans three films. Hawke co-starred in all installments with Julie Delpy.
It is an understatement to say how iconic the trilogy has been among cinephiles and the general movie audience worldwide. Not only because of its philosophical exploration of life and love, but also thanks to Hawke and Delpy's electric chemistry, which makes them one of the best couples in cinema.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
Gattaca
Gattaca follows Vincent, an "In-Valid," who assumes the identity of a member of the genetic elite to pursue his goal of traveling into space with the Gattaca Aerospace Corporation. However, a week before his mission, a murder marks Vincent as a suspect.
While the film was not a box office success at the time, it gained a cult following throughout the years due to its unique sci-fi concept and ideas that were ahead of their time. This is also where Hawke notably met Uma Thurman, whom he married years after they filmed.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
Training Day
Training Day follows a rookie cop who spends his first day as a Los Angeles narcotics officer with a rogue detective who isn't what he appears to be.
Hawke notably received his first Oscar nomination for his performance in the film, while his co-star Denzel Washington won an Oscar for Best Actor. Fans argue that the film wouldn't work and become a crime drama classic without the chemistry between the two main stars.
Where You Can Stream: Netflix
Sinister
Sinister follows a controversial true-crime writer who finds a box of Super 8 home movies in his new home, revealing that the murder case he is currently researching could be the work of an unknown serial killer whose legacy dates back to the 1960s.
The film has become a modern horror classic for a young generation. This also notably reestablished Hawke's career among the general audiences after years of starring in mediocre movies.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
Boyhood
Boyhood chronicles the life of Mason in a span of 12 years, from early childhood to his arrival at college. It was shot in real-time across 12 years as well, reflecting the timeline of the story.
The film has been praised for its groundbreaking approach to exploring the life of a boy in real time. Hawke received his second Oscar acting nomination for his heartfelt performance as divorced father Mason Evans Sr.
Where You Can Stream: Netflix, Hulu
First Reformed
First Reformed follows a minister of a small congregation in upstate New York who grapples with mounting despair brought on by tragedy, worldly concerns, and a tormented past.
Hawke's performance was widely acclaimed by critics for his subdued portrayal of a conflicted reverend. While he failed to gain an Oscar nomination for his work, it is still being hailed as one of the best works in his illustrious career.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
Blue Moon
Blue Moon tells the story of Lorenz Hart's struggles with alcoholism and mental health as he tries to save face during the opening of Oklahoma!.
Hawke's transformative performance as Lorenz Hart has been hailed as one of this year's best, and there are hopes that the acclaim will translate into a well-deserved Oscar nomination. It's a type of role that the actor has never done in his career, and it's a great showcase of his talent as one of the best performers of his generation.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
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