What are Joaquin Phoenix’s best movies according to Rotten Tomatoes? In its guide updated November 19, 2024, Rotten Tomatoes ranked these 12 films by their displayed Tomatometer scores, led by Her at 95%. This is the guide’s dated critics’ ranking—not a permanent verdict or a definitive ranking of every Phoenix credit.
The 12 highest-ranked films in Rotten Tomatoes’ guide
The order and percentages below follow Rotten Tomatoes’ Joaquin Phoenix movies guide, updated November 19, 2024. Tomatometer percentages represent critics’ reviews; they are not audience scores and do not measure how much an individual viewer will enjoy a film.
![Gladiator [Blu-ray] (2009) Russell Crowe; Joaquin Phoenix; Oliver Reed](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51FbYY213SL._SL160_.jpg)
| Rank | Film | Tomatometer | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Her (2013) | 95% | A Spike Jonze science-fiction romance about Theodore, whose relationship with an operating system becomes a thoughtful story about intimacy and modern life. |
| 2 | C’mon C’mon (2021) | 94% | Mike Mills’ drama follows radio journalist Johnny as he cares for his young nephew; the critics’ consensus highlights the chemistry between Phoenix and Woody Norman. |
| 3 | Parenthood (1989) | 92% | Ron Howard’s ensemble comedy-drama features Phoenix, then credited as Leaf, in an early film role. |
| 4 | Hotel Rwanda (2004) | 91% | Terry George’s historical drama includes Phoenix in a supporting role. |
| 5 | You Were Never Really Here (2017) | 89% | Lynne Ramsay’s thriller centers on Phoenix in a committed lead performance as a traumatized man hired to find a missing girl. |
| 6 | To Die For (1995) | 88% | Gus Van Sant’s dark comedy-thriller about ambition and celebrity features an early adult-era Phoenix role. |
| 7 | The Sisters Brothers (2018) | 87% | Jacques Audiard’s western casts Phoenix and John C. Reilly as the sibling leads; the consensus notes their well-matched performances. |
| 8 | The Master (2012) | 85% | In Paul Thomas Anderson’s drama, Phoenix plays Freddie Quell, a troubled drifter who encounters Lancaster Dodd. |
| 9 | The Immigrant (2013) | 84% | James Gray’s period drama is noted in the consensus for its visuals, direction, and Marion Cotillard’s performance. |
| 10 | Walk the Line (2005) | 83% | James Mangold’s musical biopic stars Phoenix as Johnny Cash. |
| 11 | Two Lovers (2008) | 81% | James Gray’s romantic drama follows Leonard Kraditor and the difficult relationships shaping his life. |
| 12 | Gladiator (2000) | 80% | Ridley Scott’s historical action epic features Phoenix as Commodus. |
Which Phoenix movie should you watch first?
For a relationship-focused story
Choose Her for an intimate romance with a lightly science-fiction premise. Rotten Tomatoes’ critics’ consensus describes it as “Sweet, soulful, and smart” and praises its perspective on modern relationships. Its 95% Tomatometer is the highest score in this guide.
For an intense character study
You Were Never Really Here is the pick for a darker, more confrontational drama. Rotten Tomatoes’ consensus singles out Phoenix’s committed lead performance and calls Ramsay a distinctive, uncompromising filmmaker.
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For a western or historical spectacle
The Sisters Brothers offers a western built around Phoenix and John C. Reilly’s partnership. For large-scale action, Gladiator puts Phoenix in a supporting role as Commodus. Their genres and performances differ sharply, so the Tomatometer order alone cannot determine which one will suit you.
For Phoenix as a musician
Walk the Line gives Phoenix the central role of Johnny Cash in a musical biopic. It ranks tenth in this guide, at 83% from critics.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to read the rankings and scores
The list answers “Which Joaquin Phoenix movies have the highest Rotten Tomatoes scores?” only within the scope of this particular guide. Rotten Tomatoes’ profile includes newer entries and credits beyond acting, so this order should not be treated as a verified top twelve across every current Phoenix credit. It is also distinct from Rotten Tomatoes’ earlier editorial feature, Joaquin Phoenix’s 10 Best Movies, which used a different selection and method.
The Tomatometer and Popcornmeter are separate measures. For example, when accessed, the Her film page displayed a 95% Tomatometer from 293 critic reviews and an 82% Popcornmeter from 100,000+ audience ratings. The Joker page, whose film is not in this guide’s top twelve, displayed 68% from 600 critic reviews and 89% from 50,000+ verified ratings. These are page snapshots, not fixed figures; review totals, scores, and profile contents can change.
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Even among the guide’s entries, a one-point difference is not evidence of a meaningful difference in quality. Use the ranking as one way to find well-reviewed films, then choose by genre, tone, director, and the kind of Phoenix performance you want to see.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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