Every week at SiftPop.com, we challenge our writers to choose what they think is the best movie under a certain topic related to a recent release. So this week, with the release of Benedict Cumberbatch’s sixth turn as Doctor Strange, we’re counting down our favorite Cumberbatch movies! Let us know @SiftPop what your ranking is!
What says “Oscar Contender” more than a period war film about an animal connecting with an ensemble of both A-list and premiere character actors? Nothing… that is why War Horse was such a contender! With the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Peter Mullan, Tom Hiddleston, and Toby Kebbell, there is plenty of talent to match this brave horse. Steven Spielberg injects his brand of hope and sentimentality into this beautiful film about heart and perseverance. This horse wants nothing more than to get back to his rightful owner, a young man off to war. The fantastic journey this horse makes is only highlighted by the incredible cast, Janusz Kaminski’s cinematography, and John Williams’ beautiful score. Is it “Oscar Bait”? Sure… but only the utmost kind. It is honestly quite impressive that so many talents were brought together to make this drama come to life. (Shane Conto)
I didn’t expect much when I watched Four Lions. In fact, I only watched it in order to get through my Cumberbatch back catalog — and I’m so glad I did. Made in a time when “terrorist” was a common word, and the idea of potentially coming under attack anywhere, and any place was a realized one, Four Lions decided that the wheel needed reinvention. Instead of being stuck in the dark and gritty, this decided to go for camp and silly. Also worth mentioning is that alongside an early-career Hostage Negotiator Cumberbatch is another soon-to-be familiar face: Riz Ahmed, who plays one of our bumbling freedom fighters, and it’s strange to say, but it was a good time to watch? I know it’s unlikely that a movie about suicide bombers would be a grand ol’ time, but this one really is, while also managing to be oddly introspective. I recommend digging it out of the archives sometime to give it a look! (Alice-Ginevra Micheli)
Remember the Cold War? All those tensions between the Soviet Union and other western powers? Thankfully that’s totally ancient history now. However, it makes the era ripe for espionage thrillers, and The Courier has the bonus of covering a true story I had not been familiar with. Benedict Cumberbatch takes on the role of real-life Welsh businessman-turned-spy, Greville Wynne, who assists a Russian informant in trying to end the Cuban Missile Crisis. The story is intriguing enough that all the film really has to do is just not screw it up. Gladly, they do not. It’s well shot, well acted, and the necessary tension of always feeling like you’re being watched is omnipresent. Aside from Cumberbatch, there aren’t a ton of recognizable names, with the exceptions of Rachel Brosnahan and Jessie Buckley. A recent release, it didn’t get a ton of eyes, but it’s well worth checking out when you have a couple of hours to kill. (Jake Bourgeois)
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a slow burning, deep-thinking espionage thriller. It rewards viewers who are willing to dedicate the entirety of their focus to the twists and turns in the narrative, and the subtleties at which the clues are revealed, which leads to an ultimate revelation about British Intelligence spies being double agents for the USSR during the Cold War in the early ‘70s. This movie is jam packed with tremendous performances from Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, and of course, Benedict Cumberbatch. It also has a tremendous original score which really ratchets up the tension. It is worth noting though that some may find this movie to be too slow for their liking; it is often cited as being too boring by some viewers. But if you’re willing to dig deep into the minutia of what actual espionage looks like, and do a dissection on the intricacies of character study, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is the movie for you. (Heath Lynch)
Director Jane Campion found success early in her career. In 1993, her film, The Piano, was a box-office hit, and also received eight Oscar nominations, winning three. After that, Campion seemingly disappeared, and didn’t obtain much momentum from her award-winning film. But that all changed in 2021 with the release of The Power of the Dog. Based on the Thomas Savage novel, the film stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Jesse Plemons as two brothers, Phil and George Burbank, who own a ranch together. They meet Rose (Kirsten Dunst) on a cattle drive, along with her son, Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee). George and Rose marry, and move in with Phil, who takes joy in constantly tormenting Rose and Peter. Cumberbatch gives quite the creepy and menacing performance, alongside some brilliant work from the rest of the cast. This film also looks so beautiful and makes great use of the New Zealand backdrops in which it was filmed. Garnering great acclaim, alongside 12 Oscar nominations and a win for Campion as Best Director, The Power of the Dog is a great film and has primed Campion to propel into even more success. (Jacob Kinman)
Benedict Cumberbatch is eventually going to win an Academy Award, right? He’s such a talented actor that can balance Oscar award-worthy films and leading blockbuster tentpoles. The Imitation Game, his first Oscar-nominated performance, showcases not only his range as a performer and talent, but also shows that he can lead a film with command and gravitas. Cumberbatch stars as Alan Turing, a mathematician who helped crack the German Enigma code during World War II. The Imitation Game is a great film about a race to crack a code while also diving into aspects of Turing’s personal life. This is a movie that Hollywood will look back on eventually and think, “This is one of classics.” The rest of the cast is amazing, but it’s ultimately Cumberbatch who steals the show and anchors a gripping and tense movie. This is one of the first movies I saw Cumberbatch in, and I was blown away by his performance. He became one of the best performers we have with this movie. (Mike Hilty)
Benedict Cumberbatch in the MCU has always been interesting to me. While his introduction in the first film did not stand out to me, over time that movie has grown on me. In Infinity War he begins to have purpose and sets up Tony for Endgame by telling him what’s about to happen is the only way. Then the events of Endgame set the entire MCU for a new direction. We get to Spider-Man: No Way Home, where in my opinion the character becomes fully his own. Cumberbatch brings nuances to the character that makes him this most likable he’s ever been, bringing a perfect balance of cockiness-to-heart ratio that the character needs. I am finally excited to see where this character goes next in the MCU but to me, at least for now, NWH is his shining performance of the character. (Frank Kemp)
Have you ever watched a movie that was so good that you can only watch it once? That’s Atonement. Atonement is about a young girl’s tragic mistake that ruined lives and her reflection on the past in adulthood. It stars James McAvoy, Kiera Knightley, and a young Saoirse Ronan, but let’s talk about Benedict Cumberbatch. Cumberbatch has a small, but central role as Paul Marshall, a chocolate factory owner and a friend to the main character’s brother. His character is a sleazeball and is the reason for the calamity setting everything in motion. Once you realize what kind of person he is, you realize his portrayal was notable whenever he was on screen. You knew he was there, amongst the rest. With the time given, Cumberbatch will always deliver. This film is immensely well done with beautiful cinematography, strong performances, and is faithful to the novel by Ian McEwan. I wouldn’t say to start your Cumberbatch filmography with Atonement, but it’s one to watch. (Chantal Ashford)
Let’s not beat around the bush — 12 Years a Slave is an uncomfortable movie to watch and I have seen it only once, in the cinemas. And even though it wasn’t the most pleasant experience I’ve had (and that is putting it mildly), I am still glad I went and saw it on the big screen. First of all, I like movies “based on a true story,” and this one is one of those “how the hell did this happen?” films where we follow Solomon Northup (portrayed brilliantly by Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free man who is sold to slavery nevertheless. And it is his story we are experiencing. Because that’s the thing with 12 Years a Slave:you aren’t watching it. You are experiencing it. The movie pulls you into this bad, unjust world where all hope seems all but lost and won’t release you from that despair until the very end. And even in the last moments, the happiness you might experience feels almost wrong as you’ve been through so much with Ejiofor’s character. Also, this movie introduced me (as everyone else) to the powerhouse actress, Lupita Nyong’o. I was so happy for her to win her Oscar and to see her succeed and continue to act in more major movies. This film is 100% tough to watch. But it rewards you with many great performances (besides already mentioned Chiwetel and Lupita, you have Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Kenneth Williams, Paul Giamatti, Paul Dano, and Michael Fassbender) that you might never want to watch it again, but you won’t regret watching it at least once. (Luke Burian)
Sam Mendes’ single-shot epic, 1917, tells the story of Lance Corporal Schofield (George mackKay) as he traverses across no man’s land during World War One. Schofield is tasked with preventing his allies from mounting an attack that would cost countless lives. Along the way, Schofield runs into various companions and adversaries that further complicate his quest. One of the people he meets during his journey is Colonel Mackenzie, played by Benedict Cumberbatch. Cumberbatch only appears in one scene, but his character is imperative to the plot and message. Mackenzie is the man unknowingly walking his troops into certain death. He begrudgingly gives Schofield what he wants, but it’s abrupt and unceremonious. The conclusion doesn’t heal Schofield’s wounds, bring back the dead, or ultimately stop the horrors he has seen along the way. Although small, the role encapsulates a core theme that permeates the picture. The Colonel holds the power to save lives with a single word, but chooses to direct his men to the frontlines because of pride. It shows the two types of people in war: the soldier and the commander. Mackenzie is so far removed from the gritty reality of war that he can’t even take a moment to thank Schofield for his courage and selflessness. The impact this small performance has on the film is a testament to the talents of Cumberbatch and the entire production team. (Jack Grimme)
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
I think we can all agree that The Hobbit didn’t warrant three overlong movies, but I maintain that what we got — an epic trilogy, helmed by Peter Jackson, that kept continuity with the main series and delivered on all the thrills we could possibly ask for — was more than enough. In the film’s middle part, The Desolation of Smaug, we are fully introduced to Smaug the dragon, played by a maniacal Benedict Cumberbatch. Those who have seen the behind-the-scenes footage, in which Cumberbatch fully embodies Smaug in motion-capture while writhing around on the ground, know that the actor is fully committed to the role, and it shines through in the finished product. Though his voice may be Smaug’s most chilling asset, Cumberbatch’s physicality is brilliant, and makes Smaug’s scenes my favorite of the final film. In fact, Cumberbatch is one of the primary reasons that Desolation of Smaug is my favorite of the Hobbit films — his scenes, albeit limited, are all delightful, and his involvement was one of the best decisions this trilogy made. (Rowan Wood)
Star Trek Into Darkness
What does Star Trek Into Darkness have that no other movie has? Benedict Cumberbatch as a space baddie. Seeing the British superstar dripping suave and villainous charm as the classic Star Trek mastermind is a sight to behold. He is incredible in the role. No one can stand up to the performance or Ricardo Montalbán, but Cumberbatch comes close. The rest of the cast gives strong performances, particularly Chris Pine in a maturing role as Kirk. Top this movie off with some top-notch action, an amazing score by Michael Giacchino, and the pseudo-espionage plot. That makes for a terrific entry in the Star Trek franchise. (Sam Nichols)
Amazing Grace
For this week’s BEC, I decided to watch a movie I can safely say I had never heard of before: Amazing Grace. Depicting the efforts by William Wilberforce to end the slave trade in Britain, it provides an interesting look into British parliament during a time of political upheaval, between the American and French Revolutions and the beginnings of the end of one of the worst things ever committed by humanity. I find this movie quite fascinating and some of the imagery quite jarring, though for a movie talking about the atrocity of slavery, said imagery cannot be shirked. Meanwhile, Benedict Cumberbatch as William Pitt the Younger feels beyond right here, as someone who just fits into the role of aristocracy, while also being the second movie in a row with Ciarán Hinds I’ve seen in a row for the BEC. This movie doesn’t blow you away, but it’s a fine movie to watch. (Joseph Davis)
Starter for 10
Within the wide array of movies set in the 1980s at English universities that revolve around appearances on nationally televised quiz shows specifically for university teams, Starter for 10 might just be the best one. Okay, that’s glib, I admit, but it’s also a way of saying that within whatever genre of film you may enjoy, there’s often a very niche approach to telling it that makes it all the more charming. You’ve seen a male lead conflicted between two romantic interests more often than your own reflection, but James McAvoy starring as a trivia fiend trying to get on University Challenge with his teammates — lead by team captain Benedict Cumberbatch — and learning new perspectives on life from Alice Eve and Rebecca Hall is just so relentlessly charming that it makes it worth sitting through the same old story beats that you’ll effortlessly predict from the get. Sometimes it’s not about a movie surprising you; sometimes you just want to sit with a mug of hot chocolate and be delighted for a little while. (Chris Bakker)
The Electrical Life of Louis Wain
If y’all are serious about wanting to see Benedict Cumberbatch’s best 2021 performance, then see The Electrical Life of Louis Wain. The film itself is a pretty intriguing biopic set with a 4:3 screen ratio, It’s quirky, peculiar, and every frame is wall hangable. The man himself was a prominent artist from the 1800s and known for his paintings of cats, and just as described above, Louis Wain was a peculiar fellow with many idiosyncrasies. I’m sure he was not an easy character to portray, but Cumberbatch adds so much flair and nuance that, despite the log line, gives us more than enough from his performance to stay fully engaged. In my opinion, Cumberbatch is much better here than in The Power of the Dog. High praise indeed. (Adam Ritchie)
August: Osage County
Benedict Cumberbatch’s… let’s say… “adventures” with various American accents have been an evolving topic with every American role the actor grabs. Nearly a decade ago, he took a small role as one of many powerhouse actors in the adaptation of Tracy Letts’ August: Osage County. The story follows the women of the Weston family as a crisis brings them back to home they grew up in. When your film is anchored by two of the greatest actresses of all time, in Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep, you’ve got my attention. It’s very much a contained character study, full of emotion and pathos. The star-studded cast is relied on to carry the Pulitzer Prize-winning source material. While there’s not much Cumberbatch here, it’s an interesting entry for him in the midst of his post-Sherlock explosion, and the cavalcade of other recognizable faces carry you through the experience. (Jake Bourgeois)
The Current War
Coincidentally, the film introducing me to the feud between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla parallels The Current War. The colleagues-turned-rival magicians in The Prestige begin their one-upmanship based on principles before devolving into a shallow battle motivated simply by winning. That stubbornness is on display here, though it is centered on Benedict Cumberbatch’s Edison feuding with Michael Shannon’s George Westinghouse rather than Nicholas Hoult’s Tesla. When the bulk of your historical knowledge comes from a movie about magic, even the plot of a true story can surprise you. The theme of currents versus currency is intriguing, as Edison is motivated by prestige rather than money, Westinghouse will do whatever it takes to come out on top for the riches, and Tesla has the purest motivations, but is handcuffed by his lack of funding. Young director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon takes many big swings with unique shots, and he connects more than he misses. He also capitalizes on an elite cast. Tom Holland is captivating in a limited role with Samuel Insull serving as a moral compass and voice of reason, and Tuppence Middleton and Katherine Waterston deftly display the tragedy of wives cast aside as collateral damage in the feud. Cumberbatch plays Edison like a modern eccentric tech billionaire. The technology is much simpler, but the ego and bravado are as grand as ever along with a drive that is relentless to a fault. It’s like The Social Network of the 19th Century as they shadily squabble over intellectual property. (Jason Mack)
Penguins of Madagascar
I have a five-year-old daughter. Every Friday, we watch a movie for family movie night. Back in May 2021, we went through the Madagascar movies. She was pretty upset about there being only three movies, so when my wife and I told her that there was a fourth one involving mainly the penguins, she was elated. After all, she does like being called pen-Gwen from time to time! Penguins of Madagascar is a surprisingly funny and cute spinoff movie with a dueling group of superhero-like animals called North Wind. Their leader is Agent Classified, voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch. John Malkovich almost completely steals the show as the villainous Dave the Octopus, who hatches a plan to rid the world of cute penguins. The penguin foursome deserve their time in the sun, and they have a crazy adventure trotting around the globe. We judge how much my daughter loves a movie based on how many times she watching it the weekend after Friday Family Movie Night. She watched this one quite a bit. (Mike Hilty)
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle (2018) is a darker and more accurate take on stories written by Rudyard Kipling. A film that was in production around the same time as Disney’s Live Action Version of The Jungle Book (2016) and was later released on Netflix two years later. Even if you are more of a fan of the Disney versions, there is enough here that differentiates itself and makes it worth a viewing. This version excels with its voice talent which includes the likes of Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Benedict Cumberbatch, Naomie Harris, Jack Reynor and Andy Serkis (Who also directs this film). The true standout for voice acting has to go to Benedict Cumberbatch as the antagonistic and vicious Shere Khan. His tone of voice works perfectly as this character and adds the imposing nature necessary to effectively portray the character. His performance makes you fear for the safety of the titular character, Mowgli. Their confrontations are some of the more interesting aspects of the film and the same can be said about all versions of this story. This is a film that is worth viewing if you are a fan of The Jungle Book and want to see something closer to the source material itself. (Joe Vargas)
Also See: The Mauritanian, Third Star, The Whistleblower, The Other Boleyn Girl, Creation, The Grinch, Black Mass