Alan Rickman, who passed away, had incredible acting talent. With a cast of amazing characters, his distinctive, deep, and frequently monotone voice is recognised for adding a level of realism that is uncommon to see. His characters frequently held the audience’s attention, and the way he delivered his words caused them to linger in the air after he finished speaking outside of the movie’s reality.
If you’re a fan of the accomplished actor Alan Rickman, you’ll be pleased to know that we’ve added fresh items to this article as of March 29th, 2023.
On February 21, 1946, in London, this talented actor was born. He received his training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in the same city, where he also began his professional acting career. After a career of amazing achievements, Rickman passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016. Given his involvement in so many notable movies, it was difficult to narrow down the list, but these are Alan Rickman’s top five performances.
Galaxy Quest (1999)
A sci-fi comedy with a positive message, Galaxy Quest boldly goes beyond Star Trek spoof. The movie, which stars Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Sam Rockwell, and Alan Rickman, chronicles the journey of the characters of a corny space opera TV show who are abducted by aliens and given the mission of actually rescuing the universe. One of the best aspects of Galaxy Quest is Rickman’s portrayal of Alexander Dane, a classically educated Shakespearean actor battling to rise above the shadow of his low-budget sci-fi role as Dr. Lazarus.
Hans Gruber – Die Hard (1988)
The 1988 action film Die Hard marks Rickman’s first appearance in a feature-length film, and also one of his best. Rickman was chosen by Predator director John McTiernan to play Hans Gruber, a German terrorist who kidnaps people at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles. Bruce Willis co-stars with Alan Rickman in this popular 1980s action movie. The antagonist in this movie, played expertly by Rickman, provides a compelling contrast to the hero. His work here contributes to one of the best action films of the 1980s and furthers Alan Rickman’s illustrious career.
Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)
Rickman’s performance as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter books and films is legendary. The character was a crucial cast addition for the writers and plays a crucial role in how the story develops. All that was required—and then some—was brought by Alan Rickman. One of the most recognisable characters in the entire series is Snape thanks to his cunning, ominous, and brooding cadence. His performance in this event confirms his status as a legend.
His character is present in each of the eight Harry Potter movies, and after more than ten years of collaboration with the same performers, their chemistry is unmatched. Rickman was simply breathtaking in the show, and his performance will go down as one of the best in the wildly popular series.
Love Actually (2003)
Rickman plays a part in this ensemble in the early 2000s romantic comedy Love Actually, which depicts the lives and relationships of eight distinct couples. Richard Curtis, who wrote and directed the movie, came up with the idea. It takes place in London in the month before Christmas. One of the top romantic comedies of the past 20 years, the film was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards: Best Writing and Best Comedy or Musical Motion Picture. Although Rickman’s character has one of the sadder storylines in the movie, he also offers one of the best performances.
Michael Collins (1996)
This mature, intense period drama, directed by Neil Jordan, centres on Liam Neeson’s Michael Collins, an Irish nationalist who battled for independence from Britain in the early 20th century. Rickman plays Irish leader Éamon de Valera in the movie, whose choice to oppose the Anglo-Irish Treaty had tragic results. Although some have questioned Michael Collins’ historical accuracy, there is no denying that Alan Rickman’s BAFTA-nominated performance in the movie was outstanding.
Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny (1996)
Rickman portrays Grigori Rasputin in the HBO movie Rasputin: Dark Servant of Fate, opposite Greta Scacchi and Ian McKellen. With an accurate retelling of his life story and his connections to Tsar Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra, Rickman brings to life this complex historical person. His depiction earned him both a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film.
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
Starring in this 1991 movie are Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Costner. Kevin Reynolds’ film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves depicts the traditional story of the outlaw Robin Hood as he battles the Sheriff of Nottingham, who is inebriated with power. With his portrayal of the notorious Sheriff, Rickman plays a part that is solemn and grave. He later received a British Academy Film Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for the performance.
Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Ang Lee, who is also known for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Life of Pi, and Brokeback Mountain, directed the 1995 movie Sense and Sensibility. Rickman plays Colonel Brandon in support of Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, and James Fleet in the movie. The romantic drama depicts the tale of two women who fall in love after losing their wealth and being left out of their father’s bequest. Rickman was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award and a British Academy Film Award for his performance.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
The depressing Victorian tale of the lonely life of the titular demonic barber is retold in Tim Burton’s musical horror film Sweeney Todd. Sweeney Todd, played by Johnny Depp, seeks retribution against the evil Judge Turpin (Rickman), who destroyed his life and caused him to become a serial killer, in the movie. Rickman demonstrates once more why he is renowned for his great knack in bringing evil characters to life with his excellent depiction of the villain Turpin.
Truly, Madly, Deeply (1990)
In the 1990 movie Truly, Madly, Deeply, Alan Rickman, Juliet Stevenson, and Jenny Howe all appear. The movie depicts the tale of a woman whose deceased partner reappears to live with her as a ghost. Anthony Minghella wrote the script and also served as the director of this comedy-drama. Jamie, the affable spouse who plays the violin and is pals with both the living and the dead, is portrayed by Rickman. The lighter tone of his persona sets them apart from other parts he has portrayed and earned him a nomination for a British Academy Film Award.
