Hugh Jackman is one of Hollywood’s most versatile performers, seamlessly moving between musicals, action-packed blockbusters, and intense dramas. From his early romantic leads to iconic superhero roles, Jackman has built a career defined by charisma, skill, and a rare ability to fully inhabit every character he plays. Here’s a look at 15 of his best films, showcasing why he continues to captivate audiences around the world.
15. Song Sung Blue (2025)
In Song Sung Blue, Jackman portrays Mike Sardina, part of a real-life Neil Diamond tribute duo whose partnership is tested by ambition and circumstance. The film leans into emotional realism rather than flashy spectacle, giving Jackman room to explore vulnerability alongside musical performance.
His chemistry with Kate Hudson adds warmth and authenticity, grounding the story in human connection. Critics have highlighted Jackman’s sincerity and vocal precision, calling it one of his most heartfelt musical turns in years.
14. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
Reprising his most iconic role, Jackman returns as Wolverine in this multiverse adventure alongside Ryan Reynolds. The film thrives on irreverent humor, but Jackman ensures Logan retains emotional gravity beneath the chaos.
He portrays a more haunted, battle-worn version of the character, balancing sarcasm with sorrow. Even amid explosive action and meta-commentary, his grounded performance reminds audiences why Wolverine remains central to the X-Men legacy.
13. The Son (2022)
Directed by Florian Zeller, this intimate drama casts Jackman as a father struggling to reconnect with his troubled teenage son. The story unfolds with quiet tension, relying heavily on nuanced performances.
Jackman delivers a restrained yet emotionally raw portrayal, capturing guilt, frustration, and helpless love. It’s a reminder that his greatest strength isn’t just physical transformation — it’s emotional honesty.
12. The Music Man (2021–2023, Broadway)
Returning to Broadway as Harold Hill, Jackman reaffirmed his roots as a stage performer. His boundless energy and polished vocals electrified live audiences night after night.
The production earned him a Tony nomination and showcased his enduring charisma. It served as proof that, even after decades in Hollywood, he remains a consummate entertainer who can command a stage as confidently as a film set.
11. The Greatest Showman (2017)
As P.T. Barnum, Jackman delivers a career-defining musical performance filled with ambition and heart. His powerful vocals anchor show-stopping numbers that helped turn the film into a global phenomenon.
Beyond spectacle, he conveys Barnum’s hunger for acceptance and legacy. The emotional sincerity beneath the glitter elevates the film and cements Jackman as one of modern cinema’s premier musical leading men.
10. Logan (2017)
In his final standalone outing as Wolverine, Jackman presents a weary, aging hero confronting mortality. The film strips away superhero gloss in favor of grit and character-driven storytelling.
His performance is raw and deeply human, exploring regret, protectiveness, and redemption. Logan not only redefined comic book adaptations but also gave Jackman a poignant farewell to a role he inhabited for nearly two decades.
9. Prisoners (2013)
Directed by Denis Villeneuve, this tense thriller sees Jackman as a father pushed to moral extremes after his daughter’s disappearance. His portrayal is ferocious yet layered.
He captures the terrifying descent from desperation to obsession, forcing audiences to confront uncomfortable ethical questions. It remains one of his most intense dramatic performances.
8. Les Misérables (2012)
As Jean Valjean, Jackman carries this epic adaptation with emotional and vocal power. Performing live on set, he imbues each song with urgency and sincerity.
His portrayal of redemption and sacrifice earned him an Academy Award nomination. The performance stands as a testament to his ability to merge theatrical scale with intimate emotional truth.
7. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
Tasked with uniting two timelines of mutants, Jackman’s Wolverine becomes the emotional bridge between generations. The film balances spectacle with character depth.
Jackman brings weariness and wisdom to Logan, grounding the complex narrative. His steady presence ensures the film’s heart never gets lost amid its time-travel mechanics.
6. The Wolverine (2013)
Set primarily in Japan, this chapter explores Logan’s isolation and inner conflict. The samurai-inspired tone allows Jackman to lean into restraint and introspection.
He portrays a hero grappling with grief and honor, adding layers to a character often defined by rage. The result is a stylish, character-focused superhero entry.
5. X2: X-Men United (2003)
This sequel deepened Wolverine’s backstory while expanding the franchise’s scope. Jackman balances ensemble dynamics with personal mystery.
His exploration of Logan’s fragmented past adds emotional stakes to the action. X2 solidified him as the face of the franchise and a defining figure in early 2000s superhero cinema.
4. The Prestige (2006)
Under the direction of Christopher Nolan, Jackman plays Robert Angier, a magician consumed by rivalry. His performance brims with ambition and simmering jealousy.
He charts Angier’s moral unraveling with precision, revealing both charm and cruelty. The layered portrayal underscores Jackman’s skill at inhabiting darker psychological terrain.
3. Australia (2008)
Opposite Nicole Kidman, Jackman plays a rugged cattle driver in this sweeping epic. His natural charisma anchors the sprawling narrative.
While the film divided critics, his performance radiates warmth and classic movie-star presence. It highlights his ability to carry on grand, old-fashioned cinematic storytelling.
2. Kate & Leopold (2001)
In this whimsical romantic comedy, Jackman portrays a 19th-century duke navigating modern Manhattan. His polished manners and fish-out-of-water humor charm effortlessly.
His chemistry with Meg Ryan elevates the fantasy premise. The role showcased his lighter side and broadened his appeal beyond action and drama.
1. Van Helsing (2004)
As the legendary monster hunter, Jackman dives headfirst into a gothic spectacle. The film blends horror, adventure, and blockbuster flair.
Though critically divisive, his full-throttle commitment and athleticism make it a cult favorite. It stands as a bold example of his willingness to embrace larger-than-life genre storytelling.
From musicals to superhero epics, thrillers to historical dramas, Hugh Jackman has built a career that’s both diverse and enduring. His talent, charisma, and dedication continue to make him one of Hollywood’s most reliable and captivating performers, with a filmography that promises to entertain audiences for years to come.