An acclaimed English actor, director, and film producer,Ralph Fiennesis a legend of stage and screen and one of the most recognizable (and respected) faces in cinema. With a career spanning over 40 years, Fiennes has built up a stunning filmography that includes some of the greatestmoviesof all time. The actor has also done some great work in more commercial franchise films, like his iconic role as Lord Voldemort in theHarry Pottermovies. As a result of all that stellar work, Fiennes has been the recipient of numerous awards, including a Tony Award, a BAFTA, and nominations for Oscars, Emmys, and Golden Globes. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Fiennes’ work or someone just beginning to discover the actor’s movies,Netflixhas a must-see collection of Ralph Fiennes films that perfectly encapsulate the star’s range and ability. Read on to discover our curated list of the very best Ralph Fiennes movies on Netflix right now.
For more Ralph Fiennes movie recommendations, be sure to check out our lists of the actor’sbest moviesin general andmovies ranked by Rotten Tomatoes scores.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
‘Schindler’s List’ (1993)
Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDb: 9.0/10
Schindler’s List
Directed bySteven Spielbergand written bySteven Zaillian,Schindler’s Listis a World War II drama film based onThomas Keneally’s 1982 novelSchindler’s Ark. Inspired by true events, the movie starsLiam Neesonas the titular industrialist Oskar Schindler, who sets out to save over a thousand Jewish refugees from the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. Ralph Fiennes stars asAmon Göth, an SS officer who serves as the primary antagonist of the film. Besides Neeson and Fiennes, the film’s ensemble cast also featuresBen Kingsley,Caroline Goodall,Jonathan Sagall,Embeth Davidtz, and more.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest movies of all time,Schindler’s Listhas received near-universal acclaim from critics and audiences and was a huge box office success. The movie grossed over $321 million worldwide when it premiered in 1993 and received multiple awards, including seven Oscars, seven BAFTAs, and three Golden Globes. A heartbreaking movie with compelling characters and breathtaking cinematography,Schindler’s Listis easily one of Spielberg’s greatest triumphs, and Amon Göth is arguably Ralph Fiennes’ greatest performance as an antagonist, earning the actor a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor.
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‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ (2016)
Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.7/10
Kubo and the Two Strings
Directed byTravis Knightfrom a screenplay byMarc HaimesandChris Butler,Kubo and the Two Stringsis a 2016 animated fantasy film produced byLaika. Set in feudal Japan, the film follows a young boy named Kubo who wields a magical shamisen (a stringed musical instrument) as he sets out on a mystical quest with the help of an anthropomorphic snow monkey charm and a human-stag beetle hybrid samurai. Ralph Fiennes voices the Moon King, who is Kubo’s grandfather and the main villain. Other cast members includeCharlize Theron,Art Parkinson, Ralph Fiennes,Rooney Mara,George Takei, andMatthew McConaughey.
Kubo and the Two Stringspremiered at the 2016 Melbourne International Film Festival, receiving critical acclaim for its story, production, and music. The film wasn’t as successful at the box office, but it did go on to win the BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film and was nominated for two Academy Awards. While it’s still a sorely underrated and oft-overlooked film,Kubo and the Two Stringsis a unique and extraordinary work of animation that’s arguably one of the best films ever made in the field.
‘Maid in Manhattan’ (2002)
Rotten Tomatoes: 38% | IMDb: 5.4/10
Maid in Manhattan
Directed byWayne Wangand based on a story byJohn Hughes,Maid in Manhattanis a 2002 romantic comedy-drama film starringJennifer Lopez, Ralph Fiennes,Natasha Richardson,Tyler Posey, andStanley Tucci. Fiennes stars as a high-profile politician staying at a luxury hotel who mistakes a maid (Lopez) for a guest and falls in love with her. When the truth comes out, it upends both their lives and leaves them torn between love and their social positions.
Maid in Manhattanpremiered in 2002 and had a successful run at the box office, even though it received largely mixed reviews from critics. The film is ultimately a sappy, by-the-books romance drama that does nothing particularly unique or surprising. However, the movie’s performances are quite entertaining, and it’s a fairly enjoyable watch if you’re in the mood for a light telenovela-esque melodrama. In fact, a telenovela based on the film (titledUna Maid en Manhattan) aired on Telemundo from 2011 to 2012.
‘The Dig’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 87% | IMDb: 7.1/10
Directed bySimon Stone,The Digis a period drama film based onJohn Preston’s eponymous 2007 historical novel. Reimagining the 1939 excavation of Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, England, the movie follows wealthy landowner Edith Pretty (Carey Mulligan), who hires amateur archaeologist Basil Brown (Fiennes) to investigate some ancient burial mounds on her property, which leads to a much larger discovery. Along the way, Basil grows close to Edith and her young son. Besides Mulligan and Fiennes, the film also starsLily James,Johnny Flynn,Ben Chaplin,Ken Stott,Archie Barnes, andMonica Dolan.
The Digpremiered in January 2021 to a positive critical reception, receiving praise for its performances and cinematography. The film’s subject may be on the dry side, but its presentation and performances makeThe Digan enjoyable watch. Fiennes is as compelling as ever, and the actor shares excellent chemistry with Mulligan, with their friendship forming the emotional crux of the movie. The film earned several accolades, including five BAFTA nominations.
‘The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 7.1/10
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
Written, directed, and co-produced byWes Anderson,The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three Moreis a 2024 anthology film based on four short stories byRoald Dahl. The movie is a compilation of Anderson’s 2023 short filmsThe Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar,The Swan,The Rat Catcher, andPoison. The film starsBenedict Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes,Dev Patel,Ben Kingsley,Richard Ayoade, andRupert Friendin multiple roles. Fiennes stars as Roald Dahl himself and also plays a policeman inHenry Sugarand the titular character inThe Rat Catcher.
The short films contained inThe Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three Morewere first released on Netflix in September 2023, receiving near-universal acclaim. The first film even won an Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film. Fiennes’ performance in the anthology is a showcase of the actor’s amazing range, with the calm, comforting energy of Dahl on the one hand and the vicious, animalistic nature of the Rat Catcher on the other.
