Karl Urban - Actor Profile

Karl Urban

Acting
Freshness: Jan 13, 2026
45Total Films
8.8 Highest Rated
Born: Jun 7, 1972
Birth Place: Wellington, New Zealand

About Karl Urban

Karl-Heinz Urban (born 7 June 1972) is a New Zealand actor. His career began with appearances in New Zealand films and TV series such as Xena: Warrior Princess. His first Hollywood role was in the 2002 horror film Ghost Ship. Since then, he has starred in many high-profile movies, including as Éomer in the second and third installments of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Vaako in the second and third installments of Riddick film series, Leonard McCoy in the Star Trek reboot film series, Kirill in The Bourne Supremacy (2004), John "Reaper" Grimm in Doom (2005), Judge Dredd in Dredd (2012), Gavin Magary in Pete's Dragon (2016), and Skurge in Marvel Studios' Thor: Ragnarok (2017). In 2013, he starred in the sci-fi series Almost Human. Since 2019, he has starred as Billy Butcher in Amazon's superhero streaming television series The Boys.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Karl Urban reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 45 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Action

The majority of Karl Urban's filmography leans towards the Action genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 42% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Karl Urban remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Making of 'The Return of the King', which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Karl Urban Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Karl Urban's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Karl Urban.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2026 Mortal Kombat II Johnny Cage Flop Similar →
2026 The Bluff Captain Connor Flop Similar →
2022 Mr. Butcher Butcher Flop Similar →
2022 The Sea Beast Jacob Holland (voice) Hit Similar →
2020 DC Showcase - Batman: Death in the Family Sergeant Rock (voice) Hit Similar →
2019 Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Stormtrooper (uncredited) Average Similar →
2019 DC Showcase: Sgt. Rock Sgt. Rock (voice) Hit Similar →
2018 Bent Danny Gallagher Flop Similar →
2017 Hangman Detective Ruiney Average Similar →
2017 Acts of Vengeance Strode Average Similar →
2017 Thor: Ragnarok Skurge Super Hit Similar →
2016 For the Love of Spock Self Hit Similar →
2016 Building Star Trek Himself Average Similar →
2016 50 Years of Star Trek Self Average Similar →
2016 Pete's Dragon Gavin Average Similar →
2016 Star Trek Beyond Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy Hit Similar →
2014 The Loft Vincent Stevens Average Similar →
2014 Future Shock! The Story of 2000AD Self Hit Similar →
2013 Walking with Dinosaurs Uncle Zack Average Similar →
2013 Riddick Lord Vaako Average Similar →
2013 Riddick: Blindsided Vaako Hit Similar →
2013 Star Trek Into Darkness Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy Hit Similar →
2012 Dredd Judge Dredd Hit Similar →
2011 Priest Black Hat Average Similar →
2010 RED William Cooper Hit Similar →
2010 And Soon the Darkness Michael Flop Similar →
2009 Star Trek Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy Hit Similar →
2009 Reclaiming the Blade Self Average Similar →
2007 Pathfinder Ghost Average Similar →
2006 Out of the Blue Nick Harvey Hit Similar →
2005 Doom John "Reaper" Grimm Flop Similar →
2004 The Bourne Supremacy Kirill Hit Similar →
2004 The Chronicles of Riddick Vaako Hit Similar →
2004 The Making of 'The Return of the King' Self Super Hit Similar →
2003 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Éomer Super Hit Similar →
2003 The Making of 'The Two Towers' - Super Hit Similar →
2002 The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Éomer Super Hit Similar →
2002 Ghost Ship Munder Average Similar →
2000 The Price of Milk Rob Average Similar →
2000 The Irrefutable Truth About Demons Harry Ballard Flop Similar →
1999 Heaven Sweeper Flop Similar →
1998 Via Satellite Paul Flop Similar →
1997 Amazon High Kor Flop Similar →
1992 Chunuk Bair Wellington soldier Average Similar →
N/A I, Object - Flop Similar →

Karl Urban - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Karl Urban?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Karl Urban is "The Making of 'The Return of the King'" with a rating of 8.8/10.

How many movies has Karl Urban acted in?

Karl Urban has been featured in at least 45 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Karl Urban?

Other notable films include "The Making of 'The Two Towers'", "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King", and "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers".