
Sam Riley
ActingAbout Sam Riley
He is best known for playing the lead role of Ian Curtis in the movie Control, a biopic about the lead singer of the 1970s post-punk band Joy Division. His performance in the role won him the British Independent Film Award for "Most Promising Newcomer". He also won a Kermode for Best Actor 2007 for the film. Prior to his portrayal of Ian Curtis, Riley played The Fall frontman Mark E. Smith in the Michael Winterbottom film 24 Hour Party People, which details the Factory Records era. His scenes, however, were omitted from the final cut. In September 2007, Riley was cast in Gerald McMorrow's British science fiction film Franklyn. He will play a lead role in 13, an English-language remake of the French thriller 13 Tzameti. He is currently playing the role of Pinkie Brown in a remake of Brighton Rock alongside Helen Mirren.
Sam Riley Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Sam Riley reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 31 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Sam Riley's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 39% of Sam Riley's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Tough Love, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Sam Riley Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Sam Riley's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Sam Riley has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Bulk | Corey Harlan | Flop | Similar → |
| 2026 | Cezanne on Art | Joachim Gasquet | Flop | Similar → |
| 2025 | Islands | Tom | Average | Similar → |
| 2024 | John Cranko | John Cranko | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2024 | Widow Clicquot | Louis Bohne | Hit | Similar → |
| 2024 | Firebrand | Thomas Seymour | Average | Similar → |
| 2023 | She Is Love | Idris | Average | Similar → |
| 2022 | Alfons Jitterbit – Class Trip Chaos! | Jack | Average | Similar → |
| 2021 | The Vault | James | Hit | Similar → |
| 2020 | Rebecca | Jack Favell | Average | Similar → |
| 2020 | Radioactive | Pierre Curie | Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | Maleficent: Mistress of Evil | Diaval | Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | The Naked King - 18 Fragments on Revolution | Narrator English (voice) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2019 | Sometimes Always Never | Peter | Average | Similar → |
| 2018 | Happy New Year, Colin Burstead | David Burstead | Average | Similar → |
| 2017 | Free Fire | Stevo | Average | Similar → |
| 2016 | Robby and Toby's Fantastic Voyager | Brad Blutbad | Flop | Similar → |
| 2016 | Pride and Prejudice and Zombies | Fitzwilliam Darcy | Average | Similar → |
| 2015 | Suite Française | Benoit Labarie | Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | Maleficent | Diaval | Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | The Dark Valley | Greider | Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | Byzantium | Darvell | Average | Similar → |
| 2012 | On the Road | Sal Paradise / Jack Kerouac | Average | Similar → |
| 2011 | Woman in Love | Wagenmeister | Average | Similar → |
| 2010 | Brighton Rock | Pinkie | Average | Similar → |
| 2010 | 13 | Vince | Average | Similar → |
| 2009 | Shadow Play: The Making of Anton Corbijn | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | Franklyn | Milo | Average | Similar → |
| 2007 | Control | Ian Curtis | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2002 | Lenny Blue | James Milton | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Tough Love | James Milton | Super Hit | Similar → |
Sam Riley - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Sam Riley?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Sam Riley is "Tough Love" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Sam Riley acted in?
Sam Riley has been featured in at least 31 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Sam Riley?
Other notable films include "Lenny Blue", "John Cranko", and "Control".



