
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".[1]. 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.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Sam Riley reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 30 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Sam Riley's filmography leans towards the Drama 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 33% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Sam Riley remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in John Cranko, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Sam Riley Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Sam Riley's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Sam Riley.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Bulk | Corey Harlan | 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 | Flop | Similar → |
| 2000 | Tough Love | James Milton | Flop | 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 "John Cranko" with a rating of 8.4/10.
How many movies has Sam Riley acted in?
Sam Riley has been featured in at least 30 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Sam Riley?
Other notable films include "Control", "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil", and "Suite Française".




