Sam Riley - Actor Profile

Sam Riley

Acting
Updated: May 09, 2026
31Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jan 8, 1980
Birth Place: Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, UK

About 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.

Advertisement

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.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
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".

Advertisement