Sam Riley - Actor Profile

Sam Riley

Acting
Freshness: Jan 13, 2026
30Total Films
8.4 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".[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.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
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".