Best Kevin Spacy Movies (Top 5)

Though Kevin Spacey has been in the news for the wrong reasons until last year, his stint in the acting world cannot be easily overlooked. Like a chameleon, he can put up multi-layered characters only attests to his exceptional dramatic talents. In less than a decade of starting his career, he became a household name. Even before starring on House of Cards, Netflix’s political drama series, Spacey won two Oscars for his film work, viz-a-viz Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for the neo-noir crime thriller, “The Usual Suspects” (1995) and Best Actor for “American Beauty” (1999).

The two performances made the list as parts of Spacey’s top 5 movies.

#1 – 21 (2008)

Despite the mixed controversies surrounding the choice of cast for the movie, 21 was a huge success. Inspired by the true-life story of MIT students who have the erroneous notion that gambling in Las Vegas’ casinos is a reliable, profitable venture, 21 provides a practical rule of winning the blackjack game.

Micky Rosa (Spacey), an MIT professor, invites Ben Campbell to join his “blackjack club.” Rosa has devised a card counting scheme that gives a blackjack player an edge over the dealer. The scheme uses code words and hand gestures. Ben, an MIT mathematics major, needs $300,000 tuition fees to secure his admission into Harvard Medical School and hopes to win at the casino. Spacey plays the role of a mentor, giving out “winning” tips to his mentee. Check out the trailer.

The premiums casinos offer to the players outweigh the payoffs, thus making the former a greater incentive. Although you’re not going to learn to count cards, you can learn a lot from reading up on casinos with the reviews provided by OLBG.com; check it out here.

#2 – American Beauty (1999)

American Beauty is a psychological movie that is both tragic and comedic. It is tragic because one can easily identify with the problems of the hero; on the flip side, the absurdity of the hero’s problems will leave one with uncontrollable laughter. Kevin Spacey plays the main role as Lester Burnham, a man who rebels against himself because of his wife’s narcissistic attitude and his daughter’s emotional torments towards him. He also earns little or no respect at work.

He quits his job to revert to a teenager who is obsessed with pot-smoking and evades responsibilities. The moment Lester becomes obsessed with his daughter’s best friend, his life takes a “positive” turn. The outstanding performances from Spacey and Annette Benning make the film’s dramatic scope vividly capture the teenager and father’s suburban life in a dysfunctional American society. Spacey’s decision to tradeoff his entire life for a hint of freedom makes his character relatable, especially to someone who has had a history of sadness and loneliness.

The movies’ directing, writing, and acting won several awards and honors. Spacey also won two awards, including a nomination, based on his role in the movie.

#3 – The Usual Suspects (1995)

There are many qualities that make The Usual Suspects a great movie – its gritty scripts, beautifully-acted characters, and incredible scenes. Space’s role in the movie is that of a con artist with cerebral palsy – Roger ‘Verbal’ Kint. As a witness and suspect, he is to explain his role in a horrific gun battle on a boat that left many people dead. While giving his account via flashback, he innocently recounts the events, though in a twisting manner.

Verbal’s fast-talking yet gimp nature in the flick leaves you with suspense and more questions than answers. The eventual true revelation undoubtedly hits the audience like a ton of bricks. You may have to watch it again to get a full glimpse of what actually occurred. The fact that the audience has to assume the role of a detective – that is, by paying great attention to details – makes the movie one of the greatest of all time.

Though Spacey has a minor role, his mannerisms make the movie an outstanding one.

#4 – House of Cards (2013-2017)

Starring as Francis Joseph Underwood, a fictional character, Spacey is used to depict an American politician who rises to the highest political office in the country through treachery, deception, and murder. Despite his desperation, he never misses the chance to reveal his plans. He manipulates almost everyone, including his friends, to attain power. In fact, his first appearance reveals his behaviors to the audience, and this sets the tone for his character till the end of the series.

Spacey sees his role as Underwood as a learning process that needs to be continually laid out for mastery. Even before assuming the position of the Vice President, his metaphoric usage of meat depicts him as a barbaric leader. On several occasions, he makes grudging admiration of the White House Chief of Staff and House leaders. Regarding the former as an enemy, he plans to her the way one would devour a whale – “one bite at a time.”

Space’s role, of course, earned him a Golden Globe Award for best actor in a drama series in 2015. The first episode of the series is enough to make you stay glued to your TV. Underwood is used to describe how the road to power is tiled with desperation, ruthlessness, and sacrifice.

#5 –Swimming With Sharks (1994)

As Buddy Ackerman (a film producer) in the movie, Spacey is at his psychopathic best – abusive, abrasive, and cruel. He reprises a similar role in Horrible Bosses (2011). As a sadist, Spacey is offensive and scathingly funny.

Combining the two contrasting qualities in a role is a feat only a few people can achieve.

Guy (Frank Whaley), Auckerman’s junior, continues to endure his boss’ constant abuse and humiliation towards him until he (Guy) learns about his vulnerability – Dawn, his new girlfriend, and producer. When fired, Guy decides to take Buddy hostage to revenge his boss’ brutality towards him. This unveils unexpected layers.

Despite his revolting character, he is able to make the audience feel for him. He recounts how his wife was raped and murdered on Christmas Eve and a similar fate he suffered in the hands of powerful, tyrannical men. Spacey is used to show how power has been used as the ultimate excuse for almost every behavior.

* Honorable mention is the movie Baby Driver.

Conclusion

Since his debut in 1988, Kevin Spacey has appeared in a number of movies and his screen characterizations have remained memorable. If you are a fan of Spacey and you are yet to see these top movies, you might have to consider watching them. Even if you have seen them, you may have to watch them over again to fully grasp his exceptional roles.