David Harbour’s Hollywood experiences have included mostly secondary roles in a few blockbuster films, while also appearing in several small films to help make ends meet. Something about David Harbour seems to restrict the kinds of roles he has been asked to play. He has shown that he can perform and that he knows what he’s doing. There is something about his manner that screams for a major role, and happily, he knows exactly how to pull it off. He’s made an excellent transition from television to film, demonstrating that he does have just what it takes to play a lead character.
It appears that Harbour’s small stints in the industry have come to an end. Recently, he has progressed to the next level, landing roles in films with well-known actors and portraying key roles. Harbour is undoubtedly showcasing his acting talent to the world, from playing a key role inBlack Widow, an MCU superhero movie, to playing the lead inHellboy, not to mention playing an amazing role onStranger Things. Harbour has starred in some fantastic films, as well as some mediocre ones, but regardless of content, it’s past time for someone to take a look at his diverse portfolio.
Updated on August 19th, 2023 bySean Shuman:This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.
13Q-Force (2021 - 2022)
The short-lived Netflix animated series,Q-Force, featured David Harbour in its main cast. Playing the role of Agent Rick Buck, the metaphorical (and literal) straight-man to a group of LGBTQ+ super spies, Harbour is tasked with serving as an affiliate between them and the American Intelligence Agency (AIA).
His character often antagonizes the leader of the Q-Force, Dirk, and he’s at the center of the series' conflicts towards the end of its run. Harbour’s performance was certainly welcomed, even if the surrounding series wasn’t exactly perfect.
12No Sudden Move (2021)
No Sudden Move, directed by Steven Soderbergh, sees David Harbour starring alongside Don Cheadle, Ray Liotta, Jon Hamm, Benicio del Toro, and Brendan Frasier in an ensemble crime thriller. Playing the role of Matt Wertz specifically, Harbour does an excellent job.
He portrays a man tormented by the sudden invasion of gangsters into his home. After debuting on Max in 2021, this period crime-drama is a worthy contender for one of themost tense thrillersreleased in the past few years.
11Gran Turismo (2023)
Gran Turismosees David Harbour playing the role of a sports trainer. Only, instead of managing a boxer or a football team, he’s on the sidelines of a racetrack. Loosely based on a true story, Harbour guides Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe).
Mardenborough’s an avid player of theGran Turismovideo game, and the young driver attempts to take his skills from the game into the real world of racing. Early reviews forGran Turismo’s limited release cite him as a highlight, though the film itself didn’t impress fans or critics.
10We Have a Ghost (2023)
We Have a Ghost, and he’s played by David Harbour. Netflix’s paranormal comedy film sees Harbour acting his heart out as a mute ghost, identified only by the name on his shirt: “Ernest.” The Presley family move into the house that Ernest occupies.
The youngest of the Presleys makes it their mission to help Ernest discover his memories. Though critical reception toWe Have a Ghosthas been mixed,Harbour’s performance is a highlightas one of the most eclectic roles in his filmography.
9Violent Night (2022)
David Harbour playing Santa Claus came off as a surprise at first. But make no mistake:Violent Night’s depiction of Jolly Saint Nick is anything but whimsical. Soaked in equal measures of blood and booze, Harbour’s version of Santa Claus comes off as a wannabe action hero in a similar vein to the firstDie Hardfilm.
Despite his apprehension, however, Harbour pulls off the transformation with gusto, making his version of Santa Claus one of the best cult-classic action movies of 2022. Just be sure to avoid getting on Harbour’s naughty list.
Related:David Harbour’s Best Action Movies, Ranked
8End Of Watch (2012)
End of Watchis a cop drama directed by David Ayer that depicts the action-packed antics of two overly engaged cops, struggling to get on with their daily routine. David Harbour plays the role of Van Hauser, another cop, in the movie.
While he may not have much of a part, David shines in a few memorable scenes, including those where he needs to make a speech, that perfectly captures the lives of a cop. Critics have praisedEnd of Watchfor telling a realistic story about police operations.
Revolutionary Roadis a romantic film adapted from the novel of the same name and isone of the best movies that represents the American dream. It portrays Frank Wheeler, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and his wife April, portrayed by Kate Winslet, as they look for more fulfillment in their halfheartedly traditional marriage.
InRevolutionary Road, Harbour plays Shep Campbell, the Wheelers' neighbor, and though he is only a supporting character, his presence has a significant impact on the narrative. He has several amazing moments with Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, and his presence in the film elevates it even further.
6The Equalizer (2014)
The Equalizeris afilm adaptation of the 1980s dramain which Harbour co-starred alongside Denzel Washington. In the pursuit of a teen girl, who has been caught in the mob, a former soldier resumes duty to hunt down a bunch of Russian Mobsters in this action drama.
Harbour portrayed Frank Masters, a dishonest officer, who is driven to put a stop to the mafia under the fear of being killed by Robert McCall, portrayed by Washington. His sequences with Washington are dramatic, and he got to demonstrate his exemplary talent.
Harbour’s involvement inSuicide Squadebbs and flows during the first act, since he is among the men who make the important decisions, but never get their hands dirty. He raises the possibility of what would follow if entities like Superman are given complete freedom on their planet, and are not held accountable.
This is what sparks theconcept for the Suicide Squad: a tiny group of super-powered humans who can be restrained, but can nonetheless be counted on to do the government’s dirty deeds when necessary. He’s pretty talented as a government jerk, which implies his acting talents are on the level.
4Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning filmBrokeback Mountainis a romance drama about an illicit love relationship between two ranchers in the American West, Ennis Del Mar, portrayed by Heath Ledger, and Jack Twist, played by Jake Gyllenhaal.
During the period of the movie, which is set in 1978, David Harbour plays Randall Malone, a family man who is supposed to be having an affair with Jack. Although the deceased Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Michelle Rodriguez produced superb performances, David shines even in the little screen time he gets in one of thesaddest romantic movies of all time.
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