Willem Dafoe's 6 Most Iconic Roles!

Willem Dafoe is one of those actors whose career defies the usual Hollywood formula. He can do it all, from intense war dramas to superhero blockbusters. Whether he's playing a soldier in Vietnam or a crazed lighthouse keeper babbling about seabirds, Dafoe always leaves a mark. Let’s take a look at 6 of his best films spanning a variety of eras and genres!

1. Platoon (1986)

In Platoon, Dafoe made his breakthrough as Sgt. Elias, a soldier with a heart of gold, caught in the chaos of the Vietnam War. This was the role that earned him his first Academy Award nomination and set him on the path to stardom. With all the explosions, gunfire, and tense moral dilemmas, Dafoe’s serene face glowing in the jungle stands out. And let’s face it, not everyone can make dying in slow motion look so poetic. Stream on Prime Video, Pluto TV, and Tubi.

2. Spider-Man (2002)

Dafoe as Norman Osborn, aka the Green Goblin, was pure gold in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man. He brought just the right amount of crazy, balancing corporate tycoon with unhinged villain. Whether he’s terrorizing Peter Parker or giving himself pep talks in the mirror, Dafoe owns every scene -- and somehow rocks a full-body, metallic Goblin suit whilst doing it. Fans were so entranced by his character that he even reprised his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the box office behemoth Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). Stream on Disney+.

3. Antichrist (2009)

Lars von Trier’s Antichrist is not a film for the faint of heart, but Dafoe dives into it headfirst. Playing a man who tries (unsuccessfully) to help his wife cope with grief, Dafoe delivers a performance that’s both terrifying and tragic. A warning, though – this movie may leave you pondering some deep existential questions. Available on VOD/Digital.

4. The Florida Project (2017)

In The Florida Project, Dafoe proves he doesn’t need to be covered in prosthetics or battling superheroes to shine. His portrayal of Bobby, the compassionate manager of a run-down motel, is nothing short of heartwarming. You’d want him as your landlord— he’ll fix your plumbing, kick out unruly guests, and maybe even offer some life advice on the side. Stream on Max.

5. The Lighthouse (2019)

If you ever wanted to watch Willem Dafoe yell about the sea for two hours, The Lighthouse is for you. As a crusty lighthouse keeper slowly going mad, Dafoe is riveting and, frankly, a little terrifying. His chemistry with Robert Pattinson is electric, and the remarkably-shot black-and-white film is able to capture Dafoe’s performance beautifully despite his character’s grotesque appearance. Stream on Max.

6. The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)

When it comes to acting roles, arguably does not get more iconic than Jesus Christ. In Martin Scorsese's highly controversial 1988 film. Dafoe takes on the role of the King of Kings as he struggles with (gasp!) common human emotions and desires. It was a performance that many other actors might have been too afraid to tackle, but Dafoe was built different. Available on VOD/Digital.

Dafoe's career is a wild ride through the weird, the epic, and the wonderfully eccentric. Whether he’s in an indie drama or a big-budget blockbuster, he always brings something unforgettable to the screen.

If you want more from this amazing actor, you’re in luck – he’s had an incredible filmography this year, appearing in Kinds of Kindness, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (out now in theaters), and the upcoming Saturday Night (October 11).