Jacob Elordi has quickly become one of the most talked-about actors in Hollywood. After skyrocketing to fame as the brooding Nate Jacobs in HBO's Euphoria, he's proven his range with a string of diverse film roles. From indie horror to big-budget dramas, Elordi has shown he's more than just a pretty face. Here's our ranking of his best movie performances, from his 2018 debut to his recent Oscar-nominated turn.
10. The Mortuary Collection (2019)
Elordi's first foray into horror came with this underrated anthology film. Set in a creepy funeral home, the movie weaves together several macabre tales. Elordi plays Jake Matthews, a 1960s womanizer who gets his comeuppance in a delightfully gruesome way. The role is small but memorable, showcasing his early ability to play a charming jerk. The film's practical effects and dark humor make it a cult favorite, and Elordi's performance hints at the potential he'd later fulfill.
9. The Kissing Booth (2018)
Ah, the film that launched a thousand crushes. Based on a Wattpad story, this Netflix rom-com became a guilty pleasure for millions. Elordi plays Noah Flynn, the quintessential bad-boy jock who falls for his best friend's sister. The movie is full of cringey dialogue and predictable plot twists, but Elordi's charisma is undeniable. He's since admitted he's not a fan of the film, much like Robert Pattinson's feelings about Twilight. Still, it's the role that put him on the map, and for that, it earns a spot on this list.
8. 2 Hearts (2020)
This emotional drama tells two parallel love stories that eventually intersect. Elordi plays Chris Gregory, a college student who falls in love with a classmate while dealing with a devastating health crisis. The film is a tearjerker, based on a true story, and Elordi brings genuine warmth and vulnerability to the role. His chemistry with co-star Tiera Skovbye is sweet, and the film's message about appreciating life hits hard. It's one of his most heartfelt performances.
7. Deep Water (2022)
In this psychological thriller from director Adrian Lyne, Elordi plays Charlie De Lisle, a lover of Ana de Armas's character. The film stars Ben Affleck and de Armas as a married couple whose open relationship takes a dark turn. Elordi's role is small but crucial, serving as a catalyst for the tension between the leads. While the movie received mixed reviews, Elordi's charm and screen presence are undeniable. It's a solid early entry in his thriller repertoire.
6. The Kissing Booth 2 (2020)
The sequel to the surprise hit gave Elordi more to do as Noah navigates a long-distance relationship. While the film is still cheesy, Elordi shows growth as an actor, handling the emotional beats with more nuance. The movie was a massive streaming success, cementing his status as a teen idol. It's not high art, but it's a fun watch for fans of the series.
5. Euphoria (2019–present)
While technically a TV show, Elordi's performance as Nate Jacobs is too iconic to ignore. The role transformed him from a rom-com heartthrob into a serious actor. Nate is a complex, terrifying character—a violent, manipulative jock with deep-seated issues. Elordi's portrayal is chilling and layered, earning him critical acclaim. It's the role that proved he could handle dark, dramatic material, and it opened doors to more prestigious projects.
4. Wuthering Heights (2025)
Elordi took on the iconic role of Heathcliff in this new adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel. The film has been praised for its atmospheric direction and raw performances. Elordi brings a brooding intensity to the character, capturing Heathcliff's tortured soul and obsessive love. It's a demanding role, and he rises to the challenge, earning comparisons to past greats who've played the part. This performance solidified his reputation as a serious dramatic actor.
3. Frankenstein (2024)
In Guillermo del Toro's reimagining of Mary Shelley's classic, Elordi plays the Creature. The role required extensive prosthetics and physical acting, and Elordi delivers a heartbreaking performance. His Creature is both monstrous and deeply sympathetic, a being struggling with his own existence. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Elordi earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Though he lost to Sean Penn, the nomination was a major milestone in his career.
2. The Salt Path (2024)
Based on Raynor Winn's memoir, this drama stars Elordi as a young man who embarks on a coastal walk with his wife after a life-changing diagnosis. The film is a beautiful meditation on love, loss, and resilience. Elordi's performance is understated yet powerful, showing his ability to convey deep emotion with subtlety. It's a departure from his more flashy roles, and it proves he can carry a film as a lead.
1. Priscilla (2023)
Sofia Coppola's Priscilla features Elordi as Elvis Presley, and it's his best performance to date. He captures the King's charisma, vulnerability, and darker side without resorting to caricature. The film focuses on Priscilla's perspective, and Elordi's Elvis is both magnetic and troubling. His performance earned widespread acclaim, with many calling it a career-best. It's a nuanced, captivating turn that proves Elordi is one of the most talented actors of his generation.
From teen rom-coms to Oscar-nominated dramas, Jacob Elordi has shown remarkable range. Whether he's playing a villain, a lover, or a monster, he brings depth and authenticity to every role. As he continues to take on challenging projects, one thing is clear: Jacob Elordi is here to stay.
