Jesse Plemons has carved out a remarkable niche for himself in both film and television, consistently showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor. Though his career began in the early 1990s with appearances in notable films like Varsity Blues and All the Pretty Horses, it was his defining role on the acclaimed series Friday Night Lights in the 2000s that catalyzed his ascent in Hollywood. Since then, Plemons has adeptly sidestepped typecasting, instead opting for a diverse array of roles that illuminate his multifaceted talents.
His impressive filmography boasts appearances in some of the most celebrated television series, including Breaking Bad and Fargo. Furthermore, he has collaborated with cinematic titans such as Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, sharing the screen with legends like Robert De Niro and Philip Seymour Hoffman. As Plemons continues to rise, his most notable films and TV shows exemplify his extraordinary range as an actor.
10 Kinds Of Kindness (2024)
As Robert, Daniel, Andrew
In a swift collaboration following their Oscar victory for Poor Things, Emma Stone and director Yorgos Lanthimos team up once again for the unconventional anthology film Kinds of Kindness. Jesse Plemons stars alongside an ensemble cast, including Margaret Qualley, Joe Allwyn, and Willem Dafoe, each actor navigating various roles across distinct narratives. Plemons shines particularly as a man entangled in three complex scenarios: caught in an abusive workplace, questioning his wife’s identity, and being a devoted cult follower.
Lanthimos employs the anthology format to unleash his signature dark humor and eccentric concepts. The result is a film that may not appeal to all but is undoubtedly captivating, with Plemons displaying a diverse array of talents through his multifaceted performances.
9 Judas And The Black Messiah (2021)
As Roy Mitchell
In Judas and the Black Messiah, Jesse Plemons portrays Roy Mitchell, an FBI agent in a gripping true-crime narrative set during a turbulent era in American history. The story follows Bill O’Neal (LaKeith Stanfield), a petty criminal secretly coerced by Mitchell into infiltrating the Black Panther Party to sabotage its charismatic leader, Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya). As O’Neal develops a bond with Hampton, he grapples with conflicting loyalties, culminating in a tragic betrayal.
Plemons opts not to render Roy as a one-dimensional villain. Instead, he delivers a nuanced performance portraying a character who subtly manipulates O’Neal while wrestling with his own moral dilemmas. This intense narrative resonates powerfully with contemporary issues.
8 Black Mirror (2017)
As Captain Robert Daly
In the acclaimed episode “USS Callister” from Black Mirror, Jesse Plemons leads a gripping tale titled after his character, Robert. He portrays a disgruntled game designer whose bitterness over being overlooked transforms him into the series’ villain. By capturing the DNA of his colleagues, Robert creates digital clones to enslave in a virtual reality game that’s reminiscent of classic space adventures.
Notably, the episode cleverly subverts traditional narratives by transforming Plemons’ initially relatable character into a vindictive antagonist. Despite its dark themes, “USS Callister” exudes a vibrant humor absent in many Black Mirror episodes, becoming the first in the series to secure a sequel slated for the upcoming season 7.
7 The Master (2012)
As Val Dodd
Jesse Plemons took on a prominent supporting role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s The Master, a film set in post-World War II America. He shares the screen with illustrious actors like Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Amy Adams. The narrative explores the relationship between Freddie Quell (Phoenix), a troubled veteran, and Lancaster Dodd (Hoffman), a charismatic cult leader.
Plemons’ character, Val Dodd, offers unique depth as the cynically skeptical son of the cult leader. Plemons’ performance creates a compelling dynamic within a remarkably layered story, further enriched by a stellar cast.
6 Killers Of The Flower Moon (2023)
As Tom White
Following his successful partnership with Martin Scorsese on The Irishman, Jesse Plemons steps into a significant role in Killers of the Flower Moon, another true crime narrative from the esteemed director. This film dives into the harrowing saga of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma, who, after discovering oil on their lands, become targets of a systematic campaign to eliminate them and steal their wealth.
Plemons contributes as Tom White, an early FBI agent investigating the string of murders impacting the Osage community. Though his role is relatively subdued, Plemons holds his own amidst a powerhouse cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro.
5 Game Night (2018)
As Gary Kingsbury
Jesse Plemons seamlessly transitions from dramatic roles to comedy with his memorable performance in Game Night, a crime-comedy that follows friends embroiled in a botched murder mystery. While comedic heavyweights like Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams headline, it’s Plemons who steals scenes as Gary, the eccentric police officer neighbor whose intensity becomes a source of humor.
The film ingeniously parodies thriller clichés, transforming them into a wildly entertaining experience enriched by great ensemble chemistry, including a delightful reunion with Plemons’ Friday Night Lights co-star Kyle Chandler.
4 Fargo (2015)
As Ed Blumquist
Jesse Plemons’ first collaboration with Kirsten Dunst emerged in the acclaimed series Fargo, where they portray Ed and Peggy Blumquist, a married couple caught in a chaotic mob war. Plemons plays Ed, whose comedic distress stems from his wife’s reckless actions during the violent turbulence.
Season 2 of Fargo is widely celebrated as one of the best in the series, bolstered by a remarkable supporting cast including Ted Danson and Jean Smart. Plemons adeptly navigates the dark humor and tension, contributing significantly to the season’s acclaim.
3 Friday Night Lights (2006-2011)
As Landry Clarke
Jesse Plemons gained notable recognition for his role as Landry Clarke in the poignant sports drama Friday Night Lights. The series encapsulates the fervor surrounding high school football in a tight-knit Texas community, following Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) and his young players.
Plemons delivers a standout performance as Landry, a high school outcast who develops a deep bond with the newly anxious quarterback, Matt. Despite facing challenges, Landry emerged as a fan favorite defined by Plemons’ comedic and heartfelt portrayal, solidifying the series’ enduring appeal.
2 The Power Of The Dog (2021)
As George Burbank
In the visually stunning The Power of the Dog, Jesse Plemons earned his first Oscar nomination for his effectively restrained performance as George Burbank. The film, directed by Jane Campion and featuring Benedict Cumberbatch, explores the fraught relationships among a rugged cowboy, his brother, and a widowed mother.
Plemons portrays the gentle and nurturing George, whose romance with Dunst’s character offers a poignant counterbalance to the film’s harsher themes. The chemistry between Plemons and Dunst showcases their real-life relationship, elevating an already compelling story.
1 Breaking Bad (2012-2013)
As Todd Alquist
Jesse Plemons delivered one of the most gripping performances in television history as Todd Alquist in Breaking Bad. Joining the series in its final season, he plays a character whose outward charm disguises a chilling detachment. This gripping drama chronicles the transformation of Walter White (Bryan Cranston) from mild-mannered teacher to remorseless drug lord.
Plemons embodies Todd, a seemingly innocent accomplice who reveals an unsettling coldness as the series progresses. His portrayal is pivotal to the tension of the final season of what many hail as television’s greatest drama.
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