The GorgeisMiles Teller’s latest success story. However, it’s not the only triumph of this talented actor’s impressive filmography that’s helped him continue climbing the ladder of entertainment industry success. He has repeatedly proven that he’ll pour his heart and soul into a performance to bring a character to life, no matter the genre. From drama to action, he’s always given 110%, never ceasing to impress.
Teller has given audiences multiple memorable performances throughout the years, working alongside big names likeTom Cruisein the long-awaitedTop Gunsequel andAnya Taylor-Joyin one of Apple TV’s latest sci-fi hits.True-story dramatizations, war dramas, and book-to-movie adaptations also lie among his continuously growing filmography, and it’s always entertaining to watch him bring a new character to life on the big screen. These ten movies are some of his best features to date.
10’Divergent' (2014)
Directed by Neil Burger
TheDivergentseries' book-to-movie adaptations are not the most faithful of features to its source material. Nevertheless, Miles Teller’s performance as Peter skyrocketed him into the eyes of those across the globe and helped to further grow his budding career.
Peter was a new type of role for Miles Teller. He often plays the protagonist in movies, but theDivergentseries saw him embody a more villainous persona.The role was a turning point in Teller’s career, showcasing his chameleon-like ability to blend in and embody any part in front of him. The movies aren’t the most popular to a broader audience, but that doesn’t negate how well the portrayal of Peter was brought to the big screen.
9’Footloose' (2011)
Directed by Craig Brewer
Everybody knows the iconic song that tells you to kick off your Sunday shoes and cut footloose, and the movie it’s become so known for holds just as memorable a place for many of those who love it. The original 1984 film may hold more of a nostalgic place for some, butthe 2011 remake is arguably the more favorable of the two, at least in the eyes of critics anyway.
Footloosetells the story of a man determined to bring the magic of dancing back to a town that banned it completely. If anything, this musical movie is one purely to sit down and enjoy the music, dancing, and occasional cheesiness it withholds. Footloose, both old and new versions, has become a classic in the world of musicals, and it will always be one of those features to pop on in the background while going about daily tasks and jamming to some catchy tunes.
8’Thank You For Your Service' (2017)
Directed by Jason Hall
The onlywar film from Miles Teller’s filmographyis one of his most emotion-fueled performances, sure to leave an impact, and yet, it’s arguably one of his most underrated.
2017sThank You For Your Servicewas released shortly after another of Teller’s most impactful roles. It centers on a continuous battle many soldiers face in the aftermath of returning home to civilian life after war. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder affects a large number of soldiers, and returning to home life after the hell they faced while overseas can be an exceedingly difficult challenge.Jason Hall’s directorial debut focuses on the effects that PTSD can have. It’s an emotional watch but well worth the time.
Thank You For Your Service
7’Bleed for This' (2016)
Directed by Ben Younger
Bleed for Thisis a powerful story of strength and determination in the face of immense hardship. Everybody has struggles. It’s part of being human. ForVinny Pazienza, on whomBen Younger’s feature is based, one of the most challenging battles of his professional and personal life came in the form of a neck injury that left him with two fractured vertebrae. He opted for the placement of a medical halo as he faced the prospect of never boxing or walking again.
This inspirational story follows Vinny,played by Miles Teller, as he fightsto recover what he lost in the aftermath of the car accident that left him with a broken neck. Vinny ultimately fought hard and made it to a place in which he could not only walk again but fight, which he was told he was unlikely to be able to do.Bleed for Thisis a moving story that depicts that while giving up may be the easiest thing to do at times, fighting for what you want is the best option, no matter how hard it may be.
Bleed For This
6’The Gorge' (2025)
Directed by Scott Derrickson
Apple TV’s new mysterious action feature was released on the platform on February 14th to generally positive feedback. Miles Teller plays Levi Kane, a highly trained elite sniper tasked with guarding a remote gorge alongside Anya Taylor-Joy’s Drasa in a location undisclosed to either operative.
The Gorgeis an action-packed feature with elements of mystery, science fiction, and romance.A fresh new concept and characters that are easy to like make for a film with good pacing and an enjoyable story, and its ability to leave audiences guessing and anticipating is present from beginning to end. It’s the monster, romc-om, action movie we didn’t know we needed.
5’Rabbit Hole' (2010)
Directed by John Cameron Mitchell
Miles Teller may have gotten his start in an episode of the short-lived ABC seriesThe Unusuals. However, it wasn’t long before he traded in the small-screen entertainment world for the big when he got his film debut inJohn Cameron Mitchell’s acclaimed dramaRabbit Hole.
Rabbit HolestarsNicole KidmanandAaron Eckhartin a heartbreaking depiction of grief while dealing with the death of their four-year-old son. Teller stars as the teenager who accidentally hit the young boy with his car when he ran after his dog into the road. It’s an emotional movie, capable of bringing a tear to the eye in multiple scenes,with the subtle yet powerfully touching performances of all those involved leaving a lasting impression on audiences.
Rabbit Hole
4’The Spectacular Now' (2013)
Directed by James Ponsoldt
The Spectacular Nowis a coming-of-age romantic drama that stars Miles Teller andShailene Woodleyas two teenagers in high school who meet by chance and quickly develop feelings for one another. Its trailer makes it look like an average teen romance movie, but it has much more heart and depth beneath the surface than just young love.
Teller’s performance as the popular high school studentSutter Keely was a role that earned him broader recognition from moviegoers and critics alike. It earned him and Woodley multiple award nominations and became an early insight into how far he could go with his career.The Spectacular Nowmay not be his most recognizable feature nowadays as he continues to star in big-name movies, but it’s one of the best performed from his early filmography.
The Spectacular Now
3’Only the Brave' (2017)
Directed by Joseph Kosinski
Only the Braveis a devastating true story depiction of a group of elite firefighters from Arizona who lost their lives in the catastrophic Yarnell Hill Fire of 2013.Of the twenty members who formed the Granite Mountain Hotshots, only one survived, having split from the others last minute to head back down the mountain.
Miles Teller plays the sole survivorof the tragedy, Brendan, a once troubled character who turned his life around and joined the fire service, becoming a part of the elite group specifically trained to fight the most notorious and dangerous sections of wildfires. The character development, cinematography, and storytelling makeOnly the Braveone of the best, yet underrated, biopics ever told. It was created in honor of the nineteen heroes who died during the tragedy and is brilliantly executed. It is one of Miles Teller’s most heartbreaking performances.
Only the Brave
2’Top Gun: Maverick' (2022)
The highly anticipated sequel to one of the 80s best action movies finally came in 2022 whenTop Gun: Maverickwas released worldwide. It took audiences by storm, continuing the story of the original with Tom Cruise’s iconic character as he trains and preps a new generation of the titular graduates.
The original movie wouldn’t have been what it is today without Anthony Edwards' memorable performance as Goose, and the sequel kept him alive by bringing his son, played by Teller, into the world of naval aviation under the leadership of his father’s best friend.Top Gun: Maverickbecameone of the most successful filmsof 2022 thanks to its well-written story, cinematography, and incredible cast performances. It was a fitting continuation, with many fans considering it better than its predecessor.
Top Gun: Maverick
After thirty years, Maverick is still pushing the envelope as a top naval aviator, but must confront ghosts of his past when he leads TOP GUN’s elite graduates on a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those chosen to fly it.
1’Whiplash' (2014)
Directed by Damien Chazelle
Critically acclaimedWhiplashsolidified Miles Teller as an undeniably talented actor. It was a further turning point in his career that opened the door for future roles and wider industry acknowledgment, and it’s not hard to see why his performance had such a lasting impact.
Whiplashtells the story of a jazz drummer, played by Teller, as he is subject to mentally exhausting and abusive training methods by his instructor (J.K. Simmons). The film and what Simmons' character puts them through at timescan be difficult to watch, but it’s one of Teller’s most impressive and diverse performances to date.His portrayal of Andrew Neiman not only earned him critical acclaim but numerous well-deserved award nominations, as well.
KEEP READING:‘The Gorge’ — 9 Things You Need To Know About Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy’s Supernatural Action Movie
