Ranking the Best Performances to Date from Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch is far from the only prestige actor to also be a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but he feels like perhaps the classiest. At the same time, when you see him as Doctor Strange in the MCU, it never feels out of place, especially considering how at home he is in a period piece. Cumberbatch is a unique actor, with a supreme presence about him. So, with The Roses about to hit theaters, it felt like a fun moment to take a look at his best work so far.

In my review of The Roses (here), I said the following about Cumberbatch’s pairing with Olivia Colman:

Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch clearly the savage back and forth dialogue between the two. It’s very much their show, and while they’re not asked to really stretch, it’s enjoyable to see them have fun. Colman especially is just having the time of her life, especially when the pair really start to get mean. Cumberbatch is asked to have his character go through a bit more, but the roles are a bit thin. The jokes and humor, as well as their banter, is where the highlights reside. It’s the Colman and Cumberbatch show

Previously, when I reviewed The Power of the Dog (here) at the Toronto International Film Festival, I had the following to say about thim:

Benedict Cumberbatch delivers the performance of his career so far. The quartet are all excellent, with Kirsten Dunst and Kodi Smit-McPhee really shining, but Cumberbatch is on a whole other level. Mixing charisma and cruelty, it’s a one of a kind turn that makes perfect use of him. Even his jarring change is handled brilliantly by Cumberbatch.

Below, you can see how Cumberbatch stacks up for me. His best work, in my eyes, is The Power of the Dog, by far. He’s also excellent in The Imitation Game, with his turns in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and The Mauritanian next in line. There’s a lot to choose from, and I’m sure my choices are different than yours, but that’s the fun of it all. Where does The Roses end up ranking? Find out next.

Here now is my ranking of the best of Benedict Cumberbatch so far. Behold:

Special Citation: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

Honorable Mention: 1917, Amazing Grace, The Fifth Estate, and War Horse

10. August: Osage County

9. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

8. The Current War

7. Doctor Strange

6. The Roses

5. 12 Years a Slave

4. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

3. The Mauritanian

2. The Imitation Game

1. The Power of the Dog

What is your favorite performance from Benedict Cumberbatch? Let us know!