Brendan Gleeson is an acclaimed Irish actor known for his commanding screen presence, expressive performances, and versatility across drama, comedy, crime, and historical films. Born in Dublin, he began his professional acting career as a teacher before moving into film and television, eventually becoming one of Ireland’s most recognizable actors. His film career spans independent productions, major Hollywood releases, and celebrated collaborations with directors such as Martin McDonagh, John Boorman, and Michael Mann. Gleeson has portrayed memorable characters in films including Braveheart, 28 Days Later, In Bruges, and the Harry Potter series. He is equally known for bringing depth to complex historical figures, police officers, fathers, and unconventional comic characters. This Brendan Gleeson movies by year guide follows his released feature-film appearances chronologically, identifying his roles and notable contributions to each production.
Brendan Gleeson Movies by Year: Complete Filmography
1990 — The Field
Brendan Gleeson made his feature-film debut in The Field, a drama directed by Jim Sheridan and starring Richard Harris as a farmer fiercely protective of his land. Gleeson appears as a quarryman in this adaptation of John B. Keane’s play. The film explores rural Irish life, family loyalty, and the destructive consequences of obsession.
1992 — The Bargain Shop
In The Bargain Shop, Gleeson plays Jim Kennedy in an early screen appearance. The film is among his lesser-known early credits, preceding the more prominent Irish and international productions that established his career.
1992 — Far and Away
Directed by Ron Howard, Far and Away is a romantic adventure starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as Irish immigrants seeking a new life in America. Gleeson appears as a social club policeman in this historical drama. The film follows the couple’s journey from Ireland to the American frontier during the late 19th century.
1992 — Into the West
Gleeson plays Inspector Bolger in Into the West, an Irish fantasy-adventure film directed by Mike Newell. Starring Gabriel Byrne, Ellen Barkin, and Ciarán Fitzgerald, the film follows two children who travel across Ireland with a magical white horse. Blending family drama with folklore, it became a notable entry in Irish cinema.
1993 — The Snapper
In Stephen Frears’ comedy-drama The Snapper, Gleeson portrays Lester, appearing alongside Colm Meaney and Tina Kellegher. Adapted from Roddy Doyle’s novel, the film follows a Dublin family dealing with their daughter’s unexpected pregnancy. Its sharp humor and affectionate depiction of working-class family life made it a celebrated Irish production.
1995 — Braveheart
Mel Gibson directed and starred in Braveheart, the historical epic about Scottish warrior William Wallace and his rebellion against English rule. Gleeson plays Hamish Campbell, Wallace’s loyal friend and fellow fighter. The film brought Gleeson to a much wider international audience and won five Academy Awards.
1996 — Angela Mooney Dies Again
Gleeson stars as Barney Mooney in Angela Mooney Dies Again, a dark comedy directed by Tommy McArdle. The film follows an Irish family whose holiday in Italy takes an unexpected turn after a death. It is one of Gleeson’s early leading roles in an independent production.
1996 — Michael Collins
Directed by Neil Jordan, Michael Collins is a historical biographical drama about the Irish revolutionary leader. Gleeson portrays Liam Tobin, a member of Collins’ inner circle, alongside Liam Neeson, Julia Roberts, and Alan Rickman. The film examines Ireland’s struggle for independence and the political divisions that followed.
1996 — Trojan Eddie
In Trojan Eddie, Gleeson plays Ginger, appearing in Gillies MacKinnon’s crime drama about a travelling salesman involved with a family of Irish Travellers. The film stars Richard Harris, Stephen Rea, and Aidan Gillen. Its story explores loyalty, deception, and life on the margins of society.
1997 — Spaghetti Slow
Gleeson plays Frank Ferguson in Spaghetti Slow, a lesser-known independent film from his early career. The production is a comparatively obscure entry in his filmography, reflecting his work in smaller projects before his rise to international recognition.
1997 — Turbulence
Directed by Robert Butler, Turbulence is an action thriller starring Ray Liotta and Lauren Holly. Gleeson plays Stubbs, a member of the law-enforcement team involved in the film’s tense airborne crisis. The story centres on a dangerous prisoner who threatens passengers aboard a transcontinental flight.
1997 — A Further Gesture
In A Further Gesture, Gleeson plays Richard, appearing in a drama directed by Robert Dornhelm. The film follows an Irish political activist who becomes involved in a complicated situation in New York. It is one of several 1990s independent productions that contributed to Gleeson’s expanding range.
1997 — I Went Down
Gleeson plays Bunny Kelly in I Went Down, a dark Irish crime comedy directed by Paddy Breathnach. Brendan McNamara stars as Git, a recently released prisoner sent on a road trip with Bunny, a volatile criminal. The film combines black humor, crime, and an uneasy partnership between its two central characters.
1998 — The Butcher Boy
Directed by Neil Jordan, The Butcher Boy is a dark comedy-drama based on Patrick McCabe’s novel. Gleeson plays Father Bubbles, appearing alongside Eamonn Owens and Stephen Rea. The film follows a troubled Irish boy whose increasingly distorted view of the world leads to disturbing consequences.
1998 — The General
Gleeson takes the leading role of Martin Cahill in The General, a crime biographical drama directed by John Boorman. The film chronicles the life of the notorious Dublin criminal, exploring his robberies, unconventional personality, and conflict with authorities. Gleeson’s performance helped establish him as a compelling leading actor.
1998 — The Tale of Sweety Barrett
In this Irish crime drama, Gleeson plays the title character, Sweety Barrett, a small-time criminal whose life becomes entangled with a dangerous local family. Directed by Stephen Bradley, the film also features Andy Serkis and Donal O’Kelly. Its mix of crime, dark humor, and character-driven storytelling fits the independent Irish cinema of the period.
1999 — Lake Placid
Gleeson plays Sheriff Hank Keough in Lake Placid, a horror-comedy directed by Steve Miner. The film follows a group investigating a series of deadly attacks around a remote lake in Maine, where a gigantic crocodile is responsible. Featuring Bill Pullman, Bridget Fonda, and Oliver Platt, it became a popular creature-feature release.
2000 — Wild About Harry
In Wild About Harry, Gleeson appears in a comedy-drama directed by Declan Lowney. The film follows a man whose personal life changes dramatically after an unexpected incident. This lesser-known release represents Gleeson’s continued involvement in Irish and British productions around the turn of the century.
2001 — The Tailor of Panama
Directed by John Boorman, The Tailor of Panama is a spy thriller starring Pierce Brosnan, Geoffrey Rush, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Gleeson plays Mickie Abraxas, a British intelligence operative whose story intersects with the film’s web of deception in Panama. The film satirizes espionage, political manipulation, and the consequences of fabricated intelligence.
2001 — A.I. Artificial Intelligence
Steven Spielberg’s science-fiction drama A.I. Artificial Intelligence features Gleeson as Lord Johnson-Johnson. Set in a future where humanoid robots serve human needs, the film follows David, a robotic boy programmed to love. Gleeson appears in a supporting role in this ambitious exploration of artificial intelligence, humanity, and belonging.
2002 — 28 Days Later
Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later is a post-apocalyptic horror film starring Cillian Murphy as a man who awakens to find London devastated by a highly contagious rage virus. Gleeson plays Frank, a father trying to protect his daughter Hannah, portrayed by Megan Burns. His performance adds warmth and humanity to a tense survival story.
2002 — Gangs of New York
Directed by Martin Scorsese, Gangs of New York is a historical crime epic set in 19th-century Manhattan. Gleeson plays Walter “Monk” McGinn, appearing alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Cameron Diaz. The film depicts violent rivalries between gangs amid the social and political turmoil of New York.
2003 — Cold Mountain
In Anthony Minghella’s Cold Mountain, Gleeson plays Stobrod Thewes, a musician and the father of Renée Zellweger’s character. This historical romance follows a Confederate soldier, played by Jude Law, as he attempts to return home during the American Civil War. Gleeson’s supporting performance brings humor and emotional complexity to the ensemble drama.
2004 — The Village
Gleeson appears in M. Night Shyamalan’s period thriller The Village as one of the elders of an isolated community. The film stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Joaquin Phoenix, and William Hurt, exploring the secrets behind a settlement surrounded by mysterious woods. Its atmosphere of suspense and psychological uncertainty distinguishes it from a conventional historical drama.
2005 — Kingdom of Heaven
Ridley Scott’s historical epic Kingdom of Heaven features Gleeson as Reynald de Châtillon, a powerful and aggressive Crusader. Orlando Bloom stars as Balian, a blacksmith who travels to Jerusalem during the Crusades. Gleeson’s character plays a key role in the political and military tensions surrounding the fragile peace between Christian and Muslim forces.
2006 — Studs
Gleeson plays Walter Keegan in Studs, an Irish comedy directed by Paul Mercier. The film follows a struggling football team and the people attempting to revive its fortunes. Set against the backdrop of Dublin life, it combines sports comedy with themes of community and second chances.
2006 — The Tiger’s Tail
In John Boorman’s The Tiger’s Tail, Gleeson plays Liam O’Leary, a successful Irish businessman whose life is disrupted by the appearance of a mysterious double. Kim Cattrall and Ciarán Hinds also star in this psychological thriller. The film explores identity, wealth, and the uneasy relationship between personal success and moral responsibility.
2007 — Black Irish
Gleeson appears as Desmond in Black Irish, an independent family drama directed by Brad Gann. The film centres on an Irish-American family in Boston and the struggles of its youngest son. Its themes include grief, sibling rivalry, and the pressures of growing up in a troubled household.
2007 — Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Gleeson makes his debut as Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, directed by David Yates. The fantasy film follows Harry Potter as he faces growing resistance from the Ministry of Magic and helps establish Dumbledore’s Army. Gleeson’s character is a battle-hardened Auror and member of the Order of the Phoenix, bringing a gruff presence to the wizarding world.
2007 — Beowulf
In Robert Zemeckis’ motion-capture animated epic Beowulf, Gleeson provides the voice and performance-capture portrayal of Wiglaf. The film adapts the Old English poem, following the legendary warrior Beowulf as he confronts monstrous threats. Gleeson appears alongside Ray Winstone, Anthony Hopkins, and Angelina Jolie in this visually distinctive fantasy production.
2008 — In Bruges
Gleeson stars as Ken in Martin McDonagh’s In Bruges, a dark comedy crime film featuring Colin Farrell and Ralph Fiennes. Ken is a seasoned hitman ordered to watch over his younger partner in the Belgian city of Bruges after a job goes wrong. The film received widespread critical acclaim, and Gleeson’s performance earned particular recognition for its blend of humor, restraint, and emotional depth.
2009 — The Secret of Kells
Gleeson voices Abbot Cellach in The Secret of Kells, an animated fantasy film directed by Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey. Set in medieval Ireland, the story follows a young boy named Brendan who helps complete a beautifully illustrated manuscript. The film draws on Celtic art and mythology and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.
2009 — Perrier’s Bounty
In Perrier’s Bounty, Gleeson plays the title character, Darren Perrier, a Dublin gangster pursuing a young man who owes him money. Directed by Ian Fitzgibbon, the crime comedy also stars Cillian Murphy and Jim Broadbent. The film mixes fast-paced criminal escapades with family tensions and offbeat humor.
2010 — Green Zone
Gleeson plays Martin Brown in Green Zone, a political action thriller directed by Paul Greengrass. Matt Damon stars as a US Army officer investigating the intelligence behind the alleged weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Gleeson’s character is a journalist whose information becomes central to the investigation, adding a political dimension to the military drama.
2010 — Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
Gleeson returns as Mad-Eye Moody in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, directed by David Yates. As Harry, Ron, and Hermione begin their mission to destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes, Moody helps the Order of the Phoenix organize a dangerous escape. His appearance is brief but significant to the film’s opening sequence and the escalating conflict.
2011 — The Guard
Gleeson delivers a leading performance as Sergeant Gerry Boyle in The Guard, a crime comedy directed by John Michael McDonagh. Boyle is an unconventional Irish policeman who reluctantly teams up with an FBI agent, played by Don Cheadle, to investigate an international drug-smuggling operation. The film became one of Gleeson’s signature roles, earning praise for its sharp dialogue and darkly comic portrayal of law enforcement.
2011 — Albert Nobbs
In Albert Nobbs, Gleeson plays Dr. Holloran, a physician in a Dublin hotel where the story unfolds. Directed by Rodrigo García and starring Glenn Close, the period drama follows a woman who lives as a man to survive in 19th-century Ireland. Gleeson contributes to the film’s portrait of class, gender, and constrained social opportunities.
2011 — The Cup
Gleeson portrays Irish horse trainer Dermot Weld in The Cup, a sports drama directed by Simon Wincer. The film recounts the story surrounding the 2002 Melbourne Cup and jockey Damien Oliver. Inspired by real events, it explores grief, perseverance, and the emotional stakes of competitive horse racing.
2012 — Safe House
In Daniel Espinosa’s action thriller Safe House, Gleeson plays David Barlow, a senior CIA official. The film stars Denzel Washington as a fugitive operative and Ryan Reynolds as the young agent assigned to protect him. As the safe house comes under attack, questions about loyalty and institutional corruption drive the story.
2012 — The Raven
Gleeson appears as Captain Charles Hamilton in The Raven, a period mystery thriller directed by James McTeigue. John Cusack stars as Edgar Allan Poe, who becomes involved in the investigation of murders inspired by his own stories. The film combines fictionalized biography with a gothic detective narrative.
2012 — The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!
Gleeson provides the voice of the Pirate with Gout in this stop-motion animated comedy directed by Peter Lord. The film follows an enthusiastic but unsuccessful pirate captain competing for the Pirate of the Year award. Featuring the voices of Hugh Grant, Martin Freeman, and David Tennant, it is known for its playful humor and distinctive animation.
2012 — The Company You Keep
In Robert Redford’s political thriller The Company You Keep, Gleeson plays Henry Osborne, a journalist and former radical whose past becomes relevant to a present-day investigation. The film follows a former Weather Underground activist, played by Redford, whose identity is exposed decades after his involvement in political violence. Gleeson joins an ensemble that includes Shia LaBeouf, Susan Sarandon, and Julie Christie.
2013 — The Smurfs 2
Gleeson plays Victor Doyle in The Smurfs 2, a live-action and animated family comedy directed by Raja Gosnell. The story follows the Smurfs as they attempt to rescue Smurfette from Gargamel, who has created new creatures called the Naughties. Gleeson appears alongside Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, and Hank Azaria.
2013 — The Grand Seduction
In The Grand Seduction, Gleeson plays Murray French, a resident of a struggling Canadian fishing village. Directed by Don McKellar, the comedy follows the villagers’ elaborate effort to persuade a visiting doctor to stay permanently so their community can secure a factory. The film is a remake of the French-Canadian production La Grande Séduction.
2014 — Calvary
Gleeson stars as Father James Lavelle in John Michael McDonagh’s Calvary, a drama set in rural Ireland. After a parishioner threatens to kill him during confession, Father Lavelle continues serving his community while confronting its anger, hypocrisy, and suffering. The film is one of Gleeson’s most acclaimed leading performances, balancing philosophical questions with dark humor.
2014 — Edge of Tomorrow
Directed by Doug Liman, Edge of Tomorrow is a science-fiction action film starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt. Gleeson plays General Brigham, a military commander overseeing humanity’s war against an alien invasion. The film follows a soldier trapped in a time loop, using repeated battles to find a way to defeat the enemy.
2014 — Stonehearst Asylum
Gleeson plays the Alienist in Stonehearst Asylum, a psychological thriller directed by Brad Anderson. Based loosely on an Edgar Allan Poe story, the film follows a young doctor who arrives at a psychiatric institution and discovers that its patients and staff are not what they seem. The cast includes Kate Beckinsale, Jim Sturgess, and Ben Kingsley.
2014 — Song of the Sea
Gleeson voices Conor, also known as Mac Lir, in Tomm Moore’s animated fantasy Song of the Sea. The story follows a young boy and his sister, a selkie, as they embark on a magical journey rooted in Irish folklore. The film’s hand-drawn visual style and emotional storytelling earned international acclaim and an Academy Award nomination.
2015 — Suffragette
In Suffragette, Gleeson plays Inspector Arthur Steed, a police officer involved in efforts to suppress the British women’s suffrage movement. Directed by Sarah Gavron, the historical drama stars Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, and Meryl Streep. The film depicts the personal risks faced by women campaigning for voting rights in early 20th-century Britain.
2015 — In the Heart of the Sea
Gleeson portrays the older Thomas Nickerson in Ron Howard’s historical adventure In the Heart of the Sea. Based on Nathaniel Philbrick’s book, the film recounts the 1820 sinking of the whaling ship Essex, an event that helped inspire Moby-Dick. Gleeson appears in the framing narrative, recounting the harrowing experiences of the surviving crew.
2015 — Pursuit
Gleeson plays Searbhán in Pursuit, an Irish romantic crime drama directed by Paul Mercier. Based on the Irish legend of Diarmuid and Gráinne, the film reimagines a traditional tale of forbidden love and pursuit in a contemporary setting. It also features Ruth Bradley and Liam Cunningham.
2016 — Alone in Berlin
Gleeson stars as Otto Quangel in Alone in Berlin, a historical drama directed by Vincent Pérez. Set during Nazi Germany, the film follows a working-class couple who begin distributing anti-Nazi postcards after their son is killed in the war. Based on Hans Fallada’s novel, it explores quiet resistance, grief, and the risks of opposing a dictatorship.
2016 — Trespass Against Us
In Trespass Against Us, Gleeson plays Colby Cutler, the patriarch of a family living outside conventional society. Directed by Adam Smith, the crime drama stars Michael Fassbender as Colby’s son, Chad, who struggles between loyalty to his father and a desire for a different life for his children. Gleeson’s portrayal anchors the film’s exploration of family control and generational conflict.
2016 — Live by Night
Gleeson appears as Thomas Coughlin in Live by Night, a crime drama written and directed by Ben Affleck. Set during Prohibition, the film follows Joe Coughlin, a veteran who becomes involved in organized crime. Gleeson’s role as Joe’s father provides an important connection to the protagonist’s past and moral conflicts.
2016 — Assassin’s Creed
In the science-fiction action film Assassin’s Creed, Gleeson plays Joseph Lynch, the father of Michael Fassbender’s character, Callum Lynch. Directed by Justin Kurzel, the film follows a modern man who accesses the genetic memories of an ancestor through advanced technology. The story adapts the world of the popular video-game franchise, blending historical action with a contemporary conspiracy.
2016 — Free State of Jones
Gleeson appears in Free State of Jones, a historical war drama directed by Gary Ross and starring Matthew McConaughey. The film follows Newton Knight, a Mississippi farmer who leads a rebellion against the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Gleeson’s appearance is a supporting, uncredited role in the film’s broader depiction of rebellion and racial inequality.
2016 — Atlantic
Gleeson narrates Atlantic, a documentary directed by Risteard Ó Domhnaill. The film examines the lives of fishing communities in Ireland, Norway, and Newfoundland, focusing on the economic and environmental pressures facing the North Atlantic fishing industry. His contribution is a voice narration rather than an on-screen dramatic role.
2017 — Hampstead
In Hampstead, Gleeson plays Donald Horner, a man living in a makeshift home on Hampstead Heath in London. Directed by Joel Hopkins, the romantic comedy-drama stars Diane Keaton as an American widow who becomes involved in Donald’s struggle to protect his home. The story is inspired by the real-life case of a man who fought to retain his dwelling on the heath.
2017 — Paddington 2
Gleeson plays Knuckles McGinty in Paddington 2, the family comedy directed by Paul King. When Paddington is wrongly imprisoned, he befriends a group of inmates while the Brown family works to clear his name. Gleeson’s Knuckles is a tough convict whose relationship with Paddington develops into one of the film’s warmest comic elements.
2018 — Captain Morten and the Spider Queen
Gleeson provides the voice of the Father in Captain Morten and the Spider Queen, an animated adventure directed by Kaspar Jancis. The film follows a young boy who is magically shrunk and must navigate a miniature world aboard a toy ship. His role is a voice performance in this family-oriented fantasy.
2018 — The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
Gleeson appears as the Irishman, also known as Clarence, in “The Mortal Remains,” one of the six segments of The Ballad of Buster Scruggs. Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, the anthology film explores the American frontier through stories blending Western conventions, dark comedy, and existential themes. Gleeson’s appearance is confined to the final segment, in which a stagecoach’s passengers debate life, death, and human nature.
2019 — Frankie
Gleeson plays Jimmy in Frankie, a family drama directed by Ira Sachs. The film stars Isabelle Huppert as a celebrated French actress who gathers her extended family in Sintra, Portugal, during a holiday shaped by her illness. Gleeson’s role is part of the ensemble, which explores family relationships, mortality, and unresolved personal tensions.
2021 — Riverdance: The Animated Adventure
Gleeson voices the Huntsman in Riverdance: The Animated Adventure, an animated fantasy inspired by the stage phenomenon Riverdance. Directed by Eamonn Butler and Dave Rosenbaum, the film follows an Irish boy and a Spanish girl as they discover a magical world connected to Irish dance. Gleeson’s voice role contributes to this family adventure’s folklore-inspired story.
2021 — The Tragedy of Macbeth
In Joel Coen’s The Tragedy of Macbeth, Gleeson portrays King Duncan, the Scottish monarch whose murder sets Shakespeare’s tragedy in motion. The black-and-white adaptation stars Denzel Washington as Macbeth and Frances McDormand as Lady Macbeth. Gleeson’s role is relatively brief but pivotal to the story’s progression from royal loyalty to ambition and betrayal.
2022 — The Banshees of Inisherin
Gleeson reunites with Colin Farrell and director Martin McDonagh in The Banshees of Inisherin, playing Colm Doherty, a musician who abruptly ends his lifelong friendship with Pádraic. Set on a remote Irish island during the Irish Civil War, the film examines loneliness, pride, friendship, and the consequences of personal choices. Gleeson’s performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, while the film received widespread critical recognition.
2023 — A Greyhound of a Girl
Gleeson voices Paddy in A Greyhound of a Girl, an animated coming-of-age film directed by Enzo d’Alò. Based on Roddy Doyle’s novel, the story follows an 11-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a chef and embarks on a journey involving family memories and the supernatural. Gleeson’s contribution is a voice role in this Irish-Italian-Luxembourgish co-production.
2024 — Joker: Folie à Deux
Gleeson plays Jackie Sullivan, a prison guard at Arkham State Hospital, in Joker: Folie à Deux, directed by Todd Phillips. Joaquin Phoenix returns as Arthur Fleck, with Lady Gaga joining the cast as Harley Quinn. The psychological musical thriller follows Arthur’s life in custody and his relationship with Harley, expanding the world established in the 2019 film Joker.
2025 — H Is for Hawk
Gleeson plays Helen’s father, Alisdair Macdonald, in H Is for Hawk, a drama directed by Philippa Lowthorpe and starring Claire Foy. Based on Helen Macdonald’s memoir, the film follows a woman who turns to falconry and trains a goshawk while grieving her father’s death. Gleeson’s role is central to the emotional foundation of the story, which explores bereavement, nature, and healing.
Conclusion
Brendan Gleeson’s film career reflects remarkable range, from early Irish independent films to major Hollywood productions and internationally acclaimed dramas. His performances in The General, In Bruges, The Guard, Calvary, and The Banshees of Inisherin demonstrate his ability to balance dark humor, emotional depth, and commanding screen presence. Across decades of filmmaking, Gleeson has built a distinctive body of work that continues to span genres, generations, and international cinema.
