Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
Friday, October 16 marks the release of Netflix’s first original film, Beasts of No Nation. Directed by modern-day auteur Cary Joji Fukunaga (Jane Eyre, True Detective Season One) and centered around a young war refugee’s rise to vigilante status in an unnamed African country, the streaming service isn’t messing around when it comes to its feature debut, gunning straight for Oscar gold.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xb9Ty-1frw]In addition to a what’s sure to be a harrowing, monumental performance from newcomer Abraham Attah, Londoner and occasional DJ Idris Elba has stripped away his otherwise dashing façade in exchange for the viciousness required as The Commandant, a ruthless killer looking to take back what’s left of his war-stricken country with the help of an army of young orphans. Even though all those James Bond rumors have finally been put to rest (plus, it’s doubtful the actor would go anywhere near the franchise after 007 author Anthony Horowitz’s tasteless comments), Elba proves once again with Beasts of No Nation that he’d rather carve his own path rather than hop on board with just any ol’ project.
Leaping from TV to indies to biopics to box office blockbusters — and now a coveted streaming-exclusive debut — Elba has proved he can effortlessly weave in and out of varying roles and genres while still maintaining his signature appeal that mixes everything we crave in a strong, silent type with sophisticated badassery. Before you watch Elba in Beasts of No Nation this Friday, be sure to check out five other of his signature roles, listed in must-see order.
'Obsessed' (2009)
Okay, okay: I know this movie was kind of a trainwreck and a tad #problematic, BUT it is surely worth a watch if you’d like to see Beyoncé try to act and/or you want to revel in Idris Elba’s glorious, well, everything. I wouldn’t go so far as to say this is Elba’s peak sexy, but it’s damn close, my friends. Damn close. [Where to stream Obsessed]
'Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom' (2013)
Elba earned a Golden Globe nod for his portrayal of the titular South African president while also managing to shatter our hearts into a million pieces. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom isn’t the be-all-end-all of biopics by any means, but Elba’s performance will have you choking back the tears. [Where to stream Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom]
'Prometheus' (2012)
Now that we have dead sexy Elba and serious biopic Elba out of the way, it’s time to get to know badass Elba as Janek in Ridley Scott’s polarizing sci-fi action adventure. Meant to be an Alien-inspired offshoot, Prometheus ostracized fans of the original franchise but welcomed in a new wave of Elba fans who couldn’t get enough of this complex, unconventional new action star. [Where to stream Prometheus]
'Luther' (2010-2015)
Being that he got his big break on legendary crime drama The Wire and since he is British and all, it was a joyous occasion when Elba was cast as John Luther in the ridiculously underrated BBC detective series. I highly, highly recommend you stream the first three seasons on Netflix as soon as possible. Oh! But speaking of The Wire… [Where to stream Luther]
'The Wire' (2002-2008)
You haven’t seen Elba until you’ve seen him as tenacious, tactical, and terrifying Stringer Bell. An economic mastermind, Bell is the brains behind Avon Barksdale’s Baltimore-based drug operation — and also the thorn in its side. A brilliant criminal who recognizes the importance of keeping up appearances manages to keep the Baltimore Details Division in a three-season game of cat and mouse like you’ve never seen on television before. [Where to stream The Wire]
Like what you see? Follow Decider on Facebook and Twitter to join the conversation, and sign up for our email newsletters to be the first to know about streaming movies and TV news!
