Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
10 years ago today, 28-year-old Aussie actor Heath Ledger passed away, leaving many shocked and stunned in the wake of his loss. In just about a 10 year Hollywood career, Ledger boasted an impressive 23 films to his name, and a couple of Oscar nominations (among other awards) to boot. As with other actors gone too soon, we were left wondering what else he could have shown the world has he not passed away so young, but the work he left behind stands as a testament to his gorgeous talent.
In honor of Ledger’s memory, we’ve rounded up five of his best films and where you can stream them. Prepare to laugh, cry, and shudder – he’s just that good in every single one of these roles. Here’s where to watch Heath Ledger’s best movies… you might want to keep some tissues handy.
'The Dark Knight'
Ledger’s performance in Christopher Nolan‘s intense, complex Batman movie earned him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, and it’s not hard to see why. As the sociopathic, unforgettable Joker, Ledger made a once-cartoonish character the stuff of nightmares, the kind of chaotic villain who could fit right in with any of the havoc-wreakers of the real world. It’s a solid, compelling film overall, but Ledger’s performance really drives it home.
'10 Things I Hate About You'
Before Ledger was wreaking havoc on Gotham or falling into the sweet embrace of Jake Gyllenhaal, he was romancing a young Julia Stiles and wooing American audiences for the first time. This 90s high school spin on William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew saw Ledger fill the shoes of an edgy rebel with a heart of gold, and gifted us with memorable moments (that may now require tissues) like him singing Frankie Valli in the bleachers of the football field.
'Monster's Ball'
Halle Berry may be the name that comes to mind when Monster’s Ball is discussed due to her well-deserved Oscar win, but Ledger’s performance as the son of Billy Bob Thorton’s racist cop is absolutely gut-wrenching. There’s a heartbreaking, sympathetic intensity to Ledger, to the way he plays opposite Thornton’s bully. If you love Ledger (or good acting in general), Monster’s Ball is a must-see.
'The Patriot'
After he did 10 Things I Hate About You and took the world by storm, Ledger was determined not to get pigeon-holed into rom-coms and took on the role of Mel Gibson’s courageous son in this epic Revolutionary War film. As Gabriel, the eldest child in the Martin family, Ledger is both mature and brave and young and naive all at once. Watching the way his character’s storyline unfolds is moving and magical, especially knowing that he did this just after making us swoon in a teen comedy.
'Brokeback Mountain'
This would not be a ‘Best of Heath Ledger’ list without Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain, a film that demonstrated just what depth and complexity Ledger was truly capable of. Ledger earned an Oscar nomination for playing Ennis Del Mar, a ranch hand who falls for rodeo cowboy Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal). This sweeping epic sees them keep up their affair over 20 years despite their respective marriages, and Ledger brings a heart-wrenching tragedy to Ennis with every line delivered and look passed.
