The best performances in films by Guillermo del Toro, ranked

Guillermo del Toro has certainly become a recognizable name in the horror, sci-fi and fantasy genres, especially in terms of the most enveloping environments that mesmerize the audience. He always seems to be adding new masterpieces to his repertoire, and even his discarded projects arouse the lingering interest of viewers. His track record of entertainment excellence seems to speak for itself, developing a memorable world-building and sense of uniqueness.


In addition to incredible practical effects and his penchant for creatures in his works, his films are often characterized by breathtaking acting performances. These images span a wide range of ages and genders, highlighting the amazing talent that can be found all over Hollywood and beyond. See the best performances in Guillermo del Toro’s movies, ranked.

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6/6 Ron Perlmann – Hellboy (2004)

Ron Perlman in Hellboy
Columbia Photos

Exposing the audience to a memorable protagonist, the former Hellboy film gave way to a celebrated franchise. Ron Pearlman‘s portrayal of the eponymous character adds a strong physical appearance to the already muscular Hellboy given his inherent purpose. Hellboy’s mission is a diabolical advantage for the Allies against the Nazis, whom he was originally supposed to help when he was called to our world. Perlman’s performance is relatable and ultimately quintessential, reminding viewers that the story owes him “bring[ing] Hellboy brought to life on the big screen,” as Cinemablend quotes.

5/6 Mia Wasikowska – Crimson Peak (2015)

Mia Wasikowska in Crimson Peak.
Universal images

Crimson peak is an incredible example of classic gothic horror, imagined through a contemporary film lens, and welcomes audiences into a riveting spooky story with even deeper and darker secrets within. The film delves into newly married Edith’s exploration of her menacing new home, an old mansion. as Edith, Mia Wasikowska portrays a young woman who is welcomed into the darkness of the house as she comes face to face with its haunting history, as well as her own. Her stunning performance centralizes the horror in this film as Edith witnesses the shocking events around her.

Related: Why Crimson Peak Is One of Guillermo del Toro’s Most Underrated Movies

4/6 Ivana Baquero – Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

Ivana Baquero in the Labyrinth of Pan.
Photo house

Ivan Baquero‘s portrayal of Ofelia leads the audience into an eerie and fantastical universe through the point of view of a young person, who is also surrounded by the traumas of her very real world. As Pan’s labyrinth‘s main character, her perspective introduces the audience to the Falange vision of Spain in 1944. This is seen through the eyes of a girl who dreams of happier fantasy stories, which soon become as real as her dark present when she meets the faun Pan met. , credited as Fauno. As a Spanish and Mexican production, the film continues in the Spanish language, showing del Toro’s roots in Mexico. Baquero’s performance takes advantage of her wide-eyed imagination as Ofelia sees more shocking and intriguing happenings every day.

3/6 Megan Charpentier and Isabelle Nélisse – Mama (2013)

Isabelle Nelisse and Megan Charpentier in Mama.
Universal images

Although this film was directed by Andy Muschietti, it was hosted and executive produced by Guillermo del Toro, so it still counts. In a duet of scene-stealing performances by two young actresses, Mom Characteristics Megan Charpentier and Isabelle Nelisse as sisters Victoria and Lilly. Cast aside by their father on an evening of horrific tragedy, the two are closely watched by a mysterious maternal force (known as the titular Mama) as they are lifted from misery and neglect into their new lives. Charpentier and Nélisse portray the sisters’ extremely raw survival instincts in their eventual better-adapted appearance. During the time of Momis filming – according to an interview by We Got This Covered with Jessica Chastain – Nélisse did not speak English as her first language was French. She began learning on set, explaining her largely low-key yet commanding performance alongside Charpentier.

Related: The Most Terrifying Mothers in Horror Movies, Ranked

2/6 Bradley Cooper – Nightmare Alley (2021)

Bradley Cooper and Cate Blanchett in Nightmare Alley.
Searchlight Pictures via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Revitalization of the classic 1947 film, del Toro’s Nightmare Alley features a cast and optical atmosphere that saves certain disappointments that some audience members noticed. It is remembered as one of the most stunning horror pieces of 2021. Bradley Coopercomes next as Stanton Carlisle takes the audience to the creepy carnival that seems to consume the lives of everyone involved. Stan finds work there with the undercurrent of exploitation, eventually falling victim to it himself at the end of the story. Filled with appearances from established stars, Cooper’s is most apparent at the end of the film, and the final scenes show the depravity he’s been caught up in, as he laughs and cries helplessly.

1/6 Sally Hawkins – The Shape of Water (2017)

Sally Hawkins in the form of water.
20th Century Fox

That’s no secret The shape of water was acclaimed with well-deserved attention from the Academy since its release. It earned 13 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress in a Leading Role Sally Hawkins,” said the Independentin progress win four Oscars. It revolves around the connection between a mute woman and a strange amphibian discovery and summarizes lessons of acceptance and ultimate understanding. Sally Hawkins’ portrayal of Elisa Esposito is powerful and expresses her character’s deepest desires through her performance. Through her close relationship with the Asset, she teaches him how the two can exchange information through sign language. She shows how verbal communication is not the only way to create strong bonds between two parties.

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