Top 20 Alexander Skarsgard Movie & TV Roles Ranked

As a devoted admirer, I’ve watched Alexander Skarsgård grace our screens for quite some time now, rising to fame in the captivating series True Blood. He even came tantalizingly close to embodying Thor within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Oh, the possibilities that might have been! Nevertheless, let’s delve into some of Alexander’s most memorable performances on the big and small screens instead.

20. Zoolander (2001)

Despite kickstarting his acting career in Sweden at a young age, it wasn’t until 2001, when Alexander Skarsgard moved to Hollywood, that he landed his first significant role – albeit a minor one – in the film Zoolander. In this comedy, he portrayed Meekus, a handsome model who was among Ben Stiller’s character’s closest friends in the fashion world. Unfortunately, Meekus met an untimely end due to a gas station explosion.

The film Zoolander revolves around its main character, a top-tier male model, as he navigates through the world of high fashion. However, his modeling limitations cause him to slide down the ranks, leading to his exploitation by a cunning designer who manipulates him into becoming an unwitting assassin, targeting the Malaysian prime minister.

19. Eastbound & Down (2013)

Despite already having gained significant fame by 2013, I myself wasn’t yet an unknown entity in the world of movies. In fact, I made a cameo appearance in HBO’s Eastbound & Down, specifically gracing the screen as the mature version of the character named Toby Powers, in the show’s series finale.

In this episode, we saw a vision of Kenny Powers’ future life, depicting Alexander Skarsgard as his son Toby. However, it should be noted that the entire scene was a product of Kenny’s imagination, as Alexander Skarsgard graciously agreed to appear in the episode solely for this cameo.

18. Zoolander 2 (2016)

15 years after debuting in Zoolander with his initial Hollywood part, Alexander Skarsgard reprised a role this time, albeit a smaller one. In a surprising twist, he portrayed Adam in an ad that humorously features Adam, Eve, and Steve. Remarkably, the filmmakers were fine with him playing a new character, as his original one had already met its end.

In Zoolander 2, Zoolander and his previous foe found themselves enticed back into modeling, only to discover a plot reminiscent of the original film. This time, however, the stakes appear significantly greater, as they’ve been drawn into a scheme that could potentially have profound and serious consequences.

17. The Giver (2014)

Alexander Skarsgard portrayed a character known as “Father” in the film “The Giver.” Interestingly, he wasn’t given a personal name in the story and was typically referred to as Father, much like Mother, played by Katie Holmes, who also didn’t have a specific name. In this futuristic and somewhat dystopian movie, Skarsgard plays a secondary role.

In this captivating tale, I find myself delving into a seemingly idyllic society, devoid of conflict, anguish, or sorrow – a paradise where past hardships have been wiped clean from everyone’s consciousness. However, the memories of the world lost remain preserved in the mind of an individual known as The Giver. He is a man entrusted with bearing the weight of humanity’s collective past experiences, and he is preparing to pass on his role to a young, innocent boy. This young lad, through experiencing the memories shared by The Giver, comes to understand the true essence of both suffering and joy that exists in the real world beyond our perfect facade.

16. Battleship (2012)

In the game “Battleship,” Alexander Skarsgard takes on a supporting character role as the elder sibling of the lead figure. He embodies Commander Stone Hopper, who paved the way for his younger brother’s Navy enlistment. Despite being highly decorated as an officer, Commander Stone Hopper met his end at the hands of extraterrestrial invaders while trying to vanquish them aboard his destroyer vessel.

In a different world, the narrative unfolds around an alien invasion triggered by a distant message sent into space. The assault took place in Hawaii, where the extraterrestrials managed to create a barrier, effectively separating a specific area of the Hawaiian Islands from global contact. Now, it’s Lieutenant Hopper’s mission to vanquish the aliens using an old battleship that had been repurposed into a museum.

15. Straw Dogs (2011)

One standout, underappreciated yet impactful acting performance by Alexander Skarsgard is his portrayal of Charlie Venner in the 2011 film “Straw Dogs.” In this role, he reprised the merciless character he had made iconic through his work on “True Blood.” Even his then-partner Kate Bosworth was taken aback by the brutal method he employed during a controversial rape scene featured in “Straw Dogs.

Straw Dogs is a movie that unfolds the tale of a married pair, David and Amy, shifting to a quaint town with intentions of renovating Amy’s childhood home after her father’s demise. Yet, their presence in the community raises eyebrows among the residents, particularly Charlie, who once had a romantic relationship with Amy. Consequently, this suspicion escalates into a violent clash born out of the growing animosity.

14. The Diary Of A Teenage Girl (2015)

In the film “The Diary of a Teenage Girl,” Alexander Skarsgard takes on a supporting role as Monroe, who is in a romantic relationship with Charlotte’s character. This movie features a humorous and lighthearted approach, much like Skarsgard’s roles in films such as Zoolander. However, it should be noted that the plot involves an inappropriate sexual relationship between Monroe and his girlfriend’s daughter, Minnie.

A Youthful Tale – Growing Up in 1970s San Francisco

In this narrative, we follow the journey of a 15-year-old girl navigating her adolescence against the backdrop of 1970s San Francisco. However, as she ventures into the complexities of her budding sexuality, an unexpected relationship unfolds – one with her mother’s boyfriend. Despite the controversial nature of this topic, the movie adopts a somewhat humorous perspective in its portrayal of these events.

13. On Becoming A God In Central Florida (2019)

In “On Becoming a God in Central Florida,” Alexander Skarsgard portrays the character as a married father to a newborn, with Kirsten Dunst playing his wife Crystal. The plot revolves around their baby being abducted by the masterminds behind a multi-level marketing scam operating in Central Florida.

The show centers around a group of individuals ensnared in a pyramid scheme during the 90s, but despite its heavy undertones, it’s a dark comedy that explores classism and capitalism. What makes it exceptional is how it humorously tackles these themes.

12. Melancholia (2011)

Alexander Skarsgard and Kirsten Dunst had previously worked together in the film Melancholia before they appeared in On Becoming a God in Central Florida. In Melancholia, they portrayed a married couple grappling with various challenges such as mental health issues, meddling relatives, and an impending collision of a planet with Earth.

Although Melancholia might initially appear to be a film focusing on the gloomy spectacle of life’s end, it is in fact a depiction of a severe bout of depression. This narrative is one that individuals who have experienced similar emotional turmoil may find resonance with.

11. The Little Drummer Girl (2018)

In the intriguing spy series “The Little Drummer Girl,” Alexander Skarsgard portrays Gadi Becker, a surprising Israeli intelligence officer. While initially appearing as an appealing man whom the protagonist encounters during her vacation in Greece, it is later revealed that he is not who she anticipates.

In The Little Drummer Girl, Becker entangles Florence Pugh’s character in an operation where she is required to infiltrate a Palestinian organization that was under suspicion as a terrorist cell.

10. Drunk History (2018)

As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that Alexander Skarsgard graced our screens once more, this time in the humorous realm of Comedy Central’s Drunk History series. In season 5, he starred in a comical skit, recounting the tale of Clara Barton, a pioneer who established the Red Cross and served as a significant nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War.

If you’re fascinated by history and enjoy an unusual perspective, Drunk History could be an intriguing series for you. It stands out because it invites actors and comedians to drink before narrating their preferred historical tales in a tipsy state.

9. What Maisie Knew (2012)

In “What Maisie Knew,” Alexander Skarsgard takes on a new character, shifting from comedic roles to a more serious drama. This film offers a compelling portrayal of Skarsgard as Lincoln, a character who navigates a complex and intense situation in an emotionally charged storyline.

The film’s plot revolves around a young girl navigating the complexities of her parents’ relationships, as they become involved with new partners. Skarsgard plays the role of the girl’s mother’s new spouse, yet he develops an unexpected connection with her father’s girlfriend named Margo. Although this storyline may appear intricate, it becomes easier to understand if you pay close attention while watching the movie.

8. Hidden (2015)

In a film, Alexander Skarsgard portrays Ray, a character who displays both protective and playful fatherly qualities as he and his daughter seek refuge within a bomb shelter during a global plague. His role showcases an individual who manages to remain optimistic even amidst circumstances where many would struggle to find joy and positivity.

As a passionate cinephile, I’d describe “Hidden” this way: The movie narrates my personal journey with a family, huddled within a bomb shelter during an outbreak of a deadly plague. However, an unfortunate fire within our sanctuary inadvertently reveals our location to the outside world. This revelation compels us to take a risky escape route, crawling through an air duct. In my determination to safeguard them, I endanger myself, going as far as fracturing my own daughter’s shoulder to ensure she could fit and survive in the confined space.

7. Mute (2018)

In the futuristic Berlin setting of Mute, Alexander Skarsgard takes on the character of a silent bartender at a strip club. Despite his inability to speak, he harbors feelings for one of the dancers, who is his sole reason for living. However, when this woman mysteriously vanishes, he finds himself embroiled in encounters with dangerous gangsters and suspicious individuals as he searches for answers regarding the fate of his beloved.

In this film, Alexander Skarsgard portrays a character unlike any we’ve previously seen from him – a man who embodies both compassion and fierce vengeance, willing to go to extremes to uncover the truth about the girl he deeply cared for. Moreover, his performance showcases his empathy towards vulnerable characters, demonstrating the exceptional acting skills of Alexander Skarsgard.

6. The Legend Of Tarzan (2016)

Alexander Skarsgard takes on the iconic character of Tarzan in a live-action adaptation of the timeless story about the man reared by apes within the jungle. In this film, Tarzan has previously adapted to civilized life and departed from the jungle to cohabit with his spouse, Jane.

Instead of being sent back to Africa to supervise growth projects, they found themselves in a dire situation where they uncovered a sinister plan. It was at this point that Tarzan was compelled to reconnect with his origins, so he could thwart the plot and safeguard his jungle companions.

5. Disconnect (2012)

The movie “Disconnect” stars Alexander Skarsgard alongside other talented actors, and it presents a story where Skarsgard portrays a grieving husband, mourning the loss of their son along with his wife. However, their tragic situation takes an unexpected turn when they suspect that someone they communicated with online during their grief could have stolen their identities.

In the realm of cinema, I recently found myself engrossed in a film that offers an insightful exploration of our growing infatuation with technology and its impact on human relationships. Personally, it was eye-opening to witness how deeply we’ve come to rely on these digital tools, often at the expense of authentic human connections. The narrative also delves into the darker side of technology, as demonstrated by Skarsgard’s character who, regrettably, fell victim to identity theft through an online forum.

4. Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)

2021 saw one of its top films being Godzilla vs. Kong, an exciting clash between two colossal creatures, even though it was premiered in the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, audiences were still able to enjoy this epic showdown by streaming it on HBO Max or catching it at local cinemas.

As a devoted admirer, let me share my take: In Godzilla vs. Kong, I found myself captivated by Alexander Skarsgard’s portrayal of Dr. Nathan Lind, a man consumed with uncovering the secret realm where Godzilla and Kong originated. His quest was driven by the ambition to tap into a new energy source. Yet, his decision to enlist Kong in this pursuit led him unwittingly into a power struggle between two colossal titans, each claiming dominance on our planet.

3. The Stand (2020 – 2021)

Alexander Skarsgard stars in the TV miniseries titled “The Stand,” which is based on Stephen King’s novel. He takes on the character of Randall Flagg, who unfortunately brings destruction to a post-pandemic world.

In Stephen King’s novel, The Stand, a catastrophic pandemic wipes out most of humanity. Those who survive are attracted towards figures named Randall Flagg and Mother Abigail, which ultimately leads to the formation of two opposing factions within this post-apocalyptic universe.

2. True Blood (2008 – 2014)

Alexander Skarsgard gained widespread recognition for his performance as Eric Northman in the HBO original series “True Blood.” In this role, he portrayed a captivating, ancient vampire who held a prominent position among his kind. The allure of Skarsgard’s portrayal of the enigmatic, violent vampire contributed significantly to his popularity, as Eric Northman was one of the most beloved characters in the entire series.

True Blood is a series about a world where vampires have come out to humans and are trying to coexist peacefully, thanks to a manufactured blood substitute called TrueBlood. But, the story takes an interesting turn when a local girl with unique powers finds herself caught up in a vampire-related dispute after she becomes romantically involved with a newly arrived vampire.

1. Big Little Lies (2017 – 2019)

Alexander shines most in Big Little Lies, a role where he portrayed Perry, the husband of Nicole Kidman’s character in this HBO production. Remarkably, he received a Primetime Emmy for his performance in this series, even though he was classified as a supporting actor. Nevertheless, his acting talent was evident in this series, particularly in depicting a man who had developed a pattern of violence towards his wife.

Big Little Lies unfolds in a Californian neighborhood, where affluent parents find themselves entangled in a murder. To conceal their role in the crime, they navigate through a web of secrets. This captivating series is not to be missed, boasting an impressive ensemble including Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Zoe Kravitz, Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley, and Adam Scott.

2025-05-20 05:17