56 years old Rhys Ifans is a Welsh actor and musician who has significantly impacted film and television in his career path.
After attending acting classes at Theatr Clwyd, he presented Welsh-language television programs on S4C.
He started pursuing a professional acting career in 1991 and portrayed the role of Dave in the children’s comedy series Spatz.
In addition, he was the vocalist of the rock band Super Furry Animals. Likewise, he sang with the psychedelic rock band The Peth and supported Oasis at a concert in the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff in 2009.
If you are a fan of Rhys Ifans, let’s explore the movies and TV shows you must watch.
| Movies | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Notting Hill | May 28, 1999 |
| The Boat That Rocked | November 13, 2009 |
| Trial & Retribution | October 19, 1997 |
| Berlin Station | October 16, 2016 |
| Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 | November 19, 2010 |
| Mr. Nobody | January 13, 2010 |
| Exit Through the Gift Shop | January 24, 2010 |
| Elementary | September 27, 2012 |
| Spider-Man: No Way Home | December 17, 2021 |
| House of the Dragon | August 21, 2022 |
Note that there may be differences in available movies depending on where you live.
10. Notting Hill
Roger Michell directed a delightful romantic comedy, Notting Hill, released on May 28, 1999.
The story revolves around a romance between a British bookseller and a famous American actress.
William Thacker owns a travel bookstore in London’s Notting Hill district. One day, famous Hollywood actress Anna Scott enters his shop, unexpectedly changing his life.
After a chance encounter involving spilled orange juice, their paths cross again, leading to a kiss and eventually a full-blown affair.
However, Anna’s fame and her American actor boyfriend complicate their budding romance.
Rhys Ifans played Spike, William’s goofy and lovable roommate. His performance received positive reviews, and he was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role at the BAFTAs.
Notting Hill won a British Comedy Award, and it beautifully captures the magic of unexpected love in the charming backdrop of Notting Hill.
9. The Boat That Rocked
Richard Curtis directed a British comedy-drama, The Boat That Rocked, also known as Pirate Radio in North America, released on November 13, 2009.
It revolves around pirate radio stations broadcasting rock and pop music from ships in international waters to the United Kingdom.
The fictional pirate radio station “Radio Rock” and its crew of eclectic disc jockeys defy the British government’s attempts to shut them down.
In the movie, seventeen-year-old Carl gets expelled from school and is sent to stay with his godfather Quentin, who runs Radio Rock.
The station’s crew, led by brash American DJ “The Count” and DJ “Doctor Dave,” play music that isn’t aired on BBC Radio.
Meanwhile, government minister Sir Alistair Dormandy aims to shut down pirate radio stations in London due to their commercialism and immorality.
Rhys Ifans starred as Gavin Kavanagh, a massively popular DJ brought out of retirement by Quentin, leading to a professional rivalry with The Count.
His character adds a rebellious and provocative touch to the Radio Rock crew, making waves with rock and roll music and his charismatic style.
The Boat That Rocked explores the clash between rebellious DJs and the establishment, all set against a backdrop of rock ‘n’ roll and pop music.
8. Trial & Retribution
Lynda La Plante created a feature-length ITV police procedural television drama series, Trial & Retribution, first aired on October 19, 1997.
It is a follow-up to her successful television series Prime Suspect, and each episode was typically broadcast over two nights.
The show revolves around the team of Detectives as they investigate crimes, pursue justice, and navigate the legal system’s challenges.
The show’s gripping narratives and character-driven investigations have made it a compelling watch for fans of crime dramas.
Rhys Ifans portrayed Michael Dunn, the main suspect, in the first episode of Trial & Retribution.
This gripping drama focuses on the investigation into the murder of a five-year-old girl named Julie Harris. The intense storyline and his performance make it a memorable watch.
7. Berlin Station
Olen Steinhauer created the American action mystery drama Berlin Station, which was released on October 16, 2016. It follows Daniel Miller, a CIA officer who has just arrived at the station in Berlin, Germany.
In the first season, Daniel’s covert mission is to uncover the source of a leak that has supplied information to a famous whistleblower, Thomas Shaw.
Rhys Ifans portrayed Hector DeJean, a disillusioned veteran CIA officer with dubious tactics and many secrets.
He guides Daniel through the rough-and-tumble world of field agents, dealing with agent-running, deception, and moral compromises.
Four months after being shot at the end of season 1, Daniel recovers from his injuries in the second season and is given a new assignment.
He must infiltrate a far-right German political party believed to be planning an act of terror right before an upcoming election.
The series continued with new challenges, secrets, and intrigue in the third season but was canceled after three seasons on March 29, 2019.
Berlin Station’s all three seasons were released on DVD in 2021 from Paramount Home Entertainment.
6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
David Yates directed an adventure fantasy film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, from Steve Kloves’s screenplay. It was released on November 19, 2010.
It is the seventh installment in the Harry Potter film series and the sequel to the 2009 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Voldemort’s power grows more vital in this sequel, and he controls the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione embark on a mission to search for and destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes, objects containing fragments of his soul that grant him immortality.
They also learn about the Deathly Hallows, powerful magical objects that can evade death as they race against time and evil.
Similarly, the trio faces challenges, including encounters with Death Eaters and the mysterious Elder Wand. Ultimately, they work together to defeat Voldemort and save the wizarding world.
Rhys Ifans portrayed Xenophilius Lovegood in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.
Xenophilius is Luna Lovegood‘s eccentric father and the editor of The Quibbler in the Wizarding World.
5. Mr. Nobody
Jaco Van Dormael directed the science fiction drama Mr. Nobody, released in Belgium on January 13, 2010.
In the year 2092, humanity achieved quasi-immortality through cell renewal. At the age of 118, Nemo Nobody is the last mortal on Earth.
His memories are fading, and he recounts his life story to a doctor and a journalist. The film explores three pivotal points in his life: when he was 9, 15, and 34.
These moments reveal his three main loves and the hardships he faced due to his parent’s divorce.
The story takes surprising turns, exploring alternate life paths from different decisions. Nemo’s nonlinear recollections incorporate the multiverse hypothesis.
Rhys Ifans portrays Nemo Nobody’s father. He does admirably in this sci-fi fantasy, playing various realities as part of the ensemble.
Mr. Nobody’s philosophy, cinematography, and memorable soundtrack by Pierre Van Dormael helped it develop a loyal following since its Venice International Film Festival premiere.
4. Exit Through the Gift Shop
Street artist Banksy directed a British documentary film, Exit Through the Gift Shop, which premiered at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2010.
The film revolves around Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant living in Los Angeles. Over several years, he obsessively captures footage of street artists at work, including iconic figures like Shepard Fairey and Banksy.
However, he never does anything with this extensive footage. Things take an unexpected turn when Banksy uses Thierry’s footage to create a documentary.
The film showcases the street art scene and delves into Thierry’s transformation into the artist known as Mr. Brainwash.
Rhys Ifans provides narration while Banksy shares the story, his face obscured and his voice altered to maintain anonymity.
Since its premiere, there has been an extensive discussion about the film’s authenticity as a documentary or mockumentary.
Exit Through the Gift Shop was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 83rd Academy Awards.
3. Elementary
Robert Doherty created an American procedural drama television series, Elementary, premiered on CBS on September 27, 2012.
It offers a contemporary update of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic character, Sherlock Holmes. The show stars Jonny Lee Miller as Sherlock Holmes and Lucy Liu as Dr. Joan Watson.
Sherlock Holmes, a recovering drug addict and former consultant to Scotland Yard, assists the New York City Police Department in solving crimes.
His unconventional approach often clashes with Captain Thomas Gregson, but they maintain mutual respect.
Dr. Joan Watson was initially hired as Sherlock’s sober companion, and she became his apprentice and later his professional partner.
The series also features Sherlock’s ongoing conflict with his nemesis and former lover, Jamie Moriarty.
Rhys Ifans portrayed Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock Holmes’s older brother, and debuted in the show’s Season 2 premiere.
Moreover, his performance as Mycroft adds an intriguing layer to Sherlock’s family dynamics.
2. Spider-Man: No Way Home
Marvel Studios and Columbia Pictures co-produced an American superhero film, Spider-Man: No Way Home, based on the Marvel comics character Spider-Man. It was released on December 17, 2021.
In Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter Parker’s secret identity is revealed to the entire world. Desperate for help, he turns to Doctor Strange to make the world forget that he is Spider-Man.
However, the spell goes wrong and shatters the multiverse, bringing in monstrous villains from other dimensions. Some of these fearsome rivals are the Lizard, Dr. Octopus, Electro, the Green Goblin, and the Sandman.
As Peter grapples with the consequences of his actions, he must discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.
The film picks up where Far From Home left off, with Peter’s whole world turned upside down after his old enemy Mysterio posthumously reveals his identity to the public.
In The Amazing Spider-Man and Spider-Man: No Way Home, Rhys Ifans portrayed Dr. Curt Connors, a brilliant geneticist who worked for Oscorp.
In No Way Home, he appears as the monstrous version of Lizard but briefly shows his genuine face during a poignant scene with the trio of Peters.
1. House of the Dragon
George R. R. Martin and Ryan Condal created an American fantasy drama, House of the Dragon, for HBO, which premiered on August 21, 2022.
It is the second television series in the A Song of Ice and Fire franchise and a prequel to Game of Thrones. Similarly, the series begins about 100 years after the Targaryen conquest unites the Seven Kingdoms.
Near the end of the first century of Targaryen rule, King Jaehaerys I presides over a prosperous kingdom with 10 adult dragons.
In need of an heir, he assembles the Great Council of Harrenhal. Rhaenys Targaryen and Viserys Targaryen emerge as contenders, with Viserys ultimately becoming the next King of Westeros.
Fast-forward to the ninth year of Viserys’s reign, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen appears with her Dragon Syrax and friend Alicent Hightower. Rhaenyra’s mother, Aemma, is pregnant and hoping for a male heir.
The plot unfolds as tensions rise, divisions form and the Targaryen legacy hangs in the balance.
The talented Rhys Ifans takes on the role of Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King and a trusted advisor to King Viserys Targaryen.
His portrayal of this pivotal character highlights the series, and his influence in the Targaryen court is profound.
Conclusion
Rhys Ifans is known for his versatile roles. His quirky and daring choices have graced both movies and television series.
Since 1991, he has left an indelible mark in the entertainment industry and captivated audiences with his unique talent.
From starring as Dave in his initial career in the children’s comedy series Spatz to portraying scheming Otto Hightower in House of the Dragon, he proved his remarkable acting skills.
Nonetheless, Rhys received an Honorary Fellowship of Bangor University on July 16, 2007, for services to the film industry.
