Just like many actors who went on to have successful movie careers, Alexander Skarsgård first came to prominence on TV. It happened thanks to his performance as the powerful vampire Eric on the long-running HBO series True Blood. Even though the main heroine Sookie initially didn’t like Eric, they went on to become allies… and more.
However, even outside of True Blood, Skarsgård has a lot of interesting roles under his belt as he’s been acting professionally since the 1980s. With his latest movie The Northman just premiering, it’s an excellent time to take a look at Alexander Skarsgård’s best movies!
5 Melancholia (2011): 7.1
Alexander Skarsgård comes from Sweden, and as such, he not only speaks more than one language but also has a better starting position when it comes to starring in European directors’ movies. Lars von Trier is one of the most celebrated European directors, and in Melancholia, he creates a story about a wedding interrupted by the approach of a planet that’s on the collision course with Earth, threatening to destroy the world.
The movie has a melancholy quality to it and a strong atmosphere. The characters are played by talented actors, such as Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kirsten Dunst, Kiefer Sutherland, and, of course, Alexander Skarsgård. Melancholia combines psychological drama and science fiction as it delves deep into the minds of its characters.
4 Hunden Som Log (1989): 7.2
With only 98 ratings on IMDb at the moment, the Swedish movie is difficult to get to. However, those who manage to find it will have the unique chance to see Alexander Skarsgård in one of his first movie roles. The movie centers on a group of five friends who all care about the dog King.
When they realize that King is sick and won’t live much longer, they decide to make his remaining time as amazing as possible. The movie portrays the strength of friendship and affection that can exist between people and their pets, which makes it even more relatable to those who have ever had a dog. Skarsgård plays the leading part of Jojje, one of the friends. The young actors are believable in their roles, and the movie is less than an hour, making it a quick sit.
3 What Maisie Knew (2012): 7.4
Those who only know Alexander Skarsgård from his fantasy or action roles might be surprised to see him in this intimate and civil drama. What Maisie Knew is about a couple who break up, leading to a bitter war that has a negative impact on their 6-year-old daughter. The movie doesn’t spare its heroes, especially Maisie, who’s caught up in the middle of a situation she isn’t responsible for and can’t seemingly change.
The story comes across as realistic and, combined with the actors’ convincing performances, What Maisie Knew leaves a strong impression. The characters, at least the parents Susanna (Julianne Moore) and Lincoln (Alexander Skarsgård), as well as their new partners, aren’t always sympathetic, but that doesn’t mean it’s not fascinating to watch what they’ll do next. Those who enjoy the movie and will want to know even more about the story should pay attention to the book it was based on, Henry James’ novel What Maisie Knew.
2 Disconnect (2012): 7.5
Social media and other technologies are an invention of the modern days, but not so modern that multiple movies haven’t already managed to reflect on it. Disconnect falls into the category of movies that consider the negative impact social media and technologies might have on people. Since the movie creates multiple stories, it also gives space to more characters than usual.
Alexander Skarsgård plays Derek Hull, a married man who lost his only son. Derek isn’t able to deal with the loss, which puts a strain on his marriage. However, the couple discover that someone stole their identities online and decide to investigate. Their storyline has a surprising ending and gives both actors a chance to shine. The movie has a strong cast and since it offers several stories, it never becomes boring, keeping a fast pace for its entire runtime.
1 The Northman (2022): 7.9
Even though its rating might yet change considering it’s just recently premiered, The Northman is currently Alexander Skarsgård’s best-rated movie on IMDb. It focuses on a young Viking prince Amleth who wants to get revenge for the murder of his father and the loss of his home. To fulfill his goal, Amleth will have to kill multiple people, anybody who’ll stand in his way. Skarsgård has previously proved he’s no stranger to action movies, such as when he starred in 2016’s The Legend of Tarzan.
Unlike Tarzan, though, The Northman has so far garnered positive reviews from the audience. Alexander Skarsgård is convincing as the young yet battle-hardened prince, the movie has captivating settings and a story of revenge and love that will keep the audience guessing what will happen next. Even though the main character’s name suggests that the movie draws strong inspiration from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet (Hamlet also sought revenge for the death of his father), The Northman is far more than just an untraditional Shakespearean adaptation. Quite the opposite, since Shakespeare’s Hamlet was actually inspired by a legend about Amleth!
