From a troubled writer to a charismatic cult leader, Philip Seymour Hoffman's unparalleled talent brought some of cinema's most complex characters to life. In this tribute, we revisit his greatest performances and celebrate the legacy of an actor whose brilliance continues to inspire.
1. Capote (2005)
Philip Seymour Hoffman stars in the titular role of the American novelist Truman Capote in this biographical drama. The film follows Capote as he travels to Kansas to cover a story about a murdered family in Kansas. He ends up becoming close with the accused on death row.
2. The Master (2012)
The Master is a psychological drama film. Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) struggles with PTSD from World War II and becomes a drunk and troubled drifter.
Freddie meets Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman) on a boat. Lancaster is the leader of “The Cause,” a charismatic religious movement. They form a bond despite other members viewing it as a threat.
3. Synecdoche, New York (2008)
Synecdoche, New York follows theatre director Caden Cotard (Hoffman), who struggles with his work and women. He is creating a life-size replica of New York City inside a warehouse as part of his new play.
4. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007)
Andy (Philip Seymour Hoffman) convinces his younger brother, Hank (Ethan Hawke), into a scheme to commit the perfect crime: to rob their parents' (Albert Finney, Rosemary Harris) jewelry store.
Naturally, things don't go accordingly, and the family's patriarch begins hunting the criminals for vigilante justice, unaware that the criminals he is hunting are his children.
5. Doubt (2008)
Set in 1964, a charismatic priest, Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman), advocates for reform so that the first Black student is accepted to St. Nicholas School.
Sister James (Amy Adams) implies to Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep) that Father Flynn is giving the new student too much personal attention. So without any evidence, Sister Aloysius launches a crusade against Flynn.
6. Boogie Nights (1997)
In this classic film about the 1970s adult film industry, Hoffman plays Scotty J., a shy, awkward production assistant who harbors a crush on one of the stars. Hoffman's performance is both heartbreaking and hilarious, and his character adds a poignant layer to the film's exploration of fame and exploitation.
7. Magnolia (1999)
This sprawling drama weaves together multiple storylines, including Hoffman's character, Phil Parma, a kindhearted nurse who helps a dying man reunite with his estranged son. Hoffman's performance is understated but powerful, highlighting his ability to bring depth to even the smallest roles.
8. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith, this thriller follows a con artist (played by Matt Damon) who becomes obsessed with a wealthy young man (Jude Law) and his girlfriend (Gwyneth Paltrow). Hoffman's performance as a snobbish socialite adds an extra layer of tension to the film's gripping plot.
9. Almost Famous (2000)
In Cameron Crowe's semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story, Hoffman plays legendary rock critic Lester Bangs, who mentors a young journalist (Patrick Fugit) on his first assignment. Hoffman's performance is both wise and wry, and his scenes are some of the film's most memorable.
10. The Ides of March (2011)
This political thriller follows a young campaign staffer (Ryan Gosling) who gets caught up in a scandal during a presidential primary race. Hoffman plays the campaign manager, offering a measured and intelligent performance in a film that's full of tension and intrigue.
11.”The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” (2013)
In this blockbuster sequel, Hoffman plays Plutarch Heavensbee, the new Head Gamemaker. His performance is understated yet powerful, adding depth and intrigue to the film's political themes.
Unfortunately, Hoffman passed away before filming finished. The letter Woody Harrelson's character Haymitch Abernathy reads at the end of the film was originally meant to be read by Hoffman but now serves as a lasting tribute in Hoffman's final movie.
12. Charlie Wilson's War (2007)
Based on a true story, this political drama follows a Texas congressman (Tom Hanks) who teams up with a CIA operative (Hoffman) to support Afghan rebels in their fight against the Soviet Union. Hoffman's performance as the cantankerous and cynical operative is a highlight of the film.
13. Along Came Polly (2004)
While Philip Seymour Hoffman isn't the lead in this movie, he plays a great best friend to Ben Stiller's character, Reuben. While Reuben is worried about falling in love, Sandy (Hoffman) is worried about living in his own shadow as he's becoming a washed-up child actor. Now we can't think about Jesus Christ Superstar without thinking about Hoffman's performance as Sandy.
14. Scent of a Woman (1992)
Hoffman is just a young man in the movie, Scent of a Woman, so much so, that he's credited in the movie as Philip S. Hoffman. In this film, he plays the best friend of the main character Charlie. The two are involved in the underlying plot of the movie where they're pressured into naming students who committed a prank on the headmaster of the school. It's fun seeing him when he's so young and still playing such a great role.
15. The Big Lebowski (1998)
In The Big Lebowski, Hoffman plays a much smaller role, but this movie is iconic and we love seeing him in it. Hoffman plays Bradnt, the assistant to the actual “big Lebowski.” He's not in the movie for long, but it's a wonderful watch!