After starring in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II in 2024, Paul Mescal shifted back to his indie roots with The History of Sound and Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet in 2025. The former premiered at Cannes Film Festival to solid reviews, while the latter debuted at Telluride with a much warmer reception. To celebrate another outstanding year for this Oscar-nominated rising star, here’s a ranking of all the best Paul Mescal movies and TV shows, including Aftersun and All of Us Strangers.
#1 — All of Us Strangers
Critics Consensus: All of Us Strangers examines profound grief and love through a fantastical lens that remains deeply human.
Synopsis: In a near-empty tower block in London, Adam (Andrew Scott) encounters a mysterious stranger, changing his emotional world.
#2 — Aftersun
Critics Consensus: With Frankie Corio’s performance and Paul Mescal’s emotional depth, Aftersun explores the intersection between memory and reality.
Synopsis: At a seaside resort, young Sophie recalls tender moments with her father Calum (Paul Mescal), blending nostalgia with heartbreak.
#3 — The Lost Daughter
Critics Consensus: Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut unites a stellar cast to explore motherhood and obsession.
Synopsis: On a seaside vacation, Leda becomes consumed with a young mother and daughter, sparking unsettling revelations.
#4 — God’s Creatures
Critics Consensus: A raw exploration of family and morality, with Emily Watson and Paul Mescal delivering unforgettable performances.
Synopsis: In a fishing village, a mother must choose between protecting her son and following her conscience.
#5 — Gladiator II
Critics Consensus: A bold continuation of Ridley Scott’s saga, Gladiator II delivers bloodsport action with Denzel Washington’s scene-stealing role.
Synopsis: Years after Maximus’s death, Lucius returns to the Colosseum to face destiny.
#6 — Hamnet
Critics Consensus: Yet to be finalized.
Synopsis: Directed by Chloé Zhao, Hamnet tells the emotional story of love and loss that inspired Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy.
#7 — Normal People (TV Series)
Synopsis: Marianne and Connell navigate love and identity in a small Irish town, earning critical acclaim for its intimacy and authenticity.
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#8 — Ophelia
Synopsis: A reimagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet through Ophelia’s perspective, with Mescal playing a pivotal role.
#9 — The History of Sound
Critics Consensus: Pending.
Synopsis: Follows Lionel (Paul Mescal) and David (Josh O’Connor) as they record stories of everyday Americans during WWI.
#10 — Carmen
Critics Consensus: A visually bold reinvention by Benjamin Millepied, though emotionally uneven.
Synopsis: A modern-day adaptation of Prosper Mérimée’s novella, featuring dance, passion, and Nicholas Britell’s score.
#11 — Foe
Critics Consensus: Despite strong performances by Paul Mescal and Saoirse Ronan, Foe stumbles with heavy-handed sci-fi elements.
Synopsis: A futuristic exploration of marriage and identity, set against an atmospheric backdrop of isolation.
With five Certified Fresh projects, including Aftersun and All of Us Strangers, Paul Mescal continues to prove himself as one of the most versatile actors of his generation. From blockbuster epics like Gladiator II to intimate indie dramas, Mescal is steadily building a filmography that blends critical acclaim with mainstream appeal.
