WhileJacob Elordidebuted in a small role in the Australian filmSwinging Safariin 2018, the actor’s popularity rose when he starred inThe Kissing Boothmovie series. However, it wasn’t untilSam Levinson’s controversial teen hit HBO drama showEuphoriawas out that audiences were truly in awe of the star’s incredible talents (especially when playing toxic men).
Furthermore, 2023 has proven to be a memorable year for the Australian actor, with two acclaimed movies —SaltburnandPriscilla, the latter being aPriscillaPresleybiopic in which the actor steps into the shoes of rock and roll starElvis— coming out and being among the most anticipated. Given how 2023 was such a great year for Elordi’s career, it only makes sense to look back at the actor’s work so far. This is Collider’s ranking of all Jacob Elordi movies.
8’The Kissing Booth' Series (2018 - 2021)
Director: Vince Marcello
Developed and released as Netflix original films,The Kissing Boothfranchise starsJoey Kingas a high school student who has never been kissed and is forced to confront her secret crush (Elordi) at a kissing booth. The problem is that Noah is the older brother of Elle’s best friend, Lee (Joel Courtney). As expected, this causes a lot of drama that unfolds in the three movies.
Featuring a toxic teenage relationship and a Wattpad-like premise at its center,theseswooning teen romance moviesare hardly enjoyable, even if likely to keep younger audiences entertained. They have received overall negative reviews from global critics ever since they premiered and are far from being Elordi’s best work. In fact, the actor seems to think so too and even described the films as “ridiculous” (via USA Today). Given the movie’s weak script, the promising Elordi’s acting is nowhere as remarkable as in other movies down the line.
The Kissing Booth
Watch on Netflix
7’Deep Water' (2022)
Director: Adrian Lyne
Directed byAdrian Lyne,this erotic psychological thrillerleaves much to be desired. The movie centers around a peculiar couple (Ana de ArmasandBen Affleck) in the small town of Little Weasley. The husband, who allows his wife to take part in extramarital activities, becomes a prime suspect in the disappearance of her lovers.
Based on the novel of the same name byPatricia Highsmith,Deep Watermeditates on the dynamics of a loveless marriage as well as one of the twisted games in between. With a flawed screenplay, the 2022 film is not engaging enough nor remotely visually pleasing. Furthermore, Elordi’s character, Charlie De Lisle, is very passive, far from observative, and does not add much to the film. Unfortunately,Deep Wateris not among the actor’s most interesting roles.
Deep Water
Watch on Hulu
6’The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee' (2020)
Director: Dean Murphy
InThe Very Excellent Mr. Dundee, iconPaul Hoganis thrown back into the spotlight as he attempts to restore his reputation on the eve of receiving a knighthood for services to comedy.
While thisDean Murphycomedy is good-natured and features great cameos, it is disappointing and not a particularly funny self-parody.The Very Excellent Mr. Dundeeattempts to satirize American celebrity culture and Hollywood butfails to provide audiences with a truly fun narrative. Although it is hardly the worst movie ever made, it ended up being a bit of a letdown to many (critics included, as it features an 18% score on theTomatometer). Elordi plays the small role of an aerobics instructor and the son of the former movie star in the film.
The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee
Rent on Amazon
5'2 Hearts' (2020)
Director: Lance Hool
2 Heartsdepicts the relationship between two couples as it unfolds in different decades and places. Their fates are interlinked with an unpredictable hidden connection that will bring them together. TheLance Hoolfilm is based on a true story of how the Gregory House of Care nonprofit was funded.
Hool’s movie, which deals with themes of sacrifice and good fortune, can be described as an emotional andinspirational watch. However, technically speaking, it is also flat and dull and not particularly great. With strong Hallmark movie vibes, this morbid melodrama falls short of many expectations and isfar from being Elordi’s best role. However, it isn’t the actor’s weakest effort either.
Rent on Apple TV
4’The Mortuary Collection' (2019)
Director: Ryan Spindell
An amusing and creativehorror anthology that is certainly among the best in the genre,The Mortuary Collectionis well-executed and entertaining. This fantasy horror follows an eccentric mortician who recounts several macabre tales that he has come across during his renowned career.
Ryan Spindell’s atmospheric and gruesomeThe Mortuary Collectionis undoubtedlya great pick for the spooky season and among Elorid’s most enjoyable features.Not only does it feature good performances, namely from the star (who plays a frat boy named Jake), but it also presents viewers with a cleverly written and engaging premise with en pointe usage of dark humor elements. Plus, viewers get to witness the talented actor stepping into the horror scene, something fans certainly hope the actor will repeat in the future.
The Mortuary Collection
Watch on Roku
3’The Sweet East' (2023)
Director: Sean Prince Williams
Released in limited theatres on December 1,The Sweet Eastis a compelling satire about American subcultures. Set in the cities and woods of the Eastern seaboard, the film centers on high school senior Lillian as she navigates through a class trip to Washington, D.C.
This visually pleasing and picturesqueSean Prince Williamswild coming-of-age storyis a charming and engaging movie that will likely provide viewers with a good time. Not only does it feature Elordi andThe Bear’sAyoEdebiri(two of the most promising actors of their generation), but also introduces audiences to a new rising star,Talia Ryder, whose breakout performance is undeniably great, charming, and adds a lot to the feature. Needless to say, its self-discovery premise is also delightfully curious and, at times, even moving.
Currently playing in theaters
2’Saltburn' (2023)
Director: Emerald Fennell
From the director ofPromising Young Woman,Saltburnis one of this year’s most anticipated features. The plot centers around a student at Oxford University (the Oscar-nominatedBarry Keoghan) who finds himself drawn to the world of an aristocratic classmate (Elordi). Eventually, he invites him to his eccentric family’s estate for the summer.
Emerald Fennell’s movie is a captivating watch that likely won’t appeal to everyone. With an"eat the rich" narrative, as seen in many other filmslikeTriangle of SadnessorThe Menu, this comedy thriller sends out a provocative message to the upper classes and their grandiose. It is visually absorbing, featuring great cinematography that contributes to its intense narrative. While not a good pick for those who are “easily offended,“Saltburnfeatures one of Elordi’s most memorable acting efforts.
Curently playing in theaters
1’Priscilla' (2023)
Director: Sofia Coppola
Sofia Coppola’s latest directing work may not be the filmmaker’s best picture to date, but it is still an intriguing watch that reflects on the life of one of the most iconic female personalities in the 1960s. WithCailee Spaenyas PriscillaBeaulieuat its center, the 2023 film depicts her first meeting with rock-and-roll superstar Elvis Presley(arguably Elordi’s best performance) and the birth of their peculiar bond.
While Spaeny is clearly the real star of the film,Elordi’s impeccable acting as Elvis — dare we say, an even finer portrayal of the icon than Austin Butler’s inElvis— is on pair with the actress' effortsand helps elevate the A24 drama to even higher grounds. The film may not be to everyone’s taste, but it certainly provides viewers with an important and compelling perspective on one of the most talked-about relationships of all time,highlighting relevant details thatElviscompletely ignores. It also sheds a touching light on Priscilla’s lonely girlhood and coming-of-age.
