1. "L.A. Confidential" (99%)
Here we're talking dirty cops, tabloid journalism, and Hollywood glitz in the 1950s. Pearce steps into the shoes of Detective Ed Exley, the straight-arrow cop among a den of wolves. As he uncovers a massive corruption scheme, loyalties are tested and friendships shattered.
Remember the Night Owl Massacre? That's where things kick off, and as you're hooked into the story, you'll soon realize – not everything in L.A. shines as bright as the movies.
2. "The Hurt Locker" (97%)
Ah, the tension of a bomb squad in Iraq. Guy Pearce, though not the main lead, makes an impactful appearance as Sgt. Matt Thompson. The story centers around a maverick bomb squad team leader, played by Jeremy Renner, and the perils of war. Every second counts in this high-octane film.
Ever tried holding your breath during a suspenseful scene? Good luck trying not to in this one.
3. "Animal Kingdom" (95%)
Guy Pearce plays Detective Nathan Leckie, navigating the dangerous waters of Melbourne's criminal underworld.
It's a tale of crime, betrayal, and one teen's struggle amidst a family steeped in criminal activities. When J's mother ODs and he's thrown into this chaotic world, Leckie tries to provide him an out. You'd think family dinners were complicated enough without the added danger of a crime family, right?
4. "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" (94%)
Now for something a bit lighter! Two drag queens and a transgender woman, traveling across the Australian Outback in a bus named Priscilla, aiming to perform a drag show in Alice Springs. Pearce is Adam (or Felicia, when in drag) and is all shimmer, sass, and style.
It's a tale of friendship, acceptance, and, of course, fabulous outfits. Plus, who can resist a bit of ABBA on the side?
5. "The King's Speech" (94%)
Royalty, anyone? Pearce portrays King Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne for Wallis Simpson, thrusting his stuttering brother, King George VI, into the limelight.
It's a story about a monarch trying to find his voice, quite literally, with the help of an unorthodox speech therapist. While the main story revolves around King George, Pearce's Edward plays a pivotal role in setting the stage. Fancy a peek into royal affairs with a side of personal struggles?
6. "Memento" (93%)
Okay, ever tried piecing together a puzzle backward? That's "Memento" for you. Pearce plays Leonard Shelby, a man suffering from short-term memory loss, using Polaroid photographs and tattoos to hunt the man he believes killed his wife.
The unique thing? The story unravels in reverse. It's clever, it's intriguing, and you'll probably find yourself muttering, "Wait, what just happened?" more than once.
7. "Results" (85%)
Fitness goals, anyone? Guy Pearce is Trevor, a gym owner in Austin, Texas. He has a vision for his fitness empire, but when a newly wealthy, depressed client comes into the mix, things get, well, complicated. Throw in some romantic entanglements with his trainer Kat, and you've got yourself a quirky rom-com. And hey, maybe it'll inspire you to do a sit-up or two?
8. "The Proposition" (85%)
Set in the Australian Outback in the 1880s, Pearce is Charlie Burns, an outlaw who's given a grim choice by a British lawman: save his younger brother by killing his older, more dangerous sibling. It's rugged, it's gritty, and it's filled with moral dilemmas.
If you had to choose between family and what's right, which way would you swing?
9. "Holding the Man" (81%)
A heartfelt tale based on a true story. Pearce plays the father of Timothy Conigrave, who pens a memoir about his long-term relationship with John Caleo, amidst the backdrop of the 1970s and 1980s and the looming AIDS crisis.
It's a love story, but one that doesn't shy away from the challenges of the time. Love, loss, and everything in between. Ready for a tear-jerker?
10. "Iron Man 3" (79%)
In the last part of "Iron Man" trilogy, Pearce dives into the Marvel Universe and does it brilliantly. He's Aldrich Killian, the brilliant but twisted scientist behind the Extremis virus. While we all love Tony Stark and his iron suits, Killian poses a threat unlike any other.
Big explosions, high stakes, and let's not forget, that twist with the Mandarin that kinda divided Marvel fandom before CACW finished the job. Who knew Pearce could be so, well, villainous?