Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Hollywood has many talented actors who don't always get the attention they deserve, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt is clearlyone of them. He started acting as a child and has grown into a respected performer. Over the years, he has taken on many different roles in various films. From romantic comedies to serious dramas, from action movies to independent films, his work shows great range. He can play funny characters, serious ones, and everything in between. This variety makes him stand out among other actors of his generation.
If you want to explore his best work, here are ten movies that show why Joseph Gordon-Levitt is worth watching. These films will help you understand his talent better.
1. Inception (2010)
Where to Watch: HBO Max, Plex, Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
Christopher Nolan directed this mind-bending science fiction film about dreams within dreams. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Arthur, a professional thief who steals secrets from people's subconscious while they sleep. He works with Dom Cobb, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, on a dangerous mission. They must plant an idea in someone's mind instead of stealing one. The movie features an iconic hallway fight scene where Gordon-Levitt fights in zero gravity. The film became a huge success worldwide.
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2. 500 Days of Summer (2009)
Where to Watch: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
This romantic comedy tells the story of Tom Hansen, a greeting card writer who falls in love with Summer Finn, played by Zooey Deschanel. The movie doesn't follow a straight timeline. Instead, it jumps between different days of their relationship. Tom believes Summer is his soulmate, but she doesn't want anything serious. Joseph Gordon-Levitt perfectly captures Tom's joy, confusion, and heartbreak. The film shows that love stories don't always have happy endings. It became a favorite among young audiences.
3. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Where to Watch: Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
This teen comedy is a modern version of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew." Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Cameron James, a new student who falls for Bianca Stratford. However, Bianca can only date if her difficult older sister Kat dates first. Cameron and his friend create a plan to set up Kat with the mysterious Patrick Verona, played by Heath Ledger. The movie takes place in a Seattle high school and became very popular in the late 1990s. It helped launch several young actors' careers.
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4. 50/50 (2011)
Where to Watch: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
Adam Lerner is a 27-year-old radio journalist who learns he has cancer. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Adam in this drama-comedy based on a true story. His best friend Kyle, played by Seth Rogen, tries to support him through treatment. Adam also starts therapy with a young counselor named Katherine. The film balances serious moments about illness with humor about friendship and life. It shows how people cope with difficult news. Director Jonathan Levine created a touching story about survival and relationships.
5. The Walk (2015)
Where to Watch: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
Robert Zemeckis directed this biographical film about Philippe Petit, a French high-wire artist. In 1974, Petit walked on a wire between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York. Joseph Gordon-Levitt learned to walk on a wire and speak with a French accent for this role. The movie shows how Petit planned this illegal performance with his team. The final walk sequence was filmed to create a thrilling experience. The film celebrates artistic passion and determination.
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6. Looper (2012)
Where to Watch: Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV
This science fiction action film takes place in 2044. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Joe, a "looper" who kills people sent back in time by criminals. One day, his future self, played by Bruce Willis, appears as his target. Young Joe must decide whether to kill his older self or let him escape. Director Rian Johnson created a complex story about time travel and consequences. Gordon-Levitt wore special makeup to look more like Willis. The film combines action scenes with thoughtful ideas about choices and fate.
7. Mysterious Skin (2004)
Where to Watch: Amazon Video, Fandango At Home
Gregg Araki directed this intense drama about childhood trauma. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Neil McCormick, a young man dealing with abuse from his past. The story also follows Brian, played by Brady Corbet, who has missing memories from childhood. Both characters experienced something terrible when they were eight years old. As the film progresses, their stories connect in a powerful way. This dark film shows Gordon-Levitt taking on a very challenging dramatic role. The movie is difficult to watch but shows important themes.
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8. Don Jon (2013)
Where to Watch: Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV
Joseph Gordon-Levitt wrote, directed, and starred in this comedy-drama. He plays Jon Martello, a New Jersey man with an addiction to adult content. Jon meets Barbara Sugarman, played by Scarlett Johansson, and starts a relationship with her. However, his addiction affects their connection. He later befriends an older woman named Esther, played by Julianne Moore, who helps him see things differently. The film explores modern relationships and unrealistic expectations. This was Gordon-Levitt's first time directing a feature film.
9. Lincoln (2012)
Where to Watch: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
Steven Spielberg directed this historical drama about President Abraham Lincoln. Daniel Day-Lewis plays Lincoln during the final months of the Civil War. Joseph Gordon-Levitt has a supporting role as Robert Todd Lincoln, the president's oldest son. Robert wants to join the Union Army, but his parents worry about his safety. The film focuses on Lincoln's effort to pass the Thirteenth Amendment to end slavery. It won several awards and received critical praise. Gordon-Levitt appears in several important family scenes.
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10. Brick (2005)
Where to Watch: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
Rian Johnson wrote and directed this unique neo-noir mystery set in a California high school. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Brendan Frye, a student investigating his ex-girlfriend's disappearance. He enters the dangerous world of drugs and crime among teenagers. The film uses classic detective story style but with young characters in a school setting. Gordon-Levitt delivers his lines in a fast, sharp way typical of old detective movies. This independent film helped both the actor and director gain recognition in Hollywood.

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