12 Idris Elba Movies to Celebrate His Knighthood

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Idris Elba has officially become Sir Idris Elba. On June 2, 2026, King Charles knighted the acclaimed actor at Windsor Castle. He was honored for his great work helping young people through his charity and community efforts. And what better way to honor the occasion than revisiting the best Idris Elba movies and TV series that turned him into a legend?

In the world of cinema, the name Idris Elba carries a lot of weight. His Idris Elba movies span more than two decades, covering crime dramas, superhero blockbusters, animated films, and powerful biopics. He has shown again and again that he can take on any role and deliver a truly memorable performance.

Now is the perfect time to revisit his most iconic works. Whether you are a longtime fan or just discovering him for the first time, this list has something for everyone. And what better way to honor the occasion than revisiting the movies and TV series that turned him into a legend?

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, fuboTV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home

Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, this film tells the true story of Molly Bloom, a former Olympic skier who ran the most exclusive underground poker game in America. Elba plays Charlie Jaffey, her sharp and principled defense lawyer who slowly uncovers the real person behind the scandal. His performance alongside Jessica Chastain is commanding and grounded, bringing a calm authority that balances the film's fast-paced dialogue and high-stakes tension beautifully.

Where to Watch: Netflix

Set in an unnamed West African country torn apart by civil war, this film follows a young boy named Agu who is forced to become a child soldier after his family is killed. Elba plays the Commandant, the ruthless and magnetic leader of the rebel group that takes Agu in. His performance is deeply unsettling and unforgettable. Directed by Cary Fukunaga, the film also stars Abraham Attah, who won a Marcello Mastroianni Award for his role at the Venice Film Festival.

Where to Watch: Disney+, Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store 

Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, this Marvel epic brings together nearly every hero in the universe to face the powerful villain Thanos, played by Josh Brolin. Elba returns as Heimdall, the all-seeing guardian of Asgard, in one of the most dramatic moments of the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. In just a few minutes of screen time, he delivers a scene of quiet sacrifice that sets the emotional tone for the entire film. His presence, as always, carries enormous weight.

Where to Watch: Disney+, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home

In this beloved Disney animated film, a rabbit named Judy Hopps becomes the first bunny police officer in a city where animals of all kinds live together. Elba lends his deep and authoritative voice to Chief Bogo, the tough police chief who doubts Judy from the very start. Alongside Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman, he adds a layer of seriousness that perfectly balances the film's lighter humor. It is a fun and clever movie that audiences of all ages continue to enjoy.

Where to Watch: Disney+, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home

This is where Elba introduced the world to Heimdall, the golden-eyed guardian who stands watch at the entrance to Asgard. The film follows Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, as he is banished to Earth after acting recklessly. Elba's role may be supporting, but his screen presence is impossible to miss. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, this was an early signal that Elba belonged in the biggest productions Hollywood had to offer.

Where to Watch: Netflix

Starring Idris Elba as the feared outlaw Rufus Buck, this stylish Western follows a Black cowboy named Nat Love who sets out for revenge after Rufus is released from prison. The film features a remarkable ensemble cast including Jonathan Majors, Regina King, and Zazie Beetz. Elba commands every scene he is in, playing a villain who is cold, calculated, and strangely compelling. Directed by Jeymes Samuel, it is a visually stunning film that breathes fresh energy into the Western genre.

Where to Watch: Hulu, Disney+, AMC+, Philo, Acorn TV, BritBox

This BBC crime drama made Idris Elba a household name around the world. He plays DCI John Luther, a brilliant but emotionally tortured detective who solves some of London's most disturbing murder cases. Luther is fiercely intelligent and deeply flawed, and Elba brings both sides of him to life with extraordinary skill. The series ran for five seasons and earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. Co-starring Ruth Wilson as the unforgettable Alice Morgan, this is essential viewing.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, The Roku Channel

Idris Elba takes on one of the most significant roles of his career here, playing Nelson Mandela across several defining chapters of his life. The story goes from his early days as a young lawyer to his 27 years in prison and his eventual rise as South Africa's first democratically elected president. His performance is measured, dignified, and deeply human. Naomie Harris plays Winnie Mandela alongside him, and the two share a powerful chemistry throughout. Directed by Justin Chadwick, this is a film of genuine historical importance.

Where to Watch: HBO Max, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home

Long before his name was on film posters, Idris Elba was earning critical praise for his portrayal of Stringer Bell in this groundbreaking HBO series. Stringer is the business-minded second-in-command of a Baltimore drug organization who tries to run his criminal enterprise like a corporation. Elba's portrayal is subtle and complex, making Stringer one of the most discussed characters in television history. Created by David Simon, The Wire is widely regarded as one of the greatest TV series ever made.

Where to Watch: Netflix, AMC+, AMC, Philo, Netflix, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home

Ridley Scott directs this crime epic based on the true story of Frank Lucas, a Harlem drug lord who built a heroin empire in 1970s New York. Elba plays Tango, a street lieutenant whose confrontations with the film's central characters add grit and danger to the story. He shares the screen with Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe in a film full of powerhouse performances. Even in a supporting role, Elba leaves a strong impression in a cast packed with some of Hollywood's biggest names.

Where to Watch: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home

In this beautiful and unusual romance, Elba takes the lead as a Djinn, an ancient magical being freed from a bottle by a British scholar named Alithea, played by Tilda Swinton. To convince her to make three wishes, he shares stories from thousands of years of his life, each one more vivid and heartbreaking than the last. Elba's performance is warm, soulful, and deeply moving. Directed by George Miller, the man behind Mad Max: Fury Road, this is a film unlike anything else in Elba's career.

Where to Watch: Disney+, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home 

Elba brings a genuinely terrifying presence to this live-action Disney remake without ever appearing on screen. He voices Shere Khan, the fearsome tiger who threatens the life of young Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves in the jungle. His deep and menacing voice makes Shere Khan one of the most memorable villains in recent Disney history. Directed by Jon Favreau, the film also features the voices of Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, and Scarlett Johansson. A visually stunning adventure for the whole family.