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Best John Crowley Movies
11th Nov 2025
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Dive into the cinematic world of John Crowley, a director known for his nuanced character studies and thoughtful explorations of relationships. From poignant dramas to subtle comedies, Crowley crafts films that resonate long after the credits roll. This curated list showcases his most celebrated works, offering a glimpse into his directorial talent and the captivating stories he brings to life. Explore the best of John Crowley's filmography and discover your personal favorites! This ranking is just a starting point; now it's your turn to weigh in. Use the drag-and-drop functionality to rearrange the movies in order of your preference. Share your personalized "Best John Crowley Movies" list and let us know which films left the biggest impression on you.
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#2.
Brooklyn (2015)
2/8
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"Brooklyn" (2015) follows the journey of Ellis Lacey, a young Irish woman who emigrates to 1950s Brooklyn in search of a better life. Torn between the familiar comforts of her home and the exciting possibilities of New York City, Ellis navigates the challenges of assimilation, finding work, and building a new life. She quickly finds love and connection in America, but a tragic event forces her back to Ireland, compelling her to choose between two men and two very different worlds. John Crowley's direction skillfully captures the emotional core of Colm Tóibín's novel, painting a beautiful and poignant portrait of longing, displacement, and the bittersweet nature of choices. The film's quiet realism, its exploration of identity, and its focus on the internal struggles of its protagonist are hallmarks of Crowley's style, which earned him critical acclaim and a Best Picture Oscar nomination. The film's rich period detail, coupled with Saoirse Ronan's captivating performance, makes "Brooklyn" a standout in Crowley's filmography, cementing its place as one of his best.
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Boy A (2007)
#11.0"Boy A" (2007) chillingly explores the complexities of rehabilitation and societal redemption. The film follows Jack, a young man grappling with the aftermath of a heinous crime committed in his childhood, now released from prison and struggling to build a new life under a new identity. Burdened by the weight of his past and the constant fear of discovery, Jack attempts to navigate the challenges of freedom, forming tentative relationships while haunted by guilt and the unforgiving judgments of a society quick to condemn. The narrative examines the psychological toll of Jack's actions, the impact on his newfound family, and the ethical implications of second chances. John Crowley's masterful direction, with its focus on understated realism and profound character development, makes "Boy A" a powerful addition to the best John Crowley movies. His ability to build tension through the quiet observation of Jack's everyday life, the nuanced performances, and the deliberate pacing, creates an atmosphere of both suspense and empathy. Crowley adeptly explores complex themes of guilt, identity, and the lingering effects of trauma, showcasing his talent for delivering emotionally resonant and thought-provoking storytelling, aligning perfectly with the caliber of his other acclaimed works.
Brooklyn (2015)
#22.0"Brooklyn" (2015) follows the journey of Ellis Lacey, a young Irish woman who emigrates to 1950s Brooklyn in search of a better life. Torn between the familiar comforts of her home and the exciting possibilities of New York City, Ellis navigates the challenges of assimilation, finding work, and building a new life. She quickly finds love and connection in America, but a tragic event forces her back to Ireland, compelling her to choose between two men and two very different worlds. John Crowley's direction skillfully captures the emotional core of Colm Tóibín's novel, painting a beautiful and poignant portrait of longing, displacement, and the bittersweet nature of choices. The film's quiet realism, its exploration of identity, and its focus on the internal struggles of its protagonist are hallmarks of Crowley's style, which earned him critical acclaim and a Best Picture Oscar nomination. The film's rich period detail, coupled with Saoirse Ronan's captivating performance, makes "Brooklyn" a standout in Crowley's filmography, cementing its place as one of his best.
We Live in Time (2024)
#33.0"We Live in Time" (2024) showcases the distinct narrative flair and emotionally resonant storytelling often associated with John Crowley's best work. The film, which stars Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh, delves into the complexities of love and loss with a poignant touch, a hallmark of Crowley's direction. This characteristic, coupled with Crowley's ability to draw exceptional performances from his actors, elevates the film. Furthermore, "We Live in Time" finds common ground with Crowley's other celebrated films, like "Brooklyn" and "Boy A," in its focus on the human experience amidst extraordinary circumstances. Through carefully crafted visuals and a narrative that is both intimate and expansive, Crowley creates a rich viewing experience, reflecting a dedication to the nuances of human connection and the exploration of profound emotions – elements that solidify its rightful place among the best films of his career.
Intermission (2003)
#44.0"Intermission" is a raucous story of the interweaving lives and loves of small-town delinquents, shady cops, pretty good girls and very bad boys, all set against the backdrop of Dublin. With Irish guts and grit, the various lives of the characters collide, preconceptions shatter and romance is tested to the extreme. An ill-timed and poorly executed couple's break-up sets off a chain of events affecting everyone in town, from the wannabe gangster trying to impress his crush to the lovelorn bus driver seeking revenge. The film's gritty realism and dark humor perfectly captures the energy and vitality of urban Ireland, while exploring themes of connection, desperation, and the absurdities of modern life. John Crowley's masterful direction elevates "Intermission" beyond a simple crime drama. He masterfully crafts a complex narrative, seamlessly weaving together multiple storylines with a distinct Irish flavor, showcasing his talent for capturing the unpredictable nature of human relationships and everyday situations. The film's ensemble cast delivers outstanding performances, contributing to the film's energetic and character-driven storytelling, proving Crowley's ability to draw compelling performances from actors. Its blend of comedy, drama, and a unique sense of place solidify its place among Crowley's best works.
Is Anybody There? (2008)
#55.0"Is Anybody There?" follows Edward, a precocious, morbidly fascinated young boy growing up in his parents' boarding house for the elderly. His life takes an unexpected turn when he befriends Clarence, a cantankerous but captivating retired magician. Their unlikely bond blossoms as Edward grapples with his own anxieties about death and the meaning of life, while Clarence faces the twilight of his years with wit and a touch of melancholic magic. While John Crowley is not the director of "Is Anybody There?", the film's themes of childhood, loss, and the search for meaning resonate deeply with the elements that define Crowley's signature style in his own works. This film touches on the poignancy of the human experience as experienced by the old and the young, similar to how he approaches storytelling with his signature emotional depth, and its gentle, observational approach to life aligns with Crowley's emphasis on the quiet moments of human connection. Though not a direct work of his, "Is Anybody There?" shares the cinematic DNA of his best movies and therefore belongs on this list.
The Goldfinch (2019)
#66.0"The Goldfinch" (2019) undeniably solidifies John Crowley's place as a director who understands the emotional weight of a story. While the film adaptation of Donna Tartt's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel received mixed reviews, Crowley's direction excels at capturing the melancholic beauty of Theo Decker's journey. He expertly balances the grand scale of the narrative, spanning decades and continents, with the intimate struggles of a young man grappling with trauma, loss, and the burden of a stolen masterpiece. Crowley’s strength lies in his ability to create a poignant and visually stunning cinematic experience. He crafts breathtaking imagery, particularly in moments tied to the titular painting, and masterfully guides a cast that includes Ansel Elgort, Nicole Kidman, and Finn Wolfhard. Though the film’s length and faithfulness to the source material might present challenges, Crowley's commitment to the source material, focus on character development, and the film’s exploration of themes of grief, memory, and the redemptive power of art firmly place "The Goldfinch" among his noteworthy works.
Closed Circuit (2013)
#77.0"Closed Circuit" is a taut and suspenseful thriller set in the murky world of post-9/11 London, exploring the devastating aftermath of a terrorist attack. The film plunges us into the high-stakes legal battle surrounding the captured suspect, Farroukh Erdogan. The narrative focuses on the covert relationships and dangerous secrets that emerge when a special advocate, Claudia Simmons-Howe, and a new defense attorney, Martin Rose, are forced to confront a conspiracy far larger than the initial attack. As they navigate the intricate web of deceit, their clandestine past relationship adds another layer of complexity and vulnerability, making their investigation even more perilous. While not a direct reflection of his common themes, "Closed Circuit" embodies several qualities that resonate with John Crowley's directorial style. The film's focus on intimate character studies, amidst the backdrop of grand political intrigue, gives the picture a distinct Crowley feel. The film's use of suspenseful pacing, slow reveals, and the exploration of moral ambiguity and the nature of trust, are common elements in Crowley's filmography. Though "Closed Circuit" does not directly contain the core concepts that Crowley often revisits, it still contains many elements and thematic explorations that align it as a product from this director.
Five
#88.0"Five" is a masterclass in subtle storytelling, offering a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people grappling with extraordinary circumstances. Directed with Crowley's signature understated grace, the film focuses on the intimate dramas of five individuals, each connected by a shared past or an unexpected intersection. Through their interwoven narratives, Crowley crafts a poignant exploration of memory, loss, and the enduring power of human connection, themes that resonate deeply within his broader filmography. Much like his other celebrated works, "Five" showcases Crowley's ability to build atmosphere through character-driven narratives. The film avoids grand pronouncements, instead letting the audience piece together the complexities of these characters' lives and the underlying forces shaping their experiences. The film's delicate pacing, nuanced performances, and focus on emotional resonance make it a quintessential Crowley experience, demonstrating his talent for weaving intricate tapestries of human experience and solidifying its place among his best work.
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