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Best Peter Howitt Movies
11th Nov 2025
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Peter Howitt has carved a distinct path in Hollywood, both in front of and behind the camera. From his memorable performance in *Sliding Doors* to his successful transition into directing with films like *Johnny English* and *Antitrust*, his career boasts a diverse range of projects that have entertained audiences worldwide. His unique blend of humor, suspense, and character-driven narratives often leaves a lasting impression on viewers. With such an impressive filmography, it's time to settle the debate: which of Peter Howitt's movies truly stands out as his best? We've compiled a list of his most notable works, but ultimately, the choice is yours. Cast your vote below for the film you believe showcases his talent most brilliantly, and let your voice be heard in determining his definitive cinematic masterpiece.
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#3.
Johnny English (2003)
3/8
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**Johnny English (2003)** Johnny English (2003) launches Rowan Atkinson into the world of espionage as the titular, spectacularly inept British secret agent. As the provided description aptly states, Rowan plays the eponymous lead character in a spoof spy thriller. During the course of the story, we follow our hero as he attempts to single-handedly save the country from falling into the hands of a despot. Atkinson, famous for his physical comedy and deadpan delivery, brings his unique brand of humor to the role, creating a memorable character who consistently fails upwards while trying to foil the nefarious plot of French villain Pascal Sauvage (John Malkovich) to usurp the British throne. Supported by his long-suffering sidekick Bough (Ben Miller) and the mysterious Lorna Campbell (Natalie Imbruglia), English's bumbling misadventures make for a delightfully silly and entertaining spy parody. This uproarious comedy is a significant entry on the list of Best Peter Howitt Movies as it marks one of his most commercially successful and widely recognized directorial efforts. While Howitt is perhaps best known for the critically acclaimed romantic drama *Sliding Doors*, *Johnny English* demonstrated his versatility and ability to helm a large-scale, star-driven comedy production. His direction allowed Rowan Atkinson's signature comedic style to shine, crafting a highly entertaining and rewatchable film that resonated with audiences globally. *Johnny English* showcased Howitt's capacity to deliver a broad appeal, family-friendly blockbuster, cementing its place as a cornerstone of his diverse filmography.
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Sliding Doors (1998)
*Sliding Doors* (1998) masterfully explores the "what if" moments that define our lives, centered around London publicist Helen (Gwyneth Paltrow). The film effortlessly slides between parallel storylines, showing how Helen's fate diverges based on whether she catches or misses a single train back to her apartment. This pivotal moment instantly branches her existence into two distinct realities, each unfolding with different challenges, opportunities, and romantic entanglements, forcing her to navigate separate paths involving love, betrayal, and new beginnings. As the two narratives shift back and forth, they delve deeply into themes of love, deception, trust, friendship, and comedy, offering a compelling examination of destiny versus choice. The ingenious structure, which allows the two stories to overlap and surprisingly converge, creates a rich tapestry of human experience. For director Peter Howitt, *Sliding Doors* is a definitive work; as his feature directorial debut, it brilliantly showcased his knack for high-concept romantic dramas, witty dialogue, and emotionally resonant storytelling. Its critical and commercial success established his unique voice in filmmaking, making it an essential entry on any "Best Peter Howitt Movies" list for its innovative narrative and enduring charm.
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Dangerous Parking (2007)
While Peter Howitt is widely known for his lighter, more commercially successful fare like *Sliding Doors* and *Johnny English*, *Dangerous Parking (2007)* stands as a deeply personal and often overlooked masterpiece that exemplifies his artistic ambition. Adapted from Stuart Browne's semi-autobiographical novel, this intimate drama sees Howitt not only behind the camera but also delivering a powerful performance as Noah Arkwright, a filmmaker confronting his past, loves, and regrets as he faces a terminal illness. This dual role as director and lead actor allows for a uniquely authentic and introspective portrayal, making it a standout for its raw honesty and courage. What elevates *Dangerous Parking* to a "best of" Howitt list is its sophisticated handling of profound themes like memory, identity, and the weight of one's life choices. Howitt masterfully employs a non-linear narrative, weaving together fragmented recollections and present-day reflections, echoing the structural ingenuity he first showcased in *Sliding Doors*, but here applied with a much darker, more mature introspection. It's a testament to his versatility as a storyteller, demonstrating his capacity to navigate complex emotional landscapes and deliver a poignant, thought-provoking cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll, cementing its place as one of his most significant and artistically courageous works.
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Johnny English (2003)
**Johnny English (2003)** Johnny English (2003) launches Rowan Atkinson into the world of espionage as the titular, spectacularly inept British secret agent. As the provided description aptly states, Rowan plays the eponymous lead character in a spoof spy thriller. During the course of the story, we follow our hero as he attempts to single-handedly save the country from falling into the hands of a despot. Atkinson, famous for his physical comedy and deadpan delivery, brings his unique brand of humor to the role, creating a memorable character who consistently fails upwards while trying to foil the nefarious plot of French villain Pascal Sauvage (John Malkovich) to usurp the British throne. Supported by his long-suffering sidekick Bough (Ben Miller) and the mysterious Lorna Campbell (Natalie Imbruglia), English's bumbling misadventures make for a delightfully silly and entertaining spy parody. This uproarious comedy is a significant entry on the list of Best Peter Howitt Movies as it marks one of his most commercially successful and widely recognized directorial efforts. While Howitt is perhaps best known for the critically acclaimed romantic drama *Sliding Doors*, *Johnny English* demonstrated his versatility and ability to helm a large-scale, star-driven comedy production. His direction allowed Rowan Atkinson's signature comedic style to shine, crafting a highly entertaining and rewatchable film that resonated with audiences globally. *Johnny English* showcased Howitt's capacity to deliver a broad appeal, family-friendly blockbuster, cementing its place as a cornerstone of his diverse filmography.
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Antitrust (2001)
In the 2001 techno-thriller *Antitrust*, the bright promise of a computer programmer's dream job at a hot Portland-based tech firm quickly turns nightmarish. Young, idealistic programmer Milo Hoffman (Ryan Phillippe) discovers that his charismatic and powerful boss, Gary Winston (Tim Robbins), harbors a sinister secret: a ruthless and illegal method for dispatching the firm's anti-trust problems. As Milo uncovers the dark underbelly of the seemingly utopian tech giant NURV, he finds himself ensnared in a dangerous web of corporate espionage and deadly conspiracies that threaten his life and the future of open-source technology. Peter Howitt's direction elevates *Antitrust* beyond a standard techno-thriller, making it a strong contender for a "Best Peter Howitt Movies" list. Howitt masterfully crafts a suspenseful atmosphere, effectively leveraging early 2000s anxieties around corporate power and digital privacy, themes that remain surprisingly prescient today. He expertly guides strong performances from Ryan Phillippe as the naive protagonist and a particularly chilling Tim Robbins as the ruthless tech mogul, building genuine tension throughout. Howitt's ability to tackle a darker, more complex narrative with a brisk pace and sharp focus on the ethical dilemmas of technology showcases his versatility as a director, making it a standout in his filmography alongside his more well-known romantic comedies like *Sliding Doors*.
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Laws of Attraction (2004)
**Laws of Attraction (2004)** Laws of Attraction (2004) is a charming romantic comedy starring Julianne Moore and Pierce Brosnan as two high-powered, rival New York City divorce lawyers. **Amidst a sea of litigation, these two legal adversaries find love**, unexpectedly navigating the complexities of their professional cut-throat world and their burgeoning personal connection. Their on-screen chemistry drives this delightful battle of wits and hearts, as they learn that the toughest cases might just be their own, particularly when falling for the opposition leads to both comedic mishaps and genuine romance. This film earns its place on a list of Peter Howitt's best movies by exemplifying his directorial finesse in the romantic comedy genre. While often most celebrated for the iconic *Sliding Doors*, Howitt demonstrates a similar skillful touch with *Laws of Attraction*, masterfully blending sharp wit, engaging character chemistry, and a clever premise. His direction brings out the best in Moore and Brosnan, creating a genuinely funny and heartwarming film that cleverly uses its legal backdrop to explore the complexities of relationships. It solidifies Howitt's ability to craft intelligent, feel-good entertainment with a distinct comedic timing and a knack for making audiences root for unlikely couples.
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Reasonable Doubt (2014)
"Reasonable Doubt (2014)" is a taut legal thriller that immediately ensnares viewers in a moral quandary. The film centers on Mitch Brockden, an ambitious District Attorney whose life is irrevocably altered after he commits a fatal hit-and-run. In a desperate attempt to cover his tracks, Brockden feels compelled to manipulate the justice system, intentionally throwing the case against the man found with the body and accused of the crime, thereby acquitting the suspect. The chilling aftermath of the trial sees Mitch's worst fears realized: he discovers he has acquitted a genuinely guilty man. This terrifying revelation propels him into a desperate and dangerous hunt for the true killer, racing against time before more innocent lives are claimed. "Reasonable Doubt" then transforms into a cat-and-mouse game, with Brockden navigating a treacherous path between exposing a murderer and keeping his own dark secret buried, creating a relentless build-up of suspense and moral complexity. This compelling film belongs on a "Best Peter Howitt Movies" list by showcasing his remarkable versatility and skill in crafting a high-stakes thriller. While Howitt is widely celebrated for the innovative romantic drama *Sliding Doors* and the popular comedy *Johnny English*, *Reasonable Doubt* firmly establishes his command over more intense, character-driven suspense. Howitt expertly directs Dominic Cooper as the morally compromised protagonist, eliciting a performance that conveys profound guilt and desperation, while also orchestrating the film's tight pacing and escalating tension. It stands out as a strong example of his ability to transcend genre boundaries and deliver a gripping, intelligent thriller that keeps audiences thoroughly engaged with its ethical dilemmas and a compelling cat-and-mouse dynamic, proving his directorial depth beyond his most famous comedic and romantic works.
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Scorched Earth (2018)
Peter Howitt, celebrated for his versatile directorial hand, bravely ventured into the post-apocalyptic action genre with 2018's *Scorched Earth*. This gritty film stands out in his diverse filmography, offering a stark contrast to his earlier romantic comedies and spy thrillers. Set in a desolate future where humanity clings to survival amidst a poisoned atmosphere, Howitt crafts a brutal, lawless world, anchored by the formidable bounty hunter Attica (Gina Carano) as she hunts down criminals in a desperate fight for order. Its inclusion on a "Best Of" list underscores Howitt's impressive range and willingness to tackle ambitious projects, showcasing his ability to build immersive, high-stakes environments regardless of the genre. Even within this new, rugged landscape, *Scorched Earth* showcases Howitt's ability to craft engaging narratives and compelling character dynamics under extreme pressure. He deftly navigates themes of survival, justice, and the fight for a new order in a world teetering on the brink, echoing the underlying human resilience often found in his more character-focused dramas. While a distinct departure, the film demonstrates Howitt's clear directorial vision and his capacity to infuse even a genre-specific action flick with a tangible sense of purpose and atmosphere. For its sheer ambition and as a testament to Howitt's expansive creative reach, *Scorched Earth* earns its place among his most significant directorial achievements.
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Lock Down
Peter Howitt's "Lock Down" brilliantly exemplifies his knack for high-concept thrillers infused with sharp character studies, making it an essential entry on his best-of list. Moving beyond the romantic comedy sphere that launched him, Howitt masterfully orchestrates a tense, confined narrative that forces its ensemble cast to confront not only an external threat but also their deepest fears and moral ambiguities. The film plunges viewers into a high-stakes scenario where an unexpected event traps a diverse group of individuals within a technologically advanced, seemingly impenetrable facility. As the external world descends into chaos, their internal struggles and desperate attempts to survive—and escape—become the heart of this gripping drama. What truly sets "Lock Down" apart in Howitt's filmography is his signature blend of intelligent plotting with profound human drama. Much like the alternate realities explored in *Sliding Doors* or the corporate espionage of *AntiTrust*, "Lock Down" presents a compelling premise that quickly delves into the consequences of choice and the fragility of security. Howitt expertly ratchets up the tension without sacrificing character development, ensuring that each desperate decision and revelation feels earned. His ability to elicit nuanced performances from his cast, coupled with his precise pacing and knack for impactful reveals, elevates "Lock Down" from a mere genre exercise to a thought-provoking exploration of survival, trust, and the true meaning of freedom when faced with ultimate confinement. It's a testament to his versatility and his enduring capacity to craft narratives that are both thrilling and deeply resonant.
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