Jason Momoa’s 10 Best Roles, Ranked

As a huge fan of science fiction, action, and fantasy, I can’t help but be utterly captivated by the mesmerizing performances of Jason Momoa throughout his illustrious career. From the enigmatic Khal Drogo in “Game of Thrones” to the formidable Aquaman, Momoa has proven time and again that he possesses an unparalleled ability to embody characters that leave audiences spellbound.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the exceptional talent that is Jason Momoa. This man has truly made a name for himself in Hollywood, and for all the right reasons. Over the past couple of years, he’s graced our screens with an impressive array of high-profile roles, from the captivating Aquaman to his portrayal in Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s epic “Dune” series. Yet, it was his stint on the iconic TV show “Baywatch” that initially caught our attention, and it was his powerful performance as Khal Drogo in the first two seasons of “Game of Thrones” that truly solidified his status as a household name.

Since those earlier series, Jason Momoa has played a diverse range of characters. Regardless if he’s spearheading a project or just contributing to a larger narrative, Momoa has displayed his versatility in the roles he’s taken on during his thriving career. However, what are the top performances among these? Or, at the very least, which ones have made the biggest impact? These are Jason Momoa’s standout performances, ranked according to their merit.

10 Frontier (2016–2018)

Jason Momoa made his debut as the leading character in an underappreciated Netflix series titled “Frontier,” which first aired in 2016. This show immerses viewers in the rough world of 18th-century Canada during the North American fur trade. The protagonist, Declan Harp, is a notorious fur trapper who decides to confront the Hudson’s Bay Company, an organization that exerted a ruthless monopoly over his homeland. Given his profession, his tactics are brutal. Alun Armstrong, Landon Liboiron, Zoe Boyle, and Greg Bryk are among the co-stars in this series.

Jason Momoa Played Declan Harp

Momoa plays the violent lead, Declan Harp, bringing both ferocity and determination to a surprisingly engaging story. In as little as 18 episodes, what you get is an intense and contemplative series whose weight is carried on Momoa’s shoulders. The series, and by extension Momoa, would earn several award nominations at the Canadian Screen Awards, including a Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Drama Role nomination for both Momoa and Landon Liboiron.It’s a series that only got more and more entertaining as it went along, with Momoa’s overall performance sharing this improvement. Stream Frontier on Netflix.

9 Fast X (2023)

In the latest installment of the Fast and Furious series, titled “Fast X,” the story of Dominic Toretto (played by Vin Diesel) continues, with the addition of Jason Momoa’s character. Following the aftermath of previous Fast and Furious films, this new movie delves into the consequences when Dante Reyes, the grown son of the late Hernan Reyes, seeks revenge on Dominic and his team for his father’s death. Despite being without his family’s wealth, Dante has means to strike at Dominic in a particularly painful manner. Among the many stars joining the cast are Michelle Rodriguez, John Cena, Jason Statham, Charlize Theron, and Ludacris.

Jason Momoa Played Dante Reyes

Currently, the film “Fast X” stands among the costliest ever produced, and it’s not hard to see why. Apart from the stellar cast, the inclusion of Jason Momoa as the lead antagonist is truly noteworthy. He deliberately steps out of his usual roles, portraying Reyes in a less intimidating light. In fact, Momoa took it upon himself to perform his own stunts, thereby solidifying his grip on the character. Although Momoa’s personal thoughts about the movie might be divided, audiences seem to think his villainous performance is an outstanding enhancement. Catch Fast X on Prime Video.

8 Bullet to the Head (2013)

In the action-packed film “Bullet to the Head”, Jason Momoa joins forces with actors such as Sung Kang, Sarah Shahi, and Sylvester Stallone. This movie was masterfully directed by Walter Hill. In this story, Kang and Stallone play a cop and a hitman who team up to eliminate a mutual foe – a businessman with a questionable past. However, when Momoa’s assassin character begins to orchestrate a retaliation, it sets off a thrilling, time-bound struggle for survival.

Jason Momoa Played Keegan

The film “Bullet to the Head” bombed at the box office, marking one of Stallone’s poorest openings in years. However, it serves as a nostalgic tribute to the action-packed movies of the 1980s. In his role as the villainous Keegan, Momoa delivers a decent performance, having made his breakthrough in “Game of Thrones” just a year before. While this may not be his best work, he manages to make the character compelling. If you appreciate the film’s intent, you might find Momoa’s performance enjoyable. You can catch “Bullet to the Head” on Prime Video by clicking Buy or Rent Bullet to the Head on Prime Video.

7 Braven (2018)

Another film produced by Momoa was titled “Braven”, which initially hit theaters in 2018. This action-packed thriller centers around Joe Braven (portrayed by Jason Momoa), a Canadian logger who faces unique challenges due to an early-onset dementia diagnosis. As he and his family ponder their future in their secluded wilderness cabin, an unexpected run-in with a drug smuggler places them all in grave peril.

Jason Momoa Played Joe Braven

In the movie “Braven,” the script was somewhat weak and required improvements for it to be effective. Regrettably, it didn’t quite meet expectations. However, Jason Momoa’s performance in “Braven” serves as a glimmer of hope, illuminating a path forward. The film shares similarities with “Rio Bravo,” but Momoa brings an intensity and originality to his role that you won’t often see in other productions. This captivating performance, coupled with numerous action sequences, will guide you towards the film’s humble ending. You can stream Braven on Freevee.

6 Road to Paloma (2014)

2014 saw Jason Momoa take on multiple roles – director, writer, and producer – for the first time in a full-length film, titled “Road to Paloma”. This movie bears a resemblance to Clint Eastwood’s Westerns, but with a modern twist. The protagonist, Wolf, is an Indigenous individual who finds himself on the run from the law after avenging his mother’s murder. His journey across the American West on a motorcycle paints a picturesque backdrop that recalls the romanticized landscapes of old America during the Manifest Destiny period.

Jason Momoa Played Wolf

Although it might seem like just another standard revenge thriller, Road to Paloma takes a different approach and keeps you guessing. It’s as reflective and subdued as it is intense, providing Jason Momoa with an opportunity to give a deeply thoughtful portrayal in the main role. The character is somber but complex, allowing viewers to appreciate Momoa’s nuanced performance. At times, you might even forget that it was made on a modest budget. Consider purchasing or renting Road to Paloma on Apple TV.

5 Baywatch: Hawaii (1989–2001)

Momoa first gained recognition for his part in the TV show “Baywatch: Hawaii,” given that he has Hawaiian ancestry. For those who might not know, this popular American series originally set on California’s beaches later moved to Hawaii for its final two seasons. The storylines usually revolve around the personal struggles and professional challenges faced by a changing cast, with stars like David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson gracing the early episodes.

Jason Momoa Played Jason Ioane

In my perspective as a movie reviewer, I must say that Jason Momoa made quite an impact during his two-season stint on the hit series ‘Baywatch’ and its spinoff ‘Baywatch Hawaii’. At just 19, he stepped into the role of Jason Ioane, a Texas native who joined the lifeguard team in Baywatch Hawaii. Despite not fully embodying his future signature style at that time, Momoa delivered performances in the later years of ‘Baywatch’ that deserve recognition. So, if you haven’t already, stream both ‘Baywatch’ and ‘Baywatch: Hawaii’ on Prime Video to catch a glimpse of this rising star’s early career!

4 See (2019–2022)

In the Apple TV+ production titled “See,” stars Jason Momoa, Alfre Woodard, Hera Hilmar, and Sylvia Hoeks are featured. This show was launched in 2019 with an intriguing twist: it is set in a world where a fictional pandemic has decimated humanity, leaving survivors devoid of the essential ability to see. The loss of sight has become a normality for them. However, when twins are born with the extraordinary gift of sight, their existence ignites a post-apocalyptic chase that brings human societies into conflict. “See” is one of Apple TV+’s pioneering and prominent original series.

Jason Momoa Played Baba Voss

In the starring role of Baba Voss, the esteemed chief of the Alkenny Tribe, Momoa showcased his skills. Following his lead role in the television series Frontier, this was his second such role. Across the three seasons, he delivered a steady performance and character development. Notably, Momoa portrayed an exceptional older brother to Dave Bautista’s Edo Voss, culminating in a gripping fight scene between the two. Watch it on Apple TV+.

3 Dune (2021)

The film “Dune” garnered acclaim during awards season, largely due to its breathtaking cinematography and technical effects. Nonetheless, without the stellar performances of its actors, “Dune” would merely be a visually stunning yet emotionally vacant desert. Based on Frank Herbert’s epic science fiction novel, this movie chronicles the turbulent journey of Paul Atreides as he navigates a brutal power struggle over the planet Arrakis. Timothée Chalamet takes on the role of Paul in this ensemble cast that also includes Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Dave Bautista, and undeniably Jason Momoa.

Momoa Played Duncan Idaho

In a significant yet limited appearance, Jason Momoa takes on the character of Duncan Idaho, a universally feared warrior known for his unparalleled skill with weapons. His screen presence is powerful as the narrative and true events unfold, with whispers of his prowess making him an awe-inspiring figure. Throughout the movie’s early stages, he serves as a mentor to Paul, eventually sacrificing himself to ensure Paul’s survival. This role not only enhances the other characters but also fully utilizes Momoa’s imposing physique. Don’t miss Dune on Max.

2 Aquaman (2018)

It’s quite appropriate that Momoa was chosen to play Aquaman in 2016 for the movie “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”, and it’s even more fitting when he got his own film. The storyline of “Aquaman” is straightforward. Arthur Curry appears as an ordinary human, but he’s actually half-Atlantean, the son of the late queen Atlanna. As a direct heir to the throne, Arthur finds himself in the middle of a significant challenge as conflict and turmoil erupt under the ocean’s surface. Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, and Patrick Wilson join him in this film, with James Wan, known for “Insidious”, making his non-horror directorial debut.

Jason Momoa Played Aquaman

Visually speaking, Jason Momoa appears perfectly suited to portray Aquaman. Beyond his muscular physique and rough exterior, Momoa’s acting is universally praised as one of the movie’s standout aspects. He manages to blend charisma with gravity in a film that largely focuses on spectacle. Although some critics pointed out flaws in the script, Momoa’s performance and on-screen chemistry with actors like Amber Heard and Dolph Lundgren make for an engaging watch throughout the movie’s lengthy runtime. The film earned over $1 billion at the box office, further establishing Momoa as a key figure in the DCU for multiple future films. Watch Aquaman on Max.

1 Game of Thrones (2011–2019)

As I stood before the casting team for Game of Thrones, I decided to show them not just my acting skills, but also a piece of my heritage. I performed a haka, a powerful and traditional dance from my Maori roots. This dance, meant to either intimidate enemies or welcome guests, might have been the reason I was chosen to play Khal Drogo, an imposing warrior who graced our screens in the first two seasons. Game of Thrones is a grand dark fantasy that delves into the intricate power struggles within Westeros, where rival kingdoms shed each other’s blood. The arrival of a mysterious undead force looms over the continent, adding an ominous twist to the ongoing conflicts. I had the privilege of sharing the screen with Emilia Clarke, who brought Daenerys Targaryen to life.

Jason Momoa Played Khal Drogo

It wasn’t necessarily Jason Momoa’s best performance, but his role as Khal Drogo in “Game of Thrones” catapulted him into the limelight, riding the surge of popularity that this fantasy series generated during its initial run. Although “Game of Thrones” may no longer be a dominant force in pop culture, Momoa’s powerful portrayal in this role paved the way for numerous opportunities on both the big and small screens in the future. Watch Game of Thrones on Max.

2024-09-15 20:33