Top 5 Best Movies of Daniel Day-Lewis You Should Watch

There Will Be Blood (2007), directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview, with Paul Dano playing twin brothers Eli and Paul Sunday, alongside other notable actors. The film received 8 Academy Award nominations and won 2, including Best Actor for Day-Lewis and Best Cinematography for Robert Elswit.

The film's storyline is straightforward, with well-developed characters and distinctive personalities. The cinematography, crafted with care by Robert Elswit and the crew, is breathtaking, with many outdoor scenes. The film’s haunting atmosphere evokes a sense of loneliness, depicting how obsession with material wealth can alienate a person from everything, even loved ones. It portrays the destructive power of isolation, stripping away humanity until only a hollow, solitary figure remains.

IMDb Rating: 8.2

Tomatometer Score: 91%

Audience Score: 86%

Gangs of New York (2002) is Martin Scorsese's largest film investment, recreating the violent world of Irish-American gangs in 19th-century New York. The two leading roles were filled by Daniel Day-Lewis and Leonardo DiCaprio. Day-Lewis plays the villainous Bill 'The Butcher', a ruthless leader of the Five Points district in 1860s New York. Despite being the antagonist, Day-Lewis’ performance remains the heart and soul of the film.

The story centers on Amsterdam Vallon (DiCaprio), seeking revenge against Bill, the man who murdered his father 16 years earlier during a violent clash between the Dead Rabbits gang and Bill’s gang. For 16 years, Amsterdam has lived with this burning desire for vengeance, while Bill’s gang continues to celebrate their victory over the Dead Rabbits each year. Gangs of New York received 10 Oscar nominations in the year following its release.

IMDb Rating: 7.5

Tomatometer Score: 73%

Audience Score: 81%

Phantom Thread (2017) is a drama directed and written by Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Daniel Day-Lewis as Reynolds Woodcock, the founder of a prestigious fashion empire in London called 'The House of Woodcock'.

Set in 1950s London, the film vividly depicts Reynolds Woodcock’s famous life and career, captured through a classic-toned lens. The lavish parties and the passionate love affair between Woodcock and his young muse, Alma, are beautifully filmed, offering a captivating visual experience.

The entire film feels like a meticulous 1950s fashion show, with Anderson’s signature attention to detail in every frame. From the sharp cuts of fabric to the delicate embroidery on satin ribbons, every detail is crafted with precision under soft golden lighting. The slow, poetic pace of the film adds to its romantic and artistic aura, reflecting the opulent yet artistic world of fashion.

At the 2018 Oscars, Phantom Thread received 6 nominations, including Best Picture, Director, Lead Actor (Daniel Day-Lewis), and Supporting Actress (Lesley Manville).

IMDb Rating: 7.5

Tomatometer Score: 91%

Audience Score: 71%

Lincoln is a historical drama that portrays the final months of the 16th president of the United States, brought to life by the flawless performance of Daniel Day-Lewis.

Set in January 1865, the film focuses on President Abraham Lincoln's efforts to pass the 13th Amendment, a constitutional change that would abolish slavery across the United States. Lincoln faces fierce opposition from within his own Republican Party and from the Democrats, but he remains determined to end slavery, driven by his belief that “all men are created equal.”

Directed by Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg, the film features an all-star cast including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Sally Field, and Daniel Day-Lewis. However, it is not an easy watch for everyone, particularly those with little interest in American history. Understanding the complexities of the American Civil War is crucial to fully appreciating this cinematic masterpiece.

IMDb Rating: 7.3

Tomatometer Score: 89%

Audience Score: 81%

Nine is a musical film released over 10 years ago, yet it continues to captivate audiences with its stunning musical sequences.

The film tells the story of Guido Contini, a famous director at the peak of his career, facing a personal and creative crisis. Struggling to balance his relationships with several women — his wife, secretary, leading lady, costume designer, an American journalist, a prostitute, and his mother — Guido is forced to confront his past and find a way to move forward.

Featuring a star-studded cast including Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penélope Cruz, and Judi Dench, Nine is a film worth watching for its remarkable performances and musical numbers.

IMDb Rating: 5.8

Tomatometer Score: 39%

Audience Score: 37%