Loved Adolescence? We've got 5 Stephen Graham must-watch movies for you, including the one he called his ＆Champions League Final＊!

Stephen Graham has always been a great actor, but Adolescence has catapulted him into a whole new league. His performance as Eddie Miller, a heartbroken and troubled father, has left audiences in awe. Social media is flooded with praise for his emotional depth, with many calling it his best work yet.

Credit: X

The Netflix original follows the story of a teenager struggling with his identity and mental health, while his father, Eddie (played by Graham), tries to support him despite his own personal demons. The film is raw, emotional, and incredibly powerful making it no surprise that Graham＊s performance is being hailed as one of the finest of the year.

But Adolescence is just the latest in a long line of unforgettable performances. If you＊ve just discovered Stephen Graham, here are five movies that prove why he＊s one of the best actors working today.

Snatch: Graham＊s breakout role in a classic gangster film

In Snatch, directed by Guy Ritchie, Stephen Graham played Tommy, the nervous and often clueless sidekick to Jason Statham＊s Turkish. The film revolves around a stolen diamond, underground boxing, and a host of quirky criminals, including Brad Pitt＊s fast-talking gypsy fighter.

Graham＊s performance as Tommy adds humor to the film, making him one of the most memorable characters. He plays the gullible hustler who constantly finds himself in dangerous situations but never quite learns his lesson. This early role showcased Graham＊s ability to bring both comedy and depth to a character, something he has continued to do throughout his career.

Boiling Point 每 A one-take masterpiece of tension

Before Adolescence, Graham had already proven his ability to carry intense, emotional roles. In Boiling Point, he played Andy Jones, a top chef struggling to keep his restaurant running under extreme pressure. As per the reports, the film is shot in a single continuous take, making the tension feel even more real.

As Andy, Graham portrays a man on the edge, balancing personal issues, demanding customers, and the chaos of a professional kitchen. The film＊s success led to a follow-up miniseries, where Graham even stepped back slightly to let the supporting cast shine.

A Thousand Blows 每 A boxing drama

In Hulu＊s A Thousand Blows, Stephen Graham takes on a villainous role as Henry ＆Sugar＊ Goodson, a ruthless underground boxer in Victorian London. The show follows Hezekiah Moscow, a Jamaican immigrant trying to make a name for himself in the brutal world of bare-knuckle boxing.

Graham＊s character is a terrifying presence, combining brutality with an unsettling charm. His portrayal of Sugar is reminiscent of some of the best Peaky Blinders villains. If you＊re looking for another intense performance from Graham, this is one to watch.

Time 每 A thought-provoking prison drama

In Time, Graham plays Eric McNally, a prison officer who faces an impossible moral dilemma when a dangerous inmate threatens his family. The drama, which also stars Sean Bean, explores themes of justice, guilt, and survival within the prison system.

McNally is a man caught between duty and desperation, and Graham＊s performance brings an incredible level of depth to the character. The tension in Time is relentless, and Graham＊s portrayal of a good man trapped in a bad situation makes for one of his most powerful roles.

The Irishman 每 Holding is own against Hollywood legends

Credit: Instagram

In Martin Scorsese＊s The Irishman, Graham plays Anthony ※Tony Pro§ Provenzano, a loud-mouthed and unpredictable mobster who goes head-to-head with Al Pacino＊s Jimmy Hoffa. The film, which also stars Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, is a slow-burning gangster epic that spans decades.

Graham＊s role, though not the biggest, is unforgettable. His fiery confrontations with Pacino＊s Hoffa add a layer of unpredictability to the film. In an interview with The Guardian, Graham described his experience saying ※It was my Champions League final. These are the people I grew up watching, revering and wanting to emulate, so for that little kid from Kirkby to be working with them was amazing.§

Did you know? Brad Pitt helped make Adolescence happen

Episode 3 was the first episode to be filmed, and #Adolescence was also Owen Cooper's first acting job 每 which means this episode was the first time he'd ever been on a set. ? pic.twitter.com/ZquN6QEd5J

〞 Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) March 18, 2025

Adolescence might not have been made without Brad Pitt. His production company, Plan B Entertainment, was instrumental in getting the film off the ground. Pitt, who previously worked with Graham in Snatch, recognised his talent early on and played a key role in bringing Adolescence to life.

It＊s clear that Stephen Graham is finally getting the recognition he deserves. Whether he＊s playing a nervous hustler, a troubled chef, or a terrifying gangster, he brings something special to every role. If you were blown away by Adolescence, these five films should be at the top of your watchlist.