Bill Skarsgård has built a strong career over two decades, starting at age 9 in Swedish films alongside his brother Alexander. Despite coming from a family of actors, he’s made his own mark with a range of diverse roles. Best known for his chilling portrayal of Pennywise in It, he became a horror icon almost overnight. But beyond horror, Skarsgård has demonstrated his versatility in projects like the dystopian thriller The Divergent Series, the crime drama Castle Rock, and the dark fantasy Hemlock Grove. To take a look at his long career in the industry, we have ranked the 10 best Bill Skarsgård movies and TV shows below. See if you’ve caught them all!

Here Are the Top 10 Bill Skarsgård Movies and TV Shows

Boy Kills World (2024)

Director: Moritz Mohr

Boy Kills World showcases Bill Skarsgård’s skill in action-heavy roles. Directed by Moritz Mohr in his feature directorial debut, it is Skarsgård’s first release of 2024. The film follows Skarsgård as Boy, a deaf-mute protagonist seeking vengeance for his family’s murder by Hilda Van Der Koy.
The movie heavily relies on Skarsgård’s physicality, which he delivers in a powerful portrayal without a single line of dialogue—a highlight praised by critics. His action sequences are intense, making his physical acting a key aspect of the film.

With its graphic violence and creative fight choreography, Boy Kills World is a love letter to martial arts revenge movies, drawing comparisons to films like Kill Bill and Bullet Train. Skarsgård’s versatility and dedication make his performance stand out, turning the movie into a must-watch for action fans. Despite its wild, exaggerated violence, the film balances humor and tension, offering a fresh take on the action genre, much like the genre mashups that inspired it.

The Devil All the Time (2020)

Director: Antonio Campos

A dark crime thriller is exactly the kind of movie we love to see Bill Skarsgård in, and he delivers a powerful performance as Willard Russell, a war veteran struggling with trauma from World War II. Based on Donald Ray Pollock’s novel, the film explores the dark intersections of faith and evil in a small town, where violence and moral corruption run deep. Skarsgård’s portrayal of Willard—a man wrestling with faith and guilt stands out among a star-studded cast.

His ability to convey both the vulnerability and inner torment of an honest family man grappling with his past adds depth to the character, showcasing Skarsgård’s range beyond his iconic horror roles. While some viewers may find the film’s dark tone and disturbing content off-putting, Skarsgård’s performance is a testament to his versatility, proving that his portrayal of horror extends beyond makeup and costumes, relying on raw emotion and psychological intensity. The Devil All the Time may not be perfect and could be a hard watch for dog lovers, but its strong performances, especially from Skarsgård, make it a compelling film.

Castle Rock (2018–2019)

Created by: Sam Shaw, Dustin Thomason

Castle Rock Season 1 is not perfect, but it’s a must-watch for fans of Bill Skarsgård. His portrayal of The Kid, a mysterious and unsettling figure, stands out as one of the show’s strongest elements. Based on Stephen King’s universe, the series draws on familiar themes and characters from his stories, set in the iconic town of Castle Rock. Skarsgård’s performance is essential to the eerie tone of the show. His ability to blend vulnerability with menace keeps viewers on edge, adding complexity to his character’s purpose, which is finally revealed late in the season.

Critics praised his nuanced portrayal, which significantly contributes to the show’s tense atmosphere. Despite Castle Rock‘s slow pace and oftentimes complicated plot, Skarsgård’s performance enhances it and further establishes his reputation for playing challenging, unsettling characters. His role further strengthens his association with Stephen King adaptations, making it a key part of his career.

Soulmates (2020)

Created by: William Bridges; Brett Goldstein

The concept of love and destiny gets a futuristic twist in AMC’s Soulmates. Each episode explores the profound impact of a test that can determine your perfect match. This was something different for Skarsgård, but in a good and refreshing way, once again proving his ability to captivate viewers with a character-driven performance. In the episode “Layover,” Bill Skarsgård plays Mateo, a man whose layover in Mexico takes an unexpected and life-altering turn.

Layover sets itself apart from previous episodes with a more comedic and heart-warmingly romantic story compared to the rest of the series. While the show as a whole didn’t reach the same level of acclaim as some of Skarsgård’s other work, “Layover” garnered attention for its unique exploration of love in the digital age. His chemistry with co-star Nathan Stewart-Jarrett was also praised. Soulmates showcases his versatility and emotional range, proving that his talents go far beyond the creepy roles he is often known for.

Clark (2022)

Directed by: Jonas Åkerlund

Bill Skarsgård successfully returns to Swedish television in Netflix’s Clark (2022), where he plays the notorious criminal Clark Olofsson. Based on Olofsson’s biography, the series explores the turbulent life of the man whose actions gave birth to the term “Stockholm Syndrome.” Skarsgård embodies Olofsson as a larger-than-life figure—confident, reckless, and charismatic.

The show’s exaggerated, almost outlandish tone fits the crime-comedy genre, and Skarsgård’s portrayal enhances the absurdity without losing depth. Critics have praised his dynamic performance, noting how he deftly balances the comedic, dramatic, and darker aspects of Olofsson’s personality. Skarsgård’s ability to make Olofsson both dangerous and oddly likable captures the allure that drew real-life admirers to the notorious criminal. Though the events are dramatized, Skarsgård’s nuanced performance makes it easy to see why the character and the show keep viewers hooked. His role is a standout, blending charm and menace in a way few actors could.

John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

Director: Chad Stahelski

Bill Skarsgård was perfect as the Marquis, a villain who brings fresh energy to the John Wick franchise. In his role as a manipulative and ambitious antagonist, Skarsgård was in his element, playing a character who will go to any lengths to secure power within the High Table. His portrayal of the Marquis is defined by a refined menace, giving the character a calculating, aristocratic demeanor. He prefers to orchestrate events from behind the scenes while maintaining an air of control, with his thick, not-so-French accent.

Critics praised his ability to blend charm with menace, making the Marquis both charismatic and dangerous—a unique addition to the franchise’s long line of villains. As a formidable enemy for John Wick, Skarsgård’s performance adds fresh intrigue to the series. His portrayal of the Marquis stands out for its elegance and complexity, proving once again that few actors can embody villainy as convincingly as Skarsgård.

Villains (2019)

Directors: Dan Berk, Robert Olsen

Bill Skarsgård steps into a refreshingly different role as Mickey in Villains, a small-time criminal who, along with his girlfriend Jules (played by Maika Monroe), brings both heart and humor to this horror-comedy. The film’s straightforward plot is driven by the couple’s ill-fated plans, but it’s Skarsgård’s portrayal that adds a unique twist to the character of Mickey. Unlike your typical hardened criminal, Mickey is sweet, well-intentioned, and loyal, particularly toward Jules and their shared dream of a better life. Skarsgård balances comedy, romance, and tension, giving depth to his character while contrasting the darker elements of the film. His performance was praised for its charm and the way he brings an offbeat, quirky energy to the role.

Villains might not be a complicated movie, but Skarsgård’s performance is one of its best parts, making the film an entertaining mix of comedy and suspense. His ability to effortlessly shift between lightheartedness and intensity showcases his versatility and further adds to his growing list of memorable roles.

Nine Days (2020)

Director: Edson Oda

Nine Days (2020) stands out as a thoughtful, introspective film, and Bill Skarsgård’s role as Kane enhances its philosophical depth. Directed by Edson Oda in his feature debut, the movie offers a unique exploration of life, choice, and the human experience. Skarsgård’s Kane is one of the souls being evaluated by Will (played by Winston Duke), for the chance to live on Earth. His portrayal of Kane is noteworthy, as he adds emotional depth to the film’s meditative tone by embodying the nuances of soulfulness and reflection. Kane is a subtle yet crucial character, and Skarsgård’s restrained performance aligns perfectly with the film’s existential themes.

In a movie where each character’s emotions and decisions carry significant weight, Skarsgård’s portrayal elevates the film’s overall impact. His ability to balance introspection with emotional resonance further solidifies his status as a versatile actor, contributing to the thought-provoking nature of Nine Days. Although the film unfortunately did not have much of an impact during awards season or at the box office, it undoubtedly brings out one of Bill’s best performances.

It (2017)

Director: Andrés Muschietti

When discussing Bill Skarsgård’s standout performances, we just can’t ignore It, the film that catapulted him into the spotlight. Originally, Will Poulter was cast as Pennywise, but due to scheduling conflicts, Skarsgård took the role, and the rest is history. Taking on the iconic character previously portrayed by Tim Curry, Skarsgård made the role his own with an unsettling blend of childlike playfulness and sinister menace. What makes Skarsgård’s Pennywise unique is his ability to shift effortlessly between these extremes, combined with his distinctive physicality. His exaggerated smile, eerie eye movements (which he naturally controls), and jerky movements intensified the fear factor, making his portrayal both disturbing and memorable, it seemed as though he was born to play pennywise.

Skarsgård’s performance quickly became a cultural phenomenon, renewing interest in Stephen King’s It and playing a significant role in the film’s massive success. His portrayal in It solidified the film as one of the best among Bill Skarsgård’s movies and TV shows, with critics and audiences alike praising his terrifying performance. His version of Pennywise was crucial in making It one of the highest-grossing horror films of all time.

Barbarian (2022)

Director: Zach Cregger

Barbarian makes the best use of its unpredictability to keep audiences guessing right up to the very end. Directed by Zach Cregger, the film’s clever plot offers no clues as to what’s coming, even after watching the trailer you won’t have any idea about the movie. Bill Skarsgård’s performance as Keith is a pivotal part of the film’s psychological tension, especially in his interactions with Georgina Campbell’s Tess during the opening scenes. His character’s ambiguity makes it difficult to trust him, setting a suspenseful tone early on. Skarsgård effectively balances a fine line between being unsettling and sympathetic, making viewers question his true intentions. His role in misleading the audience about Keith’s nature was a smart addition, keeping tension high throughout his screen time.

Although Skarsgård’s role is limited to the first half, his impact is substantial, and his performance is key in establishing the film’s unnerving atmosphere, contributing significantly to its success. Despite his brief screen time, Skarsgård’s portrayal keeps Keith memorable and showcases his talent for playing characters that toy with audience expectations.

That’s a wrap, folks! These are the 10 best Bill Skarsgård movies and TV shows that truly showcase his range and talent. Throughout his career, he’s proven he’s far more than just a horror icon, effortlessly adapting to a wide variety of roles and displaying remarkable versatility. We can’t wait to see what incredible performances he brings to the screen next. For in-depth reviews and ratings of each film, be sure to visit Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic