Idris Elbahas been acting for nearly three decades and has been a part of both large franchises and independent dramas, making him one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood. Elba was born in London, England and began acting in the mid 1990s, beginning with small roles in British television shows. Idris Elba first gained greater fame with his role as Russell “Stringer” Bell in the acclaimed seriesThe Wire. Since then, he has become even more well-known, from his role as John Luther in the detective seriesLutherto his recentvoice acting as Knuckles in theSonic the Hedgehogseries.
Through all of his popular roles in movies and prestige TV series, Idris Elba has become a household name and is one of the top grossing stars in the movie industry. Elba has also been nominated for numerous awards and won many of them, including a Golden Globe and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. Luckily, several ofIdris Elba’s best movies, along with several TV series, are now available to stream on Netflix. However, several of them are leaving soon, so audiences should check them out before they leave the streaming service.
1Luther: The Fallen Sun
A Follow-Up Film To The Acclaimed TV Series
Luther: The Fallen Sunis a 2023 crime thriller movie that serves as a continuation of Idris Elba’s role as John Luther in the BBC seriesLuther.After being imprisoned for crimes that he committed as a detective,Luther must find a way out of prison to investigate a serial killer who is taunting him and other detectives. In order to stay out of prison, Luther must track the serial killer and rescue his former colleague’s daughter from the killer’s grasp.
Luther Movie Sequel Gets Promising Update From Idris Elba
Luther star and producer Idris Elba addresses the chances of a sequel to The Fallen Sun but does not ultimately confirm its development.
Luther: The Fallen Sundoes a great job of following in the show’s footsteps, so any priorLutherfans will be happy to be able to watch the detective’s return on Netflix. In addition to Elba’s reprisal of his popular character,he is joined by Cynthia Erivo and Andy Serkis, who have both shown their talents in other performances. In all, the movie features some great dramatic performances that fans of the series and other action thrillers will love.
2Beasts of No Nation
A Gripping War Drama
The war dramaBeasts of No Nationfeatures Idris Elba in an important, but horrifying, supporting role. Elba’s performance is gripping, and his casting alongside younger men who play child soldiers displays the harsh reality of war. Following its screening at the Venice International Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival,Beasts of No Nationwas released onto Netflix and met with critical acclaim. The movie currently holds a 91% approval rating onRotten Tomatoes.
Beasts of No Nationfollows the experiences of a boy, Agu, who becomes a child soldier after his country falls into a civil war. Idris Elba stars as the commandant of the group that Agu is brought into, who is brutal and willing to commit any crime necessary.The movie might not be for everyone as it does not shy away from explicit depictions of violence, but it is very well-made and well acted.
3The Take (Leaving December 31)
The Action Thriller Is Leaving Netflix At The End Of The Month
Also known asBastille Day, The Takeis an exciting action thriller that pairs Elba’s rogue CIA agent, Sean Briar, with Richard Madden’s begrudgingly likable pickpocket, Michael Mason. The two are forced to team up to uncover a terrorist plot that goes deeper than either of them could have imagined, keeping audiences at the edge of their seats until the movie’s exciting finale.
Elba’s dynamic with Richard Madden is a lot of fun to watch because while neither character likes the other in the beginning, they have no choice but to work together, ultimately making a better pair than either would have thought.
ThoughThe Takeis not Idris Elba’s highest rated action movie, it certainly works to showcase his talents in the genre. Elba is very believable and entertaining as a CIA agent who is known to not always follow the rules. Moreover, Elba’s dynamic with Richard Madden is a lot of fun to watch, because while neither character likes the other in the beginning, they have no choice but to work together, ultimately making a better pair than either would have thought.
4Cats (Leaving January 15)
The Musical Is Leaving Netflix In Mid-January
Catsis certainly unique in Idris Elba’s filmography. While the star is mostly known for his dramatic and action roles,in the movieCats, Elba appears as the humanoid cat, Macavity. The movie was based on the theatrical musical of the same name. However, despite the latter’s beloved reputation, theCatsmovie was panned upon release.Catshas since been considered to be so bad that it is actually enjoyablefor audiences, though fans of the original musical may also like it as an adaptation on its own.
Catscenters on a group of cats who are competing in the Jellicle Ball to be reincarnated. There are a variety of different cats with their own personalities, led by Judy Dench’s Old Deuteronomy.Idris Elba appears as the villain of the story, Macavity, who is a criminal and troublemaker. Fans of the musical should watch this one while it is available, sinceCatswill be leaving Netflix on August 20, 2025.
5Concrete Cowboy
Elba Also Served As Producer For The Drama Film
Concrete Cowboystars Stranger Things' Caleb McLaughlin as Cole, a teenager who moves in with his father in Philadelphia and discovers that he is a part of an urban horse riding group. Idris Elba plays Harp, Cole’s father, who initially seems more concerned about his horse and the other members of the group than about Cole, butthe two bond as Cole begins to love horse riding as well. The movie is very heartfelt and examines the lives and troubles of its characters with care.
Inspired by the bookGhetto Cowboy, Concrete Cowboyserves as a look into a lesser known part of American riding culture since it highlights the importance of urban horse riding and Black cowboys.The movie also received positive reviews upon its release, especially surrounding its acting and themes. Concrete Cowboy currently holds an 80% critical approval rating onRotten Tomatoes.
6The Dark Tower
Elba Gives A Great Performance In The Fantasy Movie
The Dark Toweris a movie adaptation of the Stephen King series of the same name that stars Idris Elba in the lead role of the gunslinger, Roland Deschain. Roland is tasked with protecting the world by ensuring that the Dark Tower, a structure that keeps the separate realities intact, is safe fromthe villainous The Man in Black, played by Matthew McConaughey. Roland Deschain is joined by a protégé named Jake Chambers, and the two attempt to thwart The Man in Black’s plan to rule the world from the Dark Tower and keep everyone safe.
The Dark Tower 2017 Ending Explained: Why Walter Wants To Destroy The Tower
2017’s The Dark Tower adpation is stuffed full of Stephen King lore in a 95-minute runtime, with the ending leaving potential questions for audiences.
Like many Stephen King adaptations, the complexities ofThe Dark Towerseries made it very difficult to adapt, and, as a result, the movie was heavily criticized upon its release. However, despite the claims that the movie attempted to cram too many plot points from several different books into one short movie,Idris Elba’s performance was one of the few aspects that was received favorably. While Stephen King fans may have some critiques ofThe Dark Tower, the movie is still a fun way to see Idris Elba in a fantasy role that is quite different from many of his other performances.
7Molly’s Game
Molly’s Game Is Based On A True Story
The 2017 biographical movieMolly’s Gameis based on the memoir of the same name by Molly Bloom. The movie follows a woman named Molly, played by Jessica Chastain, who begins running ahigh stakes poker game that is attended by celebrities and sports players. After becoming successful at this job, Molly eventually moves from Los Angeles to New York, and while setting up new games, is approached by Russian mobsters who would like to join as well, causing her to be investigated by the FBI. Molly eventually goes to trial, but, with the help of her lawyer, she avoids the worst of the punishment.
Michael Cera’s character Player X was inspired by several real actors, including Tobey Maguire, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Affleck, and others.
Molly’s Gamewas fairly successful at the time of its release, receiving an 82% approval rating onRotten Tomatoeswithpositive reviews especially surrounding the performance of Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba. Elba plays Molly’s lawyer, Charlie Jaffey who helps her avoid prison for her illegal poker games. While Elba has many great dramatic roles,Molly’s Gamemay be one of his best, and fans of tense drama will love it.
8Takers
An Entertaining Bank Heist Movie
Takerssees Idris Elba showcase his action skills as Gordon Crozier, the leader of a group of bank robbers. As is also evident in many of Elba’s action and thriller roles, the actor is a great addition to any action film. DespiteTakers' mostly negative reviews, the movie is still a very entertaining watch for action fans, and the cast features several fan-favorite actors alongside Idris Elba.
The movie features exciting action sequences throughout that will have audiences at the edge of their seats. The plot also features twists and double-crosses, which help add extra layers of complexity to a plot that would otherwise be too similar to many action movies. WhileTakersmay not be Elba’s most popular performance, it is fun nonetheless becausehe is always so good at portraying the morally gray character that audiences can’t help but root for.
9The Harder They Fall
A Great Western Movie With Inspiration From Real Life
The Harder They Fallis a 2021 Western movie that gave Idris Elba another great villain role. Elba plays Rufus Buck, a real-life outlaw, who runs into conflict with Nat Love. The characters steal and try to take control of towns in the American West in the highly entertaining cowboy film. InThe Harder They Fall’s stunning conclusion, Nat Love and Rufus Buck confront each other and their pasts, creating a full circle moment.
The Harder They Fall 2: Confirmation & Everything We Know
Following the success of the star-studded Western adventure The Harder They Fall, fans are hoping for the sequel to materialize.
The Harder They Fall’s characterswere also inspired by real-life cowboys and outlaws of the American West, creating an interesting portrayal of figures who influenced American culture and history in centuries past and making it a perfect watch for history fans.Elba’s portrayal of Rufus Buck is very complex and attention-grabbing, and it is made even better by knowing that the figure really did exist.
10American Gangster (Leaving December 31)
Elba Makes An Appearance In The Popular Crime Film
Technically, Idris Elba does star inAmerican Gangster, but his role in the Denzel Washington film is quite small, so it makes sense that audiences may not remember it. In the biographical crime movie, Idris Elba makes an appearance as Tango, a drug dealer who presents a small competition to Denzel Washington’s character, Frank Lucas. Elba is great in the role, as always, but, unfortunately, his appearance is very brief as he is killed by Lucas.
8 Idris Elba Movies & TV Shows You Totally Forgot He Appeared In
Idris Elba has become one of the biggest stars in film and television, but there are a few movies and TV shows many may not know he was in.
American Gangsteris considered one of the best crime movies ever, so it is certainly worth watching. However, the movie will be leaving Netflix at the end of December, so fans should take advantage of its availability while they can.
