David Harbour’s Hollywood experiences have included mostly secondary roles in a few blockbuster films, while also appearing in several small films to help make ends meet. Something about David Harbour seems to restrict the kinds of roles he has been asked to play. He has shown that he can perform and that he knows what he’s doing. There is something about his manner that screams for a major role, and happily, he knows exactly how to pull it off. He’s made an excellent transition from television to film, demonstrating that he does have just what it takes to play a lead character.

It appears that Harbour’s small stints in the industry have come to an end. Recently, he has progressed to the next level, landing roles in films with well-known actors and portraying key roles. Harbour is undoubtedly showcasing his acting talent to the world, from playing a key role in Black Widow, an MCU superhero movie, to playing the lead in Hellboy, not to mention playing an amazing role on Stranger Things. Harbour has starred in some fantastic films, as well as some mediocre ones, but regardless of content, it’s past time for someone to take a look at his diverse portfolio.

RELATED: Duffer Brothers Confirm Stranger Things Season 5 Will Have a Time Jump

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

8 End Of Watch (2012)

     Open Road Films

End of Watch is a cop drama directed by David Ayer that depicts the action-packed antics of two overly engaged cops, struggling to get on with their daily routine. David Harbour plays the role of Van Hauser, another cop, in the movie. While he may not have much of a part, David shines in a few memorable scenes, including those where he needs to make a speech, that perfectly captures the lives of a cop. Critics have praised End of Watch for telling a realistic story about police operations.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

7 Revolutionary Road (2008)

     Paramount Vantage

Revolutionary Road is a romantic film adapted from the novel of the same name, and is one of the best movies that represents the American dream. It portrays Frank Wheeler, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and his wife April, portrayed by Kate Winslet, as they look for more fulfillment in their halfheartedly traditional marriage. In Revolutionary Road, Harbour plays Shep Campbell, the Wheelers’ neighbor, and though he is only a supporting character, his presence has a significant impact on the narrative. He has several amazing moments with Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, and his presence in the film elevates it even further.

RELATED: These Are the Most Honest and Realistic Movies About Marriage

6 The Equalizer (2014)

     Sony Pictures Releasing

The Equalizer is a film adaptation of the 1980s drama in which Harbour co-starred alongside Denzel Washington. In the pursuit of a teen girl, who has been caught in the mob, a former soldier resumes duty to hunt down a bunch of Russian Mobsters in this action drama. Harbour portrayed Frank Masters, a dishonest officer, who is driven to put a stop to the mafia under the fear of being killed by Robert McCall, portrayed by Washington. His sequences with Washington are dramatic, and he got to demonstrate his exemplary talent.

5 Suicide Squad (2016)

     Warner Bros. Pictures

Harbour’s involvement in Suicide Squad ebbs and flows during the first act, since he is among the men who make the important decisions, but never get their hands dirty. He raises the possibility of what would follow if entities like Superman are given complete freedom on their planet, and are not held accountable. This is what sparks the concept for the Suicide Squad: a tiny group of super-powered humans who can be restrained, but can nonetheless be counted on to do the government’s dirty deeds when necessary. He’s pretty talented as a government jerk, which implies his acting talents are on the level.

4 Brokeback Mountain (2005)

     Focus Features

Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning film Brokeback Mountain is a romance drama about an illicit love relationship between two ranchers in the American West, Ennis Del Mar, portrayed by Heath Ledger, and Jack Twist, played by Jake Gyllenhaal. During the period of the movie, which is set in 1978, David Harbour plays Randall Malone, a family man who is supposed to be having an affair with Jack. Although the deceased Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Michelle Rodriguez produced superb performances, David shines even in the little screen time he gets in one of the saddest romantic movies of all time.

3 Hellboy (2019)

Following his role as Hopper, Harbour went on to star in several big-budget action films, including the newest adaptation of Hellboy. When David Harbour stepped in to substitute for Ron Perlman after the first two Hellboy movies from Lionsgate, he had big shoes to fill. But, he managed to provide a respectable performance beneath his crimson-hued body and bulging muscles. Harbour’s Hellboy seems to have an angry crestfallen air with much more readily frazzled emotions. While the film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, Harbour’s portrayal of Hellboy was well received.

2 Black Widow (2021)

     Walt Disney Studios/ Motion Pictures

When David Harbour signed on to feature in Marvel Studios’ film, Black Widow, he joined the list of the latest recruits in the MCU. Harbour portrays the Red Guardian, a Russian super-soldier, alongside Scarlett Johansson, Rachel Weisz, and Florence Pugh. With his role in Black Widow, Harbour gained more mainstream notice.

Any fan who watches Black Widow will notice that David Harbour has versatility. He is much more than the grumpy, small-town cop he portrays in Stranger Things. “For fans of Black Widow and everyone else, this episode is great fun and Harbour could well ascend to spinoff greatness of his own,” wrote Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian, praising Harbour’s portrayal. Harbour got to enjoy the middle road between Jim Hopper’s iconic action guy and unusual paternal figure, along with all the actor’s more humorous appearances as Alexei Shostakov.

1 Stranger Things (2016-Present)

     Netflix Streaming Services

Jim Hopper is Hawkins’ police chief in Stranger Things, who probes strange happenings in the area, and is Harbour’s most famous role, earning him global acclaim. Fans adored him because of his fatherly bond with the character of Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown, and they were heartbroken when he was presumably murdered at the climax of season three. David Harbour almost lost his Hooper role, but fans will be relieved to learn that David has returned in the fourth season of Stranger Things.