2025 is quietly, but convincingly, shaping up to be the Year of the Skarsgård. Following the massive success of last year’s Dune: Part Two, family patriarch Stellan Skarsgård continues to bring gravitas to genre storytelling with a riveting turn in Disney+’s Star Wars prequel series, Andor. Meanwhile, Bill Skarsgård is back in haunting form, reprising his chilling role as Pennywise in HBO’s It: Welcome to Derry—a return to the Stephen King universe that first catapulted him to fame. But perhaps the most quietly significant move comes from Alexander Skarsgård, often the most underrated member of the acting dynasty.
In Murderbot, one of Apple TV+’s breakout hits of 2025, he leads with sharp intensity and emotional nuance, anchoring what’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about shows of the year. With range, relevance, and undeniable screen presence across generations, the Skarsgårds aren’t just having a moment—they’re redefining one.
It’s possible that Alexander Skarsgård doesn’t command as much mainstream attention because his biggest swing at blockbuster fame, The Legend of Tarzan, fell flat at the box office. There are no Thors or John Wicks on his résumé, and he reportedly missed out on playing a supervillain in James Gunn’s Superman. But a closer look at his filmography reveals something arguably more impressive: a career built on range, depth, and unforgettable performances across drama, horror, comedy, and prestige television. From Big Little Lies to The Northman, Skarsgård has carved out a path that favors substance over spectacle, and the results speak for themselves.
Here’s a look at Alexander Skarsgård’s movies and TV shows we’re sure you’ll love…
#1. The Northman (2022)
Arguably the defining movie of Alexander Skarsgård’s career, The Northman is a bold, brutal Viking epic directed by Robert Eggers. In it, Skarsgård plays Amleth—a betrayed prince fueled by vengeance. Drawing heavily on Norse mythology, the film is both visually stunning and emotionally intense. It’s a raw, immersive saga that highlights Skarsgård’s physicality, dramatic range, and total commitment to the role. Simply put, this isn’t just one of the best Alexander Skarsgård movies—it’s one of the greatest Viking films ever made.
#2. Melancholia (2011)
In Lars von Trier’s apocalyptic masterpiece Melancholia, Skarsgård takes on a more vulnerable role as Michael, the ill-fated fiancé of Kirsten Dunst’s Justine. Though his screen time is mostly limited to the first half, his presence adds a vital human contrast to the film’s haunting, cerebral atmosphere. It’s a quieter performance, but one that leaves a lasting impact. Subtle yet significant, Melancholia earns its place on any list of must-see Alexander Skarsgård movies.
#3. Infinity Pool (2023)
Written and directed by Brandon Cronenberg, Infinity Pool is a disturbing sci-fi horror film that dives deep into Skarsgård’s darker side. He plays a morally conflicted writer trapped in a dystopian vacation gone wrong. The performance is riveting—unafraid to be strange, unsettling, and completely unhinged. Skarsgård leans fully into the chaos, blurring the lines between reality and madness. As with many of his best roles, Infinity Pool isn’t easy to watch, but it lingers. It’s yet another entry in his filmography that dares to challenge the viewer psychologically.
#4. Big Little Lies (2017–2019)
Though technically a TV role, Alexander Skarsgård’s performance as Perry Wright in HBO’s Big Little Lies absolutely deserves a spot on this list. Opposite Nicole Kidman, he delivers one of his most chilling and layered portrayals as a charming yet violently abusive husband. The performance is both terrifying and nuanced, capturing the complex dynamics of power, shame, and control. It earned him a Golden Globe and an Emmy, and it remains one of the most unforgettable roles in recent television history.
#5. Generation Kill (2008)
One of Alexander Skarsgård’s earliest breakout roles came in Generation Kill, the gritty war miniseries from The Wire creators David Simon and Ed Burns. Portraying real-life U.S. Marine Brad Colbert, Skarsgård brings a quiet authority and understated empathy to the role. The show offers an unflinching, realistic look at the Iraq War, and Skarsgård’s performance grounds it with humanity. Even then, it was clear—he was far more than just a pretty face.
#6. True Blood (2008–2014)
For many fans, this was their first real introduction to Alexander Skarsgård. As the enigmatic vampire Eric Northman in True Blood, he became an instant icon. The series may lean into camp, but Skarsgård’s performance brought depth, danger, and undeniable allure. He turned Eric into something mythic—sexy, mysterious, and unforgettable. True Blood launched him into international stardom and remains a cornerstone of any ranking of Alexander Skarsgård’s most defining movies and TV shows.
#7. Succession (2021–2023)
In HBO’s modern classic Succession, Alexander Skarsgård takes on the role of Lukas Matsson—a socially stunted tech billionaire who emerges as a key antagonist in the final seasons. Equal parts awkward and unsettling, his portrayal feels both alien and deeply human, a sharp commentary on power, ego, and emotional detachment in the digital age. Though he appears in only a handful of episodes, Skarsgård’s presence is magnetic. He helps drive the series to its unforgettable conclusion, cementing his place in one of television’s most iconic ensembles.
#8. Documentary Now! – Soldier of Illusion (2022)
Skarsgård’s comedic chops shine in Documentary Now!, where he hilariously spoofs the stylings of Werner Herzog. As fictional filmmaker Rainer Wolz, he parodies the obsessive, tortured artist archetype with deadpan brilliance. It’s a rare treat to see him this loose, self-aware, and genuinely funny. The episode is a reminder that the best Alexander Skarsgård movies and performances aren’t confined to brooding dramas or intense thrillers—he’s just as compelling when he’s making you laugh.
#9. Long Shot (2019)
In this underappreciated romantic comedy, Alexander Skarsgård plays a hilariously smug version of the Canadian Prime Minister. It’s a small role, but his goofy swagger steals every scene he’s in. With perfect comedic timing and just the right amount of absurdity, he adds a sharp edge to the film’s political satire. It’s one of the rare moments Skarsgård serves as pure comic relief—and he absolutely nails it.
#10. Murderbot (2025–)
Still airing at the time of this writing, Murderbot may well become the defining role of Alexander Skarsgård’s career. As a rogue android with a streaming addiction and a heavy dose of existential dread, Skarsgård strikes an uncanny balance between vulnerability, deadpan sarcasm, and action-hero grit. Even if the series doesn’t stick the landing, his performance already stands out. It’s a bold, genre-bending turn that confirms both his range and undeniable star power.
Featured image: TMDB
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