Ansel Elgort’s 10 Best Movies And TV Shows

The best Ansel Elgort movies and TV shows highlight his impressive range, from action-packed thrillers to heartfelt dramas. Born in 1994 in NYC, Elgort quickly rose to fame with his breakout role in 2014’s The Fault in Our Stars, where he played the charming and tragic Augustus Waters. That same year, he appeared as Caleb Prior in Divergent, further cementing his status as a rising star. Over the years, Elgort has demonstrated his ability to take on complex characters, whether it’s a street-racing getaway driver in 2017’s Baby Driver or a determined journalist in the HBO show Tokyo Vice.

Known for his collaborations with acclaimed directors like Edgar Wright and Steven Spielberg, Ansel Elgort has received recognition for his performances, earning accolades that include a Golden Globe nomination for West Side Story. His roles often blend intensity, charisma, and emotional depth, making him a standout in every genre he tackles. From teen romance to crime dramas, his filmography continues to grow, proving his versatility. The best Ansel Elgort movies and TV shows showcase many sides of his talent, with each bringing something unique to his filmography.

10

Carrie (2013)

Ansel Elgort Plays Tommy Ross

The second adaptation of the classic Stephen King horror story following the 1976 movie of the same name, 2013’s Carrie follows a bullied teenage girl with telekinetic abilities who unleashes her wrath on prom night. Directed by Kimberly Peirce, the 2013 version of Carrie starred Chloë Grace Moretz as Carrie and Julianne Moore as her abusive mother. Ansel Elgort plays Tommy Ross, the kind-hearted high schooler who asks Carrie to prom, only to meet a tragic fate.

While Carrie received mixed reviews, Ansel Elgort’s portrayal of Tommy showcased his natural charm and likability. Though his role was relatively small, his performance hinted at the leading-man qualities he would soon be known for. His chemistry with Moretz helped add emotional weight to the story, making his character’s untimely demise even more impactful. Though not the strongest entry in his filmography, Carrie marked the beginning of his Hollywood career.

9

The Divergent Series: Insurgent (2016)

Ansel Elgort Plays Caleb Prior

The second installment in the Divergent series, Insurgent, continues the dystopian saga as Tris (Shailene Woodley) and Four (Theo James) fight against the oppressive faction system. Ansel Elgort reprises his role as Caleb Prior, Tris’s conflicted older brother, who struggles with loyalty and betrayal. Directed by Robert Schwentke, the film delves deeper into the rebellion’s complexities, with Caleb caught between his family and his allegiance to Erudite.

Ansel Elgort delivers a nuanced performance during his second outing as Caleb, portraying his character’s inner turmoil with subtlety. While Insurgent was met with mixed reviews, his portrayal of a morally torn individual adds depth to the narrative. Alongside Woodley and a star-studded cast that includes Kate Winslet and Miles Teller, Elgort helps bring emotional stakes to the action-packed sequel. Though not the standout movie in his career, Insurgent remains a solid entry in his early filmography.

8

The Divergent Series: Allegiant (2016)

Ansel Elgort Plays Caleb Prior

The best Ansel Elgort movies and TV shows showcase his ability to tackle morally complex characters, and Allegiant continues Caleb Prior’s journey in the Divergent series. The third installment, directed by Robert Schwentke, follows Tris and her allies as they venture beyond the wall enclosing Chicago, uncovering shocking truths about their world. Caleb, once seen as a betrayer, seeks redemption and proves to be an invaluable ally.

Ansel Elgort’s portrayal of Caleb is more developed in Allegiant, as his character grapples with past mistakes and newfound responsibilities. His performance brings depth to Caleb’s evolution from a calculating intellectual to someone willing to fight for a better future. While the film received lukewarm reception, Elgort’s strong acting and compelling dynamic with Shailene Woodley make it a noteworthy part of his career.

7

November Criminals (2017)

Ansel Elgort Plays Addison Schacht

Based on Sam Munson’s novel, 2017’s November Criminals is a crime drama directed by Sacha Gervasi. The movie follows Addison Schacht (Ansel Elgort), a rebellious high school senior investigating his friend’s mysterious murder. Alongside his girlfriend, played by Chloë Grace Moretz, Addison becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy that forces him to confront corruption and violence.

Ansel Elgort delivers an intense performance in November Criminals, balancing his character’s arrogance with vulnerability. While the movie itself didn’t receive widespread acclaim, Elgort’s portrayal of a reckless yet determined young man was praised. His chemistry with Moretz is a highlight, adding emotional depth to the story. Despite its flaws, November Criminals remains a compelling entry in the best Ansel Elgort movies and TV shows.

6

Billionaire Boys Club (2018)

Ansel Elgort Plays Joe Hunt

Directed by James Cox, the 2018 crime thriller Billionaire Boys Club is based on the real-life 1980s investment and Ponzi scheme led by Joe Hunt. Ansel Elgort stars as Hunt in the movie, effortlessly bringing to life the young financial mastermind who becomes embroiled in deception, greed, and murder. Co-starring Taron Egerton, Kevin Spacey, and Emma Roberts, the film explores the dark side of ambition.

Elgort is compelling throughout Billionaire Boys Club, with the movie showcasing his ability to portray morally ambiguous characters. His portrayal of Hunt’s descent into corruption is both chilling and captivating. While the film suffered from controversy and a limited release, Elgort’s performance remains a highlight. His ability to embody both charisma and ruthlessness proved his versatility as an actor, and it remains one of the best performances of his career so far.

5

Divergent (2014)

Ansel Elgort Plays Caleb Prior

While every outing as Caleb Prior stands as one of the best Ansel Elgort movies at this point in his career, it’s the 2018 original that remains the strongest performance from him. The first entry in the Divergent franchise, directed by Neil Burger, introduces audiences to a dystopian world divided by factions. Divergent marked the first time Ansel Elgort played Caleb Prior, a member of the Erudite faction who struggles with his loyalty to his family and his faction’s ideology. His character’s internal conflict sets the stage for his arc in the series.

Ansel Elgort’s Caleb was a conduit for a lot of the emotional depth in the story of Divergent, and showcased his ability as an actor to convey subtle emotional shifts. His chemistry with Shailene Woodley enhances the film’s family dynamics, making Caleb’s betrayals and redemptions more impactful. While Divergent isn’t his most acclaimed work, it remains a key film in his rise to stardom.

4

Tokyo Vice (2022-2024)

Ansel Elgort Plays Jake Adelstein

A standout among the best Ansel Elgort movies and TV shows, the HBO seriesTokyo Vice is a gripping crime drama that immerses viewers in the high-stakes world of investigative journalism and organized crime. Created by J.T. Rogers and based on journalist Jake Adelstein’s real-life memoir, the series follows Adelstein (played by Elgort), an ambitious American reporter who lands a job at a prestigious Japanese newspaper in the 1990s. As he begins covering the Tokyo Metropolitan Police beat, he becomes entangled in the dangerous world of the Yakuza, forming a complex relationship with a seasoned detective (Ken Watanabe).

Elgort delivers a career-defining performance, showcasing his ability to balance tension, vulnerability, and charisma. His portrayal of Adelstein captures the relentless drive and moral dilemmas of an investigative journalist navigating a foreign culture and an unforgiving underworld. The show’s atmospheric cinematography and meticulous attention to cultural detail have earned it widespread acclaim. Elgort’s Japanese language skills and dedication to the role further enhance the authenticity of his performance. With its compelling storytelling and nuanced character development, Tokyo Vice has become one of Elgort’s most critically praised projects, proving his range beyond teen dramas and action thrillers.

3

West Side Story (2021)

Ansel Elgort Plays Tony

Directed by legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, West Side Story is a breathtaking reimagining of the classic 1957 musical. Set in 1950s New York, the film explores the rivalry between two street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, and the doomed romance between Tony (Ansel Elgort) and Maria (Rachel Zegler). As a former leader of the Jets, Tony tries to leave his violent past behind, but his love for Maria—a member of the Sharks’ community—sparks a tragic chain of events. The film’s dazzling cinematography, stunning choreography, and powerful performances brought new life to the beloved story.

Ansel Elgort’s portrayal of Tony in West Side Story balances vulnerability and passion, making the character’s inner conflict feel fresh and deeply emotional. His on-screen chemistry with Rachel Zegler is undeniable, adding a layer of authenticity to their ill-fated romance. While some critics debated aspects of his performance, his vocal abilities and ability to convey both love and tragedy made his portrayal memorable. The film received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and won for Best Supporting Actress (Ariana DeBose). West Side Story further solidified Elgort’s place in Hollywood as an actor capable of handling complex roles in high-profile projects.

2

The Fault In Our Stars (2014)

Ansel Elgort Plays Augustus Waters

One of the most beloved films in the best Ansel Elgort movies and TV shows, 2014’s The Fault in Our Stars is a poignant adaptation of John Green’s bestselling novel. Directed by Josh Boone, the film tells the heartbreaking love story of Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley) and Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort), two teenagers who meet in a cancer support group. Augustus, a former basketball player who lost part of his leg to osteosarcoma, is an optimistic, witty, and deeply philosophical young man who falls in love with Hazel despite their shared struggles.

Augustus is widely considered one of the best performances Ansel Elgort has ever given, blending charm, humor, and emotional depth. His chemistry with Woodley – whom he had previously worked with in Divergent – adds authenticity to their touching relationship. The scene where Augustus delivers his pre-funeral speech to Hazel is one of the film’s most emotionally charged moments, showcasing Elgort’s ability to convey raw vulnerability. Elgort received several award nominations, including a Teen Choice Award win for Best Movie Actor. His portrayal of Augustus remains a defining moment in his career, proving his ability to lead deeply moving dramas.

1

Baby Driver (2017)

Ansel Elgort Plays Baby/Miles

At the top of the best Ansel Elgort movies and TV shows is Baby Driver, a stylish and exhilarating action film directed by Edgar Wright. The movie follows Baby (Elgort), a gifted getaway driver with tinnitus who choreographs his heists to the rhythm of his meticulously curated playlists. After falling in love with a diner waitress named Debora (Lily James), Baby dreams of leaving his criminal life behind, but he’s pulled into one last job by his ruthless boss, Doc (Kevin Spacey). With a star-studded cast that includes Jamie Foxx, Jon Hamm, and Eiza González, the film is a thrilling mix of high-speed chases, heart-pounding action, and a killer soundtrack.

Baby is both understated and magnetic, easily cementing Baby Driver as the best Ansel Elgort movie yet. Elgort conveys much of his character’s inner turmoil through subtle expressions and body language, making Baby a compelling and sympathetic protagonist. His ability to synchronize his movements with the film’s music-driven editing adds to the immersive experience. Baby Driver was a massive success, earning over $226 million worldwide (via Box Office Mojo) and securing three Academy Award nominations for Best Film Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Sound Editing. Elgort himself received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy, proving his ability to carry a major action film. With its unique blend of music, action, and storytelling, Baby Driver remains Ansel Elgort’s most iconic and celebrated role to date.