Michael Douglas.

Character: Gordon Gekko

The film in which Michael won his acting Oscar just had to be on this list, greed is good just like the haunting performance in this film. A ruthless character and probably quite different to what he had previously portrayed in the build up to this one. I love that during a walking tour of Central Park back in 2017 we were on the grass where the fight scene took place and I always thought that was pretty cool.

[Read my full review]

Character: William Foster / D-Fens

When I reviewed Falling Down, I described Michael Douglas as truly outstanding, and it is certainly a performance that deserves a place here. Everything he does is so engaging, even when Foster’s behaviour becomes frightening and increasingly difficult to watch.

His line delivery is a huge part of that. You believe this is a man who has reached breaking point, yet Douglas still manages to show occasional flashes of charm. That makes the character even more unsettling. His scenes with Robert Duvall, particularly their final confrontation, are another reason this performance stays with me.

Read my full Falling Down review →

Character: Liberace

This is a performance that has impressed me more with each viewing. Douglas fully embraces Liberace’s voice and flamboyance, owning each scene while showing the more difficult aspects of his relationship with Scott Thorson.

The performances from Douglas and Matt Damon are the film’s greatest strength for me. Beneath the extravagant appearance is a relationship filled with emotional complications, possessiveness and manipulation. Douglas makes all of those different sides feel part of the same person. I already called this one of his best performances in my review, and it was an easy choice for this list.

Read my full Behind the Candelabra review →

Character: Grady Tripp

Grady Tripp’s life is falling apart, and somehow Douglas makes you want to stay with him through all of the madness. His relationships, writing and attempts to help his students create a series of increasingly complicated situations, yet you still feel for him as he tries to put things right.

I love the charm and humour within this performance, alongside the uncertainty. Douglas leads an outstanding cast without losing that sense of Grady being overwhelmed by everything around him. In my original review, I called it one of his best performances without a doubt.

Read my full Wonder Boys review →

Character: Andrew Shepherd

I have thought for many years that Michael Douglas would make an incredible president, and this performance is the reason why! He has the charisma, calmness and confidence that make Andrew Shepherd so believable in that position.

What I particularly love is how that authority sits alongside the nervousness of falling in love again. His chemistry with Annette Bening is wonderful, and their relationship gives the film so much warmth. This has been one of my favourite films for years, and Douglas is a huge part of why I keep returning to it.

Read my full The American President review →

Character: Dan Gallagher

Glenn Close gives an outstanding performance in Fatal Attraction, but Douglas also has an important part in making the film so uncomfortable to watch. Dan’s betrayal of his wife sets everything in motion, and he must gradually confront the consequences of that decision.

Douglas captures a man trying to cope with a situation that has moved far beyond anything he expected. The film makes you question where your sympathies lie, even while remembering that Dan is responsible for his own actions. That tension is central to why it remains such an effective thriller for me.

Read my full Fatal Attraction review →

Character: Jack Colton

I loved seeing this adventurous, romantic side of Michael Douglas. He is so charming as Jack Colton, and it feels like a different style of performance from many of the other films in this selection.

His chemistry with Kathleen Turner is a huge part of the appeal. They work so effortlessly together, bringing humour and romance into the adventure. When I reviewed the film, I couldn’t help mentioning just how gorgeous and charming he was—and that enthusiasm makes this a difficult performance to leave out!

Read my full Romancing the Stone review →

Narrowing this down to seven was difficult, with The Game particularly close to making the final selection. Honourable mentions also must go to Solitary Man (2010), Ant-Man (2015) and The Sentinel (2006). Which Michael Douglas performance would you include—and which of my choices would you change?