Sebastian Stan is one of Hollywood’s fastest rising actors. In addition to becoming a staple in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Bucky Barnes (a.k.a. The Winter Soldier), he boasted two critically acclaimed performances in 2024 in A Different Man and The Apprentice, earning his first Oscar nomination for the latter.
His role in the MCU is only expanding as he joins the titular anti-hero team in Thunderbolts* and is confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday. Viewers eager to see more of Stan can use our guide to find out where to watch his 10 best movies (ranked from the best by his performance and film quality) on platforms like Disney+, Max, and more.
I, Tonya (2017)
I, Tonya is a biopic following the career of figure skater Tonya Harding (Margot Robbie) and how her career took an unexpected dark turn when she married her abusive husband, Jeff Gillooly (Stan). I, Tonya is one of Stan’s best albeit most unlikeable roles. He’s wholly convincing as the sleazy, scheming Gillooly who poorly influences Harding. Stan excellently compliments Robbie, allowing her show-stealing, raw performance to shine through. His performance also helps drive I, Tonya’s more sympathetic and human perspective on Harding, making its take on an infamous ice skating incident all the more powerful, thoughtful, and tragic.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
While Stan made his MCU debut in Captain America: The First Avenger, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is the first film that sees him as Barnes’ menacing alter-ego. The film follows Captain America (Chris Evans), who is adjusting to modern life when Hydra and the mysterious, yet oddly familiar, Winter Soldier (Stan) strike. Captain America: The Winter Soldier unfolds as a top-notch espionage thriller, boasting dazzling visuals, exhilarating action sequences, and intriguing political commentary. Stan solidifies his position in the MCU in this performance, with his intimidating and convincing performance as a brainwashed super soldier.
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Captain America: Civil War sees the return of Stan’s Winter Soldier. He takes center stage as his brutal, inexplicable actions send Wakanda’s T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) after him. Meanwhile, Captain America’s desire to protect Bucky threatens to tear the Avengers apart. Captain America: Civil War is one of the best MCU films of all time, with its political commentary and realistic exploration of the dangers and infallible nature of heroes. Stan particularly shines, switching seamlessly between the stone-cold killer of the Winter Soldier and a confused man forced to come to terms with his loss of free will and what he has done.
A Different Man (2024)
A24’s A Different Man follows Edward (Stan), a man with neurofibromatosis who finds a cure for his condition and assumes a new identity. However, he begins to question his choices when he meets Oswald (Adam Pearson), a popular, charismatic, and outgoing man with neurofibromatosis. A Different Man marks one of Stan’s most complex roles to date, as Edward spirals through numerous phases of insecurity, regret, jealousy, and rage, perfectly capturing the disconnect when one heals physically but not inwardly. The film, as a whole, is a darkly comedic yet ultimately touching exploration of disabilities, identity, and self-confidence.
The Apprentice (2024)
In The Apprentice, Stan portrays businessman Donald Trump in the 1970s-1980s, tracking his rise to wealth and power under the influence of his mentor Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong). Stan completely embodies the young Trump, perfecting everything from his voice to his walk to his mannerisms. More importantly, he captures his essence, including his charisma and hunger for power and influence. Stan’s performance is the biggest reason to watch The Apprentice, but the thoughtfully crafted movie also provides a unique insight into Trump’s earlier years and his relationship with Cohn.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle (2018)
We Have Always Lived in the Castle is one of Stan’s most underrated movies. The film follows two sisters, Merricat (Taissa Farmiga) and Constance (Alexandra Daddario), who live in isolation on their family’s estate after Constance was accused of killing their parents. When their estranged cousin, Charles (Stan), shows up unexpectedly with ulterior motives, it threatens the sisters’ peace and safety. We Have Always Lived in the Castle unfolds like a dark fairy tale with a Gothic twist, featuring intriguing ambiguity and an exploration of family secrets. Stan also shines as the controlling and vindictive estrange cousin, complimenting Farmiga’s and Daddario’s mysterious, eerie performances.
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Stan makes his debut as Bucky Barnes in Captain America: The First Avenger. In the film, he is Steve Rogers’ best friend and joins the U.S. Army alongside him. When Rogers becomes Captain America, Barnes continues fighting with him as part of the Howling Commandos. Captain America: The First Avenger is a charming underdog tale that combines plenty of superhero action with a strong dose of patriotism. While Stan’s Barnes isn’t as memorable as the Winter Soldier, he imbues the character with a sense of wholesomeness and his friendship with Rogers is quite touching.
Logan Lucky (2017)
Logan Lucky is a heist film set against the backdrop of the racing world. The Steven Soderbergh-directed film follows Jimmy Logan (Channing Tatum), who is down on his luck and decides to join his siblings, Clyde (Adam Driver) and Millie (Riley Keough), in a risky mission to rob the Charlotte Motor Speedway during a NASCAR race. Stan plays a small role as arrogant racecar driver Dayton White, who is obsessed with his appearance. Although it’s a small role, he adds some additional humor to the movie. Logan Lucky as a whole is a fast-paced, unconventional, entertaining, and wildly funny heist film.
Black Swan (2010)
Stan has a small role in the critically acclaimed Black Swan that some viewers might have missed. The film follows Nina (Natalie Portman), a passionate ballerina who begins to crack under the pressure of competing for a role in “Swan Lake” against rival Lily (Mila Kunis). Black Swan is a mind-bending, haunting thriller that explores the mental health impact of the high-stakes world of ballet. Additionally, Stan appears in one scene as Andrew, a man Nina meets during a night out, who encourages her to let loose a little. His small role helps further flesh out Nina and her personality in Black Swan.
The Martian (2015)
Ridley Scott’s The Martian tells the story of Dr. Mark Watney (Matt Damon), a botanist and mechanical engineer, who joins the Ares II crew on a mission to Mars. When a sandstorm strikes, the crew flees, and Watney is mistakenly left stranded alone on Mars, struggling to survive. Stan appears in the film as Dr. Chris Beck, a surgeon on Ares II, convincingly capturing his character’s conflicted range of emotions upon realizing Watney was left behind. The Martian is a fascinating work of sci-fi that explores the possibility of sustaining human life on other planets and also inspires viewers with its tale of human resilience.
Where to watch Sebastian Stan’s best movies online
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