6 movies with Heath Ledger, if you`re tired of `The Dark Knight`

And these roles are no less than the legendary Joker.

When we hear the name Heath Ledger, the first thing that comes to mind is his eerie and brilliant Joker. But this Australian guy with a disarming smile was a true chameleon of cinema. From a serenading school bully to an eccentric skateboard mentor, Ledger took on roles that many wouldn't even imagine.

Actor Heath Ledger in a black jacket against a white background — Heath Ledger

Let's embark on a journey through those roles of Heath that remained in the shadow of his legendary villain—and see how an actor, gone too soon, managed to create a whole gallery of unforgettable characters long before he uttered the phrase, "Do you want to know how I got these scars?"

"10 Things I Hate About You" (1999)

This teen comedy, a loose adaptation of Shakespeare's play "The Taming of the Shrew," features Heath Ledger as the enigmatic and charming rebel Patrick.

Patrick is a school bully with a reputation he maintains himself. He is cynical, witty, and seems to disregard societal norms. But behind the mask of indifference lies a sensitive and vulnerable soul. Ledger here is incredibly charismatic and appealing, despite the "bad boy" image of the character.

Heath Ledger - Can't Take My Eyes Off You

The film became a box office hit and paved the way to Hollywood for many young actors, including Julia Stiles and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The serenade scene "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" performed by Ledger can rightfully be called iconic.

The film is funny, lively, and quite enjoyable. The comedy is built around the central plot with many pleasant details and genuinely amusing characters. Fortunately, the jokes never descend into crudeness, which helps the film stay fresh and lively rather than becoming clichéd.

Reviewer bob the moo from Imdb

"Two Hands" (1997)

The Australian crime thriller from the late '90s features Ledger as Jimmy, a small-time criminal who gets caught up in gang conflicts in Sydney.

Ledger creates the image of a charming yet wayward hero who elicits sympathy despite his mistakes.

Long-haired Heath Ledger in a green tank top in the movie 'Two Hands' — Still from the movie 'Two Hands'

The film is a tense and dynamic story of the Australian underworld, full of chases and shootouts.

For Heath, this role was one of the first serious ones in cinema.

An exciting film, lively, inspiring, and incredibly fresh. What you see here is largely an urban gangster film with a grim background and Australian humor, dry and sarcastic. You could say that the picture owes much to films like 'Pulp Fiction', 'Goodfellas', and 'Heartbreakers', but for me, it still stands apart.

Reviewer lost-in-limbo from Imdb

"Monster's Ball" (2001)

In this poignant drama by Marc Forster, Ledger plays Sonny Grotowski, the son of prison warden Hank Grotowski (Billy Bob Thornton), working alongside his father.

Ledger creates the image of a young man torn by internal contradictions. He is sensitive, kind, but cannot find common ground with his cruel and racist father. Sonny suffers from pressure and sees no way out of the situation. His tragic fate is one of the key storylines of the film.

Billy Bob Thornton, Peter Boyle, Heath Ledger in police uniform in 'Monster's Ball' — Scene from 'Monster's Ball'

Here, Heath, despite a relatively small role, creates a very memorable and tragic character.

This is a great story, and it's not as simple as it might seem at first glance. And Ledger—well, I know him best from 'The Patriot' as Mel Gibson's eldest son. In that film, he was cool but still a boy in an adult world. This boy has grown up, and in this role, Ledger proves he is a good actor.

Reviewer dfranzen70 from Imdb

"Lords of Dogtown" (2005)

This drama, based on true events, tells the story of the birth of skateboarding in 1970s California. Ledger plays Skip Engblom, the owner of a surf shop and a mentor to young skateboarders.

Heath Ledger with long hair and dark glasses riding a skateboard barefoot — A scene from the movie "Lords of Dogtown"

Skip is an eccentric, charismatic, and slightly crazy character who became a cult figure for a generation of skaters. "Lords of Dogtown" is an atmospheric and stylish story about youth, rebellion, friendship, and the birth of a new subculture.

A must-watch for those who want to see Heath in an atypical role.

I had wanted to see it for a long time, and after Heath Ledger's death, I didn't hesitate. In the first few scenes, I didn't recognize him as the surf shop owner Skip. I think he brought sharpness to his role. I would recommend this movie to people who enjoy observing others, even if you're not a fan of skateboarding or Ledger.

Reviewer BeLyt from Imdb

"Casanova" (2005)

In this romantic comedy by Lasse Hallström, Ledger plays the legendary Venetian adventurer and seducer Giacomo Casanova.

Ledger embodies the charming, witty, and elusive Casanova, who truly falls in love for the first time in his life. He is playful, passionate, yet at the same time vulnerable and in search of true love.

Heath Ledger as Casanova leans against the window frame in the film "Casanova" — Scene from "Casanova"

It's a colorful and light-hearted story of love, passion, and adventure, set against the backdrop of magnificent Venetian landscapes.

Here, Heath's romantic side contrasts sharply with the mad and cruel image of the Joker from "The Dark Knight".

I like the beautiful locations, but the charming Heath Ledger shines brightest. He is Casanova. He is completely believable with all these women swirling around him.

Reviewer SnoopyStyle from Imdb

"I'm Not There" (2007)

In this experimental biographical drama by Todd Haynes, Ledger plays one of six incarnations of Bob Dylan, specifically "Robbie Clark," an actor experiencing a creative and personal crisis.

Ledger reveals himself as a tormented, lost artist searching for himself and his place in the world. This character reflects a period in Dylan’s life associated with his divorce and creative exploration.

Heath Ledger with a guitar and harmonica in front of a microphone in the movie "I'm Not There" — A still from "I'm Not There"

"I'm Not There" is an unconventional biopic, presenting a kaleidoscope of images and stories reflecting different facets of Bob Dylan's personality. Ledger, alongside other actors (Cate Blanchett, Christian Bale, Richard Gere), contributes to creating a complex and multifaceted portrait of the legendary musician.

For this role, Heath posthumously received the Robert Altman Award in 2008.

It's amazing. All the actors perform at the highest level, no one falls short. This film is definitely a must-see for all Dylan fans. Many of those I watched the film with were not well-acquainted with Dylan's life or music, but they also said they enjoyed it.

Reviewer xlr884 from Imdb

If Heath Ledger were alive today, which roles would you like to see him play?

Earlier, we at zoomboola.com shared about six films with Christopher Lambert, if you're tired of "Mortal Kombat" and "Highlander."