Career Timeline of Colin Farrell: Major Achievements and Milestones

Share: FB Share X Share Reddit Share Reddit Share
Colin Farrell

How Colin Farrell built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Colin Farrell is a prominent Irish actor known for his leading roles in both blockbuster and independent films since the early 2000s. He has earned critical acclaim, including three Golden Globe Awards and an Academy Award nomination. Recognized for his significant contributions to film, The Irish Times ranked him as Ireland's fifth-greatest film actor in 2020. His influence extends beyond acting, as Time magazine acknowledged him as one of the 100 most influential people globally in 2023.

1 day ago : Colin Farrell Discusses Son's Angelman Syndrome and Care, Highlights Importance of Gratitude.

Colin Farrell explained his reasoning for considering care facility for his son with Angelman Syndrome. Farrell emphasized taking nothing for granted while discussing his son James' neurogenetic disorder and life.

1990: Original Total Recall Film

In 1990, the original movie "Total Recall" was released. Colin Farrell later starred in the 2012 remake.

1998: Roles in Ballykissangel and Falling for a Dancer

In 1998, Colin Farrell had roles in television shows, including Ballykissangel and Falling for a Dancer.

1998: Ballykissangel

In 1998, Colin Farrell started his acting career in the BBC drama series Ballykissangel.

1999: Feature Film Debut in The War Zone

In 1999, Colin Farrell made his feature film debut in English actor Tim Roth's directorial debut, The War Zone.

2000: Lead Role in Tigerland

In 2000, Colin Farrell landed his first lead film role in the war drama Tigerland.

December 2001: Signed for Minority Report

In December 2001, Colin Farrell was signed to the supporting role in Minority Report after Matt Damon turned down the role.

2001: Role in American Outlaws

In 2001, Colin Farrell appeared in the film American Outlaws, which was not commercially successful.

2002: Breakthrough in Minority Report

In 2002, Colin Farrell had his breakthrough role in Steven Spielberg's science fiction film Minority Report.

2002: Minority Report Release

In 2002, Colin Farrell played a Justice Department agent in Minority Report.

2002: Roles in Hart's War, Phone Booth, and The Recruit

In 2002, Colin Farrell starred in Hart's War, Phone Booth, and The Recruit. Phone Booth and The Recruit were his first starring roles.

Loading Video...

2003: Role in Daredevil and Voted Sexiest Man

In 2003, Colin Farrell played Bullseye in Daredevil and was voted sixth World's "Sexiest Man" by Company magazine.

Loading Video...

2003: Role as Bullseye in Daredevil

In 2003, Colin Farrell played the role of Bullseye in the film Daredevil.

Loading Video...

2003: Role in S.W.A.T.

In 2003, Colin Farrell starred in S.W.A.T., which was successful at the box office.

2003: Starring in Intermission

In late 2003, Colin Farrell starred as a criminal who plots a bank robbery with Cillian Murphy in the dark comedy Intermission, which held the record for highest-grossing Irish independent film in Irish box-office history for three years.

2004: Appearance in A Home at the End of the World

In 2004, Colin Farrell appeared in the independent film A Home at the End of the World, adapted from Michael Cunningham's novel.

A Home at the End of the World: A Novel
A Home at the End of the World: A Novel

2004: Played Alexander the Great in Alexander

In 2004, Colin Farrell played the title role of Alexander the Great in Oliver Stone's biographical film Alexander, which was controversial.

Loading Video...

2004: Role as Alexander the Great

In 2004, Colin Farrell starred as Alexander the Great in the film Alexander.

Loading Video...

2005: Starred in The New World

In 2005, Colin Farrell starred as Captain John Smith in The New World, his second historical epic.

Loading Video...

2006: Role in Miami Vice

In 2006, Colin Farrell starred in Miami Vice opposite Jamie Foxx.

Loading Video...

2007: Appearance in Cassandra's Dream

In 2007, Colin Farrell appeared in Woody Allen's drama Cassandra's Dream.

2007: Spokesperson for the Special Olympics

In 2007, Colin Farrell joined other celebrities as a spokesperson for the Special Olympics World Games in Shanghai.

2008: Golden Globe Win for In Bruges

In 2008, Colin Farrell won a Golden Globe Award for playing a novice hitman in In Bruges.

2008: In Bruges Premiere and Golden Globe win

In 2008, In Bruges, starring Colin Farrell, opened the Sundance Film Festival. Farrell won his first Golden Globe Award for his performance in the film.

2008: Starring in Pride and Glory

Later in 2008, Colin Farrell starred opposite Edward Norton in Pride and Glory, a police drama directed by Gavin O'Connor.

January 2009: Golden Globe Award for Best Actor

In January 2009, Colin Farrell won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his role in "In Bruges".

September 2011: Filming of Total Recall

From May to September 2011, Colin Farrell filmed "Total Recall", a remake of the 1990 film, in Toronto.

2011: Role in Horrible Bosses

In 2011, Colin Farrell played a role in the comedy Horrible Bosses.

March 2012: Support for Anti-Bullying Campaign

In March 2012, Colin Farrell lent his support to the anti-bullying campaign Stand Up!, organised by the Irish LGBT youth organisation BeLonG To.

October 2012: Seven Psychopaths Premiere and Details Cover

In October 2012, Colin Farrell's second film with Martin McDonagh, "Seven Psychopaths", premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. That month, Farrell appeared on the cover of the magazine Details.

2012: Roles in Total Recall and Seven Psychopaths

In 2012, Colin Farrell played roles in the science fiction film Total Recall and the dark comedy Seven Psychopaths.

2012: Total Recall Remake

In 2012, Colin Farrell starred in the remake of "Total Recall".

March 2013: Release of Dead Man Down

In March 2013, Colin Farrell starred in "Dead Man Down", a thriller directed by Niels Arden Oplev, alongside Noomi Rapace and Terrence Howard.

2013: Role in Saving Mr. Banks

In 2013, Colin Farrell played a role in the drama Saving Mr. Banks.

2014: Starring in Winter's Tale Film Adaptation

In 2014, Colin Farrell starred in the film adaptation of Mark Helprin's "Winter's Tale", directed by Akiva Goldsman.

2015: Ambassador of the Homeless World Cup

In 2015, Colin Farrell became an official Ambassador of the Homeless World Cup, which uses street football to inspire homeless people to change their lives.

2015: Release of The Lobster

In 2015, Colin Farrell starred in "The Lobster", a romantic science fiction thriller directed by Yorgos Lanthimos.

2015: Roles in The Lobster and True Detective

In 2015, Colin Farrell starred in the dark comedy The Lobster and the second season of HBO's thriller series True Detective.

Loading Video...

2016: Role in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

In 2016, Colin Farrell played a role in the fantasy film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Loading Video...

2017: Leading Roles in Several Films

In 2017, Colin Farrell had leading roles in the films "The Beguiled", "The Killing of a Sacred Deer", and "Roman J. Israel, Esq.".

2017: Roles in The Killing of a Sacred Deer and The Beguiled

In 2017, Colin Farrell played roles in the thrillers The Killing of a Sacred Deer and The Beguiled.

2018: Co-starring in Widows

In 2018, Colin Farrell co-starred in Steve McQueen's thriller "Widows".

2019: Role in Dumbo

In 2019, Colin Farrell played a role in the fantasy film Dumbo.

2022: Release of Thirteen Lives and The Batman

In 2022, Colin Farrell co-starred in "Thirteen Lives", a film about the Tham Luang cave rescue, and portrayed The Penguin in "The Batman".

2022: Roles in The Batman, After Yang, Thirteen Lives, and The Banshees of Inisherin

In 2022, Colin Farrell played Oz Cobb / Penguin in The Batman and had roles in After Yang, Thirteen Lives, and The Banshees of Inisherin. He won the Volpi Cup and a Golden Globe for The Banshees of Inisherin and received an Academy Award nomination.

Loading Video...

2022: The Banshees of Inisherin

In 2022, Colin Farrell reunited with Martin McDonagh and Brendan Gleeson for "The Banshees of Inisherin", which earned Farrell a Volpi Cup for Best Actor and a Golden Globe, as well as an Academy Award nomination.

February 2024: Reported Role in A Big Bold Beautiful Journey

In February 2024, it was reported that Colin Farrell would star alongside Margot Robbie in Kogonada's film "A Big Bold Beautiful Journey".

August 7, 2024: Announcement of Colin Farrell Foundation

On August 7, 2024, Colin Farrell announced that he will be starting the Colin Farrell Foundation in dedication to his son James, who has Angelman syndrome. The organization provides support to adults with intellectual disabilities and their families.

2024: Golden Globe Win for The Penguin

In 2024, Colin Farrell won a Golden Globe award for his role in the HBO series The Penguin.

2024: The Penguin on HBO

In 2024, Colin Farrell's performance as Oswald 'Oz' Cobb / Penguin in the spin-off solo series "The Penguin" on HBO earned critical praise and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film.

March 2025: In Talks for Sgt. Rock Film

In March 2025, it was announced that Colin Farrell was in talks to star in a film based on Sgt. Rock for Warner Bros. and DC Studios as part of their DC Universe franchise.

2027: Reprising Role in The Batman Part II

In 2027, Colin Farrell will reprise the role of The Penguin in "The Batman Part II".