Josh Hartnett is back, and he’s not easing into it. Fight or Flight, his new action film, drops this week, and if the early buzz is anything to go by, it’s a chaotic thrill ride with Hartnett front and center. But before we dive into his return, let’s rewind and appreciate the best Josh Hartnett movies that defined his unique path through Hollywood.
1. Black Hawk Down (2001)
Directed by Ridley Scott, this war film captures the brutal 1993 battle in Mogadishu. Hartnett plays Staff Sergeant Matt Eversmann, a young leader suddenly thrust into command when everything falls apart. He balances authority and vulnerability without overplaying either. It’s a grounded performance in a film filled with chaos. While others yelled and panicked, Hartnett carried a quiet weight. This role showed he could lead a film and survive one of the bloodiest war depictions in modern cinema.
2. The Virgin Suicides (1999)
Trip Fontaine might’ve been the coolest guy in school, but Hartnett added something sad underneath the charm. In Sofia Coppola’s dreamy, tragic tale about suburban teen girls and the boys who obsessed over them, Hartnett shines in flashbacks that capture the confusion of first love and the obliviousness of youth. The film isn’t just a coming-of-age story—it’s a mood. And Hartnett, with his feathered hair and stoned smile, became an icon of late ’90s indie cinema.
3. Lucky Number Slevin (2006)
Hartnett plays Slevin, a guy who gets mistaken for someone else and lands in the middle of a gang war between two crime bosses. The film is slick, twisty, and full of sharp dialogue. Hartnett’s performance dances between cocky and confused. At first, it feels like he’s in over his head. But as things unravel, you realize there’s more to him. It’s a role that lets him show off charm, timing, and just enough menace. The ending hits hard, and Hartnett sticks the landing.
4. 30 Days of Night (2007)
What would you do if vampires attacked your town and you had to survive for a month without sunlight? Hartnett’s character, Sheriff Eben Oleson, has to figure that out fast. This horror flick doesn’t play nice. It’s cold, relentless, and bloody. But what makes it work is Hartnett’s steady presence. He doesn’t go full action-hero. He plays it tired, overwhelmed, and desperate. By the time the final act rolls around, his choices carry weight. Not your typical vampire movie—and Hartnett isn’t your typical horror lead.
5. Pearl Harbor (2001)
This film is huge. Michael Bay went all out with explosions, fighter planes, and love triangles. Hartnett plays Danny Walker, best friend to Ben Affleck’s character and the third wheel in a wartime romance. Critics tore the film apart, but audiences ate it up. It made a pile of money and turned Hartnett into a household name. His chemistry with Kate Beckinsale is believable, and despite the film’s melodrama, he gives a grounded, emotional performance in some of its best scenes.
6. O (2001)
A bold retelling of Shakespeare’s Othello, set in an American high school. Hartnett plays Hugo, the Iago character, and he’s chilling. Calm, calculating, and ice-cold. This isn’t a flashy performance—it’s a slow burn. You watch him manipulate those around him without ever raising his voice. The film didn’t get the attention it deserved at the time, partly due to a delayed release, but Hartnett’s work here shows his darker side. It’s one of his most underrated roles.
7. Wrath of Man (2021)
This marked Hartnett’s return to bigger productions after a quieter decade. Directed by Guy Ritchie, the film follows a mysterious armored truck driver played by Jason Statham. Hartnett plays one of his coworkers, and though it’s a supporting part, he brings some welcome grit. There’s an old-school feel to the movie, and Hartnett fits right in. No flashy monologues or overdone dramatics—just a solid, believable performance. It reminded people that he was still around, still capable, and still interesting.
Hartnett’s career has been a slow burn. He turned away from big stardom by choice, but he’s never stopped working. With Fight or Flight on the horizon, it feels like we’re about to see a new phase. And honestly, we’re here for it.
Want more throwbacks and comeback stories? Stick around triplemovie.com. We’ve got plenty.
