Even before he won the Oscar for ‘The King’s Speech,’ Colin Firth was known for being one of the most talented actors working today. With his starring role in the spy movie 'Kingsman: The Secret Service,' he adds “action hero” to his impressive resume, Before you see him go all Bond, check out some of his essential films. 

Valmont (1989)

In one of his earliest roles, Firth plays a man challenged by his conniving lover to seduce a woman who has been recently married. While this film and the more popular ‘Dangerous Liaisons’ share the same source material, Firth’s performance here shouldn’t be overlooked. 

Pride & Predjudice (1995)

The TV miniseries of Jane Austen’s popular novel served as Firth’s breakout role. He made many a female swoon with his take on the very proud Mr. Darcy. 

Bridget Jones' Diary (2001)

Based on the Helen Fielding novel by the same name, the film centers on hot mess Bridget (Renee Zellweger) and her New Year’s Resolution to get her life in order and find Mr. Right. Her top two candidates? Cad Hugh Grant and snooty Colin Firth – the latter named, obviously, Darcy.   

Love Actually (2003)

Firth’s follow-up to ‘Bridget Jones’ is another successful rom-com. Writer-Director Richard Curtis (‘Four Weddings and a Funeral) enlists an impressive ensemble – including Emma Thompson and Liam Neeson – to help chronicle various romantic ups and downs around one very memorable Christmas season. 

Girl With the Pearl Earring (2004)

The fictionalized take on the creation of Vermeer’s very real painting serves as a surprisingly compelling backdrop for this 2003 drama. Firth plays the famous Dutch artist, opposite the romantic subject of his titular painting, played by Scarlett Johansson.

Bridget Jones' Diary: The Edge of Reason (2004)

Firth’s first big-screen sequel is to one of his biggest hits. Zellweger and Grant also return to further the comedic misadventures of Bridget’s love life. While ‘Reason’ wasn’t as appeasing to critics as the first film, fans of the character found plenty to laugh with and at. 

A Single Man (2009)

Based on the novel by Christopher Isherwood, Firth earned rave reviews – and an Oscar nom – for his implosive performance as a homosexual English professor in 1962 struggling with life after the death of his lover. 

The King's Speech (2010)

While he lost the Oscar for ‘Single Man,’ Firth handedly won the award for this 2010 critical and box office hit. Playing the stammering King, Firth is equal parts charming and pained as he conveys the royal’s struggles. ‘Speech’ also won the Oscar for Best Picture. 

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)

This slow-burn adaptation of John Le Carre’s novel casts Firth opposite Gary Oldman and Benedict Cumberbatch in one of the best Cold War spy thrillers. Oldman plays a veteran British Intelligence officer who must track down a mole within his organization that lead to a fatal mission failure. Firth plays both one of Smiley’s colleagues and potential suspects.